Eden Chiou Epner, M.D. and Jonathan Michael Bruhn, M.D. first met on the very first day of medical-school orientation – though Eden nearly missed the moment. Jonathan tried to strike up a conversation with Eden, who, caught up in meeting new classmates, did not quite catch what was happening. Still, Eden quickly took notice of her handsome, kind, well-traveled classmate, assuming he must already be taken.

Between anatomy labs and study breaks, their friendship quietly grew over time. Eden, a city girl and Houston native, and Jonathan, raised in the small town of Big Sandy, Texas, discovered that their differences only complemented each other, and that at their core, they shared the same values, dreams, and sense of adventure. Their match was sealed with the help of Eden’s sister Margeaux, who, during a shared trauma surgery rotation, confirmed Jonathan was single and gave Eden the final nudge to say yes to a long-awaited date.

Following a romantic sunset proposal on a trip to Israel, Eden and Jonathan began planning their wedding in the bride’s hometown of Houston. With just nine months to plan the nuptials with 165 loved ones in attendance, the pair enlisted the help of esteemed wedding and event planner Ann Whittington. The best planning advice they received? “Trust Ann Whittington’s invaluable experience and advice,” says Eden, who also leaned on her mother and sister throughout the process. Together, they designed an event that felt romantic, artful, and uniquely them.

“Follow your wedding vision, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box because you only get married once!”

The outdoor wedding ceremony took place beneath a historic oak tree illuminated with five miles of twinkle lights wrapped around its majestic trunk and branches. The bride walked down the aisle with both of her parents to meet Jonathan under a stunning white chuppah made entirely of clouds of baby's breath. After exchanging vows, the groom kept tradition and broke the glass. While loved ones enjoyed cocktail hour, the newlyweds took a moment to read private vows, just the two of them, under the illuminated oak tree – a highlight for both Eden and Jonathan.

Inside the ballroom, the all-white floral design continued, offering a striking contrast to Eden’s nontraditional bridal gown. Daring to wear an eye-popping colorful floral appliqué wedding dress, the bride’s showstopping look became a décor element all its own.

The reception space itself was transformed by a monochromatic palette: towering centerpieces of white tulips, calla lilies, and baby’s breath rose from vases, while similar low florals decorated long tablescapes. Candles of varying heights flickered, creating a soft, romantic glow throughout the room, which highlighted crystal chandeliers and clouds of baby’s breath overhead.

Guests found their seats via black-and-white photo matchbox name cards set atop champagne glasses, and then enjoyed a seated multi-course dinner complete with Korean banchan (side dishes) served family style. Dessert highlighted a five-layer white almond wedding cake decorated with edible handmade sugar peonies, roses, and ranunculus. With their palates satiated, the newlyweds and their guests danced and celebrated all night, beginning with a lively hora.

The couple’s two cultures and personalities were wonderfully woven throughout the day – from a traditional Jewish ceremony to a Korean menu and additional personalized details. One surprise in particular stood out: Jonathan wrote a song for Eden and performed it, singing and playing guitar, as a surprise wedding gift during the reception.

As the evening came to a close, guests gathered for a confetti-lined send-off as the new Mr. and Mrs. departed in a sleek black Rolls-Royce Wraith. “It was perfect!” the bride affirms of their beautiful hometown winter wedding. Her advice for future couples? “Follow your wedding vision, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box because you only get married once!” she shares.