1. Real Weddings

A Romantic Wedding at Namar Event Center in South Padre Island, Texas

rn South Padre Island, Texas, lends itself to romance—the Gulf Coast beaches are effortlessly beautiful, making the island a popula

rn South Padre Island, Texas, lends itself to romance—the Gulf Coast beaches are effortlessly beautiful, making the island a popular vacation destination. That’s why Natalie Alfaro (31 and a lawyer) and Chris Gonzales (32 and a teacher and football coach) got married at their hometown church in Donna, Texas, and then hosted their reception on the island at Namar Event Center in South Padre Island, an elegant ivory building with classic columns and oversize windows that could accommodate their 200 guests with ease. “It’s easily the most beautiful venue on the island,” Natalie says. “Our local guests were able to easily attend the ceremony and reception, and our out-of-town guests had the benefit of a destination wedding.” Their planner, Janelle Allen from Destination We, helped Natalie and Chris create a beachy atmosphere with a palette of blue, coral white and ivory with lace details to add a vintage vibe. Florist Sandra Pope from Along Came Sandra brought in roses, hydrangeas and greenery to play up the romance. Nena Siller of IncrEdible Catering created a scrumptious dinner menu (we’re talking mini empanadas, Gulf Coast seviche shooters, crab salad crepe cornets and fillets), along with an paella station filled with seafood and hearty fare. But that’s not all—at midnight, Nena Siller wowed guests with a Mexican wedding tradition: menudo and posole. At the end of the night, everyone gathered on Namar Event Center’s wrap-around patio for a fireworks show. Needless to say, Natalie and Chris spared no detail to make their wedding perfect. See the details below, captured by David Pezzat Photographers.

Natalie and Chris hosted their reception at Namar Event Center on South Padre Island, Texas. "We could not have chosen a better venue," Natalie says. "We wanted an indoor venue with a great outdoor space, and Namar had that and more."
Natalie's bridesmaids wore cobalt blue floor-length dresses in one-shoulder or V-neck styles. Bouquets of ivory and coral with touches of greenery tied in the romantic beach theme.
Natalie and Chris had a memorable grand entrance into their reception, thanks to exciting live music by Mariachis 7 Legunas. The mariachi band treated guests to an hour of festive music during dinner too.
The interior of Namar Event Center in South Padre Island, Texas, was just as impressive as the outside: It had elegant ivory drapery and oversize windows that let in lots of natural light. Rustic family-style dining tables and chiavari chairs enhanced the elegant beachy atmosphere.
Natalie and Chris's sweetheart table had a lace runner that channeled their vintage decor inspiration. Two arrangements of white hydrangeas, baby's breath and ivory and coral roses with pops of greenery draped over the table ends.
Tall flower arrangements of ivory and coral roses, hydrangeas, baby's breath and touches of hanging amaranthus, displayed in crystal vases, decorated the smaller, round dining tables. Floating candles in blue water brought in a beach-inspired touch.
Lace table runners and elegant candelabras channeled vintage on Natalie and Chris's long, family-style wooden dining tables. Dinner started with a beautiful fresh salad, created by Nena Siller of IncrEdible Catering.
Honey's Cakes created a stunning four-tier cake with exquisite ivory floral details and sugar flowers. A wreath of ivory flowers surrounding the gold cake stand, embellished with rhinestones, completed the eye-catching display.
Natalie's bouquet had ivory roses and hydrangeas with scabiosa pods and whimsical, wild greens that evoked the beachy atmosphere of her wedding reception at Namar Event Center in South Padre Island, Texas.