Tell us about your love story!
How did you meet?
We both worked at the mall while going to college. We became “work friends” and then gradually started hanging out with friends outside of work. We became close friends, but I turned down multiple dates with Ryan. He was thankfully persistent. I finally said yes to our first official “date” and we have been together ever since.
How did you know he/she was “The One”?
I knew Ryan was the one when I could never see the end. We were best friends for months before we started dating so we already knew so much about each other. We share the same interests, have the same goals and love each other’s families. We value our friendship so much that it has just made our relationship that much easier and stronger.
How did he propose?
My best friend was in town from Arizona, so we had plans to have a fourth of July party at our house. A lot of our close friends were able to come over, and I had absolutely no idea what was planned. Ryan asked me to come outside for a “toast” to our party. He then turned to me mid-toast and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I was shocked, and of course said yes.
Describe your wedding planning process
Who helped with the planning?
The venue had a list of recommendations for vendors and that’s how I found Event by ASM who helped SO much with recommending other vendors.
Did you hire a planner or day-of coordinator?
We had a day of coordinator – BUT Aubrey from Events by ASM offers so much more than the day of service. She was available for any and all questions I had with very quick response time. She also included a venue walk through prior to the wedding and an hour rehearsal. Plus her staff was there for almost twelve hours the day of the ceremony.
Did you DIY any aspect of your wedding?
All of our decor (which was fairly minimal) was DIY. Luckily the venue was so gorgeous that we didn’t have to add very much.
Did you have a specific theme?
We were married in a barn, but I didn’t want a typical “Texas wedding.” I would say it was “rustic” more than a western theme.
How many guests were invited?
We invited approximately seventy five guests and had about sixty guests in attendance.
Where did you save the most?
Our photographer and venue had AMAZING rates. I think we got the luckiest with those two vendors.
Where did you splurge?
If I had to pick, I would say the wedding dress and veil. The flowers were pricey but SO worth it. Overall, I feel like I did a good job at staying within budget and making sure to not “overdo” things and cutout things that were not must haves.
Why did you choose your venue?
I looked for a couple of months on the Knot and looked at pictures, read reviews, compared rates and looked at locations. Stonehouse Ranch fit our “vibe” the most of any other venue so they were my first appointment. As soon as I got there I told the owner that they were the one. I didn’t even look at any other venues. I couldn’t be happier with my decision.
Did you incorporate any special traditions or sentimental details in your ceremony or reception?
For the ceremony, I had my Dad walk me down the aisle. When we got to the end, my Stepdad stood up so they were both able to give me away. I felt like it was important to incorporate my stepdad, but I wanted to make sure I didn’t do so in a way that would take away from my Dad’s moment. I am very happy that I chose to do that,. I know they were both so happy to be included.
During the reception Ryan had a very special dance with his grandma. He did a dance with her to her and his Pop’s first dance song – Rose Colored Glasses. His Pop passed away several years ago. Ryan was very close to him and to his grandma as well, so it was a very special moment at the reception. We had the DJ introduce his grandma to the dance floor and explained to everyone why he chose that song. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room!
What was your most stressful decision?
My most stressful decision was where everyone was going to stay! I was worried about everyone getting home safely from the wedding. We had family from out of town that would not be able to drive all the way back home. We booked two airnbs for the night of the wedding and the night before so we were able to accommodate the bridal party, groom’s out of town family and then ourselves. But ultimately, we let everyone know in advance we didn’t have rooms booked or travel arrangements so everyone could make sure they had a responsible drive home, so we had no problems.
What turned out to be your best decision surrounding the big day?
That we had a long engagement (almost a year and a half) and that we had such a small wedding. We had plenty of time to ENJOY being engaged and took our time planning so we could have exactly what we wanted and stay within budget. With having a small wedding we felt like we could visit with all of our guests without the pressure of “making the rounds.” It helped stay in budget, but I also think our guests appreciated the intimacy. Everyone got to meet one another and talk and dance all night. I was so happy that we chose the size we did (even though it was so hard to make the guests list).
Is there anything you would have done differently?
The last few weeks leading up to the wedding were a little stressful. Having to make lists of things to bring for rehearsal, morning of wedding, wedding day items and then my own personal belongings was a little overwhelming. If I could have fit a full wedding planner in the budget versus a day of coordinator, I think this would have helped with these last minute details. Looking back the stress was worth it, and I am proud of all of the work everyone put into preparation. Our wedding, for the most part, went without a hitch.
Tell Us About
Your dress:
I had an all-lace long sleeve form-fitting dress that I LOVED. I always knew I wanted to have long sleeves and I am so happy that I stuck with it.
Your flowers:
The flowers were GORGEOUS. I was so happy about how they turned out. I was able to go with Claudia (the florist) to the flower market and pick out the flowers that I liked for my bouquet. We went with loose eucalyptus for the guests tables and then a eucalyptus garland with loose blooms for the head table. I was very happy with the rich colors and the mixture of roses, wildflowers, pampas and greenery that were incorporated.
The food:
Mexican food – Chuy’s fajita bar offered chips, salsa and creamy jalapeno. We did beer and margaritas for our drink selection, the perfect complimentary drinks for Mexican food.
The cake:
We did a layer of carrot cake and then a layer of vanilla with butter cream frosting. We did minimal design with just a “naked design” and added some loose flowers and greenery.
Recap your big day for us:
What made you laugh?
The dancing! We had so many dance circles that everyone participated in. The groomsmen also got together and belted out Bohemian Rapsody. My brother brought a “walking stick” that turned into a microphone, guitar, a pointer and an all-around hilarious prop by the end of the night. Along with the ring bearers Iron Man fist.
What made you cry?
Of course, the ceremony had some tears. The dance with Ryan and his grandmother I think was the most emotional part of the evening since it was so special and a surprise for almost everyone there. Then my two maid of honors’ speeches and best man speech made Ryan and I both cry.
What were the most memorable moments?
Most memorable was meeting my parents together right before I walked down the aisle. My parents are separated, but my mom was the last one to help me get ready and she made sure my dress and veil were perfect for my dad’s “first look.” It was a special moment for just the three of us to share that nobody else witnessed. The ceremony of course was one of the most special moments. I can hardly remember what was even said. I was just so excited and nervous at the same time. Walking away as husband and wife was the biggest relief. All the anticipation that had been built up over the course of the engagement was gone, and we were both left with complete bliss and overwhelming happiness. The rest of the reception was a mixture of smiles, laughs, dancing, pictures, drinks and happy tears. It was truly everything we both could have hoped for.
Did anything unexpected happen?
There were some unexpected delays during the setup before the wedding. But everyone came together to get things ready, and we were able to start the wedding pretty close to the scheduled time. I never knew what time it was – which I recommend for the bride and groom. Let someone else take care of keeping up with time as well as anything else to lessen the stress. Luckily, most everything went according to plan!
What’s the best advice you can give a bride and groom planning their wedding?
Create a budget before you get started planning and do the best you can to stick to it. You will most likely be over (because you can’t think/anticipate everything) but it keeps the stress down the less you overspend. Also, do what is important to YOU. Other things like a photo booth or big light up letters are very fun and great for pictures – but they don’t make or break your night. The day of the wedding try to relax as much as possible. Have a very small (if any) to do list, so you can enjoy your time with family and friends. Be PRESENT during the ceremony and reception. I kept telling myself to look around and take as many mental pictures as possible. The whole day felt like I was floating. Those little moments to yourself can help take you back and remind you of each detail.
What did you look forward to most as Mr. & Mrs.?
We were looking forward to the honeymoon initially! We love travelling and we went to New England and spent some time in a cabin in the white mountains and in Portland Maine. After that we were excited to continue working on our home, planning for our future goals, spending time with family, hosting events as “Mr and Mrs” and loving on our (fur) baby.
Wedding Vendors
Venue
Stone House Ranch
Photography
Alyssa Martin Photography
Ceremony Music
Bride Entrance
You Are the Reason
Calum Scott
Recessional
Sugar
Maroon 5
First Dance
Mean to Me
Brett Eldredge
Father/Daughter Dance
My Girl
The Temptations
Mother/Son Dance
I Called Mama
Tim McGraw
Last Dance
One Woman
Randy Rogers
