Melissa and Stuart -- Austin, Texas - FOX5 Vegas - KVVU

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The last thing Melissa was thinking about doing one evening back in January 2002 was heading out for drinks, she was just too tired. But her friend insisted that they meet up with her boyfriend and his friend, so Melissa obliged and went out. When she was introduced to Stuart, Melissa was so exhausted and grumpy that she could barely manage to say hi. "After I cooled off, we ended up talking for hours," she said.

THE BRIDE: Melissa, 31, a chief resident in surgery
THE GROOM: Stuart, 36, a partner at a law firm
THE DATE: May 15

Six years later, while in the Dominican Republic for another friend's wedding, Stuart proposed. "It was such a sweet, tender, and quiet moment between the two of us," Melissa recalls, "I was shocked but, of course, I said yes."

The Bouquet Melissa left the design of her bouquet entirely up to her florist. She was thrilled with the results: a gorgeous bouquet of romantic peonies, ranunculus, hydrangeas, calla lilies, tulips, and sweet pea.

The Groomsmen For a uniform look, all of the guys (including Melissa's nephews, who were the ring bearers) wore black tuxedos by Perry Ellis.

The Stationery All of the printed pieces for the wedding from the programs to the menus to even the thank you notes, were written partly in Spanish, a nod to Melissa's Puerto Rican heritage.

The Reception The dinner took place under a tent, which was dramatically dressed with chandeliers and flowing curtains. Instead of several small tables, one long banquet table was set with Melissa and Stuart at the head -- literally everyone was sitting at the bride and groom's table!

The Cake Melissa's cake was decorated with the same lace motif as all of the stationery. Instead of a classic topper, she had her florist decorate the top tier with flowers that matched the bridesmaids' bouquets.

INGREDIENTS

LOCATION: The Austin Museum of Art at Laguna Gloria
EVENT PLANNING: Barbara Hearne, Barbara's Brides, Austin
PHOTOGRAPHY: Photography By Vanessa
FLOWERS: Bouquets Of Austin
CAKE: Michelle's Patisserie, Austin

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