SUBMIT WEDDING
View All Weddings in The Southwest
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.

App CTA

App CTA

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

MustWatch_swash-01

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

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
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.

App CTA

App CTA

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.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/228575195 600 338]

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! 

App CTA

App CTA

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!

Colors
Settings
Museum

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.

App CTA

App CTA


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

MustWatch_swash-01

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.

Colors
Settings
Barn
Styles
Rustic

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!

App CTA

App CTA

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

MustWatch_swash-01

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
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

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
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.

App CTA

App CTA

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

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
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!

Colors

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!

App CTA

App CTA


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

MustWatch_swash-01

9 Wedding Locations You Havent Heard About Yet

We know that finding the perfect wedding venue isn’t always easy, especially if you’re looking for something that totally speaks to you and yours. So today we’re running through a list of nine (yes, NINE) fab venues we absolutely love, so you can find that dream locale. Scroll for some hidden gems you haven’t even heard of.

THE ST. REGIS WASHINGTON, D.C.

Why we love it: Just steps from the White House, The St. Regis Washington, D.C. is the perfect mix of luxe accommodations and upscale wedding offerings – all with a dash of historical charm. You can opt for a cocktail hour in the Italianate revival lobby, or celebrate your “I do’s” in the Astor Ballroom with its hand-stenciled ceiling (an original 1926 decorative feature) and Palladian windows overlooking The Astor Terrace. This place is beautiful, you guys – and it’s no wonder it continues to be named the “Best Hotel for Small Weddings” by Washington Magazine. It’s just that good.

What you can’t miss: The Astor Terrace. Perfect for ceremonies OR receptions, this gem of an outdoor space features a dreamy fountain. Need we say more?

W SCOTTSDALE

Why we love it: Located smack-dab in the middle of Scottsdale’s Entertainment District, W Scottsdale is every modern lovin’ bride’s dream. Think totally chic contemporary spaces (both indoor and outdoor) perfect for celebrating your Big Day, plus amazing accommodations that will make your entire wedding weekend.

What you can’t miss: Their fab W Insider service. It’s concierge plus some with everything you’ll ever need just a push of a button away. Whatever you want, whenever you want it.

LE MÉRIDIEN DELFINA SANTA MONICA

Why we love it: Situated just three blocks from the ocean with great access and breathtaking views, plus offering up some awesome amenities for guests (hey there, Bicycle Programme), Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica seamlessly combines a glam spot to say “I do” with all of that laid-back Southern Cali charm we love so much. We’re obsessed with their Pool Terrace receptions, not to mention their chef-inspired catering menus and views of the Pacific Ocean.

What you can’t miss: Their venues. From the Delfina Ballroom to the Terrazza GardenLe Méridien Delfina Santa Monica has you covered when it comes to celebrating in style.

HOTEL COLONNADE CORAL GABLES, A TRIBUTE PORTFOLIO HOTEL 

Why we love it: Ideal for those travel lovers who want to say “I do” in complete luxury, the Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables has elegant weddings (and accommodations) down to an absolute science. From their 23,000 square feet of event space to their gorgeous venue options (hello, marble-tiled rotunda) to their talented staff that knows everything there is to know about throwing the perfect wedding, you’ll most definitely be making a statement.

What you can’t miss: Their Make a Green Choice Program. Guests receive a $5 food credit or 500 SPG points just for making the choice to conserve natural resources in their room. We love that.

THE WESTIN CHICAGO NORTHWEST

Why we love it: It’s hard not to fall in love with a setting as pretty as Hamilton Lake and when you add in a climate-controlled tent and fully-renovated guest rooms, you have yourselves one of the prettiest wedding locales in all of Chicago. Plus, the Westin Chicago Northwest also offers up a plethora of indoor + outdoor venue options, customizable menus AND your very own wedding specialist.

What you can’t miss: Their 24-hour room service. (Enough said.)

SHERATON SAN DIEGO HOTEL & MARINA

Why we love it: You honestly can’t go wrong with a San Diego wedding, and the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina is the epitome of a perfect SoCal soiree with a gorgeous seaside location and deluxe amenities. Now add in a stunning garden ceremony spot (with marina views) and indoor venue options that are just as cool and you have the perfect place to say “I do.”

What you can’t miss: The Culinary team. They’ve been named “Best Caterer” by San Diego Magazine for 15 years running. Yum.

THE EQUINOX, A LUXURY COLLECTION GOLF RESORT & SPA, VERMONT

Why we love it: You know we can never get enough of Vermont weddings and if you’re looking for the perfect destination spot: this is it. From their three unique venues (Pond Pavilion, Colonnade Ballroom and Meadow House) to the amazing views of the Equinox Mountain and the Taconic Mountain Ridge, The Equinox Resort has everything you’ll ever need for that dream wedding… AND can accommodate anywhere from 80 to 250 guests.

What you can’t miss: The activities. This four-season resort offers up a world of fun-filled adventures, from golfing to skiing to fishing to snowshoeing – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

THE ST. ANTHONY, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL, SAN ANTONIO

Why we love it: Four words: Open-air rooftop ballroom. Yep, you can literally dance the night away under the stars. Plus, the St. Anthony has been hosting weddings for over a century, so you know you’re in good hands with their talented staff of event professionals. From their gorgeous rooms to their convenient downtown locale, you won’t be missing a thing.

What you can’t miss: The details. From crystal chandeliers to a winding staircase to theatrical lighting and a 19th Century French tapestry, get ready for some non-stop oohing and ahhing.

THE WESTIN GALLERIA & OAKS HOUSTON

Why we love it: If you’re having a celebration with a lot of out-of-town guests, you can’t pick a locale better than the Westin Galleria & Oaks Houston. Its Uptown location paired with its amazing guest amenities and reception space for up to 1,000 makes it the ideal location for those looking to explore the Galleria neighborhood of Houston. Think shopping, dining and spa-ing the days away. It’s perfect.

What you can’t miss: The Monarch Ballroom. With floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the city, this 24th floor gem is a reception dreamland.

Visit SPG Weddings to find out even more about these hidden gems AND all of the amazing perks of having an SPG Wedding. You can thank us later, friends.

Capturing the Spirit of Havana No Matter Where You Are

Highland Avenue invoked the color and essence of Havana for their recent party and you would swear it was all inspired by tile….really amazing balcony tile. It was a day to celebrate wedding industry greats and though it took place at the Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas it was nothing but Cuban vibes. Infused with the perfect tropical florals by Botanical No. 9, fun paper goods by Meldeen and Sophie Epton behind the camera, get inspired to throw your own Havana celebration no matter your local.

Adorned in gorgeous Romanesque Revival architecture, The Driskill Hotel is Austin’s oldest and most iconic hotel. Built in 1886, it has served as a welcoming haven for numerous past U. S. Presidents and historic events, and it continues to wow guests today. After two years of restorations to the hotel, the Driskill reached out to Highland Avenue Planning & Design to create an event to welcome Austin’s finest planners and industry friends back into the newly refreshed and gleaming space. Two beautiful balconies grace the hotel’s façade and serve as a welcome outdoor respite above the active streets of Austin below. The balcony tiles were one of the decorative touches updated during their recent renovations and they became the inspiration for the beautiful May luncheon. Lindsey Farrell from Highland Avenue took one look at the floors and knew they spoke perfectly to a modern Havana theme. The team at The Driskill agreed it was a great opportunity to showcase the historic hotel in a new and fresh light, and incorporating a colorful and tropical palate into the design would capture the environment perfectly. From Lindsey of Highland Avenue Events…The Driskill is such a special place and I was honored to bring their refreshed space to life for all to see! Prior to the event, we collaborated with Meldeen and Botanical No. 9 to create unique invitations that hinted to the theme with live tropical leaves and the hotel’s signature D applique. They were a festive touch that set the tone for the event. Once the day arrived, guests were greeted to the welcoming sounds of jazz as Big Night Quartet played through the historic halls. A modern take on the daiquiri was served from a custom bar graced with signage designed by Meldeen and draped in tropical blooms by Botanical no. 9. Festive bites of crispy plantains, jalapeno crab croquettes and watermelon mojito shooters were passed as guests roamed the revitalized space. Crisp tables of white, decked out with lush tropical greens and bright flowers welcomed guests onto the breezy balcony for lunch. Modern twisted ghost chairs and Havana styled china by Premiere Event Rentals set the stage for the summer-style three-course meal. My personal favorite touch of the day was the place setting. We knotted colorful napkins and folded them around the black, gold and white place settings as a nod to the scarves Cuban women often don in their hair. We used mini pineapples to add a thoughtful and festive touch and guests found their seats through sleek Spanish tiles beautifully created by Boarding School Collective. 

Photography: Sophie Epton Photography | Event Planning + Design: Highland Avenue | Floral Design: Botanical No. 9 | Calligraphy: The Boarding School Collective | Invitations, Paper + Bar Design: Méldeen | Jazz Ensemble: Big Night Quartet | Props: Loot Vintage Rentals | Rentals: Premiere and Events

This Is How You Combine Timeless Romance + Modern Minimalism

Hello, wedding inspiration after my very own heart! Jenna McElroy Photography and Bespoke Events, with the help of Clementine Botanical Art, set out to combine the old with the new. They chose Laguna Gloria, a stunning, Italian-style estate located in Austin, and romantic wedding gowns by Alexandra Grecco and Linyage for that timeless aesthetic, then layered in a modern and minimal tablescape, provided by 10th Collection. The result literally took my breath away, so I’ll leave you to get lost in this enchanting gallery.

From Jenna McElroyFor the design of this shoot, Lindsay and I wanted to combine the ideas of old with new. Laguna Gloria is a beautiful estate turned museum and wedding venue in the middle of Austin. It is an oasis on the lake. The Italian style villa was designed after the owner’s honeymoon to Lake Como. We wanted to combine this masterful Italian architectural design with a modern and minimal tablescape, all tied up with a hint of romance.

It was important for us to keep the table design simple and clean. The plates, cups, and modern candle tapers from 10th Collection were ideal for the aesthetic. Clementine stunned with a floral centerpiece that was the flawless addition of color and movement to our minimal design. The Linyage and Alexandra Grecco gowns from Unbridaled added romance and movement. The minimal ring designs by L Priori were simple yet stunning. The ring paired against the paper design by Lazywood Lane perfectly married our idea of minimalism and timelessness.

This inspiration shoot was a reminder that the timelessness of this beautiful architecture can be paired with the minimalism of today to create a gorgeous design of old and new that any Bride would find appealing for her wedding day.

App CTA

App CTA

Photography: Jenna McElroy | Event Planning: Bespoke Events | Floral Design: Clementine Botanical Art | Wedding Dress: Linyage | Wedding Dress: Alexandra Grecco | Shoes: Bella Belle | Rings: L. Priori Jewelry | Hair + Makeup: Lola Beauty | Venue: Laguna Gloria | Bridal Boutique: Unbridaled | Candles: Creative Candles | Film Lab: PhotoVision Prints | Furniture + Tabletop Rentals: 10th Collections | Linen: Silk and Willow | Marbled Plates: Eliana Bernard | Paper Design: Lazywood Lane

This Bride Refused to Let a Little Rain Ruin Her Romantic Wedding Day!

You learn a lot during the wedding planning process and our favorite brides are the ones that share that first hand knowledge with other eager to learn ladies. Case in point: this blushing beauty who took a rainy forecast and turned it into a wonderful wedding adventure with the help of Heavenly Day Events. She crafted a letter to other brides who dread the raindrops and her words are wise – read on below and see the proof that rainy wedding days don’t mean dreary pics with The Mill Photography Studio’s gallery right this way!

Colors

From Heavenly Day EventsRain is one of the fastest ways to crush a bride’s spirit. Utter disappointment … the destruction of a vision that has been dreamed of and paid for penny by penny.

Though, as a seasoned planner, I’ve learned one thing: headspace can make or break the experience. Remaining positive is the best way to navigate those frustrating challenges.

Our couple got married in the Texas Hill Country and when rain clouds threatened their day, they made a choice. It was still going to be the best day ever, no matter the muddy dress and noodle hair. They handled things so well that I later asked the bride if she would write a letter to a future bride facing a rainy day and her words are words that all couples could benefit from hearing. It rained the entire day and seeing how beautiful images can be, despite the grim, is a testament to hiring a professional photographer that will go the extra mile.

Before jumping into her sweet letter, I think it’s also important to note that their positivity rubbed off on the vendors. We couldn’t have been more proud to serve them. The photographer was literally laying in a mud puddle to get these images. Everyone was soaking wet and pretty chilly but none of us cared. We just loved that they were having a good time.

Here is the letter.

Dear future rainy day bride,

You don’t know me – but we have a lot in common. We’re both Texans, 2017 brides, we’re both obviously super smart because we both hired Amber and now it sounds like you might get to join the rainy day bride club. I know you might be thinking that it’s not necessarily a club you want to be a part of right now. It’s not what you envisioned, everything is outside, you might be a little concerned people aren’t going to have fun, your dress may get dirty, your Jimmy Choos are going to sink in the MUD – the list goes on.

Just a few weeks ago, on March 4th – I was in your shoes and facing the same predicament. I was getting married at an all outdoor venue and months out (I may or may not have started looking January 4th) it was looking like rain on March 4th. I inquired in Farmer’s Almanacs, I enlisted my wedding party to do rain dances, I tried it all to get it to not rain on our big day but by Wednesday March 1st, it was time to face the music. It wasn’t just going to rain on my wedding day, it was going to POUR. Mother Nature and I simply just weren’t on the same page about how we envisioned March 4th.

Admittedly, I was really pouty about it. That was until that Friday before all of the festivities were about to begin. Chris (my now husband) sat me down in the car and insisted that I pout for the next 30 minutes but after those 30 minutes are up – it was time to move on. He reminded me of all the hard work I had poured into planning this day, that this was likely the only time in our lives when all of our friends and family would be in one location ready and eager to celebrate us, and that while this grand event that we had looked forward to for months hadn’t included rain in our heads, it was only seven hours of rain on our wedding day and according to everyone else, nothing but blue skies ahead for the rest of our lives. So that’s what I did. I sat, and I cried and when those 30 minutes were up, I moved on and decided to choose to be positive for the rest of the weekend. No matter what the weather was, at the end of the weekend, I’d be married to the man of my dreams – and that’s what this is really all about! You’re getting married!!

This week, as your big day approaches, I’d encourage you to do the same. It might sound a little silly – and Amber can be a great shoulder to cry on if you need – but just let it all out. Cry like a baby, pout about it and then leave it behind you and stay positive – because this is the day you’ve been waiting your whole girl life for! When March 4th rolled around it was pouring down rain but I was cool and calm as a cucumber. I knew I was in good hands with Amber and her team (btw, you’ll have to get her to tell you the time she handled a wedding in a tornado). All of the vendors totally picked up on my positive attitude and I really feel like they went above and beyond their already amazing selves to make my day the most wonderful.

Looking back, some of my best memories of that day revolve around the rain – and not to mention, my most favorite pictures. We’ve had friends come up to us for weeks saying that our wedding was the most fun they’ve been to in months and that they didn’t even notice the rain half of the time (that maaaay have been alcohol induced?).

Anyways, that’s my completely unsolicited advice, but it served me well and I was happy to provide it to another soon-to-be fellow rainy day bride. It’s a fun club a few other friends of mine are in as well… now we have a new found laughter about Alanis Morisette’s Ironic :)

And just remember at the end of the day, no matter how nervous or stressed, excited, overwhelmed and all of the other feelings you might be feeling right now, just remember that your very best friend is going to be on the other side of the altar just waiting for you and that’s all that matters anyway. Everyone is there to celebrate you guys – and they don’t mind getting a little wet!

PS.Try to take in EVERY single moment, it will be over before you know it!

Sincerely,

The Bride


App CTA

App CTA


Photography: The Mill Photography Studio | Event Planning: Heavenly Day Events | Floral Design: Wild Bunches | Wedding Dress: Hayley Paige | Cake: 2tarts Bakery | Catering: Royal Fig Catering | Hair + Makeup: Andrea Juarez | Band: Matchmaker Band | Transportation: Margarita Madness | Wedding Venue: Gruene Estate | Bar: Margarita Madness

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here
Choosing Traditional Over Trendy Totally Paid Off

For this Bride, her main wedding goal was to create a celebration that was timeless in its beauty. So anything trendy or that would seem out of place in her grandmother’s or mother’s wedding was out and with the help of Events by Sarah, the result is the most beautiful of ballroom affairs held at the Houston Country Club. From the Carolina Herrera princess gown to the beautifully draped reception, this wedding is all about elegant details and they shine through in the images by Amalie Orrange. See the full celebration right here.

My goal was to create a wedding ceremony and reception that felt timeless, elegant, and graceful. I had a tendency to chose traditional over trendy and classic over contemporary, but all the while ensuring that pops of our personality shown through to make our decor unique. The trick I used to make a decision if I was unsure about a decor item was “Would this have been out of place at my mother’s wedding? How about at my grandmother’s wedding?”. Perhaps that seems to simplistic, but if I didn’t think it stood the test of time, I didn’t want to incorporate it into our special day!

When you walked in you first saw a beautiful willow arch with orchids draping from it as though they were growing. It was a WOW piece that felt classic and beautiful, but was also unique. Our family fell in love with orchids when we lived in Singapore, and it was fun to incorporate the flower into the wedding in a way that made the florals more personal.

Our wedding crest was another important aspect of our design. We had a crest custom water colored for us and we are so glad that we did. It was a beautiful yet simple way to customize items like menus, place cards, and cocktail napkins and tied our decor items together well.

I also adored the fact that I tried to utilize my talented friends and family members in ways that I could. My bridesmaid Bess Garison put together a stunning water color map of Houston for our out of town guests, and my new sister-in-law and bridesmaid Laurel made our caligraphied escort cards and place cards.

I should also note that one of my favorite aspects of planning the wedding was seating all of my guests to the place (I do admit that this can be the most frustrating!). When you do this, you are committing to spending a lot of time really thinking about the guests that you have coming and considering who they may enjoy meeting and spending time with at your wedding. I found that my guests appreciated this attention to detail more than I thought they would, and I keep getting notes about how many new friendships were formed at our wedding. As an added bonus, I really felt like I knew who was in the room and knew generally where I could find our guests so that I could greet them.

We spent time putting together a memory table with photos of our parents’ and grandparents’ weddings on both Jordan and my side. This was a very sweet touch and brought back many happy memories for everyone.

I wish I could say the entire day. But I think my favorite moment was saying our vows to each other. Jordan and I spent a long time writing our own vows. We used the traditional vows as our template, and line by line we wrote down exactly what these traditional christian vows meant to us in our own words. The results were vows that were extremely personal, but also reverent and meaningful. Looking into Jordan’s eyes as he said his vows, and as I returned mine, is a sight I am sure I will never forget.

Photography: Amalie Orrange Photography | Videography : Nate Puhr | Florist: Susie Miller | Cake : Peter Hobi- Alphorn Bakery | Ceremony : River Oaks Baptist Church | Reception Venue: Houston Country Club | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids dresses: Bloomingdales | Band : Memphis Train Revue | Ceremony Music: Divisi Strings | Dance Floor: Mikes Dance Floors | Escort Cards and Place Cards: Laurel Smiley | Grooms White Dinner Jacket: Ermenegildo Zegna | Brides Dress: Carolina Herrera | Draping and Specialty linens: Blooming Gallery | Get away car: Monarch British Limousines | Hair/Make-Up: Hey Lovely Makeup | Paper goods: Katie & Co. | Planning and design : Events By Sarah | Rentals: Elegant Chairs | Wedding Crest : Jennifer Ashley Design | Wedding Map: Bess Garison

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
Video Photography
Nate Puhr View Portfolio
Pops of Color Make This Garden Party Wedding

This Bride originally thought she wanted a neutral palette for her spring wedding in Houston – that is, until she saw a photo of a romantic and colorful bouquet that completely changed her vision! We are so glad she entrusted F. Dellit Designs with the task of incorporating pops of color into her gray-toned wedding, because the final look captured by Courtney Leigh Photography couldn’t be more perfect for this garden wedding.

Colors
Styles
Romantic

From the Bride… When Andrew and I started to dream about our wedding, we didn’t know the specifics, we just knew that we wanted something that reflected us well. One of our favorite things is to gather with our friends and family, preferably somewhere outside, and just hangout and share good food together. We like to host people. So for our wedding, an outdoor celebration with all of our friends and family gathered together was the true foundation of what we wanted. Throw in some of our favorite foods, great music, and string lights, and you’ve got our perfect party.

Once we found the River Oaks Garden Club, everything else fell into place nicely. The garden club is a gem in the middle of the city and made the perfect backdrop. It was filled with green and trees, so we didn’t need many decorations, which was great because we wanted to keep our wedding simple and filled with natural beauty. Our colors were classic, natural, and again simple. We both love the color gray, and gray Bridesmaids’ dresses and table cloths seemed like a nice complement to the gardens as well as to the guy’s black tuxedos.

The flowers were inspired by a photo I had seen of a brightly colored bouquet of loose flowers. I fell in love with it and went from wanting neutral colored flowers to bright pinks, oranges, and yellows with ivory and greenery accents. Our florist, Fawn of F. Dellit Designs, did an amazing job of bringing that inspiration to life. We loved our flowers and loved the pop of color around the gardens – they were perfect for spring time.

With an April wedding in Houston, there was a good chance it could rain, but that Saturday we got so lucky with amazing weather. Not only did it not rain, but it was a perfectly blue skied evening with cooler temperatures and even a breeze! That is a big deal in Houston!

The most meaningful moments of that day are the many times I would look around and see all of the people we love most gathered together to celebrate with us. I loved exchanging our vows beneath the trees with them, sitting at long tables with them, and dancing to a killer band beneath string lights with them. I would look at all of this happening and then look back at Andrew and know that everything was just right. And now I’m carrying those sweet wedding day memories with me and looking at him still thinking the same thing.

App CTA

App CTA

Photography: Courtney Leigh Photography | Cinematography: Keith Skills | Event Planning: Heather Benge Events | Floral Design: F. Dellit Designs | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Cake: Cakes by Gina | Ceremony Venue: River Oaks Garden Club | Shoes: J.Crew | Catering: Silverstone Events | Hair + Makeup: Adorne Artistry | Lighting: LG Entertainment | Band: Royal Dukes Band | Furniture Rentals: Lovebirds Vintage Rentals | Linen Rentals: Eb Inc Events

MustWatch_swash-01

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here