I explained in my last post about the changes coming to The Big and Bright. I took a long hiatus from blogging after getting married, and recently, my husband really encouraged me to get back to writing and helped me nail down my vision for the future of this site. So I figured what better way to embark on that transition than to blog about my own wedding? I don't ever want to forget all the little details and moments of that day. 

For our day, we wanted a look and feel that epitomized rustic hill country. I was born and raised in Dripping Springs, so returning there to be married at such a beautiful venue, Memory Lane, was really special for me. We used a lot of corrugated metal and mostly neutral colors to play off the limestone, but I also wanted to incorporate succulents and pops of bright colors to add some contrast. In the end, we just wanted the whole day to reflect who we are as a couple: nothing fancy. We wanted to feel comfortable and right at home, and for our guests to feel that way too.

We served Tex Mex (I never miss an opportunity for chips and queso), danced the night away to 90s country and Texas country, and overall, kept things pretty low-key and no fuss. Obviously this day was important, but to me, it wasn't about the centerpieces or a designer dress or anything like that - in fact, I had neither. I chose a few things as priorities for the day: a good photographer, good food, and music that meant a lot to us. The simplicity of everything else allowed us to focus on what's truly important: committing to each other and enjoying the one time in our lives where every single person that we love was together in one place. What a day!

My boots were my something blue, and my mom's bracelet was my something borrowed.

I designed our invitation suite myself and carried the kraft paper element through other details as well.

I still wear this gold necklace almost daily. It's such a strong reminder to me of the promises we made that day. And anyone who knows my mom knows that she cries at the drop of a hat, so I knew this handkerchief was a practical gift as well as sentimental. She and my dad really did do so much to make our day everything we wanted it to be.

Our ceremony was outside, in June, in Texas, so we had our programs printed on fans. For each member of the wedding party, we included a little snippet about how they met the bride or groom, and the fun facts section was a hit with our guests. We also had a trough full of lemon chills for guests to grab as they walked in. We didn't want anyone to melt!

It did rain for part of the afternoon, and as our ceremony time was approaching, the sweet Memory Lane girls finally had to ask me if I wanted to move the ceremony inside. I was so hesitant - I had envisioned saying our vows under those gorgeous oak trees. Thank God for weather apps on smartphones and their accuracy - my bridesmaids kept checking and assured me that the rain was moving right along, and they were right! We were able to keep it outside and the rain actually cooled things off by a few degrees, so it was a blessing in disguise. Hey, rain on your wedding day is good luck, right?

I put my dress on in a private room with just my mom and maid of honor (who had been with me on the day I picked it out), because I wanted to show the rest of my girls all at once. Opening the door to their surprised faces was SUCH a fun moment - I highly recommend doing a "reveal" with your bridesmaids!

 My bridesmaids each chose their own dresses, and my flower girl's dress was handmade by my aunt. Neutral colors are my love language, so this was my dream color palette.

Oh hey good lookin'... how handsome is he?? Andrew and I chose not to do a first look. I didn't really care either way, but he was adamant about not wanting to see me until my dad was walking me down the aisle. I'm not against first looks by any means; it's a personal choice and makes good sense in certain situations, but I ended up being so glad we went the traditional route. Seeing the emotion on his face as I was coming down the aisle was so special.

As the last of our guests were being seated, my mom said a prayer over the day and over our marriage. Sharing that moment with all of my closest friends, the girls who've been there for me through it all, was so surreal.

Seeing my dad for the first time that day right before he walked me down the aisle - be still my heart. 

More to come from our ceremony and reception...