Texas Weddings

We get to swim in pretty weddings day in and day out on SMP Texas, but this beauty by Shaun Menary is one that will stick with me for awhile. It all started with the brides stunning Vera Wang gown, and then I just found myself surrendering to all the pretty from there. From the gorgeous florals by Bella Flora of Dallas to the garden reception space designed by Caroline Events that is straight out of my dreams – every last image sitting in this gallery is just beyond, and you can see them all here.

From the Bride…When we started brainstorming about our wedding and what we wanted, I began envisioning a kind of ethereal, magical fairyland or enchanted forest. Andrew, on the other hand, wanted something very modern and sleek with clean lines. So we fused those two visions. When we first visited the Nasher Sculpture Center, we knew immediately that it was the perfect space for our dream wedding. The Nasher by its very nature has already merged the modern with the magical. It achieves that through its design of contemporary sculpture set in a green garden in the midst of the skyscrapers of downtown Dallas. Andrew and I live in New York City, so we both loved that urban feel as well. What we (with the invaluable help of the incredible Caroline Fair of Caroline Events) were able to achieve was such a gorgeous fusion of our two visions. The most beautiful, lush flower arrangements by Bella Flora brought my fairyland into the city, where we all got lost in our metropolitan dreamland.

From Shaun Menary Photography…Lindsey Richards is a New Yorker right now, but she’s a native Texan through and through. So when she and Andrew decided to tie the knot, they thought that a Dallas wedding would be best, and I’ve got to say, that decision was spot-on! At first, we were mentally preparing for 110 degree weather and a sweat-fest, but thankfully this Texas summer was a mild one, and the reception venue was breezy and shady. So, it was pretty much picture perfect.

Lindsey and Andrew are a super fashionable couple, and they love modern style. The All Saints Chapel at The Episcopal School of Dallas, with its soaring vaulted ceilings, white geometric wall patterns, and generally minimalist aesthetic, was the perfect venue for their ceremony. The reception took place in the garden of the Nasher Sculpture Center, where massive modern sculptures combined with stunning landscaping framed the evenings events.

And if you couldn’t tell from the venues that this couple has some serious style, just check out that wedding dress. It’s a Vera Wang (rumored to be one of her personal favorites, actually), and Lindsey accessorized it with a headpiece from Mark Ingram Atelier in New York. And she looked stunning. Andrew was super handsome in a Hugh Boss suit.

Thanks to the couple’s awesome taste and Caroline Events’ flawless workmanship, everything from the dress to the venues to the floral arrangements embodied the essence of a classy and modern affair. It was a perfect day, a perfect couple and we are honored to have been a part of it all.

Photography: Shaun Menary Photography | Floral Design: Bella Flora of Dallas | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Cake: Dallas Affaires Cakes | Stationery: William Arthur Fine Stationery | Ceremony Venue: All Saints Chapel, Episcopal School of Dallas | Reception Venue: Nasher Sculpture Center | Rings: Church Of Evangelical Faith | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: Wolfgang Puck Catering | Hair + Makeup: Elan Makeup Studio | Band: Cuvee | Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss | Bridesmaid Dress Retailer: Bella Bridesmaid | Ceremony Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Earrings: H. Stern | Event Design + Coordination: Caroline Events | Flower Girl Dress Retailer: Malley & Co. | Getting Ready Venue: The Ritz-Carlton Dallas | Groom's Attire Retailer: Rothman's | Hairpiece: Mark Ingram Atelier | Limousine Rental: Premier Transportation | Reception Shoes: Toms | Wedding Dress Retailer: Mark Ingram Atelier

Just a few short days after booking a trip to South Africa, this adorable safari-themed nursery went and found its way into my inbox. Is it fate? It very well may be. Either way, it’s cuteness overload and I just can’t get enough. Captured by Sarah Kate, there’s more adorableness in the gallery (note: this image makes me swoon every time).

From Hawkins’ mom… When we learned of the exciting news that our little one was on the way, we decided to have a surprise baby. This is often perceived as a challenge when trying to decorate a nursery. After exploring options on many baby websites, we decided that this baby, without a doubt, would be our greatest adventure. Therefore, why not decorate by expressing those feelings throughout the nursery. While we had no idea where to start, our inspiration came from a safari and tribal mixture. There was no method to the madness other than we chose things that inspired us and one thing led to another. From the leather triangular mobile to the antlers and feather print, things quickly began to fall into place. We absolutely loved the Sharon Montrose animal prints and knew that we were headed in the right direction. Topped off with a 3-D zebra head on the wall, we were assured, who later became known as our Hawkins, would also be inspired to play and dream in a world created just for him.

Photography: Sarah Kate, Photographer | Animal Pictures: The Animal Print Shop | Antlers: Furbish Studio | Artwork: Etsy | Chair: Pottery Barn | Mobile: The Alison Show | Ottoman: West Elm | Rugs: RugsUsa | Rugs: West Elm

When rustic chic meets crazy gorgeous details in a drop-dead gorgeous Ceres Park Ranch wedding, it’s a beautiful, beautiful thing.  Especially when that gorgeous wedding happens to be chock-full of lush (+ vibrant) blooms from the always-awesome Verbena and features a duo that is sooo adorable, it puts a smile on your face a mile wide.  It’s what we call the perfect start to the work week and you can see it all captured by Cory Ryan right here in the full gallery.

From Cory Ryan Photography… Liv & Matt have been together for 10 years. 10 years! So you can bet everyone has been waiting in anticipation of this day for a while! This was quite literally one of those perfect wedding days, where the couple is SO in love, and surrounded by the sweetest and kindest friends and family one could ever hope for. And I’ll fess up, seeing how Liv and Matt look at each other made me tear up a time or two while editing these photos…

Liv’s adorable dog escorted her mom down the aisle, and the couple exchanged rings with all their nieces and nephews on stage with them. It was an emotional ceremony, performed by Matt’s brother. Verbena Floral hung gorgeous vases of flowers from the pavilion rafters, which glowed in the diffused back light . The kids (and a few awesome adults) got crazy with the hula hoops while the sun set in the Hill Country woods. Liv’s brother Glen surprised her with custom lighting all around the property and white twinkle lights under the pavilion, creating a major wow factor! The main dinner course was served on site in the farmhouse pizza ovens – and Liv & Matt even got a quick lesson on pizza making as well!

Matt, guitarist for LI’L CAPT’N TRAVIS, got up on stage more than once to play some songs with iterations of that band and many more. He even played a version of “I’m Your Puppet” dedicated especially to Liv, while transferring his guitar to Gary Newcombe with some killer dance moves mid-song and hopping off the stage to finish dancing to the song with his new bride. Sigh! His brother also played guitar on a song with him, and two younger nephews played a sweet version of the Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood.” But main band Grand Champeen really brought the rock to the party with some awesome covers and originals! Right in the middle of the rock and dance party, Liv dove off the stage and crowd surfed across the dance floor – PRICELESS!!!

Photography: Cory Ryan Photography | Floral Design: Verbena Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Amy Kuschel | Wedding Cake: Hey Cupcake | Ceremony Venue: Ceres Park Ranch | Reception Venue: Ceres Park Ranch | Catering: Pink Avocado | Catering: STANLEY’S FARMHOUSE PIZZA | Lighting: Element Systems | Audio Production: Minor Productions | Mariachi Band: Mariachi Relampago | Reception Band: Grand Champeen

I’m just going to come right out and say it, I love this wedding with all my being. My love affair happened the moment I laid eye on the gorgeous images from Cory Ryan Photography and then just kept growing stronger and stronger with every gorgeous detail. It’s all around lovely, and you can see just what I am gushing about right here.

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From Cory Ryan Photography…Leia and Michael’s swoon-worthy wedding took place in Horseshoe Bay, TX at the lovely ESCONDIDO GOLF & LAKE CLUB. Thanks to the team at LIV BY DESIGNS, who took care of all the special details and brought together a gorgeous day that the families will always remember. As Leia & her father walked down the grand staircase of the Great House, Michael wiped away a single tear and smiled the biggest smile I’ve ever seen. After their ceremony overlooking the green, everyone moved over to La Hacienda to celebrate. A photo booth by SAY CHEESE, an awesome band from Dallas called NEW GROUND, and a custom cigar rolling station from BOBALU CIGAR CO. were just a few of the special touches for the guests. In addition to the gorgeous cake (with gluten-free layer for the bride!) from SIMON LEE BAKERY, this southern girl could’t help but appreciate the jars of banana pudding as well! YUM! And the final exclamation point to the reception was when Michael hopped on stage with the band and belted out his own song – eventually grabbing Leia onto the stage for some fun! As the couples getaway car departed, the couple was surprised with an awesome fireworks display along the sides of the road. Wow, talk about an exit!!!

Photography: Cory Ryan Photography | Wedding Planner: Liv By Design | Florist: Margot Blair Floral | Wedding Cake: Simon Lee Bakery | Ceremony Venue: Escondido | Reception Venue: Escondido | Lighting: Ilios | Additional Detail Photography: Jerry Hayes | Cigar Roller: Bobalu | Hair & Make-up: Kim Barnes Woolery | Photobooth: Say Cheese | Reception Band: New Ground

What can I say about The Nichols, other than they seriously rock my world?  It’s like this talented twosome just lives for capturing drop-dead gorgeous weddings, and when they send one of their latest masterpieces our way, it’s akin to Christmas morning.  Need proof?  Check out this darling Fredericksburg gem, an oh-so-fabulous party mixed with some of the loveliest rustic details you will ever see (thank you, Maggie Gillespie Designs).  Get your pretty on right here in the full gallery.

From The Nichols… Kristen’s classic bridal style reminded me of Grace Kelly… such a stunning bride! The neutral palette of greens and whites suited her look so well. And the chevron-patterned table runners brought in just the right touch of modern to the natural decor. We were blown away by this new Texas Hill Country venue! Boot Ranch was a beautiful backdrop for Kristen + Kyle, and although the rain moved the ceremony indoors, nothing could put a damper on this joyful celebration! 

From the bride… Kyle and I had talked about our desire to get married outside, so when we decided on my hometown of Fredericksburg, we knew we wanted to highlight the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. Boot Ranch, located atop a hill with views stretching for miles, was the absolute perfect venue to do just that.

We wanted our wedding to feel comfortable and light, with the focus on bringing our family and close friends together in this beautiful place for a once in a lifetime celebration. We chose to let the beauty of the environment speak for itself, so complementary decor was selected that felt green and organic — we used clear vessels with lots of foliage and big white blooms, adding contemporary accents of chevron runners and succulents in glass, while keeping the color palette very clean and natural with greens, gray and touches of blue.

The night was filled with favorite moments: when rain showed up, our incredible design crew moved the wedding indoors so beautifully you couldn’t tell we hadn’t planned it that way. And for the rest of the night we celebrated with our friends and family, all together in one beautiful place, where we enjoyed delicious food and danced to a wonderful band that had everyone out on the dance floor all night. Altogether, the night was such a perfect one made even better with an unexpected surprise at the end. As Kyle and I made our exit under a happy shower of long sparklers, we found my dad unable to start the 1955 Bel Air convertible we were supposed to leave in. Kyle and I got into the car any way, hoping to get one last good photo. My new husband decided to give the car one more try and turned the key in the ignition — and the engine started right up as if it had been waiting for him, making that a perfect ending to a very special day.

Photography: Nichols Photographers | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Catering: Boot Ranch | Band: The Mott's | Wedding Venue: Boot Ranch | Bridal Boutique: Serendipity Bridal | Classic Car: Street Dreams | Floral and Event Designer: Maggie Gillespie Designs

Beautiful teal hues and pops of vibrant florals from Rosehip Flora aren’t the only details you’ll love about this wedding.  No, you’ll also fall head over heels for the stunning locale (Wild Onion Ranch), the adorable bride and groom and the downright amazing stylings of Bird Dog Wedding.  And when you’re done picking your jaw up off the floor, you can join me in the full gallery captured by Kristi Wright, because it’s chock-full of pretty.

From the bride… Josh and I wanted our wedding day to be relaxed and carefree. Our goal was to find a beautiful outdoor setting with a laid back feel, then add some tasty Mexican food and great music. We are both from Texas and couldn’t imagine a more fitting place than a ranch outside Austin to tie the knot! We were so excited to get married but also wanted our wedding day to be a celebration of our friends and family. I just wish we could do it all over again!

My favorite memory of the day is probably my first dance with Josh. We chose a song that meant a lot to both of us and The Nightowls played it ridiculously well. It was the first time my brain stopped for a moment and I could look my husband in the eyes and swoon. We were finally married!

Another favorite memory was the best man and maid of honor speeches. I will never forget either of them; they were amazing and so heartfelt. Still gives me the goose bumps thinking about them!

My advice for brides would be not to get caught up in the little things. Pick a few things to focus on and the rest will work out. Also, don’t be afraid to hire someone to help!

Photography: Kristi Wright Photography | Wedding dress: Lela Rose | Cake: Classic Cakes by Lori | Shoes: Michael Kors | Catering: 2 Dine 4 Fine Catering | Hair & Makeup: Erica Gray | Calligraphy: Wayfarer's Creative | Band: The Nightowls | Earrings: Alexis Bittar | Floral: Rosehip Flora | Going away dress: Parker | Locket: Jenny Watts | Photobooth: Booth66 | Printing: Della Carte Studio | Rustic Ranch: The Wild Onion Ranch | Styling + Coordination: Bird Dog Wedding

There are elopements, and then there is this little slice of wedding heaven, a day so fabulous, it’s almost indescribable.  I’m talking a beachside shindig with lush pink florals from Floral Events, the fab stylings of Perfect Parties of Houston and a bride and groom who are the epitome of stunning.  It’s a wedding trifecta of awesome, with the perfect dash of whimsy.  See every intimate, love-filled moment captured by C.Baron Photography right here in the full gallery.

And even more lovely with this beautiful film from C.Baron Photography.  Enjoy, lovelies…

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From C.Baron Photography… It was a rainy, misty, foggy day on the beach, but that didn’t stop our cute couple, Lisa Marie and Travis from having a gorgeous wedding just for them. Our bride had already planned a full-blown wedding, complete with guests, bridal party and the like and did it in a style to please everyone. After seeing this dress, it gave her the idea of having a completely DIFFERENT type of wedding – very elegant, girly and on the beach, just for herself! C. Baron Photography had so much fun with this couple – they are just a joy to work with – and looked absolutely AMAZING during their day considering the rain – the rest of us looked like drowned rats! I don’t know how they did it! The film follows them from their engagement session on The Strand in Galveston, to getting ready in their hotel at The Tremont House and ending on the Galveston Seawall at Hotel Galvez.

From the Bride… I’m pretty easy-going, I think – I planned my wedding the same way. My family is out of town and came in early on to help me plan, pick my dress, etc. And while I loved my dress, venue, and decor, there was still another dress that I loved – it was very different than anything else I had seen and just wasn’t very popular with the family. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. We are so lucky to live in an area where so much is available to us, especially a beach (I’m from a land-locked state!) – I figured why not have another wedding, styled completely different from the big one. Since it was just us (except for the residents in their beach houses, standing on their balconies clapping for us), it was a very romantic, fun day. Even with all the rain. Travis and I called this our “practice” wedding. It was such a special moment, plus I got to wear my super cute hi-lo dress – it was so perfect for the beach – the wind made it look awesome in photos! Our table and altar were just incredible. It was more than I ever expected. I just loved all the golds, pinks and ivories – and how the cake matched my dress with the rosettes and waves/ruffles. And even with all the elegance, there were little touches of the beach everywhere – from the giant conch shell full of flowers, to the starfish on the chairs. So pretty! Am I a lucky girl or what?!?!

Cake: Sugar Muse Bakery | Beauty (hair/make up): LP Makeup and Beauty | Floral & Altar: Floral Events | Photography & Cinematography: C. Baron Photography | Style: Perfect Parties of Houston

Let’s face it: anniversary sessions are awesome.  They just so happen to be the perfect way to celebrate your love with your Mr. or Mrs., and when they are captured by the likes of the oh-so-talented Loft Photographie, well… even better.  Because this is a day that is the loveliest combo of seriously fun and totally pretty and you can see every magic-filled moment right here in the full gallery.

From Loft Photographie… What better way to celebrate an anniversary than with a portrait session? We may be biased as photographers, but we know Calli & Josh agree with us! We spent a late summer evening roaming the downtown square of San Marcos, Texas with this pair, and we could not have asked for a more relaxed, easy-going session! And because Josh is a bicycle junkie, it just made sense to include his fancy vintage bike in a few shots. We adore this urban session, Calli & Josh’s dapper style, and their blonde locks!

Photography: Loft Photographie LLC | Dress: Free People

I am going to file this engagement session under “how I wished my life looked on a daily basis”. It’s absolute perfection from the tip of the bride-to-be’s gorgeous ballerina bun to the fabulous team of vendors that teamed up for the shoot  – including Verbena Floral Design, Jenn Sprinkle, Marquee Rents, and Buttoned Up Events. So I guess it goes without saying I love every image from Kelly Rucker sitting in this gallery. Check them all out here.

From Kelly Rucker…This nautical inspired engagement session celebrates the love of Roxanne and David. The couple are soon to be wed at the the beautiful Laguna Gloria in Austin, Texas. Their nautical themed engagement session was shot on the beautiful Lake Travis in Austin, Texas on a recent summer day morning- complete with a luxury boat, champagne and perfect weather. Roxanne currently lives in Dallas and David currently lives in Austin, but the two plan to unite and reside in Austin after the wedding day- so having their engagement session in the city they will soon call “home” was fitting. 

Photography: Kelly Rucker | Florals: Verbena Floral Design | Hair: Tiffany Williams | Clothes & Jewelry: Y&I | Invitations & Paper: Jenn Sprinkle | Make Up Artist: Nisa Nicole Makeup Artistry | Men's Clothers: J. Hilburn | Planning + Coordination: Buttoned Up Events | Rentals: Marquee Event Rentals

This wedding is awesome in literally every sense of the word with two seriously adorable sweethearts saying “I do” in one of the most creative (+ fun) ways you’ll ever see.  And by “creative,” I mean a carnival-esque type party complete with funnel cake (YES), amazing paper goods and oversized balloons aplenty. Even better?  All of the happiness is sitting pretty in the full gallery captured by Bowerbird Photography. Join me there for more.

From Bowerbird Photography… We received a call from Angela last spring, telling us that she and her girlfriend were flying from Texas to San Francisco for Gay Pride weekend. Angela wanted to propose to Erica on the trip and wanted the proposal photographed. We took them to Golden Gate Park and it was a perfect proposal, with Erica sitting in a buckeye tree in the Botanical Gardens. We felt an immediate bond with them and were thrilled when they asked us to come to Texas to document their wedding on March 15, 2013. The wedding was at Cedar Bend Events, a gorgeous outdoor location.

From the Brides… When we first started planning our wedding, we agreed on almost everything, immediately. We knew there were a few things that we definitely wanted. We were warned repeatedly, by other couples, that the wedding would go by in a flash and we would hardly remember it once it was over. We wanted a wedding we could never forget! We also wanted a wedding that our guests could really enjoy.

The county fair theme came to us quickly on our flight home from San Francisco, where we had just gotten engaged. After all, who wouldn’t want a wedding complete with over-sized balloons, fun food, funnel cakes and yard games?

From our invitations to our streamer send off, every part of our day has become a wonderful memory. One of our favorite moments was walking down the aisle. As a wedding with two brides, we both wanted to walk down the aisle! We walked simultaneously down the the outside aisles, escorted by our fathers. Our guests got to witness us see each other for the first time. It was incredible and emotional!

Though the weatherman predicted thunderstorms all day, the clouds cleared just in time and every detail came together perfectly. It was truly a day to remember. But how could we forget? Our friends and family still talk about our wedding and what a great celebration it was!

Wedding Photography: Bowerbird Photography | Flowers: Cedar Bend Events | Wedding Dresses: Melange Bridal | Catering: My Little Things Catering | Make-up: Mandy Hernandez | Hair: LucieMarie | Balloons: Balloons 'N' Smiles | Funnel Cake: Hands Off My Funnel Cake | Jam: My Little Things Catering | Photo booth: Ed's Photo Booth | Pies: Maxine's on Main | Wedding + Reception: Cedar Bend Events

You know what makes for an amazing wedding?  One pair of adorable high school sweethearts, the city of Austin and a pretty, pretty love-fest featuring all of the above.  Because when it comes to stop-you-in-your-tracks nuptials, this lovely little gem from Everest Road Photography is the epitome of awesome, complete with some of the happiest faces you will ever lay your eyes upon.  Click here for more.

From start to finish, Tyler and Emilie’s wedding was comfortable, a blast and just… well …right!

They’ve been together for almost half their lives. After ten years of knowing each others quirks, families and life plans, this day was a long time coming. He sent her off after dating through high school for four years in Aggieland while he worked hard at that University in Austin. So watching my new friend – playful, laid-back Emilie – say yes to her handsome, kind-hearted Tyler felt like such an honor to me.

And it made a lot of sense that they celebrated with an everything Austin wedding day! I’m about as crazy about this couple as I am this city… so I approved of a day that began at The Hampton Inn overlooking our state capital. After the ladies were ready, they hopped on a perfectly vintage trolley and headed to Central Christian Church…a gorgeous backdrop for their vows. Finally, they danced the night away at that building right off campus, that every Longhorn recognizes – The Mansion. And this crew can get down. Their reception was one heck of a dance party!

From the Bride… We grew up, met, and fell in love in Austin, Texas so we really wanted all our friends and family to experience our favorite city. We got ready for the wedding at the Hampton Inn & Suites hotel overlooking the capital, it was a beautiful view. Our ceremony was right down the street at Central Christian Church, the sanctuary is ornate and lovely, and it fit our 250 guests perfectly. Some of our wedding party sang during the ceremony which was really a special treat.

We rode with our wedding party on a trolley to and from venues so we could spend some extra time with them. Tyler and the groomsmen made a pit-stop at the UT campus to take some pictures in front of the UT tower, his alma mater. After we said “I do,” we headed to the reception at the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs Mansion, an elegant indoor venue to beat the Texas summer heat. We had cocktail hour in the historic front rooms and dinner and dancing in the grand ballroom. Our caterer provided scrumptious food and our florist decorated with a variety of corals and pinks, perfect for summer in the south. We did a lot of DIY projects including the invitations, signage, and table numbers.

Tyler is a Longhorn and I am an Aggie so we had a house divided groom’s cake and sang our hearts out to the Aggie War Hymn and the Eyes of Texas. We both love dancing, thus keeping the party going was really important to us. Our DJ did a wonderful job and the dance floor was packed all night. We both are Blue Bell Ice Cream fanatics so we had an ice cream bar to go with the cakes, it was a huge hit. We sent everyone off with a warm box of Tiff’s Treats, the best cookies in town. It was truly the best day of our lives and we feel so blessed to have spent it with everyone we love.

Photography: Everest Road Photography | Floral Design: Little Yellow Flower Design | Wedding Dress: Signature Bridal | Cakes: Kayla Knight Cakes | Ceremony Venue: Central Christian Church | Reception Venue: The Tfwc Mansion | Make-Up: Vannatay | DJ: TX Pro DJ | Caterer/Coordinator: Kurant Events | Favor: Tiff's Treats | Getting Ready Venue: Hampton Inn Amelia Island | Trolley: Carey of Austin

This wedding is awesome; no ifs, ands or buts about it.  It’s drop-dead gorgeous with pretty blue hues, a stunning outdoor ceremony and a ballroom reception that is, in one word, amazing.  I’m talking lush florals from Haute Floral, a gorgeous Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens setting and one beautiful moment after another captured by Caroline Joy Photography.  And if that isn’t enough to have you completely hooked (it sooo is), check out the two cuties saying “I do.”  They are all kinds of adorable.  Click here for so much more.

From the Bride… On our wedding day, we knew we wanted nothing short of feelings of excitement and elegance to have a simply timeless wedding. We were excited to incorporate the Filipino wedding ceremonial traditions that I had grown up with, and our vision of having my parents and wedding sponsors in the traditional formal Filipino dress looked amazing! I am also an avid lover of flowers and gardens (not unheard of for someone getting married in an arboretum) and Kristen with Haute Floral was able to channel my vision for elegant (and plentiful!) flowers with exquisite precision.

We had so many unforgettable moments that I will truly treasure! The bridesmaids and I had a total blast getting ready on the day of the wedding and we shared some wonderful memories spending time together during that preparation time. Jeremy and I were also insanely excited about working with our ceremony musicians, Forte Strings, who came highly recommended to us as one of the top string trios in the area. Having a groom who is very passionate about music made that one of my favorite aspects of the wedding planning process, and having him so involved in the song selections including having our recessional song, “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay, mutually one of our favorite songs of all time. I will never forget standing with him after the ceremony as we stood together as man and wife next to the infinity pool overlooking the lake, such a wonderful moment that was captured by our amazingly awesome photographers! I was also happy to surprise him during the reception with a groom’s cake, which was decorated like a Monopoly game board (he had begged his parents for a Monopoly birthday cake ever since he was little) and also customized to have some representation from his favorite teams, the New York Mets and New York Giants.

Photography: Caroline Joy Photography | Coordinator: Dallas Arboretum | Floral Design: Haute Floral | Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaid Dresses: Bill Levkoff | Catering: Gil's Elegant Catering | Hair + Makeup: Adrienne Schoech | Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Wedding Venue: Dallas Arboretum | Ceremony Musicians: Forte Strings | Flower Girl Dresses: Mousebee Couture | Groom's Cake: Sugar Bee Sweets | Linens: Seat by Design

DIY Brides these days are my heroes. The pretty they can whip up just blows my wedding-loving mind, and this lovely Bride is a fine example. Her perfectly crafted day filled the gorgeous pictures from The Bird and The Bear with so much love, I simply can’t get over it. Sprinkle in some gorgeous florals from Petals, Ink., and lovelies, we’ve got one gorgeous gallery on our hands. See it all here.

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From Petals Ink… It’s impossible not to adore all of the handmade details of this wedding. Colors and textures collide to create a delight for the senses in a picturesque, Texas Hill Country Venue. Fringe garland, ruffled icing, succulents in tiny clay pots, wooden and lit signage throughout! But beyond all the lovely details, there is this gorgeous couple so obviously, wildly in love with each other. Nothing ever tops that!

From the Bride… My husband and I knew we had to get married in Austin, Texas; it’s a short drive down the road from our alma mater, Baylor, where we met our freshman year. The only problem was, I had moved home to Pennsylvania after I graduated while he finished an extra semester, and he was about to move back to California to start his new job after he graduated! So, in a nutshell, it was complicated from the start. But we were heart set that was the place, so we made it work! I planned the entire wedding while living on the east coast, which was definitely a challenge. I had to give up on a lot of my initial dreams and ideas because it just wasn’t possible with the distance. But in the end, it all turned out perfectly and many of those “crushed” dreams were forgotten. We wanted to get married as soon as we could, and I had to have an outdoor wedding, so that complicated things as well with the summer heat in Texas. We finally chose June 16, a little over 6 months from the day we got engaged. My goals when planning the wedding were: be frugal, make it personal, and make it casual. It was never in the budget for me to hire a full-on wedding planner, but I did take some advice from a few friends and hired a day-of coordinator who was absolutely amazing (I would say that was worth every penny to not have stress for anyone the day of the wedding).

I wanted the day to feel like a backyard party; casual and really fun. I hand made almost everything. I wanted my hands to be in all the details so that they would be super personalized to fit us as a couple. I worked around the color scheme of green and yellow (for Baylor, where we met at our freshman orientation), and worked it into yellow and mint and then with some blues and turquoises thrown in. I played a lot with different design elements, so I didn’t have one specific theme. It was kind of colorful-meets-rustic-meets-DIY. All the wooden signs I made out of old shipping pallets, my mom hand sewed the streamers draped in the barn, and we both scoured vintage and thrift shops for months for antique items to place around for an added rustic look.

I would say I am very laid-back and a nontraditional bride. My main focuses were the personalization of all the details, the photography and the food and desserts! The dress was probably last on my list. I had a really hard time spending so much on a dress that I would only wear once (it looked great though)! My mother actually handmade the one-shoulder lace jacket I wore for the ceremony. She sewed on the buttons from her (and my nana’s) wedding dress for a personal touch. It turned out perfectly, and it was fun to transition to another look after the ceremony! The day of the wedding, it was a perfect sunny day with a bit of a breeze to cut the summer heat. Half of our guests were from California (and struggled a bit in the heat) and the other half were from Texas. We got married in front of an old mantle I found at a thrift store that I had my dad prop upright and add a frame on top. The hole of the frame and the open part of the mantle had a perfect view of the Texas Hill country; it was absolutely beautiful. I struggled a little bit during the ceremony because the sun was shining right in my eyes, but it actually helped me not cry as much as I probably would have! Spencer, on the other hand, was a mess. It was so sweet! One thing I will never forget was being at the reception and seeing so many faces, all of which I knew and had a personal story with. It was the coolest experience ever to have so many people who meant so much to us in the same place, celebrating us. Our photographers, Caryn and Brian from the Bird and the Bear did an absolutely phenomenal job capturing the day. I have never been more proud of something in my life, seeing all my ideas come to life after such hard work!

Photography: The Bird And The Bear | Florals: Petals, ink. | Wedding Dress: Bijou Bridal | Cake: Classic Cakes by Lori | Invitations: Kramer Drive Designs | Shoes: Anthropologie | Catering: The Peached Tortilla | Catering: Whole Foods Market Preston | Band: Royal Dukes Band | Groomsmen Attire: Urban Outfitters | Get Away Car: Austin Classic Limo | Rentals: Bee Lavish Vintage Rentals

Crafty couples like this are sooo impressive.  As are their uber-talented family and friends.  Because together this group of lovelies helped to create a day that is not only drop-dead gorgeous, but chock-full of personality, as well.  And you know how we feel about that.  See every gorgeous moment (and there are a lot of them) captured by Tessa J. Photography right here in the full gallery.

From Tessa J. Photography… The bride, Megan is a very creative young lady. She had a huge vision for her day and I must say she nailed it! A lot of what you see is done by family and friends help. Making her day as magical as she had in her head (and Pinterest boards). The vision came together so wonderfully. She even did the florals and her bouquet herself! Megan is from Los Angeles and Matt is from Texas. She is now a southern belle and loves her some sweet tea. 

Photographer: Tessa J. | Cinematographer: Hunter Lawrence | Floral Design: The Bride | Flowers: Fifty Flowers | Wedding Dress: Kirstie Kelly | Catering: The Salt Lick BBQ | Make-Up: The Beauty Jar | Wedding Venue: Mercury Hall | Brides Robe: Just Cottons | Cake Topper: MorganTheCreator | Rentals: Loot Vintage Rentals

The color palette in this gorgeous Red Corral Ranch wedding by Matthew Johnson Studios is enough to inspire all of you out there any day of the year, but it feels even more fitting today. Why you ask? Because it’s fall perfection, and it’s like sprinkling a little style over all hallows eve. With the gorgeous (and I mean, gorgeous) florals from WOW Factor Floral Design and all the details planned to perfection by Wedding Warriors, this gallery is one inspiring place to be this Halloween. See why here.

From Matthew Johnson Studios…I think you can tell a lot of about a person, or a couple, by how they deal with unexpected events on their wedding day. That being said, Zach and Karolina showed what amazing people they are by enjoying themselves and their beautiful event even though heavy morning rains required a shift from their original outdoor ceremony plans. With the quick help of their planner, Christina Lewis of Wedding Warriors, the ceremony was moved into Red Corral Ranch’s Celebration Hall. Even though getting all the guests into the Hall was a tight squeeze, it actually made for a really nice, intimate experience.

The morning rains eventually lifted and we were able to get outside and enjoy the beautiful grounds of Red Corral Ranch. The reception at the Big Red Barn kept the fun going with great live music by Rhythm Inc. and a photo booth featuring old wooden picture frames that Zach and Karolina had collected. The classic styling of the wedding fit the couple perfectly and was a great blend of traditional with a touch of Texas Hill Country feel to it.

Photography: Matthew Johnson Studios | Event Planning: The Wedding Warriors | Floral Design: WOW Factor Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Judd Waddell | Ceremony Venue: Red Corral Ranch | Shoes: Alex Marie | Catering: Austin Catering | Hair and Makeup: Margo Mead Styling | Music Ceremony: Will Taylor & Strings Attached | Music Reception: Rhythm, Inc.

Let me tell you why this wedding is completely awesome.  1. A drop-dead gorgeous + elegant “Great Gatsby” theme that channels all of the glamour of the 1920’s with just a few modern touches (hello chevron stripes).  2. The amazing duo saying “I do,” a twosome who knew just what they wanted and threw a wedding day where details reign supreme.  And last, but not least?  3. The to-die-for images captured by Mustard Seed Photography.  They are simply amazing and you can see them all right here in the full gallery.

From the Bride… We took inspiration for our theme from our venue and the history of Galveston Island. We studied the history of the island in the 1920’s- 1940’s when Galveston was booming with wealth and opulence and known for it’s secret affairs, much like the descriptions of the era in ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Therefore, we framed the theme of the wedding around the feel of the book and the island during those decades. We used gold, silver, and black for most décor along with art deco fonts and art deco styled geometrical shapes everywhere we could. We used champagne saucers and had a lot of greenery in the flower arrangements as a nod to the era, as well. We also had the guests fill out postcards with advice that were decorated with seven different pictures of Hotel Galvez during various stages of its life from 1900-2013. To add a modern twist, we used some new trends such as chevron designs on the invitations, table numbers, and other décor.

We chose Hotel Galvez for numerous reasons. First, it’s unique history shines through in all of the décor (especially in the Terrace Ballroom and Veranda) and exudes a special vintage ambiance. Secondly, Galveston has been a go to vacation spot where Travis and I have spent many weekends together. Hotel Galvez is also where he proposed. Lastly, it carries special meaning with my family since one of my grandmothers was originally from Galveston. The Lyceum was a church built in the early 1900s in the Historic Strand area and reflected our theme and strong Christian upbringings. The beautiful stained glass windows and restored dark woods captured our hearts as the perfect backdrop to our wedding ceremony.

Photography: Mustard Seed Photography | Cinematography: Green Leaf Films | Event Planning: Polished Wedding Planning | Floral Design: Dream Bouquet | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Wedding Cake: Cakes by Jula | Invitations: Southland Fox | Ceremony Venue: The Lyceum | Reception Venue: Hotel Galvez | Bridesmaids' Dresses: JS Collections | Catering: Hotel Galvez | Band: Skyline | Suits: Vera Wang | Groom's Accessories: Brooks Brothers | Veil: Houston Bridal Gallery

Look up the word “dreamy” in the dictionary and I’m fairly certain you’ll find a sweet little pic of this beautiful lavender farm inspiration shoot from Adorne Artistry.  Okay, maybe you won’t actually find one of these amazing images, but Webster’s Dictionary?  You need to get right on it.  Because this shoot? This gorgeous session captured by Gary Guy Photographer?  It’s amazing, and chock-full of beautiful moments courtesy of BHLDN Houston and Sugary and Chic Cake Boutique (among others).  Click here for more.

Gary Guy and Adorne Artistry teamed up to style a shoot with a soft and romantic feel. We wanted to create depth with layers of beautiful fabrics, detailed accessories, and fresh floral arrangements all within a gorgeous outdoor setting. The lavender fields of Lavande in Texas were the perfect spot! Lavande offers an opportunity to escape from the ordinary to an elegant retreat reminiscent of the French Countryside.

Gabriella Pawelek was dressed in three dreamy gowns from BHLDN Houston. Ortensia, with its tiny pearl-draped back; Rococo, showcasing floral embroidery and intricate cutwork; and Arabella, with its dreamy Old-World Lace. The dresses were paired with feminine statement jewelry by BHLDN Houston (Cinematic Earrings, Rosewater Drop Earrings, Reflecting Pools Necklace, Luna Bracelet, Garland of Light Bracelet) and hair accessories created by Jolie téte.

Adorne Artistry created a soft but strong bridal look that is all about the eyes. Deep plums, warm browns and gold tones made Gabriella’s lids smoky and romantic. The strong eyeliner added drama and emphasis. Fresh rosy cheeks and a soft pink lip balance the look. The hair was structural but tousled for a modern vintage feel that is both current and timeless.

To set Gabriella on the same level with the lavender, we created the teepee from several vintage linens found at antique stores and flea markets. Other vintage finds include the rustic metal chair and watering can. Carol from Something Special in Flowers created all of the beautiful bouquets and helped create the vision for the teepee dripping with flowers. The arrangements include stock, spray roses, thistle, seafoam statice, lavender and touches of hydrangea.

The gals from Sugary and Chic Cake Boutique crafted a modern, lavender-wrapped cake with vintage elements. The cake was covered in metallic brush embroidered flowers all hand piped and hand painted. To tie in with the theme of the event, the cake was then enveloped in delicate ruffles of fondant. The entire cake looks to be emerging from gorgeous folds of lavender silk.

Photographer: Gary Guy Photographer | Flowers: Something Special In Flowers | Cake: Sugary and Chic Cake Boutique | Jewelry: BHLDN | Hair + Makeup: Adorne Artistry | Venue: Lavande | Dresses: BHLDN | Garter, Ring Pillow & Parasol: BHLDN | Hair Accessories: Jolie téte by Adorne Artistry | Model: Gabriella Pawelek | Stylist/Set Design: Adorne Artistry

If I had to pick a favorite element of this wedding, it would be a three way tie between the polka dot dress (hello!), the can’t even talk about how perfect they are blooms from Petals, ink., and the super sweet, absolutely beautiful couple. Okay, maybe the couple would win, but really, I’m kind of obsessed with that dress. And those flowers. Thank you, thank you, thank you Now Fly Away for sharing your images of this stunning day with us!

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From Petals, ink. … Whimsical Spring wedding full of colorful details, vibrant flavors and DIY touches. Valerie was truly her own event designer, meshing natural elements like driftwood and potted succulents with modern, whimsical details like glitter dipped feathers and ribbon chandeliers. Their menu was a feast for the senses incorporating local flavors in a unique Austin-Mexican fusion, and the hand crafted cocktails were the perfect accompaniment to the lawn games Martin constructed for their event. Beneath the layers and layers of thoughtful design details, family and friends were at the heart of this wedding. The wedding was planned around the return of Valerie’s brother who was stationed overseas with the US Army.

From the Bride… I think I designed a hundred different styles of wedding (thanks, SMP) before the details started to feel like “us.” I tried to not over think everything, which was tough to do with two years to plan – my brother was stationed overseas in the US Army and it was important to us that he was in attendance.

The feel of the event was a top priority since 90% of our guests would be coming to Austin from out of town. After seeing literally every single venue in Austin and surrounding areas, we fell in love with Hacienda del Lago and the 1940’s farmhouse and sweeping lake views. It was the perfect blend of rustic and glamorous Austin – and there are peacocks!

I took bits and pieces of things I loved from blogs and magazines and designed the paper goods, table numbers, potted succulents, and ribbon chandeliers. I spent hours and hours painting and wrapping thread for our table numbers, cutting and tying ribbon for the chandeliers and chairs, and my favorite part, dipping white feathers in paint and glitter to add to the whimsy of the design. A friend of ours made gorgeous driftwood candleholders, and Martin even made a corn hole toss game we set up under the gorgeous live oaks on the lawn.

We delighted in creating our menu in order to highlight one of our favorite things – eating in Austin! Margaritas, cantaloupe aqua fresca, chips and salsa bar, chicken chile rellenos, brisket tacos, calabacitas, and to-go bacon breakfast tacos are still being raved about by our guests to this day. And the yummy little cupcakes and our gluten-free cutting cake were a huge hit!

The most important thing was what we achieved – a magical celebration with the people that we love, to start the next chapter of our life together. The incredibly talented and dedicated vendors, and now friends, that we were so fortunate to work with made our dream come true and for that we will always be grateful beyond words.

Photography: Now Fly Away | Cinematography: Memories Films | Flowers: Petals, ink. | Wedding Dress: Carmen Marc Valvo | Bridesmaids Dresses: Nordstrom | Catering: Crave Catering | Makeup + Hair: Propaganda Hair group | Lighting: Greenbelt DJ | DJ: Greenbelt DJ | Wedding Venue: Hacienda del Lago | Wedding Venue: Hacienda del Lago

New Orleans meets Texas in this stunning Hotel ZaZa fête, and let me tell you, it was a match made in heaven. With a classic black and white palette and details that would make anyone want to get up and dance, this stylish soiree from Mustard Seed Photography is one for the books. See why here.

From Mustard Seed Photography… Reagan and Nick were engaged in New Orleans and wanted to bring some of that French Quarter flair to their wedding. From the second line band,marching them all the way to their reception – to the perfectly styled New Orleans inspired decor, every detail about their wedding day brought the feel of the Big Easy here to Houston! You are sure to enjoy it as much as we did!

From the Bride… When we selected our venue, we most importantly wanted our guests to have a great time. We wanted a high energy party. Hotel Zaza is the perfect place to ensure everyone has a good time! The food was amazing. The service and attention to detail are tops. Our ceremony was at the First Presbyterian Church, which is probably one of the most beautiful churches in Houston.

We wanted everyone to feel like they were in New Orleans in the old days of Louis Armstrong. Sipping French 75’s and feasting on delicious Southern fare. We got engaged in New Orleans on the steps of the St. Louis Cathedral, so we knew we had to make everything about the Crescent City. The second line parade from the church to the hotel blew us all away.

Photography: Mustard Seed Photography | Coordinator: Monarch Wedding & Event Photography | Florist: Always Floral | Dress: Modern Trousseau | Wedding Cake: Edible Designs By Jessie | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas | Ceremony Venue: First Presbyterian Church of Houston | Reception Venue: Hotel ZaZa | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Jewelry: Ben-Amun | Catering: Hotel ZaZa | DJ: Premium Sounds | Suits: Calvin Klein | Linens & Rentals: Darryl & Co. | Second Line Band: New Orleans Hustlers Brass Band

Three months doesn’t seem like nearly enough time to plan your wedding, but if you’re two incredibly crafty sweethearts, it most definitely can be done.  Case in point?  These two cuties, who tackled every last aspect of their Big Day with some serious talent and beautifying skills that are sort of jaw-dropping.  I’m talking everything from burlap flags to mason jar centerpieces.  Add in the ever-lovely Tracy Enoch to capture all of the pretty and, well.  Happy Thursday, lovelies! Click here for more.

From the Bride… August 10, 2013 could not have been more perfect. I married my high school sweet heart and my best friend. We started dating last year, July 18, 2012 and the next year we were married. I guess I just know a good thing when I see it!

The wedding planning process was chaotic to say the least. We had a three month engagement which meant we were constantly moving. Our budget was a tight one. Luckily we like crafting. Needless to say, the wedding DIY section on Pinterest served us well during the planning process! We handmade all the burlap flags, the fence divider, table numbers, designed and assembled the program fans, wrapped the silverware, decorated the mason jars, and painted and assembled the pickets.

We decided that we wanted to stray from the traditional a little and make time for a few intentional and meaningful events. We wanted to be able to take communion together for the first time as man and wife during the ceremony and our first look included exchanging handwritten vows, taking turns washing each other’s feet, and prayer. The inspiration behind our decision for these events is simply Christ. He plays a huge role in our lives and we wanted to dedicate our marriage to Him.

Foot washing, although it may not be totally relevant today, was used in the bible as a symbol of humble love and sacrifice, and there is nothing like handwritten vows. Although we both wrote ours the morning of, exchanging those words was one of my favorite little moments from our day. I couldn’t stop crying, it was so perfect. The reception was beautiful and everything that I wanted it to be. We danced our last dance while all of our guests lined up for our exit outside, and we had a beautiful sparkler sendoff. August 10, 2013 is a day I will always remember as the most beautiful and perfect day of my life!

Photography: Tracy Enoch Photography | Cinematography: Justin Lowe Productions | Flowers: Costco | Wedding Dress: Bridal Boutique Of Lewisville | Ceremony Venue: Farmers Branch Historical Park | Reception Venue: The Plaza Arts Center | Bridesmaid Shoes: Designer Shoe Warehouse | Bridesmaid Dresses: Altar'd State | Catering: Dickey's Barbecue Pit | Groom's Suit: K&G | Suits: Men's Wearhouse | DJ/MC: DJ Connections | Photo Booth: Photo Booth Dallas