Black-and-white checkered floors, carved stone archways, and spring flowers in shades of purple and pink set the scene for Lexi and Jack’s wedding at Marland Mansion. Gold accents, ornate stonework, and grand hallways became part of the decor without much extra effort.
The couple met through a dating app while attending Texas Tech University and quickly settled into the kind of relationship built on laughter and simply enjoying each other’s company. That same approach shaped their wedding weekend, where family traditions, handwritten notes, and small personal details carried just as much weight as the setting itself.
What We Love About This Marland Mansion Wedding
- Handwritten letters waiting for every guest at the rehearsal dinner
- Family songs woven throughout the ceremony in honor of Lexi’s grandparents
- Cocktail napkins featuring the couple’s dog, Phoebe
- A private dinner together before joining the reception
- A Texas Tech tortilla toss to close out the night
Feature Vendor:
Ally Elaine Photo
Creating A Warm Welcome Before The Wedding Day
The wedding weekend began with a rehearsal dinner and welcome party at Lydie’s Cottage on the grounds of Marland Mansion, giving guests from different parts of the couple’s lives a chance to meet before the wedding day.
Each guest also found a handwritten note waiting at their seat. “Jack and I wrote each guest a handwritten note expressing how much we appreciated them and how grateful we were to have them there to celebrate with us.”
Family speeches filled the evening before the floor opened to anyone who wanted to share a memory. Frozen peach bellinis quickly became another highlight.
Giving Family A Central Role In The Ceremony
Before guests arrived, Lexi and Jack shared a first look and exchanged private vows.
“It was such a special opportunity to slow down, be fully present, and share our feelings with each other in an intimate and genuine way.”
Jack’s brother Jeffrey officiated the ceremony, sharing stories from the couple’s relationship instead of reading a standard script.
Music carried another layer of family history. The bridal party walked down the aisle to “Somewhere My Love,” the song Lexi’s grandparents shared throughout their 63-year marriage. After the ceremony, the pianist played “Under the Double Eagle,” one of her grandfather’s favorite pieces, as the newlyweds made their way back up the aisle.
How One Venue Set The Direction For Their Wedding
Wedding planning clicked into place after Lexi found their venue. “Once I found the Marland Mansion, I felt like the rest of the vision started to fall into place.”
The estate’s architecture influenced nearly every design decision. Purple and pink florals added the color of spring without distracting from the carved stone exterior, gold accents, and historic interiors. Clementine and Sage Florals echoed that palette throughout the ceremony and reception, while Lexi chose a lace-and-beaded gown that matched the venue’s classic style. Jack wore a black Ralph Lauren tuxedo, and his groomsmen received custom cuff links as gifts.
Planning also became a family effort, with plenty of phone calls to Lexi’s mom, sister, and friends. Planner Ryan Kinzer handled the logistics that kept everything running smoothly from start to finish.
One Small Mishap They Wouldn’t Change
While Lexi’s mom was helping her into her dress, the top slipped and left a small lipstick mark on the fabric.
“Now my mom will always be a part of my dress in the sweetest way.”
Small Details Told Their Story
Many of the most memorable details came from the people closest to the couple. Lexi’s sister, Tori, did her makeup, continuing a tradition from every other major milestone in her life. “She has done my makeup for every major event throughout my life.”
Cocktail napkins featured their dog, Phoebe, while personalized matchbooks gave guests another keepsake to take home. A “walk down memory lane” display of childhood photos offered a glimpse into both of their lives before they met.
Making Time For Each Other Before The Celebration Continued
Before joining cocktail hour, Lexi and Jack slipped away for dinner together, giving themselves a rare quiet moment before the reception.
Their first dance was to Frank Sinatra’s “You Make Me Feel So Young”, the same song Jack used to play on his record player when they first started dating.
The reception was filled with stories from siblings. Jack’s brother reflected on childhood afternoons watching Blue’s Clues together, while Lexi’s sister shared the now-famous story of Lexi asking if she could come along on their very first date.
Once the speeches wrapped up, guests packed the dance floor thanks to DJ Shiloh Glasco—and the margarita machine didn’t hurt either.
The evening ended with guests tossing tortillas into the air, a playful nod to the Texas Tech tradition where Lexi and Jack first met.
Why They Recommend Recording The Ceremony
If there’s one thing Lexi wishes they’d included, it’s a videographer. The photos captured the day beautifully, but she misses being able to revisit the ceremony and family speeches.
Even if hiring a videographer isn’t in the budget, she recommends asking someone to record the ceremony. It’s one detail she knows she’ll wish she had for years to come.
The Wedding Team:
Photography – Ally Elaine Photo
Event Planning – Ryan Kinzer
Venue – The Marland Mansion
Floral Design – Clementine & Sage Florals
Catering – Affairs 2 Remember
Cake – A Sweet Success
DJ – Shiloh Glasco
Hair Styling – Naturally by Natalie
Wedding Dress – Anthropologie Weddings
Groom’s Apparel – Ralph Lauren
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