When Texas Christian University sophomore Nicolas crashed his classmate Paige’s 20th birthday, the two struck up a conversation and sparks flew. Their love took them around the world. In 2020 the duo landed in London, where they’d live for two years while Nicolas earned his MBA. “We were lucky enough to travel during the breaks in classes,” Paige remembers. “We had planned a trip to Greece, and Nic proposed in Santorini during a beautiful sunset. It was a private moment with no photographers—just us, outside our room with the gorgeous view.” That evening, they enjoyed a private 14-course meal to celebrate. “When each course was served, our waiter asked me a question about Nic and vice versa, like ‘What is Nic’s favorite song?’ Nic won.”
The world travelers returned to their relationship’s roots for the wedding, however, planning a stellar soiree at Nicolas’s family’s home outside of Dallas. “I had a very clear vision of what I wanted,” Paige shares. “Since the wedding was on a ranch, I wanted to have a Western element, but I didn’t want ‘rustic.’” Haylie Paige Events helped her refine the theme. “Our overall vision was ‘Western elegance’ or ‘Aspen chic’; we wanted the cowboy feel, but more dressed up.” They pegged photographer Jeff Brummett to capture it all.
Paige was equally as sure about her fashion vision. “I wanted to look like Grace Kelly,” she shares. “I had tried on a dress that was similar to an Edith Head design Grace Kelly wore in To Catch a Thief. I was so in love with it, but it was very simple.” She turned to Erin Cole, a bridal designer based in her hometown of Newport Beach, California, to enhance the dress. “We added pearl designs and an open back,” Paige describes. “I also knew I wanted a dramatic veil, so we combined two veils Erin had designed already with 3D flowers and pearls sprinkled throughout. My grandmother has a wonderful jewelry collection, so I wore her earrings on the big day.” Nicolas, meanwhile, donned a custom tuxedo from Dallas shop Hadleigh’s.
After getting beautified by Maitee Miles, Paige’s bridesmaids slipped into Jenny Yoo dresses in a dusty blue hue. Invitation designer Carly Creative Co. used the fabric swatch to infuse the day-of paper elements—program, menu, table numbers, and more—with the same shade of bridal blue.
On October 15, 2022, Paige and Nicolas said, “I do,” in a stone chapel erected on the property for the very occasion. Their florist, Branching Out, adorned the entrance with a whimsical arch of greenery and white florals. “I was giddy during the ceremony and overwhelmed with emotions,” Paige remembers. “I had waited more than eight years for that moment, and it was everything and more than what I dreamed of.” A friend of the groom’s officiated, and musician Chris Clouse performed.
Between ceremony and reception, a festive cocktail party doubled down on the Western theme. “We had hay rides around the property and cowboys on horses,” Paige says. “This was definitely a crowd favorite!” Another crowd-pleaser? The unique escort wall. Inspired by an installation Paige had seen at Ojai Valley Inn, a towering oak tree was hung with lanterns bearing guests’ names and table assignments.
Then, the party moved into a sailcloth tent from Sandone Productions, beautifully lit by Absolute Lighting. Trees were cut down around the property and relocated to the tent to quite literally bring the outdoors in, and white florals adorned tabletops. Black decor details like chargers and chairs from Posh Couture Rentals and Perch Event Decor added a modern edge to the nature-inspired decor.
As Paige’s father raised his glass for a toast, guests dug in: Vestals Catering served an arugula salad with apples, cranberry, goat cheese, and walnut dust before the main course of red wine–braised short rib and herb-crusted snapper. Cake from Dallas Affaires Cake Co. finished the meal.
After the couple’s first dance—to “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” by Leo Sayer—the rest of the party hit the floor to tunes from The Grooveline Dallas. “Nic and I both love to dance, so the dancing was the best part,” Paige says. “The band was exceptional, tequila bottles were being passed around, and light-up cowboy hats were on everyone’s head. There was not a moment the dance floor was empty!”
Around 10:00 p.m., guests split into two groups: Some boarded busses from Premier of Dallas and headed back to the city, while the rest took a five-minute trek across the property to the “saloon.” “The saloon looks like it came from an old Western movie,” says Paige, who changed into a minidress for the after-party. “We had emptied the saloon, filled it with lights, and [booked] a DJ accompanied by a saxophonist. Outside the saloon, there were picnic tables where tacos were being passed around and people could stargaze. The after-party went on for another two hours and was a highlight for everyone!”
