Alex spent a good three months planning his proposal to Rachael, even looping in family and friends to keep his bride-to-be from catching on to what was in store. His elaborate scenario began with Rachael arriving lakeside. Alex recited promises and hopes for their future written on the same paper he’d written letters to her on throughout their relationship. He read the same passage he’d said when he first told Rachael he loved her and then dot down on one knee and asked her to spend the rest of her life with him. And unbeknownst to Rachael, loved ones had gathered to celebrate their engagement.
With such thoughtfulness and care going into the proposal, it was clear to me from the start that the wedding would be a special one. Little did we know, there would also be a total overhaul in place because of the pandemic. But throughout the planning process, it was a pleasure to bring this pair’s big day to life.
What began as a 300+ person wedding at a manor near Dallas, shifted to a much more intimate celebration in Hill Country. With a little over a month to adjust, the guest list shrunk to just 45 people and moved to Boot Ranch—a favorite gathering spot of the bride’s family and coincidentally the same spot where the couple first discussed getting married.
TEXAS HILL COUNTRY WEDDING -CEREMONY
With the new venue, some of the décor plans also changed, but the color scheme of dark blue, dusty blue, blue, and peach remained, and wood elements like the charger plates and King Louis chairs helped the original design blend with the new setting.
As guests arrived, they descended a stone staircase lined with flowers that took them to the ceremony location overlooking the Texas Hill Country. To frame the couple (and Rachael’s dad, who officiated), a large floral archway with blooms in shades of soft pinks, peaches, and whites was created. With faith as a focal point of the couple’s life, it was also the center of their ceremony, which they personalized with the help of two close musician friends that performed, and the exchanging of vows they’d written themselves.
It was completely heartfelt and quite intimate, but thanks to technology more than one hundred guests tuned in virtually. Even Rachael’s great grandmother watched the live stream!
TEXAS HILL COUNTRY WEDDING -RECEPTION
For the reception, round and long tables were set with a mix of linens to break up the space and add dimension. And since Rachael and Alex had written letters to one another from the time they started dating, I mentioned how sweet it would be for them to write a letter to each guest and place it at their seat. Each was wrapped in vellum paper and fastened with velvet blue ribbon and highlighted how much each person’s attendance meant to the newlyweds.
Dinner was followed by dancing, where “First Try” by Johnnyswim played as the happy couple took to the dance floor for the first time as husband and wife. The DJ played a mix of great songs that had everyone joyfully dancing and Alex even rocking an air guitar solo at one point.
Photographer: Charla Storey
Venue: Boot Ranch
Planner & Designer: Shannon Rose Events
Flowers: R Love Floral
Rentals: Premiere Events
Linen Rentals: BBJ Linen & Nuage
Cake: Sweet Treats
Paper: Brown Fox Creative
Cinema: Cinema Story Wedding Films
DJ: Mr. Austin DJ