Alden King and Reed Chapman first dated in high school but eventually parted ways to leave Boston and attend different colleges. Ten years later, their careers had brought them to New York City. Late on a Saturday night, Alden saw an Instagram DM from Reed that read, “I see you live in NYC now. Have dinner with me on Tuesday?”
After dating for six months, the couple moved into a 400-square-foot studio apartment on the corner of 14th and 8th together. Six months later, they moved to Houston, Texas. And just two years later, Reed proposed to Alden at their favorite neighborhood restaurant, Tiny Boxwoods. He decorated the outdoor gazebo tablespace with crystal candlesticks and place cards. When Alden saw the giant Baccarat wine glass that her father used to propose to her mother, she knew what was about to happen. Reed stooped to one knee and said, “I’m sorry this took so long. Will you marry me?” After Alden’s emphatic yes, her parents, sister, and close friends joined them for Sauvignon Blanc and pizza in the pouring rain.
The bride-to-be wanted an outdoor garden wedding with color and whimsy. After Alden saw a certain De Gournay wallpaper with flowers, saturated colors, and animal jungle creatures, “the electric garden party was born!” she declares. “Julie King really brought the whole thing to life with our wedding crest.” Searching for the right venue in Houston proved to be no easy task, but the McGovern Centennial Gardens were perfect. They reached out to Cathleen Holloway of Holloway Events for the logistics. “She is just fabulous and I would recommend her to anyone!” Alden boasts. “Not only is she a wonderful wedding planner, but she is also a very kind and special friend. She’s definitely someone you want on your team.”
Alden even wanted her dress to feature a bit of color. When she saw the Monique Lhuillier Lily of the Valley dress with its delicate colors at the Casa de Novia Bridal Couture trunk show, she knew that the gown was exactly what she should wear and styled the rest of the wedding around the dress. The wedding cake detailing would even match the dress’s embroidery. For her second look of the night, Alden found something with color, as well. She turned to Tina Davis of the designer vintage shop Cheeky Vintage. Davis found her a whole rack of couture frocks, and Alden chose a hot pink chiffon number from 1962. She exclaims, “I felt like disco Barbie in it!” The groom wore a custom white dinner jacket from Knot Standard.
Alden let all of her bridesmaids pick their own white dresses of different materials and lengths for the occasion. She notes, “It was important to me for everyone to feel like themselves.” Etoilly Artistry applied Alden’s makeup, and Meghan Lee arranged the bride’s tousled ponytail updo.
On April 23, 2022, the couple’s pastor, Katie Montgomery Mears, delivered a personalized service for Alden and Reed, highlighting what the couple values in each other and their relationship. “I’m not a crier, and even I shed a tear!” Alden confesses. “Reed and I loved our pre-marital classes with her leading up to the wedding. It was important for us to get on the same page about family, religion, and more before we got married; and the guidance Katie gave us is priceless.”
The newlyweds joined guests for cocktail hour with margaritas, mini tuna tacos, and truffle grilled cheeses in the shape of hearts. Everyone sat down for Fare Extraordinaire‘s feast of lobster rolls and French fries—an homage to Boston—fried rice and gyoza, fried chicken, and macaroni and cheese. Alden and Reed cut into the bride’s Monique Lhuiller-inspired cake and the groom’s Patriots cake. They shared their first dance to “Adore You” by Harry Styles.
Everybody danced underneath the hanging pink florals and grooved to the Jessie’s Girls Band on Julie King’s whimsical butterfly dance floor. Alden and her father brought the house down with their moves to “Dancing Queen” by ABBA. Olivia Rae James was there to photograph the many smiles of the day. Alden and Reed left the reception in a vintage red convertible and met up with friends for a few drinks as Mr. and Mrs.
