Saddle Up for Part Two: A Western-Modern Bash after a Micro-Wedding
After a beautiful and intimate micro-wedding earlier in the year (check it out here), Ashley and Anthony’s November celebration at Cactus Moon Lodge was the grand finale they’d been dreaming of. Nine months after tying the knot in a small, meaningful ceremony, they gathered their extended family and friends for an unforgettable party that picked up right where the micro-wedding left off. From a poolside cocktail hour to a wild dance floor and a poolside plunge, every moment of the November event reflected Ashley and Anthony’s personalities and their unique love story.
The evening began with a relaxed cocktail hour set by the pool, where guests were immediately greeted by the couple’s unique branding, designed by Ashley herself. The pool area was a true highlight, featuring custom a vinyl-wrapped bar and custom TV guide seating chart from Party at the Moontower, which perfectly embodied both Ashley’s modern Italian flair and Anthony’s western influences. The venison empanadas Feast & Merriment served are still talked about by their guests to this day.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, guests moved to the dining area where the next chapter of the evening awaited: a spectacular family-style dinner that was equal parts delicious and unforgettable. Guests were guided to their tables named after shows that the couple watched together. The dinner was a perfect balance of rustic elegance, with the food offering a combination of hearty Texas fare and Italian-inspired touches. Each dish was carefully crafted to reflect Ashley’s love for Italian cuisine and Anthony’s Texan roots, creating a meal that felt both personal and reflective of the couple’s backgrounds. The family-style seating added to the warmth and camaraderie, encouraging guests to pass dishes, share stories, and bask in the feeling of being part of something truly special.
One of the standout moments of the evening came with the heartfelt toasts delivered by Ashley and Anthony’s honorary wedding party. Since they had kept their micro-wedding intimate and did not have an official wedding party, they wanted to ensure their closest friends were honored at the November celebration. These toasts were filled with laughter, a few tears, and plenty of cheers as friends and family shared stories and anecdotes about the couple’s journey.
After dinner, the dance floor came alive as Ashley and Anthony led the way. Their first dance was a beautiful moment, but it didn’t take long for everyone to join in. The music set the tone for an unforgettable night of dancing, laughter, and pure joy. Whether it was an energetic group dance or a slow, intimate moment between the newlyweds, the dance floor was packed with happy guests celebrating the couple’s love.
But Ashley and Anthony weren’t done yet. The night was full of surprises, starting with a cigar roller stationed near the dance floor. As the night rolled on and the drinks kept flowing, Ashley and Anthony surprised their guests with poutine—a sentimental treat that Anthony introduced Ashley to when they first started dating.
No Epoch event would be complete without an epic finale, and Ashley and Anthony made sure to deliver. As the last song played, Rose Tattoo by Dropkick Murphys, with everyone wearing their custom temporary rose tattoos, guests gathered around to watch the couple make their grand exit. They didn’t just leave with a simple wave or farewell—they dove into the pool hand-in-hand, creating an unforgettable moment that left guests in awe.
CREATIVE TEAM
CREATIVE TEAM
Planning + Design | Epoch Co+
Photography | Heidi Elyse Photo
Cinematograhpy | Alex Harper Films
Venue | Cactus Moon Lodge
Floral Design | Ida Mayes Floral
Rentals | Premiere Events | Table Manners
Custom Bars + Seating Chart | Party at the Moontower
Cowhide Linens | BBJ La Tavola
Catering + Bar | Feast & Merriment
Entertainment | Smither Productions
Custom Dance Floor | Evografx
Beauty | Glow and Grace Artistry
Guest Book | After the Tone
Wedding Dress | Tara Lauren | A&Bé Bridal
Bridal Shoes | Sam Edelman | Tecovas
Groom’s Suit | Indochino
THE VIBE
THE VIBE
From the start, our very own Ashley had a clear vision for the wedding design: a seamless blend of modern Italian-inspired touches with subtle western and agrarian elements to honor Anthony’s roots. The design elements carried over seamlessly between both the micro-wedding and the larger celebration, with a focus on neutral tones and textures that would complement the surroundings.
The custom stationery, designed by Ashley herself, played a pivotal role in setting the tone for the day. It combined modern sophistication with rustic elements, weaving through both events as a consistent design thread. From the custom-made menus to the table settings, each piece told a story and reflected the couple’s unique personalities and shared love of Italy and the Texas countryside.
The vinyl-wrapped bars at the reception, the western-themed dance floor, and even the custom temporary tattoos were all designed to reflect Ashley and Anthony’s love for the unconventional. Every detail was a nod to their journey—both as individuals and as a couple—and they ensured their wedding day was as unique as their story.
SEE THE MAGIC UNFOLD
SEE THE MAGIC UNFOLD
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