This next little number from Caroline + Ben Photography is so pretty, so absolutely darling I would pinch its cheeks if I could. And the Bride? Well she is the brains and beauty behind it all, and definitely deserves a round of applause for all the love she put into each gorgeous detail gracing this fête. There isn’t much that beats a backyard beauty, and this party proves just that. See it all here.
From the Bride… Our venue was our inspiration. We chose my family’s lake house in east Texas to be the site of both the ceremony and reception. My husband, Danny, then went in search of the perfect band to really set the tone for the evening. The Texas Gypsies gave us a dynamic mix of jazz, blues, and swing to amp up the atmosphere of the space. From there, it was my task to find that balance between the delicate gardens of the property and that awesome groove that The Texas Gypsies could provide. On the sign in table we included pictures of both parents and grandparent’s candid photos from their own weddings.Danny’s grandfather led the ceremony and was a great addition of personality and warmth. He wrote everything including the vows. I have a passion for cooking and set out to make a menu from scratch. Our caterer, Lisa with Adalante Catering was willing to be flexible with the menu and we ultimately served light salads, vegetable medleys and desserts. Everything was served at room temperature or chilled to help keep people cool.
We had a “blessing of the rings” where each guest was given the opportunity to bless the wedding rings (tied together with a ribbon) before passing to the next guest while a song played after parents and grandparents were seated. A small explanation of the blessing was tied to the bottom of the program which also served as a fan to help guests stay cool.
I spent four days with no human contact and only my dog to talk to as I made a ceiling of ribbon to be placed over the cake table and over the dance floor up on the porch. It totaled 3,000 yards of ribbon. That’s 300 football fields, and I almost pulled my hair out! With the exception of Wedding Day deliveries and vendor set up (rentals,etc) my family and I built and installed everything: outdoor lighting, dance floor railings, the garden arch used in the ceremony, stone paving – everything to prepare the property. My mom in particular is solely responsible for all of the gardens in both design and execution.
I have a background in art and felt fairly confident that I knew what I did and did not want as an overall aesthetic. When it came to executing that vision, I relied on my maid of honor for design input and never hesitated to ask for each and every vendor’s particular opinion. I wanted to keep myself grounded and realistic and I think that is what led to the ultimate success of the wedding.
Wedding Photography: Caroline + Ben Photography | Wedding Venue: Family Home in East Texas | Floral Design: Barbara from La Te Da Flowers | Wedding Planner: Kay Watson | Caterer: Lisa from Adalante Catering | Wedding Invitations + Stationery: Aubrey Bonneau from The Three Co. | Band: Texas Gypsies | Wedding Dress: Blush Bridal Lounge | Jewelry: Vintage | Bridesmaids’ Attire: Nordstrom | Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse | Hair: Cheryl from Rhonda Makeup