1. Real Weddings

A Peacock Themed Garden Wedding at Clark Gardens in Weatherford, Texas

Sara Dorsey (26 and a veterinarian) and Blake Nichols (27 and a pediatrician) met on Sara’s first day of college—Blake was her supplemental instructor

Sara Dorsey (26 and a veterinarian) and Blake Nichols (27 and a pediatrician) met on Sara’s first day of college—Blake was her supplemental instructor for chemistry. Eventually, their class study sessions turned into dates in the library, sharing knowledge and falling for each other slowly, then all at once. Four and a half years after they started dating, Blake visited Sara in vet school at Texas A&M and took her on a wine tour, where he got down on one knee amongst the vineyards at sunset. The bride’s mother had previously visited Clark Gardens in Weatherford, Texas for a festival and saw that peacocks freely wandered the grounds; the couple had already chosen a peacock theme and wanted a natural setting for their wedding, so the gardens were an ideal setting.The color scheme was eggplant, lavender and natural greens with the primary inspiration being the peacock feather. At the reception, Sara planned a surprise for Blake; she started off with her own dance routine, and then the bridesmaids joined in. Eventually, all of the wedding guests joined the dance in a flash mob for the groom! Of the wedding, the bride says: “Our vows best reflected us. We wanted to write our own vows to one another, and they were a complete surprise to each other. I think they reflected how much we absolutely adore one another. We laughed and cried, and I can't think of a better way to start our lives together.”

Sara wanted to be married in a very natural setting and the couple had previously agreed upon a peacock theme. “There is such a diverse array of scenery at Clark Gardens, and we could incorporate the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception in three different areas of the gardens. Plus, my wish of having a wedding with peacocks came true!” says the bride.
The color scheme was eggplant, lavender and natural greens with the primary inspiration being the peacock feather. “I had seed a design with a peacock feather, and I loved putting it on a dark eggplant background,” says Sara.
Purple Framed Table Numbers and Names
The bride wore a fitted mermaid style dress with delicate flowers on the straps. “There was something very simple about the organza and tulle, yet it was stunning from a distance as well,” says Sara.
The bridesmaids dresses were fitted satin ivory and eggplant. “I loved that it incorporated two colors and didn’t necessarily look standard,” says Sara.
Purple Flower Crown for Flower Girl
Sara carried a lavender bouquet, because she loves the scent of lavender flowers and they fit into the wedding color palette of purples and greens.
“I had always wanted a long, dramatic veil because I think the are so fun,” says Sara. She wore small lace flowers in her hair, which tied into the garden theme.
“Our vows best reflected us. We wanted to write our own vows to one another, and they were a complete surprise to each other. I think they reflected how much we absolutely adore one another. We laughed and cried, and I can't think of a better way to start our lives together.”
First Dance at Clark Gardens in Weatherford, Texas
“I do not like cake, so we had ice cream for desert,” says the bride. However, they did have a cake for their guests—two intertwined stethoscopes for the couple’s combining medical careers.
"At the reception, I had a special surprise for Blake," says the bride. "I had grown up my entire life dancing and performing, and I had planned a special performance for Blake. I started a dance routine, in which the bridesmaids joined for much of the dance (they were such great sports, and talented dancers too!). At the end of the dance, the routine turned into a flash mob in which about half of the guests joined in the routine. Blake was so surprised, and we all had a lot of fun with it! My bridesmaids and guests did such a good job at practicing and keeping it a secret, and it will be a special memory that we will always treasure."