Rain is a Good Thing: A Stormy Day Ensures a Successful Wedding for Sarah Brawner and Joseph White

Legend has it that rain on your wedding day is good luck. On December 8, 2018, Sarah Brawner and Joseph White broke out their chic, black umbrellas and put that legend to the test as they prepared to say “I do.”

Four years prior, Sarah and Joseph were set up by mutual friends at the University of Texas at Austin. After few years of dating, Joseph decided it was time to ask Sarah to be his wife. It was a day like any other. The couple took their pup, Harvey, out for some fresh air when Joseph convinced Sarah to ditch their regular dog park and journey to a nicer, neighborhood park instead. Exactly five steps onto the green, Joseph popped the question. “Our dog ran off right when Joseph got down on one knee, so he had to make it short so that we could run and get our dog,” exclaimed Sarah.

The bride-to-be began wedding planning with family close by her side. Sarah’s aunt, a consultant at Neiman Marcus Bridal, helped her say yes to a classic, cap-sleeved silhouette with lace details by Ramona Keveza. “Finding my dress was extra special with [my aunt] helping me,” remarked Sarah.

For as long as she could remember, Sarah had always dreamed of a winter wedding. “We went for a holiday feel with lots of Christmas trees, greenery, velvet, and twinkly Christmas lights,” says the bride. Sarah’s vision was brought to life at Highland Park United Methodist Church with poinsettias adorning the altar and garland hanging from the organ.

As the newlyweds and their wedding party left the chapel, they were greeted by rain. To turn an unideal situation into a rememberable one, Sarah and Joseph collected the rainwater into a mason jar to baptize their children with one day. “It turned a rainy day into something very special for us,” recalled Sarah.

Following their late-afternoon ceremony, guests were escorted into a frosty-white tent for cocktail hour, which was adorned with Christmas trees along with emerald green and blush accents. Upon entering the tent, Sarah and Joseph poured a champagne tower to kick off their lively reception.

“Finding the perfect band was our No. 1 priority because we wanted to spend the night on the dance floor,” Sarah says. Between the walls of Brook Hollow Golf Club, the newlyweds and their loved ones danced the night away among white winter trees and candlelight. To ‘tis the season properly, a stick decorated with mistletoe was passed around the dance floor. “Everyone was kissing their significant others the whole time,” says the bride.

The guests said their final goodbyes to the happy couple with sparklers in hand. Sarah and Joseph shared one final kiss in front of their family and friends before heading off in a classic, old-fashioned automobile to top off their classically Christmas wedding.

Credits

  • Ceremony Site

    Highland Park United Methodist Church

  • Reception Site

    Brook Hollow Golf Club

  • Photographer

    John Cain Photography

  • Bridal Gown Designer

    Romona Keveza

  • Bridal Gown Retailer

    The Bridal Salon at Neiman Marcus

  • Hair & Makeup

    Maitee Miles

  • Groom's Attire

    Culwell & Son

  • Groomsmen's Attire

    Culwell & Son

  • Bridesmaids' Dresses Retailer

    Bella Bridesmaids

  • Flowers

    Branching Out Events

  • Stationery

    RosanneBeck Collections

  • Cake

    Fancy Cakes by Lauren

  • Music

    Creativity, Music Garden

  • Lighting

    Stage 2

  • Videographer

    Candlelight Films

  • Wedding Rentals

    La Tavola Fine Linen Rental

  • Wedding Planner

    Kirsten Rose Events

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