This Couple's English Garden-Inspired Wedding Was Complete with a View of the Dallas Skyline

By Sara Dickinson
May 04, 2020
Ryan Ray

This pair chose their wedding date based on the availability of their venue and band—and then offered guests an al fresco dinner surrounded by flowers, followed by an evening of dancing and hand-rolled cigars.

Start Slideshow

1 of 29

Ryan Ray

Kate and Jacob met at a bar in Fort Worth, Texas, in 2014 when Kate was studying at Texas Christian University and Jacob was flying C-130s in town for the Air Force. He ended up buying Kate a drink—and they chatted until last call before joining friends for late-night tacos. "He texted me over the next couple weeks, but I was hesitant to respond because I had just gotten out of a very long-term relationship and wasn't looking to get back into anything too quickly," Kate explains. A couple of weeks later, she finally returned the text message and ended up falling for him on their first date.

The timing wasn't perfect: Jacob was getting ready to deploy to the Middle East for four months, but the pair kept in touch throughout his tour. The day he returned, he asked Kate to be his girlfriend (and they also started a tradition of traveling to Cancun, Mexico, upon each of his homecomings). The couple's four-year-anniversary happened to fall a week after Jacob's deployment in the summer of 2018; naturally, the pair spent time in Mexico. On the last night of their trip, the couple was sitting on their balcony looking at the sunset and reminiscing about their relationship when Jacob pulled a ring out of his pocket. "I am an extremely impatient person and blurted out, 'Are you going to ask me or not?'" Kate says. Jacob obliged and when she agreed, the pair FaceTimed her parents before heading to dinner to celebrate.

The couple began planning an outdoor wedding for October 26, 2019, and invited 260 guests to witness their nuptials in Dallas, Texas. Kate always envisioned a wedding with a romantic English garden theme; she used to spend time at Marie Gabrielle Restaurant and Gardens to sketch for her college architecture classes. "I always loved that it was this stunning classic English garden with a modern cityscape backdrop," Kate says. "When it came to picking a venue, we just felt that it was the perfect place—and we really didn't consider anywhere else." The couple worked with wedding planner Lottie Fowler of Grit & Gold Event Co and day-of-planner Lacey Di Nardo from their venue to pull off each detail without a worry.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 29

Blue Suite

Ryan Ray

The duo's blue-toned invitation suite featured deckled edges and custom letterpress floral detailing, which was also included on the envelope liner—and later seen on the stage at the reception.

3 of 29

Don't Rush It

Ryan Ray

Kate initially tried on wedding dresses at Warren Barron with all of her bridesmaids, but she didn't want to keep them waiting and ended up rushing through the experience. She went back to the salon later with her mother and tried on a few more dresses that she hadn't gotten to the first time around.

Her final pick? A strapless Monique Lhuillier gown with a sweetheart neckline, voluminous skirt, and extended train covered in lace, embroidery, and beading. "I never thought a dress would evoke emotion out of me, but this one made me so happy and giddy. I just knew it was the one," says the bride.

Advertisement

4 of 29

Found Her Wings

Ryan Ray

The bride paired her wedding dress with a Toni Federici veil, Badgley Mischka shoes, and a Paris by Debra Moreland belt—plus earrings and multiple hairpieces. There was a sentimental accessory in the mix, too: Jacob gave her his Air Force wings before their first look, which she tucked inside the her gown's bodice.

5 of 29

Organic Florals

Ryan Ray

Kate's bouquet was round, but loose and textured with blush, white, and ivory florals and pale greens.

6 of 29

Dashing Groom

Ryan Ray

Jacob wore a classic black tuxedo with a white shirt and black bow tie by Black by Vera Wang; a boutonnière, comprised of a single bud and accented with greenery, dressed up his lapel.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 29

Pink 'Maids

Ryan Ray

The bridesmaids wore Monique Lhuillier gowns with boned bodices in a dusty shade of blush. "I wanted the style to be very whimsical and romantic," Kate says. Each bridesmaid chose her own hairstyle, accessories, and makeup to suit her personality and held a petite version of the bride's bouquet.

8 of 29

Groomsmen in Black

Ryan Ray

Jacob's groomsmen matched him in timeless black-and-white tuxedos. "We wanted a very classic feel that transcended any trend," Kate explains.

9 of 29

Four Flower Girls

Ryan Ray

The four flower girls wore blush lace dresses from BHLDN with long sleeves and tulle skirts. The girls took their jobs very seriously, practicing for weeks leading up to the wedding with Easter baskets and pieces of paper. "One of our flower girls, Clara, was so adorable and started cleaning up the flowers and putting them in her basket after the ceremony," Kate says. "She wanted to make sure she fully did her job!"

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 29

First Look with Dad

Ryan Ray

Before seeing her husband-to-be, Kate shared a special first look with her father. "I will cherish that moment forever!" she reflects.

11 of 29

At Last

Ryan Ray

The couple had their own first look in the courtyard of their hotel. Kate admits she was nervous leading up to the moment, but once she tapped Jacob on the shoulder and saw him turn around with a smile, her anxiety disappeared. "All that was left was excitement and happiness," she says. "I was so excited to marry the man of my dreams."

12 of 29

Champagne Welcome

Ryan Ray

As guests entered the outdoor ceremony space, they found a Champagne-filled display with a sign that read, "Sip and Be Seated." Each glass was tagged with every attendee's name and seating placement; table numbers were also printed on card stock with hand-torn edges and placed in gold frames.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 29

Vows in the Garden

Ryan Ray

The ceremony took place outside, on one of Marie Gabrielle Restaurant and Gardens' lawns; during the service, the celebrants were surrounded by stunning oak and river birch trees and treated to views of the Dallas skyline.

14 of 29

Floral Debut

Ryan Ray

At the mouth of the aisle, two columns held large flower arrangements in urns, while florals in low planters were placed on either side.

15 of 29

On-Palette Arch

Ryan Ray

A stunning floral arch by Bows & Arrows defined the altar and spoke to the big-day color scheme of white, blush, ivory, and greenery.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 29

Here Comes the Bride

Ryan Ray

Kate made her way down the aisle accompanied by her father, James. The couple hired guitarist Justin Cash and his partner, a violinist, to play Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love," Coldplay's "Yellow," and Pachelbel's "Canon in D Major" during the ceremony.

17 of 29

Religious Vows

Ryan Ray

Jacob and Kate exchanged traditional vows during their Christian service, which was officiated by a close family friend.

18 of 29

Light Bites

Ryan Ray

During the cocktail hour, guests enjoyed an open bar with premium wines and spirits; soft music sounded in the background. Passed appetizers included crab cakes, coconut shrimp, truffle mac and cheese balls, and heirloom tomato bruschetta.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 29

Into the Garden

Ryan Ray

Long tables, topped with velvet linens, were set up throughout the garden; cafe lights and statement starburst chandeliers created an intimate setting for dinner.

20 of 29

On the Tabletops

Ryan Ray

Low, lush centerpieces in urns were paired with taper candles and votives and placed at the center of each table. Iron Jan Barboglio chargers held a crisp white dinner menu with a custom wax seal.

21 of 29

Family-Style

Ryan Ray

For the family-style meal, the couple served a romaine Caesar salad to start, braised boneless short rib or seared salmon for the entrée, and smoked gouda grits and Brussel sprouts for the sides.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 29

All About the Band

Ryan Ray

Kate and Jacob selected their wedding date based on the availability of their venue and band, Emerald City. "They got in the crowd, changed costumes, and played songs from all genres," Kate says. "They definitely made our wedding unforgettable and I would highly recommend them to anyone!"

Their stage was embellished with the same floral design seen on the invitation suite.

23 of 29

Here Comes the Sun

Ryan Ray

The starburst lighting cast a warm glow on the dancing crowd as the sun went down.

24 of 29

Cigars, Anyone?

Ryan Ray

Kate and Jacob hired a cigar roller as a special treat for their guests.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 29

The First Dance

Ryan Ray

The newlyweds shared their first dance to "Woman" by Randy Rogers Band. "Jacob always told me this song made him think of me," Kate says. "It's such a sweet song that Randy wrote for his wife. It was just the perfect fit."

26 of 29

The Wedding Cake

Ryan Ray

A three-tiered white wedding cake closed out dinner; real flowers cascaded down the sides of its layers. Guests enjoyed the Champagne-flavored confection with berry drizzle and buttercream icing for dessert.

27 of 29

A Warm Exit

Ryan Ray

Kate changed into a white jumpsuit for their exit. Guests gathered with sparklers and created an aisle for the couple (and the band!) to walk down.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 29

Vintage Farewell

Ryan Ray

The newlyweds took off into the night in a vintage car. They went back to Playa Mujeres, Mexico, where they got engaged, for their honeymoon. "We did a 'partymoon' and brought six of our closest friends (three married couples) for the first half and then spent the second half alone," Kate says.

29 of 29