Courtney and Nick McLemore’s love story was years in the making. Though the couple graduated from Texas Christian University in 2010 and 2007, respectively, they didn’t begin dating until 2015, when Courtney’s college friend and Nick’s sister, Melanie, introduced them.
“We were both in the right place in our lives at the right time and clicked,” says Courtney. “After dating for about 10 months, we moved in together. Now, almost four years later, I don’t know what I’d do without him.”
Nick didn’t know what he’d do without Courtney, either. So, on February 20, 2018, he popped the question during a family vacation in Barbados. As their matchmaker Melanie snapped photos of the couple on the beach, Nick dropped to one knee and began his speech.
“I immediately burst into tears,” says Courtney. “As soon as I could manage a breath, I said, ‘Oh my god, yes!’”
Shortly after returning home, the couple set a date — November 10, 2018 — and began planning.
First things first: a location.
“We both grew up Catholic, so getting married in a chapel was very important” says Courtney. “Robert Carr Chapel at TCU was the place for that to happen, without question.”
The couple envisioned an event that was “elegant and modern, while still feeling traditional.” In keeping with the fall timing, they devised a moody color scheme of dark eggplant and ivory with pops of silver.
“I wanted a glamorous party for our friends and family,” says Courtney. “So we made sure to keep the aesthetic classy, chic, and minimalist. I wanted the event to speak for itself.”
Following a picturesque ceremony at their alma mater’s chapel, the couple gathered with family and friends at Hilton Fort Worth downtown.
Courtney says she fell in love with the space the minute she stepped foot inside its sprawling ballroom.
To make it their own, the couple brought in purple uplighting, which they paired with ivory linens and flowers. Sequins and sparkling silver accents — even the cake had glitter frosting — completed the decor, creating the glamorous setting the couple envisioned.
Guests ate, drank, danced, and then danced some more.
“Once everyone was on their feet, we had foam light wands passed out, which were a total hit,” says Courtney. “Even though the night passed by in the blink of an eye, the pictures tell me everyone had a great time.”
A good time was, undoubtedly, had by all. But it wasn’t all glitz and glam.
Reflecting on the day, Courtney says it was her emotional walk down the aisle that she remembers most.
“I lost all control,” she says. “This huge wave of emotion overcame me. I felt nervous, happy, shocked, excited and grateful — all at the same time. That walk down the aisle was the longest walk of my life, so I felt like I had time to get myself together before arriving at the alter. Thank goodness!”
Wedding Planner: Maxwell + Gray
Ceremony venue: Robert Carr Chapel at Texas Christian University
Reception venue: Hilton Fort Worth
Photography: Joy Neville
Bridal gown: Patsy's Bridal Boutique
Bridal gown designer: Martina Liana Bridal Designs
Florist: Bice's Florist
Cake: Crème de la Crème Cake Company
Makeup: Amanda Tillman
Hair: Shelly Seals
DJ:Bust-a-Move DJ Entertainment
Bridesmaids' dresses: Azazie
Tuxes: The Black Tux
Place cards: Maria Manks at Sol y Luna Paper Co.
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To submit a wedding for consideration, email stephanie@culturemap.com. Weddings must have taken place in the Fort Worth area since July 1, 2018.
A TCU cake nods to the bride and groom's alma mater.
