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74 ON THE RINGS. We found my engagement ring during a past Round Top Antique Show at Southern Classic Jewelry at The Compound. We searched everywhere for the perfect vintage engagement ring and weren't having any luck. I remembered Southern Classic Jewelry would be at The Compound during the show, so we went to see what they had on opening day. None of the rings really spoke to me, but a specific diamond in one of the rings stood out. I loved the stone but didn't care for the setting it was in. The stone is a round cognac- colored diamond from the early 1900s. I love that it's antique and that we found it in Round Top. SCJ designed a new setting in vintage rose gold, and it turned out beyond beautiful. For Nick's ring, we knew our good friends Russell and Barbara from Lark in Round Top would be able to design the perfect gold band. Russell melted down an old ring from Nick's grandfather and carved a Saguaro cactus in it — a small nod to our love of the desert and many adventures together. THE BRIDE WORE. Stone Cold Fox gown, from Free People. Sandals by Gianni Bini. Earrings by Elizabeth Cole — I am obsessed with her jewelry. Her earrings stole the show. THE GROOM WORE. Nick's suit was from Bonobos, dress shirt from Stag, and vintage Lucchese cowboy boots from Townsend Provisions. The Hill-Side tie from Stag was anchored by an armadillo tie clip — one of my first gifts to Nick when we started dating. CATERED BY. My mom, Sharon Ford! She used to be a chef. She and my cousin Mehgan Janecek spent hours before the ceremony building the beautiful spread. CAKE DATE. Funfetti drip cake by Roman Blas of Over the Rainbow Desserts, Palm Springs. Vintage motorcycle topper from Townsend Provisions. WALKED DOWN THE AISLE. My Dad, Don Ford, gave me away. We walked down the aisle to "You Are My Sunshine" by Morgane Stapleton with Chris Stapleton. One of Nick's best friends, Brian Morgan, was the minister. WEDDING PARTY. Only our closest friends and family. About 40 guests. Our dogs, Mr. Big and Hank, were there but did not take part in the actual ceremony. But we couldn't resist taking pics with them afterwards. They are our family, for sure! FLOWERS. I designed my bouquet: hot-pink peonies, protea (pincushion and king), thistles, carnations, eucalyptus, and my favorite part — cactus! I attached floral wire to the bottom of the pads of the cacti to include in my bouquet and Nick's boutonniere. UNFORGETTABLE MOMENT. The ceremony. To look up and be standing in one of our favorite places in the world surrounded by all of our favorite people, holding hands with each other, was amazing. W E D D I N G M I S A D V E N T U R E S Attempting to do everything ourselves without a planner wasn't the best idea. The area is so remote there is zero cell service. That made it tough — everyone was always looking for everyone! Also, as I mentioned, the roads pretty much required a four-by- four. The van carrying half of the guests almost got stuck. HAPPILY EVER AFTER. We road- tripped on the way there and back, searching for great vintage boots and other treasures. We did a mini-honeymoon through Death Valley and the Grand Canyon on the way home. Clockwise from top left: Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace was the scene for the wedding dinner. The modernist home that served as lodging and wedding HQ. The groom awaits his bride. Guest Tyler Fuller with his vintage Yashica-A. The remote wedding site resembled a Western film set. (continued from page 72)