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Real Wedding: Kayleigh & Will

Real Wedding: Kayleigh & Will

Safari chic meets country charm amongst a sprawling Texas ranch

Experience the magic of Kayleigh and Will's wedding in the picturesque hills of Fredericksburg, Texas. On a 300-acre ranch with beautiful Watusi cattle and breathtaking views, they exchanged vows amidst the peaceful countryside. The wedding theme, Safari Chic, captured the magic of Ralph Lauren's safari style, combining timeless elegance with the natural intimacy of the setting. The bride's dress, reminiscent of Vivienne Westwood designs, added charm and sophistication, and suddenly fireworks lit up the sky, completing this unforgettable day with bright lights of joy and love. Immerse yourself in this dreamy love story through stunning photographs taken by our talented member, Kelly Scogin of Tailor James Photography.

Real Wedding: Kayleigh & Will

Tell us a little about yourselves. How did you meet? What do you do for a living? What are your hobbies?

My love for Will began at the age of 14 when we first met at our local waterpark, Schlitterbahn. His sun-kissed blonde hair and tall stature left a lasting impression on me. Although we attended high school together in New Braunfels, it wasn’t until our early 20s that fate brought us together again while working at a wakeboard park called Texas Ski Ranch. I would often ask him to teach me how to wakeboard just to spend time with him! Our bond grew through our shared passion for adventure and the great outdoors, which continue to define our relationship today. I manage a trendy lifestyle store and for the past nine years, Will has worked for Servpro, mastering the art of restoration.

Can you share your engagement story?

My family owns a home in a quaint fishing village in Southeast Alaska, where we escape every summer. In August 2022, during a sunny day outing with my parents, Will proposed at our favorite waterfall. Amidst the freezing beauty of the icy glacier runoff, Will knelt and presented the most stunning ring. The roar of the waterfall made his words nearly inaudible, but the sincerity in his eyes left me with only one possible response: ‘Yes!’ My parents, who were in on the surprise, celebrated our special moment with us.

Did you have any pre-wedding events, like a rehearsal dinner or bridal shower?

My wonderful in-laws hosted our rehearsal dinner at the charming Herb Garden Restaurant & Spa in Fredericksburg. The exquisite details they arranged, including hundreds of softly glowing candles, made it one of my favorite memories. The heartfelt speeches from loved ones moved me deeply, setting the tone for a joyous celebration.

Where was your wedding? Why did you choose this venue?

Our wedding took place in the picturesque Hill Country in Fredericksburg. When planning our wedding, our planner, Alex Austin recommended a visit to Contigo Ranch. As soon as we arrived at this sprawling nearly 300-acre ranch, adorned with majestic Watusi cattle and breathtaking vistas, we knew it was the perfect place. The meticulously groomed lawn atop a bluff offered sweeping views of the serene countryside, it felt like a natural extension of our love story. The familiarity and comfort of Contigo Ranch, similar to our family’s ranch that we spend so much of our time, resonated deeply with us.

What was the concept behind your wedding and how did you find your inspiration?

Our wedding theme was Safari Chic, inspired by the timeless elegance of Ralph Lauren's safari aesthetic. Having traveled to Africa many times with my family, I developed a deep affinity for its serene and picturesque landscapes. My vision was rooted in the enchanting candlelit dinners amidst the African bush, where wildlife roamed freely, creating an ethereal atmosphere that encapsulated the essence of our celebration.

How long did it take to plan your wedding? Did you encounter any challenges during the planning process?

Wedding planning wasn’t something I had dreamed of since childhood, and I'm not much of a planner to be quite honest! Thankfully, Alex Austin, our incredible wedding planner, guided us through every step. Over a year and a half, Alex kept us on track with a solid timeline, the most perfect design, and an extensive network of contacts, making the process surprisingly seamless. Our biggest challenge was receiving RSVPs in the weeks leading up to the event, but overall, the process was smooth, and the day itself was everything we had hoped for.

How many guests did you have? And what was the seating arrangement at the wedding like?

We were fortunate to have nearly 200 of our nearest and dearest join us. We opted for a unique 360-degree seating arrangement atop ‘The Bluff,’ allowing our guests to encircle Will and I, ensuring everyone had a clear view of our ceremony against the stunning countryside backdrop right as the sun was setting. This setup seamlessly blended intimacy with the breathtaking natural surroundings.

Tell us about your outfits. How many different styles did you try?

Choosing my wedding gown was surprisingly easy. While scrolling on Instagram, I was captivated by a Vivienne Westwood gown. At Lovely Bride in Houston, Texas, I discovered a dress called “Cleo” by Sarah Seven, reminiscent of the Westwood design. The moment I tried it on, I knew it was the one. Though I considered having multiple looks throughout the day, I loved my dress so much that I didn’t want to change out of it.

What was your first dance song? Did you choreograph or improvise?

Will introduced me to Charlie Crockett in 2019, and we instantly fell for his soulful Louisiana jazz sound. 'I Am Not Afraid' became our first dance song, resonating deeply with us. In the week leading up to the wedding, we practiced dancing to it a few times in our living room. Our dance ended up being a slightly choreographed improvisation, filled with laughter and joy.

Did you have any special performances or entertainment?

We were thrilled to have the band “Midtown 10” play for us, starting with dinner and continuing into the night. Their infectious energy and interactive style ensured that the dance floor was constantly alive with laughter and singing. To close out the night, we arranged a surprise fireworks display by 'Big Dog Pyro,' creating a breathtaking conclusion to our wedding day.

What was the most memorable moment from your wedding day?

It's difficult to pinpoint a single moment, but walking arm in arm with my dad toward “The Bluff” stands out vividly. As Elvis Presley’s 'Can’t Help Falling in Love' played softly in the background, and Will right in front of me, I felt the significance of beginning a new chapter with the person I’ve loved since I was 14 years old, surrounded by our cherished loved ones.

Are there any vendors you would like to tell us more about?

Our photographer, Kelly Scogin of Tailor James Photography, captured our wedding day beautifully. Despite initial concerns about the weather during our engagement shoot, the photos turned out perfect. I had no doubt that having her capture our wedding day would be equally amazing. She and her team were omnipresent, seamlessly capturing every moment of joy and laughter shared between Will, me, and our guests. Gathered Draping Studio also played a pivotal role in realizing our vision, adorning the reception hall with exquisite drapes that transformed the space into a dreamlike setting.

What advice would you give to couples who are currently planning their wedding?

My advice is simple: don’t sweat the small stuff. Mishaps happen, RSVPs might not arrive, and you may not secure every vendor you initially hoped for. In the moment, these issues can feel monumental, but on your wedding day, they fade into insignificance. What truly matters is the commitment you’re making to your partner and the joy of sharing that moment with loved ones. Plan your wedding exactly as you envision, because in the end, your love and happiness are all that truly matter.

Did you have any special or unique elements at your wedding?

One particularly meaningful element was the large faux mantle we had custom-made by Strong Events in Austin, Texas. It served as a focal point for our wedding, adorned with guest seating tags and some of our favorite African skulls. This unique touch reflected our love for safari adventures and added a deeply personal element to our celebration.