Sebastian and Shelbey in the Aura Gown
At Mesa Ranch in Texas, Sebastian and Shelbey celebrated their rustic wedding surrounded by friends, family, and stunning wildflower blooms.
Love on the Lot
After graduating from college in 2019, Shelbey moved to Houston. A while later, she found herself in search of a new car and was overwhelmed by the choices in the area. With her father’s help, she discovered the perfect vehicle at a nearby dealership. Though Shelbey didn't know much about cars, her father inspected the dealership and not only encouraged her to buy the car in its perfect condition but also hinted that she might like the salesman. Later that day, Shelbey went to sign the paperwork and met the salesman her father had mentioned. She recalls, "He was kind, extremely charming, patient, handsome, and so easy to talk to." Despite her father's prompting to ask for his number, Shelbey thought to herself that he was too charming to be single.
Months later, curiosity got the best of Shelbey. She searched Sebastian’s Instagram profile, noticed that he seemed single, and decided to follow him, hoping he would make the first move—and he did. Just a day later, he messaged her to meet for drinks. They sat, laughed, and talked for hours, feeling an instant connection. In the weeks following that first meeting, they continued seeing each other and quickly fell in love. Shelbey describes how they connected in a way that felt so unfamiliar. “We understand each other and have the same values. We love adventure and, spontaneity, and love! We knew we were soulmates.”
Sebastian planned a trip to Las Vegas, which didn’t thrill Shelbey since she disliked gambling and clubbing. However, he promised they’d spend their time exploring incredible restaurants and sightseeing, and he even sweetened the deal by inviting her newly 21-year-old sister along. On the first night of their trip, Sebastian told Shelbey to be ready for dinner by 7 p.m. As they walked towards what she assumed was a simple dinner reservation, Sebastian revealed that he had booked a romantic gondola ride at the Venetian. Shelbey found the surprise incredibly sweet and loved the thoughtful gesture. As they settled into the boat, she noticed he seemed nervous—he was quiet and somewhat awkward, not like his usual self. Halfway through the ride, he got down on one knee and proposed. She was shocked, finally understanding why he had been so shy. It was a sweet and very memorable moment.
A Rustic Ranch Wedding in Needville, Texas
Sebastian and Shelbey married on their beloved ranch in Needville, Texas, named Mesa Ranch. When they got engaged, it was an easy decision to hold their special day at Sebastian’s ranch, a place filled with sentimental value for the couple. Now, they can reflect on their wedding day whenever they look out over the picturesque pasture. “We had made so many memories together and with friends and family on our ranch. We knew with a few renovations, good food, music, and some liquor, we could throw the most amazing celebration,” the bride shares.
Their rustic wedding vision was brought to life in the heart of the Texan countryside. In preparation, Shelbey had planted thousands of wildflower seeds in the field where their ceremony would be held, which bloomed beautifully just weeks before the wedding, creating a perfect natural aisle. A touching moment before Shelbey walked down the aisle occurred when her father prayed in front of the gathered crowd. “It was special and meant so much to hear such grace from him.” With friends and family arriving from all over the country to celebrate, their day felt complete.
A unique addition to their wedding was a “witness lottery,” where the couple pulled two names out of a box at random after exchanging their vows. Sebastian’s father and the bride’s best friend were the lucky winners and had the honour of signing their marriage certificate. To future brides, Shelbey offers this advice: “Know that it’s okay to host the party you and your fiancé wish to have. The day is about you two and your love. Do what you want, and the day will come together beautifully.”
A Houston Bridal Boutique Experience
Shelbey found Aura at our Grace Loves Lace Houston boutique, visiting with her mother and sister. “Our stylist was beyond patient and made me feel comfortable and beautiful. I couldn't leave without Aura,” the bride shares. Shelbey was drawn to Aura because of its simple, feminine, and unique design. “I chose Aura because I felt like myself! I loved the fabric and the ability to tie the dress so many ways.” With classic pearl earrings, a gold bracelet, a cathedral veil, and pearls placed beautifully in her hair, Shelbey’s bridal look was complete.
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