There was just something about the River Oaks Garden Club Forum that Tyna and Micah Manzano knew would make it the perfect space for their wedding ceremony and reception.
"We loved the character of the 100-year-old building," Tyna says. "There was this intimate element, along with the fact that it wasn't made for weddings, that made it more romantic to us."
The couple also wanted to play off the forum's natural beauty, and with the garden in full bloom on their April 20, 2019 wedding, the romantic aspect of a secret garden space was enhanced. Tyna, a customer development director at a technology company, and Micah, who is sales manager at a manufacturing company, loved having such a unique space, and used a white palate to enhance the angelic feeling they felt the forum offered. Using Lanson B. Jones for their flowers meant beautiful blooms and an elegant aesthetic.
Tyna says that one of her most special memories from the day was having her grandmother walk her down the aisle. Tyna's grandmother had already considered Micah a grandson long before the wedding, so that moment was significant to both bride and groom.
"We also had a grandma-granddaughter dance to 'In My Daughters Eyes,' which was so special because Micah's family has really taken us in as family — so looking out and see them smiling back and crying will always stay with me," Tyna says. "Our friends affectionately call her glam-ma, for the look that was given to her on our wedding day from our sweet makeup team, Kiss and Makeup."
Throughout the wedding planning process, there were many enchanted, serendipitous moments. Tyna met her wedding planner at a coffee shop. When the couple went to listen to a DJ demo, DJ Chaney was covering for DJ they were supposed to see. They loved his personality and ability so much, they knew they had to have him.
And when Tyna requested information from the photographer, Kelly Hornberger, the two coincidentally wound up being on the same flight from Houston to Denver the very next day. Kelly's romantic photos and fine art eye would add to the couple's secret garden wedding feel.
By Tyna's own admission, she and her husband are a quirky, connected pair, something one of her bridesmaids mentioned in a speech at the wedding reception. She and Micah met through a mutual friend (who was also a bridesmaid at their wedding) at a crawfish boil.
"She called me before I got there, saying she found my future husband," says Tyna. "We actually went on our first date that night to karaoke. We didn't sing very well, but we gave it our all; we even had a little choreography."
They had a little choreography at their wedding, too, dancing under the stars.
"What a magical feeling to have perfect weather, dancing out in the heart of Houston with those you love most, under the beautiful night sky," says Tyna about the reception. "And boy, did we dance!"
The couple honeymooned in Greece, visiting Athens, Paros, and Santorini. Now, settled back in Houston, they're enjoying their new life together.
"I knew our marriage would be something special, but, wow," says Tyna. "Nothing compares to having my loving husband always in my corner as my biggest supporter. I am proud he is my teammate and best friend."
Micah agrees, offering, "I've been fortunate to do and go to some really cool places, hands down, without a doubt, our engagement and marriage has been my favorite experience yet."
Wedding planner: Yvette and Marie Events
Ceremony: River Oaks Garden Club Forum
Reception venue: River Oaks Garden Club Forum
Photographer: Kelly Hornberger
Videographer: Julia Wycliff
Caterer: Demeris Catering
Linens: Demeris Catering
Bridal gown: BHLDN
Bridesmaid Dresses: Lulu's
Groom's tux: Suit Supply
Groomsmen's tuxes: Men's Warehouse
DJ: DJ Chaney
Florist: Lanson B Jones Floral and Events
The bridal bouquets.
Wally Funk became a hometown hero in Grapevine. Facebook/Wally Funk's Space for Race 
Wally Funk in her '20s as a flight instructor. Facebook/Wally Funk's Space for Race 