Text by Melanie Saxton Photos by Civic Photos

Audrey Sanchez met Xavier DeLeon in sixth-grade English class. By ninth grade they were dating, and 10 years later they married, although Hurricane Harvey forced them to reschedule the date! Love prevailed and their wedding, originally slated for Aug. 26, 2017 was held a week later on Sept. 2. They tied the knot in a breathtaking ceremony at Annunciation Catholic Church, followed by a festive reception at The Carriage House.

Audrey and Xavier both graduated from Stafford High School. Audrey earned a degree in human resources management at Texas State University and works in HR. Xavier studied business at Houston Community College (HCC) and works in supply chain management.

 

First Date And Courtship

Audrey was the new kid on the block at Stafford Middle School and caught Xavier’s attention. But despite his best efforts, they didn’t become “official” until their freshman year. They were crowned Prom Queen and King of the class of 2010, and Audrey was elected class president that same year. She also ran cross country, played basketball, and participated in yearbook and Spanish club. Xavier played soccer and was on the first All District football team. “I always wanted to be around Xavier,” says Audrey. “I even volunteered to help the boys varsity soccer team by filling water and making sure they had all their practice equipment.”

Audrey pursued her college degree and joined the Sigma Lambda Gamma sorority while Xavier attended classed at HCC. All the while they talked about the future and knew that one day they’d be married. “Never doubt the high-school-sweetheart-type of love,” says the bride.

 

Proposal

In January 2015 the couple planned a trip to Scottsdale, Arizona to visit Audrey’s best friend and future maid of honor Veronica Fabian. On the way they hiked and took in the sights, and planned to visit the Grand Canyon as well. Little did Audrey know that was where Xavier planned to propose and that her friends were in on the surprise!

While the girls had breakfast, Xavier announced that he and Veronica’s boyfriend were going to gamble for a bit, but didn’t mention they were also secretly shopping for a camera and roses. Xavier had previously hired a professional photographer and violinist for the surprise proposal, but the photo shoot and serenade were cancelled due to a snowstorm. Therefore, Xavier improvised.

When everyone returned, Audrey retrieved an item from the trunk of the car and spotted the roses. Veronica quickly said, “Awww…my boyfriend is so nice,” and Audrey thought nothing of it. Soon they were driving through the snow and found a nice trail at the Grand Canyon.

As they hiked, Veronica said she needed to return to the car to get her phone but that the group should keep walking. After a while, Audrey became cold and tried to warm her hands in Xavier’s pocket. When he wouldn’t allow it, she suspected something was up. Then she spotted a trail of roses in the distance, which had been spread by Veronica with the bouquet from the trunk. In the midst of a winter wonderland, she also arranged a heart-shaped ring of petals. There Xavier dropped to one knee and asked for Audrey’s hand in marriage. She accepted with an emotional YES!

As the group headed back to town, Xavier told Audrey he had asked her grandparents, who had raised her, for permission to marry. Her grandparents, his parents, Veronica and her boyfriend were the only people who knew of the proposal plan, and despite the obstacles that the weather had posed with Xavier’s original plans, it was an absolutely perfect day.

 

Engagement

The couple was engaged just over a year and a half. Audrey traveled to Cancun for her bachelorette party, and Xavier visited Las Vegas for his bachelor party. Both anticipated a big wedding for their many friends and extensive family. Audrey had planned for that special day her whole life and not even Hurricane Harvey could spoil her plans. It was truly a miracle that all of her vendors, including the venue and the church, were available for the following Saturday.

“We are definitely the couple who knows about natural disasters,” jokes Audrey. “Snow storm on the day of our proposal and a record-breaking hurricane the day of our wedding! We literally have weathered every storm, and that is the beautiful thing about our relationship.”

 

The Wedding

The bride envisioned a “Hollywood Glam” wedding and didn’t miss a detail.

Floral and Décor: Bouquets and arrangements included dusty and white roses, as well as camellias, lilies, jasmine, snapdragons, gypsophila, peony, ranunculus, stock, dahlia, hydrangeas, astilbe and astrantia, all in white. DIY touches included garden floral boxes for church programs and the flower girl halos.

Bridal Party: Father Luke Millette and Deacon Lynn Carney officiated with grandparents of the bride, Lucy and Lucio Sanchez, and parents of the groom, Maria and Julian DeLeon, in attendance. Maid of honor Veronica Fabian stood with bridesmaids Sarah Salinas, Marina Moreno, Miranda Ochoa, Alyssa Miranda and Brianda Jaramillo. Kataleyah Gonzales, Alizah Pantoja and Mathilda Guerrero served as flower girls. Best man Felix Alaniz stood with groomsmen Richard Gomez, Gerardo Mesa, Luis Iniguez, Jesse Martinez and Justin Torres. Jaiden Gonzales served as ring bearer.

Attire: The bride wore an ivory Winnie Couture mermaid gown with a tulle bottom, lace beading, buttons down the back, a thin ivory belt, and gold open-toe Steve Madden shoes with rhinestones; both the dress and shoes served as her “something new.” Her cousin’s long veil with beaded accents served as both her “something old” and “something borrowed.” Her “something blue” was the charm of a late uncle, displayed on her bouquet. Bridesmaids wore Sorella Vita dresses in champagne.

The groom wore a black and white tuxedo, white shirt with black and gold buttons, black bowtie and shiny patent leather Christian Louboutin shoes with red soles. Groomsmen wore black tuxedos with bowties.

Top Wedding Moments: The bride had never seen her groom shed tears until she walked down the aisle. The exchanging of vows was powerful, and their first kiss as husband and wife was perfect.

 

The Reception

The reception merged elegance and fun elements to delight guests during an unforgettable evening.

Floral and Décor: Clear glass plates and gold utensils were arranged atop exquisite blush and white linens and coordinating centerpieces. DIY touches included reception table numbers each personalized with a photo, the bar menu that was handmade by the bride, the guest list display and chalkboard signs throughout the venue. The menu and programs were designed by the maid of honor. A stunning mirror with a “DeLeon Wedding” decal stood 10 feet. The guestbook was filled with engagement photos and the dance floor was illuminated with the gold initials X & A.

“The King Boti” (Crown Royal and Coke) and “Drunk in Love” (vodka and Sprite) were served as specialty drinks. A gold sequined backdrop photo booth and DJ provided entertainment. Food from Whataburger was delivered at the end of the evening with stickers that read “WHAT A NIGHT.” Guests were treated to “In Sickness and in Health” party favors of water bottles and Advil.

The Cakes: An ornate amaretto and lemon wedding cake was decorated in gold and white and soared five tiers. The groom’s chocolate cake had a Texans logo placed on a football field.

Top Reception Moments: The couple danced to Ed Sheeran’s Perfect. Grandfather and granddaughter danced to Etta Jones’ My Dearest Darling. Mother and son danced to Pesado’s Mi Primer Amor. The dance floor was never empty due to several line dances, the dollar dance, a bouquet toss and a garter toss. Married couples dancing the anniversary dance were eliminated by years of marriage. The bride’s grandparents were the last couple dancing, as they had been married 57 years!

Exit: The couple departed to a flurry of sparklers.

 

The Honeymoon

Due to the hurricane, the couple was unable to travel to Hawaii as planned. Fortunately, they were able to book an impromptu flight to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and plan to visit Hawaii on their one-year anniversary.