by Rocio Graña
From Captains’ to Newlyweds
Brooke Elizabeth Jones and Mark Patrick Chinetti, both Army Captains, met while stationed in Colorado. The officers worked together, ate together and started spending free time together as best friends. One day, she accidentally ended a phone call with, “I love you.” The rest is history.
Mark decided to propose while they were traveling in Italy and made reservations on a hotel restaurant’s private balcony; it overlooked the river and had a view of the sunset. After hinting this would be a special night, they arrived to find the balcony was not too private and Mark aborted his mission. Brooke realized nothing special happened and became moody as she worried he’d changed his mind. The next day worked out a little smoother; Mark proposed to Brooke in a private tasting room at Tenuta Torciano. The experience symbolized that life will turn out exactly like it should even, when your plans fall apart.
The wedding took place in Houston, TX at Holy Rosary Catholic Church where the bride wore a beautiful custom La Sposa gown. The ceremony was followed by a brunch themed reception at The Parador. The Mediterranean ambiance reminded them of their engagement trip to Italy; the brunch included mimosas, omelet and waffle stations and cakes from Three Brothers Bakery. The party moved to the JW Marriott Galleria where they spent the evening catching up with friends and family. The bride and groom honeymooned on the wonderful island of Fiji.
Bride's Advice
We spent a massive chunk of our time with the photographer and videographer, and between One Track Films and Stefano, we were in stitches the whole time. Once we got our wedding trailer back, it was emotional. Mark and I loved watching our wedding again – especially from the vantage point of your family and friends.