“When I went off to the University of Southern California some of my family came out to visit, and we decided that it would be fun to go and see a psychic,” Claudia Robinson Covert begins. “She told me that I would be married at 24, [to] keep burnt orange close to my heart, and that I would have twins.” Claudia laughed it off at the time. Burnt orange?

But four years later, Claudia met Samuel Gordon Smith, a graduate of the University of Texas—the school synonymous with burnt orange and its longhorn mascot. To top it off, Samuel’s father was a twin. She couldn’t help but remember what the psychic had said. “When I was first with Sammy, I had this uncontrollable feeling of knowing without a doubt that I wanted to be with him for the entirety of my future,” Claudia shares. “I remember I texted my mom one night, ‘Do not make a big deal about this, but I have a boyfriend.’ And that was the end of Sammy just being my boyfriend. He was now a family-wide investigation and then soon became someone my whole family believed in and loved just as much as I did.”  

Claudia had always envisioned a proposal surrounded by her whole extended family. After two years together, Sammy proposed on the Friday after Thanksgiving. “Sammy is a huge University of Texas at Austin football fan, so I never imagined he’d propose on a game day—especially since his mood totally depends on whether they win or lose!” she laughs. Thankfully the Longhorns came away with the win that day, and Sammy suggested they meet his grandparents at the Four Seasons in Austin for a drink and an early dinner.

On the way there, the rain started to fall. “When we arrived, Sammy asked me to walk outside to see the Christmas lights and decorations,” she recalls. “I hesitated because of the rain, but he insisted. That’s when, under a big oak tree covered in twinkling lights, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.” As soon as Claudia said yes, both of their families appeared to celebrate with an impromptu engagement party.  

Where to wed was the easiest of decisions. “We got married at The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum, a place that holds a special place in my heart since my maternal great-grandparents were President Lyndon Baines Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson,” Claudia notes. “The library is located on the campus of The University of Texas, where Sammy and many of my family members attended and graduated, so it felt perfect on multiple levels.” The tributes to LBJ and Lady Bird didn’t end there. “We got married in the Lady Bird Johnson Auditorium, which felt especially meaningful because I was named after my great-grandmother—Lady Bird’s given name was Claudia Taylor.” The bride also donned Lady Bird’s wedding ring, continuing a family tradition first honored by her aunt on her own wedding day.

Claudia and Sammy married on January 13, 2024. Over The Moon Top Planner Bryan Rafanelli of Rafanelli Events planned the affair alongside day-of planner Samantha Walker. Genevieve de Manio took to the lens, capturing everything on camera while Derek Chan Films was on hand for video. Over The Moon Top Illustrator Cheree Berry Paper crafted a custom invitation suite.  

“The wedding weekend began with a beautiful bridal luncheon hosted by my grandmothers on Thursday,” Claudia notes. To this, she wore a Valentino mini dress and Van Cleef earrings—“an elegant, sophisticated look that perfectly set the tone for the celebrations.” 

Next for Friday night’s rehearsal dinner, she chose an organza top and satin pants by Andres Otalora. “It felt refreshing and unique, plus I accessorized it with a pearl and diamond choker that my aunt had worn at her rehearsal dinner more than 20 years prior,” Claudia says. “It was the perfect opportunity to wear something with personal history.”

Finally, for the ceremony, the bride knew she wanted to make a statement. “After trying on over a hundred dresses across Dallas, New York, and Los Angeles, I finally found the one—the Monique Lhuillier Papillon Gown,” Claudia shares. “From the second I put it on, I knew it was exactly what I had been searching for.” The tiered lace layers, the dramatic sweeping train, and the custom jacket crafted by Monique’s team came together seamlessly. 

Claudia accessorized with her Lady Bird’s pearl earrings. “My aunt, Claudia, added diamonds to them for her own wedding, and I wore them on my special day, feeling the presence of my great-grandmother with me,” she shares. “I was also lucky to be married wearing her wedding band, which President Lyndon Baines Johnson had given her.” And later that evening, after the newlyweds sliced into their Fancy Cake and the celebration was in full swing. The bride made a switch into a mini dress by Katherine Tash. 

Claudia entrusted her longtime makeup artist of over 15 years, Tiffany Taylor, to create an effortlessly radiant look for the day. Meanwhile, the groom looked dapper in a custom J. Hilburn tuxedo, a choice echoed by the bride’s father and brother, who wore matching designs from the same designer.

The ceremony was exactly what the bride had always envisioned. West Bank florals created an aisle lined with lush blooms, while Frost Florida’s drapery added an ethereal touch to the space. “I made a conscious effort to stay present and avoid the feeling of looking back and thinking, ‘Wow, I don’t remember anything because I was too nervous or too excited,’” Claudia says. “Having both my parents walk me down the aisle really helped ease my nerves and anxieties. I remember thinking, ‘Holy shit, it’s actually happening!’”

The reception unfolded in the Grand Hall, when the newlyweds entered and shared their first dance to Chris Stapleton’s “Joy of My Life.” Rentals by Party! Dallas, Posh Couture, and Marquee Rentals transformed the space. “The band, The New Design from L.A., was absolutely phenomenal!” the bride gushes. “I’ve attended my fair share of weddings, and I’m not just being biased, when I say they were the best band ever.”

They kept the celebration alive as long as possible, and when the clock struck midnight, everyone piled onto shuttles headed to the Four Seasons Austin. “The bar was closed, but that didn’t stop us!” the bride exclaims. “We parked ourselves in the lobby for hours, reliving every moment of the weekend with our family and friends.”