Jayci and Scott
October 16, 2021
Tell us about your love story!
How did you meet?
We met just before my senior year at Pepperdine University playing pick-up volleyball games with mutual friends. That summer, we spent 2 short months together on the beaches of Malibu before Scott left for an 8-month professional volleyball contract in the Azores, Portugal. We fell in love long distance – over long phone conversations and through handwritten letters. Thankfully, Scott has since retired from volleyball, and we are finally together in the same city.
How long did you date?
We dated for about 5 years before Scott proposed. I think we both knew pretty early on that we had found our future spouse, but between Scott’s travels for work and my move from Malibu to Houston for medical school, we really had to work hard to make plans together and reach our eventual goal of being in the same city. Once we were able to align those aspects of our professional lives, getting married was the very natural next step.
How did he propose?
Scott planned the ultimate surprise on Leap Day! He and my mom got me dressed up for a “musical show” for the evening after a long week of medical school exams, and Scott took me on a walk just before “leaving for the show” to my favorite place at my parents’ home. Under the big oak tree, we talked about our dreams and future together like we had so many times before. Then Scott got down on one knee. Of course, I said Yes! Scott’s sister, Amanda, came out of the bushes with her camera and surprised me with a wonderful engagement photoshoot. Then, walking back to the house, I was surprised yet another time when I realized both families had flown from across the country to celebrate with us! We spent the rest of the weekend surrounded by our most cherished loved ones.
Describe your wedding planning process.
What planning tools did you use?
Google docs – leading up to the big day, everyone in the family and bridal party, our officiant, our photographer, all had access to the same list of vendor contacts, ceremony order, shot list, schedule for the day, etc.
Who helped with the planning?
My mom and I really enjoyed the planning and worked on most of it together! We balanced my organization with her creativity and big dreams!
Did you hire a planner or day-of coordinator?
We did not! I was lucky to have parents, grandparents, and awesome siblings that wanted to be involved and who helped the day go smoothly. We also relied on 3 event staff members, led by the AMAZING Mandy Casarez, who were not only phenomenal bartenders, food servers, and cake cutters, but also the most thoughtful and helpful support people to have with us. They went above and beyond taking care of so many little details behind the scenes.
Did you DIY any aspect of your wedding?
All of the signs, as well as the window seating chart, was hand-painted by my brother’s sweet and talented girlfriend, Amanda. We adored each of her personal touches. My mom also spent the year prior to the wedding collecting China dinnerware and teacups for our place settings and coffee bar.
Did you have a specific theme?
We loved the green, natural setting of our venue, and continued that with soft, organic feeling wildflowers in a lot of the designs.
Where did you save the most?
Even though it is now a full-fledged wedding venue operation, Scott and I still technically got married at my parent’s home, The Oaks of Ever After, and so we saved quite a bit booking our venue.
Where did you splurge?
Our photographer/videographer were incredible. Documenting the day to share with loved ones was a huge priority for us, and Logan and Davison went above and beyond to capture the feel of the day.
Why did you choose your venue?
It was an easy choice – my parents built us the venue! When Scott proposed under the oak tree at my family’s farm, we knew it was the place that we wanted to celebrate our forever, surrounded by the place and the people that meant so much to us. When we asked my folks if we could get married by the tree, they thought we were crazy. We got to work anyway. Hand in hand, our family built the venue from the ground up.
Did you incorporate any special traditions or sentimental details in your ceremony or reception?
My grandparents led us in the Grand March, a large dance to polka music and German tradition at weddings. It is guaranteed to get everyone on the dance floor and put a smile on every single face in the room. I remember watching the camcorder footage of my whole family dancing to the same songs at my parents’ wedding 25 years ago, and my grandparents danced to it when they tied the knot 53 years ago. It was an honor for them to lead us.
What was your most stressful decision?
We postponed for six months due to Covid, and really struggled to make our guest list smaller. We were so worried about not sending an invitation to everyone and debated forever about each of those decisions. We were SO happy we did though and felt that around 100 guests was just perfect for us. We had our absolute closest friends and family present with us and got to see, chat with, and really spend time with each one. I know that it wouldn’t have felt as personal if there were many more guests.
Is there anything you would have done differently?
I would remind myself not to sweat the little details or the flow of the day. Even though we didn’t have a day-of coordinator, everything happened on time and ran smoothly and seamlessly.
Tell Us About
Your dress:
The Bridal Galleria of San Antonio was a wonderful place to have fun trying on dresses. I shopped with my mom and grandmother, and did not expect to fall in love with a dress! As a medical student, I don’t make very many decisions impulsively or without taking a long time to think through them. When I tried on the dress, I immediately knew it was perfect for me. It was not only gorgeous and detailed but was hands down the most comfortable dress I tried on.
The food:
We wanted our meal to fit our personalities – laid back and fun. After appetizers, we had a wood-fired oven set-up at the venue, and Eric made and baked pizzas for everyone! Tilford’s had unique options like Brussel sprouts and Mediterranean chicken. They were a total hit, delicious and entertaining to watch!
The cake:
The cake was decorated with simple abstract wildflowers, and we placed it on a gorgeous, organic, 3-tier stand gifted to us by my grandmother. The flavor was lemon with real blueberries baked in and a raspberry pineapple fruit filling. It was delicious and people commented on how wonderful the cake flavor was. The groom’s cake was dark chocolate with ganache icing.
Recap your big day for us:
What made you laugh?
Our sweet dog, River, was our “pup of honor,” and walked down the aisle in our processional with Scott’s sister, Amanda. She stayed for the ceremony, and then barked right on cue during our first kiss. She was so excited that everyone was cheering and clapping, and joined in the celebratory moment. You can even hear her little bark in our wedding video!
What made you cry?
Our family was so involved and made us feel so loved for the entire wedding planning process and especially the wedding day. Our toasts were given by Scott and my brother, Stephen and Ritt, and by my dad Rob. Our guys went so far above and beyond sharing special stories, memories, advice, and just the most loving thoughtful words. It was such a special moment for us.
What were the most memorable moments?
Our families love to western style dance, so we hired a live band to play country classics for the reception. Scott and I took many moments to step away from the party and just watch all our loved ones dance the night away with their loves, and it was truly one of those surreal moments in our lives that I’ll never forget.
Did anything unexpected happen?
The weather really gave us a scare on the week of the wedding. We wanted so badly to have an outdoor, nature filled day. It poured rain for about 3 days before our wedding and the heavy rain even washed away some of the ground around the newly built patio. Our family hurried to repair the damage, and to our complete joy, the sun came out and we had mild temperatures and lovely blue skies on the day itself.
What’s the best advice you can give a bride and groom planning their wedding?
I would say to try and enjoy the whole process as much as you can. We had a longer than expected engagement because of Covid and all of the changes happening, and I often found myself wishing that time would move quicker so the day would come sooner! Looking back, the excitement of creating a special night for you and your future husband, as well as your favorite people, (and the crazy anticipation of finally being married to the love of your life) is so beautiful! The wedding day flew by, and today I look back and miss that special season.
Vendor List
Wedding Music
