These two sweeties really know how to craft a wedding. I’m talking mason jar candles, fab paper goods, burlap, lace and all kinds of crazy awesome DIYing, people. They (+ their amazing friends and family) are as talented as they come. And not only do they know how to create a fabulous wedding, they also happen to know how to throw a fantastic party. One with yummy BBQ, Elvis (!) and dancing ’till dawn. See every last fun-filled moment captured by Carlea J Photography right here… and prepare to get your pretty on.
From Carlea J Photography… Kristi and Aaron’s wedding was, without a doubt, one of the most creative/fun/beautiful weddings I have ever had the opportunity to be a part of. To say it was a production would be quite the understatement, as it took a crew of family/friends/wedding party members several months of prep and hours of setup the day of the event to pull it off. But the end result was sooo worth it! Every detail was handmade- from the wood burned signs to the hand-melted and scented mason jar candles, wrapped in lace and burlap, right down to the branches of seat assignment cards, and hand-painted mason jar drinking glasses at the head table, it was truly a labor of love.
The Tejas Hall at Texas Ole Town might as well have been made for Kristi and Aaron. It was the perfect backdrop for their rustic country wedding. The ceremony took place outdoors and was a showcase for Kristi’s five flower girls as well as one handsome ring bearer. Kristi made their headbands, and their rustic baskets were collected from different thrift shops throughout Texas. Kristi decorated them herself, and they were filled with peach and pink rose petals. Kristi and Aaron’s all-time favorite movie is the western, Lonesome Dove, so naturally the Lonesome Dove main theme song played first. Guests also enjoyed the instrumental versions of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.”
The officiant was Kristi’s childhood pastor, John Lockhart, from First Baptist Richmond. His message held several personal references to Kristi and Aaron’s relationship, including their love of nature and Kristi’s dad’s love of fishing. Kristi and Aaron sealed their love with a vow, a ring, and a kiss, and as they turned to walk down the aisle, The Monkees “I’m a Believer” blared out across the congregation!
After the ceremony, Kristi and her bridesmaids switched into cowboy boots for a true Texas reception, full of homemade barbecue, and all the Texas traditions, including the Aggie War Hymn. The Grand March, a traditional European wedding dance, enjoyed at weddings by past generations from both Kristi and Aaron’s sides of the family, was also a highlight of the reception. All guests paired up and followed in line to the beat of “under the double eagle” ultimately making their way through the long tunnel of people. They even had a surprise visit from Elvis! The bride’s cake was covered in a cascade of real pink and peach colored flowers and the grooms cake was a giant Lone Star beer cap, complete with a riddle on the underside. Personalized camouflage koozies and gold flip flops which acted as “dancin’ shoes” were also on hand. Close to 500 guests two stepped the night away before sending the happy couple off to Mexico!
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Wedding Photography: Carlea Wilson from Carlea J Photography | Reception Venue: Texas Old Town in Austin, Texas | Floral Design: Wimberley Flower Shop + WOW Factor Design | Bar Service: Texas Ritas Bartending Service | Wedding Cake: Irene Soechting (830.625.1351) | Groom’s Cake: Debra Vahalik (361.741.6700) | Wedding Cinematography: James Leist Video (361.293.5686) | DJ: Bryan Binder | Metal Decor Rentals: Mancino Iron | Wedding Dress: Celebrations | Flower Girls’ Attire: Pink Princess | Groom’s + Groomsmen Attire: Al’s Formal Wear Retail | Groom’s + Groomsmen Shirts + Ties: JCPenney | Hair: Nuance Salon & Spa | Makeup: Adrienne Pitkin from Makeup By Adrienne