A Casual Outdoor Wedding on a Farm in Texas

Updated on September 20, 2018

Olivia and Isham

Olivia Ellis met Isham Randolph during their freshman year at Duke University. A decade later, they reconnected in Washington, D.C., and it sparked a lasting relationship. Three years later, on April 7, 2012, they tied the knot in Austin, Texas, the bride's hometown, and journeyed to the artistic, desert town of Marfa for their honeymoon.

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The Location

For the wedding venue, Olivia instantly thought of Rain Lily Farm, in east Austin. She used to work on the property, owned by her best friends (one of whom officiated at the ceremony), it's also where she took Isham on his first visit to see her. It further celebrated the couple's desire to keep things local and work with as many of their creative professional acquaintances as possible.

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The Fashions

Isham wore a custom Hickey Freeman suit. Olivia donned a Theyskens' Theory dress she purchased on net-a-porter.com, along with Nine West espadrille wedges, and earrings from Spartan, a local boutique in Austin.

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Beautiful Blooms

The sister of the bride carried a bouquet of thistle, delphinium, seeded eucalyptus, yarrow, and Queen Anne's lace. The bold colors of the flowers popped against the muted tone of her Anthropologie dress.

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Crowning Glories

Arden and Sylvia, the daughters of one of Olivia's friend, wore floral head wreaths with their Victorian lace Fox'n Lily dresses.

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A Cute Youngster

The ring bearer wore a white peasant shirt and khaki pants from Tulip and Nettle. A festive Stetson hat from Allen's Boots completed his ensemble.

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The Entrance

Olivia's father, Jim Ellis, escorted her down the aisle, passing the venue's Airstream trailer on the way.

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The Ceremony

The early-evening service included an a capella performance of the gospel song "I Can't Even Walk Without You Holding My Hand" by a friend Bryan Clark, and high-spirited performance of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash's "As Long as the Grass Shall Grow" by the bride's brother Matt and friend Stephanie Carll. Isham's father, Bob Randolph, recited a Native American blessing and their pal John Taylor also performed a ritual burning of sage and eagle feathers.

The newlyweds walked up the aisle to a song selected by their mothers, the hymn "Shall We Gather." It was played by family members on the guitar, fiddle, and banjo.

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A Special Dish

Olivia's godson, Oliver, carried the wedding bands in a woven Navajo wedding basket from Winter Sun Trading Company.

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Good Fun

Guests young and old enjoyed this classic swing.

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The Portraits

Photographer Suzi Varin of Q Weddings snapped shots of the couple around the property.

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The Decor

Since the surroundings offered ample ambiance, additional decorations were minimal. Burlap and small glass vases filled with a few flower sprigs topped the reception tables.

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The Dinner

Served on lunch trays, the feast of smoked beef brisket, chuck roast, hot links, short ribs, and loins was accompanied by pinto beans, coleslaw, potato salad, braised greens, and deviled eggs. Local organic Maine Root Mexicane cola and root beer, Fireman's 4 and Shiner Bock beer, Sotol margaritas, and other festive spirits washed everything down. Berry spooncake made for a sweet dessert.

The BBQ meal was designed and executed by the husband-and-wife duo of Dai Due, a roving restaurant and supper club.

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The First Dance

The newlyweds swayed to "Mystifies Me" by Ron Wood. Olivia had put the song on the first mix CD gift she gave Isham during their long-distance courtship.

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Getaway

At the evening's conclusion, Olivia and Isham departed amidst a shower of lavender buds and drove off in a vintage Cadillac convertible from Vintage Rides of Austin. The bride made bath salts from the leftover lavender and gave them as gifts.

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