Austin Wedding Ideas and Inspiration - Style Me Pretty

The Prettiest Pastels For This Al Fresco Fall Wedding

A no-show sun didn’t stop the fun – or the beauty at this Texas wedding. Far from it to be exact; the Bride is beaming, her maids are magic and the florals are absolutely gorgeous, thanks to Color Theory Collective. Brittany Jean and Little Gray Films captured them in all their pretty pastel hued glory and we’re left wishing that we were actual guests at this al fresco fete. See more in our gallery right this way!

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From Brittany Jean Photography… Lauren and Kurt may have been married on a sun-less fall day, but you would have never known being surrounded by all the bright, beautiful pastel florals beautifully curated by Color Theory Collective all day! As soon as the ceremony ended the guests were ushered to Addison Grove’s newly concreted grove where they shared their first dance amongst their guests holding sparklers around them. It was truly magical. Kali with Kindle + Gather designed this wedding with an intentional approach – she created the layout to encourage guest mingling during the reception, which also provided a large dance floor for the guests to enjoy throughout the evening. It was truly the perfect evening celebrating these two with everyone they love!

See Why Suspended Florals Are Here to Stay

It’s official. Suspended floral installations are here to stay. Check out this masterpiece by Bouquets of Austin at this rustic, elegant fête planned by Pearl Events Austin. Dramatic and utterly gorgeous, it was the perfect complement for this equally memorable wedding, and we’re giving it two thumbs up. Scroll on to see all the floral goodness captured by Jenna McElroy.

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From the bride… Prior to our engagement, our relationship had taken us across the country, but when Alan finally popped the question, the decision to have our wedding in Austin brought everything full circle. Alan and I fell in love with Austin, and though life brought us to a new home in Louisville, Kentucky, the city of Austin still holds both of our hearts. Alan is from Cleveland, Ohio, and as a Captain in the Army Reserves, he had guests coming from all over the country and abroad. I was born and raised in Texas and had lived in Austin for 6 years before moving with Alan to Kentucky. I was just dying to show our friends and family from across the nation, including my family from Arkansas, just how extraordinary a Texas wedding can be!

We began by choosing our wedding planner, Jennifer Seals of Pearl Events. To say that Jen was our rock is an understatement! Working with Jen felt like working with my best friend who just so happened to know everything there ever was to know about weddings. She guided us through every step of the wedding planning process and made my dreams of an elegant and rustic downtown wedding a stunning reality!

When picking our venue, we knew we wanted something a little different than many of the incredible wedding venues Austin has to offer. With so many friends and family coming in from out of town, it was incredibly important to Alan and I that our guests actually got to experience Austin! And for us, there was no place better than right in the heart of downtown! We fell in love with Brazos Hall when we saw it. It was full of this gorgeous, raw beauty with exposed beams and brick with a beautiful open-air second story that really felt like it could be anything we wanted it to be.

We really wanted our wedding to feel intimate and special for our guests. Terra Vista Strings made our outdoor, second story ceremony feel so beautiful with a mixture of classical music and special songs Alan and I handpicked for each other. Bouquets of Austin created a gorgeous, floral and greenery, asymmetrical hanging arch as the backdrop for our ceremony. The beautiful flowers, greenery, and magnolia leaves perfectly framed our ceremony in the city we love without hiding it’s beauty.

We chose to do a family-style dinner because we really wanted to be able to take the time to enjoy a meal with all of our friends and family. The Royal Fig created an incredible menu that felt comforting and indulgent at the same time. The meal we shared with our guests felt so intimate and special, but it wouldn’t have been complete without our beautiful wedding cake and groom’s cake from Simon Lee Bakery! Just in case the guests forgot that they were in Texas, we also had honey butter chicken biscuits (one of my absolute favorite fast-food indulgences) as a late night treat!

Throwing an unforgettable party that our guests would enjoy was one of the most important things to Alan and me in planning our wedding, so finding the perfect band was a daunting task. Blind Date delivered in the most incredible way! They went above and beyond to make sure that the night fit us perfectly while also making sure that all of our guests were having the times of their lives! They learned two incredibly special songs for our reception and played many more of our favorites at our request. I had mentioned to them that we both love 90s music, but I quickly followed up that I wasn’t sure that our guests could really dance to that. They managed to play N*Sync, Backstreet Boys, and a host of others, basically making my 90s fan girl dreams come true! They made the night so incredibly special for us, and we didn’t leave the dance floor until the flower petals started flying!

Our dance floor was highlighted by a beautiful and enormous hanging structure of flowers, candles, and greenery crafted by the floral gurus at Bouquets of Austin. I really wanted something incredible to make the venue feel like ours. Rather than having tall centerpieces, I fell in love with the idea of displaying mountains of our gorgeous wine and blush flowers and greenery hanging across the room over our head table. Bouquets of Austin made all of my flower-loving dreams come true – and then some! – with the beautiful hanging floral structure (which I so lovingly nicknamed “Steve”) that they created for us.

To top off our reception, we were lucky enough to have Hannah Lee live-painting our reception! Our guests loved getting to watch her recreate our wedding reception in a painting from start to finish. She was able to encapsulate so many little details and so much love on one canvas that Alan and I will treasure for the rest of our lives.

Our wedding day was far beyond anything that we could have imagined for ourselves! To say that it was the best day of our lives feels like an understatement. The stunning photos we received from Jenna McElroy serve as a daily reminder of just how blessed and loved we are and just how much we love each other. The memories we made on that day will carry us through a lifetime, and we are so so incredibly lucky to have such beautiful photos to share with our loved ones who helped to make our wedding day so very special.

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Wedding Dresses

Hayley Paige

Spring 2014

Fall 2013

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Spring 2016

Blush by Hayley Paige

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Fall 2016

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Spring 2018

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Unabashed Love for The Lone Star State Brought Them Together

They may be New Yorkers now but this Bride and Groom are true Texans at heart. Great mexican food and an unbridled love for The Cowboys put them on the path to everlasting love and when it came time for wedding planning, the location was a no brainer. Held at The Contemporary Austin, this outdoor celebration designed by 36th Street Events and floraled by Sweetwater Stems, is a mix of easy breezy neutrals and a nod to Midsummer Night’s Dream. Pore through every last gorgeous image photographed by Brett Heidebrecht right here.

From theBride… Spencer and I are native Texans so it seemed only appropriate to get married back home. We’re both originally from Dallas and we also separately attended The University of Texas at Austin so, needless to say, both cities hold a special place in our hearts. Now, I suppose we are New Yorkers but having that instant connection, those down-home Texas roots, was really instrumental in getting to know each other. You can imagine how nice it was to be with someone who understood things like . . . Texas football, good Mexican food and Bluebell Ice Cream. Plus, we’re both Cowboys fans living in New York City, so that immediately shot-gunned us to the realms of everlasting love.

All that said, it was important to us that we get married where our families raised us – in The Lone Star State. The question became “where”? As any bride, I wanted our wedding to be beautiful and timeless, but we also wanted to make it convenient for our family and friends who would be traveling from all across the country. We chose Austin, which was always high on my list because of it’s laid back feel. The City also catered to the intimacy we were seeking. It didn’t take long for us to settle on Laguna Gloria, an outpost of The Contemporary Austin, just minutes from downtown and serenely situated on Lake Austin. After visiting the site, I knew immediately it was the perfect fit. I love old historical buildings and Spencer really wanted to be outdoors; so it’s lush sculpture gardens and winding secret pathways nestled along the lake made the perfect backdrop for our intimate affair. Choosing The Contemporary Austin Laguna Gloria made the rest of the planning process easy. Spencer and I just wanted an evening under the Texas stars, eating good food, drinking good drink and spending quality time family and friends. Of course, great music and a boppin’ dance floor was important, too!

I had the help of a superstar wedding coordinator, Ren Newey from 36th Street Events. I told her my vision which included words like “ethereal” and “whimsical” and “midsummer night’s dream” – and gave her a gentle color palette of whites and off-whites that would enhance and not compete with the venue’s natural setting and flora. We also chose to tip our hat to my Mexican heritage from my father’s side by serving family-style Mexican cuisine. Ren executed all of this to perfection. She worked with my budget (which I loosened in some areas and buttoned up in others) and helped me secure a fantastic caterer and team of wedding vendors.

On our wedding day, I woke up to torrential rain and whipping winds (every bride’s biggest fear, especially for an outdoor wedding). Yet somehow, I knew everything was going to okay. I was getting married! And I was surrounded by my closest friends and bridesmaids who were keeping me cool and making me laugh as we got ready for the big day. And sure enough, by late morning, the clouds parted, the sun was shining and we were off to the races. My bridesmaids wore various styles of blush/nude colored silk chiffon gowns and my flower girl, also my future step-daughter, wore a simple white play dress adorned with rosettes at the waist. The grooms all wore navy suits including Spencer’s best man, his eleven year-old son.

Spencer and I chose not to do a “first look” with photographs before the ceremony, so the first moment we saw each other was when I walked down the aisle making it all the more joyful. We were both completely filled with emotion. Our ceremony was held in the late afternoon and was presided over by a Presbyterian minister, who we chose not only because of his long-standing relationship with my grandparents, but because we trusted him to perform a beautiful interfaith marriage. He incorporated aspects of each of our faiths mixing in traditions from both Catholic and Jewish ceremonies. (I’m Catholic and Spencer is Jewish). This was not only important to us but it was important to both of our families. To end the ceremony and commence the celebration my siblings surprised us with a mariachi band, secretly replacing the originally planned string quartet. This brought the house down, putting huge smiles on our faces and everyone else’s around us. It also set the tone for a great evening, kicking off with a cocktail hour featuring tacos, a queso/guacamole bar and ice-cold margaritas, and followed by chili rellanos, spinach and mushroom enchiladas, chili rubbed beef tenderloin and plenty of traditional sides for dinner. After dinner, we cut the cake and danced for hours on end to Motown music from the Matchmaker Band. It was truly a night to remember.

Brett Heidebrecht did an incredible job photographing our wedding weekend – from the Friday night honkey tonk hoedown to our wedding night beneath the Texas sky. He perfectly captured the essence of those days, the emotions and the joy. We cannot thank him, Ren and the rest of the team enough for making it an extraordinary affair and we are so grateful for our loving family and friends who were there to be a part of it all.

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A Stunning Al Fresco Wedding Planned in Four Months – See It To Believe It!

With a four month engagement, you might need to lower your expectations in regards to design and decor. There just simply isn’t enough time to go big and bold and beautiful, right? WRONG. Heavenly Day Events took this Bride-to-be’s four month engagement and ran with it… and delivered tenfold. From the florals to the reception details, this al fresco Texas wedding defies those expectations and then some. Sarah Kate captured it all, creating a gallery 100% worth diving into – start right here then check out the video by Ladybird Studios!

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From the Bride… When Erik proposed, we knew we didn’t want to wait long to get married and it was the BEST decision we made. I tend to be very Type A, which I think helped us doing it so quickly. Not only did I want to hurry and get things checked off our wedding planning list, but since it was a four month engagement, I didn’t have time to re-think everything and keep trying to do things differently.

Everything worked out just the way it was supposed to. Our dream team came together beautifully. Hailey, at Heavenly Day Events, recommended Rosemary Catering and I cannot begin to tell you how delicious the food was and how easy it was working with them! Numerous guests told me that it was the best wedding food they have ever had. Hailey and Rosemary’s took over all the details since I was an out of town bride. My whole wedding was planned with one trip to Austin and came together better than I could have imagined. I believe this all was possible because of Heavenly Day Events… they have a great working relationship with the vendors so it made it pretty painless to pull everything together (thanks Hailey!!!).

We wanted our wedding to be a laid back, fun experience for our guests. When we saw Laguna Gloria, we knew this would be the perfect setting as it gives you the ability to take your guests on an adventure. We were able to have our ceremony in an area with the most beautiful backdrop, send our guests on a short walk to a beautiful area under a gazebo for cocktail hour, then on another short walk to the reception – this allowed them to look at everything Laguna Gloria has on their grounds so they can enjoy where they are currently, without the desire to see what else is on the property.

My biggest planning tip to future brides is to pick where you want to spend your money and go with that – for us, we chose to spend it on FUN and to let our guests know how much we appreciated them traveling to celebrate Erik and I. I didn’t spend a fortune on my dress, as I knew that I would only wear that once and I was able to find my dream dress with my dream price tag. We put that money towards Sarah Kate (world’s BEST photographer in my humble opinion), a great venue, great food and drinks, and great music… things we will always remember. Our whole goal was to make the wedding an amazing experience for our guests, which is why it was easy to listen to Hailey. I knew I had the perfect team and they were in my corner.

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Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2015

Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Spring 2016

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This Candlelit Reception Will Stop You Dead in Your Tracks

Modern design lovers, you are in for a treat. This downtown Austin wedding comes baring gifts of edison bulb installation type proportions and it’s so, so good. Designed by Westcott Weddings and Clementine Botanical Art, see how Texas is bringing modern glamour to 800 Congress. See it all unfold, including a show-stopping Oscar de la Renta number, through stunning images by The Nichols.

This city wedding was perfectly classic and modern, with a show stopping Oscar De La Renta dress. Annie and Andrew were married in style in a beautiful ceremony at historic St. Mary’s Cathedral in downtown Austin. After they said their “I do’s”, their guests were welcomed into a romantic, candlelit reception, with draping greenery, while classic black and white movies ala Audrey Hepburn played on the back wall. While the bridesmaids bouquets incorporated jewel-toned pops of colors, they kept the color palette clean and classic for the reception decor with whites and lots of green, which brought the industrial space with exposed brick to life and created such a cozy atmosphere. After Annie and Andrew’s grand entrance, their guests dined and toasted at long family-style tables, then danced the night away in the magical setting. This downtown wedding struck the perfect balance of classic, modern, and romantic. Such a joy to document!

Festively Romantic Winter Wedding With Stunning Red and Green Florals

This Austin bride and groom show you can have a red and green December wedding without looking too Christmas-y. Let’s start with that bouquet! The deep red trailing bouquet expertly features varying shades of red, green and white without feeling like a holiday centerpiece. Boxwood wreaths, magnolia leaves and touches of gold and candlelight round out the romantic experience.

Planned by Highland Avenue and photographed by Sophie Epton, this is the perfect wedding to kick off your holiday weekend.

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Margaret & Cole are one of those couples that truly exude beauty both inside and out. The way they love each other and all of those dear to them is exceptional.

I knew this wedding was something special the first time I met the bride and she began telling me about her priorities for the day. She started with their dog, a great dane named Roman. She talked about his rides in the groom’s backpack as a puppy and sleeping curled up in their bed (despite taking up most of it) over the last seven years. She spoke of their worry that he wouldn’t make it until the wedding day due to his old age. He was seven years old, after all, and his anticipated lifespan was only 6 years. Thankfully he made it and what a gorgeous sight he was!

Next, she talked of visiting her grandparents in the summer and helping her grandfather plant two magnolia trees side by side in the yard. Every summer she would help water the trees and eventually climb them as they grew larger. When she and Cole met, she was surprised to learn that his family, too, had a strong connection with Magnolia leaves. His mother, an artist, often incorporated them into her work. It seemed only fitting when they decided to purchase their home together that it serendipitously had a magnolia tree in the front yard.

She continued on with stories of picking strawberries with her sister as a kid and wanting to honor her sister by serving her delicious strawberry jam as a gift for the guests at the wedding. What struck me about this wedding, and this couple, was the nod to all those around them who make their lives full and complete, and their desire to honor the memories that have shaped them into a couple.

Needless to say, when they asked Highland Avenue to design their December wedding, incorporating these elements became a priority, as was a focus on family. They dreamt of a romantic day that embraced the season in a warm and celebratory way. We incorporated the family’s history of magnolia leaves throughout and provided warmth with deep velvets, touches of black, beautiful golden patterns and lots of candlelight. The bride’s bouquet, beautifully created by Gypsy Floral, was full of dreamy texture and vibrant colors.

The bride’s sister owns a canning company and she gifted the couple the delicious jam favors that served as the guests’ escort cards. Their Great Dane, Roman, stole the show as he pranced down the aisle and mingled with guests. It was truly a memorable day full of family, warmth, and love!

A Rustic Elegant Texas Wedding with Beautiful Burgundy + Navy

These two may have toured Green Pastures while it was being renovated but they could feel the magic even then. And when it was all set to host their special day, it didn’t disappoint. It was the beautiful backdrop to this rustic elegant Texas wedding, full of burgundies, navy and gold and Pine and Blossom captured a gallery so gorgeous we can’t look away. Join us among all the goodness right this way!

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From the Bride… Kyle and I fell in love with our venue, Green Pastures, from the first day we toured it. We toured when it was under renovations, but believed in the vision and could feel the magic this place held in our city. We booked the very next day. The 19th century property has beautiful oak trees surrounding a Southern charm styled white house, is wonderfully landscaped, and even has peacocks on property. The bonus is that it is in the heart of Austin!

Since the venue brought so much charm and beauty, I wanted the wedding to complement it and not take away from the natural beauty. I envisioned a wedding that is simple and elegant. We had neutral tones, lots of natural greenery, gold picture frames and table decorations, and a pop of burgundy color in the flowers and bridesmaid dresses. The groomsmen wore navy suits with black ties and black shoes to help formalize the event without having them wear black tuxes!

The ceremony was on the front lawn surrounded by oak trees and a string quartet played traditional music as we walked down the aisle. The reception was filled with love and everyone had a great time on the dance floor! It was a perfect evening that my husband and I will never forget.

From Uptown Events & Travel… When Katie reached out to me about helping her with the coordination of her wedding day at Green Pastures, I was absolutely delighted. With such a special history at this venue, I was thrilled to see the place come to life with the beautiful renovations. It couldn’t have been more of a perfect setting for Katie and Kyle! It fit their style seamlessly – natural beauty, Southern charm and elegance. Katie’s centerpieces were simple yet stunning. The color palette showcased the Pantone color of the year – greenery and the pop of burgundy in the bridesmaid dresses and bouquets nicely accented the overall design. Adrien of Pine and Blossom Photography captured the details flawlessly!

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David's Bridal

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"Wonder" by Jenny Packham Bridal

"Wonder" by Jenny Packham Bridesmaids

David's Bridal Spring 2018

Oleg Cassini Spring 2018

WHITE by Vera Wang Spring 2018

Truly Zac Posen Spring 2018

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Beautifully Blurring the Lines Between Outdoors and In

Blurring the lines between outdoors and in, this downtown Austin wedding brings romantic garden vibes to the industrial loft backdrop of Brazos Hall. The result is a lush, greenery-filled garden reception masterminded by The Nouveau Romantics and beautifully captured by Ryan Ray, with a film by Filmstrong. It’s so pretty, you’ll forget it didn’t take place in the great wide open.

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From The Nouveau Romantics… From the very first meeting, Kathleen and Michael had their hearts set on an outdoor wedding, but as the bride’s hometown, with a significant amount of guests from out-of-town, they wanted to capitalize on a location that was convenient and minimized travel. Enter Brazes Hall, with our promise that we would do just that – bring the outdoors in to soften the industrial appeal of brick walls and upper deck’s modern styling. We developed a palette that was grounded in shades of green, with touches of white, cream, soft lemon yellow, and touches of lavender — the perfect compliment to the spring season of their May wedding. The day’s flow was an important consideration, as the late afternoon ceremony at the downtown St. Mary’s church linked into a cocktail hour on Brazos second floor open-air deck, downstairs for a lush, garden-inspired dinner, and then back upstairs for a enthusiastic dance party compliments to The Flashdance. Kathleen’s request for a lush, greenery-filled dinner experience in the indoor first floor came to life via dainty twinkle lights draped lightly across the wooden beams, greenery hanging atop the central Bridal party table, and an escort card “wall” of nude floor-length fabric surrounded by lanterns, florals, and even more greenery. Upstairs was designed around the idea of a “speak easy” and “living room” feel, as we surrounded the dance floor with 8 separate, unique, and coordinated seating vignettes from a variety of local Austin vendors that completely transformed the space. Adding in some 14’ draped curtains to the steel beams helped to create that intimate feel. The Flashdance delivered an epic dance party that was fueled by late night Whataburger snacks and a full-sized Amy’s Ice Cream sundae spread that guests are still talking about!

From the Bride, Kathleen… Originally from Austin, I had always wanted an Austin wedding and Michael was kind enough to agree! My dream had always been to dance underneath the Texas stars with our family and friends. As most of our guests were from out of town, we wanted them to experience Austin as we loved it. We picked St Mary Cathedral, across from the Capitol, for its gorgeous architecture. We later chose Brazos Hall, just a few blocks away, for the amazing rustic feel downstairs and upstairs rooftop. We wanted to have a the causal feel of Austin but with a touch of elegance. I fell in love with greens, ivory, and maudes because of their muted tones but wanted gold touches to add some elegance. Liz and the team somehow made everything come together with ease. We were so fortunate to have the most experienced and kind wedding planners, The Nouveau Romantics, who made our dreams come true. I had a unusual request of dancing on the rooftop patio (to accomplish that dream of dancing underneath the stars). Liz and the team made it the most gorgeous setting with lounge areas, candles, and lights to set a casual but elegant tone I was hoping for. They also had the best recommendations for vendors, which I think fulfilled the whole weekend. From the perfect weather in Austin during May, to our amazing photographer, videographer, DJ, and other vendors, we literally could not have asked for a more amazing day. The most wonderful part of the whole weekend was the love we felt from all of our guests. Our family and friends traveled all over the country to celebrate with us in Austin and we were so fortunate to be surrounded by such loving people. Its cheesy to day ‘it was the best day of our lives’, but it really was.

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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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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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!

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Royal Dukes Band

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Badgley Mischka

Spring 2014 Bridal

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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!

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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36th Street Events

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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!

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36th Street Events

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Royal Dukes Band

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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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Capturing the Spirit of Havana No Matter Where You Are

Highland Avenue invoked the color and essence of Havana for their recent party and you would swear it was all inspired by tile….really amazing balcony tile. It was a day to celebrate wedding industry greats and though it took place at the Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas it was nothing but Cuban vibes. Infused with the perfect tropical florals by Botanical No. 9, fun paper goods by Meldeen and Sophie Epton behind the camera, get inspired to throw your own Havana celebration no matter your local.

Adorned in gorgeous Romanesque Revival architecture, The Driskill Hotel is Austin’s oldest and most iconic hotel. Built in 1886, it has served as a welcoming haven for numerous past U. S. Presidents and historic events, and it continues to wow guests today. After two years of restorations to the hotel, the Driskill reached out to Highland Avenue Planning & Design to create an event to welcome Austin’s finest planners and industry friends back into the newly refreshed and gleaming space. Two beautiful balconies grace the hotel’s façade and serve as a welcome outdoor respite above the active streets of Austin below. The balcony tiles were one of the decorative touches updated during their recent renovations and they became the inspiration for the beautiful May luncheon. Lindsey Farrell from Highland Avenue took one look at the floors and knew they spoke perfectly to a modern Havana theme. The team at The Driskill agreed it was a great opportunity to showcase the historic hotel in a new and fresh light, and incorporating a colorful and tropical palate into the design would capture the environment perfectly. From Lindsey of Highland Avenue Events…The Driskill is such a special place and I was honored to bring their refreshed space to life for all to see! Prior to the event, we collaborated with Meldeen and Botanical No. 9 to create unique invitations that hinted to the theme with live tropical leaves and the hotel’s signature D applique. They were a festive touch that set the tone for the event. Once the day arrived, guests were greeted to the welcoming sounds of jazz as Big Night Quartet played through the historic halls. A modern take on the daiquiri was served from a custom bar graced with signage designed by Meldeen and draped in tropical blooms by Botanical no. 9. Festive bites of crispy plantains, jalapeno crab croquettes and watermelon mojito shooters were passed as guests roamed the revitalized space. Crisp tables of white, decked out with lush tropical greens and bright flowers welcomed guests onto the breezy balcony for lunch. Modern twisted ghost chairs and Havana styled china by Premiere Event Rentals set the stage for the summer-style three-course meal. My personal favorite touch of the day was the place setting. We knotted colorful napkins and folded them around the black, gold and white place settings as a nod to the scarves Cuban women often don in their hair. We used mini pineapples to add a thoughtful and festive touch and guests found their seats through sleek Spanish tiles beautifully created by Boarding School Collective.

This Is How You Combine Timeless Romance + Modern Minimalism

Hello, wedding inspiration after my very own heart! Jenna McElroy Photography and Bespoke Events, with the help of Clementine Botanical Art, set out to combine the old with the new. They chose Laguna Gloria, a stunning, Italian-style estate located in Austin, and romantic wedding gowns by Alexandra Grecco and Linyage for that timeless aesthetic, then layered in a modern and minimal tablescape, provided by 10th Collection. The result literally took my breath away, so I’ll leave you to get lost in this enchanting gallery.

From Jenna McElroy… For the design of this shoot, Lindsay and I wanted to combine the ideas of old with new. Laguna Gloria is a beautiful estate turned museum and wedding venue in the middle of Austin. It is an oasis on the lake. The Italian style villa was designed after the owner’s honeymoon to Lake Como. We wanted to combine this masterful Italian architectural design with a modern and minimal tablescape, all tied up with a hint of romance.

It was important for us to keep the table design simple and clean. The plates, cups, and modern candle tapers from 10th Collection were ideal for the aesthetic. Clementine stunned with a floral centerpiece that was the flawless addition of color and movement to our minimal design. The Linyage and Alexandra Grecco gowns from Unbridaled added romance and movement. The minimal ring designs by L Priori were simple yet stunning. The ring paired against the paper design by Lazywood Lane perfectly married our idea of minimalism and timelessness.

This inspiration shoot was a reminder that the timelessness of this beautiful architecture can be paired with the minimalism of today to create a gorgeous design of old and new that any Bride would find appealing for her wedding day.

Spring Lakeside Wedding With The Prettiest Shades of Blue

You might think the panic of an impending tornado would be enough to make a bride lose her cool – but not Kayla. She and her husband-to-be, Joe went with the flow and luck was certainly on their side. They enjoyed a wedding right at the perfect golden hour with their dearest ones along to celebrate. See how it all unfolded with captures from Brittany Jean Photography.

From Brittany Jean Photography… You would never know that Kayla and Joe’s wedding day was welcomed by a tornado warning – Kayla was so at peace with the fact that by the end of this day, she would have her sweet husband by her side, so the weather didn’t shake her one bit! Thankfully, the bad weather moved through town more quickly than anticipated and as they shared their first kiss, the clouds parted and brought us an incredibly gorgeous golden hour!

This was my first time back at Vintage Villas since their recent renovation and I have to say, they completely blew me away! I love the openness the space has now – better than I could have ever imagined. Kayla and Joe love being on the water – they got engaged on a boat! It was only natural that they promised each other forever with beautiful views of the lake. I cannot begin to count how many times I saw Joe staring at his beautiful bride in complete adoration all day. You can see it in the way he holds her, looks at her, and kisses her with so much intention, that she is the most incredible woman he’s ever laid eyes on.

A Modern Take on Texas Charm

Because their wedding was the first time many friends of the Bride and Groom would be traveling to Texas, it was important they find a venue that not only suited their personal styles, but also showcased Texas charm. When the couple visited Prospect House – a raw, gallery-like space set amidst the vibrant countryside – they knew they had found the venue for their modern, Austin nuptials. Scroll on to see the final look, captured beautifully by Jenny DeMarco Photography and Brad & Monica Wedding Films.

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From the Bride… Kent and I both spent many years living in New York and San Francisco, and most of our friends had never been to Texas. We wanted to choose a destination that would highlight Texas’s charm for our out-of-town friends. Prospect House was the first venue I researched after we decided to have the wedding in Austin, and we fell in love with it immediately.

Prospect House is sleek and modern but set in the beautiful Texas countryside, so I wanted to incorporate floral and greenery elements along with my favorite color (purple) to create a romantic vibe for the night. The clean design of Prospect House was a perfect canvas for us to add little touches throughout the venue, such as calligraphy and stationery designed by Michaela McBride. We created a relaxing lounge and a warm reception with floral details and candles so our friends and family could enjoy the night. Other details include the dessert bar, which consisted of some of our favorite desserts (pistachio macarons and tiramisu bites), and our favors were chocolate chip cookies fromTiff’s Treats, one of Kent’s favorite late night snacks in college.

Our favorite moments throughout the wedding were the heartfelt speeches from our officiant, friends, and family. My sister, Christine, even read a letter that I wrote her 10+ years ago that she had held on to, which brought me immediately to tears.

When High School Sweethearts Reconnect, the Result Is Beautiful

It’s something special when high school sweethearts tie the knot, but this bride and groom’s celebration at The Allan House planned by Westcott Weddings is especially heartwarming. Life had taken them in different directions after high school, but they reconnected and decided to finally say, “I do,” in a wedding as beautiful as their love story. From the draping by Marquee and linens by La Tavola to the floral arbor and bistro chairs, Julie Wilhite Photography captured every romantic detail.

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From Ellen of Westcott Weddings… Joanne and Jeff have one of my favorite love stories of all time! They were high school sweethearts – as in they attended their high school homecomings and proms together! After high school, college, and life took them in different directions until they reconnected several years ago through Facebook. They were able to pick right back up where they left off!

They envisioned an intimate, elegant celebration with their closest family and friends, and The Allan House provided the perfect backdrop. Working together, we designed around an “early spring” palette of lavender and plum, which worked out perfectly because we ended up getting a warm, spring-like day for their February nuptials! Joanne’s style is a bit more whimsical, while Jeff’s is more modern, so we worked to balance the two throughout the space. At the ceremony, lush florals and bistro chairs were paired with groupings of more modern, geometric lanterns and pillar candles. At dinner, guests dined under a ceiling of twinkling lights at long, feasting tables.

A couple of our favorite design details from the day: When we flipped the tent for dinner, the ceremony arbor became the perfect backdrop for their delicious lemon cake. Marquee installed beautiful, blush draping on the stage to frame out the DJ, and Clementine added growing greenery to complete the look and tie the stage in with the rest of the space. The purple color palette was perfect for their day – it was at once light and springlike and also romantic and moody.

What we’ll remember most, though, was all the love felt throughout the day. Each guest was truly overjoyed for them and thrilled to be there to celebrate. We also loved that Jeff and Joanne walked down the aisle accompanied by their children (and later had special “first dances” with them)! This was such a wonderful day, and we were honored to help bring all of the details together to make it happen.

Style Me Pretty Blogger Bride ‘Livvyland’ Wedding Reveal

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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This Wedding Will Make You Fall Ever so Hard for Green Garland

From a stunning backdrop to alfresco dining, this wedding checks off all our favorite detail boxes but the standout decor item has to be those cascading garlands. Clementine Botanical Art crafted centerpieces that will stop you dead in your tracks. Promise. Take a peek at greenery galore and a wedding dress that also has show-stopping tendencies captured by Mint Photography.

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Taylor and Brandt’s outdoor stunner of a wedding was full of timeless details. We love that they chose a classic color scheme. The black and navy touches provided perfect contrast to the glowing white details. The venue itself glowed on this sun drenched fall evening and provided the most amazing backdrop to capture this couple’s perfect day. From the elegance of the details and portraits to the amazing dance party that ended the night, this wedding was all around perfection!

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