The Greenlaws
August 16th 2024
From the heartfelt vows, to the stunning florals, and unforgettable dance party, The Greenlaw’s wedding was a beautiful reflection of their love story.
We asked them a few questions to get a behind-the-scenes look at their big day! Read along to see what Emma & Noah had to say!
How did you two meet?
“Noah and I technically first met as babies. Our moms grew up friends in Tomball, Texas and Noah and I were born hours apart, he in Australia and I in Grapeland, Texas. Noah was raised in Papua New Guinea as a missionary kid and I lived in the US at Frontier Camp in Grapeland, Texas. My family would always read the Greenlaw missionary update letters, so I knew about Noah’s family growing up, but did not really know them.
Fast forward to 2020. Noah and his sister came and quarantined during COVID at Frontier Camp where I lived. I always made sure to let someone else in the family bring them meals so no one would ask me what I thought about Noah since we were born so close in age. It seemed like fate that we get together to everyone but me. I chose not to try to be friends with him since the pressure to date and interconnected circles was too much.
Fast forward again. Two years later during my junior year of TAMU, Noah moved to College Station and lived with my brother. In the same room. Everyone started talking about how perfect we would be together and now everything was even more intertwined. I swore I would never date him there was too much at stake and I did not want to be told who to date. We started becoming friends and rock climbing every day with our friend group. In January I started getting a crush on him, but told no one so that no one would know. I would sit on my couch and pray that the Lord would take away my feelings for Noah.
In March we went on a spring break trip with several in our friend group. Noah told me that he liked me on that trip and I laughed at him. I was so surprised that Noah liked me. I told him that I liked him too and we decided to go on a date when we got back in March 2022. We went on that first date and never stopped and now two years later we are married!”
Tell us about the proposal?
“Noah and I spent the day in Houston thrifting and a trip to the zoo. We had plans to go to College Station to meet my grandparents for dinner. I was bored and wanted to leave Houston early and stop and see our friends in College Station before dinner, but he kept saying we shouldn’t leave yet. I was curious, so while he was trying clothes on in goodwill, I was holding his phone and looked at find my friends to see where his family was ,and they were all in College Station ( they live out of state). So I knew it was happening then, but was confused on how it was all fitting in. We drove up and stopped at an old train bridge that we went to a lot in college. I saw a blanket and flowers on one of the pillars and knew it was about to happen. I was nervous on how to act and I don’t remember a thing he said, but I just know that I cried and said yes!”
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Never Take for granted the moments right before the ceremony. It’s the butterflies you get in your stomach that remind you that you are about to become a wife, as a loved one helps you into your dress, that make the day so sentimental.
We are suckers for a bridesmaids dress reveal. Your Bridesmaids are the hype squad you selected for the day, and their reactions are normally so sweet. The different greens and patterns, just make for the sweetest bridal party photos.
opting for slacks and button ups, instead of suits for all, is the perfect touch for an August wedding, while also keeping your groomsmen’s budgets in mind for their attire.
The Groom was from Papua New Guinea, so the couple chose to go barefoot all night as a nod to his childhood. The groom’s father also prayed over them in the native language , as a way to further bring in those cultural aspects to their day. The things that shape you into the person you are today, is all part of what makes a wedding special.
For the First Dance, the bride and groom combined their parent dances as well. We love how each parent still got to feel special, but it also let them share a moment together.
Their most anticipated moment they were looking forward to was the dance party with all of their family and friends. As you can see in photos, they were right to be excited about it , because their family and friends kept the dance floor full all night. Emma & Noah also dismissed each table to dinner themselves, so they could hug and talk to each person.
What was the hardest part of wedding planning?
“The hardest part of wedding planning was the budget. There were a lot of things that I didn’t realize the costs until I started planning my wedding, but I also learned lots of creativity and had many friends offer their skills”
As a venue, we understand that budgets are one of the hardest parts of planning an event. Everyone is scared to talk about money, and you shouldn’t be! The wedding industry has grown so much, and the price ranges are all over the place. We always suggest getting a planner to help explain costs early on, or ask your venue realistic questions. There are so many beautiful details that can be done within a couple’s means!
What is the planning advice you’d give to another couple?
“The wedding advice I would give is don’t be afraid to make it uniquely you. Don’t be afraid to not do what other people do. Do whatever you want and don’t worry about what people will think because if they are there to celebrate you. They want to see your personality shine through. Also have short cocktail hours and spend as much time with your guests as you can. That is the only time you will have that many people you love together, so take advantage of it.”
Emma & Noah's Favorite pictures
- Venue : Olde Dobbin Station
- Photography: April Annette Photography
- Linens: Events to Remember
- DJ : Exodus Sound
- Catering : All Star Catering
- Coordination: Avery Catherine Events