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Mix + Match Metallics With This Styled Shoot As Inspiration!

Choose a single metallic and stick with it throughout your wedding. That’s the deal, right? Wrong! Say goodbye to previous held notions and say hello to chic, modern metallics. We’re talking mixing and matching to your heart’s desire. Gold goes with brass, copper is the next up-and-coming color star (we’re calling it now) and to bring it all together, add in fabulous florals from Lovely Leaves. Need some visual reinforcements? Look no further than this gallery from Dani Cowan. Pretty amazing, right?

From Lovely Leaves… The Phoenix Ballroom is one of our favorite Waco venues located downtown near the Magnolia Silos and minutes from the Brazos River and historic Waco Suspension Bridge. This area of the city offers a rich culture and thriving atmosphere. We never miss the opportunity to style something wonderful in this space.

Taylor Bible Weddings choose the beautiful clean canvas for her indoor ceremony site and we framed our Andrew and Eden with thick, lush greenery. Romantic taper candles in brass candlesticks and copper pedestals were added finishing the look with wooden vineyard chairs. Our reception inspiration was set outdoors for a relaxed feel. Tabletop decor was composed of pale silver dupioni silk linens paired with creamy ivory napkins, gold rimmed chargers and gold flatware. Details included copper mercury glass votives, brass candlesticks and river rocks hand-written in calligraphy by K. Dunks Creative, a Waco native. Ranunculus have a sweet, romantic feel because of their high petal count and perfect round shape. We choose a larger variety for added impact and could not have been more pleased. Greenery included a mix of maiden hair fern, fresh mint and English ivy. Stationery was hand-written in gold accented with pale silver silk tying in with the table decor. Moscow Mules are perfect for any mixed metal affair because of the copper mugs. The cake featured stone marbling with a light cascade of ranunculus.

Eden’s hair was pulled back, and styled with beautiful, romantic curls and the most delicate brass hair pins. The mermaid gown she wore was detailed in a criss-crossed pattern with lace and a sweetheart neckline. Andrew wore a classic, black tuxedo for a timeless, elegant feel. We loved his unshaven face adding a bit of a rustic tone perfect for downtown. Dani Cowan never ceases to amaze with her gorgeous film images capturing the sweet emotions between couples.

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Photography: Dani Cowan Photography | Event Design: Taylor Bible Weddings | Floral Design: Lovely Leaves | Wedding Dress: Georgio's Bridal | Cake: Lily's Cakes | Ceremony Venue: The Phoenix Ballroom | Calligraphy: test | Beauty: Be You Tiful Salon | Rentals: Confetti Rentals

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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.

Photography: Brett Heidebrecht Photography | Videographer: Gentry Faith | Floral Design: Sweetwater Stems | Wedding Gown: Vera Wang | Cake: Quacks Bakery | Ceremony Venue: The Contemporary Austin | Catering: Pink Avacado | Hair & Makeup: Gertie Murray | Lighting: Ilios | Band: Matchmaker Band | Officiant: Rev Dr. Bruce Buchanan | Ceremony Music: Live Oak Trio | After Party Dress: Nina Ricci | Alcohol: Spec's | Chairs: Compass | Getting Ready: Four Seasons Austin | Invitations and Day of Paper: Kings Scribe | Planning & Design: 36th Street Events | Rentals & Tenting: Whim Hospitality | Shuttles: Chariot

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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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Photography: Sarah Kate, Photographer | Videography: Ladybird Studios | Event Planning: Heavenly Day Events | Floral Design: Wild Bunches | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Reception Venue: Laguna Gloria | Shoes: Stuart Weitzmen | Rings: Bachendorf's | Catering: Rosemary's Catering | Makeup: Makenzi Laine | Lighting: Ilios | Band: Taylor Pace Orchestra | Groom's Attire: Isaia | Officiant: Short and Sweet Weddings | Earrings: Kendra Scott Jewelry | Rentals: Birch And Brass Rentals | Rentals: Mancino Iron Works | Rentals: Marquee Event Rentals

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This Wedding Editorial Was Inspired by Doors!

Inspired by the blue doors found throughout Tuscany, this Texas editorial created by Southern Affairs Weddings + Events at Le San Michele will transport you directly to the Mediterranean. We’re talking a bride wearing an effortlessly romantic gown from Lovely Bride Dallas and drool-worthy lace shoes from Bella Belle, some of the most gorgeous stationery we’ve ever seen courtesy of Seniman Calligraphy, and a tablescape that captures Tuscany’s quintessential rustic look thanks to La Tavola Fine Linen Rental and Bella Acento. See all of this brought to life through the lens of Allen Tsai Photography in the full gallery, and you’ll be singing, “Vita bella.”

From Southern Affairs Inspired by the blue doors found on many Tuscan-style stone homes, Le San Michele was the perfect venue to bring Italian-inspired elegance to Austin, Texas. This quaint venue is nestled within the rolling hills of Austin and provides an infinite amount of beautiful European-esque textures and details.

I knew immediately that I wanted Allen Tsai from Allen Tsai Photography to capture this editorial. Having extensive experience photographing in Tuscany and all around Europe, I knew he would be the perfect fit to accentuate the look and feel of this editorial since he has immersed himself in that environment. Adriana Smith from Moss Floral created inspiring textures and structures for the bouquet, installs, and centerpieces. The bouquet had creamy tones of orange and yellow looped with trailing greenery. Everything she designed was so romantic and effortless, which completed our vision and design.

So much thought and care was put into every details and piece of décor, from the menus on top of the lace chargers to the meringue-inspired cake created by Whisk Until Sweet to the vines tracing the cross back of the wooden chairs. Hand-drawn stationery was created by Seniman Calligraphy on the most beautiful organic cream and blue papers with floral sketching. The Italian welcome gift was curated by Bonjour Boxes, and the charcuterie spread was crafted by Eden East Catering.

Our inspiration was complete with the natural and elegant look created by Lola Beauty paired with hairpieces from Maggie Wu Studio and sheer Bella Belle shoes. The airy and flowy gown by Alexandra Grecco from Lovely Bride Dallas would be the perfect gown for any Italian countryside wedding.

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Photography: Allen Tsai Photography | Event Planning: Southern Affairs | Floral Design: Moss Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Alexandra Grecco | Cake: Whisk Until Sweet | Invitations: Seniman Calligraphy | Shoes: Bella Belle | Rings: Trumpet & Horn | Catering: Eden East Catering | Hair + Makeup: Lola Beauty | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Wedding Venue: Le San Michele | Bridal Boutique: Lovely Bridal Shop | Film Lab: Goodman Film Lab | Hair Piece: Maggie Wu Studio | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Bella Acento | Rentals: Gold Dust Vintage Rentals | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Silks: Silk and Willow | Tarts: Tartalicious | Welcome Box: Bonjour Boxes

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!

Photography: Nichols Photographers | Event Planning: Westcott Weddings | Floral Design: Clementine Botanical Art | Wedding Dress: Oscar De La Renta | Cake: Feathers & Frosting | Ceremony Venue: Saint Mary Cathedral Diocese Of Austin | Reception Venue: 800 Congress | Catering: Fresas | Make Up: Makenzi Laine | Hair: Happy Salon | Lighting: Intelligent Lighting Design | DJ: DJ Manny | Paper Goods: The Inviting Pear | Rentals: Loot Vintage Rentals | Rentals: Premiere Events

Turning an Industrial Space Into a Lush Indoor Garden

Even a rainy exit couldn’t dampen this Texas celebration. The industrial backdrop of Brik Venue was turned into a lush indoor garden at the hands of Query Events. It is all out romance filled with candles, florals and a muted color palette. See this gorgeous day unfold (including that memorable and oh so cute exit) through the lens of Stephanie Brazzle.

From the beginning, Rachel’s pureness and joy guided us through the planning process. She was so thrilled to be able to share this moment with her family and friends that we relished in curating each detail. This couple made each decision with intention from the hand written personal vows to the family favorite signature drink. It was important to the bride, with a family full of boys, that the overall design not be too feminine. We created an indoor garden feel with a muted color palette and nothing too pink. Simply adding pops of mustard yellow and deep, almost black burgundy allowed for a sophisticated color story to really complement the industrial features of the venue. From the thoughtful ceremony performed by the Groom’s father to the rainy courtyard exit, each moment was personal and raw. Stephanie Brazzle Photography did a beyond amazing job capturing the feel of the day!

Photography: Stephanie Brazzle Photography | Videography: When It Clicks | Wedding Planner: Query Events | Floral Design: Query Events | Cake: Cakeaholics | Invitations: Pink Champagne Paper | Caterer: Reata Alpine | Hair and Makeup: Beauty And The Blush | Lighting : Le Force Entertainment | DJ: Rod Baker | Vintage Car: Eagle Crest Limo | Ceremony & Reception: Brik Venue | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Posh Couture Rentals | Rentals: Bella Acento | Rentals: Beautiful Event Rentals | String Trio: Versa Strings

We’re OHB-SESSED With This Yarn Installation

Inspired by a DIY yarn project she made for a friends’ birthday a few years back, Vanna of Blue Sparrow Events envisioned a wedding day with a bold yarn installation, modern lines, and soft colors. The Prospect House offered the perfect blank backdrop, and The Flower Girl saw Vanna’s vision and brought it to life! Dive right in to this unique inspiration session, captured by Breanna McKendrick and Ian Van Alan.

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From Blue Sparrow EventsBack in 2014, I DIY’ed one of the best birthday presents for one of my VERY best friends. The project was ALL over Pinterest at the time, and absolutely nothing new in the world of DIY, but it was new to me. I excitedly made a trip to Home Depot to gather supplies wearing a little floral summer dress. While walking back to the lumber department, I felt apprehensive and out of place in my surroundings. Soon enough, a nice male employee was quick to offer me some assistance. When I explained my small project, he assured me I didn’t need to pay for any wood and showed me the free scraps (that floral dress was paying off!). So I left Home Depot with my free scraps of wood, cut into 6×6” squares, and a box of small rose gold nails. My next stop was Hobby Lobby for thin yarn (you know, the kind we used to make braided friendship bracelets back in the 90s). When I got home, I printed out the state of Texas, taped it to the wood, and traced! I then hammered in the nails along the perimeter and used pink yarn (my bestie’s favorite color) to loop from nail to nail in a criss-cross fashion. I bet you remember this popular little project now.

Fast-forward three years later, and my small-scale, state of Texas yarn project (and birthday gift) inspired my next move for Blue Sparrow Events. When I started brainstorming the vision for this shoot, I knew it was going to be difficult to get others on board. When my sought-after venue, Prospect House, welcomed our modern-romantic vision with open arms, our next hurdle was to find a florist and designer who saw our vision, too! Kari, The Flower Girl, jumped for joy over the idea of doing something different. The built-in grommets at Prospect House worked to perfect the design. I let Kari and her team take it away in terms of pattern, and I gave only a little direction on color. The larger than life yarn-art installation guided the vision for the rest of the shoot. We combined light and bright shades with dark features and pops of faux fur which resulted in a ton of dimension. I love the look of layered rugs and a mixture of textures and fabrics. The faux-fur throw blanket and velvet couch added an elevated touch of luxury, while the cane-back chairs at the dinner table gave the modern shoot a touch of vintage elegance.

Get ready to feast your eyes on real-life Cinderella in her modern, 20th century “castle” paired with sharp lines, pretty pastels, and tons of soft textures. Our bridal model, Madeline, had the most beautiful porcelain skin and blonde hair. The blush colored dress, called Ophelia by Ivy and Aster, complemented her complexion perfectly! To keep trending with our need to be different, I requested the bridesmaids hold something more unique than a bouquet, so you’ll see the geometric gold structures filled with flowers and greenery.

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Photographer: Breanna McKendrick | Cinematography: Ian Van Alan | Cake: Feathers & Frosting | Invitations: Elizabeth Kayde | Makeup: YoMakeup | Hair: Katelynn Johnson | Calligraphy: Averi With an Eye | Vintage Car: Four Leaf Limo | Venue: Prospect House | Bridal Boutique: Unbridaled | Bride Model: Madeline Foster | Event Coordination + Styling: Blue Sparrow Events | Floral Bridesmaid Dress: Jenny Yoo | Floral Design + Yarn Installation: The Flower Girl | Furniture + Tableware Rentals: 10th Collections | Wedding Dress + Grey Bridesmaid Dress: Ivy And Aster

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These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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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!


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Photography: Sophie Epton Photography | Cinematography: Spinning Leaf Films | Event Design: Highland Avenue | Floral Design: Gypsy Floral | Invitations: Minted | Reception Venue: Barr Mansion | Catering: Barr Mansion | Calligraphy: The Boarding School Collective | Lighting: Filo Productions | Band: Groove Knight | Beauty: Lavish Beauty | Furniture Rentals: Birch And Brass Rentals | Planning: Highland Avenue | Rentals: Marquee Event Rentals

What’s Your Favorite Detail in this Shoot? (We Love the Black Dress!)

Whether you’re on the hunt for inspiration in any of these styles: glam, elegant, modern, classic—this slice of pretty from Mayhar Design has it ALL. A little something for every lover. It’s moody yet soft, stunning yet sweet and I want to see one of you rock this look for your 2018 fete (and promptly share the imagery for our viewing pleasure!). More right this way captured by Kayla Barker.

From Melanie of Mayhar Design…When Michelle of Sprout Floral and I set out to design a photo shoot at San Antonio’s stunning Hotel Emma, we knew immediately that Emma itself would dictate most of the decisions. To visit Hotel Emma, is to walk into an experience that has been exquisitely and expertly curated to embrace each guest with warmth, beauty, rich San Antonio history and the most unbelievable attention to even the tiniest details. From the peach and ivory toned brick work to the textural walls and ceilings and the bold ironwork, every single accent has been thoughtfully designed, selected and presented. As we began to make selections, we wanted to present details that would honor the strongest industrial and modern elements of Emma, while also showcasing some really feminine and romantic aspects of her design. Each space throughout the hotel is filled with layer upon layer of texture and interest, and we hope that we were able to capture some of her charm and provide a design that truly embraced the spaces we were in!

Photography: Kayla Barker Fine Art Photography | Floral Design: Sprout | Shoes: Vince Camuto | Hair + Makeup: Makenzi Laine | Venue: Hotel Emma | Black Dress: Elias Gurrola | Blush + Ivory Dresses: Tatyana Merenyuk | Creative Direction and Styling: Mayhar Design | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Model: Kim Dawson | Paper Goods: Guten Co

Classic Wedding + Military Traditions = Stunning Success

Classic weddings can do no wrong in my book but add in a military influence and these elegant affairs go from good to great instantly. Need photographic proof? Look no further than this black tie Texas wedding, captured by Stephanie Brazzle. The color palette, the beaming brand new Mr. and Mrs., the saber arch; it’s all pretty perfect and I could go on and on forever but I recommend you just dive into this gallery and see it all for yourself (so good, right!?)!

From the Bride… Although Kevin and I met in college, we just remained friends and study buddies with an unspoken attraction. After college, Kevin commissioned in the Army and I moved to Dallas. He was visiting Texas on leave and decided to finally ask me out on a date to Taco Diner. We still celebrate our “Tacoversary,” as the anniversary of our official first date! We immediately knew that this relationship would be something special despite the long distance between us. We even went through a 9-month deployment to Afghanistan before we were able to live in the same state! Kevin’s service to our country is something that has significantly influenced our relationship, so we could not imagine a wedding day that didn’t have military influence. We loved the military traditions of the uniforms, the saber arch, and the cake cutting with the sword! We also loved the formality of the military, and thought a traditional, black-tie wedding would be best suited for us – not to mention a lot of fun!

Our family and friends were the most important aspect of the day to us. While we met living in Texas, we were engaged while living in North Carolina, were married while living in Georgia, and now I am writing this from our newest duty station, Germany! To us, this wedding was the perfect opportunity to visit with everyone we loved one more time before our big move.

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Photography: Stephanie Brazzle Photography | Videography: Thompson Pictures | Event Planning: Shannon Schultz Events | Floral Design: Something Pretty Floral | Wedding Dress: Ines Di Santo | Cake: The Fort Worth Club | Invitations: Bering's | Ceremony Venue: Robert Carr Chapel | Reception Venue: The Fort Worth Club | Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bari Jay | Calligraphy: The Vintage Hand | Lighting: Beyond Lighting | Band: The Walton Stout Band | Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Transportation: Silver West Limousines | Bridal Boutique: Ivory Bridal Atelier | Dance Floor: DFW Dance Floor | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Monogram: Shuler Studio | Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar

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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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Photography: Pine and Blossom Photography | Event Planning: Uptown Events & Travel | Floral Design: Wild Bunches | Cake: Michelle’s Patiserie | Stationery: Vera Wan For Papyrus | Bride's Shoes: Steve Madden | Bridesmaids' Dresses: David's Bridal | Makeup: Pearl Austin | Hair + Makeup | Makeup: Eleve Cosmetics | Hair: Blo Blow Dry Bar | DJ: Penguin Entertainment | Officiant: Bonnie McKinstry | Ceremony Music: Hill Country Strings | Wedding Venue: Green Pastures | Getaway Vehicle: Metrocycle Pedicabs | Ring Box: The Mrs Box

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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.

Photography: Ryan Ray Photography | Videography: FilmStrong Productions | Cake: Coco Paloma Desserts | Church: Saint Mary Cathedral Diocese Of Austin | Reception Venue: Brazos Hall | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Royal Fig Catering | Make-Up: Nisa Nicole Makeup Artistry | Hair: Janet St. Paul | Lighting: Ilios | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Groomsmen's Attire: The Black Tux | Transportation: Transportation Consultants | Bridal Gown: Anna Maier | Bridal Salon: Warren Barrón Bridal | Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mishka | Draping: Shelly Bounds | Event Planning, Event Design, Florals, Papergoods: The Nouveau Romantics | Getaway: Easy Rider Pedicab | Late-Night Snack: Amy's Ice Cream | Late-Night Snack: Whataburger | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Music - Dinner: Chris Story Band | Music - Reception: THE FLASHDANCE | Rentals: Marquee Event Rentals | Rentals: Whim Hospitality | Rentals: 10th Collections | Rentals: Loot Vintage Rentals | Sound: The Big Sound House

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From Braids to Blooms, We Have a Beautiful Wedding Film Not To Be Missed

It may seem like a minor detail… but I noticed. This Bride is wearing her hair up in a beautiful braid and I just love it (all you brides-to-be out there, take notice! It looks fab!). But this was just one pretty detail among many that make this classic wedding stand out. From start to finish, we have a story as sweet as can be and Bear Hands Media Group captured it all, from braids to blooms. Take a little break from all that holiday shopping and enjoy some love and laughter right this way!

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From Bear Hands Media Group… When Maggi was referred to us, we were already a fan of her art (maggidunwoodyart.com) and we were very excited about taking on the project of shooting her wedding day. We knew this was going to be an especially fun and creative couple. Maggi and Eric and everyone who surround them are so fun and funny, just so amazing to be around. We’re so lucky to have met them and we’re so grateful they chose us to be with them on their big day!

We started the day at a beautiful old church in Westheimer called Saint Anne where the ceremony was traditional, but had the occasional touches from the priest that kept their family and friends laughing. Then we all boarded busses back to Houston Country Club where, let us tell you, this group partied like no other. We have so much ridiculously awesome footage of the dance floor going nuts, we could have made an entire video of just that. Maggi and Eric danced with their guests all the way to the very end. They never stopped. It was such a blast. Maggi and Eric’s big day did not disappoint and will certainly go down in history as one of our favorites.

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Cinematography: Bear Hands Media Group | Event Planning: Houston Country Club | Floral Design: Houston Country Club | Stationery: Papellerie | Ceremony Venue: Saint Anne | Reception Venue: Houston Country Club

An Amazing, Elegant, Evening Ceremony Not To Be Missed!

Within the first 15 seconds of this wedding film we get views of one amazing cake… but it doesn’t stop there. From the sweetest flower girls to an absolutely amazing evening ceremony, this is a grand celebration – and Bear Hands Media Group captured it all. From start to finish, it’s elegant and romantic and oh so stunning – sit back and enjoy a wedding straight out of a fairytale!

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From Bear Hands Media Group… This is a highlight film from our very favorite shots captured from Sarah and Alden’s beautiful day. This is a wonderful family that had a killer team and it just made for the most stunning moments.

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Photography: Chris Bailey Photography | Cinematography: Bear Hands Media Group | Event Planning: Belle Events | Floral Design: Events In Bloom | Stationery: Papellerie | Ceremony Venue: Tallowood Baptist Church | Reception Venue: Houston Country Club | Decor: Events In Bloom

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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This Whitewashed Barn Guarantees a Picture Perfect Wedding

The White Sparrow just might be Texas’s most popular wedding venue of 2017, but a look at this cheerful wedding captured by Tenth + Grace will show you why. The lush green lawn, whitewashed interior, and ample natural lighting make it a dream space for any soiree! So get your Pin button ready – you’re going to love everything about this one!

From Tenth + Grace No one wants to see rain on their wedding, but nothing could dampen the joy this bride and groom felt throughout their big day. Landry and Kolton had planned to have an outdoor wedding ceremony, but the Texas weather had other plans. Fortunately, their wedding venue was the beautiful White Sparrow, and their indoor rain plan turned out to be absolutely gorgeous. And we were blessed with some beautiful sunshine later in the day! Everly Alaine Florals designed the most stunning bouquets for Landry and her bridesmaids – everyone at the wedding could not stop raving about them!

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Photography: Tanya Menoni | Floral Design: Everly Alaine Florals | Cake: Bittersweet Bakery | Invitations: Minted | Shoes: Dolce Vita | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Free People | Makeup: London Crews | Hair: Haylie Pollard | Wedding Venue: The White Sparrow

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Rustic Glam Texas Wedding With Pops of Pink!

With pops of hot pink and gold sparkles galore, these two Texans said “I do” and then got ready to party – home state style. From the favors to the cuisine and more, we’ve got shout outs to all of their favorite people, places and things, and Kelly Hornberger and 31 Films captured every detail so we too can be inspired. See all the glitter and glam right this way!

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From the Bride…
Our proposal story… Clay had one of my maids of honor, Barbara, come visit us from California and knew that was the perfect weekend to propose. He worked with my mom to make sure we could get up to my parents’ house on Lake Conroe without me being suspicious. After lunch, he maneuvered me towards the dock where a beautiful gazebo overlooks the lake. The gazebo was unfortunately being used for a wedding rehearsal, but Clay improvised (with some help from my dad and brother) and the proposal went off without a hitch right on the lake’s edge. Afterwards there was a surprise party with some close family and friends, put together by my mom, maids of honor and bridesmaids.

Our overall “inspiration” for our wedding design/decor was to have an elegant, fun wedding with rustic, Texas-inspired details and pops of color throughout.

Some unique, special wedding details included:
– We tried to incorporate both our families and backgrounds throughout the whole wedding. We chose a beautiful rustic barn venue which corresponded to my husband’s upbringing on a ranch outside of Austin, TX. It was the only venue we toured and I knew it was perfect as soon as we saw it. The bright bridesmaids’ dresses and colorful flowers represented my mom’s Bermudian side of the family.

This also carried over into what we served with a seafood bar and dark n’ stormy cocktails (for my Bermuda side) and Shiner beer, mini tacos/margaritas during cocktail hour and Whataburger inspired late night snacks to represent our love for Texas.

We also pulled in our respective colleges (Texas A&M and Ohio State) by having custom cornhole boards made for cocktail hour, college inspired cookie favors, and of course, having the band play our fight songs. We also had a beautiful Texas A&M groom’s cake the night before at our rehearsal dinner.

It was really important that everybody have plenty to eat and drink and have a great time throughout the whole weekend. We had welcome drinks when people arrived off the shuttles to help with the Texas heat, an outdoor photobooth station when guests needed a break, a band and DJ to keep people on the dance floor, and of course plenty to drink and eat all night, with some goody bags so people could take extra dessert favors to go. My parents also hosted a brunch at their house on Lake Conroe the next morning which was a great way to have additional conversations with our family and friends without us feeling as rushed as the night before.

My husband did not want to see me before the ceremony, but I wanted to see him, so we did a first “touch” with me peeking around the corner to see him and exchange some letters. It really helped me with my nerves and we got some great pictures beforehand.

We wrote our own vows and I am so glad we did. It really made it that much more personal and special to us. It was also great to have some laughs when we realized we both referenced our love for college football and animals in our respective speeches

My favorite moments include getting ready with my bridesmaids all morning at the venue; it definitely helped me relax and enjoy the moments leading up to the wedding, getting to see the venue all decorated before the ceremony started, our first dance (a Texas two-step of course!), and just taking it all in during the reception while guests ate. My dad’s speech was also a special moment because he really surprised me with how sweet and funny it was!

Finally, seeing my husband’s face when I changed into my second dress (which was a complete surprise to him) was wonderful, and made it a lot easier to dance the rest of the night away!

My advice for future brides/grooms:
– Start planning as soon as you can, there are always little things you can do throughout the first couple months to help ensure the last two aren’t crazy packed. Stay organized and make/keep a lot of lists, it helps make you feel like you’re on top of it! If your budget allows it, splurge for great quality photography and videography. It was been several months since the wedding and I’m so glad I have these things to help us remember our wonderful day for years to come!

Most of all, try and relax and have fun. There will always be little things that “go wrong”, but in the end, nobody notices and it certainly won’t be what you remember at the end!

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Photography: Kelly Hornberger Photography | Videography: 31FILMS | Event Planning: J Low Events | Floral Design: Blooming Gallery Scott Konitzer | Wedding Dress: Ines Di Santo | Cake: Cakes by Gina | Wedding Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Lula Kate | Catering: Behind The Bash | Hair + Makeup: Sunkissed And Made Up | Band: The Drywater Band | Wedding Venue: Big Sky Barn

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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A Stationery Suite That Sets the Stage Perfectly for this Colorful Texas Wedding

I can’t stop staring; I’m downright obsessed with this stationery. The colors, the florals, it’s all just so, so good – major props to Alex Leigh Franklin! This suite set the stage for a colorful, beautiful bloom-filled Texas wedding captured in completion by Allen Tsai that is one delightful detail after another. See all the perfect pics in our gallery right this way (and get ready to get pinning pic after pic to those Pinterest boards)!

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From the Bride… Mauricio and I wanted our wedding to have a casual vibe that incorporated elements of nature and natural light. The moment we visited the Laurel, we knew it would be the perfect place for our wedding. Having the venue in Grapevine, Texas gave a sense of both destination and home. Our favorite part of the Laurel was the chapel, with its large windows and wood ceiling beams, that gave our wedding the touch of traditional we were looking for.

The contributions from family and friends played a major role in helping our wedding be extra special. My sister, Alex Leigh Franklin, created all our paper goods including the save-the-dates, wedding invitations, ceremony programs and menus. She incorporated hand painted Laurel leaves and flowers, like peonies, in all the designs. Another good friend and talented artist (@nrfcalligraphy) addressed all our wedding invitations in beautiful calligraphy script. We made sure to incorporate personal touches into the wedding, too, including my grandmother’s earrings that I wore, and a cameo pendant pinned on my bouquet which belonged to my grandfather. Mauricio’s grandmother even serenaded us with a Spanish love song at the reception.

Our florist, from Everly Alaine Florals, brought to life my sister’s designs by creating stunning displays full of greenery and an array of pink, white, dark red and orange flowers. It was also important for us to find a fine art photographer to capture our wedding style and help the day progress in a timely manner. Allen Tsai did an amazing job using natural light and real film to capture all the big and small moments of our wedding! An amazing team of vendors (and supportive family and friends!) was key to bringing the aesthetics of our wedding to life!

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Photography: Allen Tsai Photography | Floral Design: Everly Alaine Florals | Wedding Dress: Eddy K | Stationery: Alex Leigh Franklin | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Calligraphy: Natalie Fleming | DJ: Le Force Entertainment | Wedding Venue: The Laurel | Bridal Boutique: BHLDN

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We’re Celebrating With This Incredible Camp Lucy Wedding!

In case you missed it, this week is the 10th birthday of our Little Black Book! Isn’t that incredible!? And we couldn’t think of a better way to keep the celebrations going all weekend long than to share this insanely beautiful Camp Lucy wedding, which shows the magic that happens when Little Black Book members like Jenna McElroy, Westcott Weddings, and Lovely come together. Trust us, you’ll be coming back to this swoon-worthy gallery all weekend long – just add bubbly, and we’ve got ourselves a proper celebration. Cheers to 10 years!

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From the Bride, Jerika… Harry and I met at Texas Tech University through a mutual friend. Although I had already heard of him, we did not get the chance to really get to know each other until my senior year of school. After we met officially, we hit it off! He had this genuine and confident demeanor that I was so intrigued by from the start. After school, Harry and I both ended up in Fort Worth, Texas (my hometown) and knew that it was the place we were going to start our family. After four years of dating, Harry surprised me and said we were going to dinner with friends, however we ended up in my parents’ backyard with a very romantic setting of glowing candles and white rose petals, and he proposed! It was perfect for us, and the best part was that he had both of our families and close friends there at my parents’ home ready to celebrate with us! There was champagne, toasts, dinner, dessert, and we had quite the night to remember.

When it came to planning our wedding, we knew we wanted something intimate and elegant yet still upscale. We also knew we wanted it to feel very personal to who we are as a couple and to incorporate unexpected details that were true to us. One of the most important things to us was our guests’ experience; we wanted to create a beautiful day not only for us, but also for our family and friends.

As a designer for a homebuilder, I spend much of my time on the details of beautiful spaces, so when it came to the planning process of our wedding, I really had my hand in every aspect and detail involved. With the help of my wedding planner, Ellen Westcott, and a whole list of amazing vendors, it truly became better than I could have imagined! It also could not have been possible without the help of my amazing mother, who helped me with every decision and was there with me through the whole journey. She is the absolute best person and partner in crime!

There were many things that helped make for a very special event, including great food, bar, entertainment, and company. However the details of the day really made it so special, including the welcome baskets that welcomed our guests to Camp Lucy, the urns at the ceremony that were from my mother, the acrylic table numbers at dinner that matched our custom crest, and the tulips placed at each plate at the head table. Plus all of the paper goods (which were so fun to design and had such a romantic feel!), including our custom watercolor crest which became the signature design of the day, our invitations with floral liners, and my FAVORITE – a watercolor on the napkins of our dog, Piper!

My bridesmaids and I started out the morning sipping on mimosas and hot tea in Camp Lucy’s’ Bridal Suite. It was such a relaxing morning leading up to the ceremony. We had stayed in the extremely elegant cabins on site at Camp Lucy since that Wednesday night leading up to the wedding, so it made that morning so much more anticipated. By the afternoon, I got changed into my dress. The gown was originally strapless, and we had a custom topper sewn onto the dress created by Nardos Design. It was everything I wanted – simple and classic yet with a feminine, couture look!

Later that evening, the ceremony started. The natural surroundings of the ceremony space of Sacred Oaks speak for themselves. It was like a fairy tale with the teak slatted chairs for the guests, the string quartet playing in the background, and the willowing branches with white delphinium florals hanging above us. Ceremony then flowed into cocktail hour on the terrace and lawn behind the pavilion of Sacred Oaks for guests to enjoy champagne, wine, the signature gin cocktail (which we named after our dog, Piper), and delicious hors d’oeuvres including petite black pepper biscuits with country ham and caramelized pear mustard, bacon wrapped quail breast drizzled with habanero nectar, and lump crab cakes with tarragon caper-aioli. The terrace and lawn felt like the perfect mix of elegant and natural with the green cypress and pops of pink floral in the vines hanging off the pavilion. It felt like a private Italian villa. Guests were then led to dinner under the sperry tent to the right of the lawn. After sunset, feasting on southern comfort cuisine, and sipping wine, everyone headed into the large pavilion where we danced and celebrated into the night!

There were so many memorable moments from the wedding, but I would have to say the moment that I keep going back to is our candlelit dinner under the sperry tent on the lawn. I wanted everyone to feel loved on and comfortable as if they were coming to our home for a lovely celebration. It was right after our ceremony, and not only was it absolutely STUNNING in the tent, but hearing the toasts and seeing all of the joy and laughter from our friends and family meant the world to both Harry and me. That was the moment I was looking most forward to, and that is the moment I will never forget! The night was such a perfect mixture of intimate and elegant.

It had been quite a journey for us during the planning process. Three months before the wedding, my dad passed away from a long fought battle with Leukemia. All of the details of planning this wedding melted away. My main focus became my family and the relationships with the people I love most. Everything gets put into perspective. Our family has always been extremely close, so my big brother walked me down the aisle. Something that was very special to me was the boutonniere my dad was supposed to wear. We had already ordered it, and I wanted to use it in a special way. So in the ceremony right next to the aisle, we had a table with a picture of my dad and me, a candle, and my dad’s Bible with the boutonniere he was to wear placed on top of the Bible. Although I knew my dad was already going to be with me on the day of, having those pieces there made me feel so comforted during the whole ceremony. I knew I wanted to do something for him in a special way, and this was perfect for me! I felt such a joy on the day of. It was truly unlike anything I can explain, the amount of pure joy and calmness I felt the entire day. I knew he was with me. My faith in the Lord got me through those three months, the day of, and ultimately every day since then.

One thing I learned during the whole planning process was the power of being present amidst the chaos, such as making an effort to be present at my bridal showers, my bachelorette party, and other events. I was reminded that people are the most important part of any season! For future bride, be present with your loved ones not only on the months and days leading up to your wedding, but also on the day of. Be present with your family, your best friends, and most importantly, your groom!


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Photography: Jenna McElroy | Cinematography: Ryan Gerecke | Event Planning + Design: Westcott Weddings | Wedding Dress: Carol Hannah | Cake: Simon Lee Bakery | Stationery: The Inviting Pear | Shoes: Kate Spade | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Hayley Paige | Hair + Makeup: Sarah Sallis | Lighting: Intelligent Lighting Design | Band: Ice House Band | Venue: Camp Lucy | Bridal Boutique: Lovely Bridal Shop | Bridesmaids' Dresses Boutique: Bella Bridesmaid | Catering + Floral Design: Whim Hospitality | Photo Processing: PhotoVision Prints | Photobooth: Oh Happy Day Booth | Rentals: Bee Lavish Vintage Rentals | Wedding Dress Overlay: Nardos Design, Dallas Texas

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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Make the Most of Your Magnolia Market Trip!

Chip and Joanna have captivated the nation during their soon-to-be five seasons of HGTV’s Fixer Upper, from their incredible home transformations to their completely endearing personalities. So a visit to Waco, Texas to see the duo’s Magnolia Market at the Silos – a marketplace where you can shop for home goods, play lawn games, unwind in an adorable garden, and nibble on one of Jo’s famous sweet treats – is on many a Fixer Upper fan’s bucket list! I recently took a long weekend trip down to Waco for the 3rd annual Silobration at Magnolia Market and can confirm – it lives up to every ounce of praise. That’s why when Cassie Conforti’s pics from her recent trip to Magnolia Market landed on the SMP Living desk, we knew we had to share. Get inspired by all the pretty at the Silos, plus Cassie shares her expert tips for making the most out of your visit!

We all love us some Chip and Jo, so you know I was excited to go on a girl’s trip to the Silo’s for their 3rd annual “Silobration” event. While we were there, we learned a few “Magnolia hacks” that we wanted to share with the world so that when YOU visit the Silos, you will be set to go!

Pack Light!

I visited with my mother and sister-in-law from Indiana, so we flew and only took a carry on bag, which meant we didn’t have much room to bring home ALL THE THINGS! (If you can drive, drive!) So I packed a pair of leggings, a t-shirt, some blush, and a toothbrush and called it a day, leaving lots of space for my shopping finds.

*If you find something amazing and it obviously won’t fit in your luggage, they have a FedEx shipping station in-store so you can send your purchases home. Yay! The lines do get long, though, so be prepared to wait.

Get a Cupcake (or a Cookie!)

The Silos Baking Co. is obviously one of the main parts of visiting the Silos, but the line can get long, especially when you are visiting on a weekend. Honestly I was just so happy to be at the Silos that the 15 minute wait was no big deal, but the nice thing is that the staff will only allow a certain number of people in the shop at once, so once you are in, it feels very intimate, and you can take your time looking and choosing from all the pastries. And once you have chosen, find a shady spot on the lawn (claim a striped beanbag if you can) and enjoy! The treats are amazing. My favorite was actually the “Classic Chocolate Chip” cookie – definitely one of the best I’ve ever had!

If the Bakery Line Is too Long…

There is a food truck in the back (in the form of an airstream) that has all of the same goodies as the bakery, but with a much shorter line.

Eat Lunch (and Dinner!) at the Silos

Joanna did a great job creating an experience where she wants you to stay a while. After your shopping is finished, there is a huge lawn area with games, lots of shade, and giant beanbags to sit, relax, and eat. While there were many temporary food trucks present for the Silobration, there are quite a few permanent ones at the Silos. My favorites were:

  • Cheddar Box (Gourmet Grilled Cheese)
    Order THE BOSS. It’s gouda, bacon, and basil on sourdough. AMAZING!
  • Common Grounds
    The iced coffee with the “special sauce” is crazy good!
  • The Airstream Bakery
    Like I said, the Classic Chocolate Chip is amazing.

Even the Bathrooms Are Cute

And the cutest of all is the Bakery’s bathroom. If you watch Fixer Upper, you know there was pretty much a whole episode about that adorable bathroom, and it doesn’t disappoint.

If You Can Visit During the Silobration – Do It!

Anytime is a good time to visit the Silos and get some inspiration from our favorite girl, Jo, but the Silobration was really special. Every year in October, they celebrate the anniversary of opening the Silos, and 2017 was the third annual. For this event, they brought in 99 vendors all with the cutest stuff ever (think Joanna handpicking the best Etsy shops and bringing them to Waco, and that is the vendor lineup). Plus there was a two night concert event featuring Castro, Jon Foreman, and Johnnyswim, and an appearance by Chip and Jo themselves. Since we traveled pretty far, this made the two day trip worth it for sure!

Take the Free Trolley

There is a free trolley that picks up right outside of the Silos and does a trip around the downtown area of Waco. Once you are done at the Silos, get on the trolley and visit Spice Village. It’s a HUGE shopping area (air conditioned, which is important in Texas!) with tons of boutiques inside and wonderful food options. We ate at the Olive Branch for lunch, which prides itself on “homemade everything, even the salad dressing”. Our sandwiches on the homemade bread were incredible. There is also the Dr. Pepper Museum, Baylor University, and a food truck row down by the river all on the trolley route.

Sit in the Gardens

The Silos’ gardens are located in the back, near the Seed and Supply Shop, and they are pristine. When we were visiting, everything was perfectly in bloom, there were beautiful pumpkins (all muted whites, greens, and oranges) stacked everywhere we looked. There were a million places to stop for photo ops. It seemed people didn’t know it was back there because we had the place to ourselves.

Lastly, Don’t Forget to Visit Harp Co.

Fixer Upper fans, you know Clint Harp from the show. Well he has a small shop just around the corner from the Silos. Don’t forget to stop in and check out his beautiful wood working creations.

Photography: Conforti Photography | Shop: Magnolia Market

Spring Wedding Elegance With Some Serious Flower Power

Flower lovers, this one’s for you. Tucked inside this classic Dallas affair is what can best be described as floral heaven designed by The Wildflowers with mountains of blooms by Bows and Arrows, elegant calligraphy by The Left Handed Calligrapher and the prettiest images captured by Stephanie Brazzle. From a troop of precious flower girls to a 15-person a cappella gospel choir and a sea of flora, get lost in this timeless celebration at Arlington Hall at Oak Lawn Parkright here. And speaking of celebrations and awesome vendors, we’re celebrating 10 years of our Little Black Book today. Cheers to a fabulous decade of LBB! Now on with the show…

Instead of an elaborate Pinterest board, Mary presented five adjectives that expressed her vision—among them “elegant,” “intimate,” “timeless,” “fun,” and “Glory to God.” As a designer, there is no better way to bring a new vision of what we are celebrating than with the inspiration of words, feelings, and the personal story of the couple. Getting to know Mary made creating a storied setting exceptionally easy. Immediately my mind went to Eau de Nil, Café Au Lait, toile patterns, garden stone, Songs and Sonnets of Springtime, curtains of silk, all coupled together for a delightfully intimate family feel. The ceremony was classical and heavenly, with Bows and Arrows taking cues from the surroundings to create a happy complement of greenery growing along the pillars. The infinite subtlety is what truly made it magical. With a resounding nod to Mary’s “Glory of God” vision, a 15-person a cappella gospel choir drew back the curtain to Mary’s entrance, singing “Glory, Glory, Hallelujah.”

Après-ceremony, guests were invited to walk along the gardens of the venue, Arlington Hall at Oak Lawn Park, with cocktails, charcuterie, and a trio of jazz musicians waiting for them at the end of the pathway. With the sound of ringing bells, guests were invited to dinner, greeted by tables of Mary’s family’s silver trays serving their escort cards. Upon entering the windowed dinner marquee, drapings of tea rose silk welcomed the guests into a cozy, intimate setting. After a treat of port poached pear salads, chicken saltimbocca with prosciutto, red wine-braised short rib, and heart-warming speeches, guests entered the Great Hall for dancing, donuts, and revelry. As the night grew darker, guests guided the bride and groom to their getaway car with lights of sparklers, signaling the end to a magical evening.

Photography: Stephanie Brazzle Photography | Floral Design: Bows and Arrows | Wedding Dress : Romona Keveza Legends | wedding cake: Panini Bakery | stationary: Yonder Design | Wedding Shoes : Manolo Blahnik | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Food Glorious Food | Hair and Makeup : Samantha Landis | Calligraphy: The Left Handed Calligrapher | LIGHTING: Absolute Entertainment | BAND: Absolute Entertainment | Grooms Attire: The Black Tux | Transportation: Premier Transportation | Wedding Venue: Arlington Hall at Oak Lawn Park | hotel: Crescent Hotel | tent: Mike Sandone Productions Inc | Design and Planning : The Wildflowers | Donuts : Hale Koa phineas Estate | Draping: Stage Works | Monogrammed Cookies: Bird Bakery | ceremony choir : Concord Church of Dallas Choir | grooms cake : cades cakes | rentals: Melody's Joy | rentals : Posh Couture Rentals | wedding dress boutique: Warren Barrón Bridal

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