As Francesca Sartori and Christopher Chase both attended University of Colorado Boulder and went to the Winter X Games each year with their respective friend groups, it was just a matter of time before they met. “The funny thing is, it was the first year I was on the fence about going, but my friends somehow convinced me… Had I not gone, who knows if we would’ve ever met!” says Francesca. After seeing her while crossing the street, Chris asked for Francesca’s number and later texted, “You will be my girlfriend.” “Bold… but I was into it!” smiles the bride. 

From that moment on, Francesca and Chris were inseparable. “As soon as I graduated in 2017, I knew I couldn’t live without him, so I packed up my bags and moved to Chicago,” she says. A few years later on their six-year anniversary, Chris proposed. “We hugged, I cried, I was speechless,” she reminisces. “He turned me around and said, ‘look,’ and my closest friends and family ran out of the corner restaurant, where they watched the entire thing go down through the window blinds… He managed to get my entire family to fly in for the proposal, including my 95-year-old grandmother! It was truly the most amazing weekend.” 

In less than a year, Francesca and Chris planned their dream wedding in Houston, Texas, at a venue they had their eye on just three weeks before getting engaged. “We had visited Houston Oaks and seen the 15th-century restored wedding chapel while golfing over Christmas and thought it was such a gorgeous setting… It was the one and only venue we looked into and where we ultimately decided to tie the knot,” the bride shares. 

Wanting an inclusive experience for all in attendance, the couple rented out all of the property’s casitas and rooms. “The majority of our friends traveled from out of state, so we wanted as many people to be able to stay onsite with us,” confirms the bride. “It was truly a blast! Every corner you turned, you ran into someone you knew. Everyone seemed to love this aspect, as well as the fact that they could rent golf carts for the weekend and zip around as if it were summer camp!” 

“[We wanted] a traditional ceremony that transitioned into what would feel like a disco dance party surrounded by all our amazing family and friends.”

With the stone façade of the French chapel in mind, the pair knew they wanted “a traditional ceremony that transitioned into what would feel like a disco dance party surrounded by all our amazing family and friends,” describes Francesca of their vision. “I knew I wanted the reception to feel completely different from the ceremony.” While the alfresco ceremony was decorated with serene, naturally beautiful décor and some color, the reception space was adorned with vibrant florals in a lively color palette of lilac and blush with pops of dark purples and bright pinks. 

Before the bridal processional, Francesca had an emotional first look with her brother. “He basically raised me and has been my biggest role model and best friend,” she confirms. “Walking down the aisle with my brother was a moment I had thought about since I was a little girl. I couldn’t believe it was happening and couldn’t stop smiling as I approached my soon-to-be husband,” she says. A heartfelt ceremony officiated by the bride’s uncle was sealed with a kiss and a celebratory petal toss as it began to rain. “It was such a magical moment walking hand in hand and looking up at the drizzle and the petals coming down on us… Pure bliss!” she smiles. 

When they entered the reception space, the newlyweds were in awe. “My vision was quite literally brought to life thanks to my amazing floral and décor team,” says the bride. Tables were covered with elegant linens and topped with high and low arrangements of billowing hydrangeas, roses, stock, peonies, tulips, and other seasonal blooms, vintage-inspired candelabra, and fresh greenery. The pièce de resistance, however, was the dance floor. A live band performed in front of an incredible purple-and-white checkerboard dance floor beneath a ceiling installation of fresh greenery and nearly 50 disco balls that shimmered all night long. 

To start the revelry, a New Orleans-style second line winded through guest tables before the pair’s grand entrance and first dance to “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young, which ended with bubbles surrounding the couple. The groom then had a mother-son dance with his mom before the dance floor opened to “Twist and Shout.” “From that moment on, we seriously could not clear the dance floor!” the bride remembers. Before departing for the night, the couple shared one last private dance to “Crazy Love” by Van Morrison. “We couldn’t believe the night was coming to an end, but it was so special to have those last few moments together,” she affirms. 

Prior to the after-party and grand exit illuminated by sparklers, Francesca changed into a short corset-style dress for her second look, which she paired with a cowboy-hat veil and rhinestone Nike sneakers to dance into the early-morning hours. After such a special weekend surrounded by family and friends, the bride and groom confirm they wouldn’t change a single thing. The bride concludes, “I loved every moment of it and want to relive it over and over and over again!”

Some of the links included may be affiliate; however, everything we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. When you make a purchase, we may receive revenue. Thank you for your support!