Viviana Peña + John Gollihar
August 24, 2024 • Sandia, TX • engaged 6 months
photos by Seek First Films
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> Click here to view their spotlight in The One Bride Guide magazine
How we met:
My husband and I actually met through work — he’s an engineer and I’m in sales. The first time I saw him, I remember thinking, “Who is that guy?” He used to blush every time he looked at me, which was honestly so sweet. But despite all of that, neither of us ever made the first move. It wasn’t until a mutual coworker, who we now jokingly call our “cupid,” decided to step in and set us up that we finally started talking and eventually dating.
The proposal:
When John decided to propose, his mom gave him her own wedding ring to use—such a meaningful and emotional gesture. He planned the proposal at home. It was raining, and while I commuted to the office, he stayed home, saying he was waiting for a repairman. I didn’t suspect a thing. When I got home, he looked genuinely worried and told me something bad had happened.
We have a little patio where I keep my plants, and he said the cat had been out there for a while and completely destroyed them. Panicked, I rushed to the door to check, but instead of a disaster, I found the patio covered in red rose petals, candles everywhere, and a big sign on the wall that read, “Viviana, would you make me the happiest man ever?”
Favorite detail:
Bride: Besides the beautiful setting at Knolle Farm & Ranch—having my family from abroad with us, and giving them a true Texas country experience.
Groom: The venue, the wildlife and being out there in the country.
Favorite moment:
Bride: One of the most meaningful moments of my life was walking down the aisle with my grandpa, and being delivered into the arms of my husband. In that moment, I felt the beauty of closing one chapter and the joy of beginning our journey together.
Groom: Our first dance.
Biggest challenge:
Bride & Groom: The only challenge we faced was arranging transportation for our out-of-town guests.
Funniest moment:
Bride: When I was saying my vows,
I accidentally said I would laugh at him instead of laugh with him.
Groom: When I asked the officiant if I could kiss her again, we had a wedding translator there in Spanish for my wife’s family who don’t
speak English.
If you could do one thing over:
Bride & Groom: Nothing, it was absolutely perfect.
Advice for couples:
Bride: Enjoy every single moment—the day goes by so quickly! Have fun but don’t drink too much, you’ll want to remember it all.
Groom: Don’t stress about pleasing others. It’s your moment!
Why you got married:
Bride: When I met him, I knew he was unlike anyone else. The way he spoke to me and treated me made me feel truly seen, loved, and protected. In that moment, I knew without a doubt that I would spend the rest of my days doing the same for him.
Groom: Because I want to share my life with the women I love.
How to make your spouse happy:
Bride: Giving him space to do the things he enjoys, because I know
how important that is to him.
Groom: Surprising her with flowers, which she loves, and through acts of service.
What you look forward to most:
Bride & Groom: Growing old together!
More advice for couples:
Bride & Groom: Get a good organizer for your wedding!
DETAILS
Ceremony & reception: Knolle Farm & Ranch, 115 guests
Officiant: Linda Chandler
Wedding planner: Beth Knolle, Knolle Farm & Ranch
Photographer: Seek First Films
Dress: Oh My Dress
Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding rings: Camille’s Original Jewelry Designs
Jewelry & accessories: Macys
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Azazie
Stationery: The Knot
Flowers & decorations: Beth Knolle, Knolle Farm & Ranch
Caterer & cake: Beth Knolle, Knolle Farm & Ranch
Reception rentals: Knolle Farm & Ranch
Entertainment: Blue Moon Entertainment, Rene Bosquez
Wedding night lodging: Knolle Farm & Ranch
Bridal party gifts: personalized letter with a photo, pocket knives
Honeymoon: Enseanda, Baja, California