In It Together: Ryan got Harper, a yellow Labrador, in February 2019. She’s the perfect companion to Winnie, not pictured, the golden retriever Merritt has owned since June 2018.

Photo by Sarah Kate, Photographer

Photo by Sarah Kate, Photographer

Gray Expectations: Merritt says Alyssa Reeves at Paradise Design Co. “nailed it” with green-and-gray-hued invitations, which perfectly captured the couple’s elegant vision. “I don’t think there’s any style that Alyssa’s incapable of creating beautifully,” says the bride.

Photo by Sarah Kate, Photographer

Pretty Perfect: The wedding cake, from Midland-based The Golden Whisk, garnered guest compliments all night long. “And the groom’s cake was the best chocolate cake I’ve ever had in my life,” says the bride. The only snag: having to cut it early because it was melting. “That’s what comes with choosing to have a wedding in West Texas.”

Photo by Sarah Kate, Photographer

Yard Party: “The backyard landscaping played a big role in our decor,” says Jess, who sourced greenery walls, a trellis bar, topiaries, and stone vessels to make the reception details feel like a natural extension of the space.

Photo by Sarah Kate, Photographer

Love Can Build a Bridge: A custom bridge spanned the pool, connecting the home’s patio to the tent.

Photo by Sarah Kate, Photographer

Joy Ride: The couple waved goodbye to guests from the backseat of a 1948 Cadillac Series 62 convertible.

Photo by Sarah Kate, Photographer

Green House: Planner Jess Wegner of Jess Wegner Events arranged for halo-shaped fixtures covered in greenery to hang from the tent ceiling. To deliver on Merritt’s vision of a lush, at-home conservatory, the arrangements—which glowed with twinkle lights hidden in the leaves—“were more organic and undone,” says Jess.

Photo by Sarah Kate, Photographer

These Aggies’ Wedding Was Full of West Texas Charm

By D Weddings

Merritt Douglas & Ryan Scarborough

September 21, 2024

Merritt Douglas has her hometown of Midland, Texas to thank for leading her to Ryan Scarborough. The two met at Texas A&M while Ryan’s roommate and Merritt’s roommate—both of whom went to high school with Merritt—were dating. (They’re now married, too.) Merritt graduated a semester before Ryan, but staying the course after college was a no-brainer. After five years of dating, they were engaged atop a mountain in Telluride, Colorado. While planning the wedding, Merritt felt it was fitting for them to wed in Midland. “I didn’t have a set vision at first, but I wanted it to be personal,” she says. With that in mind, the couple held a lush, conservatory-style wedding at her family home. 

 

Pretty Perfect
The wedding cake, from Midland-based The Golden Whisk, garnered guest compliments all night long.  “And the groom’s cake was the best chocolate cake I’ve ever had in my life,” says the bride. The only snag: having to cut it early because it was melting. “That’s what comes with choosing to have a wedding in West Texas.”

 

Yard Party
“The backyard landscaping played a big role in our decor,” says Jess, who sourced greenery walls, a trellis bar, topiaries, and stone vessels to make the reception details feel like a natural extension of the space.

 

Gray Expectations
Merritt says Alyssa Reeves at Paradise Design Co. “nailed it” with green-and-gray-hued invitations, which perfectly captured the couple’s elegant vision. “I don’t think there’s any style that Alyssa’s incapable of creating beautifully,” says the bride.

Guests 250

First Dance “It Had to Be You” by Ray Charles

Honeymoon Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

On the Menu Lobster risotto and Chinese food in to-go boxes

Credits

  • Ceremony Site

    First Presbyterian Church Midland (Midland, Texas)

  • Photographer

    Sarah Kate, Photographer

  • Bridal Gown Designer

    Mira Zwillinger

  • Bridal Gown Retailer

    Warren Barrón Bridal

  • Hair & Makeup

    Ashley McNabb Artistry

  • Groom’s Attire

    J. Hilburn

  • Bridesmaids’ Dresses Designer

    Armsale; Jenny Yoo

  • Bridesmaids’ Dresses Retailer

    Bella Bridesmaids

  • Groomsmen's Attire

    J. Hilburn

  • Flower Girl Dress Designer/Retailer

    Oui Babe

  • Reception Site

    Bride's home (Midland, Texas)

  • Flowers

    Stanton Weddings & Floral, LLC (Stanton, Texas)

  • Stationery

    Paradise Design Co.

  • Cake

    The Golden Whisk (Midland, Texas)

  • Catering

    Ranchland Hills Golf & Country Club (Midland, Texas)

  • Music

    Party Machine

  • Lighting

    Stage 2 Lighting

  • Videographer

    When It Clicks

  • Getaway Car

    Family friend's 1948 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible

  • Wedding Rentals

    BBJ La Tavola (table linen rental); Events by Shellie (Midland, Texas); Party! Dallas

  • Wedding Planner/Designer

    Jess Wegner Events

  • Additional Vendors

    Whim Event Rentals by Whim Hospitality (table and bridge); mirmir (photo booth)

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