Brooke & Cade

April 11, 2025

Photography: Jeannette Rodriguez at Picture This Forever Photography

Brooke and Cade met the old-fashioned way, through a mutual friend. Brooke’s little sister in her sorority from TCU grew up with Cade in Spring, TX and brought him to her house for a White Linen Party in 2022. A week after their first date, Cade had to move to Dallas for work, so their relationship started out long-distance until he moved back to Houston in the fall of 2023, and the rest is history!

Cade chose one of his favorite restaurants to propose to Brooke. He had the most beautiful set up waiting for her arrival. Brooke, thinking the evening was for a family birthday celebration, didn’t expect what was waiting for her as she rounded the corner. She couldn’t believe her eyes as the realization hit, that this was really happening. They enjoyed the sweetest moment, just the two of them. That wasn’t all that was planned for the evening. Cade surprised Brooke with an engagement party full of their closest friends and family that had come into town to celebrate with them. “It was the most incredible night!” Brooke says.

Brooke and Cade’s rehearsal dinner took place above Hungry’s in Rice Village. The couple, along with their guests, stayed at Hotel ZaZa in the Museum District, where they also got ready and spent the night of the wedding. Keeping all events within a few miles made the weekend effortless and enjoyable for everyone. The celebrations also included a special bridal luncheon at Sixty Vines in Rice Village on the day of the rehearsal dinner, adding an extra touch of elegance to the weekend.

A typical ballroom or indoor venue wasn’t on the cards for Brooke and Cade’s wedding day. Brooke had always dreamed of a garden party wedding under the stars and bistro lighting. She wanted the wedding to feel intimate, relaxed, and fun instead of anything black-tie or too formal. Brooke and Cade chose McGovern Centennial Gardens in Hermann Park Houston, TX. “The venue itself is so beautiful that all we had to do was bring in color with tablecloths and flowers and it turned the space into a dream!” says Brooke.

With the ceremony and reception in the same garden, the space was beautifully flipped during cocktail hour. “I was SO impressed with my wedding planner's team and all of our vendors,” remarks Brooke. The whole day was led by wedding planner Lexie Cochran with LNC Weddings. The breathtaking florals from Cali + Bloom brought the garden to life. The bar rentals were from Provision Events along with linens and tableware from Decor by Dulce. Catering was provided by Pappasitos because Brooke and Cade wanted a more relaxed feel instead of the typical plated chicken and veggies. Brooke comments, “The fajitas were such a hit, who doesn't love Tex-Mex?!”

Brooke’s wedding gown was the Dandelion by Tara LaTour which she purchased from Unbridled Houston. Alterations were made by removing the straps to make the perfect garden party dress. Out of all the gowns Brooke tried on she chose the very last one and the only one that felt like her.

Guests were greeted by a show stopping five-tiered wedding cake, its intricate floral design inspired by Brooke’s wedding gown. The masterpiece was crafted by Cakes by Gina in Houston, combining artistry and elegance in every detail.

Brooke and Cade spent their honeymoon at the Secrets Resort in Punta Cana. “The Dominican Republic hospitality was top-notch, and the water was absolutely breathtaking!” shares Brooke.

Advice for Brides to be:

Soak in every moment and don't sweat the small stuff! All the little details don't matter the day of. Look around the room at all of your closest friends and family members who are there to celebrate YOU.

By Karen Balla