Hayley Albrecht and Dalton Stogner met at the ripe age of seventeen. After graduating from high school, Hayley attended the University of Texas while Dalton became a Tar Heel at the University of North Carolina. With the support of family and friends, the couple successfully dated long distance for five years.

Around April 2018, the parents of the bride purchased a new home with an Instagram-worthy rooftop terrace. Dalton suggested they take advantage of the outdoor space before Hayley’s parents took it over, so they visited the roof for cocktails and appetizers before heading to dinner at their favorite spot, Neighborhood Services.

Although she didn’t even have an inkling of what was planned, Hayley noticed something was off at the beginning of the evening. Champagne and flowers awaited them on the terrace and added to the magical moment when Dalton finally dropped to one knee, asked for her hand in marriage, and received the answer he hoped for.

Hayley found her dream dress at her first stop, Warren Barrón. “I knew I wanted clean, elegant lines but with a little bit of drama.” Just as she’d pictured, the dress was a simple, body-fitting gown with a deep V in the front and back. Hayley complemented the dress by adding a veil, which also took the place of a train and was embellished with white floral stitching.

The wedding took place on December 15, 2018, at the Perkins Chapel. Keeping with tradition, Hayley waited until Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” played throughout the chapel to reveal herself. “I think not having a first look and seeing Dalton for the first time when I walked down the aisle made the moment all the more special,” Hayley says.“I wasn’t sure I would make it to the end of the aisle.”

After Hayley and Dalton became The Stogners, they took their celebrations to Arlington Hall for the rest of the night. The porte-cochère, with its floor-to-ceiling paneled windows, was adorned with illuminated garland in the spirit of the season. Hayley wanted “winter elegance” and with the help of Collins Coordination, used white, green, pink, and blue decor to bring her vision to the life. The tables were covered in dark green and white linens, accompanied by gold chairs, and delicate centerpieces from Park Cities Petals.

Crowds dined on delicious bites from Food Glorious Food, and in classic Texas tradition, the signature cocktail was Ranch Water—a blend of lime, tequila, and sparkling water served in glass Topo Chico bottles.

As the evening progressed, friends and family moved to the jazz band, who sported Santa hats. One of the couple’s favorite moments was when one of the Dalton’s college friends got up on stage and performed a song, which he had performed at a piano bar the night before, post-rehearsal dinner. “Naturally he needed to perform the song again at our wedding, too,” Hayley says.

As the clock ticked and the dancers tired, Hayley and Dalton decided to make their break and embark on their honeymoon to St. Lucia. As they left, the crowd created a tunnel for them, tossing confetti in the air as the newlyweds raced to the car to begin their new life together.