A Preppy, Plaid Winter Wedding in Oklahoma

Like many couples, Jessie and Justin had a mutual friend. Justin (who works in electrical sales for large corporations) took the lead, asking Jessie (the general manager of floral boutique Poppy Lane Design) out on a blind date in the summer of 2013. They hit it off there and never looked back.

Just more than one year later, a few days after her birthday, Jessie was shopping with a friend whose husband texted with a suggestion that a double date at a nice restaurant was in order. While Jessie was getting ready to go out that night, her boss asked her to run an errand at the Lycan Conservatory—a spot that Jessie loves and considers one of Oklahoma City's best-kept venue secrets. When she arrived, Justin was standing outside with Champagne, flowers, and a "heck yes" print from Read Between the Lines, not to mention a photographer hidden but capturing it all. Following the proposal, the couple jointed their friends and family at a restaurant to celebrate. 

Six months later, on December 20, 2014, they returned to the site of the engagement for an intimate celebration (there were only 85 guests) inspired by classic American aesthetics—like Ralph Lauren's style; preppy plaids; and plenty of red, white, and blue. Wanting attendees to feel welcomed in a warm environment, despite the cold temperatures outside, with a bit of holiday cheer thrown in, the couple set out to create an unforgettable ambience that wouldn't be forgotten.

Liz Cooke from Lionheart Prints designed a flat-printed suite with gold foil stamping. It incorporated hand-lettering on the suite and kraft paper envelopes calligraphed in white ink. A custom red tartan plaid lined the envelopes to vibe with the "Ralph Lauren at winter" aesthetic. Jessie also asked that each piece of the suite be a different color from the plaid pattern.

Two bay-leaf wreaths adorned the main entrance to the historic greenhouse that dates back to the early 1920s.

Photographer Hannah Hudson scouted the property and chose the spot for the bride and groom's first look—the adjoining Will Rogers Gardens.

"I cried when I finally got to turn around to see her," Justin recalls of the first look, which doubled as his favorite moment of the entire day.

Justin donned a Tommy Hilfiger suit, Ralph Lauren shirt and tie, and Brooks Brothers pocket square. 

Jessie, whose favorite gowns are simple, structured, and made with exquisite fabrics, tried on about 10 dresses before realizing how important it was to her to wear a gown no bride had worn before. She visited Bridal Maison, where master tailor Moe recommended a beautiful ivory silk crepe fabric and customized every component of the gown—like including sleeves for the winter wedding. She chose a delicate Michael Kors necklace and vintage earrings for a bit of sparkle, and Chanel Rouge Double Intensité lip stain in "light rose" for a pop of color.

Jessie accessorized with Kate Spade flats, Ralph Lauren gloves for the late-night sendoff, and a Brooks Brothers scarf worn as a wrap later in the evening that matched the groom's pocket square.

Jessie clutched a bouquet of David Austin garden roses, smilax, ranunculus, festival bush, tulips, poppies, astilbe, peonies, and amaryllis.

Bridesmaids wore cashmere sweaters from Nordstrom paired with H&M skirts and suede Ralph Lauren booties.

Ring bearers sported corduroy slacks, button-down shirts, and Brooks Brothers ties. The flower girls wore Monsoon dresses and matching cardigans. As important as their roles were in the ceremony, they still managed to have fun and goof around.

Justin's lapel was spruced up with a white ranunculus, fresh herbs, and some accent greenery.

A friend gifted the couple a crimson red velvet ring box from The Mrs. Box with the couple's soon-to-be-shared initial, they used it to carry Justin's Larson Jewelers band and Jessie's ring from Diamond Treasures.

Hannah's dad, who is from Texas, insisted on wearing his black cowboy hat for his walk down the aisle with his daughter on his arm. Pachelbel's "Canon in D" played for their entrance.

Garlands of mixed winter greens lined the aisle, and the cedar and pine created the freshest smell inside the space.

A close friend officiated the ceremony, which was customized to reflect the couple's personalities and their relationship. A reading from Corinthians and a prayer were recited, and the pair exchanged their vows.

"I expected to be more nervous during the vows, but I was just plain giddy," Jessie says. "The whole time I was thinking about when I got to kiss him. As we stood together, I just wanted to be as close to him as possible so he knew how much I meant all of those words."

Smilax vines and holiday ornaments anchored the ceremony space, which was draped off with a large white curtain. It was designed to be soft and natural, with three large, asymmetrical groupings of the greenery.

The draped entrance of the ceremony space was pulled back with hand-dyed ribbon sashes to usher everyone from area to area.

For the cocktail hour, guests enjoyed one side of the conservatory, where they ate a variety of passed appetizers and helped themselves to a charcuterie station. For those who preferred caffeine to alcohol, Café Evoke had a selection of coffees, lattes, and of course hot chocolate with custom flavors available. The DJ played a selection of Frank Sinatra songs in the background.

Sitting at two rows of tables, guests dined on a cranberry, blue cheese, and walnut salad and a choice of beef tenderloin with amaretto sweet potatoes, stuffed chicken breast with wild rice, or peppercorn-crusted salmon with rice.

Arrangements of tulips, amaryllis, poppies, ranunculus, poppies, roses, astilbe, and greenery set in stone compotes anchored the tables, which were also set with garlands of ilex berries and winter branches down the middle. Mercury glass votive candle holders and ivory pillar candles intertwined.

The china was selected to add a touch of navy to the mix. Red cards with "C" wax-seal stickers and calligraphy by Chirps and Cheers added another classic element to the mix. "It was important that each person's seat felt regal," Jessie recalls. The menus were printed in red ink with a hand-drawn stripe of gold paint to complement the metallic detail on the charger plate.

The new Mr. and Mrs. chose George Strait's "Cross My Heart" for their first dance song.

Jessie and her father danced to "It Won't Be Like This for Long" by Darius Rucker.

Justin and his mother danced to "My Way" by Frank Sinatra. After the formal dances, a mix of country music and top 40 hits played, concluding with George Strait's "Amarillo by Morning."

In addition to enjoying the eye-catching arrangements, like this one, guests went home with individually wrapped bouquets of Christmas ilex, winter greenery, and amaryllis as a takeaway favor from the flower bar.

The newlyweds cut into a two-tier lemon and Italian cream confection made by Amy Cakes, which was decorated with fresh fruit and greenery.

A bounty of sweets surrounded the cake, including chocolate and cherry brownies, apple pie bars, and coconut macaroons.

The bride's favorite dessert on display was a cheesecake topped with a plaid-inspired drizzle of white chocolate, caramel, and blueberry and raspberry sauces.

The couple drove off in a Chevrolet Bel Air convertible from the mid-1950s, with the top down and a handmade quilt to keep them warm on their ride to the hotel.

Photography: Hannah Hudson Photography

Location: Lycan Conservatory

Event Planning and Getaway Car: Gibson Events

Catering: Abbey Road Catering

Flowers: Poppy Lane Design

Invitations and Calligraphy: Lionheart Prints

Day-of Paper Goods: Chirps and Cheers

Cake: Amy Cakes

Music: Box Talent Agency

Rentals: Kahoy Studios; All About Weddings; Marianne's for Special Events

Hair and Makeup: Chelsey Ann Artistry

Lighting: Innovative Event Solutions

Coffee Bar: Café Evoke