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You Know the Vows Are Special When a Rainbow Appears

As these two cuties exchanged their vows during their sweet, Southern wedding, a rainbow – yes, a RAINBOW! – lit up the sky above them. Clearly this is an exceptional couple, and Heather Benge Events planned an equally special outdoor ceremony bedecked with stunning arrangements by Everly Alaine Florals to celebrate their love and commitment. Candlelight Films and Nicole Berrett Photography were there to capture the magic of the day, rainbow and all – there’s more waiting for you in the Vault.

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From the Bride… Blake and I met in one of the most spectacular ways! I had just graduated college and had moved to the big city of Houston as a marketing manager. I wasn’t sure it was going to work out in Houston, but after making friends and getting more plugged in, I finally started warming up (figuratively and literally!) to the idea of Houston. Then, one night, I accepted an invitation to go to an Astros game with a group of friends from church. Unbeknownst to me, mid-way through the game, Blake somehow managed to maneuver his way into sitting next to me. We talked and talked, and I was immediately interested by how unguarded, funny, and effortless it was to talk to him. Out of the blue, just as we were soaking it all in, fireworks started going off in the stadium above us! It was so magical!

Two years later, he proposed on the beach, and we got to plan the wedding of our dreams together. Picking a favorite moment from the entire day is near impossible. If I had two chose just one, it would be the beautiful rainbow (yes, rainbow!) that appeared in the sky when Blake and I started saying our vows to each other. To us, it was one of the most remarkable signs of Jesus’s love for us and the commitment we were making to each other in marriage. Having both grown up with parents who divorced and then remarried, we were very skeptical and hesitant about having a big wedding. Eight parents can be a lot to handle! We were nervous it would surface some difficult memories, but instead Jesus chose to use it for His glory and showed us a beautiful sign of His love and support for us. The night was filled with laughter, silly dance moves, reconciliation, and love, and we wouldn’t change it for the world!

My biggest advice to any Bride is to be present in every moment! Planning a wedding can be time consuming and stressful, budgets can go off course, and things don’t always go as planned. Just embrace it all and find joy in every step of the process! Your marriage is the most important part at the end of the day, and the memories you make with your vendors, friends, family, and your fiancé will be the ones you remember and laugh about for a lifetime. Stress and worry are just not worth it!

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Photography: Nicole Berrett Photography | Cinematography: Candlelight Films | Event Planning: Heather Benge Events | Floral Design: Everly Alaine Florals | Cake: Whisk Bakery | Catering: All Star Catering | Hair + Makeup: Lola Beauty | Calligraphy: Lauren Brod | DJ: J&A entertainment | Band: BRW Billy kennedy | Wedding Venue: The Farmhouse | China + Glassware Rentals: Swift + Company | Furniture Rentals: Love Birds Vintage Rental | Linen Rentals: Elegant Beginnings | Photo Booth: Monkey Booth

Indoor vs. Outdoor Wedding: Here’s How You Can Have It All

We know that finding the perfect venue can be a little tricky. Especially if you are torn between gorgeous outdoor party vs. luxe indoor celebration. But who says you can’t have it all? With sweet spots like the Elk Camp on Snowmass, that mountaintop ceremony you’ve always dreamed of with the convenience of an indoor party spot is there for the taking. Done and done.

We totally understand the need to celebrate your Biggest Moment amongst the fresh mountain air and awe-inspiring scenery… some of our fave weddings here at SMP are outdoor I do’s.  But if you’re also drawn to the ease of an indoor reception, well… we get that, too. Which is why we love the Elk Camp on Snowmass, a one-stop-shop for all your celebration needs with gorgeous grounds for tying the knot and an amazing space (for up to 250 guests!) that can handle your post-nuptial party – yummy food selections, a gondola ride and blazing fire included.

For more information on the Elk Camp on Snowmass, contact ASC Catering to talk all things wedding. Their fab team of wedding pros will be there to help you with everything from customizable menus to finding the right vendors to the details of planning. Contact them now to get the ball rolling on your dream day.

Photography: Blue Sky Wedding Photography | Ceremony Venue: Aspen Snowmass Weddings | Catering: ASC Catering

A Romantic Austin Wedding With Serious French Feels

What does it take to transform Texas into a French-inspired garden? Scroll through this pretty gallery by Mint Photography, and you’ll find out. Bird Dog Wedding amped up the already European feel of Le San Michele by peppering terra cotta and soft blue accents with the organically styled blooms from Clementine Botanical Art on the rustic, farm-style tables dressed in La Tavola linens. The final look will transport you straight to Provence.

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From Mint PhotographyKaitlin and Barrett had family and friends traveling from all over to join them in celebrating their union. They loved the casual, French garden setting of Le San Michele and wanted to create an intimate dinner party for their guests. Every detail was beautifully thought out but with an informal feel. The palette was composed of nudes and soft pinks with added pops of terra cotta and pale blue. Florals and decor were soft and romantic and included organically styled blooms, flowering branches, and foliage from the talented Clementine Botanical Art. Pale blue line napkins, terra cotta name pieces, brass floral holders, and whimsical stationery and signage carried the design. The venue’s blue chairs added a touch of whimsy to the ceremony and dinner party. Following dinner, everyone danced the night away under the stars!

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Photography: Mint Photography | Coordination: Bird Dog Wedding | Floral Design: Clementine Botanical Art | Wedding Dress: Katie May | Invitations: Smitten on Paper | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Catering: Royal Fig Catering | Makeup: Makenzi Laine | Hair: Andrea Juarez | Band: Royal Dukes Band | Venue: Le San Michele | Menswear: Indochino | Menswear: The Black Tux | Napkins: BBJ La Tavola | Photography Assistance: Natalie Huerta | Seating Chart: Bonne Nouvelle Design | Table Rentals: Premiere Events Group | Tent Rentals: Whim Events | Terracotta Escort Cards: Carolyn Jane

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A Jewel-Toned Celebration on the Lawn of the Four Seasons

The only giveaway that this gorgeous spring-like celebration took place in the middle of January is the abundance of rich jewel tones. They add a gorgeous, cozy layer to this Austin affair designed by 36th Street Events along with florals by Stems. With images by Jen Dillender, set your sights on a wedding day blessed with perfect weather and the ultimate fairytale backdrop of the lawn of the Four Seasons.

Our sweet, stylish bride, Nicole, envisioned a lush outdoor wedding, reminiscent of spring (despite taking place in the middle of January) and she trusted the talented team behind 36th Street Events to make it happen. Not only did they exceed her expectations with their beautiful design, but somehow we managed to avoid any signs of winter and experienced the perfect wedding weather! The clear reception tent was overflowing with greenery and bright berry-hued florals from Stems Floral Design and the added strings of lights gave the evening a starry atmosphere, well into the evening. Cody and Nicole, the bride and groom, were precious together and really soaked in what turned out to be a wonderful day. One of my favorite elements was the bride’s dreamy Naeem Khan dress, the vibrant floral decor, and the one-of-a-kind cake topper that said “To the Stars and Back” because the groom made a point to remind his bride often that the stars were further away than the moon. The entire event was fresh and romantic from beginning to end! 

Photography: Jen Dillender Photography | Videography: Oak & Cypress | Floral Design: Stems Floral Design + Event Styling | Stationary : Archer And Olive | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Four Seasons Austin | Make Up and Hair: Gertie Murray | Lighting: Ilios | Ceremony Music: Arundel Ensemble | Hotel: Four Seasons Austin | Bridal Gown: Naeem Khan | Bridal Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Bride's Hair Accessory: Twigs & Honey | Event Design & Coordination: 36th Street Events | Film Processing: PhotoVision Prints | Music: Greenbelt DJ | Photography - Assistance: Michelle Boyd Photography | Pyrotechnics: Big Dog Pyro | Tent & Rentals: Whim Hospitality

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A Wedding With Too Many Gorgeous Gems To Pick Just One

There is usually a part of every wedding that stands out to me, my own little personal favorite detail or pic. But this wedding right here… I just can’t decide. The OMG florals or the stationery and personalized crest with the cutest pups ever?! They are both just TOO GOOD to pick just one. Lucky for me, I don’t have to decide, both gems are in our gallery of gorgeous pics thanks to Stephanie Brazzle and that is where I’ll be, staring wide eyed and soaking it all up! Do tell; what’s your favorite?

From the Bride… Tommy and I are high school sweethearts, and it has been so amazing to watch each other grow into the people we are today. We actually got married on the 11th anniversary of the day that he first asked me out, all those years ago! Because I was in medical school when he proposed, we had a long engagement and I had a lot of time to dream about the kind of wedding we wanted. I’m definitely a sucker for wedding details! I loved picking out a pretty ring box, choosing my fabulous wedding shoes, and obsessing over my gorgeous dress. However, it is so important not to forget that the best part of your wedding day is finally getting married! 

We wanted our wedding to be a reflection of us as a couple, and my very favorite detail is our watercolor-painted wedding crest – I worked closely with the artist to come up with a design that featured everything important to our relationship. We absolutely adore our fur babies – between the two of us, we are the proud parents of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and a trio of miniature dachshunds – and we knew we had to include them in the crest since they wouldn’t be able to join us in person on the big day. We also share a mutual love of coffee, donuts, and macarons, and those were incorporated into the crest as well as featured in our actual dessert bar! We used the crest on our invitations, the table numbers, even the dinner menus, and it added such a personal and unique touch. My wonderful planner helped us strike a balance between the cultural and religious traditions of our families and my Pinterest-fueled ideas for the wedding day. All of my lovely vendors brought to life my vision of an indoor garden wedding with lots of greenery and loose, organic floral arrangements, using a color palette of dreamy pops of blush pink and gold. Best of all, everyone knows how much I love bubble tea, and we brought in a bubble tea truck after everyone had danced their hearts out, which was the perfect way to end a night of joyful celebration and laughter with our loved ones.

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Photography: Stephanie Brazzle Photography | Event Planning: Love And Sparrows Events | Wedding Dress: Hayley Paige | Cake: HoneyLove Cakery | Invitations: Elizabeth Bardwell Flutter Letterpress | Ceremony Venue: Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church | Reception Venue: Brianne | Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Catering: Vestals Catering | Reception Catering: ABC Seafood + Dim Sum | Hair + Makeup: Beauty And The Blush | DJ: RLF Society | Transportation: ABC Transportation | Floral Design (Bouquet and Boutonniere): Moss Floral Design | Floral Design (Ceremony + Reception): dream weddings and events | Getting Ready + First Look: Hotel Crescent Court | Macarons: MAC & CREAM | Ribbon: Frou Frou Chic | Tarts: Tartalicious | Wedding Crest: Karli Strohschein

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This Is Why A Little Bit of Sparkle Is Always A Good Idea

When in doubt, add a little bit of sparkle; you won’t regret it, I guarantee. It’s unexpected and fun, for rustic weddings, chic celebrations and every style in between, including elegant affairs like this one right here. Coordinated by 36th Street Events, their dashes of sparkle are just fabulous and Mint Photography captured them all. See this beautiful day below and more in our gallery right this way!

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From Mint Photography… Elizabeth and Sean had a beautiful summer wedding in downtown Austin, TX. The chances of rain were so high and the weather wasn’t looking promising as hair and makeup got started earlier in the day, but by the time the reception started the skies cleared and guests were able to sit outside and enjoy each other’s company all night under the stars! We loved the traditional and elegant aspects of their wedding while still incorporating a romantic and fun feel, especially at the reception! The pops of color in the florals along with the sparkle detail here and there created a glamorous look in a very natural setting! Laguna Gloria itself is such a stunning venue – Elizabeth and Sean really made the whole property come to life with their wedding!

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Photography: Mint Photography | Videography: Henry Weddings | Coordination: 36th Street Events | Floral Design: Stems Floral Design + Event Styling | Wedding Dress: Berta | Cake: Word Of Mouth Catering | Ceremony Venue: St Mary's Cathedral | Reception Venue: Laguna Gloria | Catering: Word Of Mouth Catering | Lighting: Ilios | Band: Royal Dukes Band | Groomsmen's Attire: Knot Standard | Alcohol: Specs Wine | Getaway Car ("General MacArthur" 1940 Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty S: Austin Classic Limo | Groom's Cake: Royers Pie Haven | Invitation/Menu/Match Box Design + Printing: Claire Ferguson | Mariachi Band: Mariachi Amor | Paper Goods Printing: Medical Parkway Printing | Photobooth: Le Photo Booth Company | Photography - Assistance: Brianna Light | Rentals: Marquee Event Rentals | Trolley: Carey Limousine Austin

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A Texas Wedding Inspired by the Hospitality of the French Countryside

Inspired by the beauty and the hospitality of the French countryside, Chancey Charm Wedding Planning and Design set out to create a country wedding where the entire town comes together with their best china, favorite wine, prettiest blooms, and fresh food harvested from their gardens. They enlisted the help of La Tavola, Bella Acento, Allen Tsai Photography, Lovely Bride and more of Texas’s best vendors to bring this vision to life. The shoot is warm, romantic, and celebrates love and togetherness – what else could any Bride want for her wedding day?

From Chancey Charm Wedding Planning and DesignPerched high above the Texas countryside, Dove Ridge Vineyard, a new working vineyard and venue, boasts 360 degree views of the rolling hills, impeccable finishes, and the warmest hearts amongst the owners and staff. With their self-proclaimed “Napa meets Pottery Barn” design, Dove Ridge is a perfect backdrop for any Bride’s style. Simple, neutral colors pair beautifully with the dark wood beams, complemented by astounding views of endless evergreen trees. Natural stone fireplaces bring a rustic warmth to the space. The amount of gorgeous light that flows into the main ballroom takes your breath away. At sunset, you’ll be able to catch the wide Texas sky lit up with watercolor hues. This venue captured the hearts of so many wedding vendors and nearlyweds in the few short months since its grand opening. It was a no-brainer to dream up a beautiful styled shoot to show off this new space.

When coming up with a concept for the shoot, we were drawn to the soft and romantic colors, natural elements, and endless romance that is found in the Provencal countryside of France. Provence boasts warm hospitality – just like here in the heart of Texas – and we wanted to bring to life an idea of a country wedding, together with the help of the town’s residents. Everyone brings their best flowers, china, food, and wine to spend a beautiful evening together celebrating love. The powerhouse duo, Jayla and Brandi of Blushington Blooms, brought together romantic fresh florals and aromatic plants that showcased our inspiration perfectly. The soft florals mixed with Sugar Creek Vintage Rental’s eclectic pieces made each space feel homey and warm.

Because no day in the European countryside is complete without a delicious meal, Two Sisters Catering created summer-inspired meals that looked like art. We wanted each course to feel as fresh as if the vegetables were picked from your backyard only hours before and to bring everyone at the table closer together. The luxurious paper goods and calligraphy were dreamed up by Sisters Ink Studios to mimic the soft, natural tones found in the Provencal architecture and landscapes. All of this was captured so beautifully by Allen Tsai, who brought his extensive European travel experiences with him to this shoot. From the delicious golden light to the subtle emotions he captured, every image perfectly showcased our inspiration and the romance of Dove Ridge Vineyards.

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Photography: Allen Tsai Photography | Event Planning: Chancey Charm | Floral Design: Blushington Blooms | Wedding Dress: Carol Hannah | Engagement Ring: Victor Barbone Jewelry | Catering: Two Sisters Catering | Hair + Makeup: Q Makeup & Hair Artistry | Groom's Attire: Generation Tux | Wedding Venue: Dove Ridge Vineyard | Bridal Boutique: Lovely Bridal Shop | Bridesmaids' Dress Boutique: Bella Bridesmaid | Custom Gift Boxes: Bonjour Boxes | Desserts: Crème De La Crème | Film Processing: Goodman Film Lab | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Paper Goods: Sisters Ink Studio | Rentals: Bella Acento | Rentals: Sugar Creek Vintage Rentals | Silk Ribbons: Honey Silks And Company

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Tour a Lake Home That Perfectly Blends Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

When you own a lake home in Texas, it’s probably a given that you’re patio game needs to be strong. But Barbara Town took it a step further, designing a home that beautifully blurs the line between outside and in. Tour this dream space filled with great light, beautifully designed spaces and a patio that we could 100% spend the rest of our days in.

Project Lake Ridge is a recently built home that sits on the beautiful Lake McQueeney in Seguin, TX. After downsizing from their 5 bedroom traditional hill country home, the couple wanted to make their new custom built home feel more modern and while showcasing their beautiful lake views. When initially moving in, they purchased uber contemporary pieces (ie. White leather sofa) but nothing could make the space feel quite like home.

They decided to hire an interior designer to help give them a modern look that was still comfortable and casual for daily living. The only piece the client wished to keep was their glass topped coffee table and dining table. When starting the design concepts for this project, I knew I wanted to bring in natural colors with pops of blue, organic patterns and lots of texture. 

For the Living Room and Dining Room, I wanted to keep the furniture low, drawing your eye in the minute you walk through the door and out to the lake. 

 Mixing metal and wood tones brings in a more modern and comfortable feel, while giving the clients a lot of options for seating and table tops while entertaining. We custom upholstered the back of the host and hostess chairs in a subtle pattern that really adds something special and unique. 

In the Master Bedroom, the clients really wanted this to be a moody and sexy space filled with lots of layers and rich jewel tones. They had a beautiful Gustav piece that they really wanted to showcase in the room and pull the color way around. With the high ceilings I knew I wanted to create a simple, yet tall custom bed that created a great focal point for the room and backdrop for some colorful pillows.

Out on the patio, we really wanted to bring the inside, out. By continuing the look and feel from the Living Room, Dining Room, and Master Bedroom out into a comfortable space with both living and dining. I laid out the ‘living’ portion of the patio directly off the Master bedroom, with a small sofa and two swivel occasional chairs. 

We brought in color with a few decorative pillows and accessories and grounded the space with an indoor/outdoor rug. The ‘dining’ portion of the patio was placed directly off the Living Room and creates great additional seating during large parties as well as helps draw the eye out to more of the lake views.

 

Photography: Laura Dominguez | Interior Designer: Barbara Town

The Kind of Wedding That’ll Make You Miss Summer

I probably spent waaaay too much time poring over this beauty designed and planned by Westcott Weddings. And I could go back for seconds… see? It encompasses everything I love about elegant summery soirees. Oh, how I will miss these warm weather weddings! For those of you planning for 2018, join me in the gallery from Julie Wilhite for even more goodness.

From the Bride… Kellen and I wanted to get married surrounded by nature, and after walking the grounds of Barr Mansion, we knew it was perfect for our wedding. The space is green and full of life and we loved the the idea of exchanging our vows under a sprawling pecan tree surrounded by gardens of flowers and vegetables.

Since Barr Mansion is so beautiful on its own, there was very little pressure to decorate the space so we kept things simple and elegant. Clementine Botanical Art complimented the natural feel of the venue with lots of greenery, and lush organically arranged layers of white and cream flowers. Westcott Weddings incorporated soft touches of grey with with fabric calligraphy banners (Boarding School Collective) for the seating chart and bar menu, with hemstitch napkins and small details throughout the design. The draping surrounding the DJ booth from Marquee, a grotto filled with candles from Clementine, and a vintage lounge area from Loot Rentals helped add to the romantic atmosphere.

Food was a huge priority for our wedding. We both love to eat and have had some of our best date nights in the kitchen cooking together. We knew Barr Mansion’s farm-to-table fresh, grown on site, organic menu would be perfect for us and our guests – and we were not disappointed. A favorite detail of the evening was a champagne tower that conveniently resulted in a bar lined with ready to go coupes of bubbles, right by the dance floor to keep the party going all night.

A special thank you is due to Meredith Reyes from Westcott Weddings for designing and executing our perfect wedding. Planning was so easy knowing I could trust the aesthetic and attention to detail of Westcott Weddings (some of the details were even borrowed from Meredith’s own wedding!). Heather and the staff from Barr Mansion were also super helpful in creating a seamless event. Finally, special thank you to our photographer, Julie Wilhite, for capturing it all so beautifully.

From the designer/planner (Meredith Reyes)… From the moment I met Kristen, I knew I liked her. She had great style, a sense of humor, and I loved all the words she used to describe her vision for her wedding day: elegant, simple, and garden party. I think we were able to capture of all these elements perfectly for her and Kellen. They were married under large, beautiful sweeping branches with two large arrangements to frame the center aisle. We included pops of bright white in the signage and bars, and touches of soft gray in the napkins and larger than life seating chart displayed in the breezeway where guests enjoyed appetizers and cocktails. Once guests moved inside to the main ballroom for dinner, they were transported to an indoor romantic garden party…in hopes of beating the Texas summer heat! Clementine Botanical Art draped the ceiling and festoon lighting with greenery hanging down over the dance floor, as well as adding a greenery instal to enhance the draping that framed the DJ. The farm tables were draped in garland that hung all the way down to the floors and the arrangements on the round tables had the biggest peonies I’ve ever seen! We added warmth by incorporating “all the candlelight” to create an inviting feel for guests. Kristen and Kellen’s friends and family danced the night away and it was such a joy to be a part of this beautiful wedding!

I am so thankful for the talented team that helped make Kristen and Kellen’s wedding day such a beautiful celebration! Many congratulations to the newly Mr and Mrs. Powell!

Photography: Julie Wilhite Photography | Event Design + Planning: Westcott Weddings | Floral Design: Clementine Botanical Art | Invitations: Paper Place | Bride's Shoes: Badgely Mischka | Catering: Barr Mansion | Hair and Makeup: Lip Service | DJ: Dapper Sounds Entertainment | Transportation: Transportation Consultants | Wedding Venue: Barr Mansion | Accommodations: JW Marriott Austin | Bride's Cake: Barr Mansion | Bride's Dress: Unbridaled | Ceremony Musicians: Terra Vista Strings | Day of Signage: The Boarding School Collective | Draping and Rentals: Marquee Event Rentals | Groom's Cake: Baguette et Chocolat | Lighting Design: Intelligent Lighting Design | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Lounge Rentals: Loot Vintage Rentals | Napkins: BBJ La Tavola | Ribbon: Silk and Willow

We Want To See You Recreate This Wedding

This is the kind of soiree that I just know I’ll be seeing ALL over Pinterest for years to come. The kind of wedding I want to see one of you re-create. I don’t mean detail for detail—I mean, the balance of beauty it boasts. From start to finish, getting ready to last dance, it is seamless. Captured by Jenna McElroy, I’m betting each and every one of you can find at least one detail that sparks your wedding-loving heart. Ready, set, GO!

From Jenna McElroyKathleen and Bart, both New Yorkers, decided to celebrate their beautiful spring wedding in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas. This city couple opted to have a chic, sophisticated outdoor affair at The Vineyard at Chappel Lodge. Family and friends traveled far and wide to partake in this sweet southern wedding. The bridesmaids were floor length grey dresses that were complimented by bouquet’s of Austin’s neutral color palette. The couple’s first look was in the middle of a wildflower field surrounded by nothing but space and sky. These two added some Northeastern flair by adding incredible seafood by Pink Avocado for cocktail hour, while a live jazz band played in the background. Dinner and dancing followed under the stars, and it was absolutely breathtaking. Kathleen and Bart’s wedding was a beautiful celebration that took place under the unrivaled beautiful Texas sky.

photography: Jenna McElroy | videographer: Jared Christopher | floral design: Bouquets of Austin | cake: Candace Powell | invitations: Rebecca Green Design | brides shoes: Badgley Mishka | bridesmaids dresses: Jenny Yoo | catering: Pink Avocado | band: Royal Dukes Band | groom's attire: The Black Tux | Venue: Vineyard At Chappel Lodge | brides gown: Pronovias | film scans: PhotoVision Prints | muah: Mindy Orsak

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This Couple Built Their Insanely Gorgeous Venue From the Ground Up

In the ultimate (and impressive) show of DIY, this couple decided to build their own venue and just wait until you see the result. A breathtaking open air chapel overlooking the lake is only the beginning of this elegant Southern affair at The Grand Ivory. With planning by Each and Every Detail, the prettiest of greenery and blooms by Petals Couture, and stunning images by Tenth & Grace, see how these childhood sweethearts turned their dream into a reality just in time for their Big Day.

From Tenth & Grace… Ashley and Parker have the most amazing love story, and it was such an honor being a part of their big day! It was made even more special because their wedding was the first at The Grand Ivory – the wedding venue that they built together. They really poured their hearts into this property and it shows! Every detail was thought out so carefully, including the adorable cottages and the white open-air chapel. It was so special to be a part of Ashley and Parker’s wedding, as well as the first wedding at The Grand Ivory!

From the bride… I had always told Parker one day, later in life that I would love to have a wedding venue. I find something so magical about catching everyone at their best day and seeing love unite into marriage. Parker was in law school at the time when this dream was established. Of course with Parker – the man who believes in all my dreams and visions – he began talking about the possibility of making it happen sooner rather than later. Parker graduated from law school and has put all of his efforts into the venue ever since. The process for the venue took a few years! It all began with a sketchbook and a pencil – I drew and filled every page in the book with design ideas. Our goal for the venue was creating a space that has southern elegance with a modern charm. We started with the thought of only a barn and chapel, then decided that adding bridal and groom cottages would complete the venue. The biggest challenge of planning was finding the right property. From the start, we always said we would begin construction only when we found the perfect property that matched our vision. We call it fate, but we found our 18 acres after an attempt to view a nearby property failed. We were headed home feeling unhopeful about our search after viewing 15 properties that day. That is when we passed a large sign with hand drawn red letters that said “for sale”. We hopped the fence and walked onto the land and within seconds we had everything mapped out. It couldn’t have been a better fit for our vision, and we just knew it was the perfect spot for our dream. I had a specific vision for my wedding from the start. I wanted it to have the sense of summer paired with timeless details. I adore greenery so I incorporated it throughout my ceremony and reception. Also, my wedding dress was inspired by my vision for The Grand Ivory and all its beauty. I picked out my dress in one hour at my very first appointment. My favorite part of our wedding day was marrying the love of my life. I had not one ounce of nervousness and experienced only pure joy. From the moment I met Parker, I knew he would be my husband and this day put it all into place. Of course, celebrating our marriage at the venue we built from the ground up with our family and friends just made it that much more special.

Photography: Tanya Menoni | Videography: Troy Bruner | Event Planning: Each & Every Detail, LLC | Florals: Petals Couture | Cakes: Sweet Somethings by Ashleigh | Invitations: Elisabella Weddings | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Dessy Collection By Vivian Diamond | Catering: Low Country Quisine | Hair and Makeup: Beauty And The Blush | DJ: The American DJ Company | Officiant: Love Notes | Ceremony Music: String Duo Dallas | Wedding Venue: The Grand Ivory | Bridal Boutique: The Blushing Bride | Bridal Gown: Watters | Bridal Robes: Le Rose | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Linens: BBJ La Tavola

The Romantic Dallas Engagement of Two Childhood Sweethearts

Perfection is an engagement session at the hands of Tenth & Grace. Showcasing the beauty of Dallas gardens and the sweetest couple who met at the ripe old age of 14, this shoot includes gowns, wildflowers and true soulmates. Sift through all the pretty images right here and stay tuned for their insanely gorgeous wedding coming up next!

From the bride… Parker and I met at the age of 14 in Arkansas and started dating at 16. Parker actually took me on our first date on my 16th birthday since that was the age I was allowed to begin dating! We were high school sweethearts and destined soulmates. I always dreamt of a New Years eve engagement – Parker knew this and wanted to make that wish come true. On December 31, 2012 after a long day of work, I walked into a bare apartment that only had a mattress (I had just moved in the day prior and had no furniture). I opened the door to a candlelight path of sunflowers (my favorite flower) and a love song playing in the background. The best part about it was the path of flowers had a trail of photos with handwritten letters on each with quotes that described the perfect love. The photos were set up as a timeline of our love – starting with a photo of our first date and all the small moments in between. The trail ended and led up to a door, when I opened it, there was Parker on one knee where he asked me to marry him. I can still remember that day like it just happened. It was a moment of pure bliss. We had what most would call an extremely long engagement – 4 years! When you find your soulmate time means nothing because it truly went by so quickly. From the beginning, we treated our relationship like a marriage. The funny thing is, we would talk about wedding locations and attempt to plan but all of our ideas never seemed like a good fit for our love story. That is where the thought of building our own venue from the ground up grew, and the idea of The Grand Ivory was born.

Photography: Tanya Menoni | Makeup: Wendy Zerrudo

Glamorous Warehouse Wedding Overlooking the Dallas Skyline

For this classic Dallas wedding, an industrial warehouse was turned into a glamorous affair at the hands of Grit + Gold. Together with Oh Deery Floral they crafted a Fall celebration sparkling with chandeliers and layered in a palette of gorgeous jewel tones. See the full day captured beautifully by Charla Storey, plus even more right here.

From the Planner… With a moody jewel tone palette, lush blooms and stunning bride, this wedding has so many romantic vibes. Mercedes and Carter’s beautiful ceremony at the ornate St Thomas Aquinas Catholic church was followed by a city chic warehouse reception overlooking Dallas’ skyline. Tons of candles and twinkling chandeliers made the night shimmer. Beautiful bold colors to create a dramatic feel from blue tones in the cake, silver-grey lamour linens, and watercolor paper details.

photography: Charla Storey Photography | cakes: Dallas Affaires Cakes | calligraphy: Pretty Post Calligraphy | DJ: Astounding Sounds | Floral: Oh Deery Floral | Invites: Confetti Gray | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Planning + Design: Grit & Gold Event Co.

A Fall Wedding in Texas With Secret Garden Style

The beginning of September signals our official kick off to All.The.Fall.Things. Think cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes plus the most stunning autumn weddings we can get our hands on. We scoured the Internet for the best of the best fall affairs and Kendall and Tyler’s big day perfectly fit the bill. They tied the knot at Clark Gardens in Texas with beautiful nods to the season all throughout the day. Birds of a Feather planned and styled, Charla Storey photographed, and it’s all waiting for here.

This is a gorgeous, secret garden fall wedding. The tones are deep and complementary to the season while keeping your favorite garden colors, and the venue. This venue has not had an event on this part of the property, so it was refreshing to use an area that fit the aesthetic desired. Live acoustic music and dinner al fresco made for a gorgeous fall Texas evening for Kendall and Tyler.

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Photography: Charla Storey Photography | Event Design: Birds Of A Feather Events | Event Planning: Birds Of A Feather Events | Styling: Birds Of A Feather Events | Floral Design: Max Owens Design | Cake: Sugar Bee Sweets | Catering: gils catering | Food: Babe's Chicken | Hair + Makeup: Meg B Makeup Artistry | Hair and Makeup: Meg B | Calligraphy: Harts And Quills | Venue: Clark Gardens | Film Lab: Goodman Film Lab | Furniture Rental: Taylor's Rental Equipment Co. | Lighting and DJ: Le Force Entertainment | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Paper Goods: Minted | Photo Booth: Flock Together Fotobooth | Ribbon: Silk and Willow | Table Top Rentals: Posh Couture Rentals

This Editorial Will Have You Reminiscing on Summer Sunsets

If you’re anything like me, you’re not ready to let go of summer yet. If that’s the case, you must stop what you’re doing and spend the rest of your morning enjoying this  editorial session captured by Le Vie Photography. Cloud Creative Events curated a wedding inspired by the warm and inviting colors of a summer sunset with the help of a talented team of Texas vendors. See our favorite pics below plus bonus behind-the-scenes footage by Amori Photography.

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From Le Vie PhotographyIn this inspiration shoot, we truly believe we found heaven on Earth. We selected the beautiful White Sparrow venue located in the state of Texas. Our goal was to create images that showcased southern charm and created feelings of summer sunset romance. This vintage inspired venue is nestled in an open field surrounded by huge oak trees, giving you an intimate countryside feeling. As you are drawn closer, you’ll notice a dainty white barn with lush green grass surrounding it. The whimsical rustic displays in front and simple yet sweet tree swing in the field whisper to you: “Come and be a kid again.” Entering into the White Sparrow, you’ll be greeted by nothing but white. Elegant chandeliers are hung across the high ceilings of the open space. Natural light beams through the large overhead window panes coupled with white surfaces along the walls create a wonderful ethereal feeling that makes you wonder, “Am I in heaven?”

Our theme colors were inspired by a summer’s sunset on a beautiful day out in the country. For florals, we chose to focus on a design that has depth and movement. To create depth, we selected peach, cream, and blue colors with touches of dusty cappuccino. The blue taper candles with crystal holders and vintage china added to the color palette. This paired with crystal goblets, gold flatware, and beautiful florals conjured up feelings of a cozy summer soiree. For the cake, we wanted something simple yet subtly elegant and beautiful. We began with a classic buttercream and added a modern spin on texture by using white chocolate brush strokes along the front. To add to the finishing touch, we delicately laid florals and figs to help bring the brush strokes to the forefront of the design.

The soft and elegant invitation suite was designed with the beautiful fine art Bride in mind. A blend of loose calligraphy script, beautifully handcrafted venue and botanical sketches, and minute attention to details created a collection that is both elegant and beautiful. To complete this look and scene, we selected a dress that is long and flowy to evoke feelings of grace and kindness. This paired with a long cathedral veil created an ethereal sensation that will give butterflies in your tummy. And as a final touch, we added our “something blue” with a beautiful blue bottom heel by Betsey Johnson to complete the look. I hope you love and enjoy this inspiration shoot as much as we do! 

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Photography: Viet Le | Cinematography: Andrew Mori | Event Planning + Design: Cloud Creative Events | Floral Design: Venus and Co | Wedding Dress: Willowby by Watters | Cake: Loft22 Cakes | Stationery: Sarah Ann Design | Rings: Shapiro Diamonds | Hair + Makeup: Q Makeup & Hair Artistry | Venue: The White Sparrow | Bridal Boutique: Lasting Bridal Couture of Addison | Female Model: Jamie Hellwege | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab | Furniture Rentals: Bleu Luxury Rentals | Male Model: Isdebaldo Herrera | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Tablescape: Pretty Little Plates

Romantic + Oh So Sweet Dallas Wedding

Ahhhhh I’m crushing hard on this Dallas wedding. From the colors to the stylish simplicity, it hits the right notes, over and over and over again (thanks to Grit + Gold’s planning perfection). And the icing on the cake? This dress and it’s gorgeous details. And thanks to Apryl Ann’s pretty pics I can stare at it all day long. Join me in our gallery right this way!

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From Grit + GoldJolene and Kevin’s romantic City Garden wedding at Nasher Sculpture Center. Even though they were New York natives, the couple set their sights on the beautiful garden museum for their very cool celebration.

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Photography: Apryl Ann Photography | Event Planning: Grit & Gold Event Co. | Cake: Sugar Bee Sweets | Catering: Wolfgang Puck Catering | Venue: Nasher Sculpture Center | Paper: Bella Figura | Rentals: Shag Carpet Prop Rentals | Tabletop Rentals: Posh Couture Rentals

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A Whitewashed Barn + a Stunning Gown Are a Perfect Match

A whitewashed barn and a Hayley Paige gown are clearly a match made in wedding heaven. How gorgeous does this Bride look in the photos by Scissortail Stories and Mark Boatright of her rustic chic wedding at The White Sparrow? Between the beautiful Bride and the barn doors covered in greens, we could admire this gallery all day.

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From Scissortail StoriesThis gorgeous Southern wedding was like any good Texas fairytale, taking place on a muggy July afternoon in one of the most beautiful barns in the country. The breathtaking white-washed walls made a perfect backdrop for incredible greens, plums, and navy. Vendors like Poppy Lane Design, Oh Honey Paper Co., and the Cotton Smith helped make an incredibly gorgeous and fun day, while Hayley Paige, Wardrobe Menswear, and Lollie’s Beauty Bar made sure the Bride, Groom, and wedding party made everyone stop for a second look! The mixture of a muted cool palette on the white venue seemed to play a perfect symphony with the warm tones the Texas sun provided. The result was a Southern wedding like no other!

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Photography: Michael Weidemann | Floral Design: Poppy Lane Design | Wedding Dress: Hayley Paige | Cake: Whisk Until Sweet | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Watters | Catering: Abuelo's | Hair + Makeup: Paige Pipher & Sydney Boles | DJ: Jeff Clay | Groom's Attire: The Wardrobe Modern Menswear | Venue: The White Sparrow | Cotton Candy: The Cotton Smith | Flower Girl's Dress: BHLDN | Headband: Paris By Debra Moreland | Photography Assistance: Mark Boatright Photography | Signage + Stationery: Oh Honey Paper Co | Silk + Chiffon Ribbon: Angela Hadlock | Table + Yard Games: Junk Disorderly

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Bringing Glamorous Pink Hues to a Texas Greenhouse

A glamorous greenhouse wedding… did you ever think it possible? Add in every shade of pink and the sweetest Bride and Groom and you get this Texas affair. Held The Greenhouse at Driftwood, it marries Louboutins with cacti and an elegant tented celebration crafted by Two Be Wed and all captured by Michelle Boyd. See the full affair right here.

From the Bride… My inspiration came from two words: organically romantic. To me, organically romantic meant effortless, beautiful, cozy, and intimate details. Once I figured out the theme of my wedding that was when all the design aspects fell into place. I first found my venue, The Greenhouse at Driftwood, through a little blurb on Style Me Pretty. It was the only venue my fiance’ and I visited and it just fit my vision perfectly! I also worked with an amazing wedding planner, Ashley Joseph from Two Be Wed, who happens to be my best friend’s sister. Both Ashley and I were on drill team together in high school and I enjoyed getting to share wedding planning with someone I have known for a long time. I have seen her work and knew she would be able to bring life into my vision! She helped me find some incredibly talented vendors and people to help create the most beautiful, perfect day!

The most important things for me when I was planning were beautiful photography, delicious food, and a fun band. We basically wanted our family and friends to have a great time! I was so excited to be able to find a photographer that fit my style aesthetics and who happened to be the sweetest person I have ever met! And now, I have the most beautiful pictures to remember our special day. I also enjoyed getting to go on food tastings. My husband was most involved in this aspect (haha) and we also included my in-laws which made for a fun day trip to Austin for tastings! Royal Fig Catering was our final choice and they above and beyond delivered on our day! To this day, our family and friends still rave over the food we had on our wedding day! Our band, The Royal Dukes Band, were incredible and it was so fun to see my closest loved ones dancing the night away!

This season of engagement is so fun and is such a sweet time of having your loved ones celebrate you and your soon-to-hubby’s relationship. So, don’t let all the stress of wedding planning and trying to create a Pinterest-worthy wedding get in the way of what matters most! When it all ends, you won’t remember the details of what went wrong or how you didn’t have that incredible center piece. You’ll remember the important things of marrying the love of your life and having your closest friends and family share in one pretty special day.

My favorite memory would definitely have to be when all the toasts were given. I was standing next to my husband, arms locked around each other, and looking out to see the faces of our loved ones surrounding us. We were under this beautiful tent with string lights and candles were lit all around, and it was beautifully cozy and intimate. People were engaged with the speeches; everyone was smiling, laughing, & crying, and we could truly feel the love in the room. I remember thinking how blessed we were to have these people in our lives and that they traveled far and wide to celebrate our marriage. It was truly a special moment and one that I will remember for the rest of my life!

We wanted our ceremony to be intimate and meaningful to both Jon & I. We had taken a pre-marital course through our church in Houston and most of the course was centered around Ephesians 5:22-31. We wanted to center our marriage and our ceremony around that passage as well. Jon & I also wrote our own vows. My older brother, who was in ministry in California, officiated our ceremony and it was so sweet that we got to share that moment with my brother!

Photography: Michelle Boyd Photography | Wedding Planner: Two Be Wed | Floral Design: Bramble & Bee | Cake: Sweet Tooth Bakery by Fe | Catering: Royal Fig Catering | Hair & Makeup: Makenzi Laine | Band: Royal Dukes Band | Transportation: R&R Transportation | Wedding Venue: The Greenhouse At Driftwood | Get Away Car: Four Leaf Limo | Invitations & Paper Goods: Artful Designs By Rachel Nieman | Linens and Rentals: Premiere Events | Sperry Tent: Whim Hospitality | Wedding Salon: Now And Forever Bridal

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A Regal-Worthy Wedding That Positively Defines Elegance

This right here is the epitome of elegant style.Kelly Doonan Events planned each regal-worthy detail, from the classic ivory bouquet by Maxit Floral Design to the elegant up dos by Hey Lovely Makeup and the ‘maids donning romantic Jenny Yoo gowns. Dana Fernandez Photography captured this beautiful affair, so head to the Vault to get inspired for a timeless wedding of your own.

From the Dana and Josh FernandezFrom the minute we met Kate and John, we knew their wedding was going to be gorgeous as well as fun! Throughout the wedding planning process, Kate had amazing ideas and the best eye for detail. She would periodically update us on all of the gorgeous decor, amazing vendors, and surprises she had planned for the big day! The ceremony took place at South Main Baptist, which was where she and her family attended church and held a special place in her heart.

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Photography: Josh & Dana Fernandez | Event Planning + Design: Kelly Doonan Events | Styling: Josh & Dana Fernandez | Floral Design: Maxit Flower Design | Wedding Dress: Oscar De La Renta | Cake: Who Made The Cake! | Invitations: Bering's | Ceremony Venue: South Main Baptist Church | Reception Venue: River Oaks Country Club | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Makeup + Hair: Hey Lovely Makeup | Band: China Town Band | Groom's Attire: Ralph Lauren | Transportation: Original Trolley Co. | Bridal Boutique: Joan Pillow Bridal | Earrings + Hair Piece: Maria Elena | Film Processing: The Find Lab | Groomsmen's Socks: Stance | Live Wedding Painter: Blaire Brown Art | Rentals: Aztec Events | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Silhouette Artist: Silhouettes By Cindi

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This is Why We’re Obsessed With Greenhouse Weddings

Can we all agree that greenhouses are the coolest wedding venues we’ve seen in a long time? One look through this gallery by Feather & Twine and I have no doubt you’ll be on board. The Greenhouse at Driftwood was the beautiful backdrop for this Texas wedding and it only gets more gorgeous with every glimpse. See it all in our gallery right this way!

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From the Bride… Growing up, I had always imagined my wedding day to be magical (probably because Disney was the main staple of my youth). So when it came time to plan the big day I wanted to honor that perspective. I wanted the day to feel timeless, romantic and whimsical. The overall feel I wanted for Andrew, our family and friends was to be a celebration of love and life! Having this in mind, when Andrew and I toured The Greenhouse at Driftwood, I knew it was the place. It’s lush, and unlike any place I had ever seen in the hill country. I drew most of my inspiration from the Greenhouse itself. My color palette reflected the antique pastels that much of the vegetation carried, and my florals (by Color Theory Collective) were unique and soft, like much of the wild flowers that scattered the grounds. My mom and sister helped me paint all of our signage weeks before the big day. A simple DIY project, that really made for extra bits of sweetness as we saw them on our wedding day. My “something borrowed, something blue, etc.” all came from my sweet groom. He had read about the tradition in a groom’s guide and asked to make those his project – which ended up being so meaningful and precious. The handkerchief = something new, blue sapphire heart-shaped earrings = something blue, the tin trinket box = something old, the porcelain brooch = his grandmother’s that she let us borrow, and the key = was “the key to his heart”.

My favorite moment of the day was locking eyes with Andrew. We went back and forth on the idea of a first look, and had opted to wait for the aisle. Which looking back I’m really glad we did. There was so much excitement and adrenaline running through me and a wave of calm washed over me when I saw him.

My favorite details were in our desserts. My first trip to his family’s home, he snuck me outside to carve our initials into their backyard tree. To remember that sweet moment I had Sweet Treats Bakery include iced cookies with the image. Also, by STB, and the talk of the party, was Andrew’s groom’s cake. It was a replica of his yeti ice-chest with a Red Fish and his guitar – probably his two favorite activities! (Andrew has grown up fishing his entire life – his bachelor trip was actually a weekend fishing trip down to their family’s favorite spot of off the Texas Coast). The guitar was spot on too! He was completely blown away!

The biggest piece of advice I’d like to give to future brides – which I didn’t find until months into planning – is when in doubt, keep it simple, and make the choices for you and your groom. There can be lots of opinions and expectations on how your day should be, but after all, the day is a celebration of you and your groom finding happiness and love. So fill your day with details and touches that you both will be filled with joy to see on your big day!

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Photography: Ruét Photo | Videography: Photohouse Films | Event Planning: Modern Whimsy Events | Floral Design: Color Theory Collective | Wedding Dress: Serendipity Bridal | Cake: Sweet Treets Bakery | Ceremony Venue: The Greenhouse At Driftwood | Catering: Verdes Catering | Hair + Makeup: Lola Beauty | Tent Rental: Whim Hospitality | Photobooth: Vannagram & Co. | Rentals: Loot Vintage Rentals

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