Chelsea & Collin’s wedding is downright darling from start to finish. The moment we laid our eyes on this beautiful day captured by Maria Hibbs of Squaresville Studios, we were surprised in the best possible way. Just when we thought we found the prettiest moment ever, we would discover an even more memorable scene. Maria Hibbs illustrated this heartwarming day perfectly through her soft and romantic style, making each moment of love an everlasting treasure.
Everything from the bride’s preparation moments, to the rustic ceremony, to the joyful bridal party photos and lovely couple’s session, to the creative reception and campfire, it’s safe to say that we are head over heels in love with this wedding and its amazing personal touch. Join us as we share Chelsea & Collin’s wedding story below.
Chelsea & Collin’s love story
Chelsea: Our story starts out as a not-so-romantic tale. A mutual friend brought Collin to my housewarming party in Houston, Texas, where I (partly intimidated by his good looks, partly overwhelmed with hosting) exchanged about 2 works with him. Six months later, we met again at their mutual friend’s wedding, and danced the night away.
Several days later, Collin called to ask me on a date, which I outright refused (crazy, I know). This happened a few more times when Collin, ever tenacious, suggested dinner at “a place with great platonic food”. After that dinner Collin and I began our awkward and exhilarating friendship, with lots of biking, running, watching MadMen, and wondering, “what are we doing?!”.
Finally, he asked for a date once more, adding “Think about it! Don’t answer right away!” This time I said yes, and we started our adventure with martinis by the bayou!
Proposal story
Chelsea: The summer we started dating, the Houston Museum of Natural Science was open 24 hours a day. Collin and I would frequently go there at night and look at the butterfly house, and on one of those nights, Collin first told me that he loved me.
Two years later, Collin suggested we take advantage of Houston’s Free Museum Day and visit all the Houston Museums. So, we, along with every child in the Houston area, went out that day to explore art and science for free! Towards the end of the day, we wove our way through a sea of sweaty, yelping kids to the butterfly house, where it was surprisingly quiet. With butterflying flying about, Collin proposed! My amazement continued when we drove to a nearby restaurant to find our close family and friends gathered for an engagement party! It was an unbelievably perfect day.
Wedding theme and inspiration
Chelsea: Summer camp was my favorite place on earth as a kid. I wanted our wedding to have that same kind of outdoorsy, free feeling, and with wildflowers, a giant seesaw, campfire and s’mores, it couldn’t have worked out better!
Planning Priorities
Chelsea: Photos were our biggest priority from the start. Maria Hibbs had done the photos for my best friend’s wedding the previous year, and they turned out incredibly well. Plus it was great to know Maria had a really easy going approach on the wedding day. Otherwise (with lots of help from family and friends) things just kind of fell into place!
The Venue
Chelsea: The Amish Barn is actually a working cattle ranch that belongs to our family friends, Don and Paula House. I wanted the venue to be at a private location, if possible, so I wouldn’t have to deal with limits on how many people to invite, etc. Don and Paula graciously offered their barn, ranch house, and land, and we set to work turning their working ranch into a wedding venue! It really felt like the wedding was an old timey community affair, with people from all over pitching in to help in the weeks leading up to the day! After our wedding, Don and Paula decided to open up the barn for other weddings, and started The Amish Barn at Edge!
A celebration of love
Chelsea: Collin and I gathered photos of guests on their own wedding day, and strung these up for everyone to see in the reception area. We really wanted it to be a day celebrating love of all sorts, not just our own! It was so fun to look at all the different wedding photos and see the joy on everyone’s face as they saw their own!
Wedding planning advice
Chelsea: A few weeks before the wedding, my dad (our wedding officiant) encouraged us to write love letters to each other that reflected on the early days of dating, why we love each other now, and what we hope for our future. Writing that letter was so powerful, especially because the weeks leading up to the wedding can feel anything but romantic. We exchanged letters on the wedding day (Brides, I recommend reading your letter before your make up is applied!).
On a less romantic note, if you’re getting married in a “hands off” venue, I would strongly recommend hiring a wedding planner, even if your budget is tight! Having a wedding planner made the wedding weekend so stress-free! We could sit back and know that all the last minute details would be taken care of by the pros!
About the photographer – Maria Hibbs of Squaresville Studios
Documenting a couple’s wedding day is truly an honor. Their willingness to trust, open up, and let me into their world truly humbles me. I am very grateful to all my wonderful clients.
To me, exquisite wedding photography reflects a couple’s deep connection to and admiration for each other. I capture my clients’ story by encouraging them to express their feelings, documenting their carefully chosen details and important moments, and wrapping that all in flattering light and soft tones. Combining these elements, I am able to tell a unique wedding day story, a timeless and romantic reflection of my clients’ style.
Born and raised in Germany, I currently live in the United States as well as frequently travel to Europe to document weddings and engagements. I am a romantic at heart and love meeting people who are marrying their soul-mate.
Find the photographer:
Maria Hibbs of Squaresville Studios Website | Facebook | E-mail
Other vendor information:
Venue: The Amish Barn at Edge | Dress: BHLDN | Shoes: DSW (Tahari) | Flowers: Karla McCaughey at Mona’s Floral Creations | Groom(smen)’s suits: Jos A Bank | Cake: Kathy’s Icing on the Cake | Cars/Wedding Favours: Wildflower Seed Packets from American Meadows | Stationery: Oscar and Emma via Minted | Make Up & Hair: Lauren Noblin Artistry | Ceremony/Reception Music: Greg Tivis Band | Wedding Planners: Ashley & Company | Catering: Veritas | Videography: Adrien Mombo-Caristan
