We’re totally loving this punchy-rustic wedding shot by Jessica Gold Photography. Seriously, you guys, how gorg in that combo of the pink-hued Alexia Designs bridesmaid dresses and lunch florals by R Love Floral?! Filled with personal touches, Elise and Ryan’s wedding at Avalon Legacy Ranch was “enchanting, peaceful, and simply magical.” Check out all the details in these gorgeous photos.
What made the wedding special and unique?
When we began planning, Ryan and I agreed right away that we really wanted our wedding to truly represent the two of us and, like our relationship, be so much FUN! The unique venue we selected helped us achieve this beautifully. Nestled on 25 acres of stunning landscape, it felt like we had traveled far from Texas; it was enchanting, peaceful, and simply magical! We used all the different areas of the venue for pieces of the wedding including: the outdoor chapel with stained glass windows and real church pews for the ceremony; the gorgeous covered patio, perfect for dinner and dancing all night; the rustic house for a bar filled with local alcohol, a DIY photo lounge, and plenty of seating around the fireplace; and the lush open lawn we filled with lounge furniture, games, a gourmet s’mores bar around the pergola-covered fire pits, and a beer bar featuring 12 local brews served on beer flights Ryan handmade. There was something for all the guests, which contributed to everyone relaxing, celebrating, and having fun! The theme for the wedding was berry-toned, rustic-yet-elegant and we were so happy to see this vision come to life in the décor, details and our bridal party. The bridesmaids each wore the same lace-detailed, floor-length dress in different lush shades of purples, reds, and pinks. This next to the guys’ grey suits and house party’s gold dresses with the gorgeous flowers by RLove Floral looked so dreamy against the outdoor landscape! I am obsessed with my photos from Jessica Gold who captured the day perfectly!
What were some touches added to make it personal?
What I loved most about my wedding, and what also contributed to it being special and unique are the many personal touches we had. My aunt made my garter from a blue tie from my (late) father and lace from my mother’s wedding dress. My bouquet was also wrapped with this lace and pinned together with a locket of my father so he could walk me down the aisle. Ryan’s sister is a minister and married us with the most beautifully written ceremony that we helped craft, and wore a gorgeous gold stole that was sewn by her mother. Ryan’s father crafted a wood box to seal our vows in during the ceremony. The groom’s cakes were his mom’s delicious Kahlua cake, accented with biker and climber cake toppers made by his dad. Our guest book was a wooden bench that everyone signed, made by Ryan’s grandfather for our house. My sister designed all of the printed pieces including the invitations, programs, table assignments and the chalkboard entry display. The corn-hole toss and ladder golf games used on the lawn were hand-made and personalized by Ryan’s aunts. Ryan also crafted several décor pieces. The wedding was overflowing with personal touches and I could not have been happier seeing all of these beautiful details together on our wedding day!
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
Shopping for my wedding dress was one of the most fun days ever! My mom, sister and best friend went to The Bridal Boutique in Lewisville and they treated me like a princess! As we sipped champagne, I tried on only 5 dresses and picked my dress. I felt like it was the perfect gown for me with the delicate vintage beaded shoulders and gorgeous lace. The belt was hand-made to match the beading and was the perfect addition! My favorite part was the deep V in the back and train that I knew my fiancé Ryan would love. I felt so beautiful wearing my dress!!
What was the most memorable part of the day?
The best moment of the entire day was when I saw Ryan during the first look. I will never forget the anticipation and butterflies followed by the immediate calm that I felt when we saw each other. We shared our vows and spent time just together, so happy that we were about to walk down the aisle to the rest of our lives together. I would recommend a first look to any bride!!!
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
Ryan and I met after I graduated from college and moved back to Dallas. Ironically we had crossed paths before, but we did not officially meet until a close mutual friend had her graduation party on a party bus. We started dating 2 days later and 5 years later we got engaged! Ryan proposed at Hamilton (my now last name) Pool near Austin, TX and arranged for all of our family to be there watching, including my sister from Georgia, his sister from Connecticut, and his grandparents from Illinois! He then took us all to a winery where he surprised me with all of our closest friends. Between family and friends we had almost 30 people that had traveled to celebrate with us. He organized dinner at the famous Salt Lick BBQ and rented a house for us all to stay in for the weekend! It was the best surprise and the most perfect proposal ever!
Photography: Jessica Gold Photography // Florist: R Love Floral // Hair/Makeup: Jenna Thomas Beauty // Bride’s Dress: Justina Alexander Bridal // Bridesmaids Dresses: Alexia Designs // Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Jos. A. Bank // Band/DJ: Groovin DJ // Cake: The Cake Guys // Rentals: Fauxcades and Rent My Dust // Venue: Avalon Legacy Ranch