Chapel at Ana Villa

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Wedding

Rachel and George both attended law school at Texas Wesleyan University School of Law in downtown Fort Worth. However, because of the 300-person class, George and Rachel had never spoken to one another. It wasn't until the night before the Texas bar exam that they officially met through their mutual friend Margarita Morton at a Panera in Arlington. They joked about what subjects to expect on the test and flat-out predicted one of the essay prompts for the MPT. During the three day examination, George found it very difficult to concentrate, as thoughts of Rachel quickly replaced Constitutional law, Torts, and whatever else is on that thing (but he obviously passed). Less than a week later, George asked Margarita if her friend Rachel was seeing anyone and if he could have her number. Margarita gave George Rachel's number, but cautioned George that Rachel would be out of town for the next month. George immediately thought this was a polite way of rejection. In fact, Rachel really was on a vacation: a post-bar trip to Italy with her mom and to the beach with Jessica. Little did Rachel know, George calendared the date of her return to call her when she got back in the states. He did text Margarita to make sure it was not a way of letting him down but did in fact want him to call. Thankfully, he did call.On September 4, 2013, they met for their first date at Ol' South Pancake House in Fort Worth, Texas. Rachel sneakily paid the check while George was in the bathroom. So George insisted that they go out again so he could actually take her out, and they had their second date two days later (batting cages, duh).

How they met

As narrated by George, the Groom:"On the morning of Saturday, August 22nd, 2015, Rachel and I were getting ready to go get groceries for a cookout that evening. I had been working since June 11, 2015 on getting a ring designed for Rachel by her Uncle Brian, and the ring had been finished and in my possession for about three or four days. I had it hidden in various places over those three or four days: the dryer, on top of a bookshelf, behind a stack of jeans in my closet. I had met Rachel's mom, Monica (and my soon-to-be Mother In Law), for lunch the Wednesday before and told her I wanted to marry her daughter and planned to ask her on Saturday. I had called her dad, John (and my soon-to-be Father in Law) and spoken to him in Washington on Thursday. I was all set. So, I made breakfast that morning (a rarity, but not exceptionally rare as to be suspicious...) I had my ring in the pocket while I was making eggs and mimosas. We ate breakfast on the back porch (it was a nice day), and I was so nervous. Then, Rachel went upstairs to get ready to go get groceries, and as we were about to leave. I told her that I loved spending Saturdays with her, and that I wanted to spend every Saturday for the rest of my life with her. And then I asked her to marry me. I didn't hear her say "yes," so I think I blacked out. Then immediately Rachel said she needed a manicure. I thought it was a counteroffer or something. Then we called her parents and went to get her a manicure. We had a cookout that night with our family and friends."As narrated by Rachel, the Bride:"That Saturday morning, George let me sleep in while he went downstairs to make breakfast. We had been out late the night before seeing Straight Outta Compton at the theater, and had errands to run that day before hosting a cookout George had been planning for over a month. George woke me up with a cup of coffee and led me downstairs to a beautiful breakfast on the back patio: egg whites, fresh fruit, cinnamon raisin bread, and mimosas. I didn't know he even knew how to make mimosas! I said to him 'baby! Is it our anniversary or something?' It was fancy and I loved it. I went upstairs to change clothes and get ready to run errands: yoga pants, a t-shirt, no make up and a pony tail. We were joking around and laughing, laying on the bed with Cowboy. George said he loved Saturdays with me, just like this, and pulled the ring out of his pocket. I was speechless. Finally after 5 seconds, I said 'yes' and put it on my ring finger. Immediately, I saw my nails, in terrible shape, and said 'I need a manicure!' I knew we were having company and my nails need to be looking good. I was shocked! We called our families and then headed out to run our errands and get ready for food and friends. I was overwhelmed by the love and well wishes from our friends and family! Best. Day. Ever.

The Proposal

Our Story

The Venue

The Chapel at Ana Villa

<a href="http://www.chapelanavilla.com/#!/WELCOME" target="_blank">The Chapel at Ana Villa</a> will be the venue for both the ceremony and the reception. It its a Spanish-style building, housing a beautiful Chapel that seats up to 275 guests. The Chapel has traditional wood pews for seating. Adjacent to the Chapel is the room for the reception, an intimate Spanish winery-style room for drinks, dinner, and dancing. The Chapel at Ana Villa has plenty of parking on site. For anyone that plans on indulging in the open bar, please note the hotel at which Rachel and George have blocked rooms is across the parking lot and an easy walking distance for any traveling guests. Please see the "Accommodations" section for details on booking a hotel room. Please click *<a href="http://www.chapelanavilla.com/#!/WELCOME" target="_blank">here</a>* to link to the venue's website.

Details

Derek, or "Poot" as he is commonly known, and George have known each other since the first grade. After George came back to Texas from Colorado, George and Derek began a very long (eight years?) tenure as roommates. George was Derek's best man at Derek's wedding to Erin. Only fitting that Derek be George's best man now.

Derek Vogel

Ashli lives in New Braufels, Texas, and has been Rachel's friend since 4th grade when Rachel moved to Carrollton, Texas. Rachel is an only child, but considers Ashli to be her sister. Over the years, they have gone through the journey of life together: college, amazing trips (Jamaica, Spain, Canyon of the Eagles, etc.), break ups, first jobs, law school, Ashli's engagement and wedding to her husband Kerrick, Rachel taking the Texas Bar exam and the birth of Ashli's son, Cason. Rachel was honored to be a bridesmaid in Ashli and Kerrick's wedding. Ashli and Rachel enjoy drinking wine together and chatting, eating massive amounts of chips and salsa, playing with Cason and getting mani-pedis. And massages. They love massages. Ashli is more than a friend to Rachel. She's family. 

Ashli Hutchison

Sarah is George's older sister, and Rachel's soon-to-be sister in law. She lives in Denton, Texas with her husband Josh and beautiful daughter Ellie. Sarah and George share a law office and practice criminal law in Denton. They have been called the trial "Dream Team" by their clients, and still make time to remain close as family outside of work. Sarah and Rachel share Texas Tech as an alma mater, Rachel for undergrad and Sarah for law school. Rachel's favorite things about her future sister are her big beautiful smile that lights up the room, her dream of mowing a major league baseball outfield, her contagious energy and adoration for her daughter and husband, and her loving relationship with her brother George. 

Sarah Roland

 Josh is George's brother-in-law, but more importantly, is a friend. George and Josh make Christmas Eve shopping trips together (and stop by the liquor store on the way home), visit museums, talk about music, and discuss the often tumultuous fate of the Texas Rangers. Plus, Josh is Ellie's dad. That scores major points. 

Josh Smith

Robin grew up in Irving, Texas, and she and Rachel met at Texas Tech's freshman orientation in 2005. During a rousing game of co-ed dodgeball, Robin took a line drive to the head as she was walking off the court. After the game, Rachel told Robin she was impressed that Robin didn't cry, and when Robin shook it off as "meh, I was a soccer goalie in high school so I'm used to it," Rachel knew they would be great friends. They lived in the same dorm freshman year, and were roommates during Junior and Senior year at Tech. Batman and Robin, as they often called themselves, shared many fun nights and game days in Lubbock, and grew closer over their adventures together. Robin and Rachel share a love of burritos with queso, dancing, anything chocolate, Cheetos, Chimy's margaritas, Taco Bell, and long phone chats.

Robin Durrett

George met Matt and Jen (Matt's wife) many years ago. Since then, Matt and George have become friends. Neighbors, currently. Matt and George have spent the better part of a year working through a Rolling Stone list of the Top 20 Scariest Movies of All-Time (not a great list, but they have vowed to complete it.) Matt is a new Dad, and, engineer who, ironically, (because George is scared to fly without Rachel...and "medicine") tests airplane seats. 

Matt Hart

Margarita lives in Fort Worth, Texas, and she and Rachel met in a summer poetry class at Texas Tech University. As fate would have it, they crossed paths again during law school orientation at Texas Wesleyan University School of Law in 2010. Luckily, they had the exact same 1L schedule and became ride-or-die law school survival partners, studying together, staying up late in the law school library (aka the Dungeon), cramming for finals and helping each other along the way. Margarita has a kind and loving spirit, and she and Rachel bonded over their love for dogs, their mutual freakish ability to quote entire Disney movies, their strong bond to stretchy pants, and their agreement that girl time with wine and cheese fries can solve any problem. Margarita humors Rachel's lack of Spanish speaking skills, and will obviously remain a lifelong sister-friend. 

Margarita Morton

Patrick and George have known each other since the third grade. They made mix tapes of themselves rapping (Kriss Kross was popular then), which surprisingly failed to go platinum. George even created a cartoon version of Patrick in the fourth grade. It was a stunning likeness. They once moved a piano from the dumpster to a friend's apartment, and had a jam session...this was not that long ago. 

Patrick Liska

Jessica lives in Fort Worth, Texas, and was Rachel's roommate during the last two years of law school. Living in beautiful downtown Fort Worth, Rachel and Jessica managed the stress of law school by enjoying the downtown area attractions: yummy food and entertainment only a walk away. While they lived together, Jessica's cat Alice and Rachel's dog Cowboy fell secretly in love. Jessica made Rachel feel like a part of the Phillips family early on because she regularly invited her out to her parents' home in Azle, Texas. In fact, Jessica's parents named half of a quarter horse after Rachel (name shared with Rachel Gelber). Both tall blondes, Jess and Rachel are often mistaken for sisters, and they love it. After George and Rachel's first date, Jessica was the one who heard all the gushy details of how wonderful Rachel thought he was. Jess and Rachel share a love of cheese, wine, Taco Bell, Sonic tater tots, marathon TV watching on the couch, happy hours, and ridiculous lawyer stories. Rachel loves Jess like a sister and is so excited to celebrate with her. 

Jessica Phillips

Randy is George's younger brother. He currently lives in Lubbock, and enjoys baseball (as all Roland's do.) George and Randy engaged in all sorts of shenanigans growing up (many of which involved spontaneously donning costumes...) Such shenanigans include: spending a summer weekend trying to kill a chicken snake in the bar with pellet guns and croquet mallet; swimming in the pond while shooting snakes; releasing a catfish into the swimming pool and following it around; and using mud to make "elephant skin" shoes. Hey, we grew up in the country...

Randy Roland

Ellie is the most beautiful three year old ever. She is George's niece, and is the daughter of Sarah and Josh. She also cannot wait to attend "Princess Rachel's magical wedding" and eat cupcakes there. Rachel made Ellie a tutu and George got her a Red Sox cap for her second Christmas ever. Ellie enjoys tea time with her Daisy Cat (although Alma prefers not to attend), swimming in the summer time, and practicing tossing petals for her upcoming role as flower girl. She has a pet turtle named Linda that she received for good behavior. 

Ellie Gray Smith

Cason is the son of Ashli and Kerrick, and is a year old. He is very tall and handsome, and enjoys watching football with his dad. Before Cason was born, Ashli received a onesie from Rachel (and George) for when he stayed in the hospital: "Don't drop me, my aunt Rachel is a lawyer." Truly, Rachel and George will love and protect Cason, and have already promised to bail him out of jail when he gets arrested at spring break in Panama City.

Cason Eugene Hutchison

Wedding Party

Photos

Q + A

Registry

The Courtyard Marriott Dallas Plano/The Colony is adjacent to the wedding venue, an easy 1-minute walk from door to door. The hotel is brand new, and will open for business in January 2016 after construction is completed. We have rooms blocked off at a special rate for wedding guests on Thursday April 21st and Friday April 22nd (wedding night). To get the discount rate, you must call 888-876-0646 and let them know you are in the "Shackelford/Roland Wedding Block Group." With the discount, a Standard King is $99, Double Queen is $114, and King Suite is $129. The deadline to book before these rooms are released to the public is March 21, 2016.

Courtyard Mariott Dallas Plano/The Colony

Travel

Shops, restaurants, wine cellars, bars, eateries, and more. A fun option for the after-party after the reception!

Rachel & George

Rachel & George

Photos