A Nazareth Hall Wedding with Game of Thrones + Harry Potter Touches || Jorge + Colleen Vazquez Glenn

Grand Rapids, Ohio | Nazareth Hall | Vazquez Glenn Vow Renewal with Harry Potter + Game of Thrones Touches

10/27/2021

the love story

As told by the Bride, Colleen:
It was destiny that brought us together and we are so thankful and happy it did! Growing up countries apart, but born bleeding black and gold thanks to our Pittsburgh Steelers fan families (thank you, parents!), we were meant to be together. Fast-forward 20+ years and it was fate that lead us to find the Steelers Fans of Minnesota Club in a city miles away from both of our hometowns. With that mutual connection, sparks were flying and our electric love quickly blossomed into the beautiful life we have created together. We are excited to start our forever and see what else destiny has in store for us, as we know our life will be wonderful as along as we are together!

As written by the Groom, Jorge:
The South and the North will be united with this marriage as equals. The Queen in the North finally has a prospect for her King, a wildling won her heart. The House Vázquez Tejeda and the House Glenn will be one, blending their flags making a whole new House, carrying their heritage, culture and history proudly, making this unity the beginning of a whole new story that the ravens will sing in the wind, kings will be jealous of their love, musicians and writers will find inspiration in their love, and people will talk about them through the years saying that their love was as pure as the snow and as passionate as fire. Saying all this, my friends and family, I want to announce that this past July 7th of 2019, Colleen Glenn, the Queen in the North, made me the happiest man in the seven kingdoms. (Bride's edit: And made me the happiest woman in all of the seven kingdoms!)

bridal prep

Colleen + Jorge, like so many couples, felt the touches of the Covid pandemic. Scheduled to be married last year in the midst of the uncertainty, the couple opted to postpone their celebration at the venue of their dreams and solidify their union in a small intimate ceremony on their original date. I was privileged to be one of the few they still included in their ceremony last year, and although short and surrounded by only Colleen’s immediate family [Jorge’s family is in Mexico] it was still magical. Fast forward just shy of a year and this sweet couple finally was able to enjoy their perfectly detailed, Harry Potter and Game of Thrones inspired vow renewal.

Colleen and her mother sipped on mimosas in embroidered button up shirts while they had their hair and makeup done. Colleen wore a beautiful sleeveless fitted gown. The gown was covered in lace with a lace illusion bateau neckline. The lace illusion continued onto the back of the dress dropping down to her waist along with a line of buttons. Her hair was expertly pinned up at the nape of her neck and adorned with small white flowers and a finger tip veil with a beaded edge. Her shoes alternated between navy blue jeweled heels and light blue comfy flats. Her look was completed with a stunning bouquet filled with berries, navy, white, and red flowers.

Jorge looked dapper in his tux. He wore several tokens given to him by his bride to represent the many things they enjoyed and loved. His cuff links were made from the pages of a Harry Potter book, he wore a Game of Thrones pin that had been attached to his card, a Mexican flag pin to represent his country, a watch given to him by Colleen, and [in my opinion] the coolest boutonniere with a tiny golden snitch made from wire [for those of you not in the know… a snitch is from Harry Potter]

first looks

the ceremony

The ceremony was held in the beautiful grotto. With travel still difficult with Covid precautions Jorge’s family joined the ceremony from Mexico on a zoom call and were represented by a photo carried through out the day by Jorge which was then passed to Colleen’s mother, Esther, for the ceremony. Colleen’s father walked her to the main aisle and passed her off to her husband to walk her the rest of the way to their vow renewal. The couple laughed, restated their vows, spun their rings, and had a Celtic hand binding ceremony with ribbons or yellow and black showing off their love for the Steelers.

senor + senora vazquez glenn

Jorge loves VW Beetles. When they were visiting Nazareth they spotted this red beetle and his eyes lit up! Colleen’s parents as a surprise tracked down the owners of Ruby the red beetle and asked to incorporate it with the couple’s day. So naturally we needed to take several photos with this beautiful red beetle!

the reception

Held in the gorgeous Cadet West Ballroom this reception was STUNNING! Four sets of long tables filled the room and transformed the hall into what could have been a feast thrown for royalty. Each place setting perfectly set and topped with a thank you/menu, a name card with a personal message on the back and a golden snitch made from a Ferrero Rocher. The center of the table was line with beautiful live wildflowers, pillar candles on golden stands and tall golden candelabras adorned with a stunning live bouquet of matching flowers. Guests waved wands as the couple entered the hall. The couple sat at the head of the room in front of the beautiful curved windows in handsome wooden throne like chairs. Behind them hung family banners, designed by Jorge and hand sewn by Colleen's mother. Since Jorge’s family was unable to come, Colleen surprised him with a video of heart felt messages in Spanish from all of them projected on to a large screen. After, she then translated the messages for everyone to hear what they had said. Guests then feasted on delicious filet and pecan chicken. After the dances the couple were surprised with Ruby being decorated for their get away car with large Mr. & Mrs. balloons, Steeler’s and Modelo beer cans strung from the back and a custom Mexican flag license plate.