Mary and Bobby’s wedding in December could be described by many words…beautiful, unique, cold (literally!), happy. One of the words I would choose is community.
This wedding was one of the most delightful weddings I’ve been a part of simply because it exemplified true friends and family celebrating – and serving – together. Mary had a dream of what her wedding would look and feel like, but it was her friends and family that made it more wonderful than she had imagined. Family and church friends helped out in the months and days leading up to December 5th to be ready for the day. Friday found high school and college friends serving the Hursts by decorating the barn, driving shepherd’s hooks into the ground, and completing the last-minute details…in the snow and cold weather. Mary’s cousin did all of the flowers, a church friend did all of the decorating in the barn, and even a few bridesmaids went to Hobby Lobby on Saturday morning to complete one final detail. Christ was truly honored by so many people pitching in and serving the Hurst and Austin families. It was awesome…and I know they are grateful.
Now…on to the details.
Mary’s vision for the vintage feel of the country wedding was inspired by the Hurst’s Red Barn and Dr. Hurst’s 1951 Red Chevrolet Pickup. Many ideas came from wedding blog, Snippet & Ink, and much of the décor was found in Canton, Texas and resale shops. Everything seemed to have a story for how it came to be part of the décor or attire.
A 5:00 ceremony set before an incredible sunset warmed the hearts of the guests on a chilly December evening. Old family quilts, cider, and hot chocolate were available to guests as they arrived for the ceremony. Guests were encouraged to dress comfortably and, most importantly, warmly!
Tin milking buckets and Mason jars held candles and were adorned with sprigs of cedar as they hung from shepherd’s hooks to line the driveway and aisle to the outdoor chapel. The bride and her attendants were driven to their groomsmen escorts in the back of the red pick-up truck. Mary was outfitted in a steal-of-a-Monique Lhuillier dress ($700!) + cowboy boots and was kept warm by a mink stole (flea market find) and left wearing an Etsy-made bolero. The groomsmen’s attire was cowboy boots and scruffy vests with pipes in their pockets. The bride’s niece served as the flower girl and stole the show… giving the groom a thumbs up as he started to get teary.
Loblolly Pine seedlings with instructions on how to plant and care for them were just a small thank you gift from the bride and her family…and a tribute to the East Texas Piney Woods.
Old photographs of Mary, Bobby, and generations of their family were tied to small trees, wreaths, and garland that decorated the barn.
Birds and nests were the theme on the invitation, program and cake. Mary’s bridal bouquet was primarily white roses with various other white flowers and pheasant feathers. Mary and the bridesmaids’ bouquets were bound in satin ribbon and then wound with rope… for true shabby chic!
Vintage candlesticks, antique mirrors, cracking window frames and shutters, as well as apothecary jars surrounded the cake. The hope was that guests would be filled with delightful and unexpected little surprises wherever they turned.
The dinner reception was held inside the barn. Tables lined the floor space while candles, sprigs of cedar, and pine flourished the walls. Candles in mason jars, twinkly lights and chandeliers set the mood. Old wooden dough bowls and sugar molds holding candles and flowers sat atop burlap runners on the tables.
Mary, you did an incredible job planning each and every detail! And to all the family and friends who helped, a huge THANK YOU for serving the Hurst family and Mary and Bobby during such an exciting time in their lives!
If you have a special story to share about how the details of this wedding just came together, please share them in the comments below. I know Mary would LOVE to hear your rendition!
Finally, some credit is due…
Decorations/Details – Angela Moore of Moore Solutions in Nacogdoches, Texas (theangelagmoore@yahoo.com).
Florist – Sunni Graham of Puertabella Designs in Austin, Texas (www.puertabellaaustin.com).
Catering – ARAMARK at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches
And my photography team – Sherry Braden of Braden Photography in Nacogdoches, Texas, and our friends Bronwyn Turner and Sherrie Callahan.
Thank you!
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