Kimberly Nguyen & Mari Mendoza

Married

Feb 21, 2025
Spring , Texas

Photo Credit

Jessica Blackburn Photography

Style Guide

Color Palette

Style

Formal

Season

Spring

The Proposal

Once upon a time in the captivating island of Dominica, amidst the corridors of a bustling medical school, destiny weaved its intricate threads and brought together two souls who were meant to walk the path of life together. Kimberly and Mari’s love story began in the most unexpected way, shaped by hurricanes and chance encounters.

It was during the aftermath of Hurricane Erika when Mari first laid eyes on Kimberly. The crowded classroom buzzed with anticipation as the students sought refuge from the storm. From a distance, Mari couldn’t help but notice a captivating figure amidst the chaos. Kim’s radiance caught his attention, despite the challenging circumstances they found themselves in. It wasn’t until later, after their first medical school exam, that their paths truly converged. Remaining friends during their time on the island and having to part ways in 2016, their paths crossed once again in Chicago in 2019. What was once just friendship blossomed into a forever love.

In Mari, Kimberly found a partner whose qualities shone brightly. His loyalty, kindness, patience, and intelligence captured her heart, while his infectious humor brought constant joy to their journey. And yes, there was something about his exceptional butt that never failed to make her smile. When the time came for Mari to propose, he had grand plans to sweep Kimberly off her feet at the Navy Pier in Chicago, surrounded by their loved ones. However, love has a way of guiding us towards what truly matters. Understanding Kim’s desire for an intimate moment, Mari transformed their backyard into a magical wonderland, adorned with twinkling lights. With their loyal dog, Samm, dressed in a tuxedo and carrying the symbol of their love, Mari got down on one knee and proposed.

In Preparation

Their wedding day was a celebration of love, blending the rustic charm of a peach orchard in Texas with the romantic elegance that reflects their journey. Exchange vows and merged their Filipino and Vietnamese cultures in a harmonious union. Their faithful companion, Samm, was also honored as they became a family.

Kimberly and Mari’s wedding was planned to be a true reflection of intentionality, elegance, and global love. With friends and family traveling from all over the world to The Peach Orchard in Houston, Texas, the couple planned every detail to honor their diverse backgrounds and shared values. Having most of their guests traveling in from out of town was no small feat.

From the start, Kimberly and Mari envisioned a day that felt warm, inclusive, and deeply personal. They worked closely with their planning team to craft a celebration that blended modern sophistication with meaningful cultural touches. The design was lush yet refined—romantic florals, candlelit tablescapes, and thoughtful signage set the tone for a day full of beauty and emotion. At the heart of it all was a commitment to making every guest feel like family. From a seven-course Vietnamese meal to a dance floor that never slowed down, Kimberly and Mari created a wedding experience that was as unforgettable as their love story.

Kimberly and Mari Venue

The Big Day

Guests traveled from across the globe to witness their vows—a true testament to the love and connection Kimberly and Mari share with their families and friends. Every moment was intentional, from their sentimental first look to the tearful toasts that echoed through the evening. During their first look, Kimberly gifted Mari with a Groom’s Box. This special box was curated with gifts from Kimberly to Mari. She had a handkerchief made for Mari that featured a note from his late Grandfather, with his handwriting.

The design blended old-world charm with modern romance. Soft, abundant florals in blush and ivory danced across tablescapes and ceremony arches, while candlelight added a soft glow to the reception space. A seven-course Vietnamese meal honored family traditions and created a shared experience that guests are still talking about.

One of the most memorable moments came when Mari and his mother opened the dance floor with a joyful, high-energy mother-son dance that brought everyone to their feet—a beautiful symbol of celebration and legacy. They started out with a normal slow song, then busted into a beautifully choreographed dance routine. The crowd roared!

The dance floor was packed until it was time to go home. DJ Icon did an amazing job keeping the energy up and giving Kim and Mari’s guests an unforgettable experience. The reception was truly an experience for the Bride and Groom’s guests. Throughout the night there were two confetti explosions and fog guns. No one knew about them and they were a huge surprise! Their beloved dog Samm was also honored, by guests dancing with huge signs of his adorable face. Mari and Kimberly ended the evening with a beautiful celebratory exit, led by their family and friends. Kimberly and Mari’s wedding was not just a union of two hearts, but a celebration of two families and a lifetime of love ahead.