When They Met
Akiko and Nick’s first date was actually a non-date because Akiko didn’t “do” dates.
The two connected through work and eventually met in person through a mutual friend, but Akiko wasn’t looking for a romantic relationship at the time so she focused on developing a friendship with Nick instead.
After attending several software development meetups, hanging out a few times, and bonding over Nick’s profession as a software developer and Akiko’s interest in learning how to code, the two went on a non-date to Speedzone in Irving. They ended up getting lost in conversation for hours and found that their personal goals and values aligned. So what was supposed to be a casual friendship ended up blossoming into a three and a half year relationship!
During their three and a half years together, they went to car meets, on road trips, went on several vacations together with family, and adopted a kitten and a puppy. Then on the Fourth of July in 2021, Nick asked Akiko to spend the rest of her life with him.
The Special Day
On January 22, 2022, Akiko and Nick said “I do” at the Mater Dei Catholic Church in Irving, Texas. After purchasing their first home together, two moves, and planning a wedding under 7 months during the second of year of COVID, this lovely couple finally made their dreams come true!
The ceremony was everything the couple hoped it would be. It was held at their stunning Catholic Latin parish and they celebrated with an intimate reception at the Gaylord Texan Resort. The entire day was traditional, classy, and Christ-centered. The details of their wedding didn’t matter that much to the couple because they were so enchanted with one another. Truly, all that mattered was that Akiko and Nick were able to call each other husband and wife.
Through a traditional mass and ceremony at a breathtaking parish, I was able to witness the coming together of two families as they celebrated the union of their loved ones. At the reception, the guest let loose and danced to Lee Brice’s “I Don’t Dance,” so it was the perfect balance of tradition and fun.
Akiko and Nick’s wedding day celebration surpassed their high expectations. Giving Nick a chance turned out to be the best decision Akiko made, after all!
The Moment After The Moment
My favorite part of the day was when Akiko and Nick escaped with me to Rockledge Park after their ceremony and before their reception to take their couple portraits.
As you can imagine, wedding days are full of distractions that demand your attention at every turn, so it was wonderful that the newlyweds were able to get away and share a private moment together!
During their portraits, I had them walk right right up to the edge of the water and the sunset was the perfect backdrop for portraits that would do the beautiful couple justice.
The session was airy, romantic, dreamy, and even more precious because the lovebirds were able to give each other their undivided attention. It was touching and magical, from beginning to end.
The Details
Makeup artist: Blend by Tess
Hair artist: Makeup by Amber
Florals: Blooming Accents
Videography: Reverent Wedding Films
Cake: Butterfly Cakery
Catering: Gaylord Texan
Photo Booth Rental: Party Hero
Venue: Gaylord Texan
DJ: DJ Connection
I really love how you share The Special Day for each couple from your perspective! It’s such a delight getting to see our wedding, and others, through your lens! Thank you for featuring us and our vendors!! Another great capture added to the memories of our perfect day.
Beautiful story and very well written, about a perfect day and a beautiful couple!