Houston collaborated with stylist Lisa Von Weise on the rest of her wedding day looks. Going into the design process, the bride knew two things: she wanted her looks to feel classic and timeless, and she wanted to incorporate lace into every piece to honor a tradition shared by her mother and grandmother on their wedding days. “One of the most rewarding and unforgettable processes that I experienced was designing my wedding gown with Alison Miller, owner of Monvieve,” says the bride. “Her knowledge of fabric, quality, and tailoring is unparalleled.” She worked closely with Alison to add French Chantilly lace underneath, using a couture process, to create a high neckline and long sleeves, ultimately making it more appropriate for a chapel setting. Meanwhile, Ade wore a custom Grey Clothiers black tuxedo with an ivory vest, Tom Ford Edgar patent leather loafers, and pearl cufflinks.
A formal, traditional ceremony inside a chapel was also a must for the couple, who both grew up playing an active role in their churches, and when guests arrived at Somerset Chapel they were greeted with lush, seasonal arrangements of white florals and a custom chandelier draped in greenery. The ceremony began with a wedding party processional to “The Swan” by Camille Saint-Saëns played live by the Kiral Artists’ string trio, and was officiated by South Carolina congressman, high-ranking House Democrat, and longtime friend of Houston’s family, James Clyburn, who weaved in playful banter that nodded to his deep connection with the family. The bride was escorted down the aisle by her father, who then hugged Ade. “I think what helped the most was that we shared our vows privately before the ceremony,” says Houston. “After we shared our vows, my entire focus was on having the best time with Ade and I forgot about everything else.” Former Presiding Elder Eddie Gadsden provided a brief sermon and prayer, and the Hallelujah singers led the recessional with “Holy, Holy, Holy” and “Oh Happy Day” before the couple was chauffeured away in a Rolls Royce Corniche to the River House for cocktail hour and dinner.
There, guests took in scenic views of the May River on the veranda while enjoying South Carolina favorites including tomato pie and fresh crab with soy pearls. Afterwards, they were seated with velvet blue menus bearing each individual guest’s name, followed by a dinner of filet mignon and lobster dinner that reflected the couple’s shared love of a classic NYC steakhouse. The bride grew up playing the piano, and always loved the musical Porgy & Bess, so as an interlude between the first and second courses, Christopher Hyatt sang “Summertime,” made famous by Ella Fitzgerald. Then, just as the sun was setting during the final course, the double doors on the veranda opened and gave way to the silhouettes of the father-daughter and mother-son dances taking place against the golden hues of dusk to “You’re All I Need to Get By” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.
