If we could do it all over again, we’re thinking we just might run off into the isolated desert fields of Marfa, Texas and host an epic, adventurous wedding weekend just like Michelle + Tyler did! We’ve been dying to share this one with you guys since we laid our eyes on it. M + T’s day was just so beautiful + unique and was 100% handmade by the two of them and their fam + friends! While it’s nearly impossible to pin-point a favorite detail, the rustic, yet understated ceremony site, along with the geometric-infused reception decor definitely stand out as being pretty darn amazing! Just wait until you see for yourself. But first, Michelle has more to share with us about the day:
We decided that Marfa would be where we would get married on our first trip there. Marfa is a special place and everyone that spends time there has a different adventure and that is what we wanted for our guests: an adventure. Some people weren’t excited to do all of the traveling and others were just confused, so we knew that we might have a smaller wedding and were okay with it. In the end, 150 people came in cars, planes, and trains to spend the weekend with us. We had to do what felt right to us, and those who were able to come found an unexpected new special place and memories.
Big thanks to Brooke Schwab Photography for the incredible images + congrats and best wishes to Michelle + Tyler!
Loving that vibrant bouquet, designed by Michelle’s aunt, Lynn!
So many incredible locations for photo-ops!
Tyler’s parents made that fun metal structure and Michelle’s family macramed + dyed rope to create the backdrop for the ceremony. Family also brought in hay bales for seating and Tyler’s mom hand dip-dyed the covers for each one. We love that Michelle + Tyler created such a unique space, in the middle of nowhere, to exchange their vows!
Our Favorite Memory
I am not typically a very emotional person EXCEPT at weddings. I have fumbled through many a Maid of Honor speech, so I was fairly certain it did not matter what my vows said because they would be unintelligible. They day of the wedding we had about 35 miles per hour winds on the land, and since I was wearing a cape, I almost flew away (taking my little cousin with me) the second I walked out of my trailer. My parents had to come running and instead of walking me down the aisle they held my cape while my ten pound bouquet kept me on the ground. All of this is to say that instead of being nervous and crying and being overcome with emotion, I had no choice to keep my eye on the prize and just make it to Tyler. Quite the metaphor for staying grounded.
Michelle pulled off such an incredible + unique look! We love her BHLDN dress, which she paired with a belt from Anthropologie and a cape she custom designed + had made from fabric she ordered from Mood.
The reception was chock-full of amazing details and a fun, geometric-centric vibe. We are totally digging that white graphic on the floor (designed by Cathy, one of the bride’s good friends), the colorful paper goods, desert-y blooms + those killer wire mobiles – shaped like gems! – that hung from overhead.
Our place card holders were also our favors. We bought a bunch of unopened geodes online and my dad used a rock saw to make a space in each one for us to put a place card. Tyler’s dad made metal stands for each one. Guests had instructions to take their geode outside where we had a station set up for them to crack them open!
Our Advice
Plan ahead so you can relax when the time comes. Approximately a hundred things went wrong during our weekend, but we had so much planned that no one noticed. I was determined not to be the bride still organizing things the day of. I delegated like crazy and it was a good thing because I had a little too much fun at our Welcome Dinner and couldn't micromanage the next morning. I didn't even see the ceremony space until I was walking down the aisle and it was actually wonderful to let go of it and get to be surprised.
Wedding Vendors
Photography: Brooke Schwab Photography // Florals: Bride's Aunt, Lynn Bielman // Hair Stylist: Bride's friend, Kara Friendt // Makeup Artist: Groom's cousin, Carly Wolk // Catering: Future Shark // Music: Michael Antonia of The Flashdance // day of coordination: bride's cousin, Mandy Sitz // churros: Katy Rose Elsasser for Snacks on Snacks // photobooth: Smilebooth // bride's dress: BHLDN // bride's cape: bride designed and ordered fabric from Mood // second dress: Anais gown from J.Crew // late night outfit: sequined romper from J. Crew // welcome bags: designed by Tyler // graphics: designed by Tyler // other signs: designed by Tyler // dance floor graphics: Cathy Sun from Past Paper Future // ceremony sound: Marfa Recording Co. // equipment rentals: Marfa Recording Co. // invitations: designed by couple's friend, Camille Domangue and letterpressed by Workhouse Prints, using vintage stamps // save the dates: designed by couple and printed by copy.com
