• Real Weddings

Texas does not seem like a typical place for a couple from San Diego to venture for their destination wedding, but Erin and Ryan had a few great reasons. She has a ton of family there and that's where Ryan went to college - so it seemed like the perfect place for their authentic Texas wedding.
This down home extravaganza came with all the trimmings - a fabulously large rustic barn, weather-worn wooden farm tables, and of course a good 'ol Texas B-B-Q.  Erin goes into full details on the entire day, and shares her budget break down for their Texas wedding at Vista West Ranch. You can see more images from Texas wedding photographer, Nicole Chatham Photography in the full gallery.

Details:Many of my ideas started with something that I found on Pinterest, i.e. bridesmaid dresses being in different colors (following an autumn palette I determined after visiting a paint store and selected color samples which worked together nicely).  My sister/matron-of-honor's navy/white stripe inclusion was due to my love for navy/white stripes.

But of course, with my sister's pregnancy, it required the purchase of several navy/white stripe dresses for the best "wedding-day" fit.   Converse shoes for groomsmen and ring bearers; Mismatched groomsmen ties in different navy/white patterns- stripes, polka dots & plaid.  Ring bearers signs (even though only one ring bearer could make it down the aisle, the other decided to be wedding road kill as he laid face down in the aisle), seating cards with kraft paper & navy/white striped washi tape on twine with a clothes pins and framed table numbers to incorporate my navy/white stripe theme.

But upon visiting prior to the wedding my high expectations were surprisingly exceeded.  From the VWR signs that greet you onto the property to the fabulously, large rustic barn, to the beautiful trees that frame the ceremony arbor to the old vintage cars on property - the perfect scene was set for my dream wedding at Vista West Ranch.

On the reception:Good 'ol Texas B-B-Q from Pok-e-Joes- best pork ribs we have ever had! The Cupcake Bar replaced the traditional wedding cake where everyone could decorate their own cupcake with their choice of toppings.   Ryan and I cut a monogrammed mini cake that my sister made for us.  Beverages: Beer, wine and signature St. Germain cocktails and sangria served in mason jars with navy striped straws.

Regrets :I wish we would have known to invite even more people than we did as last minute there were many back-outs due to it being a destination wedding.  There were many extended family members and friends that I felt badly about not being able to include. 

What you did right:
Choosing a Sunday wedding.  Though October is traditionally one of the best months (weather-wise) in Texas, there are no guarantees.  Originally I would have preferred a Saturday wedding, but we lucked out with our 2nd choice.  We went through Saturday's rehearsal in the rain, awoke to rain Sunday morning but were blessed with one of Texas' most beautifully perfect days.

Photographer: Nicole Chatham Photography Venue: Vista West Ranch Cake: Cupcake Bar Caterer: Pok-e-Joe's Coordinator: Casey with Coordinate ThisStationery: MJ Paperie DJ: Complete Music Dress Designer: M bride (La Jolla) Flowers: Petal Pushers Groom's Attire: Burberry Lighting: FILO Shoe Designer: Christian Louboutin Groomsmen Attire: Men's Warehouse Groom's and Groomsmen Shoes: Converse

Our wedding ended up costing approximately $25K.  By doing a destination wedding there were many expenses we added that we would not have had if we would have been married at home in San Diego- flights, hotels, rental cars and shipping.  But there were many other places where we saved.  Our venue offered an incredible package where ceremony, reception, table, chairs, lines, Bridal and Groom ready rooms, DJ, Bartender and day-of wedding coordinator were all included.  This was fantastic since we are not from the area.  By doing BBQ we saved a lot of money on catering.  My sister-in-law Mindy made my veil and our cute navy/white striped napkins; Mindy is a designer so this certainly helped with last-minute minor alterations.  My sister, who is also very creative, made many of my Pinterest finds- the ring bearer signs, thank you signs, Mr. & Mrs. Signs and our monogrammed wedding cake.