A Timeless Love Story

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Story By Sarah Kinzbach Williams | Photos by Nicole Chatham Photography

On an early morning in April 2015, two Americans went for a walk in London, England. The River Thames gently continued its course in front of Big Ben as the city started to wake and the couple enjoyed their unhurried jaunt in the quiet dawn. The city and clock tower that have played witness to many generations of love stories once again set the stage for a timeless memory as Joseph Kent took a knee and asked Darby Oldham to marry him.

The classically romantic setting of the proposal launched Darby and Joseph into creating an equally exquisite wedding ceremony. Enlisting the help of Ashley & Company, the couple decided on an intimately elegant December wedding with simple details, white flowers, and very little Christmas décor.

The Bridal Party Darby’s dress was found at Brickhouse Bridal in The Woodlands. One of the first dresses she tried, Darby says it was a quick selection and found within an hour of shopping. Featuring pewter overlay, the dress was form fitting and had cap-sleeves added for the conservative nature of the ceremony, which was held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.

“I didn’t want too many details to take away from the grandness of what it could be,” says Darby.

The bridesmaids selected their own formal, black dresses. With a variety of styles and materials, the gowns reflected the personalities of the bridesmaids and wonderfully accented the classic motif. The groomsmen wore traditional black tuxedoes from Men’s Warehouse.

The bride and bridesmaids had hair and makeup by Funky Cheveux in College Station. The salon helped to ease Darby’s nerves by playing whatever music the party selected and made for a great morning of preparation.

The groomsmen spent the wedding morning at Traditions Country Club in the men’s locker room. More than a locker room, the facility boasts a dining area, bar, and big screen TV. While preparing for the ceremony, the groom and groomsmen were able to relax with a few beers and watch college football.

Post Oak Florist made the flower arrangements. Darby’s bouquet overflowed with white peonies, despite being out of season, while the bridesmaids carried arrangements of white Ohara roses and baby’s breath. The groomsmen’s boutonnieres perfectly matched the bridesmaids’ arrangements with white Ohara roses.

The Wedding & Reception

The wedding ceremony was held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in College Station at 2pm on Saturday, December 5, 2015. A traditional Catholic ceremony, the nuptials included a full hour mass. Darby and Joseph found the ceremony to be special, personal, and teary-eyed. Regardless of religious preference, everyone felt at home by the priest’s service and message of love.

Following the ceremony, a cocktail hour was held prior to the reception at Tradition’s Country Club in College Station. The décor consisted of crisp linens from Ashley & Company, white hydrangeas and roses arranged by Post Oak Florist, silver and pewter accents, along with pearls and an ice sculpture.

“It was perfect,” says Darby. Between Traditions’ accommodating service and Ashley & Company’s seamless planning, the couple, their friends, and family fully enjoyed celebrating the day without worrying about details or schedules. The bride’s advice to future and fellow brides: hire a wedding planner, even if it’s just for the day of the wedding.

Joseph and Darby finished the evening of celebratory dancing, toasting, food, and fun by driving off in a pristine classic 1965 Corvette and continuing the festivities at Northgate in College Station. Opting for the luxury of recovery, Joseph and Darby left for their Las Vegas honeymoon a few days following the wedding.

“Make sure you enjoy it,” advises Joseph. “It goes by just so fast. Take a step back and at some point really appreciate everything.”

Oldham-Kent Vendors Ceremony: St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church Reception/Catering: Traditions Country Club Wedding Planner/linens: Ashley and Co. Florist/decor: Debbie Brooks, Post Oak Florist Hair: Priscilla Flores, Funky Cheveaux Dress: Brickhouse Bridal-The Woodlands, TX Tuxes: Men’s Warehouse Rings: Kaylin Harr, Houston, and Montelongos DJ: Downtown Event Services Cake: Blondie Photography: Nicole Chatham Photography Limo services: Aggieland Limousine