When Marielena and Diego contacted us more than a year before their wedding date, we knew we had to work with this sweet couple. They hired us for our six-week coordination and DJ package at their beautiful Chandelier of Gruene wedding. They wanted a classic Texas wedding with Latino influences, and we’re so glad we could be a part of this fabulous celebration.

Catholic Wedding Traditions

Marielena and Diego chose to have a Catholic ceremony in the chapel at Chandelier of Gruene. We love how easy this chapel makes it to hold religious ceremonies right on site! The space is a gorgeous option for any ceremony, with beautiful stone walls, a white exterior, and crystal chandeliers. There are enough pews to easily fit up to 300 guests. Chandelier of Gruene couples even have a tradition of pulling the rope to ring the church bell at the end of their recession.

In addition to the classic Catholic ceremony, Marielena and Diego incorporated some Hispanic traditions, such as arras matrimoiales, or the coins. In this tradition, couples will exchange coins, symbolizing shared prosperity, unity, and God’s blessings. There are 13 coins in total, referring to Jesus and his twelve apostles. This was such a lovely way to incorporate their heritage into their wedding ceremony.

Texas Reception with Latino Influence

While their style is classic, Marielena and Diego’s wedding was anything but boring. After the ceremony, they started the evening with an outdoor cocktail hour with special guests—two beer burros! We absolutely love this Texas tradition of having donkeys carry drinks to guests, and it always makes for incredible photo ops.

Diego and Marielena asked for a mix of country and Latin music for their wedding reception. We had so much fun putting together some mixes for them and watching their friends and family fill the dance floor. And, of course, since they’re A&M alumni, we had to include the War Hymn! We played music well into the night and even capped off the evening with a private last dance for this sweet couple.

Wedding Planning with The Wedding Duo

We had so much fun coordinating and DJing for Diego and Marielena’s wedding at Chandelier of Gruene. They were such a sweet couple and had the most welcoming friends and family! While we truly wish we could celebrate in person with every couple, we know that isn’t always possible. So, instead, we’ve created the ultimate wedding planning resource: The Wedding Duo Membership. With our membership, you can access all of our planning guides, video modules, live Q&As, and even join a community of other engaged couples. Head over to our membership page for all the details!