From our Fall/Winter 2021 issue

Erin and Jimmy Watson | June 1, 2019

They say rain on your wedding day is good luck—and, likely, a good litmus test for how a couple will handle the ups and inevitable downs of marriage. Indeed, Erin and Jimmy Watson have navigated married life with the same good nature with which they weathered the (literal) storm that crashed their 2019 wedding. Since tying the knot, the pair have experienced both the fun (bathroom reno!) and less-fun (roof replacement!) parts of owning a home; balanced busy careers that have them on the road often; and patiently awaited the chance to take their Covid-delayed honeymoon to Argentina and Patagonia. They welcomed son Ben on June 24, 2021, a journey Erin describes as “more than we could have imagined—more love, more exhaustion, more fun, and more bottle washing.” But true to form, the couple have gracefully transitioned from Mr. and Mrs. to Mom and Dad. “We have approached parenting with such a team mentality,” Erin says. “It’s definitely brought us closer, with a deeper respect for one another.” They share the highs and lows of wedding planning, and how the unexpected moments can end up making the best memories.

Had you thought about your wedding day before getting engaged?

Erin: I spent plenty of time thinking about my marriage to Jimmy, but had no specific vision around the wedding day itself. 

Jimmy: Not exactly, but I did think about eloping with a backyard celebration.

What was the smartest thing you did while planning your wedding?

Erin: Hire a wedding planner! Hiring Karli Spangler with Ivory & Vine Event Co. was the last hard decision we had to make during the planning process—she made the rest a breeze!

Jimmy: Hire an awesome wedding planner (and take advantage of the food tastings).

What was the most fun part of wedding planning?

Erin: My parents live in Pennsylvania, so their trips to town for tastings and other planning items were always so fun. Wedding dress shopping with just my mom will always be a special memory for me.

Jimmy: Wine-inspired discussions and planning sessions on the couch. 

What was the hardest part?

Erin: Finalizing the guest list. It’s hard to reconcile people who had a big impact on your past, people you spend a lot of time with in the present, and people you know will be a big part of your future lives.

Jimmy: Real talk: setting the guest list.

Most worthwhile wedding splurge? 

Erin: We had a lot of out-of-town guests and wanted to give them a “Taste of Texas,” so we wound up serving Tex-Mex, barbecue, and farm-to-table for dinner. We couldn’t pick just one!

Jimmy: Photos and video—memories hold their value pretty well.

Was there anything your spouse wanted that you weren’t sure about? How did it turn out?

Erin: Jimmy is such an outgoing person, he probably would have invited 600 people if he could. We compromised and had about 200 guests. 

Jimmy: Probably linens. They were great.

What was your biggest takeaway from the wedding-planning process?

Erin: Don’t forget it’s a really special day, but it’s just one day. Also, guest count is the most influential factor in your wedding budget and spending. 

Jimmy: Hire an awesome planner (not just any planner).

What was the most memorable moment from your wedding day?

Erin: The skies opened up and it started pouring as soon as my dad started walking me down the aisle. It was so perfect. 

Jimmy: Kissing Erin in the rain.

Anything unexpected happen?

Erin: See above! The rain threw a major wrench in the day, but it was so special. Three years later, our friends still reminisce with us about that day. 

Jimmy: A casual Texas summer storm.

What would you do differently? 

Erin: It was such a beautiful day, it’s hard to say I’d change anything. 

Jimmy: Marry her sooner.

What has surprised you most about married life? How (if at all) does it feel different?

Erin: We’re coming up on our three-year anniversary and being married to my best friend is so much more fun than I could have ever imagined. 

Jimmy: I wouldn’t say anything surprised me as much as it’s just been as great as I expected.

If you had one piece of advice for engaged or newly married couples, what would it be? 

Erin: Don’t forget to focus on preparing for the marriage itself, not just the wedding day.

Jimmy: Figure out each other’s wine preference early on.