Did you ever expect that a wedding in the desert would be followed up by a thunderstorm? Neither did we! Luckily for this couple, the rain was the perfect finishing touch on their already-unique wedding at The Willow House. Francesca and Marco teamed up with the planners behind Mae & Co. to create a stunning micro wedding in Terlingua, Texas. Unexpectedly, a storm rolled in during the reception. Storms in this area only happen 7 times per year! This rare occasion served as a stroke of luck for the happy couple. Rain on a wedding day has long been hailed to be a sign of good luck!
The couple initially planned to have a 300-person wedding in the Philippines, but like many couples, this was unfortunately derailed due to COVID. But that didn’t stop Francesca and Marco from creating something gorgeous and romantic for their special day! Instead, they opted for an intimate 20-person wedding in the desert of West Texas with their photographer, Jordan Voth, there to capture every beautiful moment. Desert florals from Open Road helped to enhance the earthy, romantic vibe for this one-of-a-kind celebration.
The groomsmen’s mismatched outfits were a cool and relaxed take on a trend normally tackled by bridesmaids. Looking good, fellas!
The sweetest first look!
The main perk of a desert wedding is obviously the landscape! Francesca and Marco are pictured here admiring the beautiful scenery of the Terlingua Desert and flowing water before saying “I Do”. Looking for more desert wedding inspiration? We’ve got you!
We’ve always been a very adventurous couple, always wanting to try and do things a bit differently than what a “traditional” route may be. Our original plan was to have a 300-person wedding in Manila, where we are both from, so we could showcase our home to all our friends from the US, but when COVID hit we had to cancel our plans. Instead of dwelling on it, we used it as an opportunity to really simplify and make it something that was truly our own. From the desert landscape to having only 20 people there in person, to the design details, and having it in Willow House — a place we had to ourselves for a week — our wedding ended up even more “us” than we ever could’ve hoped.
Non-traditional, but oh-so-stunning. This ceremony setup may just be our favorite part of the wedding. Instead of a sprawling arch or maximalist flowers, the desert spoke for itself. Why mess with what’s already perfect?
The neutral color palette of this wedding perfectly accentuates the gentle, muted tones of the natural landscape.
Processional: Thinking Out Loud (Violin and Piano Cover) by Daniel Jang
Recessional: Lovely Day by Bill Withers
First Dance: 17 by Pink Sweat$
Look at the joy on their faces!
Storm clouds never looked so romantic. The sudden instance of a rare thunderstorm in this area served as a positive omen. One of a loving, happy relationship built to last a lifetime.
I think the craziest and most memorable moment was seeing a desert thunderstorm roll in midway through dinner. It felt special because those storms are so rare, it happened after the ceremony, the photos were amazing, and it made for amazing memories of everyone running inside with their plates in hand.
Fill your vendor list with good people who vibe with you. Our team was legendary. Seriously, Manda, our designer + planner, was so amazing, we would happily get married 3 more times (to each other) just to witness her and her partner Johnny's magic.
Delicate pebbles lining guest’s place settings served as a beautiful homage to the organic surroundings around them.
“Earthy” is taken to a whole new level with these clay-set floral arrangements by Open Road Florals.
The storm couldn’t get this celebration down! As the clouds began to roll in, attendees were still able to enjoy their meal and celebrate the love of the happy couple.
The joy on their faces says it all! Francesca and Marco undoubtedly had the wedding of their dreams – even if it didn’t look as originally predicted! After all, the best joys in life tend to come as surprises. Congratulations, you two!
photography: Jordan Voth // venue name: The Willow House, Terlingua, Texas, USA // event design: Mae&Co Creative // planning: Mae&Co Creative // florals: Open Road Florals // wedding dress boutique: Winnie Couture // hair stylist: Hello Flawless Artistry // makeup artist: Hello Flawless Artistry // paper goods: Mae&Co Creative // catering: Essen Catering // desserts: Essen Catering // tabletop rentals: Loot Rentals // furniture rentals: Loot Rentals // linen rentals: Nuage Designs // specialty rentals: Loot Rentals // music: Premier Austin DJ's
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