A French Garden Inspired This Couple’s Whimsical Summer Wedding

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December 4, 2023

The Planning

Design / Vibe / Vision

This multi-day event was a testament to their love inspired by their current life in Texas, their love of summers in the Hamptons, and a deep connection to their Jewish heritage. Every detail was meticulously curated, from the custom bridal gown delicately embroidered to the lavish apple green florals that adorned the venue. The showstopper was the Hidden Garden Oxford head table linen that added an extra layer of opulence to the affair. It was a celebration that seamlessly blended timeless elegance with coastal charm.

Proposal Story

In the heart of Austin, Kali Lang and Sam Raphael's love story began one balmy September night in 2018. Kali, dining at La Griglia with her parents, crossed paths with their friend Suzy Landa, who saw destiny's hand at play. Suzy, knowing Sam lived in DC, believed he was Kali's perfect match. A swift call from Suzy to Sam's mother, Lynne Raphael, set the stage for a serendipitous encounter. Unbeknownst to them, destiny had already been in motion. Days earlier, Kali playfully asked her college friend Graham Shuping about tall, single men in DC. To her surprise, Sam, Graham's best friend, was the answer. Their hearts were already entwined when Lynne called Sam. Their first date was a revelation, sparking an undeniable connection. Love blossomed, laughter filled their days, and they embraced a journey guided by fate. Sam proposed to Kali by the serene waters of Town Lake, where they then celebrated their engagement with family and friends.

Getting Ready

Bridal Portraits

Flat Lays

First Look

The Fashion

Wedding Gown

Kali's journey to find the perfect wedding gown was a tale of serendipity and a sprinkle of magic. It began as a lighthearted excursion, with two bridesmaids, Alex and Leslye, and her sister, by her side, visiting the iconic Kleinfeld's in New York shortly after their engagement. Later, Kali embarked on a more earnest dress-shopping adventure with her mother and sister in Houston, exploring five boutiques over two unforgettable days. Finally, the gown of her dreams unveiled itself at Brickhouse Bridal in Houston. Yet, Kali's quest for perfection did not end there. Two weeks later, she returned with her bridesmaid and cousin to reconfirm that the chosen dress was the one, adding a touch of custom lace to the back—a detail that would make her heart sing on her special day.

Bridesmaid Dresses

Ensuring that her bridesmaids looked nothing short of spectacular, Kali set four essential parameters for their dresses: a captivating ice blue color, elegant floor-length design, a preference for no strapless styles, and a resolute decision to steer clear of floral patterns or prints. With her vision clear, Kali skillfully matched the dresses with the venue and florals, resulting in a cohesive and visually stunning bridal party. The bridesmaid dresses from Mac Duggal, Show Me Your Mumu, Azazie, and Bex and Co. brought Kali's dream to life.

Groomsman Attire

In line with the wedding's classic black-tie dress code, Sam and his groomsmen donned timeless black tuxedos. Aided by their astute photographer, they ensured each tuxedo was expertly fitted, ensuring a sharp and sophisticated look that would stand the test of time.

Wedding Party

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

The Details

Food & Drink

Family was at the heart of Kali and Sam's celebration, and they wanted their guests to feel the warmth of that connection. Choosing a Family-Style dinner service, the couple encouraged their loved ones to bond and share stories, just as they had shared many memorable dinners together. Royal Fig Catering, their chosen caterer, sourced the entire menu with organic ingredients locally from the Texas Hill Country, and paired those ingredients with an open bar. The aroma of tender ribeye steaks topped with chimichurri as an entree filled each guest's nose with the essence of a beloved southern home.

Florals & Decor

The wedding was a floral paradise, with lavish arrangements that graced every corner. The couple didn’t want a standard green and white wedding because it didn’t fit their monochromatic French country garden aesthetic. Instead, they chose bells of ireland florals to make the greens much more vibrant and whimsical.

Wedding Cake

The wedding cake was a masterpiece inspired by family tradition. It had lemon cake tiers, adorned with fresh strawberry preserves in place of strawberry cream, paying homage to Texas's rich culinary heritage. It also had a layer of sumptuous chocolate cake with chocolate ganache inspired by the bride's grandmother's secret recipe, adding an extra layer of sweetness to the celebration.

Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs

Love and wisdom flowed throughout the ceremony, with the parents and grandparents of the couple imparting their timeless insights during the Ketubah Ceremony. Vows were exchanged amidst golden hour photos and the jubilant horah dance. A 50+ person conga line to the electrifying tunes of Lizzo brought the dance floor to life. Their DC friend Kaileen serenaded the couple with "You've Got the Love," creating an unforgettable moment of tenderness. The groom's best man, ever the prankster, surprised everyone by donning a banana suit when delivering the Bananarchy—a hilarious nod to their shared history. As the night drew to a close, Kali and Sam shared their last dance as a newlywed couple, swaying to the beautiful melodies of "Diamonds and Gasoline" by Turnpike Troubadours. It was a wedding day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories—a day that embodied the essence of a coastal dream come true.

Special Detail #1

Kali decided to give her something blue to her bridesmaids. Gifting each of her bridesmaids a blue eggshell leather jewelry box with their monogrammed initials in a stoney clover style. Each gift was waiting with a handwritten note from Kali for the ladies upon their arrival to the wedding venue.

Special Detail #2

Because Kali and Sam grew up in DC, they wanted to give their families a genuine Texas experience. They leaned all the way into southern culture for their rehearsal dinner, with the location, dress code, decor, and of course Texas barbecue for the meal.

Special Detail #3

The bride’s great uncle Richard (aka Dua Lipa Grandpa) received the surprise of a lifetime going on Jimmy Fallon and meeting Dua Lipa (video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHH69xT4vKw&t=11s) To pay tribute to his love for Dua Lipa, they had a special moment for the band to play his favorite song at the wedding with a spotlight on him!

Couple Portraits