An at-home wedding is often the stuff that dreams (and Hollywood movies) are made of. And for Ellie and Kevin, it was their own spin on Father of the Bride (but better), as her father had built the barn on the family ranch in hopes that one day his daughter would host her wedding inside. While the barn at Quail Crossing Ranch skews rustic, Ellie knew she wanted the celebration to be elegant and classic, and we immediately plotted ways of weaving it together seamlessly.

Inspired by the ranch and its sprawling landscape, an elegant rustic aesthetic was established, as was a color palette of neutrals, accented by black and dark browns. We embraced the setting from the start, creating an invitation that incorporated a custom illustration of the property which even pointed out the couple’s favorite spots. A bespoke monogram also suited our Southern couple, and we personalized it further with a pair of quails making an appearance in the crest. The artwork was used on a multitude of elements throughout the day, from the pillows on the chairs around the firepit, the towels held by waiters during cocktail hour, and the menus at each place setting.

The florals were a mix of classic and pastoral. An impactful 10-foot wide arch at the ceremony provided the perfect centerpiece, while more flowers lined the aisle and wrapped around the back row of chairs to anchor the setup in the large field. Once Ellie and Kevin’s officiant pronounced them husband and wife, the party officially kicked off as a Mariachi band played.

Our tequila-loving couple and their families kept the fun going with monogrammed shot glasses paired with acrylic lime wedges sporting each guest’s name and table assignment. A sign reading “Shoot Your Best Shot” paid homage to the spirited escort card alternative and also the day-to-day use of the property, which is a hunting ranch.

The cocktails also flowed at the bar—which was situated in a repurposed silo—and included a pair of signature drinks too: a French 75 and Paloma.

Kevin built a metal pergola as an open kitchen so guests could admire the chefs preparing the meal, which was comprised of Texas-inspired food and of course included quail and green bean grown on the family’s ranch. Even though everyone filled up at the stations, later in the evening and in anticipation of the morning to follow, a breakfast burrito station was available.

On the reception tables, aluminum chargers echoed the barn’s metal siding, rolled napkins tucked into wood napkin rings brought the surrounding wood elements together, white bone flatware flanked the place settings, and a combination of brown velvet and pink lace linens further softened the space as a whole. Overhead, flowers and greenery covered the ceiling, and within all of the doorways, white linen curtains were gracefully hung.

Ellie’s father installed large star-shaped lights structures and strands of bistro lights to the space directly outside the barn, where additional tables were set. This ensured that area felt like a natural extension of the interior, as loved ones moved between both all evening.

After toasts, the band announced the Hondo March, which got all 300 people in attendance on the dance floor, weaving around the space as the music played. Glow-in-the-dark cowboy hats and tambourines added to the revelry, which continued until well-after midnight.

Photographer: Rachel Elaine Photography

Venue: Quail Crossing Ranch

Planner & Designer: Shannon Rose Events

Flowers: Wedfully Yours

Rentals: Illusion Rentals

Rentals (Silverware): LUX Event Rentals

Linen Rentals: BBJ Linen & Nuage Designs

Hair & Makeup: Erin McReynolds

Catering: Don Strange

Cake: Cakes by Cathy Young

Band: Gundpowder Soup

Paper: Hazelwood Paper Co

Cinema: Encima Weddings