Naz Jafferi Staff Writer
Many students find the University of Houston a very romantic place and the A.D. Bruce Religion Center's chapel the perfect place to say their vows.
"It's where we met," UH alumna Marian Leadmon said. Leadmon, who graduated with a degree in English in 1995, met her husband, Steve Clark, at UH through common friends.
"I came just for the wedding," said Leadmon, who now lives in Oklahoma and works for Nation's Credit.
Their wedding ceremony was perfomed at the A.D. Bruce chapel, and the reception was held in the University Hilton.
"She picked it," Clark said of the two locations. "And it was fine with me."
Clark, who graduated with a history degree in 1994, is in the U.S. Army and got married in his uniform. His father and brother also wore their uniforms to the wedding.
Anitria Branch also chose to get married at the UH chapel, because of all her campus memories.
"We went to school here," Branch, a 1994 business graduate, said. Branch met her husband, Robert Charles, at a party. The couple started dating while Branch was still studying, and as a result, Charles spent a lot of time on the campus.
Charles is a UH alumnus, having graduated with a business degree in 1988. He works with Continental Airlines, while Branch is in her final year at the South Texas College of Law.
Besides college-day memories, the couples had other reasons why they chose the Bruce chapel.
"The chapel is beautiful," said Branch, who liked the building's natural surroundings.
"It's like being in a greenhouse," said Neva Williams, a guest at the Branch/Charles wedding.
In addition to being enclosed by trees and greenery, the Religion Center has huge windows that allow sunlight in.
"It lets you enjoy the beauty of nature," said Marva McNeil, Branch's maid of honor.
"And you don't have to miss a gorgeous Spring day," added McNeil, a 1994 UH grad. McNeil said several of her friends from UH have gotten married in the chapel.
"The chapel is nestled among trees, birds and squirrels," said Diana Shankar, who schedules the weddings. "It's a very serene and very peaceful setting."
Although the chapel is popular among students and alumni, it is frequently used by community members. More than 200 weddings are conducted there annually.
"We're always packed," Shankar said.
Weddings at the chapel are most numerous during May to June, while January and February are slow months.
The main chapel area seats 250 people, while the smaller chapel seats 30. Chapel rates for students, alumni and staff are $350, while community members pay $400.
For additional information, contact Shankar at (713) 743-5050.