1. Real Weddings

A Classic, Traditional Wedding at The Watson Building in Lubbock, Texas

Calley Parham (24, graphic design student) met Clayton Brake (23, engineering student) on the high school swim team. Four years after they started dat

Calley Parham (24, graphic design student) met Clayton Brake (23, engineering student) on the high school swim team. Four years after they started dating, Clayton popped the question as he was getting ready to travel home following a Thanksgiving trip with Calley’s family. The couple didn’t let a little misty rain dampen their wedding day spirits; they made it a part of their winter-themed day and even took romantic photos together under an umbrella. They were married in a church that Clayton saw from blueprint to finish while he was working for the company that designed the building. Calley walked down the aisle with a Bible that brides in her family have carried down the aisle for generations and lit a unity candle with Clayton; the ceremony was traditional and timeless. As guests trickled into the reception at the 1920s-style ballroom at The Watson Building, there was a side room where the couple displayed generations of wedding day photos from both families. The tables were covered in silver metallic linens with mercury glass vases, candles, floating tea lights and a mix of white flowers and branches. Calley planned a surprise father-daughter dance: they started out slow until the band cut the song and started playing “Twist and Shout” by the Beatles. Calley and her father acted like they were shocked and then broke out in a choreographed dance that made the crowd go wild! Calley and Clayton’s evening was full of fun surprises that made their timeless, modern wedding a magical occasion.

Calley’s engagement ring has a round diamond in the middle surrounded by a four leaf clover with small pave diamonds around the band. “I wanted a ring that was different—one that I wouldn’t get bored of,” says Calley.
Silver Bridal Heels with Embellished Buckle
Calley wore a white satin strapless fit and flare gown with a sheer beaded bolero. She also had a silver satin sash and wore a cathedral veil to the ceremony.
On Calley’s bouquet, she carried a class ring and a beloved ring of her maternal grandfather and paternal grandmother in remembrance. She held a classic white bouquet of mixed flowers.
Calley wanted the stationery to be classy, festive and fun. She found the perfect invitations with silver foil, elegant script and confetti elements from Wedding Paper Divas.
Single Timeless White Gardenia Groomsmen Boutonnieres
White Fit and Flare Gown with Embellished Belt
White Floral Wreath Decor on Church Doors
“I wanted everything to look classy, simplified and timeless. I channeled Aubrey Hepburn and her effortless beauty,” says Calley.
Calley’s two younger sisters were her bridesmaids. She wanted them to stand out, so they chose a silver metallic floor-length dress and altered them to different styles.
Unity Candle Ceremony in Lubbock, Texas Church
Clayton had previously worked for the company that designed and built the Kent Hance Chapel before the couple’s engagement. He was able to see the plans and drawings of the chapel before it was even built, and knew it was the place to marry Calley!
Kent Hance Church Recessional in Lubbock, Texas
Family Wedding Photo Display at Ballroom Reception
The couple used silver and white as their color scheme to portray an elegant wintery event. They carried out this theme in every detail of the wedding from the linens to the cake.
For the reception, Calley and Clayton chose The Watson Building. The elegant building has wooden floors and an upstairs balcony that overlooks the ballroom.
The modern wedding cake with a tall metallic silver middle tier and cascading pearls around the rims to add a snowy look.
Modern Silver Triple-Tier Wedding Cake