We’ve said it time and time again – your wedding should be a reflection of you and your beloved as a couple, not checking off any boxes or fitting someone else’s mold. This couple figured that out, too. After completely planning a traditional wedding in their town, they felt like it just wasn’t right for them, and they started over…FROM SCRATCH! Their new Marfa location meant a change in style, a new date, and different but amazing vendors like Bubbles Event Planning + Rentals, Gage Weddings, and Melanie Julian Photography. And you can see it from the smiles on their faces and those around them – THIS turned out to be the perfect wedding for them.
With a traditional wedding at First Presbyterian Church and Petroleum Club in Midland, Texas all planned to the nines, Abby and Paul just felt something wasn’t right for their special day. They’ve always loved visiting Marfa on the weekends, and after having their engagement pictures taken there, they decided it was the place they should tie the knot, too! They moved their wedding up a whole month and had to start over from scratch, finding all new vendors (that were local and available for the new date).
Their day was a full mix of traditional and modern. Her classic high neckline dress by Sareh Nouri (that had a detachable train!) paired with her simple sapphire earrings (a gift from Paul) was completed with her Manolo Blahnik shoes. Paul and his groomsmen were wearing timeless black tuxes with the traditional bowtie mixed with black boots to bring in the Texas flair. Abby’s modern bouquet had the cutest cactus in it with long silk ribbon, and their rose gold invitations matched the bridesmaids’ dresses and her rose gold wedding band (their rings are all three of the metals – yellow gold, rose gold, and white gold).
It was a large family affair, with all of their siblings and step siblings included in the wedding (her brothers = ushers in white jackets; her four step sisters = house party; his sister = bridesmaid; his brother = best man). Abby rented the coolest Airbnb for her and her 15 girls (9 bridesmaids and 6 house party goers) to get ready in. Every room had its own story to tell, which paired perfectly with the color palette of Abby’s day, also bringing in more of the modern touch.
Paul met Abby at the Airbnb for the sweetest first look. He was so excited to see her! Once he saw here, he couldn’t stop telling her how beautiful she was. The day continued as we traveled around Marfa in the beautiful sunshine taking photos of the couple. Abby was truly the easiest bride, up for whatever. She and Paul were just so happy to be together and to finally be getting married!
Their wedding party of 34 met us at the beautiful Marfa National Bank where we were magically able to fit everyone into one frame! There was lots of laughter all day, as everyone was just so excited to be a part of their day! Once we finished with wedding party pictures, we walked two blocks to First Christian Church where we completed all family photos prior to the ceremony. Their ceremony was lead by Pastor Steve Schorr, whom is the senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Midland, where Abby grew up attending church. Abby’s grandfather also sang a beautiful hymn during the service.
Since all photos were completed prior to the ceremony, Abby and Paul headed straight for cocktail hour upon sealing the deal with a kiss with a mariachi band leading their guests. The remainder of the night was filled with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, live music, and lots of dancing! They had rented out the entire hotel (Hotel Paisano), so guests were able to just walk right upstairs to end the night.
Photography: Melanie Julian Photography | Event Planning: Bubbles Event Planning and Rentals | Floral Design: Gage Weddings | Cake: Sylvia Norman | Invitations: Prickly Pear Paper | Church: Hale Koa phineas Estate | Bride's Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Makeup: Andrea Prejean | Hair: MINT Salon + Spa | Band: Current Nine | Bridal Boutique: Arte Latica | Bridal Boutique: Sareh Nouri | Getting Ready House: Marfa Boarding House | Hanger + Vow Books: BHLDN | Mariachi Band: Mariachi Armonia | Programs: Etsy | Ring Box: The Mrs Box