Love At First Sight

Blind date leads couple down the aisle in a tropical Texas beach wedding

It’s often said of short engagements that lead to long-standing marriages, when you know, you just know. That theory certainly applies to Lila and Mitchell Malone. It took just one blind date and a weekend getaway three months later to Port Aransas for the couple to realize that they indeed were in the know about the rest of their lives together.

New to Houston and working as head design associate and project manager for Creative Tonic Design, Lila, a San Antonio native, and Mitchell met at Hugo’s for dinner on a steamy July evening in 2015 and by the end of the evening, Lila knew this relationship was a “no brainer.” Three months later, on a weekend trip to Port Aransas, surrounded by the gentle waves and colorful sunsets rooted in Lila's childhood, the couple realized it was time to take their relationship to the next level.

“We fell in love that weekend. I knew he wanted to marry me. There was no option,” Lila said. “My mother grew up going to Port Aransas and we spent summers there. I knew we would get married there.”

This island that housed so many childhood memories became the next chapter of Lila’s adulthood, and she and her mother, Bonnie Chumbley, also a designer, set to work creating a vibrant, fun, and meaningful celebration. The mother/daughter duo capitalized on the island’s natural assets for decor and design, adding their own touches in everything from tabletops to floral.

“My mom is the most creative person I know, so we just took this head-on,” Lila said. “We went for fun and a less-is-more feel. We had these beautiful palms, sand dunes and the beach around us, so we worked with that.”

There was no special instruction on the wedding invite regarding attire, but the couple’s friends and family knew them well enough to eschew the LBD and add their own pops of personality to the celebration in bold, tropical prints fit for a May Texas beach wedding.

One look at the couple’s wedding pictures and the happiness is infectious, but look closer and there are special moments captured on film honoring the memories of Lila’s brother and Mitchell’s mother. The couple chose a glorious confetti release as a way to include them in their day.

“They were fireworks in our lives, with personalities that lit up a room. It was an ode to them and my favorite moment of the whole weekend,” Lila said.

A tasty wedding highlight included lobster enchiladas from Lisabella's Bistro & Bar in Port Aransas. The restaurant is owned by family friends and brought back the dish at Lila’s request. It was one of the little touches that made a big impact.

“At the end of the day, it was Port Aransas. We made it fun and beautiful right where we were,” Lila said.

After all, when you know, you just know.

• Rehearsal Dinner Venue: The Tarpon Inn

• Rehearsal Dinner Dress: Hand painted dress Lila found in a small boutique in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

• Reception Venue: Palmilla Beach Resort and Golf Course

• Ceremony Venue: Palmilla Beach Resort and Golf Course

• Photographer: Matthew Alvarado, Beloved Photography

• Florist: Ray Briones Flowers

• Dress: Watters

• Shoes: J. Crew

• Groom's Tux: J. Crew

• Wedding Planner: Wedding Planners Inc. Robin Waters for logistics the day of the wedding

• DJ: Band - Dysfunkshun Junkshun

• Ceremony Music: John Amundsen, son of a family friend

• Cocktail Hour Music: Dysfunkshun Junkshun

Family was an important part of the celebration, and the couple found ways to remember loved ones who had passed away.

Courtesy of Beloved Photography

Family was an important part of the celebration, and the couple found ways to remember loved ones who had passed away.

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Trader Joe's sets Cypress opening date, confirms Bellaire plans

Photo courtesy of Towne Lake by Caldwell Communities Facebook page

Trader Joe's is expanding, and shoppers couldn't be happier.

Two new Houston-area communities announced that they would be opening Trader Joe's locations, bringing the total number of stores in the city to nine.

On Thursday, December 18, the Towne Lake by Caldwell Communities Facebook page posted that the new Trader Joe's at 9715 Towne Lake Parkway would open at 8 am on Friday, December 19. Unsold but still-good products left over at the ribbon cutting ceremony will be donated to local nonprofits.

"Not only does Trader Joe's have great prices on food, drinks, and treats, but as a hobby florist I always find the best selections for my floral arrangements," Copperfield resident Kelsey Zuchlewski tells CultureMap. "Now, with the convenience of having a location right here in our neighborhood, I'm in heaven."

Confirmation of the Cypress opening followed an announcement on the City of Bellaire's Facebook page that a Trader Joe's would take over the former Randall's at 5130 Bellaire Blvd. The post did not specify when construction will begin or when the location will open.

"This highly anticipated addition to our community will bring a unique grocery shopping experience and further enhance the vibrant retail landscape of Bellaire," the post said. "We look forward to welcoming Trader Joe’s and will share updates as the project progresses."

The California-based chain of stores entered Houston in 2012, first in the Woodlands and then, more famously, at the old Alabama Theater space on Shepherd, where it has become a beloved local institution. Since then, the chain has expanded throughout Houston, including a Kingwood location that opened earlier this month.

Over the year, Trader Joe's has built a loyal following that rivals even H-E-B. Staff at the stores (wearing Hawaiian shirts) are trained to be extremely friendly and helpful, as well as being encouraged to purchase ownership in the company. The selection is smaller and more curated than other larger grocery stores, leading to a boutique experience that many consider to be surprisingly affordable. At least one viral TikToker claims that Trader Joe's beats H-E-B's price, although the latter undoubtedly has a larger selection of goods.

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