Wedding Day

Cocktail Hour

The Chapel at Gruene

Reception/ Dinner

Toasts/ Dancing

Send-Off

We’re so happy to celebrate this day with the people we love. Join us at The Chapel at Gruene as we begin our next chapter together. You’ll find the wedding details and information to help plan your visit here. We can’t wait to see you!

Our Wedding

Our story did not exactly begin with love at first sight.We met while working a disaster response mission in Carrizo Springs during COVID. Stephen walked into the medical shelter looking for the charge nurse. Teka told him she was the charge nurse. Apparently, once wasn’t convincing enough, because Stephen asked for the charge nurse again. And again.By the third time, Teka was thoroughly irritated. Stephen wasn’t exactly impressed either.Not the most romantic beginning, but somehow, it worked.Not long after, Stephen started finding reasons to make sure Teka came to his morning meetings. When she said she wouldn’t come for coffee because there was no Italian sweet cream, Stephen went to the tiny H-E-B in Carrizo Springs and found some.During the days of N95 masks, he developed another strategy: peppermints. Every time he offered Teka one, she had to pull down her mask to eat it, giving him a chance to see her face.Teka, meanwhile, was completely oblivious to the courtship. She had spent her career in a male-dominated environment and didn’t think much of Stephen’s flirting. It wasn’t until someone finally asked why Teka was the only person constantly getting candy that she began to realize something might be happening.But what really caught her attention wasn’t the coffee or the peppermints.It was tools.A conversation about home renovations turned into conversations about construction, woodworking, books, work, and eventually, life. Lunches together became long phone calls. Somewhere along the way, two people who weren’t necessarily looking for each other discovered a connection neither could easily explain.Even their first real date was perfectly imperfect. After spending hours together, they ended up at Texas Roadhouse, where a roach made an unexpected appearance across Teka’s meal. Apparently, romance has a sense of humor.But what began playfully became something much deeper.Stephen found in Teka someone with whom nothing seemed off limits. She became his confidant, his best friend, and the person with whom he could be completely vulnerable. Over time, he watched the way she cared for his children, her children, their extended family, and the people around her. He saw a protector, a caregiver, and the person who holds people together. In Teka, Stephen found his safe place to land.Teka found something equally unexpected.She had built a life around independence, adventure, and taking care of others. She wasn’t looking to be grounded. Then Stephen became the anchor she didn’t know she needed. With him, she discovered that being anchored didn’t mean losing her freedom. It meant finally having a safe place from which to explore.Together, they built a relationship where neither has to perform or become someone else to be loved. They don’t always agree, but they respect one another. They encourage each other’s strengths, support each other’s weaknesses, and give one another room to grow into whoever they are becoming.And somewhere along the way, home stopped meaning a place. It became each other.For two people who have traveled, explored, and experienced some incredible things together, some of their favorite moments are remarkably ordinary: sleeping late, drinking coffee, watching their shows under a blanket, sitting on the back porch, or simply being close enough to reach for the other person.Stephen calls them a “party of two.”Teka calls what they have created their sanctuary.Then, on December 23, Stephen turned one of their famously elaborate date nights into something much bigger.At the JW Marriott, what Teka thought was a trip to an ice sculpture exhibit had quietly become an intricately planned proposal involving family, friends, photographs, a videographer, a saxophonist, and seemingly half the hotel staff.As they walked toward the pavilion, Teka slowly began recognizing familiar faces. Their family was waiting. Their grandchildren were part of the surprise. Photographs from their life together lined the walkway, and at the end stood a glowing “Marry Me” sign.Stephen had planned what he wanted to say, but when the moment finally arrived, most of the words disappeared.The important ones remained.Their lives had not come together by accident. Through faith, family, unexpected turns, and countless ordinary moments, they believe God had been ordering their steps toward one another all along.Teka said yes.And on March 27, 2027, surrounded by the people they love, Stephen and Teka will take the next step in their story.Not because either one needed someone to complete them, but because together they discovered something rarer:A best friend. An adventure partner. An anchor. A safe place to grow. A sanctuary. A home.And finally, husband and wife.

Our Story

Photos

Our beautiful granddaughter Avah holds such a special place in our hearts. Watching her grow into the wonderful young lady she is becoming has been one of life's sweetest blessings. Having her walk down the aisle as one of our flower girls makes this already beautiful occasion even more meaningful. We are so proud of her and couldn't imagine celebrating our love without her being part of this special day.

Avah Darnell

Our precious granddaughter Aliyah is one of the beautiful blessings that makes our family so special. She is loved beyond words, and having her serve as one of our flower girls brings us so much happiness. Watching her walk down the aisle on our wedding day will be a moment we treasure forever. Her special role reminds us that this celebration is about more than two people joining their lives. It's about the family we cherish, the love we share, and the beautiful memories we are creating together.

Aliyah Darnell

Nicholas has been there through the conversations, laughs, challenges, and milestones that make a friendship last. Having him stand beside Stephen as Best Man is a reflection of just how much that friendship means.

Nicholas Balanciere

Stephen has had the privilege of watching Raigan grow into the amazing young lady she is today. As his only niece, their bond has always been something special. On a day filled with people Stephen and Teka love, there was no question that Raigan would have a special place beside them.

Raigan Wade

Wedding Party

Q + A

We’re looking forward to welcoming you to New Braunfels.FLYING INCompare flights into San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). Arrange ground transportation to New Braunfels and allow time for traffic.GETTING AROUNDPlease arrange transportation to and from The Chapel at Gruene in advance. Check current travel times from your lodging when planning your arrival.

A&nbsp;lodging&nbsp;option&nbsp;in&nbsp;Gruene’s&nbsp;Historic&nbsp;District,&nbsp;near&nbsp;Gruene&nbsp;Hall,&nbsp;local&nbsp;shops&nbsp;and&nbsp;restaurants.&nbsp;Please&nbsp;book&nbsp;directly&nbsp;with&nbsp;the&nbsp;property&nbsp;and&nbsp;check&nbsp;availability&nbsp;and&nbsp;cancellation&nbsp;terms&nbsp;for&nbsp;your&nbsp;dates.&nbsp;This&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;lodging&nbsp;suggestion,&nbsp;not&nbsp;a&nbsp;reserved&nbsp;wedding&nbsp;room&nbsp;block.

Gruene Mansion Inn

Travel

Make a weekend of your visit to New Braunfels and Gruene. From live music and river views to local restaurants, shopping, and Hill Country favorites, there is plenty to enjoy while you are here. HISTORIC GRUENE Stroll through the Gruene Historic District and explore its locally owned shops and historic buildings. Stop by the Gruene General Store for old-fashioned treats and Texas gifts, enjoy lunch or dinner overlooking the Guadalupe River at the Gristmill, and check the schedule at Gruene Hall for live music during your stay. DOWNTOWN NEW BRAUNFELS Downtown New Braunfels offers a lively mix of restaurants, cocktail bars, shops, and entertainment centered around the historic Main Plaza. Enjoy dinner at the newly restored Old City Hall Restaurant &amp; Bar, then explore nearby favorites such as Sidecar, Muck &amp; Fuss, Pour Haus, and other local spots offering drinks and live music. LANDA PARK &amp; THE RIVERS Spend some time outdoors at Landa Park, where you will find walking paths, picnic areas, playgrounds, and beautiful spring-fed scenery. The Comal and Guadalupe rivers are also local favorites, although river activities may depend on the season and weather. SHOPPING &amp; ENTERTAINMENT The Shops at Creekside offer a convenient mix of shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. The new Topgolf New Braunfels is also located in the Creekside area and is a fun option for groups, families, and anyone looking for a relaxed afternoon or evening activity. A CLASSIC TEXAS STOP For the full Texas road-trip experience, stop by Buc-ee’s New Braunfels for snacks, barbecue, travel essentials, and more souvenirs than anyone reasonably needs. A LITTLE MORE TIME? Guests with extra time may also enjoy Natural Bridge Caverns, the San Marcos Premium Outlets, local wineries and breweries, or simply relaxing with a coffee and exploring the shops and restaurants around town. Please check current hours, event schedules, reservations, and seasonal availability directly with each location before visiting.

Things to Do

Registry

We’d love for you to dress up and celebrate with us while staying comfortable! Our ceremony will take place in an open-air chapel, so think polished, stylish, and wedding-ready with the Texas weather in mind.For the ladies, dresses, midi dresses, dressy jumpsuits, and elevated separates are all great choices. Shades of pink are especially encouraged, from soft blush and dusty rose to brighter or deeper pinks.For the gentlemen, dress shirts or button-downs with slacks or dress pants are perfect. Jackets and ties are welcome, but not required.Since Texas spring weather can be warm during the day and much cooler after sunset, we recommend dressing comfortably and bringing a light layer for the evening.Most importantly, come looking good, feeling comfortable, and ready to celebrate with us!

Teka & Stephen

Teka & Stephen

Q + A

What time should I arrive?

Is the reception at the same venue?