Justine and Jeff were married in Texas Hill Country at Sacred Oaks at Camp Lucy. We’re really digging how they dressed up up the rustic location with TONS of greenery and florals by Last Petal. The bouquet is oversized and graphic and the color palette of pinks, greens, ochre and burnt orange has an incredible way of uniting the color scheme of the entire wedding—especially in contrast to the fun, green bridal party. And with Jessica Gold Photography behind the lense, we’re able to see the vibrance and joy of Justine and Jeff’s big day!
What made the wedding special and unique?
Firstly, the ceremony space captured our attention from the beginning! The 100+ year old live oak trees are remarkable; Jeff and I wanted a venue with a natural and rustic flare. We live in Houston and just couldn’t find anything that met our needs, so naturally, we turned to Texas Hill Country. We knew upon touring Sacred Oaks at Camp Lucy that we had to say “I do” there. Secondly, Jeff is from a close-knit, musical family. At Christmas, members of the family perform (singing, musical instruments, etc.), and his grandfather dresses up like Liberace, plays the piano, and MCs the event! Additionally, I have never been very close with my own grandparents and quickly came to adore the matriarch and patriarch of the Rosser family (John and Ruth Rosser). So, early on in the planning process, I asked them to sing during the ceremony. They chose “I am a small part of the world” and their presence and voices evoked this idea of permanence and togetherness; seeing two people that have been married for over 50 years holding hands and singing makes one feel hopeful and loved. Jeff and I both tear up watching their performance on the wedding video; it is a memory we will cherish forever!
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
I found my wedding gown at Brickhouse Bridal in The Woodlands, TX, and I found it the first day I started looking for dresses at the second and final location of the day. I was very unsure about dressing shopping. I didn’t have a clear vision of what style I was looking for, but since Jeff had proposed in February and we had decided to marry in September of that year, it was imperative I make a decision quickly. I wanted a classic dress with an elegant back, and that’s about all I gave the consultants. It’s as if the dress found me really (but a big part of that goes to my consultant at Brickhouse!); she recognized I preferred an open neckline after trying on multiple dresses, and since I had liked the shape and style of another Eddy K gown, she recommended I try “this” dress. I felt beautiful in it, but I’ll admit I’m not a decisive person, so after much confirmation from my mom, sister, and Maid of Honor, the veil was placed on my head; that is when I knew it was “the” dress. It was classic, elegant, and had a certain attention to detail, and its snug fit hit me in all the right places; my wedding gown will forever be perfection in my eyes.
What were some touches added to make it personal?
The florist was really accommodating with the flower arrangements. I wanted roses and loads of greenery to keep with a natural, romantic look, and Jeff had a special request to include succulents wherever possible. Thanks to Last Petal, he got his wish (all the groomsmen had succulent boutonnieres) and I got mine too. Melanie’s design for the floral arch took my breath away, and her attention to detail with the bridesmaids floral crowns and the juliet garden roses in my hair were gorgeous.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
My husband states “seeing you walk down the aisle, and ringing that bell!” For me, the most memorable part of the day was when my bridesmaid and dear friend, Holly, recognized my anxiety level was high, walked over to me, and prayed aloud for me and my marriage to Jeff. She knew more than I did what I needed in that moment and just seconds following, as I soaked in the peace from that prayer, the coordinator was ushering the girls out for the ceremony, my father was next to me, and then I was smiling from ear to ear at my guy as he waited for me at the end of the aisle!
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
The Proposal: Jeff proposed to me on 02.07.15 at the Piney Woods Trail Fest (10 mile, 20 mile, or 50K trail race) at Lake Houston Wilderness Park. Jeff had planned to propose to me after the race. He had the ring custom made and picked up the ring literally the day before the race! Good timing. Without my knowing, he packed the ring in the back pocket of his running shorts and ran the entire race (20 miles) with the ring in tow. Thankfully, the jeweler gave him a nice little carrying pouch to keep it safe (from the sweat of course!). He finished before me and was waiting for me when I finished the 10 miler. He had this sly smirk on his face and was motioning me to come over. As the race required a shoe-lace chip timer, I was too busy trying to get the timer off my mud soaked laces. A race volunteer tried to help me, but I decided to let Jeff do it for me. What I didn’t know was that this was playing right into his plan. So here’s how it went: Jeff kneeled down to untie my laces and take the chip timer. But before he stood back up, he looked at me and said he had “an important question to ask me.” By that time he was on one knee and was reaching into his back pocket for the ring. With everyone watching us at the finish line, Jeff asked me to marry him. I was stunned, sweat soaked, and weary from the run. I remember asking him: “Here? Yes! Yes!” I wasn’t expecting any of it, but looking back on the day and all the pictures (Jeff had enlisted the help of an innocent stranger to photograph the entire proposal), I’m glad it turned out the way it did. He found a way to truly surprise me! Not only did I complete my first trail race, but I got a ring and the promise of forever at the end of it.
Photographer: Jessica Gold Photography // Florist: Last Petal // Venue: Camp Lucy // Cake: Classic Cakes by Lori // Hair & Makeup: Lasting Luxe // Bride’s Dress: Eddy K // Bridesmaids Dresses: Union Station