A Rustic Ranch Wedding

As we conclude another productive week at Bella Bridal Consultants, I am finishing up a design sketch for a wedding at a beautiful private home right on the beach in Long Beach Island.  I am gathering nearly 60 lanterns to transport to a wonderful wedding in Pennsylvania next weekend, securing hotel room blocks for another wedding, and compiling notes for florist and cinematography meetings (two hours apart).  I am piecing together inspiration for a vintage, indie barn wedding in the fall (and another barn wedding, rustic and romantic this time, in the spring).  I am helping a couple sort through photography packages for their 2012 nuptials at Mallard Island Yacht Club.  And if that's not enough, I'm preparing for a gluten-free pizza party (design meeting) for what promises to be a breathtaking wedding at Bonnet Island Estate.

Needless to say, the work never ends.  It gets stressful at times; not gonna lie.  But through all the task lists, project management, meetings, and more, my passion for this business remains true.  No matter how much effort it takes to reach perfection as a perfectionist, whenever there's passion, there's a way.  There's nothing I want more than for my clients to be swept off their feet on their wedding day.

This brings me to the reason I wanted to feature Ross and Melissa's Real Wedding submitted by Alex M Photography.  The passion that went into the design of this homemade wedding is evident, and it's clear this was a labor of love.  The wedding took place at the bride's father's ranch in Texas, which is where Melissa dreamed of getting married even as a little girl.

Jan, Melissa's mother, worked alongside event designer Keely Thorne to create her daughter's dream wedding.  Jan played a huge role in the planning of the wedding, and even made the beautiful bouquets out of silk flowers (proof that silks can be gorgeous!).  Family friends also played a role in the wedding, creating the cakes (believe it!), florals, and other projects.  At the end of the night, as a midnight snack, guests were served taquitos from Whataburger.  (If you didn't already wish you were a guest at this wedding, I bet you do now!)  The newlyweds shared a picture-perfect kiss under an arch of sparklers and stars, and I have no doubt that they will live happily ever after.

Photography: Alex M Photography / Hair Stylist: The Upper Hand Salon / Caterer: Grand Finale Catering / Event Designer: Keely Thorne Events / Cinema: Vanessa McKellar Productions / 

DJ: Southwest Sound Entertainment / Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Kristin at

Bella Bridal Consultants

for BonaFideBride