“Much of our dating relationship was during the pandemic and the shutdown,” Caroline Melo says of the early days with Henry Royer Chapman. “We spent a lot of our time outside at Memorial Park in Houston, so it became a special place for us.” Unbeknownst to the bride-to-be, Henry ended up proposing in that exact spot. Caroline had gone for a morning walk with a few friends, when she spotted him from across the lake—a bouquet of flowers and an engagement ring in hand. “Both of our families and some friends were hiding nearby, and we popped Champagne and celebrated—it was absolute magic.”
Caroline grew up vacationing on 30A, so when it came time to scout wedding venues, The Chapel at Seaside—on her favorite street in town—was top of mind. The reception was on the Lyceum Lawn, where Caroline frequently played as a child. “Neither Henry nor I wanted a stuffy indoor reception, so a sailcloth tent reception on the Lyceum Lawn felt different and fun,” the bride shares. The couple then enlisted Shelby Peaden Events to plan it all and Lauren Kinsey to photograph.
As for the wedding’s aesthetic, Caroline knew she wanted color but didn’t have a specific vision, until she found her wedding dress. “I also wanted to make a nod to the beach without making it a ‘beach wedding,’” she explains. “We slyly incorporated a few shell designs throughout in addition to the beautiful florals making it more of a ‘garden party’ at the beach.”
The bride-to-be chose the first wedding dress she ever tried on, Monique Lhuillier’s Bloom Gown. “After that, every white dress felt boring. I’ve always been one to be a bit daring with fashion, so wearing something a little non-traditional felt right,” she notes. Nicola Bathie’s Mother of Pearl Studs—the same pair her sister donned during her wedding—became Caroline’s “something borrowed,” as well as a statement bridal accessory. Deana Kale styled her day of updo.
Carline requested a color palette of blues, greens, yellows, and pinks of the bridal party, and, as for her mother and sister, they complemented in custom looks by Nardos Design.
On October 15, 2022, Caroline and Henry said, “I do,” surrounded by loved ones. The bride’s uncle officiated, and the couple shared personal vows before heading out of the chapel as Mr. and Mrs. Chapman. “It was so special to have a family member be the one to conduct the ceremony,” the bride says. “We wanted the ceremony to both mention and honor our late fathers, but we also wanted a ceremony that was a happy and joyous celebration. It was just that.”
Caroline’s family—a crew of dedicated football fans—was elated that the ceremony fell just in time for halftime during the coveted Tennessee vs. Alabama game. “Tennessee beat Alabama that day, and my mom had the band start the reception off with ‘Rocky Top.’ I’m pretty sure it was the best day of her life,” the bride laughs. During the reception, the Houston Astros secured the ALCS Championship to advance to the World Series, another sport-centered victory to amp up the celebration.
The reception design mirrored the subtle greens in Caroline’s dress, echoing the whimsical design through the tablescapes, Myrtie Blue florals, and wedding cake. “Our reception surpassed all of my expectations,” the bride says. “When I saw the tent for the first time, my jaw dropped. Shelby and our incredible florist Myrtie Blue absolutely killed it. After we were introduced at the reception, I immediately ran and hugged my mother and thanked her for giving me the most beautiful wedding in the world.”
Townsend Catering offered up a menu of delectable fare and signature cocktails. The lively Evolution Party Band reintroduced Caroline and Henry before the two danced to “Misty” by Johnny Mathis—a request by the groom. After a night under bright disco lights, Caroline and Henry escaped in a golf cart—30A’s favorite ride—before shutting down Bud & Alley’s for seaside drinks on the balcony.
