By Karina Longoria
Geronimo and Karina are hometown natives of Bryan whose paths crossed countless times before personally meeting. Some may say their fates were sealed early in life when they participated in the same communion at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. The young couple started dating at the tender age of 14 and after graduating high school the couple embarked on a new journey of careers and building their first home. Little to Karina’s surprise, Geronimo had planned out a romantic proposal on Valentine’s day knowing Karina would not anticipate such a big event on a cliché holiday. After 10 years of dating, Karina said yes to Geronimo as he kneeled down in a house full of candles as many wide-eyed family members looked on with excitement and anticipation.
The enthusiastic couple dove into the wedding planning by securing Ashley & Company as their wedding planner. The event designer helped take Karina’s vision and truly bring it to life. The couple decided on a local wedding with community vendors in mind.
Karina and Geronimo’s vision was a New Year’s Eve bash full of glitz and glam with a Great Gatsby party theme. The couple was amazed by the perfect cake Sandee’s Sweet’s designed along with the breath-taking pictures from Garza Photo + Design. Karina was confident in Debbie Brooks, the owner of Post Oak Florist, and her ability to design the floral arrangements, but the couple was truly blown away when she saw the flawless flowers and designs on the wedding day. The couple chose RDM for lighting and displays and felt the company created an unforgettable ambience for the big day.
Finding the perfect dress proved to be a challenge for the bride who stands just short of five-feet tall. Karina had seen a dress she fell in love with and tracked it down. She couldn’t believe designer Hayley Paige was having a truck show at the shop she was going to visit. The dress she had fallen in love with ended up not being “the one,” but fortunately for Karina, she met Hayley Paige herself who helped her design “the one” customized just for her.
The wedding day was as perfect as the couple had dreamed it would be for nine years. Karina reminisces about reading the heartfelt letter her groom had written which also included Polaroid pictures of their children, Adrian and Atiana. She remembers basking in the moment; sitting in the church where she and Geronimo had crossed paths so many years before just moments before she was to unite with him for life. As Karina’s loving father walked her down the aisle, not a dry eye was in the church. It was an unforgettable moment for the couple, and shortly after their vows were concluded, their guests joined them in the celebration of their marriage at the College Station Hilton.
Mr. and Mrs. Longoria were announced and the couple danced to the Great Gatsby soundtrack by Lana del Rey. Several friends of the bride and groom toasted to their future and guests danced the night away. The couple took away incredible memories, photos and videos of their friends and family that they will treasure forever. Karina and Geronimo describe their wedding day as a small gesture to demonstrate their appreciation of everyone who inspired and supported their relationship for so many years. Karina and Geronimo hope other couples can have a wedding as unique as their own, because after all, no love story is the same!
