When Riley Chaney set out to design her wedding, she envisioned a day brimming with timeless elegance and ethereal charm. Having trusted the vision of Madewell Estates even before its completion—booking the venue during its construction—she was left in awe of how stunning it turned out. “Every aspect of our celebration at Madewell Estates was a true reflection of my refined taste and deep appreciation for delicate sophistication,” Riley says.

The Ceremony and Reception: A Gorgeous, Thoughtful Design

For her ceremony, Riley’s design centered around grand floral arrangements. “We had flowers starting at the entrance and lining the aisle, with each chair adorned with long white satin bows,” she describes. The backdrop featured a striking white cross with tiered pedestals topped with elaborate florals—an elegant focal point for the vows. One of Riley’s most special moments was when she walked down the aisle to her Nana’s favorite song. “I walked down the aisle to ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love,’ which was a nod to my Nana’s love for Elvis,” she explains. “It was such a special moment, and the string quartet really added to the magical ambiance.”

At the reception, marquee letters of their new last name (CHANEY) lit up the space, while the table settings exuded understated luxury with white linens, black chargers, taupe napkins with pearl napkin rings, and silver flatware. “I loved how the head table stood out, with cascading greenery and black tablecloths to create a dramatic effect,” Riley says. Each of the 30 reception tables featured tall floral arrangements, shorter floral pieces, or candle scapes, ensuring a perfect balance of light and lushness throughout the room.

A Culinary Delight

The culinary experience was another highlight. Cocktail hour featured a grazing table with fruits, cheeses, and crackers, as well as hors d’oeuvres like sweet and smoky meatballs, spinach artichoke dip with crostini, and caprese salad shooters. The reception menu was refined yet approachable, with a summer harvest salad with white balsamic vinaigrette, Tuscan chicken, green beans amandine, roasted rosemary Parmesan potatoes, and fresh rolls.

Riley and Ryan’s wedding cake was a traditional five-tier creation with alternating cream cheese and almond icing. “It was simple but delicious,” she says. On top of the amazing culinary experience provided for their guests, they also had an open bar with fantastic cocktails! “For the cocktails, I chose a French 76, and my husband went with an Old Fashioned,” Riley adds. “The late-night espresso martinis were a hit!”

Cherished Memories and Special Surprises

When asked about her most anticipated part of the day, Riley says she wasn’t nervous at all until it was time to walk down the aisle. “Haley and the Madewell team were amazing—they kept me calm, got me snacks, and helped me feel grounded,” she shares. “I honestly couldn’t have done it without them.”

Her favorite moment, though, was the first look with her dad, brother, and soon-to-be husband. “There wasn’t a dry eye in sight. Those first-look moments were so emotional and special—definitely the highlight of the day.”

The greatest surprise came at the end of the reception, when the newlyweds took the stage for the last song. “Everyone started chanting our last name—it was epic! We never wanted the night to end,” Riley laughs.

One of the most unique aspects of her wedding was the anniversary dance, where both sets of her grandparents remained the last ones on the floor. “It was incredible. Shawn from Platinum DJ kept them on the dance floor, and they each shared advice about their long-lasting marriages. That was a moment I’ll cherish forever,” Riley reflects.

Reflecting on the Day: Gratitude and Advice

Reflecting on her wedding day, Riley described feeling overwhelmed with accomplishment and joy. “It’s hard to put into words—overwhelming, but accomplished,” she says. “I remember looking at my husband during our last private dance, thinking ‘Wow, we just did that.’ It was the best day of my life, and I wish I could relive it over and over.”

For couples planning their wedding now, Riley has a piece of advice: “The time and effort you put in is so worth it. Everything falls into place on the big day—just enjoy it all, and soak up every moment leading up to it.”

Why Madewell Estates?

Riley had a special connection to the venue, especially the bridal suite and groom suite. “The luxury of having beautiful spaces to get ready was huge. I loved the large windows, which were actually a big part of why I chose the venue,” she shares. “Plus, the bar was conveniently connected to the reception, which made everything flow seamlessly.”

Reflecting on her experience with the Madewell Estates team, Riley says, “They made the whole process so easy. CeCe and Haley were so clear and helpful throughout, and Kali was amazing on the day of. They really went above and beyond to make everything perfect.”

For Riley, her wedding at Madewell Estates was more than just a celebration—it was a timeless day full of love, joy, and memories that will last a lifetime!

Thank you for trusting us with your special day from the beginning! 

Venue: @madewellestates
Photographer: @haleydphotography ⁠
Videographer: @stephmatthews_videography⁠
Coordinating, Floral & Bartending: @southernelegancedesign
Hair: @frosti_locks⁠
Make up: @mmmakeup806⁠
Dress: @lilliesbridal ⁠
Catering: @heartandsoullbk⁠
Cake: @theruffledcuplubbock⁠
DJ: @platinumlubbock⁠
Marquee letters: @illumin806⁠
⁠Dance floor: @lubbockeventrentalslbk