A Timeless Wedding in Fredericksburg, Texas, Complete with a Dusty-Blue-and-Peach Color Palette

Alex first met his future bride, Rachael, during freshman orientation at Baylor University in June 2016—but he says their story truly began the next year. "Rachael had been praying for guy friends that semester while I was busy reconstructing my faith, not looking for any type of relationship outside of my community," Alex recalls of their sophomore year in 2017. They ran into each other that fall on campus and exchanged phone numbers, later meeting for lunch at Czech Stop—a central Texas staple, Alex says—and eventually studying together to get to know each other more. Their first official date in early 2018 was filled with "laughter, joy, and what would become the start of the next two years and forever," says Alex.

On November 9, 2019, Alex pulled out all the stops to ask Rachael for her hand in marriage—rallying friends and family to help piece together the surprise for a lakefront proposal. "Using the same letter paper that I used for all of the letters that I wrote her throughout our relationship, I began to read my promises to her and hopes for the future," he says. Highlighting a Bible passage that stated, "love never ends," he ended the proposal with another surprise—close loved ones waiting to share their congratulations and an intimate dinner.

The duo originally envisioned a wedding day with 300 guests in the Dallas, Texas, but the COVID-19 outbreak brought their plans to a halt in the spring of 2020. With the help of their wedding planner, Shannon Rose Events, they started thinking ahead for their May 25, 2020, nuptials to make sure their big day could still happen. "In late March, [she] called to update us on her perspective concerning the situation and asked us to start brainstorming back-up plans," Rachael says. "She was so incredibly encouraging and helpful during this decision-making period." Even in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the bride and groom were able to celebrate their big day, albeit in smaller fashion, with 45 people—but it had just as much sentimental value as a large-scale event could. "Boot Ranch has been one of my family's favorite gatherings places over the past few years. There is something about the Hill Country that is so calming and beautiful. It also had significance for our relationship," Rachael adds. "Alex and I talked about getting married for the first time one night on a patio at the ranch—little did we know we would be married there two years later!"

Blue envelopes defined the classic wedding invitations by Brown Fox Creative; the suite mirrored the couple's dark blue, dusty blue, blush, and peach color palette.

"We both enjoyed a really relaxing day leading up to the ceremony, which was only possible because of the incredible staff at Boot Ranch and Shannon Rose Events," Rachael says. "Alex and I were able to call and pray with each other that morning, which was the perfect start to the day to the day. We then both enjoyed time resting and getting ready with our friends!"

The duo wrote their own vows for the intimate ceremony, which spotlighted their shared faith and the hopes for their marriage.

One of Rachael's bridesmaids pieced her big-day hairstyle—a half-up, half-down twist—together.

A matte Mikado wedding dress, complete with a ball gown silhouette, from Stella York was the simple, elegant ensemble Rachael always wanted. Her instincts were affirmed by her shopping partners, which included her bridesmaids and parents; she knew it was the one "when everyone started crying (happy tears)! It was such a special moment," she recalls.

Flowers in blush-and-cream hues accented the bride's bouquet for her walk down the aisle.

Rachael's bridesmaids wore Azazie gowns in pastel tones—another nod to the color palette—on the big day.

Alex wore a navy suit with a dusty blue tie from Generation Tux, and finished off his look with a Tissot watch—a gift from Rachael.

Each groomsmen matched Alex in navy suits and dusty blue ties from Generation Tux.

"As guest's entered the venue's property, they walked down a stone stairwell that was lined with floral installations to the ceremony location that overlooked the Texas hill country," Shannon says. "We wanted to frame the couple so that they would stand out from view in the distance, so R Love Floral created a large archway that was filled with blush, peach, and white blooms."

Rachael walked arm in arm with her father as her family friends, Tyler and Bailey Dodds, played the guitar for the ceremony processional.

Though the couple adjusted their 300-person wedding to just 45 guests, over 100 loved ones were able to tune in for the service via a YouTube livestream.

Simply being able to celebrate their love with their nearest and dearest made the day so special. "We had all been quarantined in different parts of the state, so it had been weeks since we had been able to see our family and friends," Rachael says. "The whole weekend was filled with joy and celebration that was much needed and so good for the heart!"

To mirror the love notes Rachael and Alex wrote each other during the early days of their relationship, they decided to write each guest a handwritten card to let them know how much it meant their attendance meant to them.

Dinner unfolded inside a stone lodge on the ranch; the group dined on pan-seared salmon with basil pesto herb or brined chicken with citrus herb butter.

Statement paisley linens brought visual intrigue to each tabletop, while blush-centric arrangements provided contrast.

About 10 minutes before their confetti exit, Rachael changed into a form-fitting, mid-length ivory dress from Revolve as she and Alex left the reception. Ultimately, the couple was happy they planned a small event that pulled out all of the stops. "Go all out for your micro-wedding! Whether you have a larger celebration later or not, you only have one true wedding day and you'll remember it forever," says the bride.

Photography, Charla Storey
Venue and Catering, Boot Ranch
Wedding Planning and Event Design, Shannon Rose Events
Videography, Cinema Story Wedding Films
Flowers, R Love Floral
Stationery and Paper Products, Brown Fox Creative
Calligraphy, Ragan Hope Calligraphy (escort cards)
Bride's Gown, Stella York
Bride's Reception Gown, Revolve
Accessories, Elizabeth Layne (veil); Sam Edelman (shoes)
Bridesmaids' Dresses, Azazie
Menswear, Generation Tux
Groom's Acessories, Tissot
Engagement Ring, Bachendorfs
Wedding Band, Joseph Gann Jewelers
Guest Book, Zazzle
Music, Tyler and Bailey Dodds (ceremony); Mr. Austin DJ (reception)
Cake, Sweet Treats
Rentals, BBJ (linens); Nuage (linens); Premiere Events (chairs, chargers, china)
Favors, Fredericksburg Fudge