When Sean Cowie met Lindsey Drake, he knew she was special; and when the time came to propose, he was sure he wanted to spend the rest of his life with his beloved. “Lindsey makes everything in life more fun, and I didn’t want to give that up,” confides the groom. So, he flew from New York City to Oklahoma City to ask her parents for their blessing. A few months later, Sean proposed to Lindsey while they were visiting his hometown of Chicago. After getting down on one knee in their hotel room, he surprised her yet again, having arranged for both families to meet them for a toast in the bar before a celebratory dinner. “I can’t believe my mom was able to keep the secret from me!” shares the bride.

Choosing a location to host the nuptials was an easy choice for Lindsey. “I have always wanted to get married in my hometown and in the church I grew up attending,” she says. Over 500 guests, including the couple’s 28-person bridal party, joined them for a wedding weekend in Oklahoma City. “For many, it was their first time to Oklahoma!” notes the bride. Lindsey’s family church was transformed into a wintry dream for the formal evening ceremony. Décor elements featured fresh green leaf garlands and wreaths, luminaries reminiscent of the couple’s invitations, and a snowy carpet aisle runner that added a frosty touch. 

The bride was an absolute vision in an ivory gown embellished with floral embroidery; she carried a hand-tied bouquet of vanilla garden roses wrapped with a vintage ribbon. Bridesmaids followed suit holding complementary nosegays and wore custom sequined short-sleeved dresses with silver overskirts. Gentleman attendants donned black tuxedos with bow ties and white floral boutonnieres, as did the groom. As a nod to the church’s holiday services that Lindsey attended growing up, guests joined together in song as the entire sanctuary was filled with a breathtaking glow during a candle-lighting ceremony. “It was magical,” she remembers.

Loved ones traveled to a nearby country club to continue the New Year’s Eve celebration. With the help of a talented planning and design team, along with the bride’s mother who is an interior designer, the couple’s ideas were beautifully executed and a popular local wedding venue was transformed into a space unlike anyone had ever seen. The reception tent was decorated with glistening gold satin drapery, while tables were covered with lavish linens in either charcoal sequin or silver suede. Table numbers were displayed on agate slices to commemorate the father of the bride’s love of geology and centerpieces varied between towering glass candlesticks and crystal lamps with silk shades.

Each guest’s place setting was composed of a linen napkin with a “C” monogram for the groom’s surname, a gold velvet menu card featuring the attendee’s name etched on a brass plate, and a charcoal ribbon holding a personalized handwritten note from the newlyweds. “We wrote individual notes to everyone to make sure people knew how much we appreciated their presence,” shares Sean. “In case we were not able to tell them in person!” adds Lindsey. Soft-hued florals, golden flatware, and gold-rimmed glassware completed the exceptional tablescape.

“One of my most favorite moments of the day was walking into our dinner tent for the first time,” says Lindsey. “I honestly don’t know what we did to deserve such a beautiful wedding!” As the bride and groom entered the area, they immediately joined together for their first dance. Big band music played throughout the sit-down dinner service, and slices from an impressive seven-tiered vanilla cake were served as decadent treats. Dancing and merriment ensued for the rest of the evening, on account of a courtesy shoe check that encouraged ladies to remove their high heels and dance comfortably. A photo booth offered additional entertainment during the celebration, a cigar-and-scotch tent was set up outside for gentlemen, and velvet lounge furniture provided a place for guests to relax during the all-night affair. 

An after-party at the home of the bride’s parents continued the festivities until 4:30AM. “New Year’s Eve is a really fun night to celebrate, and the energy never died!” declares the groom. Lindsey and Sean agree they wouldn’t change a thing about their holiday nuptials. Shares the bride, “I loved every second!” And her groom, “Everything was perfect!” The best part? Ringing in the New Year as husband and wife with their family and friends.