Marfa Desert Magic Wedding: Emily + Colby

papel picado wedding invitations

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!

marfa texas wedding

marfa texas wedding

lace sleeved wedding dress

whimsical pink and orange bouquet


How gorgeous is Emily’s bouquet by Alicia Rico of Bows and Arrows?!! Seriously obsessed with it!

lace sleeved wedding dress

bridesmaids wearing yellow dresses

bridesmaids wearing yellow dresses

bridesmaids wearing yellow dresses

marfa texas wedding

groomsmen

marfa texas wedding

marfa texas wedding

marfa texas wedding


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.

marfa texas wedding

marfa texas wedding

Our Musical Choices

Processional: Sleepwalk by Santos and Johnny, performed accoustically by The Rivers Rockabilly Trio

Recessional: Here Comes the Sun by George Harrison, performed accoustically by The Rivers Rockabilly Trio

First Dance: True Love Ways by Buddy Holly, performed by The Rivers Rockabilly Trio

potted plant escort card table

ombre colored place cards

ribbon wand wedding sticks

protea and pink centerpices

protea and pink centerpices

protea and pink centerpices

crocheted necklace favors


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.

whimsical bottle vase centerpieces

whimsical bottle vase centerpieces

antler table decor

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

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.

ribbon backdrop dessert bar

ribbon backdrop dessert bar

french macaroons dessert

ribbon backdrop dessert bar


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.

marfa texas wedding

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

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.

photography: Natalie Shelton // venue name: The Capri Lounge, Marfa, Texas // event design: Emily Allen // planning: Emily Allen // 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 // invitations: Chelsea Carpenter of Southern Fried Paper designed our invitations, programs, and welcome guides. Nicole Black of The Left Handed Calligrapher did the calligraphy for our invitations // paper goods: Chelsea Carpenter of Southern Fried Paper designed our invitations, programs, and welcome guides. Nicole Black of The Left Handed Calligrapher did the calligraphy for our invitations

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