Real Weddings

Couple lets the good times roll at New Orleans-themed wedding in Houston

There was definitely a spark when Julia Longoria met Justin Vollmer in college at Baylor University, but it was six years after they'd been dating that the fireworks really went off.

Literally.

Under a Fourth of July sky at on a Lake Travis golf course, Vollmer proposed to Longoria. She said yes just as fireworks illuminated the night. He’d arranged for her family to share in their unforgettable evening and Longoria was taken completely by surprise.

Once the couple set a date of June 11, 2016, they began mulling over wedding plans and their mutual love of New Orleans. A destination wedding would be perfect, but making sure it was easy for family to attend was more important, so instead, they incorporated the best of the Big Easy into their big day in Houston.

“We are both traditional and love Southern elegance, so we created a New Orleans-inspired wedding,” Julia said. “It wasn’t kitschy. It was fun and romantic.”

The menu included Creole favorites such as boudin-stuffed mushrooms and gumbo, plus signature cocktails like a Hurricane and Mint Julep. The Junior League’s garden became a little piece of New Orleans, where the Hustlers Brass Band played and guests paraded in creating a Second Line.

There were also special, sentimental touches woven throughout the day. Blue hearts made from shirts worn by Julia’s brother Aaron and grandfather Noe, were sewn into her wedding gown, fulfilling the Something Old and Something Blue wedding tradition. Her aunt, a baker, gifted them the wedding and groom’s cake as another way to commemorate their day.

“Justin and I had the combination of all the things we wanted,” she said.

And now, Mr. and Mrs. Vollmer have the very best gift of each other.

• Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Nino's
• Rehearsal Dinner Dress: Saks Fifth Avenue - Halston
• Reception Venue: The Junior League of Houston
• Ceremony Venue: Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church
• Photographer: Akil Bennett
• Florist: Plants 'n Petals
• Dress: La Reve Bridal Couture
• Shoes: Kate Spade
• Groom's Tux: Men's Warehouse
• Wedding Planner: Pomp & Circumstance
• DJ: LG Entertainers
• Ceremony Music: Divisi Strings
• Cocktail Hour Music: Hustlers Brass Band

The couple were married at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church.

weddings

This Week's Hot Headlines

Where to order Thanksgiving to-go in Houston and more popular stories

Picture of turkey and several sides, including mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and rolls.

Photo by Kayla Enright

Whiskey Cake's Holiday Meal Kit serves five and includes turkey and all the trimmings for $100.

Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Houston news of the week, beginning with a guide to Thanksgiving meals to-go. Plus, several hot restaurants head to The Woodlands. Get the details on our most popular stories below, then visit this guide to plan your weekend.

1. More than 20 Houston restaurants serving Thanksgiving feasts to-go. We've rounded up more than 20 local restaurants offering Thanksgiving meals to-go. Whether it's just gravy and rolls or a whole feast, these options will decrease stress by adding convenience.

2. River Oaks Italian spot claims shuttered Woodlands steakhouse for new location. Another inner loop dining favorite has set its sights on The Woodlands. Bari Ristorante will open its second location in the booming suburb’s popular Waterway section.

3. Health-conscious Houston sports bar sets Woodlands opening date. A Houston sports bar known for its carefully crafted food will soon opens its doors. On the Kirb will make its debut this Saturday, November 15.

4. Houston restaurant veteran fires up pizzas and steaks in Garden Oaks. An experienced Houston restaurateur is bringing a new concept to Garden Oaks. When it opens in November, Lazy Lane will be the newest project from Heights & Co. owner Brian Doke.

Lazy Lane restaurant food spread Lazy Lane will serve pastas, small plates, and steaks. Photo by Brian Kennedy

5. Houston falls out of top 50 'World's Best Cities' rankings for 2026. Houston is no longer one of the top 50 best cities in the world, according to a prestigious annual report. The newest "World's Best Cities" list dropped Houston from No. 40 last year to No. 58 for 2026.