Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our full disclaimer to learn more.
How did you two meet/How long have you been together?
Dalton and I met while I was attending Texas A&M University in 2011. We were introduced by a mutual friend at a local bar in College Station, TX. It was not love at first sight. We would occasionally bump into each other when we were out with friends. It wasn’t until 2015 when we actually began dating. We were together for 3 years before we got married.
How did did you or your partner pop the question?
Dalton popped the question while I was at work. I was getting ready to leave on a week long business trip. Dalton was also getting ready to leave for the Championship Bull Riding Finals in Cheyenne, WY. I was really starting to worry if he was ever going to propose. We had our minds set on a Vegas wedding during the National Finals Rodeo in December 2018. Here it was July, and still no proposal. A week prior to Dalton popping the question, he fractured 3 bones in his right hand which eventually lead to surgery. The whole time I was thinking, “Here we go, it’s going to be another 6 weeks before he proposes.” I was wrong. He proposed 1 week later. Broken hand and all.
What was your favorite moment(s) from the wedding?
We actually have two favorite moments about our wedding. Our favorite part was that it was just us. Of course, we would have enjoyed our families in that moment. But, there is something special about it being only the two of you. There was absolutely no stress and no pressure. Even when we dropped the rings. I think we laughed during half of the ceremony. It was truly something I will never forget. Secondly, the scenery. We were married at the Red Rock Canyons. It was beautiful! I couldn’t imagine getting married anywhere else.
Did you see each other before the wedding? If not, did you like waiting or would you rather have done it differently?
Yes, we spent the whole day together. I guess you could say we don’t follow traditions very well. I left to get my hair and makeup done about 10:30am. I was back in our room by 12pm. We didn’t have to be in our car until 2:15pm. So, we sat around our hotel and watched a movie before we left. I would not change a thing about it.
Tell me about your dress. Where did you find it, how did you choose it, how did you know it was the one?
I bought my dress from BHLDN in Houston, TX. I searched online for a while to find a shop that had the style I was looking for. I didn’t want to spend a bunch of money on my dress. (I ended up spending about $400 on my dress.) I was in the market for something simple, elegant, and easy to wear. My dress did not have a train, which made it easy to travel through the canyons for pictures. Another main feature I wanted in my dress was a high neck and open back. I loved my dress from the minute I tried it on. I think it was the second dress I tried. No other dresses could beat this dress. Plus, it fit me like a glove. I didn’t have to have any alterations. #winning
Did you find a store/site that had everything you were looking for?
Dress: BHLDN of Houston, TX
Her wedding bands: Hy-O Silver and Heritage Style
Her earrings: Turquoise & Co.
Turquoise cluster ring: Turquoise & Co.
His wedding band: Qalo
Her Shoes: Buckle
Her Jacket: Old Navy (I’ve actually owned this jacket since I was a Junior in high school. It’s over ten years old.)
His hat: Catalena Hatters and American Feathers
His suit: Men’s Warehouse
What’s one piece of advice you would give to other couples planning their own wedding?
Do it your way! Do whatever makes you and your fiancé happy. This is the day you will remember forever. So, you might as well make it worth your wild. If you have always dreamed of getting married on the beach, go to Hawaii. If you want a big wedding, then find a big church. If you want get married in the desert, go to Las Vegas. Trust me, you won’t regret it! Plus, the pictures will be amazing!
VENDOR CREDIT
Wedding Venue:
Red Rock Canyon Ash Springs
Hair & Makeup:
Rings / Jewelry:
Hers: Hy-O Silver , Heritage Style
His: QALO
Florist:
Dress:
McKenzi Taylor is America’s go-to elopement and micro wedding expert, often featured in small and major media outlets, such as the New York Times. With over 15 years of wedding photography experience, it was after planning her own Las Vegas elopement in 2016 that McKenzi felt her purpose shift into elopement coordination. She started Cactus Collective Weddings soon after in 2017. Since then, she’s become a WIPA board member, and has helped well over 1000 couples get hitched in style around Las Vegas, San Diego and Black Hills.
