Erin and Blake’s wedding was a celebration of love — and of style that broke the mold. With the expert guidance of Julian Leaver Events, they seamlessly blended two aesthetics not often seen together: the softness of a romantic garden party with the rugged charm of western heritage. The result was a wedding that felt entirely personal — thoughtful, stylish, and refreshingly unique.
Location: Fort Worth, Texas, USA
Style: Romantic, western garden party
Time of planning: 15 months
Number of guests: 180
Setting: Ceremony – garden, reception – ballroom
Season: Winter
Blake proposed in the most meaningful place he could — Hotel Drover, where he and Erin had their very first date and would one day say “I do.” As they strolled toward dinner during a cozy staycation, he suddenly stopped, dropped to one knee, and looked at her with complete sincerity. “You’re the love of my life, and I want to love you for the rest of my life,” he said. For Erin, it was tender, heartfelt, and everything she had ever dreamed of.
Rehearsal Dinner
Erin and Blake kicked off their wedding weekend with a rehearsal dinner that captured their effortlessly stylish, Western-chic aesthetic. Erin wore a crisp white dress with a tailored silhouette and soft waves in her hair, while Blake embraced his signature cowboy flair in a classic blazer, open shirt, and black hat.
Against the backdrop of Fort Worth’s historic charm, the couple mingled with guests, sipped cocktails, and set the perfect tone for a celebration rooted in warmth and personal style. Over dinner at Clay Pigeon, it was the ideal occasion to reconnect, share stories, and welcome everyone into the weekend ahead before the big day unfolded.
Bride's Look
Erin chose a stunning Maya gown by Galia Lahav, a figure-hugging silhouette adorned with delicate lace and floral appliqué that brought a dreamy, charming quality to her bridal look. She paired the dress with champagne-toned Jimmy Choo heels and sparkling diamond earrings, later adding a breathtaking diamond necklace borrowed from her mother-in-law as a sentimental finishing touch.
Etoilly Artistry styled the bride’s hair into a polished low bun, allowing the details of her gown and jewelry to shine while maintaining an effortlessly elegant feel. The makeup complemented the look with glowing, radiant skin, softly defined eyes, and a natural nude lip — enhancing Erin’s features without overpowering the romantic vibe.
Groom's Fashion
Blake opted for a custom black tuxedo from Q Clothier, featuring a subtly textured jacket that elevated the classic silhouette. On his feet were silver-spiked Louboutin loafers, a gift from Erin that added a touch of daring flair to his ensemble. Thoughtful details tied the look together, like Cartier cufflinks engraved with four-leaf clovers — a symbol of good luck and a heartfelt nod to his Irish heritage.
Ceremony
The ceremony space in the courtyard of Hotel Drover was transformed into an dreamy garden under a transparent tent, allowing sunlight to pour in and dance across the lush green flooring. Rows of modern ghost chairs offered a sleek contrast to the romantic floral arrangements by Bella Flora of Dallas, featuring white roses, ranunculus, and fresh greenery, which framed the aisle and lined the altar in soft, organic abundance. Overhead, cascading installations of verdant foliage added dimension and intimacy, creating the feeling of being wrapped in a blooming greenhouse.
Skipping the first look tradition, Erin and Blake chose instead to preserve the magic of seeing each other for the first time at the altar — a decision that made Erin’s walk down the aisle all the more moving. As Elvis Presley’s ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ played, the couple saw each other in their attire for the first time, and Blake was visibly emotional, overwhelmed with love and meaning.
"Locking eyes with Blake when I began walking down the aisle to my favorite song, 'Can’t Help Falling in Love' and seeing him tearing up was so special."
Beneath a clear glass tent, the scene was transformed into a romantic garden party where the couple exchanged heartfelt vows. Surrounded by the people they love most, with genuine laughter, radiant smiles, and unforgettable energy, the moment marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
Cocktail Hour
Set just outside the hotel’s grand ballroom, the cocktail hour unfolded in a charming courtyard space layered with natural textures and a palette of winter neutrals. Guests mingled among sculptural planters, cozy lounge seating, and climbing greenery, sipping signature drinks served in embossed blue glassware — which doubled as both seating assignments.
The custom display wall, wrapped in fresh florals and soft vines, made for a picture-perfect moment, while champagne flutes and craft cocktails added a sparkle to the laid-back yet elegant scene. Before joining the celebration, Erin and Blake shared a quiet moment alone, savoring appetizers and the joy of just being newly married. “This was my favorite moment of the whole day,” Erin recalls, “and I think about it often.”
Reception
The reception design brought Erin’s dream of a romantic, candlelit dinner party to life — a vision shaped slowly and thoughtfully with the help of their planner, Julian Leaver Events. Set within a ballroom that naturally leaned western, the space was transformed into a cozy garden-inspired setting filled with trees, white blooms, and endless candles that cast a soft glow over the evening. Delicate floral linens by Nüage Designs, gilded flatware, and personalized leather napkin rings gave each table a layered, intentional touch.
The couple’s first dance was pure magic — set against the warm glow of candlelight and surrounded by their loved ones, Erin and Blake swayed together like they were the only two in the room. With every step, dip, and smile, their joy filled the space, setting the tone for an unforgettable night of celebration. The magic of that moment — and the entire day — was beautifully captured by Shannon Skloss Photography, who made each stunning image feel alive with emotion and light.
Hidden among the details of the evening were nods to Blake’s Irish heritage, from four-leaf clover accents to a late-night snack bar serving a variety of potatoes — a tribute to his family’s roots in potato farming. The room buzzed with laughter, the clinking of glasses, and a chorus of heartfelt roasts that made the evening feel both intimate and unforgettable.
The couple’s cake by Nothing Bundt Cakes and SusieCakes was an elegant three-tiered dessert adorned with white roses and fresh greenery, echoing the romantic floral elements of the day. The couple beamed with happiness, sharing a sweet, lighthearted pause in the celebration that perfectly captured their connection and the love that had brought everyone together.
For the party, Erin slipped into a playful yet chic second look — a strapless mini dress with delicate embroidery and a sculptural drape, paired with classic white sneakers for dancing comfort without sacrificing style. Blake complemented her change perfectly with a rich emerald velvet jacket, swapping formality for festive flair. The night unfolded with unforgettable energy with the couple joining Big Swing & The Ballroom Blasters for East Coast Entertainment onstage and Blake diving into the crowd — a perfect finale to a celebration filled with heart and unforgettable energy.
"Our planning process was so seamless. I credit that all to our amazing planner, Sarah. She kept me on track and really helped put me in touch with the right vendors who were able to pull together the exact vibe and feeling we were hoping for."
Advice from the couple:
• The biggest advice would be to remember what it’s all about. The wedding is truly about celebrating the love you have with your partner and celebrating the start of your life together. A lot of people get caught up in the planning and the details, which is all fun. But, focusing on remembering it’s about the two of you and your love is the biggest advice I have.
PLANNER Julian Leaver Events | PHOTOGRAPHER Shannon Skloss Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER Candlelight Films | REHEARSAL DINNER VENUE Clay Pigeon | CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE Hotel Drover | Grand Hotel Continental Siena | FLORALS Bella Flora of Dallas | MUAH Etoilly Artistry IG | DRESS Galia Lahav | VEIL Stanley Korshak | SHOES Jimmy Choo | JEWELRY Royal Jewelers | BRIDESMAID DRESSES Bella Bridesmaids | SUIT Q Clothier & League of Rebels | SHOES Louboutin | CAKE Nothing Bundt Cakes & SusieCakes | INVITATIONS Southern Fried Paper | RENTALS Bella Acento & Center Stage Floors & Motus Booth | LINENS Nüage Designs ENTERTAINMENT Big Swing & The Ballroom Blasters for East Coast Entertainment & Gyros String Quartet | LIGHTING Jacob Co Creative
