• Real Weddings

If you’re scratching your head wondering how a duck hunting proposal might go, we’ll get to that later. But first, let’s talk about their romantic country wedding! Their day was beautiful with rustic details and bright florals, but our most favorite part is the brides UH-MAZING wedding dress.

The plunging neckline, the stunning bodice, not to mention that dreamy train! Seriously, one of the prettiest dresses ever! Now, how does this all tie into a duck hunting proposal? Well you’ll have to keep scrolling to find out. Read the brides story below + don’t miss her budget breakdown to see how much a wedding like this may cost you. Want more photos? Grab a closer look in the full gallery from Mychelle LeVan Photography LLC.

How they met

From the bride: Garrison and I met my senior year of High School, and his first year in the Fire Academy. My best friend set me up on a blind date with her boyfriend's best friend, Garrison. We had a double date at my mom's house swimming and eating pizza. When the boys left my mom's house my best friend asked me if I liked Garrison. I told her that I wasn't sure if I liked him, but that I knew I would marry him one day. Well, this year on September 27th it will be FIVE years since we started dating.

How he proposed

A little over a month after I graduated from Texas A&M University, Garrison and I went to the deer lease to go duck hunting like we do every year. That morning we loaded up and headed to the duck pond. Around 8AM a few ducks flew over us. I shot a drake, and Garrison got a hen. Garrison got up and said he was going to pick up the birds that had landed on the other side of the pond. I didn't think anything of it so I sat back down in my chair. A few minutes past and I didn't hear him walking back yet. I got up and said some joke about him always being slow. Little did I know he was fumbling behind a bush with the ducks and an engagement ring. A couple of seconds later Garrison yells from the other side of the pond, "Tanis, I think you shot a banded duck"...

The banded duck

Let me explain: it is a goal of duck hunters to shoot a duck that has a band around its leg. The band looks like a ring with a number etched in it. It is really rare and has always been a competition between us. I figured he was just messing with me so I sat back down.   A few minutes later he was behind me kneeling on one knee holding my "banded duck" with the engagement ring around its leg. I, of course, said YES!!! Later that evening Garrison had rented out a room at our favorite restaurant to celebrate with both of our families, and that night we went to the Waterway in The Woodlands to continue celebrating with our friends. It was a day and night we will never forget.

Budget breakdown

Cake and Sweets: $500
Gown: $3000
Floral: $2500
Photography: $4000
Ring: $1500 (diamond belonged to her mother) 
Venue with all inclusive menu: $12000
Total~ $24,000

• Bridal Boutiques: Whittington Bridal
• Cakes & Catering: Baking Sweet Memories
• Cakes & Catering: Farmhouse Cafe
• Flowers: Gilmore's Florals & Gifts
• Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Hair By Sarah Willis
• Photographers: Mychelle LeVan Photography LLC
• Venues: Staley Mountain Ranch