Texas Wedding Ideas and Inspiration - Style Me Pretty

We’re Celebrating With This Incredible Camp Lucy Wedding!

In case you missed it, this week is the 10th birthday of our Little Black Book! Isn’t that incredible!? And we couldn’t think of a better way to keep the celebrations going all weekend long than to share this insanely beautiful Camp Lucy wedding, which shows the magic that happens when Little Black Book members like Jenna McElroy, Westcott Weddings, and Lovely come together. Trust us, you’ll be coming back to this swoon-worthy gallery all weekend long – just add bubbly, and we’ve got ourselves a proper celebration. Cheers to 10 years!

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From the Bride, Jerika… Harry and I met at Texas Tech University through a mutual friend. Although I had already heard of him, we did not get the chance to really get to know each other until my senior year of school. After we met officially, we hit it off! He had this genuine and confident demeanor that I was so intrigued by from the start. After school, Harry and I both ended up in Fort Worth, Texas (my hometown) and knew that it was the place we were going to start our family. After four years of dating, Harry surprised me and said we were going to dinner with friends, however we ended up in my parents’ backyard with a very romantic setting of glowing candles and white rose petals, and he proposed! It was perfect for us, and the best part was that he had both of our families and close friends there at my parents’ home ready to celebrate with us! There was champagne, toasts, dinner, dessert, and we had quite the night to remember.

When it came to planning our wedding, we knew we wanted something intimate and elegant yet still upscale. We also knew we wanted it to feel very personal to who we are as a couple and to incorporate unexpected details that were true to us. One of the most important things to us was our guests’ experience; we wanted to create a beautiful day not only for us, but also for our family and friends.

As a designer for a homebuilder, I spend much of my time on the details of beautiful spaces, so when it came to the planning process of our wedding, I really had my hand in every aspect and detail involved. With the help of my wedding planner, Ellen Westcott, and a whole list of amazing vendors, it truly became better than I could have imagined! It also could not have been possible without the help of my amazing mother, who helped me with every decision and was there with me through the whole journey. She is the absolute best person and partner in crime!

There were many things that helped make for a very special event, including great food, bar, entertainment, and company. However the details of the day really made it so special, including the welcome baskets that welcomed our guests to Camp Lucy, the urns at the ceremony that were from my mother, the acrylic table numbers at dinner that matched our custom crest, and the tulips placed at each plate at the head table. Plus all of the paper goods (which were so fun to design and had such a romantic feel!), including our custom watercolor crest which became the signature design of the day, our invitations with floral liners, and my FAVORITE – a watercolor on the napkins of our dog, Piper!

My bridesmaids and I started out the morning sipping on mimosas and hot tea in Camp Lucy’s’ Bridal Suite. It was such a relaxing morning leading up to the ceremony. We had stayed in the extremely elegant cabins on site at Camp Lucy since that Wednesday night leading up to the wedding, so it made that morning so much more anticipated. By the afternoon, I got changed into my dress. The gown was originally strapless, and we had a custom topper sewn onto the dress created by Nardos Design. It was everything I wanted – simple and classic yet with a feminine, couture look!

Later that evening, the ceremony started. The natural surroundings of the ceremony space of Sacred Oaks speak for themselves. It was like a fairy tale with the teak slatted chairs for the guests, the string quartet playing in the background, and the willowing branches with white delphinium florals hanging above us. Ceremony then flowed into cocktail hour on the terrace and lawn behind the pavilion of Sacred Oaks for guests to enjoy champagne, wine, the signature gin cocktail (which we named after our dog, Piper), and delicious hors d’oeuvres including petite black pepper biscuits with country ham and caramelized pear mustard, bacon wrapped quail breast drizzled with habanero nectar, and lump crab cakes with tarragon caper-aioli. The terrace and lawn felt like the perfect mix of elegant and natural with the green cypress and pops of pink floral in the vines hanging off the pavilion. It felt like a private Italian villa. Guests were then led to dinner under the sperry tent to the right of the lawn. After sunset, feasting on southern comfort cuisine, and sipping wine, everyone headed into the large pavilion where we danced and celebrated into the night!

There were so many memorable moments from the wedding, but I would have to say the moment that I keep going back to is our candlelit dinner under the sperry tent on the lawn. I wanted everyone to feel loved on and comfortable as if they were coming to our home for a lovely celebration. It was right after our ceremony, and not only was it absolutely STUNNING in the tent, but hearing the toasts and seeing all of the joy and laughter from our friends and family meant the world to both Harry and me. That was the moment I was looking most forward to, and that is the moment I will never forget! The night was such a perfect mixture of intimate and elegant.

It had been quite a journey for us during the planning process. Three months before the wedding, my dad passed away from a long fought battle with Leukemia. All of the details of planning this wedding melted away. My main focus became my family and the relationships with the people I love most. Everything gets put into perspective. Our family has always been extremely close, so my big brother walked me down the aisle. Something that was very special to me was the boutonniere my dad was supposed to wear. We had already ordered it, and I wanted to use it in a special way. So in the ceremony right next to the aisle, we had a table with a picture of my dad and me, a candle, and my dad’s Bible with the boutonniere he was to wear placed on top of the Bible. Although I knew my dad was already going to be with me on the day of, having those pieces there made me feel so comforted during the whole ceremony. I knew I wanted to do something for him in a special way, and this was perfect for me! I felt such a joy on the day of. It was truly unlike anything I can explain, the amount of pure joy and calmness I felt the entire day. I knew he was with me. My faith in the Lord got me through those three months, the day of, and ultimately every day since then.

One thing I learned during the whole planning process was the power of being present amidst the chaos, such as making an effort to be present at my bridal showers, my bachelorette party, and other events. I was reminded that people are the most important part of any season! For future bride, be present with your loved ones not only on the months and days leading up to your wedding, but also on the day of. Be present with your family, your best friends, and most importantly, your groom!

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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Hayley Paige

Spring 2014

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Blush by Hayley Paige

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Fall 2016

Spring 2017

Blush by Haley Paige

Spring 2018

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Make the Most of Your Magnolia Market Trip!

Chip and Joanna have captivated the nation during their soon-to-be five seasons of HGTV’s Fixer Upper, from their incredible home transformations to their completely endearing personalities. So a visit to Waco, Texas to see the duo’s Magnolia Market at the Silos – a marketplace where you can shop for home goods, play lawn games, unwind in an adorable garden, and nibble on one of Jo’s famous sweet treats – is on many a Fixer Upper fan’s bucket list! I recently took a long weekend trip down to Waco for the 3rd annual Silobration at Magnolia Market and can confirm – it lives up to every ounce of praise. That’s why when Cassie Conforti’s pics from her recent trip to Magnolia Market landed on the SMP Living desk, we knew we had to share. Get inspired by all the pretty at the Silos, plus Cassie shares her expert tips for making the most out of your visit!

We all love us some Chip and Jo, so you know I was excited to go on a girl’s trip to the Silo’s for their 3rd annual “Silobration” event. While we were there, we learned a few “Magnolia hacks” that we wanted to share with the world so that when YOU visit the Silos, you will be set to go!

Pack Light!

I visited with my mother and sister-in-law from Indiana, so we flew and only took a carry on bag, which meant we didn’t have much room to bring home ALL THE THINGS! (If you can drive, drive!) So I packed a pair of leggings, a t-shirt, some blush, and a toothbrush and called it a day, leaving lots of space for my shopping finds.

*If you find something amazing and it obviously won’t fit in your luggage, they have a FedEx shipping station in-store so you can send your purchases home. Yay! The lines do get long, though, so be prepared to wait.

Get a Cupcake (or a Cookie!)

The Silos Baking Co. is obviously one of the main parts of visiting the Silos, but the line can get long, especially when you are visiting on a weekend. Honestly I was just so happy to be at the Silos that the 15 minute wait was no big deal, but the nice thing is that the staff will only allow a certain number of people in the shop at once, so once you are in, it feels very intimate, and you can take your time looking and choosing from all the pastries. And once you have chosen, find a shady spot on the lawn (claim a striped beanbag if you can) and enjoy! The treats are amazing. My favorite was actually the “Classic Chocolate Chip” cookie – definitely one of the best I’ve ever had!

If the Bakery Line Is too Long…

There is a food truck in the back (in the form of an airstream) that has all of the same goodies as the bakery, but with a much shorter line.

Eat Lunch (and Dinner!) at the Silos

Joanna did a great job creating an experience where she wants you to stay a while. After your shopping is finished, there is a huge lawn area with games, lots of shade, and giant beanbags to sit, relax, and eat. While there were many temporary food trucks present for the Silobration, there are quite a few permanent ones at the Silos. My favorites were:

Cheddar Box (Gourmet Grilled Cheese)
Order THE BOSS. It’s gouda, bacon, and basil on sourdough. AMAZING!
Common Grounds
The iced coffee with the “special sauce” is crazy good!
The Airstream Bakery
Like I said, the Classic Chocolate Chip is amazing.

Even the Bathrooms Are Cute

And the cutest of all is the Bakery’s bathroom. If you watch Fixer Upper, you know there was pretty much a whole episode about that adorable bathroom, and it doesn’t disappoint.

If You Can Visit During the Silobration – Do It!

Anytime is a good time to visit the Silos and get some inspiration from our favorite girl, Jo, but the Silobration was really special. Every year in October, they celebrate the anniversary of opening the Silos, and 2017 was the third annual. For this event, they brought in 99 vendors all with the cutest stuff ever (think Joanna handpicking the best Etsy shops and bringing them to Waco, and that is the vendor lineup). Plus there was a two night concert event featuring Castro, Jon Foreman, and Johnnyswim, and an appearance by Chip and Jo themselves. Since we traveled pretty far, this made the two day trip worth it for sure!

Take the Free Trolley

There is a free trolley that picks up right outside of the Silos and does a trip around the downtown area of Waco. Once you are done at the Silos, get on the trolley and visit Spice Village. It’s a HUGE shopping area (air conditioned, which is important in Texas!) with tons of boutiques inside and wonderful food options. We ate at the Olive Branch for lunch, which prides itself on “homemade everything, even the salad dressing”. Our sandwiches on the homemade bread were incredible. There is also the Dr. Pepper Museum, Baylor University, and a food truck row down by the river all on the trolley route.

Sit in the Gardens

The Silos’ gardens are located in the back, near the Seed and Supply Shop, and they are pristine. When we were visiting, everything was perfectly in bloom, there were beautiful pumpkins (all muted whites, greens, and oranges) stacked everywhere we looked. There were a million places to stop for photo ops. It seemed people didn’t know it was back there because we had the place to ourselves.

Lastly, Don’t Forget to Visit Harp Co.

Fixer Upper fans, you know Clint Harp from the show. Well he has a small shop just around the corner from the Silos. Don’t forget to stop in and check out his beautiful wood working creations.

Photography: Conforti Photography | Shop: Magnolia Market

Spring Wedding Elegance With Some Serious Flower Power

Flower lovers, this one’s for you. Tucked inside this classic Dallas affair is what can best be described as floral heaven designed by The Wildflowers with mountains of blooms by Bows and Arrows, elegant calligraphy by The Left Handed Calligrapher and the prettiest images captured by Stephanie Brazzle. From a troop of precious flower girls to a 15-person a cappella gospel choir and a sea of flora, get lost in this timeless celebration at Arlington Hall at Oak Lawn Park, right here. And speaking of celebrations and awesome vendors, we’re celebrating 10 years of our Little Black Book today. Cheers to a fabulous decade of LBB! Now on with the show…

Instead of an elaborate Pinterest board, Mary presented five adjectives that expressed her vision—among them “elegant,” “intimate,” “timeless,” “fun,” and “Glory to God.” As a designer, there is no better way to bring a new vision of what we are celebrating than with the inspiration of words, feelings, and the personal story of the couple. Getting to know Mary made creating a storied setting exceptionally easy. Immediately my mind went to Eau de Nil, Café Au Lait, toile patterns, garden stone, Songs and Sonnets of Springtime, curtains of silk, all coupled together for a delightfully intimate family feel. The ceremony was classical and heavenly, with Bows and Arrows taking cues from the surroundings to create a happy complement of greenery growing along the pillars. The infinite subtlety is what truly made it magical. With a resounding nod to Mary’s “Glory of God” vision, a 15-person a cappella gospel choir drew back the curtain to Mary’s entrance, singing “Glory, Glory, Hallelujah.”

Après-ceremony, guests were invited to walk along the gardens of the venue, Arlington Hall at Oak Lawn Park, with cocktails, charcuterie, and a trio of jazz musicians waiting for them at the end of the pathway. With the sound of ringing bells, guests were invited to dinner, greeted by tables of Mary’s family’s silver trays serving their escort cards. Upon entering the windowed dinner marquee, drapings of tea rose silk welcomed the guests into a cozy, intimate setting. After a treat of port poached pear salads, chicken saltimbocca with prosciutto, red wine-braised short rib, and heart-warming speeches, guests entered the Great Hall for dancing, donuts, and revelry. As the night grew darker, guests guided the bride and groom to their getaway car with lights of sparklers, signaling the end to a magical evening.

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Bows and Arrows

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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!

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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Spring Weddings

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From Mint Photography… Kaitlin 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!

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Royal Dukes Band

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These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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Wedding Dresses

Badgley Mischka

Spring 2014 Bridal

2014 Bridesmaids

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Katie May

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La Vie en Rose

Katie May

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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!

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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36th Street Events

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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?

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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.

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Karli Strohschein

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These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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Wedding Dresses

BHLDN

Bridal 2016

Bridal 2019

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Wedding Dresses

Hayley Paige

Spring 2014

Fall 2013

Spring 2013

Spring 2015

Fall 2014

Spring 2016

Blush by Hayley Paige

Hayley Paige Occasions

Fall 2016

Spring 2017

Blush by Haley Paige

Spring 2018

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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!

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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36th Street Events

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Royal Dukes Band

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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 Design… Perched 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.

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!

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 McElroy… Kathleen 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.

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Royal Dukes Band

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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.

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.

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.

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 Photography… In 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!

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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Museum

From Grit + Gold… Jolene 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.

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

Seasons

Summer Weddings

Settings

Barn

Styles

Rustic

From Scissortail Stories… This 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!