Raquel & Joshua

November 30, 2024

Photography: Jade Lynzee Photography LLC

Raquel Layton met Joshua Williamson at the University of Houston over a game of pool. She didn't know he was a pool shark, but she kept challenging him anyway. Though their Greek organizations weren’t exactly friendly, Raquel once walked into Joshua’s fraternity house on a whim. There, standing by the same pool table he had refurbished and donated, they locked eyes, and a connection began.

They stayed friends for years. Raquel always noticed how kind and grounded Joshua was. On April 15, 2021, he texted her out of the blue, asking what drink she’d choose on a Thursday night. When she answered, he sent the address to Kirby Icehouse. That night became their last first date.

Joshua proposed during a trip to Nashville. He took Raquel to a thrift shop and bookstore with friends secretly trailing behind. She was so focused on the books, she didn’t notice them slip in. When she turned a corner, there was Joshua holding a ring. He had written her a note on a postcard just moments before. That card now sits by her bedside.

Raquel and Joshua were married at Boxwood Manor in Tomball, Texas. They chose the venue for its elegant, welcoming feel and the separate cottages where both wedding parties could relax and get ready. Raquel wore a white mikado ball gown with a lace bodice, cathedral train, and hidden pockets for her vows. For the reception, she changed into a hand-embellished gown with sheer sleeves and a slit.

The ceremony took place in the chapel. Raquel’s stepfather officiated, making it deeply personal. The reception was inspired by a candlelit midnight garden, with velvet green linens, floating candles, and four live trees brought into the room. Their monogrammed dance floor tied it all together.

Instead of a traditional cake, they served a naked pumpkin cake with cookie butter and a full dessert bar, including bananas foster. Their signature drinks were a spiked wassail and an amaretto margarita. Guests found their seats on a chart modeled after a C-130 airplane, a tribute to Raquel’s late father.

Every part of the day was intentional and warm, from the Bible guest book filled with highlighted verses to the eucalyptus-scented decor. Surrounded by friends and family, Raquel and Joshua celebrated the start of a new chapter with joy, laughter, and love.

Advice for brides to be: “The wedding planning process is not a walk in the park. For me, the hardest part was finding a humorous comfort in how difficult and isolating it can feel. My family and friends were supportive, offering tremendous help, but ultimately, you’re the one making final decisions—decisions that at times could either please everyone or stand on your own gut feeling upsetting them. It’s easy to get caught up in the little details—like the linen color or pattern—but as you know, these seemingly small decisions can influence the entire theme and feel of the reception. So, just know, your feelings are validated. Your attention to detail matters.

My advice would be to trust your gut. This day is for you and your future husband, so let it reflect both of you. Second, keep your fiancé involved in the final decisions. Even if you don’t always agree on everything, it’s important to have him engaged in the process. If you’re stuck between two choices, ask for his opinion. It lets him feel included and reminds him that you value his input. It also takes some pressure off knowing that you both made that decision together.

Most importantly, have fun. Wedding planning can feel like a second job, especially in the final month. But remember to enjoy those moments—grab some wine, play your favorite music, and embrace the process, even if it is assembling and sealing 200 plus invitations.

As the day approaches, you’ll likely be eager for it to arrive and wish the time would fly by, but come the wedding day, don’t rush it. It really does fly by. It’s the best day of your life, but one of the fastest. So, savor each moment. If your budget allows, my final piece of advice is to get a videographer. Even if it’s just for the ceremony and reception. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve rewatched the videos—not just to relive the day, but also to see the moments I missed, like my husband walking down the aisle to his surprise song.

Finally, remember that despite all the trials and decisions, the most important thing is the two of you becoming one. As it says in Romans 12:12, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." The wedding planning journey can be challenging, but those moments of patience and perseverance are what will strengthen your bond. At the end of the day, all the hard work, decisions, and even the challenges are worth it because, together, you’re building a life that will last.”

By Amelia Hall