“After I ruined two other proposal plans, he finally made it happen,” laughs Danielle Ferris. Jacob Pollan’s first proposal was going to be at a nice restaurant on their weekly Tuesday date night, but he had to think again when two nights before they were watching a movie with a restaurant proposal and Danielle told him that was her nightmare. 

The second proposal also didn’t happen because he didn’t have a good reason for her to cancel on her friend’s birthday plans. Thankfully, the third time was the charm on a trip to Mexico to celebrate her mom’s birthday. “To this day, it is still one of the happiest days and memories of my life,” she smiles. 

When it came time to plan their big day, the couple knew exactly where they wanted to say “I do.” “My parents live on a hundred acres, so I always thought it would be special to get married where I grew up,” confirms Danielle of the site for their wedding in Baytown, Texas. Though they were officially married in the Catholic church the day prior, with only immediate family present, the New Year’s Eve nuptials provided a chance to celebrate their union and ring in the new year with 350 friends and family members at such a special place to the bride. 

Danielle and Jacob didn’t want a typical New Year’s Eve theme for their celebration, so instead, they selected a color palette of white, gold, grey, and greenery with some blush tones – as well as magical lighting throughout the evening. “It all started when I saw pictures of this string-light tent and became obsessed,” shares Danielle of what struck a chord with her and inspired her vision. “We wanted everything around lights and this ‘enchanted garden’ theme.” 

“We wanted everything around lights and this ‘enchanted garden’ theme.”

A string-light tent was created for the ceremony, where the bride walked down the aisle – lined with greenery and pillar candles in tall glass vessels – to “Somebody to Love” by Queen. She was gorgeous in a long-sleeve, form-fitting gown with floral embellishments and a plunging illusion neckline as she met her groom in front of a wall of greenery for the vow exchange. 

When it came time for the reception, the same garden-inspired theme from the ceremony was replicated with even more grandeur. Oversized lanterns embellished with lush greenery created a wow-worthy décor element that brought guests’ eyes upwards, and down below, tablescapes were decorated with stunning centerpieces and classic candelabras. Seating showcased modern translucent chairs and gold varieties, as well as banquettes adorned with white and green plush pillows to create a residential-inspired feel. 

Friends and family enjoyed various themed food stations highlighting the pair’s Italian, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican favorites to honor their love of travel before hitting the white-and-gold checkerboard dance floor. A live band entertained loved ones on a stage decorated with boxwood hedges, mirrors, and sconces to continue the design scheme even further. 

Before their grand exit complete with fireworks, Danielle and Jacob had a private last dance to “Faithfully” by Journey. Then, they joined their guests for even more revelry with dueling pianos at the lively after-party that kept the party going all night long. “We really wanted to focus on us having a good time instead of focusing on throwing an event for other people to enjoy,” confirms the bride of their goal for the evening; so naturally, everyone had an unforgettable time as well.

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!