This Tuscan Oaks Estate Wedding Was Full of Texas Charm

Chelsea McBride and Jackson Leef

Tuscan Oaks Estate, with its scenic grounds and charming outdoor spaces, provided the perfect backdrop for Chelsea and Jackson’s Texas semi-formal affair. Captured through Maryn Elise Photography’s moody and evocative style, Chelsea looked radiant in a beaded dress from Nora Spencer Bridal and Formal and meaningful accessories, including her grandmother’s wedding band and her mother’s blue emerald ring. The ceremony was officiated by Jackson’s brother-in-law and a lively reception followed, featuring burgundy and cream florals, live country music by Tanner Fenoglio, light-up cowboy hats for the dance floor, and a cigar bar. Join us for an exclusive Q&A with the bride as we dive into the details of their special day.

the couple. Chelsea McBride & Jackson Leef
the venue. Tuscan Oaks Estate
the photos. Maryn Elise Photography

The Love Story

Jackson is from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and was playing semi-professional hockey in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. Jackson’s childhood best friend lives in Texas and once a summer after the hockey season ended, Jackson would come visit. Jackson came down to visit the week of July 4, 2020, where we met and spent the week on Lake Granbury. It was love at first sight. Jackson flew home to Indiana and immediately booked a flight back to DFW the next week. This was during COVID, and Jackson’s hockey season was postponed and we were able to spend a lot of time together building our relationship. We did long distance during the hockey seasons and Jackson would spend the off season living in Texas with me. We got a labradoodle named Remington together in May of 2022. Jackson proposed the following month on Lake Ray Hubbard.

The Proposal

Jackson planned a summer vacation with both of our families. We rented an Airbnb on Lake Ray Hubbard, walking distance from the water with a cute back patio. We went to a nice dinner at Culpepper Cattle Co. and made it back to the house right before sunset. Jackson suggested we go watch the sunset down by the water. Right as the sun was setting, Jackson got down on one knee and proposed. Right after I said yes and Jackson placed the ring on my finger, our puppy Remi came running up and jumped on us. He had escaped the patio and wanted to celebrate with us! Jackson’s best friend, Shane, popped out of the bushes after sneaking photos of the proposal to congratulate us. Once we walked back to the house both of our families were there waiting to congratulate us with a bottle of champagne. We spent the weekend celebrating with both families.

The Wedding Venue

We wanted an outdoor ceremony and an indoor/outdoor reception and really liked that Tuscan Oaks Estate had a villa onsite to accommodate out-of-town guests. I fell in love with the venue the moment we had our tour.

The Vibe

We went with a Texas semi-formal attire. We wanted the Texans to be able to wear their starched jeans, cowboy boots and cowboy hats, but also the non-Texans to feel comfortable as well in slacks and a nice shirt.

The Photography

Maryn was a recommended vendor by the venue and I loved the dark moody style of photos she created.

The Dress

I really liked a beaded dress with a long train. I found my dress online and really liked the look, but wanted to see it in person. Nora Spencer Bridal was opened by a good family friend and I wanted to get my dress there. I reached out to Debbie at Nora Spencer to see if they could get my dress in stock to try on. Debbie made a few calls and the dress was there a couple weeks later! The moment I tried it on I instantly knew it was my dress and I had no desire to see anything else. Debbie was amazing and everyone at Nora Spencer was so nice and made dress shopping the most memorable experience.

The Accessories

My something borrowed was my grandma’s wedding band. My something blue was my mom’s blue emerald in a pear-shaped ring. My something new was diamond earrings from Jackson as my wedding present. I had a cathedral veil with pearls clustered around the head and scattered throughout the remainder of the veil.

The Bridesmaids

Simple black dresses for the bridesmaids and a black and nude sequin dress for my mother, who was my maid of honor

The Groomsmen

Blacked-out suits for the groomsmen

The Wedding Rings

Oval-cut engagement ring with a diamond band and diamond wedding band. Two-toned white gold and gold western scroll wedding band

The Hair and Makeup

Loose curls with a half-up, half-down braid with my veil positioned under the braid. Little stick-on pearls throughout the braid to emphasize my veil

The Stationery

Color theme was black, cream and burgundy. Table toppers of greenery, flowers and lanterns with floating candles. We had a flower wall with a neon better together sign. Light-up cowboy hats for the dance floor

The Florals

A mixture of burgundy and cream flowers with greenery accents

The Morning Of

The girls and I had Chick-fil-A minis and mimosas while we listened to music and got ready. The boys played video games and corn hole.

The Ceremony

Jackson’s brother-in-law was our officiant. We elected to read our vows privately and say just a few words during the ceremony.

The Reception

We had a live acoustic country artist named Tanner Fenoglio with light-up cowboy hats and a cigar bar. First dances were done indoors underneath the chandelier and group dancing outdoors.