Despite what they say about everything being bigger in Texas, Allison and Cameron decided to keep things small when it came to their wedding day in the Lone Star State. With just their children, their families, and their closest friends in attendance, the couple exchanged their vows in a heartfelt outdoor ceremony before celebrating with a fun-filled barn reception. And while they may have gone small with the guest list, like true Texans, they went big on everything else!

Special thanks to Allison Jeffers for sharing their special day with us.

Texas barn wedding

Allison, 25 & Cameron, 37

Sisterdale, TX

Wedding Date: June 27, 2014

Number of Guests: 20

Wedding Cost: $17,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: Sisterdale Dancehall, Sisterdale, TX

Wedding Reception Location: Sisterdale Dancehall, Sisterdale, TX

chalkboard wedding sign

wedding coaster

bride by the window

colorful wedding bouquet

ring bearer peeking through doors

outdoor wedding ceremony

chalkboard wedding sign

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

This was the second wedding for both of us and we both have children from our first marriages. We wanted it to be small and intimate and mostly just include the children and our close families and friends.

wedding dress hanging up outdoors

wedding prep area

bride's pearl earring

bride's lace booties

ring bearer taking photo

ring bearer and flower girl

bride lounging on chaise

What are some of the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

Finding vendors that will cater to smaller weddings; most say 50+ people and we weren’t even close to that. And how much money to spend – really how much do you need? We went back and forth on so many things.

bride and groomkissing

bride and groom embracing

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

No, not at all. We knew who we wanted there all along.

wedding portrait

groom dipping bride

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

No we didn’t. Everyone understood our reasons and if they didn’t, they didn’t express their opinions to us.

rustic wedding program

rustic outdoor wedding ceremony doors

wedding altar flowers

fabric wrapped wedding ceremony chairs

ring bearer and flower girl walking down aisle

bride holding son's hand at wedding ceremony

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

We wrote our own vows. It was very romantic and I don’t think there was a dry eye there! Also, the heel of one of my shoes broke as I was walking down the aisle. I had to balance myself on one foot the whole time! Then after the ceremony, my husband carried me back down the aisle.

outdoor wedding ceremony

outdoor wedding ceremony

rustic outdoor wedding ceremony

bride and groom first kiss

bride and groom walking down the aisle

groom carrying bride

What were the highlights of the reception?

Cameron’s daughter Maci, 11, gave a speech about how happy she was to have a new stepmom like me! It was absolutely the sweetest thing ever and made me cry! Also, the chicken dance was a hit with everyone! I think everyone in attendance did that one!

barn wedding venue

chalkboard wedding sign

bride and groom chairs

garden rose wedding centerpiece

wedding flowers

rose wedding centerpiece

wedding napkins

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

It just felt more romantic and special having everyone you love and care about right there sharing your special moment.

barn wedding reception venue

bride and groom dancing

wedding cake

bride and groom feeding each other cake

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

Don’t stress about your guest list and who will or won’t be there. It’s about you two and your desires. Everything will work out in the end and will be so worth it!!

bride and groom kissing

Vendors:

Catering: Fritze’s BBQ and Catering

Flowers: The Rose Petal

Cake: Sophie’s Bakery

Wedding Gown: David’s Bridal

Venue: Sisterdale Dancehall

Photography: Allison Jeffers Wedding Photography