My younger sister got married this past spring and I’ve yet to share the photos. This wedding was a labor of love and I was fortunate to have a dynamic vendor team that fit the couple and their personalities perfectly. Fun fact about these two; they met in elementary school and were close friends growing up. A few decades later and they were both in Fort Worth and the rest is history. Neither are big on crowds and they knew they wanted an intimate wedding ceremony. Katie told me, “We want it to feel like a beautiful dinner party.” So that’s what we did! The Drover came to mind immediately, and it was the perfect fit.

The couple chose to marry on a Thursday, which worked well for so many reasons. Most of the guests were attorneys and had flexible schedules, and the groom’s parents, along with several friends, came in from out of town. Traveling during the week is so much more relaxing. The rehearsal dinner was held at Joe T. Garcias so the groom’s parents could get the true Fort Worth experience, and afterwards the bride and ‘sister of honor’ (that’s me,) headed to the hotel for some quality sister time before the big day.

The morning of, a small group of girlfriends came over shortly before lunch to spend the day with the bride. Meagan Starr , an amazing hair and makeup professional with a personality that puts everyone at ease, did all the girl’s makeup and the brides hair and makeup. The fireplace suite was the perfect size for a small group, with great lighting for photos.

You know those people who just get awkward in front of the camera? Yeah, that’s our entire family. Having worked with Ellen Ashton many times before, I knew her style and personal approach would be just what Katie and Neil needed. She has a way about her that instantly relaxes her clients, just what a bride needs on her wedding day. Ellen came up a few hours before the wedding started to photograph the bride and groom separately and get all of those special detail shots.

Who loves a first look?? ME!! No matter how much time is allowed to get ready, a wedding day can feel a little frantic. Taking some time just before the ceremony to see each other, and feel the relief that the moment has finally arrived, can be just what’s needed before walking down an isle. Well that, and a quick glass of bubbles. :)-

While Ellen photographed the first look with the couple, I was running around frantic trying to finish up the ceremony and reception space. Did I mention we streamed the wedding live? We used the platform Eventlive to livestream the ceremony for our family living across the US and Scotland. Since the wedding was small, this was a great way to include everyone, especially relatives that couldn’t travel easily or had health concerns.

I had planned to provide all of my own rentals for the tabletop decor but it turns out that organizing a wedding, setting up for it, and being a sister to the bride was all I could handle. Thankfully Grand Events offers full service rentals and brought in their farmhouse tables, cross back chairs, and beaded chargers to the Vaquero Room. The room comes with tables and seating, but we wanted family style seating with a rustic look, and chairs that could double as ceremony chairs. Their delivery staff set up the chairs for the ceremony, and The Drover staff quickly set the chairs at the table during cocktail hour.

I am fortunate to call the multitalented owner of Ash and Son Designs and The Scout Guide Southlake Grapevine a friend, and she graciously designed all of the florals, and the napkins, cocktail napkins, robes, and chair sashes. The one thing the bride would not compromise on was the incorporation of gardenias in the florals. They were an investment, but the light scent of gardenia in the air was memory making for sure. The ceremony space was decorated with a simple geometrical alter, eucalyptus trimmings, and (gasp…) faux florals.

I wasn’t about to spend the ceremony parenting, so we asked our sweet babysitter to bring the kids up for the ceremony and photos so they could be a part of the special day. They were surprisingly invested and very excited to watch Neil become an “official” uncle.

Brad Thompson played acoustic guitar as guests arrived and the families took their seats. As Brad transitioned to the procession song, (the Schitt’s Creek version of Simply the Best!!) which he learned just for the couple, the ‘flower girl’ (my daughter) proceeded the bride while handing out celebration streamers in Texas A&M colors. As a devoted Aggie, it’s basically against the rules if you don’t include maroon in your wedding. #gigem. Our dad walked Katie down the aisle and her favorite judge, Honorable Judge Vincent Messina honored the couple by performing the ceremony after dad led a short prayer.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed passed appetizers and the couple’s signature drinks; Topo Chico for the bride, and Ranch Water for the groom. The family headed downstairs for our version of goofy family photos and.. more bubbles. We bid the kids adieu and headed back upstairs to join the party.

What felt really special about this wedding was the level of connection. With just twenty people in attendance, everyone felt included. We sat together, prayed together, laughed together, and celebrated the new couple together. Everyone enjoyed a fantastic plated dinner and the staff at The Drover went above and beyond to meet the needs of each guest. Brad continued to play acoustic guitar throughout the night and with all of the French doors open with him on the patio, the ambiance was perfect.

One thing the couple didn’t care too much about was a large cake. In fact, the groom wanted cheesecake, which The Drover was happy to provide, and the bride wanted a very specific carrot cake, served only at Charlestons. LOL. Our dad brought the cake with him that afternoon, and I proceeded to royal screw up getting it out of the box. My sweet husband saved the day and we hid the damage with some loose florals. There are definitely perks that come with planning your sister’s wedding… the bride is far more forgiving when you destroy the cake!

Once the cake was cut and a few special dances were enjoyed, the evening came to an end. It was just what they wanted; a small ceremony and dinner with close family and friends.

Cheers to Katie and Neil. xoxo

Venue: Hotel Drover

Hair and Make Up: Meagan Starr

Photography: Ellen Ashton Photograpy

Florals: Ash and Sons

Linens: Ash and Sons

Catering: 97 West

Rentals: Grand Events

Music: Brad Thompson