James and Brianna Crossland
TELL US ABOUT YOUR LOVE STORY!
How did you meet?
We met at Midnight Rodeo almost 10 years ago. We dated for a couple of years, then ended up breaking up for five years. We ran into each other again and realized what we were missing out on. We haven’t stopped talking since!
How did you know he was “The One”?
He is my safe place!
How did he propose?
He proposed to me at the rodeo while on the Ferris wheel! We were going to see my favorite artist, Gary Alan. He thinks it was cheesy, but I think it was perfect. I did not expect it at all! Looking back, it should have been obvious. He was rushing me to the rodeo grounds before the concert. He NEVER cares about what I wear, but that day he asked me to change my outfit to be “more country” before we left. He was very concerned about getting on the Ferris wheel. We had never been on the Ferris wheel. I was wondering what the big deal was. His sister randomly had a “stomachache” and could not get on the ride even though she just went on a different ride beforehand. I later found out she was taking pictures for us. Her friends insisted on going in another car, not the same one as us. They also ended up taking pictures. He handed me his phone and asked me to record him and he pulled my ring out of his vest. I dropped the phone in my lap from excitement, so we don’t actually have that video! It was the easiest yes ever!
Describe your wedding planning process
Did you hire a planner or day-of coordinator?
Yes, we used Heaven Sent Events as our day-of coordinator! She saved my life that day and kept me calm!
Did you DIY any aspect of your wedding?
We did not end up DIYing anything for our wedding. We were able to have vendors provide their services and supplies which made our day so much easier.
Did you have a specific theme?
We didn’t have a specific theme. We more so went with a color scheme of pinks and tans with touches of pearls!
Where did you save the most?
We saved the most with our cake! We ordered our cake from HEB and it was delicious. We got a two-tier cake for the Bride’s cake and a sheet cake for the Groom’s cake. The total was around $300.
Where did you splurge?
We splurged for our venue and don’t regret it one bit. We absolutely loved Gardens of Cranberry View. It had a stunning outdoor garden ceremony site that takes your breath away.
Why did you choose your venue?
We had been to several “country/barn” weddings. Although beautiful, we just wanted something different. It was the first and only venue we toured. We fell in love with it!
Did you incorporate any special traditions or sentimental details in your ceremony or reception?
I wrote my own vows to my now step daughter that I got to recite to her during our ceremony. I also gave her a necklace representing my love for her and our new family. I bought my husband a clip with photos of his grandparents that passed and could not be there with him.
What was your most stressful decision?
Truthfully, the seating chart was the most stressful decision. It also ended up being pointless because people ended up sitting wherever they wanted to sit.
What turned out to be your best decision surrounding the big day?
Renting the venue for the night before was an amazing decision. They have a house on the property that the girls stayed in! We were able to take our time getting up and getting ready and preparing for the day.
Is there anything you would have done differently?
The only thing I would change would have been my photographer. It has been an absolute nightmare getting my photos and videos that we paid for. I will now never get my finished products. Other than that, I might have taken the bride/groom photos immediately after the ceremony instead of waiting. We decided to wait because it ended up being the first hot day of the year. But by the time we did our photos, my feet were on fire from my heels, my train was already bustled, and guests were already dancing, which we ended up missing a portion of.
Tell Us About...
Your dress:
It was a completely different dress than I pictured myself in. I wanted something sleek and simple. Instead, I ended up getting an off-the-shoulder, sparkly from head-to-toe dress! I actually ended up picking the very first dress I tried on. It was designed by Maggie Sottero.
Your flowers:
We went with light pinks and white for the bridesmaids, white flowers for the guys with a pink ribbon, and light and dark pinks for me!
The Food:
Our food and service were amazing! We had steak or pecan crusted chicken with veggies, mashed potatoes, and a salad.
Recap your big day for us
What made you cry?
I think I cried the hardest the moment I saw my husband at the end of the aisle. As cliche as it sounds, it felt like there was no one else there at the moment.
What were the most memorable moments?
Finally seeing my husband for the first time! We are not apart often, so it seemed like eternity waiting to see him. Promising my stepdaughter to always love her as my own holds a special place in my heart. And I still reminisce on our first dance.
Did anything unexpected happen?
I don’t think so! My mom, aunt, and coordinator took care of everything, so if anything happened, I was not informed, keeping me blissfully stress free.
What’s the best advice you can give a bride and groom planning their wedding?
Hands down get a wedding planner. If you are going to splurge, that’s where you should spend the money. It will save so much stress!
What did you look forward to most as Mr. and Mrs.?
I think we were most excited for our honeymoon! We left two days after the wedding and came back to “real life” excited to keep living our life together as a married couple.
Local Vendors:
Wedding Venue: The Gardens of Cranesbury View
Reception Venue: The Gardens of Cranesbury View
Wedding Coordinator: Heaven Sent Events
Photographer: Ever After Studio
Videographer: Ever After Studio
Caterer: Heavenly Gourmet
Bridal Shop: Olivia Grace Bridal
Makeup Artist: Lola Beauty
Hair Stylist: Lola Beauty
Bartending/Beverage Service: Heavenly Gourmet
Transportation: San Antonio Limo Connection
Music/Entertainment: Toast Entertainment
Wedding Music:
Processional:
Hallelujah by Vitamin String Quartet
Say Yes to Heaven by Daniel Jang
Home Sweet Home by Vitamin String Quartet (Groom)
Bride’s Entrance:
Ocean Eyes by Jeremy Green
Recessional:
You Are the Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne
First Dance:
Holding On to You by Miranda Lambert
Father/Daughter Dance:
Time Machine Daughter Version by Jon Mullins (Bride and Father)
My Best Friend Tim McGraw (Groom and Daughter)
Little Bird by Jonas Brothers (All Fathers and Daughters)
Mother/Son Dance:
Things I Never Told You by Parker McCollum
Last Dance:
Beautiful Crazy by Luke Combs
