A Vintage-Style DIY Wedding at George Ranch Historical Park in Richmond, Texas

As guests drove up to George Ranch Historical Park in Richmond, Texas, they were greeted by a marquee: “Dustin and Lauren, FINALLY!” After 12 years of dating, family and friends of Lauren Laman Mathews (31 and a graphic designer) and Dustin Mathews (31 and a conference-services manager) got a kick out of this vintage welcome that set the tone for their rustic ranch wedding day. “I love classic, vintage designs and silhouettes, and this was a big factor in the style of our wedding attire,” Lauren says. Once the couple decided on their venue, Lauren’s dress was the next order of business. The bride and her mother fell in love with the same dress—the last one she tried on. Lauren was a very DIY bride: She designed and printed the banner draped across the wedding arch, as well as all stationery, paper goods, coffee-cup sleeves, and birdseed-filled Christmas-ornament favors for her special day. A standout detail? “We decided to forgo the traditional cocktail hour and have an old-fashioned popcorn cart,” Lauren says. Paired with a huge galvanized-metal tub of sodas, guests of all ages felt relaxed in the casual atmosphere. For the barbecue reception dinner, the bride crafted place mats, each with a quote about love and relationships. “Each person’s quote was different, so they had their own personal ‘love fortune’ when they sat down to eat,” Lauren says. See the sweet details, captured by Noah’s Ark Photography, below.