Looks Of Love 2026: Meet The San Antonio Finalists

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’re thrilled to announce the finalists of Wed Society San Antonio’s annual Looks of Love contest! There’s truly nothing more heartwarming than reading a love story and seeing beautiful photos that capture the special bond between two people. Over the past two weeks, our team has read and admired the many amazing love stories shared to us and have selected the top 8 couples to enter our Instagram voting competition kicking off on Wednesday, February 11th! Get a jumpstart on reading the incredible love stories of these 8 couples and tune in each day to @wedsociety.sanantonio to vote for your favorite couples and love story.

The winner will be announced on Saturday, February 14th and will win a dining experience for two at San Antonio’s Michelin-star dessert concept, Nicosi located inside Pullman Market!

Ashley & Nathan

Photo: Emily West Photography

High School Sweethearts, Forever Love

Some love stories don’t just survive the years, they’re defined by them. For Ashley and Nathan, their journey from teenage sweethearts to forever partners proves that the best love stories are the ones that grow with you. 💍💕

Ashley and Nathan’s story began in high school, where friendship and laughter laid the foundation for something deeper. What started as young love slowly evolved into a partnership built on patience, trust, and choosing each other through every season of life. The person who once felt like a teenage crush became the partner who knew them better than anyone else.

In September 2025, Nathan orchestrated an elaborate proposal weekend, suggesting a “casual” Labor Day trip to Houston to visit family. Ashley’s suspicions grew when her parents acted strangely vague and a friend’s birthday lunch was mysteriously canceled. Then, one of Ashley’s closest friends arrived with the biggest bouquet of flowers she’d ever seen and a card in Nathan’s handwriting: “It’s time to start our next chapter.” Her friend had even brought the dresses Nathan secretly packed, including the ones Ashley had labeled as “engagement options.”

Nathan led Ashley to Memorial Park, where he got down on one knee by the lake. After saying yes through happy tears, their photographer emerged, and Nathan asked Ashley to turn around, revealing both of their families walking toward them. The weekend continued with a stay downtown and an engagement dinner at the sushi restaurant from their first official date, a perfect full-circle moment for a love story years in the making.

Brighton & Colin

Photo: Stella Shots Media

From the Frost Bank to Forever

Sometimes getting lost leads you exactly where you’re meant to be. For Brighton and Colin, their love story began in April 2022 at the Frost Bank Center. Brighton was new to working for the Spurs and very lost on the event level. Colin, who’s usually busy keeping everything running smoothly backstage, noticed her circling and asked, “Are you lost?” Brighton said yes, not knowing that moment was the start of their forever. 💍✨

Over three and a half years later, Colin planned the perfect proposal during their annual summer trip, this time to Suncadia, Washington. The couple rented a cabin with Colin’s hometown friend group, and on their last night, everyone dressed up for photos at a scenic spot. What Brighton didn’t know was that the entire group had been in on Colin’s proposal plan the whole time, and somehow, no one slipped up.

After taking group photos, Colin and Brighton stepped up for their turn. That’s when Colin completely surprised her by getting down on one knee on July 5, 2025. They celebrated in Washington with their closest friends, then continued along the Oregon coast with Colin’s family, sharing the exciting news via FaceTime with loved ones back home.

From the Frost Bank Center to the mountains of Washington and back to San Antonio, Brighton and Colin’s journey from coworkers to forever partners proves that love has a way of finding you when you least expect it.

Alexis & Chris

Photo: Stephanie Renae Co. Photography

Third Time’s the Charm

Alexis and Chris technically met in college… but let’s not give it too much credit. They were more like aware of each other through mutual friends, same circles, same parties, same “Oh yeah, I think I know who that is” energy. No sparks. No dramatic slow-motion eye contact. Just vibes of “nice human, moving on.”

Fast forward to adulthood, when life decided to play matchmaker. They randomly ran into each other at a lake in Dallas, caught up, laughed, and went back to their lives. Then, not long after, they ran into each other again at a bar in Fort Worth. At this point it was starting to feel less like coincidence and more like the universe aggressively tapping them on the shoulder. That night they actually talked… like really talked, and walked away thinking, “Okay… there might be something here.”

From there, they kept hanging out in this very chill, very “are we dating or just professionally spending all our time together?” phase. Meanwhile, Chris’s friends were watching like a slow-burn TV show, getting increasingly frustrated. Eventually, they stepped in and basically said, “Sir. Enough. Ask her out.”

And finally, thanks to peer pressure, divine timing, and a strong supporting cast, he did. Now four years later and countless side quests, they are so close to calling each other husband and wife, proving that sometimes love just needs a little nudge (or three random encounters) to get it right.

Kristian & Marina

Photo: LexCreates Photography

Double the Surprise

When Kristian walked into Marina’s parents’ restaurant for their annual Christmas party in 2021, Marina felt like “an angel entered the room” and it was like a spotlight was put on her for the rest of the night. It was admittedly a bit nerve-racking as Kristian wasn’t out yet, but every fear melted away for her. “I knew in that moment that nothing involving her could ever bring me fear.” They couple chatted over their beers, spent the entire night on the dance floor and have been inseparable ever since.

Fast forward to 2025, and both had secretly planned to propose to each other. Kristian started planning in June for a December trip to New Mexico. What Kristian didn’t know was that Marina was planning her own proposal for November in San Antonio. Marina orchestrated a fake “stock the bar” party with help from close family & friends. It completely caught Kristian off guard, “which says a lot because I’m not easy to surprise.”

A month later, Kristian followed through with her New Mexico proposal (along with a gorgeous engage photo shoot!), making them one of the few couples who can say they each got down on one knee. This couple proves that when you know, you know, and sometimes, you both know at the same time.

Abigail & Alec

Photo: Sarah Thompson Photography

Love on the Rocks

Abigail and Alec’s love story began over a game of Apples to Apples at a high school graduation party. Alec’s quick wit and offbeat humor immediately caught Abigail’s attention. Though they didn’t talk much that night, something about him stuck with her.

Seven months later on New Year’s Eve, their friend group reunited at the same house. The second their eyes met across the room, everything clicked. By midnight, Abigail was secretly hoping they’d meet again. Thanks to some matchmaking from friends, the feelings were mutual. On January 1, 2017, they planned their first date, and he’s been her first and only love ever since.

Now, nine years later, Abigail and Alec have built a life together with their pup Bean, filled with yoga, running, cycling, and especially rock climbing. What started as indoor climbing in 2018 has evolved into outdoor climbing, deepening their connection in the most meaningful way. “We quite literally have each other’s lives in our hands,” Abigail shares. The constant communication required mirrors their relationship perfectly, teaching them patience and how to show up for one another, even when things feel rocky.

Their engagement photos reflect this adventurous spirit. As they move forward into marriage, they know that same spirit of adventure, trust, and shared movement will continue to shape their life together, wherever the next climb or trail may lead them.

Gabby & Iliana

Photo: Leah Thomason Photography

Coffee Shop Chronicles

Some couples are destined to find each other, and for Gabby and Iliana, the universe made sure of it. Born in the same hospital just a day apart, they finally met 15 years later in a freshman algebra class and have been inseparable ever since. What started as friendship slowly evolved into something more, and by senior year, they were ready to accept what they’d known all along: they were meant for each other. ☕💕

Coffee shops have played a starring role in their love story. Every major conversation, from “What do you want to do after high school?” to “Do you see us getting married?” has happened over espresso drinks and bakery sweets. They both worked at separate coffee shops in college, visiting each other during breaks and playing a game where whoever was working would make the other a drink to guess the flavors. Their engagement photos in a coffee shop perfectly capture these memories.

When it came time to propose, Gabby chose St. Thomas, planning for months with Iliana’s friends and family. The weekend before leaving, the jeweler couldn’t cast the ring. After a stressful week, Iliana’s dad and grandmother delivered it on the island, less than 24 hours before the proposal. On proposal day, heavy rainfall cleared just in time, leaving the beach empty except for them, the photographer, and Iliana’s family hiding in the bushes.

After Iliana said yes, her family ran out clapping and cheering, they’d flown in to surprise her. From the high school to forever, this couple proves some connections are simply meant to be.

Monsi & Chris

Photo: Taylor Jaxson Photography

Retreat to Forever

Monsi and Chris’s paths crossed at exactly the right moment during a church retreat in 2019. What started as a simple conversation quickly turned into a genuine connection rooted in faith, shared values, and lots of laughter. They spent as much time together at the retreat as they could, which allowed them to really get to know one another as God opened their hearts.

Since that fateful meeting, the duo has created so many memories as they shared their faith along with a love for food, fun and adventure. When it came time to capture their engagement photos, they knew exactly where to go: Disney. It’s a place where they’ve created some of their most vibrant memories together, always choosing joy and dreaming big! Taking their engagement photos at Disney felt like capturing their love story in a place that reflects who they are: playful, sentimental, and full of magic.

From a church retreat to the happiest place on earth, Monsi and Chris prove that when you find your person, every moment becomes extraordinary.

With full hearts and endless gratitude, they’re so excited to begin their forever together in San Antonio.

Denise & Josh

Photo: Heather’s Photography

Unexpected Beginnings

Sometimes the best connections happen when you least expect them. For Denise and Josh, their love story began at an event where Denise didn’t know anyone. Her friend, who was participating in the event, asked Josh to keep Denise company while she was busy. What could have been an awkward introduction turned into something completely unexpected, an easy, natural conversation that flowed effortlessly from the start. 🤍✨

There was an instant ease between them, the kind of connection where conversation feels less like small talk and more like catching up with someone you’ve always known. A few weeks later, Josh asked Denise on a date, and the rest was history.

Fast forward a few years, and the couple made a bold move together, relocating halfway across the country to Texas to begin their life as a couple. Leaving behind everything familiar to build something new together takes courage, trust, and a whole lot of love. For Denise and Josh, Texas wasn’t just a change of scenery, it was the start of their next chapter.

Be sure to vote on our Instagram stories every day from Wednesday, February 11th to Saturday, February 14th and cheer on your favorite couple! ✨