While studying mechanical engineering together at The University of Texas, Audrey Sirgo and Clark Connett became just friends – “even though many of our friends suspected otherwise,” smiles Audrey. “Finally, junior year, Clark and I went on our first official date on Rainey Street, and the rest was history.” 

When it came time to ask Audrey to marry him, Clark planned a sweet and thoughtful proposal at Centennial Garden in Houston. He hired David from Chris Bailey Photography to photograph the special moment, before they joined their families for a celebratory dinner. As a sentimental touch, David was once again hired by the couple – this time to photograph Audrey’s bridal portraits as well as their wedding day. 

Before finalizing any wedding-planning details, Audrey and Clark made sure to bring Ann Whittington of Ann Whittington Events on their wedding team. “Her guidance was always spot on when it came to expectations, budgets, and timing of anything related to the wedding,” shares the bride of the planning process. “It’s safe to say our wedding would have never been as seamless and beautiful without her input.” 

On the day of the January nuptials, Audrey and Clark had a “first look” before joining their loved ones at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church for the traditional ceremony. “We were able to have the choir sing throughout, which was a special touch,” smiles the bride. “We met with the choir director and chose four to five songs to be sung. It elevated the ceremony.” 

Since the pair planned a winter wedding, they selected The Houstonian to host the reception for its warm atmosphere. The venue also allowed the couple’s guests to stay at the same location and have multiple sites available for the festivities to ensure the morning-after brunch could have an entirely different feel from the wedding day. “The statement illuminated oak tree in the front of The Houstonian was an added bonus,” adds Audrey. “The photos by the tree at the end of the night are easily my favorite.” 

When deciding upon the color palette, the bride was inspired by the burgundy bridesmaid dresses she selected for her nearest and dearest. “We carried it through for the invitations, floral arrangements, favors, and décor,” notes Audrey. Floral arrangements were loose and rustic with plenty of greenery; they showcased burgundy blooms along with blossoms in shades of blush and light pink. To add a warm glow, candlelight was emitted from gilt-embellished candles along the tablescapes. “One of my favorite components was the ceiling installation above the dance floor, which had Edison light bulbs surrounded by greenery,” Audrey adds of the pièce de résistance. 

Friends and family enjoyed a variety of food stations offering selections that focused on comfort food. As the night progressed, loved ones experienced exciting entertainment, and chicken and waffles were served as late-night bites. “From the beginning, a band was one of the most important budget items for us,” confirms Audrey. “Jet Set put on an unbelievable performance with a packed dance floor from beginning to end. I really think that it made the night so fun for everyone.” 

To commemorate the end of the wedding festivities, the band performed a walk out of the venue in the style of a “second line” complete with horns, “which was very special,” remembers the bride, who was also influenced by New Orleans to pass out Mardi Gras beads and light-up cups for guests on the dance floor. “Midway through the reception, the servers came out with the cups all blinking different colors and filled with a rum drink. It was a really unique and fun way to spice up the reception,” she confirms. 

All in all, Audrey and Clark had the absolute best time with their loved ones, dancing and singing with the band and their friends and family all night long. “I honestly don’t think there is anything I would have done differently,” affirms Audrey. “Everything was exactly how we had pictured and planned.”