High school sweethearts Lane Aliese Borden and Ian Scot Begg first met at church and eventually fell in love at their homecoming dance. Seven years later, Ian surprised Lane with an engagement ring in a seashell at a beach photoshoot with family and friends. Since then, they have made a tradition of taking photos with loved ones at a summer beach trip every year. 

Lane turned to wedding magazines, Pinterest, and Mindy Weiss' designs for inspiration while planning her fairy-tale soirée. Once she and Ian chose a magnificent venue in Houston, Texas for their nuptials, they created a palette of rose quartz, gold, and ivory to provide a romantic, royal ambience. “The light shades of pink and gilt gold complemented wondrously with the chateau’s European and luxurious vibe,” the bride said. To reflect Lane's Petroleum Engineering and Geology degrees, the couple selected rose quartz in lieu of the popular blush tone. “I come from a family heavily involved in the oil and gas industries with several engineers and geologists, so it only seems natural that I am fascinated by minerals and rocks,” she claims.

The bride made her way down the aisle in a ball gown featuring an extended chapel-length train to reflect the regality of the venue. Ian’s father and grandfather wore traditional kilts in honor of their Scottish heritage. The groom's boutonniere also featured a thistle, the national flower of Scotland. In addition to the scripture reading during their Christian ceremony, a prayer titled “Blessings of the Hands” was recited. “It centers the attention on the use of your hands and how much your own bare hands will support your spouse. After reading it to Ian, he wholeheartedly agreed that is was a special poem and would be a great unique addition to our ceremony,” Lane shares.

The geology theme appeared throughout the reception décor as well, as the design featured two of the bride's favorite crystals: rose quartz and amethyst. “After some research, I learned that rose quartz is also known as the stone of love, which was too perfect to pass up,” the bride recalls. The couple’s table was decorated with large pieces of the pink crystal, and pieces of amethyst were placed on each guest table. These additions gorgeously complemented the crystal candelabra and candle votives all night long.

After experiencing her own nuptials, Lane emphasizes the importance of staying true to yourself and your vision regardless of outside opinions. “Make your best choices thinking of your guests as an entity and know that your loved ones are going to enjoy whatever you have selected.”