The Sanders Home

Brunch with the Bride

The Mansard House

Rehearsal Dinner

Naked Iguana Brewery

Welcome Party

The Artisan Event Venue

Wedding Day

Our Wedding

On April 27th, 2021, Sydney and Alex had their first date at Axelrad Beer Garden in Houston. Since this was right as Covid regulations were starting to lift, the bar was offering a free beer to anyone with a vaccine card and Sydney thought this would be the perfect way to make sure Alex wasn't an anti-vaxxer.Over the next few months, each person showed the other their favorite spots in Houston. Alex brought Sydney to Buffalo Bayou Brewery, turtle races at Little Woodrow's, and trivia nights at Nettbar. Sydney brought Alex to his first comedy show at Don't Tell Comedy, bingo at SPJST Lodge, and she even convinced him to go to a Houston Astros game (even if he was wearing a Houston Asterisks shirt).The couple made their relationship official on 7/14/21 and then flew to Fairbanks, Alaska 5 days later for their first big trip together. Since then, they have visited 15 states and 7 countries together and are always looking forward to their next trip.In the Spring of 2022, Sydney was officially accepted into medical school at UTMB in Galveston to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. She completed her 3rd and final year of teaching through Teach For America, where she was a 9th grade Biology teacher at Davis Ninth Grade School in Aldine ISD, then moved down to Galveston that July.Over the next year, they made many trips between Galveston and Houston to spend time with each other. From Alex supporting Sydney as much as he could in her first year of med school to Sydney supporting Alex as he trained for and participated in the Ironman 70.3, they knew that distance couldn't keep them apart.In July of 2023, Alex was more than ready to get out of Houston and was able to get permission from his job to only have to work in the office once a week. This was all the encouragement he needed and allowed him to join Sydney in Galveston after a year of long distance.Many of Sydney's breaks from school have been filled with big trips with Alex, and the summer following the completion of her second year of school was no different. They had planned to spend a few days in Barcelona followed by a 7 night Mediterranean cruise and Alex was determined to make it the trip of a lifetime. On their 3rd day, May 2nd, 2024, Alex had booked a private walking tour of the city with a local tour guide for them. The guide told them she was also a photographer and wondered if she could use them to help build up her portfolio along the tour. Though Sydney was mildly annoyed with how many pictures the guide took along the way, she suspected nothing, so when they arrived at the beautiful fountain at Parque de la Ciutadella and the guide wanted them to take some pictures, she was able to easily capture Sydney's look of surprise as Alex got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife.

Our Story

Photos

Though they briefly attended the same elementary school, it was Young Junior High Orchestra that created this friendship, which has continued through Martin High School, Texas A&M, and post graduation. (Photo featuring the only A&M football game Devron ever attended)

Devron Jones

At Texas A&M’s Fish Camp, Drew and Alex were part of the same DG within Camp Barttlebort and quickly bonded over fishing in Rockport and sports, leading to being roommates for 3 years. 

Drew Ramirez

From roommate of friends at A&M to 3 year roommates in Houston, Alex and Troy enjoyed their bachelor pad and exploring the area as young professionals

Troy Collins

A road trip to the Grand Canyon in 2016 with the International Student Mentors Association at Texas A&M led to Alex and Daniel becoming officers in that organization, officers in Camp Kesem, and eventually roommates in Houston. Together they’ve visited numerous states and 9 countries together and are always thinking about the next adventure.

Daniel Smith

Young Junior High started this friendship as Matt and Alex hung out in the orchestra room every morning before school and enjoyed each other's humor. The Italian exchange program during their senior year of high school was their biggest adventure as they explored Italy and Slovenia. The two always try and meet up for a round of golf whenever they’re in the same city.

Matt Dao

A roadtrip to NASA with ISMA introduced Jonah and Alex. From becoming officers in that organization, counselors in Camp Kesem, a road trip around Iceland, Spring Break in Europe, attending many A&M football games, and even doing their ring dunk together, if you saw one of them during college, the other was probably not too far behind!

Jonah Fritz

When Alex moved to Little Elementary School in 1st grade, Caelan immediately became his first friend there. The 2 quickly became best friends as they played YMCA basketball together, attended fish fry’s at St Vincent de Paul, were the coolest kids at orchestra camp, and explored Italy through the Italian exchange program. 

Caelan Beary

When Sydney started med school, she told Alex that one of her friends was also dating an engineer and that they’d be great friends and it turned out she was right. Both became founding members at Naked Iguana Brewery and anytime one shows up there, the first question the bartenders always ask is when the other person is coming.

Winston Mosley

Hannah and Sydney met when they were 5 years old at Lakewood Elementary in Tomball, Texas. The two quickly became best friends, participating in Girl Scouts, creating The Cougar News, and running lemonade stands. They stayed best friends through the years as both moved around multiple times and have always been there for each other to celebrate graduations, weddings, growing families, all of the other big milestones!

Hannah Kircher

Brooke is Sydney's little sister and lifelong best friend. She is one of Sydney's biggest role models, as she has always been the confident, fearless sister who is unapologetically herself. She has always been there for Sydney, whether it is picking her up from the airport, listening to her vent about life, or making her the perfect latte to help her with studying for medical school. They bond over their love for animals, especially big dogs that shed all over the house.

Brooke Rhodes

Abbey is Sydney's sister. Sydney has always admired her baby sister for her independence, boldness, and effortless humor. She is who Sydney goes to first for advice about clothes, makeup, and skin/hair care. Abbey also keeps her up to date on all of the latest Gen Z lingo, which was especially helpful when Sydney was a high school teacher. 

Abbey Sanders

Sydney met Amy at her first job when they were both 16 years old. They quickly became close friends, floating the river together, jamming out to Blues on the Green, and having late-night pancakes at Kerbey Lane after long hours working at The Oasis. Despite moving thousands of miles away from each other during college, they have remained close and take yearly girls' trips where they take time to celebrate each other's big moments in life.

Amy Lindsey

Jenny and Sydney met during the first week of medical school and quickly bonded over having engineer boyfriends. They have been there for each other through all of the ups and downs of medical school, cheering each other on through studying for board exams and surviving tough clerkships. They have bonded over beach days, potluck dinners, gym sessions, and many nights at the local brewery, celebrating the journey to become doctors!

Jennifer Mosely

Maria and Sydney met in middle school and roomed together at Texas A&M University for three years. They spent many nights cooking roomie dinners and bonding over their love for reality TV. Maria was one of the first in college to know Sydney would have a future career in medicine, so she made sure to start asking her early on for medical advice( even when Sydney was only in Biology 101) and has always been there to cheer Sydney on during her medical journey.

Maria Velasco

Sydney knew that she and Alex's sister Jessica would get along great when she heard Jessica was also passionate about becoming the first doctor in her family. They have celebrated many holidays together and bonded over surviving the grind of medical school (including both having to do Anki on family trips). They both also enjoy forcing Alex to participate in family board game nights during holidays!

Jessica Tabary

Lindsey was one of Sydney's first friends when she moved to Austin. They swam together for the Vandegrift Vipers, worked together at the Oasis, and Lindsey single-handedly helped Sydney survive high school computer science and physics! Despite attending rival colleges and living on opposite sides of the country, they still love their FaceTime catch-ups and traveling together!

Lindsey Swiatek

Rachael and Sydney met in kindergarten in Tomball, Texas. They swam together on the Heatherwood Hurricanes, and both played basketball for the legendary YMCA Penguins. Rachael moved across the country, but they ran into each other in Houston when Sydney and Alex were on one of their first dates! They bond over traveling the country, ordering the best appetizers at each restaurant, and trying to convince Alex that Houston is the best city in Texas!

Rachael Walker

Wedding Party

Dress Code

Q + A

For all of our recommendations of what to do, where to eat, where to stay, and more, <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1rYyvieAYHrIJQxHJxFFdXwH7H--CniQ&amp;usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">check out this map we put together</a>

Flight Info

Hobby Airport (HOU)~43 miles from venue (45-55 min drive)Uber: ~$80 each way<a href="https://galvestonexpress.com/galveston-taxi-rates-schedule/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Galveston Express Shuttle</a>: $60 round trip per person<a href="https://galvestonlimo.com/airport-shuttle/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Galveston Limo Shuttle</a>: $56 round trip per person<a href="https://www.supershuttle.com/galveston-cruise-port-shuttle/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Super Shuttle Express</a>: Varies based on no. of people Bush Airport (IAH)~70 miles from venue (70 - 90 min drive)Uber: ~$130 each way<a href="https://galvestonexpress.com/galveston-taxi-rates-schedule/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Galveston Express Shuttle</a>: $70 round trip per person<a href="https://galvestonlimo.com/airport-shuttle/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Galveston Limo Shuttle</a>: $56 round trip per person<a href="https://www.supershuttle.com/galveston-cruise-port-shuttle/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Super Shuttle Express</a>: Varies based on no. of people

Accomodations

There are many great places to stay on Galveston island! We know the island is known for its white sand beaches and crystal clear water, but we’d recommend staying close to The Strand area. This will allow you to be walking distance to the venue, welcome party, and many amazing things the island has to offer. But don’t worry, you’re never more than a mile from the beach anywhere on the island! We suggest looking into Airbnb or VRBO for options in and around the strand. Below are some of the best options that we would recommend!

The only hotel on the strand won't leave you disappointed and is less than half a mile from the venue!

The Tremont House

Historical BNB only 2 blocks from the venue! Stay where Alfred Hitchcock once stayed and where he was inspired to create his famous film "The Birds".

The Mansion on 17th (formerly Schaefer Haus)

Stay at another historical BNB, just 3 blocks away from the venue, that was built in 1860 for Edward Austin, cousin of Stephen F. Austin!

The George Manor

Want to stay on the water, but still be walking distance to the venue and all the Strand has to offer? This is the place for you at less than 1/2 a mile from the venue!

Harbor House Hotel & Marina at Pier 21

If the beach and luxury are more your style, you can't go wrong with the Grand Galvez, located just over a mile from the venue and right across from the beach!

Grand Galvez

Just 1.5 miles from the venue, if you are looking for a more laid back option with touches of luxury, like a rooftop bar overlooking the beach and multiple restaurants, Hotel Lucine is the place for you!

Hotel Lucine

Travel

For all of our recommendations of what to do, where to eat, where to stay, and more, <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1rYyvieAYHrIJQxHJxFFdXwH7H--CniQ&amp;usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">check out this map we put together</a>

Alex & Sydney

Alex & Sydney

Registry