Wedding Cakes & Pastries
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
