Tall Order: Stilted entertainers and a trick roper welcomed guests to the cocktail hour. “We didn’t want it to be cookie cutter,” says the bride. “We wanted unique things personal to us, and to make sure people had a drink and entertainment.”

Photo by Menary Weddings

Happy Trail(er)s: Cattle trailers were used to transport guests to and from the ceremony. “We decided to use what we had at the ranch,” Courtney says. “The wedding was on a hill, and we didn’t want people to hike up there. So we decided a hayride was kind of fun.”

Photo by Menary Weddings

Deep in the Heart: “I love Texas in the spring, and I love nature, so I wanted something to echo that,” Courtney says of her bouquet. Around the stems, she placed a hand-tooled leather wrap featuring the bride’s new initials and wedding date, as well as photos of loved ones who have passed away, including Cole’s dad and Courtney’s grandmother.

Photo by Menary Weddings

Fields of Blue: Courtney loved taking some shots with the drone owned by her photographer, Menary Weddings, to capture the full field of bluebonnets in bloom. “The photographer was scared to ask me if I wanted to do that, but I’m a cowgirl,” she says. “I don’t mind getting dirty.”

Photo by Menary Weddings

Setting the Scene: Cow troughs were placed all around the cocktail-hour area to house flowers and ice-cold beers—in keeping with the mix of aesthetic elegance and a comfortable feel.

Photo by Menary Weddings

Two of a Kind: The couple opted to do a first look. “It gives you a private moment to be together,” says Courtney. “More than anything, while I was getting ready, I just wanted to see Cole. I love my friends, but I just couldn’t wait to see him!”

Photo by Menary Weddings

Tag, You’re It: Using cattle tags for escort cards was Courtney’s idea. She then found an artist on Etsy who could make them customized for her. “I wanted it to be a takeaway gift to use again and remind them of the ranch,” she says.

Photo by Menary Weddings

On Brand: The couple branded a piece of leather during their ceremony. “It’s a symbol of us—a symbol of our unity together,” Courtney says.

Photo by Menary Weddings

Oh Hay There: Courtney ditched her ceremony overskirt and added a leather belt and turquoise necklace for the reception. “I wanted to cowgirl up a little bit,” she says. Cole surprised her with sparklers to start the reception off with a bang. The newlywed pair entered the haybarn first so they could watch their bridal-party members do their entrances. “We did it in reverse,” says Courtney.

Photo by Menary Weddings

Neon Moon: “Cole grew up in the hot rod industry, and his dad collected neon signs,” Courtney explains. “So we got that sign made for our ranch.” The hay bale display also served as a photo-booth spot at the afterparty.

Photo by Menary Weddings

Rustic Chic: Courtney wanted to bring the outdoors into the haybarn for the reception. GRO Designs more than delivered, with trees adding height and punctuating the space. Wood tables were topped with lush centerpieces, while large chandeliers lent an elegant air.

Photo by Menary Weddings

Party On: Late in the evening, the bride donned a bedazzled white “Forever & Ever” jacket from Rock Paper Scissors Denim Jackets. “We tricked everyone into thinking it was over, and then revealed a dueling piano bar,” says Courtney, who’s pictured taking a turn on the suspended saddle used by the aerialist entertainer.

Photo by Menary Weddings

Courtney Sobek and Cole Tachdjian Threw a Texas Affair to Remember

By Sarah Bennett

Courtney Sobek & Cole Tachdjian
April 10, 2021

Courtney Sobek and Cole Tachdjian were just two high-school sweethearts from California when a broken-down bus landed them stuck in Texas for three weeks. “We were on a road trip to see George Strait,” Courtney says. “We rented a car and drove across Texas and fell in love.” The couple, who rescue and rehabilitate horses, decided to split their business between the two states.

Courtney & Cole's Couple's Wedding Photo

So following a birthday-weekend engagement in Laguna Beach, it just made sense to marry on their property in Palmer. “Cole is more Texan than a lot of people,” Courtney laughs. After a yearlong postponement due to the pandemic, the pair said “I do” amid the springtime Texas bluebonnets. 

Party On

Late in the evening, the bride donned a bedazzled white “Forever & Ever” jacket from Rock Paper Scissors Denim Jackets.

Courtney & Cole's Reception

“We tricked everyone into thinking it was over, and then revealed a dueling piano bar,” says Courtney, who’s pictured taking a turn on the suspended saddle used by the aerialist entertainer.

Credits

  • Ceremony/Reception Site

    Private Ranch Residence

  • Photographer

    Menary Weddings

  • Bridal Gown Designer

    Estee Couture Bridal

  • Bridal Gown Retailer

    Panache’ Bridal

  • Hair

    Ashley Gannon

  • Hair

    AG Makeup and Hair

  • Makeup

    Ashley Gannon

  • Makeup

    AG Makeup and Hair

  • Flowers

    GRO Designs

  • Stationery

    Southern Fried Paper

  • Cakes

    Fancy Cakes by Lauren

  • Catering

    Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse

  • Music

    Intensity Entertainment

  • Lighting

    Stage 2 Lighting

  • Videographer

    Jaime Maldonado Films

  • Wedding Rentals

    AFR

  • Wedding Rentals

    Bella Acento

  • Wedding Rentals

    Center Stage

  • Wedding Rentals

    GRO Designs

  • Wedding Rentals

    Junk and Disorderly

  • Wedding Rentals

    La Tavola Fine Linen Rental

  • Wedding Rentals

    Party! Dallas Rentals

  • Wedding Rentals

    Perch Décor

  • Wedding Rentals

    POSH Couture Rentals

  • Wedding Rentals

    Rent My Dust

  • Wedding Rentals

    Sandone

  • Wedding Rentals

    Shag Carpet Props

  • Wedding Designer

    GRO Designs

  • Transportation

    AJL Transportation

  • Additional Vendors

    Bravo Entertainment

  • Groom's Hat

    Chaz Mitchell Custom Hats

  • Boots

    M.L. Leddy’s

  • Spirits

    Pogo’s

  • Diamond Necklace

    Reads Jewelers of Fort Worth

  • Jacket

    Rock Paper Scissors Denim

  • Suit Leather Tooling

    Skiver Bootmakers

  • Reception Necklace

    Turquoise and Co.

  • Bride's Hat

    Warbonnet Hatworks

  • Bride's Leather Accessories

    Western Skies Handmade

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