Stacy and I have been friends since college – the year was… 1997-98. We met at our sorority house, Chi Omega, at the University of Florida. Our friendship blossomed the next year during our sophomore year along with the rest of our super fun house, but specifically for a group of 9 girls. We are all still friends to this day! For my young readers who are in college or haven’t been out long enough to know – it is a true gift and treasure when you can walk through life with friends (near and far) who have known you since your mess-up and down days of college. We try to get together each year (or close to it) to reconnect since we live in 8 different states, and we always pick up exactly where we left off as if no time has passed. I can’t fully express my love for this group of girls, and Stacy is right in the mix. Stacy is a realist. She can bring you back down to earth at the drop of a hat (which we all need), but she can also laugh and cry with you in an instant. She loves Jesus and her friends and family with her whole heart, and she has a passion and compassion for life that is inspiring. She also never seems to age one bit (how is that?!), while I sit over here with more grey hair and wrinkles! Dear beautiful Stacy, I am honored to have been a small part of your blessed day, and even more so a friend through the years. Cheers to many more, my dear Hammertime!
The Happy Couple’s Names: Stacy and Billy Preisler
Wedding Date: September 30, 2016
Location: The Grove, Aubrey, TX
Tell us “your story” in a few sentences.
A mutual friend introduced Billy and me over Facebook, but we actually met face-to-face six months later. A friend and I were riding bikes when I realized my back tire was flat. We spotted a lone truck in a parking lot along the trail and decided to ask the driver for help—this was really my only option to ride safely. Within five feet of approaching the driver, I thought I recognized him and had a sneaking suspicion that he could be my knight in shining armor. (Spoiler alert— it was Billy!) I was shy, hiding behind my glasses and bike helmet; Billy was too nervous to look me in the eye. But he fixed my tire, sent me on my way, and thought, “She would make a nice girlfriend.” We reconnected through Facebook soon after. As they say, the rest is history!
How would you describe your wedding aesthetic?
I was going for simple, natural elegance.
We chose to feature your wedding, which means we love your style! Tell us a little bit more about your wedding aesthetics (colors, inspiration, personal style, etc).
Billy and I are both big fans of natural beauty—Billy actually found the location of our wedding during one of his bike rides. It is within a mile of where he came to my rescue! The setting just felt right as soon as we drove the long, tree lined entrance to the 40+ acre property. The oak trees also remind me of my upbringing in central Florida. Choosing the setting helped to inspire using white/ivory, navy, and gold. We wanted to use colors that would actually be found in and complement the environment where we going to say “I do.” I wanted the day to feel timeless, so the colors we chose had to be timeless and classy, too.
What was your favorite detail from the day?
My favorite detail is how loved we felt all day! I had some very selfless friends and family who gave of their time and resources to help make our day peaceful and beautiful. It was very special to have Billy’s dad officiate our wedding, and we will forever treasure that memory. We felt so blessed by our Creator because we had beautiful weather, and in Texas, it was kind of a gamble to get married outside in September!
What’s one thing you wish you would have known before you started wedding planning?
That even my simple ideas for a wedding still require lots of planning. I am a fairly organized person, but there are so many details that even the simplest of weddings require. I was thankful to have a day-of coordinator and I highly recommend one to help you really enjoy the day! Working with wedding vendors that you click with like EOH will make it much easier to get all the details worked out beautifully!
Tell us why you love EOH custom paper lovelies!
EOH custom paper lovelies was such a delight to work with. I have admired their work for a while and was so delighted to use their art for my wedding paper. I never thought I’d want to frame a wedding invitation, but my wedding suite really was one of my favorite parts of the entire wedding process. I had the idea to use my mother’s handwriting for the script, and Emily was patient to work with the samples provided via email. Her design is something that I’m so excited to frame, because now I can see my mom’s writing (which also favors my late grandmother’s writing) for many years to come.
Dress: Bridal Image, San Francisco
Accessories: My aunt’s pearls
Venue: The Grove, Aubrey, TX
Photography: Genna V Photography
Videographer: Cherished Moments Video
Wedding Planner: Bobbie Jantz
Paper: EOH
Flowers: Flourish Floral Design
Caterer: The Emerald Bee Flowers, Catering, and Gifts
Cake: Market Street
DJ: Jake at LeForce Entertainment
Bridesmaid Attire: RENZ Bridal
Groomsmen Attire: Macy’s
Make-up: Divine Inspirations at SOHO Salon
Garland for reception site: Select Growers, De Leon Springs, Florida
Special thanks to our dear friends and family, especially Laura and Melanie, who turned my vision of bringing nature into the reception site a beautiful reality.
And a big shout-out to these beautiful, talented, and life-giving friends. No matter how long it’s been since we’ve connected, you will always be soul sisters. Miss you, love you. Can’t wait till our next reunion!
