Katherine Elizabeth Herrod and Clayton Alan Tillotson’s love story began in the summer of 2020, when they met on a dating app and bonded instantly over their shared love of pasta. Their first date unfolded at Mutts Canine Cantina dog park, where margaritas, puppies, and an introduction to Clay’s newly adopted dog, Todd, led to two hours that flew by. Kate remembers thinking Clay was “so handsome, compassionate, funny, and a good listener,” while crediting him with the perfect first-date idea – because being surrounded by dogs never hurts.

Nearly three years later, Clay surprised Kate with a proposal in Modena, Italy, weaving together their love of food, wine, and shared experiences. On their second day in Italy, the couple wandered through a local market, enjoyed sandwiches, and walked to the Duomo, where Clay proposed in the rain. A local family captured the moment on video, sent it to them, and celebrated alongside the newly engaged couple by gifting them a bottle of wine.

With an 18-month engagement, all but one month of it devoted to planning, Kate leaned on her mother and a close friend for guidance, assembling a planning team that helped bring her vision to life. The best advice she received was to design the evening so she and Clay never had to be apart, while also making space to steal quiet moments alone – something they promised each other and truly honored throughout the night.

Dallas was a natural choice for the celebration, as it’s where they call home and envision their future. They were married in a Catholic ceremony rich with family traditions. Kate wore her mother’s garter and blessed rosary and tucked a penny into her shoe for good luck. The ceremony music was also meaningful, featuring both a string quartet and church choir, and they were married by a priest who has known Clay since his childhood.

“I can’t believe it’s over; I want to do it all over again.”

The aesthetic of the wedding highlighted deep purple and lilac hues, which set the tone for an evening that felt elegant, romantic, and whimsical. Florals were a focal point, featuring layered textures and varying scales. Guests were welcomed into the ballroom through a heavily textured floral arch, while ombré hydrangeas adorned the stage and a vintage-style phone booth was used for an audio guest book. Tablescapes showcased a blend of large centerpieces with candelabras, low florals with candles, and head tables adorned with both high and low floral runners.

Dinner incorporated a curated station-style menu that reflected Kate and Clay’s love of food and their Sunday pasta tradition. Their multi-tiered wedding cake featured champagne cake with berry filling and buttercream, adorned with ombré sugar flowers inspired by the flower girls’ dresses, while the groom’s cake paid homage to Clay’s wine collection and the couple’s engagement story, designed as custom wine bottles with their dog featured in the crest along with open books that told their story through photos and written memories from their time in Italy.

When reflecting on the day, Kate points to countless favorite moments, but two stand out most vividly: watching the flower girls chase each other across the dance floor, and the couple’s final private dance in the empty ballroom. As Kate spun around, she turned to Clay and said, “I can’t believe it’s over; I want to do it all over again,” only to see him looking back at her, emotional, saying, “I can’t believe I married you.”

The couple wouldn’t change a thing about their dream wedding day, except perhaps stressing less. Kate’s advice to couples planning their own weddings is to lean on experienced planners, breathe deeply, and remember that the celebration is about you and your family. For Kate and Clay, staying side by side all night wasn’t just advice they received, it was a promise kept and one that shaped a wedding filled with true connection and the utmost joy and love.


Some of the links included may be affiliate; however, everything we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. When you make a purchase, we may receive revenue. Thank you for your support!