Jessica + Connor by Blancorazon Wedding - Together Journal

With a European-inspired atmosphere that captured a vibrant city vibe while grounding us in earthy elements.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

We are a couple deeply rooted in central south Texas. Connor was born and raised in Lake Jackson, while I was born in Mexico and have called Lake Jackson home since kindergarten. Our academic journeys took us to different corners of Texas – I attended Texas State University, and Connor studied at Texas A&M Galveston. Although our careers have taken unexpected turns from our original plans, we’ve both found fulfilling paths. I’ve dedicated my career to healthcare, now working in behavioural healthcare business development, while Connor thrives in the tech world with Salesforce.

Outside of work, our lives are brimming with little joys and shared adventures. We have a deep love for our pug, who never fails to bring smiles to our faces—especially when we dress him up in playful outfits. As introverts with a similar sense of humour, we find joy in the simplest moments and the quirky details that make us smile. We cherish time spent in nature, whether we’re hiking local trails or planning exciting trips to explore new destinations. Our days are filled with spontaneous adventures, cozy evenings, and discovering charming restaurants wherever we go.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

We are a couple whose journey began unexpectedly despite growing up in the same small town of Lake Jackson, TX. Although our paths rarely crossed in our early years, fate intervened after our college graduation. Our first date was on January 21, 2020, in San Antonio—a city about a 3.5-hour drive from home. I was working in the city when Connor, who had recently relocated there, reached out via Instagram to go on a date.

We met at Southerleigh, nestled within Hotel Emma at the Pearl, where the evening flowed with effortless charm. Connor had clearly put thought into the night—dressing up for the occasion, making a reservation, and demonstrating genuine kindness from the moment we met. Our conversation was engaging and comfortable as we spent time at the Hotel Emma bar, and the natural ease between us was undeniable. Connor later recalled that from that very first encounter, he knew he had found someone truly special. That unforgettable night set the stage for our journey together, with each new day adding subtle layers to a connection that began so perfectly on our first date. Even now, we occasionally find ourselves recalling the subtle details of that night that hinted at the joy we would share in the years to come.

Other pieces: I remember a lot of laughing at the date. We have always had similar humour and still giggle all the time together!

When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?

From our very first date, it was clear that something extraordinary was unfolding between us. As our relationship evolved, our connection deepened through a blend of shared joy and the challenges we faced together. During the pandemic, we embraced the outdoors by hiking and swimming while also finding comfort in quiet moments spent baking, cooking, and dreaming about our future. Countless thoughtful gestures—like exchanging flowers and noticing the little details in everyday life—reminded us of the care we held for one another.

One memory stands out: on a short trip when I was feeling quite sick, I was determined and dressed up and joined a planned strawberry-picking outing anyway. In that moment, Connor saw my determination to seek joy and beauty in life despite adversity—a first moment that stood out to Connor. A quality he has admired about me. Equally, I was moved by his unwavering steadiness and his ability to navigate life’s curveballs with focus and genuine support. I noticed he listened and understood in ways I hadn’t experienced from someone before. Every shared adventure, from significant milestones to the simple pleasures of day-to-day life, has woven a tapestry of memories that makes it undeniable that we are meant to share every tomorrow.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).

We envisioned our wedding as a celebration that was both elegant and intimate, with a European-inspired atmosphere that captured a vibrant city vibe while grounding us in earthy elements. We wanted to avoid a cold marble aesthetic in favour of a design that embraced natural touches, incorporating carefully selected greenery and subtle floral arrangements. The florals were pink, chosen to perfectly complement the golden hue reminiscent of the Alhambra, adding warmth and softness to our setting.

Our colour palette featured rich, earthy tones accented by delicate hints of opulence, creating an ambience that was both refined and inviting. Opting for an elopement allowed us the freedom to focus on details that resonated with our personalities, ensuring that every element—from the textures to the lighting—reflected our love and individuality. This harmonious blend of urban sophistication and organic charm set the perfect tone for a day that was as memorable as it was uniquely ours.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).

The styling and visual elements of our wedding were made extraordinary by the talented professionals we chose. Our photographer and planner, Patrizia, along with my makeup and hair artist, Christiane, brought a creative vision that allowed us to relax and truly focus on each other. Their careful direction ensured that every artistic touch—from the curated florals to the way our venue was styled—captured the essence of our day. Looking back at our photos, the interplay of the Alhambra sunset with the vibrant colours of our rainy vows is simply breathtaking. Each image reflects not only the natural beauty of the location but also the heartfelt moments we shared. I also have to credit Connor for choosing such a stunning city with the Alhambra, which added an unexpected layer of charm to our celebration. Every detail, both big and small, worked together to create an atmosphere that was visually captivating and deeply personal, making our day an unforgettable experience.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

I’m not a natural planner, but what I enjoyed most about our planning process was witnessing our vision come together through a team that truly understood what we wanted. Rather than getting lost in the details, I was able to focus on styling and inspiration while our planner, photographer, and other vendors worked their magic behind the scenes. It was a liberating experience knowing that every element was handled with care, allowing us to remain present and excited about our day.

For couples just starting their wedding planning journey, my biggest tip is to invest in what supports your well-being. Hire professionals who not only share your vision but can also ease the stress of planning. Trusting the right team means you can focus on celebrating your love and enjoying the process rather than getting overwhelmed by the logistics. In the end, having experts take care of the intricate details allowed us to savour every moment of our special day and truly cherish the journey leading up to it.

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?

Before knowing where our wedding would take place, I went dress shopping on a whim—casually trying on about eight dresses, each with its own unique style. I had no plan to buy until our plans were set in stone. Then, about four months before our big day, we quickly decided on a Spain elopement, and I found myself reviewing photos from my fittings. With time running short, I made the big decision to purchase the Katherine Tash dress over the phone—a leap of faith that turned out to be perfect.

I originally intended to explore more options, even considering a small Italy wedding with guests in 2025 or 2026, but the spontaneity of our Spanish adventure meant I had to trust the dresses I’d already tried on. The Katherine Tash dress turned out to be absolutely stunning and fit the scene perfectly. I purchased it in Dallas, and since we kept our elopement a secret, we often had to return there under various pretexts. I wouldn’t have changed a thing—the dress captured the essence of our day perfectly.

What was one or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).

One of the great things about having an elopement was that it allowed us to focus on the elements that mattered most to us as a couple. With no guests to worry about, we could truly concentrate on what felt meaningful. I wanted to feel beautiful in my dress, surrounded by stunning florals, and enjoy incredible food. However, when we reflected on what was most important to us in the end, it came down to our outfits and the photography. Our outfits were a reflection of our personalities and our love for each other, and we wanted to look back at our day with fondness and excitement, captured perfectly in the images. The photography not only documented the moments but also helped convey the emotions and atmosphere of the day. Those elements were the ones that made the day feel truly special, and we’re so glad we chose to invest in them.

Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?

Our wedding day turned into one unforgettable adventure that we now laugh about in hindsight. It started with both of our flights being cancelled, leaving us scrambling late into the night to catch a connection to Spain. We landed in Granada around midnight on November 11—luggage missing and sleep in short supply—only to receive a surprise message from our team. They had arranged to arrive early to beat a severe storm and capture some precious sunshine on film.

That morning, we ended up on a frantic two-hour walk around the city, searching for a solution for my wrinkled dress before finally reuniting with our team. Despite all the chaos, the day unfolded with unexpected charm and was SO much fun. Then, on November 13, when the rain closed, the park set for our vows, and our team worked magic to open it just for us. Every twist and turn made our elopement feel uniquely ours—a beautiful reminder that even in the midst of stress, there’s a joy to be found.