When Nathalie Drew, a marketing representative for a hospital, and Justin Makris, a wealth management adviser, decided to get married, they knew they wanted the kind of party where everyone felt welcome. They also wanted something romantic.
"I wanted it to feel like everyone there was on a date," says Nathalie, who married Justin on November 2, 2019. The ceremony was held at Second Baptist Church, with a reception at The Corinthian, one of Houston's most luxurious event venues.
"We knew we wanted something historic [for the reception]," Nathalie says. "We looked at the library, but the Corinthian, all white with these beautiful chandeliers, was perfect."
Having The Corinthian as a blank canvas allowed the couple to incorporate a number of romantic touches into their reception. Nathalie started with linens that were a warm, off-white, perfectly blending with the venue's elaborate columns and detailed ceiling.
She then used her flowers for gorgeous fall pops of color, with plum, mocha, mustard, dark violet, and bright fuchsia tones. The color scheme added to the elegant ambiance, and the couple added to that with whimsical touches that gave them the romance they sought. For instance, they had their engagement photos placed throughout the venue.
"And then, during the cocktail hour, our escort cards were really neat," she says. "We actually had two people on each end cutting off roses that were hanging, so as people came in, we'd cut them a rose and on the rose would be your escort card with your table number on it. That really added to the whole romantic theme of everyone feeling like they were on a date."
Dates are important to the couple. In fact, their wedding date is the anniversary of the night Justin proposed. The two met nearly a decade ago, when both were living in the same apartment complex in CityCentre. Nathalie says that when they met, she had just come out of a serious relationship and wasn't looking for another one. So, she and Justin were friends long before they became a couple. Nearly four years ago, however, that changed, and the pair started dating. Justin proposed in November of 2018 — right in front of their former apartment building.
"He told me we had dinner reservations and that the restaurant was by CityCentre, so we should go there and hang out for a little bit," she says. "When he proposed in front of our former apartment building, it was so special. It was where we met, where we had our first kiss. He was trying to play it casual. Usually when we take trips, I'm the planner and he's usually not one. So, I think he knew I would've found it a little bit weird if we went somewhere."
Nathalie says she was surprised by the proposal, even though she could tell the two were definitely heading toward marriage, and that she loves that they created a wedding that was not only about them and their love story, but wrapped others in that love as well.
During the garter toss, Justin started a traditional Greek dance, and brought in his family to dance with him. Nathalie's family circled around them, watching this nod to Justin's Sparti roots. Then, not to be outdone, one of Nathalie's uncles led a traditional Colombian dance, where the woman dances and men in the family will take turns dancing with her.
"It was really cute," says Nathalie. "You could really feel the love in the room. And that's something so many people told us about the wedding. That felt so good to hear; it was great to know the intention we had for our wedding really came through."
Wedding planner: Sava Sipe, Two Be Wed
Ceremony: Second Baptist Church
Reception venue: The Corinthian
Photographer: Ama by Aisha
Caterer: Tony's
Bridal gown: Monique Lhuillier from Casa de Novia
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids
Groom's tux: Tom Ford
Band: Mango Punch!
DJ: Kenny Klipz
Florist: Maxit Flower Design
To submit a wedding for consideration, email steven@culturemap.com.
The couple sped off in Justin's Ferrari.
