“I was dreading being catfished, but it turned out to be a reverse-catfish instead. I was stunned at how beautiful she was in person,” remembers Earney L. White, Jr. of his first date with Chauntelle R. Wood. “We ended the date dancing, singing, and freestyling the night away,” remembers Chauntelle of their perfect first date. A couple years later, Chauntelle planned a game night as many of her out-of-town friends were visiting Houston over Memorial Day Weekend, but Earney surprised her with a proposal, turning the at-home event into an engagement party. 

When it came time to plan the wedding, the couple had lots of ideas but no idea how to implement them, so to orchestrate their dream celebration in Houston, the pair hired Lexi McWhinney of The Savvy Consultants. “She was able to execute our ideas flawlessly,” confirms the groom. 

Since many guests would be traveling to Houston, the couple selected a boutique hotel as the site of their black-tie wedding with a bold palette of ebony, blush, and vanilla. “I love the color black and wanted black incorporated in my colors, but with some lightness since it was still spring,” shares the bride. 

Chauntelle was stunning in a shimmering strapless gown with a beaded bodice featuring pearl and crystal details as she made her way down the aisle – a highlight for the groom. “It was such a surreal moment for me… I knew my life was about to change forever,” smiles Earney, who donned a white tuxedo jacket with black lapels. They exchanged vows beneath a modern white structure enveloped in lush white and pink florals that cascaded down beautifully. 

After the exchange of vows, friends and family enjoyed signature drinks as a live singer-saxophonist performed during cocktail hour. Libations were served from a modern white bar adorned with the pair’s monogram and embellished with white “trees” accented with pink and white roses, a design element that also enhanced the frosted acrylic seating chart. 

Before guests entered the reception space for the sit-down dinner service, Chauntelle and Earney shared a private first dance “Forever” by Houston native, Robert Glasper, featuring PJ Morton and India.Arie, which became another highlight of the day. 

“I love the color black and wanted black incorporated in my colors, but with some lightness since it was still spring.”

The romantic design scheme from the ceremony continued into the reception décor, with more dramatic black elements added throughout the ballroom, showcasing sparkling crystal pendants overhead. Long mirror-top tables were surrounded by clear-back chairs and decorated with modern candelabra and a billowing floral runner comprised of pink roses that appeared to grow out of the white blooms at the base. Round tables covered in midnight-hued linens featured similar blossoms along with floating candles that continued the enchanting ambience. 

The newlyweds gazed in awe at the gathering of all their loved ones from their modern gilt sweetheart table situated on a dais in front of a backdrop of floral “clouds” that faced the impressive monogrammed black dance floor, which was kept full thanks to a fantastic DJ, who the groom met before he ever met his bride. 

“I told him that whenever I got married, he would be the person that I would hire for my wedding. I kept my word, and in true fashion, he kept the party going all night and played music that all the guests – both young and old – loved,” shares the groom. Loved ones enjoyed slices of a luxurious wedding cake frosted in black, white, and blush that kept them energized throughout the party. 

The bride changed into a sparkling one-shoulder black gown for a fashionable second look, ripe for joining the crowd on the dance floor. The newlyweds cherished every moment spent with each other and their guests on the glamorous night they’ll never forget.

This real wedding was originally published in the Spring 2024 expanded-digital issue of Inside Weddings magazine. 

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