Do you all love following our Blogger Brides‘ wedding journeys as much as I do? It’s always a pop-the-bubbly kind of day around here when one of our beauties gets hitched, and Olivia of Livvyland is no exception. From her adorbs mistletoe moment last year to how she picked her bridal accessories and now, her gorgeous shindig captured by Laura Morsman. So, raise your glass and head to The Vault with us—it’s a doozy.
From the Bride, Olivia Watson… Ohh my heart! It is still surreal to look back at these photos and relive such a special day. After a year of planning, showers, tastings, dress fittings and so much more, I had the honor of marrying my very best friend in front of our closest friends and family. Amidst the grounds of Villa Del Lago overlooking beautiful Lake Travis in Austin, Texas, with the sun glowing and a string quartet playing “Across The Universe” by The Beatles (the movie we saw on our first date in high school), we promised to stand beside each other as husband and wife forever moving forward. It was a day filled with so much love and happiness, unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before.
The inspiration behind our wedding was a pairing of classic glamour and whimsical romance. My grandmother’s sense of style always had a big impact on me growing up – she had such an old Hollywood grace about her, and I wanted to honor her aesthetic as I chose my dress, jewelry and hairstyle for the wedding. Though I tried on what felt like hundreds of dresses, when I slipped into my gown, I knew right away it was the one. My mom wore my grandmothers satin wedding dress, and it has the same neckline and overall silhouette as the one I chose. It felt like fate finding my dress, and it was a beautiful way for me to celebrate my sweet Mimi on our wedding day. From my satin gown with a statement bow at the back, to the festoon lighting strewn above our dinner table stretching across the lawn, the overall vision for our wedding came together perfectly. I remember taking a moment while seated at dinner to look down the table and relish in such a special moment with those we care about so dearly. It was truly dreamlike. Though our guest count was 150 people, the atmosphere felt intimate and sweet, which was our biggest hope as we planned the wedding.
Blake and I got engaged in May 2015 and decided a long engagement was best given our busy schedules. It was the absolute best decision and gave my mom and I time to plan the wedding together. Though planning a major event with hundreds of people in attendance is quite an undertaking, my biggest piece of advice to those planning a wedding with their mom is to relish in that precious time spent together. I know wedding planning can be overwhelming and stressful at times, but remind yourself to enjoy the journey and know that these moments are fleeting. I was and still am so appreciative for the incredible amount of time and effort my mom put into our wedding. From meeting with our florist six times, to selecting the wedding cake flavors, to ordering the 13 stunning Joanna August bridesmaid dresses and hand-addressing hundreds of invitations, she was without a doubt the definition of Superwoman. I am so thankful that showing gratitude to her throughout the process made for an enjoyable planning period that we can both look back at fondly.
Another piece of advice I can give bride-to-be’s is to keep the meaning of your wedding at the core of planning. While of course the flowers and décor play their part, what’s most important is the celebration of love and the union of two people. When I would get stressed out, Blake did a great job reminding me what our wedding was about – us. Don’t sweat the small stuff (I promise it will come together in the end) and remember the purpose of your wedding. Keeping that in mind helped me to stay calm throughout the months leading up to our big day.
When the morning of our wedding finally arrived, we woke up to a feeling of genuine bliss. The sun was shining and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Before Blake and I parted ways in preparation for the wedding, we took a drive to visit Blake’s mother’s gravesite and take in a calm moment together. I was so fortunate to have known Barbara when we dated in high school, and it was important to us that we recognize her on this monumental day. Her beautiful spirit was all around – from the vibrant sunset during the ceremony, to the breeze amid the trees and the single pink rose that Blake held in her honor as he walked down the aisle, she was certainly with us and so proud of Blake.
The bridal party arrived in the early afternoon to start getting ready at the estate adjacent to Villa Del Lago pavilion. I surprised everyone with the cutest floral robes by Plum Pretty Sugar and Blake’s cousin kindly kept restocking pink champagne for everyone as we got our hair and makeup done. We definitely felt like princesses – it was so much fun! I rarely have my makeup done professionally, but Monica at NAAVA Salon gave me such a gorgeous, natural yet enhanced look for the wedding. I liked a darker lip with full lashes and she achieved it perfectly! My glamorous hair (that stayed put all night!) was beautifully styled by Shannon at West End Salon. These ladies were a glam squad dream team!
Guests arrived to the outdoor venue greeted by chilled wine, a string quartet and a stunning lounge area outfitted by Loot Vintage. I about died when I saw that striped and gold sofa back during the planning period, and knew immediately it had to be at the wedding! It effortlessly exuded that classic, glamorous feel I adore so much.
As the sun was setting, I took my dads’ arm and we walked across the steps and towards the aisle. Blake and I opted not to do a first look, so with tears in my eyes and a heart so full it might burst, I glanced up and we locked eyes for the first time that night. To this day, I have never seen a smile so big on his face. I made my way to him and as we took each other’s hands, he mouthed “I love you so much,” and it was everything I ever wanted in that moment. I was so fulfilled. There we were, those same two teenagers who fell in love nine years ago…all the way to the young adults dressed in a tux and a wedding gown, professing their everlasting love for one another. We’ve changed a lot through the years, but our hearts have always remained connected.
What a feeling it is to promise your love to someone, surrounded by the people who matter most to you. Just like love, it’s not something to be described, it’s something to be felt.
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Engagement | Reception Dress Tips | Save the Date Photo Session | Holiday Photo Session | Bridesmaids’ Gifts Inspiration | How To Pick Your Bridal Accessories | Why I Asked My Best Guy Friend to Be My “Bridesman”
Blogger: Olivia Watson | Photography: Laura Morsman | Floral Design: Whole Foods | Catering: Whole Foods | Invitations: Minted | Day-Of Coordination: Debi Hamilton | Maid Of Honor Dress: BHLDN | Hair: Shannon Carr | Bridal Makeup: NAAVA Salon | Chalkboard & Chair Calligraphy: Exquisite Squid | Bridesmaid Dresses: Joanna August | DJ: Toast Entertainment | Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux | Bridesmaids Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar | Flower Girl Dresses: David’s Bridal | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Furniture Rentals: Loot Vintage Rentals | Bridal Jewelry: Nadri | Pavilion: Villa Del Lago