Two years after Madeleine Semmelmann and Will Housewright made their relationship official at a Baylor football game, Madeleine was convinced by her family they were taking a family Christmas card picture. When Will surprised her by dropping down on one knee and popping the question, the couple eagerly set out planning their dream wedding.

Inspired by their shared upbringings going to the lake and the fact that their alma mater, Baylor University, overlooked the Brazos River, Madeleine and Will knew they wanted to get married near the water. They found the perfect fit in Rest Yourself River Ranch, which overlooks the Brazos, has camp-style activities and could accommodate their 80 guests for the entire weekend.

Thoughtful touches, stylish design and attention to detail reigned supreme over the weekend (it’s no surprise, Semmelmann is a powerhouse name in the interior design community). Lush greenery and a variety of flowers complemented the venue’s aesthetic while vibrant blue accents and blue bridesmaid dresses provided pops of color and paid homage to the river.

In true designer fashion, Madeleine stunned in a custom 2024 Iconic Bride dress. Keeping tradition, the couple did not see each other until at the altar. “I wanted to surprise Will at the ceremony, and I think it’s more special when he sees his bride for the first time as I’m walking down the aisle,” Madeleine says.

Favorite moment? After everyone had gone to bed, they got the opportunity to take one last look around before everything was taken down. “We were both in our PJs and did our first dance on the dance floor with no one else around,” Madeleine says. “We got to talk about how blessed we are to have the wedding of our dreams.”