MARFA—On September 27 beneath West Texas skies streaked with drifting clouds, sunshine, and soft rain over the distant Chinati Mountains, Wyatt Parkhurst Ponton of San Antonio married his “angel from Montgomery,” Mary Sophia Jones of Montgomery, Alabama.
For the couple, it was always destined to be a West Texas wedding, where their love, written in the stars, shines brightest and where the Ponton family’s roots run deep.
The ceremony took place on Marfa’s western edge beneath the historic Stardust Motel sign, officiated by Reverend Dr. Harry Barrow of Newnan, Georgia, a lifelong friend of the bride’s father. Lightning flickered on the horizon as the pair exchanged vows beneath a 10-foot cross crafted by Wyatt and friend Greg Bow of Fabrica, Alpine, with the evening sun breaking through the clouds and washing the desert in gold.
The couple walked an aisle of cowhides while the Sul Ross State University Chamber Singers, directed by Dr. Andrew Alegria, performed a cappella favorites including “God Only Knows” and “Love Train.”
Sophia, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Alan Jones, was attended by her sister Andrea Grey Loeb of Tallahassee and Alexandra Kathryn Ponton of Alpine. Wyatt, son of Shawn Ponton Murry of Alpine and the late James Ponton, was attended by Arvel Rodolphus Ponton of Alpine and Clayton Gates Chapman McNeil of Philadelphia.
Festivities included a welcome at Rod Ponton’s hacienda in Alpine and a rehearsal dinner at the Hotel Saint George Hall, hosted by Shawn Ponton Murry and Jimmy Murry, with Neil Trammel and his band keeping guests two-stepping.
After the ceremony, guests celebrated at The Capri, where a double rainbow appeared as Mariachi musicians from Presidio, led by Proyecto D. Molly Ferguson, played into the night. A beloved Alpine donkey named Pumpkin, from Wasserman Ranch, greeted guests.
The reception glowed with Marfa magic—disco balls, tumbleweeds, and century plants hung above florals and libations by Cactus Liquors, a gold-leaf cake by Sylvia Norman of Marfa, and a feast by Chef Michael Olivas of Midland.
Planned with Monika Bernstein of Industrihaus Marfa, Alex Ponton and Rick Johnson, the design balanced rustic charm and modern shine.
At midnight, the newlyweds departed in a cherry-red Pontiac Catalina lent by Liz Rogers, guests waving cowboy hats as they drove off beneath the desert sky where their vows began. After a honeymoon, the couple settled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, ready to continue their adventure, forever chasing stars.