Back in April of 2023 I got to drive 7 hours West to the small town of Terlingua, Texas and partake in the most magical wedding weekend…
My beautiful couple, Maia and Stephen reached out to me because they had seen that I had done a wedding out in West Texas before. Since it is such a remote location, it is always smart to work with someone who knows the area and has worked there before.
I was absolutely thrilled when they reach out for multiple reasons but the top two were that Maia and Stephen are the best ever and two, because they had rented out Willow House to hold their wedding.
Willow House is the coolest retreat space and perfect for a small wedding under 30 guests. Maia and Steven has around 60 guests with some staying in Airbnb’s nearby.
Welcome party in Big Bend National Park
The night before the wedding, Steven and Maia hiked up a mountain nearby in Big Bend National Park with all their friends and family to bring in the weekend with a champagne toast. Didn’t hurt that the sunset was waiting for them when they got up there.
Wedding at Willow House in Terlingua
Maia and Stephen hosted their wedding at Willow House, a twelve casita desert retreat on over 250 acres of private land. Featured on Architectural Digest, Willow House was built entirely with the views in mind and is a beautiful location for a destination wedding in Texas.
On the day of Maia and Stephen’s wedding, the weather could not be more beautiful. The small, sleepy desert town of Terlingua has a very arid dry climate with some scattered thunderstorms, but we lucked out with only blue skies and sunshine galore.
The ceremony consisted of Maia and Stephen sharing a Tiki Bowl. A homage to one of their first dates together. Afterwards, we had guests gather round the “Jeep Bar” to enjoy some cold beer and Margaritas during the cocktail hour. And of course we finished out the night sitting in a fun U-shaped table layout so guests could mingle around well during dinner which was catered but the always amazing Easy Wind Marfa.
The cake was made by the groom and was one of the best deserts I think I’ve ever had in my 7 years of doing weddings. Petition to have Stephen start his own bakery?
Maia and Stephen’s wedding was featured on Green Wedding Shoes!
Reflections from a Texas Wedding Planner
After this wedding, I drove home feeling such a sense of peace. It was hard to explain but I think seeing how much Maia and Stephen loved their friends and family made me just get all the feels. It’s weddings like this that make me continue doing my job with such a grateful heart. I genuinely look forward to the weddings I have because I know I get to work with some of the most amazing couples and vendors.
It’s not every day that I travel outside central Texas to do a wedding but I pray I get more opportunities like this because man oh man this was good. Don’t worry West Texas, I’ll be back soon.
If you’re looking for a wedding planner in West Texas, reach out on my website or send me an email at hello@elaineevents.com.
VENDOR CREDIT:
Photography: Kaitlin Rodgers Photo // Venue: Willow House, Terlingua, Texas // Event design/planning: Elaine Events // Florals: Lavender and Lily Floral // Wedding dress: Varca Bridal // Wedding dress boutique: Unbridaled Austin // Bride’s ring: Margot Wolf Jewlery // Hair stylist: Project Artistry // Makeup artist: Project Artistry // Groom attire: Bykowski Tailor and Garb // Groom’s ring: Margot Wolf Jewlery // Catering: Easy Wind Marfa // Cake: Made by the Groom // Tabletop rentals: Marquee // Furniture rentals: High Desert Marfa // Linen rentals: High Desert Marfa // Music: DJ Ivan Ent // Lighting: Marquee // Hats: Coup de Tete
