Sometimes a town can inspire your wedding as did the town of Marfa, Texas for Emily + Colby. They visit Marfa about 2-3 times a year – it was actually the destination for their first road trip together! The striking colors of Marfa sunsets inspired much of their design aesthetic, what they called “desert magic”. The town’s charming laid-back quirkiness dictated an infectious vibe for their guests that was both fun and a little mystical. They really wanted their friends and family to explore Marfa and fall in love with the place they are so drawn to.
Because Marfa is such a challenge to travel to for only a weekend, they ended up having a smaller wedding with only their nearest and dearest. In fact that is why Emily thinks it was such a succes – those who made the trek were full of love and ready to party! I love all their special, creative details they incorporated into the day. And the sign of a successful wedding – when their friends walked into the reception space and said it really just felt like Emily + Colby. :) Big thanks to Natalie Shelton for the photos + to Emily Allen for the planning + design!
How gorgeous is Emily’s bouquet by Alicia Rico of Bows and Arrows?!! Seriously obsessed with it!
We wrote our own ceremony, rather than having the standard passages and prayers read. It spoke to the nature of love and was extremely heartfelt. So that started things off a bit different.
Our Musical Choices
Our favors were a cool nicknack I originally purchased on the roadtrip that Colby proposed to me on: horseshoes crocheted over with bright yarns. I contacted the artist (Liz of Telegram) and commissioned a big order for our guests, and even sent her Marfa yarns I picked out from the shop Wild Woolies.
Our Favorite Memory
There were so many amazing, joyous moments, but one that really blew me away was when one of my friends (and bridesmaid) surprised us with a rendition of the song "You and Me" by Penny and the Quarters. She had secretly contacted our band and had them learn the song so that they could play it for us. It was a total surprise and a truly beautiful moment.
We hired a band that played some of our favorite music: Buddy Holly covers, and asked them to play special tunes for our ceremony as well.
Our Advice
So much of our wedding magic was determined by our venue and it is a big part of why our wedding was so memorable for our guests. I love the way a destination wedding turns it into a communal experience for everyone involved, and while it is sometimes an added expense for guests, it's also a way to give them something in return. In addition to the wedding night festivities, we hosted a fun cocktail party the night before, catered by Marfa's famous food truck, The Food Shark. We also greeted guests with custom visitor cards so that they had a selection of fun activities to occupy their time in Marfa. These experiences made it feel like one big desert party that lasted a whole weekend and also allowed friends to mix and mingle. While the wedding is essentially about the two of you, the more time you can spend with guests and the more unique the experience for all, the more celebratory the day will feel.
Featured in This Wedding
Natalie Shelton
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Other Vendors in This Wedding
Planners + Designers: Emily Allen // Venue: The Capri Lounge // Wedding Dress: Monique Lhullier // Hairpiece: a gold shimmer tulle and Chantilly lace veil hand-made by Homa Bridal // Bride's Shoes: Stella McCartney blush pumps // Bridesmaid Dresses: yellow maxis by Theory // Hair Stylist: Salon Americana // Makeup Artist: Salon Americana // Groom Attire: J. Crew // Catering: Maiya Keck of Maiya' // Cake: Lisa Copeland of Austin Street Cafe // Music: The Rivers Rockabilly Trio // floral design: Alicia Rico of Bows and Arrows
