Hannah Ortega and Tanner Rumsey
the venue. The Brooks at Weatherford
the photos. Kristin Lee Photography Co.
Timeless Tintypes
The couple chose tintype portraits by their friend Zachary Fox, whose heartfelt craft captured their day in timeless, heirloom photographs. “Those portraits are heirlooms—as we water the roots of our family and watch new branches grow, it’s so sweet to imagine passing these photographs down through the generations of life we’re gardening together,” said Hannah.
Vows of Devotion
The couple wrote their own vows, with their words carrying soul and intention. “One line that will stay with me always is, ‘I do not have a shadow of a doubt—when the Good Lord cast aside your mold, He used its warmth to shape mine, so we’d be carved for each other by divine hands,’” she said.
The Love Story
Tanner and I have known each other for over a decade—we met as juniors in high school through mutual friends. We’d hang out here and there over the years and always kept in touch. There was always a pull between us, but the timing just never quite lined up.
Then in April of 2022, everything shifted. I was at Texas Motor Speedway for the Pate Swap Meet with my dad and sister—and so was Tanner. He spotted me across the way and came over with a group of friends I hadn’t seen in years. We had a quick catch-up and went our separate ways, but as soon as he walked off, I turned to my family and said, “Dang… Tanner looks good. I think I’ll ask him to hang out soon.” Before I could, he messaged me that same day.
We hung out a few times over the next couple of weeks. One afternoon, while picnicking at Eagle Mountain Park, Tanner turned to me and said he had a “burning question.” He asked me to be his girlfriend—and from that moment on, we’ve been inseparable.
The Proposal
It was February 8, 2024, and I had the day off, just lounging around the house when Tanner called to tell me he had to leave for a last-minute work trip to Austin—he’d be gone the whole weekend. I was a little bummed, but when he got home to pack, he offered to take me on a quick motorcycle ride to lift my spirits—something that always makes me feel better.
He took me to a little chapel in Weatherford I’d never seen before. There, he asked me to marry him with his grandmother’s ring. I was completely surprised. I had a feeling it would happen soon, as we had a trip to Terlingua coming up, and he had always said he wanted to propose while traveling—not at home. But I later found out he had just picked the ring up from the jeweler after getting it resized, and he said he just couldn’t wait another moment.
The Wedding Venue
My parents were in Napa Valley for a wedding and went wine tasting with the bride and a group of guests. While on the wine tour bus, they struck up a conversation with a couple from Weatherford. Everyone was chatting about wedding venues, and the couple mentioned a spot they lived next door to—saying we had to check it out. My mom texted me the name right then and there, and I booked a tour for the following week.
The moment we stepped onto the property of The Brooks at Weatherford, we fell in love. The entire space had a peaceful charm, but it was the chapel that truly sealed the deal. It felt sacred, warm, and perfectly us. Tanner had always dreamed of us getting married in a chapel, so it felt like fate.
The Vibe
We wanted the entire day to feel completely us—thoughtful, heartfelt, and full of personal touches. From the fully curated playlists for each part of the day to custom hand-painted signs and every carefully chosen detail in between, we poured so much love into creating an experience that felt warm, nostalgic, and full of love.
The overall aesthetic was vintage, western, and romantic—rooted in old-soul love and a little Texas charm. We weren’t aiming for formality; we wanted guests to feel relaxed, welcomed, and surrounded by meaningful beauty. Our hope was that everyone left feeling the same way we did: deeply loved, fully present, and part of something sacred.
The Photography
I looked all over Instagram for something that felt like us. I wasn’t drawn to overly posed or polished images—I wanted something that felt warm, filmy, timeless, and candid. The vision was a blend of digital, 35mm film, and Super 8—something that captured not just how it looked, but how it felt.
And that’s exactly what we found in Kristin Lee. Her work felt nostalgic and soulful—she saw the day the way we did: tender, emotional, and full of fleeting, beautiful moments. Every image feels like a memory in motion, and we’ll treasure them forever.
We also knew we wanted tintype portraits. We’ve always loved the depth and stillness of that process, and having our dear friend Zachary Fox of Fox Tintype there to capture us meant the world. Zachary pours his heart and soul into his work, and having him lend the dedication of his craft was one of the most meaningful parts of the day.
Those portraits are heirlooms—as we water the roots of our family and watch new branches grow, it’s so sweet to imagine passing these photographs down through the generations of life we’re gardening together.
The Dress
I wore the Degas gown by Suzanne Neville, and from the moment I slipped it on, I just knew—it felt like it had been made for me. Degas has a scoop-neck corseted bodice with off-the-shoulder straps and a ruched, fitted skirt in satin crepe. The silhouette struck the perfect balance between timeless and romantic, with a vintage, angelic softness I had been searching for. I loved how it hugged in all the right places, how the satin moved when I walked, and how it felt effortlessly elegant.
The Accessories
Every accessory I wore carried meaning and intention. My custom pearl earrings and necklace were made by the incredible folks at Reads Jewelers in Fort Worth—a gift from my mom, Nina, and bonus dad, Shon. They were classic and elegant, the perfect timeless touch.
I also wore an heirloom pearl bracelet that had been given to my mother by my father years ago, and a gold infinity heart bracelet from my father-in-law, a piece that felt both sentimental and symbolic.
My veil was the Lex Veil by Sarah Seven—vintage-inspired and ethereal, with a delicacy that reminded me of old Hollywood brides. I paired everything with Steve Madden Teacup Ivory Satin heels that echoed the softness of the gown. My nails were done by Bertha at Frida Beauty Collective: a cream-colored French tip with gold charms and tiny pink heart crystals. The whole look was angelic, vintage, and deeply feminine.
The Bridesmaids
My sister, Hunter, was my maid of honor, and she looked absolutely beautiful. She wore a baby blue gown—the signature color of our wedding—paired with pearls, off-white satin heels, and a spring-inspired bouquet that mirrored mine. The soft blue and cream palette brought our vintage, romantic vision to life, and her look was effortlessly in tune with the day.
Getting ready together that morning was one of my favorite memories—she kept me grounded, reminded me to breathe, and made me laugh when I needed it most. She’s been my best friend as long as I can remember, and having her there meant everything.
The Groomsmen
Tanner’s brother, Chase, stood by his side as best man. He wore a look that matched Tanner’s vintage Western vibe—a black suit and bolo tie that felt perfectly in step with the aesthetic of the day. It was simple, classic, and very them. Having his brother up there made it all the more special, and seeing the two of them together—laughing, tearing up, and taking it all in—was one of the sweetest parts of the day.
The Wedding Rings
Our wedding bands were custom-made by Jackie DeMay (@jaxthejeweler), crafted in 14k gold, engraved with old English initials, a diamond-set twinkle, and a delicate chain design that wraps all the way around.
We loved working with Jax to create something meaningful and deeply personal. She is incredibly talented and makes truly one-of-a-kind pieces. We’ll treasure our bands for a lifetime.
The Hair and Makeup
With my long hair, I knew I wanted to wear it down to feel like me—but with an elevated, vintage twist. I pictured something angelic and soft: a bombshell blowout with big, brushed-out waves and a touch of old Hollywood romance. In the end, the look gave total Cher and Priscilla Presley energy—exactly the timeless, iconic vibe I was dreaming of. My sister, Jessica Biggs (@xhairbyjessiebx), who specializes in bridal hair, absolutely slayed it.
For makeup, I kept it golden, bronzed, and dewy—a true no-makeup makeup moment that let my natural features shine through. Just the right amount of glow to feel radiant, but soft enough to still feel effortless. The result was a perfect blend of vintage glam and modern softness—classic, but completely me. Esmeralda Lopez (@facesbyemi) totally killed it and brought my vision to life.
The Stationery
I made our wedding stationery using Canva, starting with a vintage-inspired template I found on Etsy. The design featured a baby blue heart and retro typography that perfectly matched our overall wedding aesthetic—soft, nostalgic, and romantic.
It was important to me that even our invitations felt personal and true to our style, and creating them by hand made it all the more meaningful. From the color palette to the layout, every detail was thoughtfully chosen to reflect the tone of the day and the heart behind it.
The Florals
Our florals were soft, vibrant, and full of movement—just like the rest of the day. We chose a mix of blush and buttercream roses, powder blue hydrangeas, ranunculus, dahlias, peonies, and delicate wildflowers to bring our vision to life. The palette of baby blue, cream, peach, and pops of pink felt perfect and springy.
My bouquet was one of my favorite details—it felt like something out of an old painting. I carried it with me down the aisle and held onto it all night. The reception tables were lined with lush clusters of blooms, low and loose in arrangement, surrounded by glowing candles and powder-blue runners. It created the warmest, dreamiest glow as the evening set in.
The florals tied everything together—they softened the chapel, brightened the reception, and added that tender, timeless touch we were hoping for.
The Morning Of
The morning of our wedding was surprisingly simple and sweet. Tanner and I spent it together, gathering last-minute things and getting ready to head to the venue. We were about twenty minutes behind schedule—which meant we had to let go of our original plan for a first look—but it didn’t matter. The day had already taken on a life of its own.
Once we arrived, I slipped into the bridal suite, played some of my favorite songs—Mazzy Star and others with that dreamy, grounding feel—and just let myself ease into the moment. My mom kept bringing me little snacks to keep me going, and my sister stayed by my side as we got ready together. It wasn’t rushed or overly structured—it just felt like love, calm, and a little bit of happy chaos. Looking back, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
The Ceremony
Our ceremony was deeply personal—every part of it was filled with meaning and love. My dad, Steve, walked me down the aisle, and in one of the most tender moments of the day, my mom and bonus dad walked our sweet dog Ladybird down just before me. It was such a special sight and a memory I’ll hold close forever.
We were married by Tanner’s longtime family friend, James Johnson, which made the moment feel all the more rooted and personal. We chose to write our own vows, and Tanner spoke his with reverence—his words carried so much soul and intention. One line that will stay with me always was when he said, “I do not have a shadow of a doubt—when the Good Lord cast aside your mold, He used its warmth to shape mine, so we’d be carved for each other by divine hands.”
He shared that for years, he’d carried the quiet hope that we’d end up right here—together. There wasn’t a dry eye in the chapel. With the light pouring in, the weight of the moment, and the love that filled the space—it felt like heaven had a hand in it all.
One especially tender moment during the entire ceremony, a butterfly stayed perched in the window just beside us. Many of our guests noticed it too. We all agreed—it felt like Tanner’s mom, Kelli, was right there with us. Her presence was felt in the most gentle, undeniable way.
The Reception
Our reception felt like stepping into a dream—warm, celebratory, and filled with so much love. The space was dressed in our colors: baby blue and cream with soft, springy florals in blush, butter yellow, and peach, accented with touches of gold that caught the candlelight beautifully. Every detail was thoughtfully chosen to reflect the romantic spirit of the day.
Music was such a huge part of the experience for us. DJ Kip brought it all to life and kept the energy flowing all night long. Every transition felt intentional, from the slow dances to the full-out party.
One of our favorite elements was having Zachary Fox of Fox Tintype there to photograph our guests using an antique process. Watching our family and friends line up to be captured in that timeless way was so special—it felt like we were preserving not just images, but memories that could’ve been pulled from another era.
The night was full of joy, dancing, happy tears, and laughter. It was everything we dreamed of and more.
The Planning
I planned the wedding myself, with the constant support and encouragement of my mom and my sister. They were by my side through every detail, decision, and to-do list. My bonus dad, Shon, and my dad, Steve, were also incredibly supportive in helping bring our vision to life.
The planning process was genuinely a joy—I actually loved getting to pour so much of myself into it. I spent almost 14 months dreaming, sourcing, and crafting each little detail, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the love and support of my family. Watching it all come together on the day-of was the most rewarding feeling. It felt like stepping into something we had all built together—intentional, beautiful, and full of heart.
The Cake
Our cakes were made with so much love by my mother’s aunt, Kerri Lawson—Aunt KK to us. She’s the most talented baker and only bakes for family, which made it even more special that she agreed to create our wedding cakes. I felt so lucky and honored to have her be a part of our day in such a meaningful way.
She made the most beautiful and delicious strawberry wedding cake, a rich German chocolate groom’s cake for Tanner, and vanilla and strawberry sheet cakes that our guests are still talking about. Every cake was baked and decorated with such care—they were as gorgeous as they were unforgettable. Aunt KK truly outdid herself, and we’ll never forget the sweetness she brought to our celebration.
The Food
We served classic Texas barbecue from Patriotic Pig in North Richland Hills, and it was everything we hoped for—hearty, flavorful, and a perfect fit for our laid-back, celebratory vibe. Guests enjoyed sliced brisket, smoked chicken, and sausage, along with comfort food sides like mac and cheese, loaded mashed potatoes, burnt end beans, and Mexican street corn.
Our guests are still talking about the meal—it was that good. Patriotic Pig did an incredible job, and we loved giving everyone a true taste of Texas. It felt communal, cozy, and so true to who we are.
The Entertainment
Kip Kruger of Music by DJ Kip was the perfect DJ for our day—he brought the energy, kept the vibe just right, and made everything feel so fun and seamless. We curated every song for each part of the day, and he brought it all to life effortlessly. From the ceremony to the dance floor, it felt like the soundtrack of us.
One of our favorite moments was when he let us jump behind the booth and play around with the mixing board ourselves. It was such a fun, spontaneous moment that made the night feel even more personal. Kip truly made the reception unforgettable—our guests had the best time, and so did we.
The Favorite Moment
It’s hard to choose just one moment—truly, the entire day felt like magic. Our first dance was one of the most unforgettable moments. We danced to “That’s Where I Want to Take Our Love” by Keith Whitley—a song that’s always felt like Tanner and I. It was quiet and grounding, like the world melted away for a few minutes and it was just the two of us. I’ll never forget the way that moment felt.
A close second was hearing the speeches from our families. Each one was so thoughtful and full of heart—not a dry eye in the room. We felt completely wrapped in love and support. Honestly, the whole day was a dream come true. It was the most joy-filled, love-soaked day of our lives.
The Unexpected
To be honest, there weren’t many surprises—and that in itself felt like a gift. The day unfolded so naturally and beautifully, just as we had hoped. From the weather to the timeline (even when we ran a little behind), everything found its rhythm. It was one of those rare days where the love, the people, and the moments came together just as they were meant to.
The Honeymoon
We didn’t head off on a honeymoon right away—and we’re so glad we gave ourselves a little time to reset. As amazing as the day was, it was also beautifully exhausting, and having a moment to slow down and soak it all in has felt just right.
In a few weeks, we’re doing a cross-country camping trip to Big Sur and the California Redwoods. It’ll be just the two of us, surrounded by nature, winding roads, and quiet mornings. We can’t wait to unplug, explore, and celebrate our marriage in a way that feels completely us.
The Advice
The day truly flies by—everyone says that, but it’s so real. My biggest piece of advice is to soak in every moment. Take little pauses throughout the day to ground yourself, look around, and really feel it all. It’s such a beautiful blur, and those intentional moments of stillness help you stay present in the middle of it.
Also, don’t stress over perfection. The magic is in the meaning, not the details. At the end of the day, you’re marrying the love of your life surrounded by your nearest and dearest—and that’s what it’s all about.
The Vendors
VENUE The Brooks at Weatherford
FLORAL Nancy Gallegos
PHOTOGRAPHY Kristin Lee Photography Co.
VIDEOGRAPHY Rocky Witt
RENTALS Finesse Parties and Rentals
HAIR Jessica Biggs
MAKEUP Faces by Emi
ENTERTAINMENT Music by DJ Kip
BRIDAL SALON Lovely Bride
CATERING Patriotic Pig Smokehouse
MENSWEAR M.L. Leddy’s
JEWELRY Jax the Jeweler, Reads Jewelers
DRINK SERVICE Blind Tiger Bartending Co.
TINTYPE PHOTOGRAPHER Fox Tintype