Gabriel and Merribelle Dennis
Tell us about your love story!
How did you meet?
We’ve grown up together and attended the same church. So we had been friends for many years and don’t necessarily remember meeting. We have always been in each other’s lives.
How did you know he was “The One”?
Merribelle: On one of our first dates, we went for a long walk on my parents’ ranch. We talked about different topics, and I knew at that moment I wanted to marry him. Also, since we had grown up together, I have been able to witness how respectfully he treated his parents and what a tender and servant’s heart he has for his siblings and friends. His character spoke for itself in his actions, and I knew he was the one for me.
Gabriel: Short and sweet – When I laid eyes on her!
How did he propose?
One of our favorite activities is taking walks on my parents’ ranch, and we have a special spot on a hill that overlooks our two ponds. Occasionally, we would walk to our spot, enjoy the beautiful view, talk, and just enjoy spending time together. This is where he proposed, and here is the story:
Gabriel would come over every Thursday, and the Thursday of March 19th he asked me if I’d like to take a walk. This time he brought one of his golf clubs as he wanted to hit a golf ball off our special hill. We took our time walking to the spot, and once we got there we sat and rested for a little bit. One of our conversation starters was “Do you have any questions for me?” I replied with “Not right now,” Then he answered back and said “Well I have one for you” and that is when he asked me to marry him! Going back to the golf club – He said there was no way he was going to be able to hide a ring box in his pocket, so he concealed it with a few golf balls. After I said “YES”, he hit one of the golf balls into one of the ponds as a celebration of our engagement!
Describe your wedding planning process.
Who helped with the planning?
It was a group effort. The primary planner was my mom, my sister, many of my mom’s friends, and me.
Did you hire a planner or day-of coordinator?
Debbie Leinz, one of our close friends, was our day-of-coordinator, and we couldn’t have pulled the wedding off without her. She was instrumental.
Did you DIY any aspect of your wedding?
Yes! All of the decorating was designed and completed by us and many of our friends who were happy for us to delegate wedding to-dos to them.
Where did you save the most?
We saved the most on our florals, catering, and decorations. My friend keeps a flower garden and supplies a few OKC floral shops. I asked her if she would be willing to do our wedding and she agreed! She was very generous and did our florals for much less than what we would have had to spend.
The main elements of our decor were 36 table centerpieces, candle holders, white table cloths, and table settings. We bought all the needed accessories for the centerpieces and table settings,, we sourced those ourselves from different websites, borrowing from friends and resale. Overall, it was quite a lot of work, but it saved us quite a bit, and we couldn’t have been happier with the outcome.
Our catering was graciously done by my Uncle John, Aunt Susan, and my cousin, Jacob. We also had several friends as servers, waiters, and kitchen help.
Why did you choose your venue?
I have always dreamed of having my wedding at the Civic Center Music Hall in their Meinders Hall of Mirrors ballroom, and we were able to make it a reality. I love anything vintage or from a time gone by, and the Meinders Hall of Mirrors was recently restored to its original glory with its 1937 art deco style. I am also a violinist, pianist, and harpist, so having it in a music hall was special.
Did you incorporate any special traditions or sentimental details in your ceremony or reception?
During our reception, my close friend and violinist, Emma Borders, performed two of my favorite songs (Can’t Help Falling in Love and When I Fall in Love) which opened the dance floor to all of our guests.
What was your most stressful decision?
The most stressful decision was probably where we wanted to have our wedding. Even though I knew my dream venue was the Civic Center, there were a few things that had to be ironed out. Since we had a short engagement, I was a little nervous that the Civic Center wouldn’t have an open date or one that fit our schedule. I also wanted both sides of our family to be at peace with choosing the venue. In the end it worked out, and it was the perfect venue!
What turned out to be your best decision surrounding the big day?
In choosing the processional and recessional music, I had decided to have just the String Quartet play the music as I wasn’ t sure we could find a saxophonist or if it would be worth my time searching. However, my mom convinced me I should try and find one. It was definitely the right choice, and in hindsight I am very happy we found one (thank you Mom!). The saxophonist played as I was walked down the aisle and the exit song. It was phenomenal and gave a totally different atmosphere and texture to the music of the event.
Is there anything you would have done differently?
Honestly nothing super important comes to mind that we would have done differently. The only thing I would have changed is to have more time to eat our wedding cake!
Tell us About
Your dress:
I wanted a simple, classy, yet timeless look. I chose a crepe, fitted, semi-sweetheart neckline with a long train.
Your flowers:
My bridal bouquet, bridesmaids’ bouquet, and groomsmen boutonnieres were all from my friend’s garden, and I let her choose the types of flowers. I gave her our color palette of eucalyptus green, blush pink, taupe, and cream, and she did the rest! To name a few of the types of flowers she used: white roses, pink roses, eucalyptus, foxglove, etc.
The food:
We had pulled pork, green beans, potato salad, and fruit cups.
The cake:
It was a two-tier lemon cake with white frosting decorated with Baby’s Breath.
Recap your big day for us
What made you laugh?
The funniest moment happened after Gabriel and I left the venue which my sister shared with me after we got back from our honeymoon. During the cleanup, everything was almost complete when there was a crash outside the kitchen elevator… It was the last jar of pickles and there were a few pickle jokes tossed around to relieve the situation.
What made you cry?
I didn’t think I was going to cry, but when the doors opened and I saw Gabriel at the end of the aisle, the tears started flowing. Being surrounded with all my loved ones and friends filled my heart with thankfulness and all the tears shed were happy tears.
What were the most memorable moments?
Besides marrying the love of my life, some of the most memorable moments included the first dance with Gabriel, dancing with my dad, the mother-son dance, and dancing with my bridesmaids/girlfriends to Dancing Queen. Also, hearing the soulful sound of the sax as I walked down the aisle was a surreal moment. Lastly, the feeling of gratefulness and appreciation for all the hard work many friends and family put in to make it a perfect day.
Did anything unexpected happen?
Thankfully nothing unexpected happened that I was aware of. Everything went quite smoothly and according to plan.
Advice and Looking Ahead
What’s the best advice you can give a bride and groom planning their wedding?
This is easier said than done, but try not to stress too much about making everything come out perfectly. Take time during the wedding planning to take a break from it all and spend time with each other resting. Remember what the wedding is for – to make a covenant, to become one, and to marry your special someone!
What did you look forward to most as Mr. and Mrs.?
Merribelle: I really looked forward to being Gabriel’s wife, taking care of him, serving him, keeping a house, making new memories together, going on adventures, and to share in all the seasons of life.
Gabriel: Waking up next to her!
Anything else you’d like to share?
Just wanted to say thank you to The Hills Wedding Guide for featuring our special day, and an enormous THANK YOU to my mom, dad, sister, and everyone who stepped in to make our wedding day happen – We love you!
Local Vendors:
Wedding Venue: Civic Center Music Hall in the Meinders Hall of Mirrors
Reception Venue: Civic Center Music Hall in the Meinders Hall of Mirrors
Photographer: Shelbi Jo Photography
Cake/Dessert: Kate’s Kakes
Bridal Shop: Clara Vittorio Bridal
Makeup Artist: Taylor Mauk Bridal
Hair Stylist: Taylor Mauk Bridal
Videographer: Oklahoma Media
Music/Entertainment: Mid-America String Quartet
Logan Gorell – solo Saxophonist
Emma Borders – solo Violinsist
Matthew Valez – DJ
Wedding Music:
Processional: La Valse de L’Amour – Patrick Doyle
Spring 1 – Max Richter
Bride’s Entrance: Ladyfingers – Herp Albert & The Tijuana Brass
Recessional: Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
First Dance: If You Could See What I See – Geoff Moore & The Distance
Father/Daughter Dance: Do You Believe in Magic – The Lovin’ Spoonful
Mother/Son Dance: Men of Erin – The Elders
