Saturday February 3, 2024
Rio Grande Valley, Texas
420 days 19 hrs ago
Our Story
Abigail and Drew met as 3rd graders back in 2002, both having grown up in Harlingen, Texas. Though they went to different schools, they met through religious education classes at St. Anthony Church. They grew up as friends throughout grade school and ended up in the same social circle once they were at Harlingen South in high school. They continued their friendship in college when Drew was at The University of Texas and Abigail was at Texas A&M University. They remained in touch and would catch up when they were both either in Austin or College Station visiting friends or down in The Valley visiting family during holiday breaks. Post college, Drew was working and living in the Austin area for several years before moving to Dallas and Abigail was living in The Woodlands, outside of Houston. Though they were the kind of friends that didn't talk daily, they continued to stay connected and would spend time together with their mutual friends whenever they were in the same city.
In July of 2020, Abigail and Drew finally figured out that there was more to their friendship and began dating. They both had individual plans to move to Austin for professional and personal reasons and by the end of 2020, they'd relocated and began their lives in the central Texas area. Over the last 3 years, Drew and Abigail have spent time doing the things they enjoy and continuing to grow their relationship. They've spent this time developing their careers, traveling whenever the opportunity presents itself, exploring all central Texas has to offer, hosting friends and family and going on adventures with their favorite rescue pup, Sonny. Drew popped the question on December 1, 2022 in Denver, Colorado in front of Union Station and it was the easiest "yes!" ever for Abigail. They've been very fortunate to have grown their relationship on such a longstanding friendship and are so excited to finally make it official!
Abigail and Drew feel very blessed to have gotten to this point and are ready to begin the next chapter of life together and celebrate their union among family and friends. It is even more special that the couple is planning to be married at the same church in which they met as kids by Father Tom, who was the Priest when Abigail and Drew were growing up.
We appreciate all of the love and support from our family and friends and look forward to seeing everyone in February 2024!
Schedule
The Wedding Party
Travel & Recs
Airports, Hotels & 956 Recommendations
Below is information on airports, our hotel room block, some of our favorite activities and local spots for food and drinks. There are also other options when it comes to lodging, so feel free to check out AirBnb and other hotels in the area to see what is best for you.
When looking at the list of recommendations, we encourage mapping them out to see where they are in reference to where you are staying as their locations span a good portion of The Valley. We hope this is helpful as you plan travel and look into where to stay, things to see, do and try in the RGV!
Airports
There are 3 airports within the Rio Grande Valley. The Valley International Airport (HRL), located in Harlingen, is the largest and most convenient airport to wedding festivities.
Other local airports include the McAllen International Airport (MFE) and the Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport (BRO).
Hilton Garden Inn - Harlingen Convention Center (Official Room Block)
This hotel is the location of our official guest room block. The last day for guests to make a reservation at the discounted rate was January 14, 2024.
There is a shuttle bus available for service within a 5 mile radius through the hotel for guests to use as needed. Normal operating hours are 8 AM - 10 PM. Rides can be scheduled at the front desk or by calling the hotel (956-428-1400). The hotel has agreed to drop off guests that request rides to the venue Saturday, even though it is outside of the 5 mile radius. Please keep in mind the shuttle end time (10 PM) as it is before the end of the reception. If the shuttle is used to get to the venue, alternate arrangements will be needed at the end of the night. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) should be available in the area.
There are other hotels recommended below and numerous other options within the area if this option does not fit your preference.
Holiday Inn Express Harlingen
Residence Inn by Marriott Harlingen
Our Favorite Eats in the RGV
Things to do in The Valley
FAQs
For all our friends and family who have questions, please check out our Q & A!
When is the RSVP deadline?
The deadline to RSVP has passed as of December 16, 2023 and has now closed.
Will your wedding day include children?
As much as we love your little ones, we will not be including them in the wedding festivities. We politely request that you make arrangements for child care so you can enjoy the day celebrating!
Attire
Cocktail Attire
Please, no jeans requested. NOTE: The venue has brick flooring and areas of uneven surface. Ladies, very high heels are NOT recommended. Go with a chunky heel or a cute small heel/flat shoe to be on the safe side!
Can I bring a date?
We’re so excited to celebrate this day with our closest family and friends and ask that you not bring a guest unless your formal invitation indicates otherwise.
What time should I arrive to the ceremony?
The ceremony will begin promptly at 2:00 PM. Doors to the church will open at 1:30 PM. Please be seated by 1:50 PM so the mass can begin promptly!
What time should I arrive to the reception?
Guests can begin arriving at 5:30 PM when the doors open. Dinner will begin at 6 PM with serving ending promptly at 8 PM. Reception & dancing to follow!
Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?
Our ceremony will take place indoors in our childhood Catholic Church.
The reception venue is semi-outdoor hacienda style venue - it is fully covered, but open air. There are heaters and wind/rain screens if it turns out to be a cold day, but please also plan to dress according to the weather!
Weather
Our ceremony will be held indoors and is climate controlled.
The reception space is a hacienda style venue that is fully covered, but open air. There are heaters and wind/rain screens to provide additional warmth and protection from the elements if it turns out to be a cold day.
Recommendations on what to do between the ceremony and reception
There will be a gap of time between the ceremony and the reception. Guests can take the time to grab a drink somewhere around town, freshen up at home/your hotel, consolidate cars or Uber/Lyft to the venue if desired. See our list of recommendations under "Travel & Recs" for local businesses to support/explore!
Parking Details
Parking is free, paved, and available on-site at the church.
The reception venue has some paved parking and additional overflow gravel parking, all onsite. If you have to leave your vehicle overnight, they must be picked up and off-site no later than 10 AM Sunday morning.
Is anything going on the night before the wedding?
Yes! We are planning to be at the bar of the Hilton Garden Inn - Harlingen Convention Center (room block hotel) the Friday night of the wedding weekend to visit and greet guests anytime after 8:30 PM. This is a casual come and go event with a cash bar available. We would love to see you and have our friends and family get acquainted before the big day!
Is there anything going on Sunday after the wedding?
Drew and Abigail will be at local food truck park, The Moon Rock, Sunday morning for brunch starting at 11 AM as long as the weather allows. Food trucks & brunch beverages will be available for purchase! Stop by on your way out of town to wrap up the weekend if your travel schedule allows.
Hotel Room Block & Shuttle
We have a block of rooms available at the Hilton Garden Inn - Harlingen Convention Center. Rooms are available at a discounted price. Please see the "Travel & Recs" tab of the website for the booking link and more details. The last day to reserve rooms with the block is January 14, 2024.
There is a shuttle bus available for service within a 5 mile radius for guests to use as needed. Normal operating hours are 8 AM - 10 PM. Rides can be scheduled at the front desk or by calling the hotel (956-428-1400). The hotel has agreed to drop off guests that request rides to the venue Saturday, even though it is outside of the 5 mile radius. Please keep in mind the shuttle end time (10 PM) as it is before the end of the reception. If the shuttle is used to get to the venue, alternate arrangements will be needed at the end of the night. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) should be available in the area.
Cell Phones
Our ceremony will be held inside the Catholic church. We politely ask that you silence your cell phones and refrain from photography and video during the service. Professional photographers and videographers have been hired to capture the moment. Please enjoy the time in prayer with us. Photos after the ceremony and at the reception are welcome!
Bar Service
A bar and other non-alcoholic beverages will be available on site at the reception venue. A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available to guests on the bride and groom's tab!
Other beverages selected outside of the bride and groom's menu will be at the expense of the guest. Please celebrate responsibly and designate a safe ride home.
Still have questions?
Feel free to reach out to Abigail or Drew prior to the wedding day via email, text, or phone.
Registry
Although your presence is present enough, for those wishing to send a gift, we've created a wish list for both cash funds and physical gifts.
Cash funds can be gifted through the platform if preferred. Our wish list includes items from some of our favorite retailers with options for group gifting. Thank you and we can't wait to celebrate with you!
Get the app
Download Joy and join our app using our event handle abigail-and-drew. View and share photos and stay up-to-date with details on the go.