A Camp-Inspired Rustic Wedding in Texas

July 28, 2011

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Susan and Peter

When Susan Hable went to New York City in December 1999, she had a lot to do. So when her friend told Susan one morning that there was a man she wanted her to meet, Susan wasn't interested. But when she saw the man, Susan suddenly wished she had at least combed her hair. "He was a vision of cleanliness and perfection, and I was like Pig Pen," she says. But to Peter Smith, a partner in a New York law firm, she was anything but that. "I looked at her," he says. "I can't overstate it. I understood what people mean by love at first sight." They had three dates that week. By March, three months after meeting, they were engaged.

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The Camp

Cypress trees hang over the Guadalupe River, which runs through the camp that the bride, her sister, her mother, and her aunt attended.

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The Bride

Susan on the porch of Happy Haven, the cabin where she stayed as a counselor. Her eggshell-colored dress is two layers of silk chiffon.

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The Invitations

A save-the-date card, schedule of weekend events, and invitation are done in letterpress with a headdress motif.

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Details

A welcome package with playing cards, Texas-shaped potato chips, piquante sauce, and pecan pralines greets each of the one hundred guests who spent the weekend at the camp.

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Mother and Daughter

Susan and her mother, Kay Hable, perfect the two-step at a group lesson before the wedding.

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Details

Susan's childhood scrapbook is displayed in the main-lodge sitting room along with other mementos from her and Peter's lives.

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Lodging

The cabins' bunk beds are built from logs.

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Details

A leather-bound book is set out before the ceremony for guests to sign.

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Details

A basket of programs is set out before the ceremony.

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Details

Boxes of pecans are given as favors; each is decorated with a vintage illustration indicating the table assignment.

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Family

Susan's mother, Kay; her sister, Katharine, the matron of honor; and Susan.

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Music

A member of the mariachi band from Mexico that played at the party.

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Details

Each table is set with a single King protea flower and a twig easel with an image matching those on the favor boxes; the featherprint tablecloth was designed by Susan.

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Cake Details

The wedding cake is covered with confectionery flowers.

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Groom's Cake

The groom's cake is carrot, frosted in buttercream and topped with sugared fruit.

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Guests

After Sunday's brunch, some guests relax at the camp while others go canoeing. Gathered around a stone wall near the river are, from left, Linley McClendon, Trecia Laird, Susan, Bailey Hooten, and Katherine O'Leary.

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The Favors

Tepee favors are made of bandannas -- inside are instructions for ten ways to use one.

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Details

An old postcard of the camp is a gift from a friend of Susan's mother.

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The Newlyweds

Susan feeds Peter cake under a display of branches, ivy, orchids, and moss created by Susan's friend Tom Adams.

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Details

A gift of wool socks awaits the newlyweds on their bed.

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Details

Sparklers are given out in paper bags imprinted with the same headdress motif used on the invitation.

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Farewell

Susan and Peter, illuminated by sparklers, return to their cabin.

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Sources

Location: Camp Waldemar, 830-238-4821
Event Organizer and Floral Designer: Tom Adams of Victorian Sample, 800-252-8483
Bride's Gown: Richard Tyler from Barney's New York
Groom's Suit: Jil Sander at Barney's New York
Invitations and Programs: Soho Letterpress
Cake: Cakes by Cathy Young, 210-493-8466

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