Welcome Events

Magnolia Silos

Welcome to Waco | Magnolia Meetup

Terry Black's BBQ

Welcome Lunch | I Do BBQ

Rehearsal

Hotel 1928

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Farewell to The Williams

Farewell Breakfast | Coffee at the Café

Our Wedding

Three Weeks of Ghosting, a Lifetime of Love Our story kicked off at my niece Caliana’s second birthday party. That’s where I met Ryan’s cousin, Emily—who, as it turns out, has a real talent for matchmaking. After the party, my sister Hannah pulled me aside and said, “Emily wants to know if you’re single—she has a cousin she thinks you should meet.” I gave her the classic sister side-eye and replied, “I’m not looking for anything right now… you know that.” Fast forward a few weeks: somehow, thanks to my persuasive sister, I ended up on a group date. That night, we successfully escaped our Operation: Casino escape room (photo above), where Ryan asked me exactly one question—“So, you used to live in Chicago?”—and then spent the rest of the evening locked in an intense bromantic ping pong match with my brother-in-law, Jordan. Then came a solo date. Followed by three weeks of total radio silence (we refer to this as his ghosting phase). And finally, on our next group outing, Ryan made a move so bold, so awkwardly unforgettable: He handed me his bowling ball and said, “Here, smell this. It’s cherry-scented.” And just like that, I knew he was the one. The rest is awkward, hilarious, and completely unexpected history—and we wouldn’t change a thing.

How We Met

Why Waco? 

Bubble Wrap Adventures &amp; Waco Wonders For my birthday, we took our very first trip together to Waco, Texas—a dream destination for any HGTV fan. My family has long adored&nbsp;Fixer Upper, so visiting Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Silos felt like the perfect way to celebrate. Ryan, not knowing what to expect—loved every minute of it. We explored the Silos, indulged in food truck treats, and fell head over heels for the Mexican ribs at Milo. We ran Jacob’s Ladder in Cameron Park, browsed the charming Fabled Bookstore, and even lined up early for the Magnolia tent sale. That’s where we found a gorgeous mirror and a cozy chair—too good to pass up.But getting them home? That was a whole different adventure. Shipping through UPS turned out to be three times the cost of the chair itself. Renting a car to drive back wasn’t ideal either. So, we got creative. A call to American Airlines revealed we could check the items as luggage—if we wrapped them well and paid a small oversize fee. Challenge accepted. Armed with bubble wrap and determination, we packed the mirror and chair base (photo above), tucked the cushions into our suitcases, and crossed our fingers. When we landed in Cincinnati, we held our breath—and there they were, safe and sound! Now, every time we see the chair (photo below) and mirror in our home, we’re reminded of that trip, the laughs, and how well we tackle the unexpected together. Later on, when deciding on a wedding location, we saw an episode of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y13Ri0FqQtI" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fixer Upper: Hotel 1928</a> and knew we’d found the perfect place to say "I do".

Our Story

Special shout out to my sister, Hannah, who stepped in as our impromptu photographer for our spontaneous photo shoots in downtown Hamilton, OH.We couldn't have planned it better!

Photos | Save the Date + Invites

Photos | Our Adventures

The I Do Crew

Cindy Reveille

Karen Williams

Brock Zell

Tim Williams

Hannah Brown

Jordan Brown

Leah Greive

R.J. Williams

Stefanie Walsh

Alex Gomia

Jamie Williams

Karson Gomia

Katie Glick

Mike White

Morgan Reveille

Jason MacDonald

Caliana Brown

Novalyn Helms

Camden Brown

Kingston Helms

Lillian Sawyer

Shea Gallagher

Rory Gallagher

Gracelyn Sawyer

Destiny Helms

Kellie Gomia

Jodie Gallagher

Whitney Slayback

Wedding Party

Dress Code

WHEN AND WHERE DO I RSVP? Please RSVP on our website by May 1, 2026. You are welcome to RSVP before this date.

WHAT IF I CAN'T MAKE IT? You will be missed, but we completely understand. Please RSVP "no" as soon as possible so we can plan accordingly.

I CAN'T ATTEND ALL EVENTS IS THAT OKAY? Of course! Come when you can - just don't forget to RSVP "no" to events you won't be attending.

CAN I BRING A GUEST? Your invitation is addressed to those who are invited. If it includes an option for a plus one, then yes! We look forward to celebrating with you and your guest.

CAN I BRING MY KIDS? While our wedding weekend is planned as an adults-only celebration, children in the wedding party and immediate family are welcome to join us.

WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE? Although we can't predict the exact weather, temperatures in Waco in October are typically around a high of 89°F to a low of 58°F.

WILL THE CEREMONY + RECEPTION BE INDOORS? Yes, the wedding and reception will both take place in the grand ballroom. However, the cocktail hour at Bertie's is both indoor + outdoor.

WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE? For our wedding ceremony, the dress code is semi-formal to formal attire—but wear something that lets you dance, laugh, and enjoy the night.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY? Please look under the Travel section for all travel information.

WILL TRANSPORTATION BE PROVIDED? We are not providing transportation to and from the events. However, many of them are walkable if staying in downtown Waco. Both the ceremony and reception are in the same location and there is plenty of parking available. If you do not wish to drive, we suggest taking an Uber or Lyft.

IS THERE PARKING AVAILABLE? Parking options for the ceremony include:A free lot across the street on Washington Ave.Valet parking is available for $28/night.Free street parking surrounding the hotel.

DO YOU HAVE A REGISTRY? Your presence at our wedding is the best present of all — but if you'd like to contribute to our new adventure together, feel free to explore the HoneyFund and Registry sections for ideas!

WHAT ARE THE COLORS OF THE WEDDING? Our wedding colors are black, dark teal, gold, champagne, and white. See palette below

Q + A

WHAT ARE THE CLOSEST AIRPORTS TO HOTEL 1928? Waco Regional Airport | 18 minsAustin–Bergstrom International Airport | 1.5 hrsDallas-Fort Worth International Airport | 1.5 hrs

WILL I NEED A RENTAL CAR? We recommend renting a car since most airports are over an hour away from Waco.

HOW LONG IS THE DRIVE FROM CINCINNATI TO WACO? If you drive the speed limit ~ 14 - 15 hours.

IS THERE A HOTEL BLOCK FOR THE WEDDING? We've reserved a block of 13 king-sized rooms for Friday, October 2nd and Saturday, October 3rd, at Hotel 1928—the location of the wedding ceremony. Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please call the hotel or email the Sales Manager, Elizabeth Penland, to check availability within the block or elsewhere in the hotel. When booking, be sure to mention you're with the Helms/Williams Wedding. Hotel 1928(254) 342-3911Elizabeth Penland | epenland@hotel1928.com

<a href="https://www.hotel1928.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Visit Hotel 1928 Website</a>

OTHER PLACES TO STAY BESIDES HOTEL 1928 There are several nearby hotels and Airbnbs we recommend, all conveniently located close to Hotel 1928. Take a look at a few options listed below!

<a href="https://www.pivovar.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Visit Pivovar Hotel Website</a>

<a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/actac-ac-hotel-waco-downtown/overview/?msockid=3b54df30310a604632a4ca4b3018615a" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Visit AC Hotel Website</a>

<a href="https://www.hotelherringbone.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Visit Hotel Herringbone Website</a>

<a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/actwhhf-hilton-waco/?msockid=3b54df30310a604632a4ca4b3018615a" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Visit Hilton Waco Website</a>

<a href="https://www.uptownpeach.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Visit Uptown Peach Website</a>

Other options to consider | Airbnb + VRBO<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/s/Waco--TX/homes?refinement_paths%5B%5D=%2Fhomes&amp;place_id=ChIJ01EBI_GCT4YREKrR1gNL1_s&amp;location_bb=Qf1IhMLCFtVB%2B5EbwsKuxQ%3D%3D&amp;acp_id=6099996c-e490-47df-b2d4-2dab6b9779af&amp;date_picker_type=calendar&amp;source=structured_search_input_header&amp;search_type=autocomplete_click" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Airbnb | Waco</a><a href="https://www.vrbo.com/search?destination=Waco%2C%20Texas%2C%20United%20States%20of%20America&amp;regionId=286&amp;latLong=31.549334%2C-97.146667&amp;flexibility=0_DAY&amp;d1=2025-08-02&amp;startDate=2025-08-02&amp;d2=2025-08-09&amp;endDate=2025-08-09&amp;adults=2&amp;sort=RECOMMENDED&amp;upsellingNumNightsAdded=&amp;theme=&amp;userIntent=&amp;semdtl=&amp;upsellingDiscountTypeAdded=&amp;categorySearch=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">VRBO | Waco</a><a href="https://www.vrbo.com/2979860" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Suite Magnolia</a>

Travel

Contact Information

Have a question or want to share memories from the weekend? Use our contact information below. TaraCell: 812-584-0017Email: <a href="mailto:tlhelms08@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tlhelms08@gmail.com</a> RyanCell: 513-479-5346Email: <a href="mailto:trwilliams12@yahoo.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">trwilliams12@yahoo.com</a> Our Address 5135 Hazeltine LnLebanon, OH 45036

Our Contact Information

On the road to Waco? Turn up the volume—these tracks are perfect for kicking off the celebration! Hip Hop Country Classics

Waco Wedding Waves

No Admission | M-Sat 9am to 6pm | Variety of food + drinks - Magnolia Press Coffee, Silos Bakery, Food Trucks. | Various shops to pick-up a Magnolia souvenir. | Tip: Need to cool off? Grab a sweet tea from the Alabama Sweet Tea truck and a pew at The Old Church.NOTE: Closed on Sundays

Silos at Magnolia

Admission: $25+| Select from a variety of Magnolia tours including Fixer Upper: The Castle tour.

Magnolia Tours + Experiences

Admission: $60+ | Variety of tours to choose from - Brazo River Cruise, Fixer Upper + City Tour, and more!

Waco Tours

No Admission | Independent bookstore with book-themed drinks. | One of our favorite places to visit in Waco. | Great place to relax.

Fabled Bookshop & Cafe

Admission: $12 includes a Dr. Pepper. | Where else can you learn everything you’d ever want to know—and more—about Dr. Pepper, which was created right here in Waco!

Dr Pepper Museum

Admission: $200+ | Looking for something unique to do in Waco? Schedule a beer spa day at Pivovar!

Beer Spa at Pivovar

No Admission | 416-acre park | Great place to unwind and spend some time outdoors. | Need a good workout? Try climbing Jacob's Ladder stairway.

Cameron Park

Admission: Adults $18 | Want to see some animals while in Waco? Check out the zoo! | The path through the zoo winds through all the exhibits, and the Zoo is easily accessible and within Cameron Park itself.

Cameron Park Zoo

No Admission | Enjoy a run/walk across the suspension bridge and stroll around Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

Waco Suspension Bridge + Martin Luther King Jr. Park

Admission: Adults $6 | Do you like fossils? If so, you'll want to check this place out!

Waco Mammoth National Monument

Admission: Varies | Football Fan? Check out the McLane Stadium. Some say it's the second-best horseshoe stadium in the US. Note: Bride says GO IU!

McLane Stadium

No Admission | One-of-a-kind boutiques all under one roof!

Spice Village

Tasting: $20+ | Want to taste Texas wine? Valley Mills Vineyards specializes in fine wines from 100% Texas-grown grapes. | Tip: Make reservations ahead of time for tastings.&nbsp;

Valley Mills Vineyards

Tasting: $ Varies | Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.balconesdistilling.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Balcones</a>, an award-winning whisky distillery in downtown Waco. Take a tour or just stop by the tasting room!

Balcones Distilling

No Admission | Pottery studio and gallery showcasing handmade ceramics by local artisans. Browse custom mugs, bespoke pieces, and functional pottery—each item is hand-thrown and finished by multiple craftsmen. Great stop for unique gifts or a calm, creative visit.

Black Oak Art

Things to Do in Waco 

The best part of Traveling?

Trying new food!Below you'll find links to our favorite spots we've tried and loved, along with a few we're excited to check out based on our research.

<a href="https://magnolia.com/pages/magnolia-table?srsltid=AfmBOopu-7xJ7ua7eTrkV400ctIF82aS1C7AVJb-Ec1DCBY_fw57L4JR" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Magnolia Table</a> Type of Food | Farm-to-Table American Cuisine Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner Reservations can be made in advance for parties of six or fewer or join their waitlist during operating hours. We suggest making reservations ahead of time. If you go, order the flight of butter!

<a href="https://www.milowaco.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Milo</a> Type of Food | Elevated Southern Cuisine Brunch + Lunch + Dinner Walk-in or make a reservation. If you go, try the corn ribs!

<a href="https://www.opalsoysters.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Opal's Oysters</a> Type of Food | Costal-Inspired Cuisine Lunch + Dinner The lobster rolls are delicious!

<a href="https://www.eatyaki.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YAKI</a> Type of Food | Texas-Style Teriyaki Lunch + Dinner The fried nugs and smoked salmon come highly recommended!

<a href="https://dicamplis.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Di Campli's</a> Type of Food | Italian Cuisine Lunch + Dinner We had the pizza, bruschetta, and salad - all were great!

<a href="https://www.helbergbarbecue.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Helberg Barbecue</a> Type of Food | Texas BBQ Cuisine Lunch + Dinner You're in Texas, you should have some BBQ!

<a href="https://www.wacohealthcamp.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Health Camp Burgers + Fries</a> Type of Food | Old Fashioned Burger Joint Lunch + Dinner

<a href="https://doghaus.com/menu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dog Haus Biergarten</a> Type of Food | Gourmet hot dogs, sausages, burgers, + sides Brunch + Lunch + Dinner

<a href="https://destinationwaco.org/places/union-hall/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Union Hall</a> Type of Food | A Variety of Texas Eateries Lunch + Dinner Don't know what to eat?Try a little bit of everything at Union Hall!

<a href="https://wacowaffle.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Waco Waffle Company</a> Type of Food | America Cuisine Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner + Dessert Try the Waffles!

<a href="https://www.milkbottlecookies.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Milk Bottle Cookies</a> Type of Food | Cookies Dessert or Anytime

<a href="https://www.splendidoakschocolates.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Splendid Oaks</a> Type of Food | Artisan Chocolate + Ice Cream Dessert or Anytime

Places to Eat

Honeyfund

Here’s our honeymoon bucket list itinerary:🏌️‍♂️Catching The Open at St. Andrews in Scotland.🇬🇧 Wandering through England—London Eye &amp; high tea.🚂 Riding the Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps.🍝 Ending in Italy for pasta, wine, &amp; vineyards.

If you want to help us kick off married life with an epic honeymoon, we've set up a HoneyFund! Scan the QR code or click our <a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvenmo.com%2Fcode%3Fuser_id%3D2084122260406272123%26created%3D1760557296&amp;data=05%7C02%7Chelmst%40summahealth.org%7C188ba190561840b44a4b08de0c22f0b4%7C7cf91374d5284f2d803492e045ac7eed%7C1%7C0%7C638961541359488490%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=QiSqxfEaNJUW4sSJvtRIvdHvsxma55Ma%2B6PjVRMg43M%3D&amp;reserved=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HoneyFund link!</a>

Your gift means the world (literally)!—Tara &amp; Ryan

Tara & Ryan

Tara & Ryan

Registry

Because Tara's OCD loves an organized home and a well-packed suitcase... We've listed a few home and travel comforts to keep things organized and hassle-free.