Real Weddings: Larkin Geyer & Brian Yanulis

October 17

Though Larkin Geyer and Brian Yanulis met in San Diego, there was never a question whether they would get married in Texas. “It was the venue,” says Larkin of the reason the couple married in the Lone Star State. On a ranch belonging to the bride’ s aunt and uncle in the tiny town of Star, Larkin and Brian said “I do” under an ancient live oak, surrounded by friends and family. Following the ceremony, which took place under a handmade garland crafted by Larkin’ s artist-mother, Ginger Geyer, the newlyweds took a horse and buggy ride around the property. Says Larkin, “I didn’ t know it was part of the plan. We did this really beautiful lap while everyone was still sitting down in front of the tree. That was a highlight.” Dressed in a Willowby by Watters gown, the bride danced the first dance with her new husband to an original song by Shara Worden, who performed live in the family’ s barn turned reception area. Wedding guests also joined in, ringing bells procured by Larkin and Brian’ s mothers on eBay and in vintage shops. At tables adorned with florals sourced from Austin Flower Market, guests dined on fare from the Turtle Restaurant in Brownwood, a groom’ s cake from Simon Lee Bakery and desserts from Austin-based 34th Street Cafe, Chez Zee, Russell’ s Bakery and Whole Foods. Meanwhile, Larkin and Brian snuck off to enjoy a few moments in the farm’ s chicken coop. “There is a two-story chicken coop on the property near the ceremony site,” explains Larkin. “We had 20 minutes of alone time … where we could just eat.” After the cake cutting ceremony (Larkin’ s mother also made the 4-foot-tall wedding cake), guests danced away the night under a blanket of stars.

_{Read more from the Love Issue | February 2016}