Texas Weddings

As we’re enjoying our Wedding Wednesday morning, let us indulge in this dapper wedding, shall we? So many impressive DIY details, a beautiful lace gown designed by the Bride’s own mother that is simply amazing, and a Groom in a three-piece suit. Elisabeth Carol Photography has really treated us to some eye candy with all of these details and if you’re anything like me, you’re drooling. See it all in the gallery right here.

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From Elisabeth Carol Photography… Michael and Leah had an intimate traditional Jewish ceremony on the bride’s family property in October. Leah wore a wedding dress handmade by her mother, made especially for Leah. The bride and groom signed a traditional Jewish Ketubah, signifying the commitment they were about to make to one another in just a few short hours. The ceremony took place just across her childhood home with 100 guests. Leah and Michael said their vows under a handmade arbor that held their Chuppah. Their reception took place on the side of their home under twinkle lights and antique chandeliers that Leah’s mother had collected. All of the pottery used for their family style dinner was hand-made by Leah’s mother as well. The food and flowers were all prepared and supplied by Leah’s family and friends. The bridal party danced the night away on Leah’s family’s outdoor dance floor.

Wedding Photography: Elisabeth Carol Photography / Wedding Venue: The Bride’s Family Home in Keller, Texas / Floral Design: DIY by a Family Friend / Catering: DIY by Family Members / Wedding Cake: DIY by a Family Friend / Pottery: Sue Salstrand (Mother of the Bride) / Wedding Dress: Hand-Made by the Bride + Her Mother / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Ruche + ModCloth

This one is for the reader who logged onto Style Me Pretty this morning searching for something pretty to go with that morning coffee. It’s so gorgeous, you won’t even need a second cup. Filled with blooms from Bella Flora of Dallas, captured by Sarah Kate Photography, and with a grand finale from Candlelight Films, it’s the kind of stunning that wakes up every one of your senses and feels a little like a party in your pitter pattering heart. Click here for more!

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You’ll be dancing in your seat from pure, giddy, happiness throughout the film from Candlelight Films!

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On June 6, 2011 Kyle landed his dream job. I made reservations to take him out for a celebratory dinner, took cupcakes over to his apartment along with a car full of balloons. I kissed him goodbye and went home to get ready for the first night of the rest of my life. He picked me up around 6, we started the night at Dee Lincoln’s, a wine and bubbles bar in Dallas. The conversation was beautiful, lots of laughs.

Then it was time to make our way to dinner, a dinner I thought I had planned. Kyle knows I love walking places so I did not hesitate or question when he bypassed the valet and parked alongside the city streets a few blocks away from Al Biernat’s. I got out of the car. He paused then met me at my door. He was on one knee. The universe was spinning. From what we both can remember, he said something then, “…….I’ve loved you since the day I met you. Make me the happiest man in the world. Sarah, will you marry me?” Tears in our eyes, he slid the perfectly round 6-prong solitaire diamond ring on my finger–sparkling and sparkling in the soft street lamp light. Romantic is an understatement. But, just wait. We cried, we laughed, I was in absolute shock, we walk to the restaurant. The maitre’d took us to our table and my entire family was excitedly waiting, with menus covering their faces. As we approached everyone took the menus away and the celebration continued. It was such a magical night.

The Rosewood Crescent Hotel houses Capital Grille and Palominos, two of our favorite restaurants in Dallas. Did I mention it’s the most beautiful hotel I’ve ever seen? I also used to live across the street, so most of our dates and celebrations took place at the Crescent. We spent birthdays and graduations at Capital Grille while Palominos was a place we took our parents when they would visit or for a holiday brunch. So, when we begin our venue search, it was always close to our hearts. After we took the tour and met with the catering manager, it could not be more perfect. It felt like us, bright, airy, romantic, peaceful and familiar. We booked June 2 the very next day.

I love love love soft, romantic color palettes. I’m a lover of french country/cottage design/decor. I knew from the get go my colors would be champagne, blush pink with some peach. We decided to have a formal wedding based on our venue and my vision of my dream wedding. A long train, tuxedos, updos, round bouquets, enormous flowing centerpieces, glowing light illuminating a beautiful ballroom. I sent Bella Flora my pinterest boards ALL the time and they made my vision come to life. One of my favorite parts besides the gorgeous floral arrangements was the linens we had hanging from the ceiling surrounding the chandelier.

I’m a sentimental mess! I wore my mom’s petticoat. She wore it the day she married my dad and it was so special having it on as I walked down the aisle. It fit perfectly. I also wore my grandmother’s jewelry; her beautiful diamond earrings and her sapphire bracelet acted as my something blue. Another, maybe my favorite touch was my bouquet. My great grandmother (my grandfather’s mom), who is no longer with us, but whom I was very close to gave my grandmother (her daughter in law) a rosary before they were married. My grandmother lent me the rosary and it was wrapped around my bouquet stem, in my hands as I walked down the aisle. It was very special to have a part of her there with us.

I loved getting ready with my closest friends and family. A lot of my best friends live out of state so to be in one room all day getting ready and laughing was so so perfect. I vividly remember my mom, MOH and wedding planner getting me into my dress, while my beautiful bridesmaids watched! It was so special. I remember my dad and I in the back of the church. Before the doors opened, he said “Are you ready?” It was so calming and so emotional at the same time. He’s the best. I remember leaving the church for the reception my hand in Kyle’s just in awe of being married. I remember our first dance and the dip, which we practiced and worked on for so long. I remember the first time I saw the ballroom, right as we were announced. It was the most beautiful, spectacular sight. It was my dream wedding manifested into reality. I just remember being so unbelievably happy and dancing with Kyle all night. 

Photography: Sarah Kate Photography / Cinematography: Candlelight Films / Flowers: Bella Flora of Dallas / Event Design: Bella Flora of Dallas, Lucy Diaz-Flores / Event Planning: Bella Flora of Dallas, Jaime Jones / Ceremony Location: Holy Trinity Catholic Church of Dallas / Reception Location: Rosewood Crescent Hotel / Invitations: Checkerboard from Stardust Celebrations / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Wedding Dress # 1: Maggie Sottero from Lulu’s Bridal Boutique / Wedding Dress #2: Victoria Nicole Dress from Stardust Celebrations / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bill Levkoff from Stardust Celebrations / Ascot Retailer: Stardust Celebrations / Bride and Groom’s Cake: Rosewood Crescent Hotel / Hair: Evelyn Kershaw / Make-up: Kelly Schira / Rolls Royce: Blue Diamond Limo

We’re loving this wedding for so many reasons but maybe our favorite is how the bride mixed both vintage and casual styles so beautifully…and in her parent’s backyard! This is not your typical, casual backyard shindig. It’s elegant, yet sweet. A little bit country and a whole lotta gorgeous! Matthew Moore Photography captured all the pretty details and we can’t get over that golden, sunny glow on the bride. See even more right here.

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From Matthew Moore Photography… Jillian wanted a very soft and feminine feel to her wedding. She brought in lots of pinks and floral fabrics, including the groom’s and groomsmen’s bow ties that she made, along with candelabras, crystals and pearls. The wedding was held on the back part of her parents’ property. I think she did a great job of combining very country touches, s’mores, barrels of hay covered in floral fabrics, a Texas backyard and making it feel elegant enough to house her beautiful, sorbet-colored Lazaro gown. :)

Wedding Photography: Matthew Moore Photography / Wedding Venue: The Bride’s Parents’ Home in Waxahachie, Texas / Wedding Planning: Sweet Pea Events / Floral Design: DiFiori / Catering: Gil’s Elegant Catering / Wedding Cakes: Tara’s Handcrafted Cakes / Wedding Invitations, Programs + Signage: Chips and Salsa Design Studio / DJ: LeForce Entertainment / Tent: Big D Party Rentals / Photo Booth: Smilebooth / Wedding Dress: Lazaro via Stardust Bridal Salon / Hair + Makeup: Katie Moore of Matthew Moore Photography / Men’s Bow Ties: DIY by Bride

The second I opened up this wedding the words modern, crisp, clean, and sophisticated started dancing around in my head. BZ Events had planned an Austin soiree without the typical Texas vibe, and even though we heart Texas weddings in a big way around here, the result was amazing. Every contemporary & chic detail was captured brilliantly by Dustin Meyer Photography and put into a gallery to die for. You’ve got my permission to spend all morning poking around in there, so click here for more!

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From BZ Events … When people think of an Austin wedding, what often comes to mind is a picturesque ranch and cowboy boots. Not with this chic Austin wedding! Our bride, Maria, was looking for just the opposite – a modern Austin wedding with lots of amazing flowers and special touches. Maria and Craig fell in love with the sleek and clean lines of Lakeway Resort + Spa, and we helped them design a weekend of Hill Country elegance without a mason jar in sight.

Their vision – a beautiful and sophisticated party with elements of fun and “wow” decor. A chic color palette of teal, ivory and black provided the backdrop for this modern ballroom affair!

The couple said “I do” overlooking Lake Travis on a beautiful and sunny Austin day. Lush rose petals and candles softened the ballroom, while ethereal white draping and black chandeliers created a chic backdrop for the wedding ceremony.

After the nuptials, guests enjoyed a lakeside cocktail hour with sparkly lounge vignettes for socializing, delicious cocktails and the sounds of a local jazz trio. A cariacture artist dellghted guests and sent them home with a fun remembrence of this Austin wedding.

The Lakeway Resort ballroom was transformed into a chic reception, with damask accents and loads of sparkle. Escort cards were displayed in floating frames and invited guests to enjoy an evening to remember. Floral selections were lush + modern, including anenomes, hydrangea and loads of peonies and calla lillies. Mercury glass and candlelight dotted the reception, along with lucite cocktail tables and dramatic lighting.

The wedding menu, another important item to the Bride and Groom, featured specialty wine and champagne selections, four signature cocktails and a multi-course dinner. The sweet finish to this elegant affair was an abundant dessert display, featuring several favorite flavors of mini pies, summer fruit tarts + cupcake bites.

Photographer: Dustin Meyer Photography / Venue: Lakeway Resort + Spa / Event Planning + Design: BZ Events / Cake + Dessert Bar: Stardust Pastry / Lounge + Draping: Townsley Designs / Linens: Marquee Linens / Floral Design + Props: Unexpected Elements / Tables/Chairs: Premiere Party Central / Ceremony Music: Hill Country Strings / Band: The Newsboyz / Lighting: FILO Designs / Favors: Caricatures by Kevin & Friends / Hair: Rachel McDaniel / Makeup: Nisa Nicole / Stationery: The Inviting Pear

Just when I thought I couldn’t love purple any more than I already do (read: a lot), along comes this darling Hill Country wedding to prove that it’s totally possible.  Turns out that when my fave color is paired with a stunning Vista West Ranch setting and some of the prettiest bouquets you will ever see from Petal Pushers, I CAN love it more – and I’ve never been so happy to be wrong.  Sharon Nicole Photography captured all of the lovely and you can see so much more in the full gallery.

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From Sharon Nicole Photography… Leah and Daniel’s wedding had unique details that came together beautifully on their wedding day. I loved that Daniel wore a purple shirt and a purple/green tie with suspenders and a khaki suit. It looked sharp while being different from the normal black and white attire that most grooms wear. Leah looked stunning in her gown from Serendipity Bridal, and her bridesmaids glowed in dresses that they chose in different shades of purple. Wedding guests were able to shake tambourines, which doubled as wedding programs, when Leah and Daniel were announced as husband and wife. At the reception, guests were entertained by a DIY photo booth, s’mores, cake and Blue Bell ice cream cups that were covered in purple gingham cloth. The tambourines were also used when Leah and Daniel exited their reception at the end of the night. This wedding was truly a celebration of Leah and Daniel’s love for each other, and it was such an enjoyable experience by all who were privileged to join them.

Wedding Photography: Sharon Nicole Photography / Wedding Venue: Vista West Ranch in Dripping Springs, Texas / Floral Design: Petal Pushers / Wedding Dress: Wtoo “Marguerite” via Serendipity Bridal / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka

I love it when couples re-create their engagement for their e-session and this one just so happens to be one of the cutest ever. When on one of their many bike rides in the woods he popped the big question in the form of an overturned sign that she just so happened to pick up and read. And when she turned around, he was on one knee. See? I told you, the cutest. Feather & Twine Photography captured all the pretty and you can see more right here.

Click here for the FULL engagement session!

From the Bride… One of our favorite things to do together is bike ride to “our special spot” in Richardson. It’s a beautiful bike trail with lots of trees and a creek. We’ve walked around “our creek” many times to take a break from our bike ride. On a Sunday morning, we were bike riding and stopped at the creek. There, I saw a green sign on its back; I picked it up and when I turned it over it said, “KRISTI WINANS WILL YOU MARRY ME”. I dropped the sign immediately and turned around to see Dave on his knee. He asked me to marry him. I of course said YES, and before even putting the ring on, I jumped into his arms, beyond excited. The moment felt surreal. For our engagement session, we chose to incorporate some of the things that make us, us. We included bikes, the creek, trees and the great outdoors because those are things we love. Dave is very much the outdoorsy “mountain man” type, and although I’m a bit of a girly-girl, I am very adventurous and love to be outside. We also included Dave’s Jeep because it’s his second love (after me, of course). The Jeep was a father-son project that they have made into a great car for adventures! Kelsey and Talon were great at capturing “us” in our photo shoot by getting to know us beforehand. They definitely made the session special.

Photography: Feather & Twine Photography / Location: Richardson, Texas

We show so many different weddings here at SMP but the one thing they all have in common is lots and lots of personality. Yup, it’s all about putting your stamp on your big day and this couple did that and then some. We’re talking casual dress for all, burgers and fries for dinner, and Father of the Bride playing while everyone ate dinner. Talk about personality! Jessica Christine Photography captured all the details and there’s so much more to see right here.

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From the Bride… This wedding has been 3.5 years in the making. We got married just 2 weeks before our 3.5 year dating anniversary. And I knew that since my husband is so incredibly laid-back that I wanted our wedding to feel that way too. I envisioned a TOMS and maxi-dresses kind of wedding, and that’s exactly what I got! Above all else, I wanted this wedding to reflect US. So when we started talking about what our wedding was going to look like, we knew what we weren’t going to do right off the bat. NO Tuxedos — don’t get me wrong, a man in a fitted tux is quite handsome, but if you meet my husband, you would realize that just isn’t him. So instead, I channeled my husband’s slightly hipster vibe and we decided on skinny black dress pants, a simple white button up, suspenders and, of course, my all-time favorite footwear: TOMS. Another thing we wanted was for the wedding party to be able to wear their clothes again, and in the most cost-effective way as possible. My bridesmaids wore a boho-inspired maxi dress with simple gold sandals. They were beautiful and exactly what I had in my mind’s eye when I thought of my bridesmaids.

Another thing we knew we WEREN’T going to have was expensive, typical wedding food. We were trying to put together an “us” wedding … on a budget!  We went to a friend’s wedding just a year before ours and they had P. Terry’s cater and we loved it! So much that we stole their idea. Cheeseburgers and french fries are one of my husband’s favorite meals, so why not serve it to our guests too?! Another detail of the wedding that screamed us was the adorable venue! It was exactly what we wanted — simple with a touch of elegance and a little boho too. Jillian, the woman who runs the venue, was a dream to work with, and she genuinely seemed excited for us.

Some of my favorite details about the wedding were the things that reflected our personalities the most. Tim’s older brother performed the ceremony, which was perfect! My sister did my makeup and was my maid of honor. We played Father of the Bride (one of my favorite movies) while guests got their food and ate. Tim designed the programs and the invitations. I wore TOMS down the aisle (as well as my dad). And my bouquet was wrapped in my grandmother’s vintage doily. I never got to meet her (she died before I was born), but I know it meant a lot to my dad to have a piece of his mom with us that day. My little brother and one of my good friends sang the song we had communion to. One of my absolute favorite details was the song I walked down the aisle to. Timothy wrote it for me especially for that moment. All in all, our wedding was an absolute dream come true. I wouldn’t have changed one thing. It was the perfect day. :)

Wedding Photography: Jessica Christine Photography / Wedding Venue: Cedar Bend Events in Austin, Texas / Floral Design: DIY by a Friend of the Bride / Wedding Cinematography: Michael Bell / Catering: P. Terry’s / Wedding Cake + Cupcakes: Jill DiLoreti / Wedding Invitations + Programs: DIY by the Groom / Wedding Dress: Enzoani / Bride’s Shoes: TOMS / Bride’s Accessories: Blush Bridal Lounge / Makeup: Caitlin Anderson, The Bride’s Sister / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Nordstrom

I think my eyes must deceive me here, because when I see the Villa del Lago Events Pavillion in these breathtaking images from Hyde Park Photography, I think this must be an Italian destination wedding. Little do I know that it’s right there in Austin, TX. No big deal, just a cascading waterfall, gorgeous villa architecture and showstopping views of Lake Travis that are sure to blow your mind. And they’re all in the gallery right here.

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From the Bride… Paul and I had been dating for a little less than five years when we got engaged. Our venue, Villa del Lago Events Pavilion, was the first one we visited and we both fell in love with it immediately. The site is located at a private residence on Lake Travis in Austin, Texas. From waterfront views to an expansive lawn ending in a waterfall, they had everything we desired (even a pet camel if you know where to look).

About 40% of our guests were from out of town, so we wanted to be sure and have a few local touches mixed in with the Italian villa atmosphere. Our bar menu consisted of Texas favorites such as Shiner Bock and Tito’s Vodka. We were happy to use Austin-based Whole Foods as our florist; they were extremely reasonable and put together beautiful bouquets. The bridal bouquet included white lilies like the ones Paul would surprise me with during our first year together. When planning our guest book, we wanted something we could enjoy forever. My stepmother and I handpicked river rocks from a landscaping company in the Texas hill country and asked our guests to write us a personal note. We keep all of our “wishing stones” in the birdcage from our sign-in table and hope to use them in a garden after we buy our first house.

Since the wedding was in the evening, we used lanterns for our table centerpieces. After the sunset, we were able to bring some light to the long lawn. We wanted to have a bit of tradition during our ceremony with the Musical Discover Chamber Players trio of string instruments. They performed all of the traditional compositions but allowed us to add our own touch by arranging our special modern request, “Chicago” by Sufjan Stevens, to complete the ceremony.  Our DJ, Look No Further Entertainment, was one of my favorite vendors. It was very important for us to get everyone up and dancing, so they helped put together an unforgettable playlist that kept the dance floor packed all night. Last but not least, we were lucky to have such wonderful photographs from Hyde Park Photography so we can enjoy the unforgettable memories for years to come.

Wedding Photography: Hyde Park Photography / Wedding Venue: Villa Del Lago Events Pavilion in Austin, Texas / Floral Design: Whole Foods / Classical Trio: Musical Discovery Chamber Players / DJ: Look No Further Entertainment / Wedding Dress: Marisa

I know I have some kindred spirits out there who love cotton just as much as I do, and this wedding from Perez Photography is the perfect fix for cotton junkies like us. And when I see that this Bride is a wedding pro herself (see her planning biz here) a major girl crush has just formed. Major. And you can see all the pretty in the gallery right here.

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From the Bride… When the man of my dreams surprised me by proposing to me in the very spot that we had met five years before, I knew our wedding had to be in Albert, Texas. Dear friends of mine had once owned the town of Albert, and it was because of these friends that I knew my now-husband. Our first call was to Tanya and Cesar Perez of Perez Photography. They were available, so our date was set. I am a wedding planner and have been planning weddings for 11 years. When it came time for it to be my turn, I felt very lucky to have so many amazing friends that helped to create our wedding. Albert, Texas was perfect for us. It doesn’t have much, but what it does have is an original 1920’s dance hall and restored ice house. The most amazing oak tree stands outside of the ice house. This beautiful tree became the inspiration for our gorgeous, hand-drawn invitations, created by Happy Menocal of New York. A childhood friend came on board to caterer our day and used some of our family recipes for the roasted potato salad, baked beans and crawfish boil seasoning. My infamous jalapeno lemonade was also a must-serve.   

When it came time to decide on our flowers, I knew it had to be cotton!  I have an inspiration book full of ideas that I have pulled from magazines. For years, I have had a picture of a cotton bouquet sitting there in my design binder. Cotton is harvested in Texas in the hot summer months. For weeks, we picked cotton! We picked cotton on the way to the beach and back from the beach.  My insurance agent picked cotton for me!  I even dragged friends with me to pick cotton.  I called everyone I knew to ask if they knew someone who was harvesting cotton and begged them to allow me to come pick some for our wedding.

Now that it was my turn down the aisle, I truly wanted to be able to relax and just be the bride on our wedding day. So I turned to my treasured friends, Sofia and Victoria Avila of Mandarin Flower from Austin, Texas, to pull together everything I had been envisioning.   I had spent the months leading up to our wedding scouring yard sales and market days to find weathered china to use for our dinner and items to decorate with. I turned all of my hand-picked cotton and vintage items with a list of my ideas over to them and enjoyed the being the bride! We found a wonderfully talented fiddle player to play for our procession. He was a 16-year-old high school student. One night we were out to dinner, and this young man joined the band on stage to play. I went up to his father and asked him if his son could come to Albert to be apart of our wedding. He perfectly played “These are the Days” by Van Morrison for my walk down the aisle. We loved our day. We were surrounded by so many wonderful friends and family that all came together to make our day possible.

Wedding Photography: Perez Photography / Ceremony: Albert, Texas / Reception: Albert Dance Hall in Albert, Texas / Wedding Planning: The French Connection (The Bride) / Floral Design: Mandarin Flower Co. / Wedding Cinematography: Dayfilms / Catering: Samudio’s Catering / Cakes: DIY by Family + Friends / Ceremony Fiddle: Christian Dunham / Cocktail + Dinner Music: The Reefs / Band: Chilton Vance Band / Rentals: Illusions Rentals & Designs / Children’s Face Painting: Laura Greene / Grand March Leaders: Junior & Helen Skolat / Wedding Dress: Priscilla of Boston (Now Closed) / Bride’s Bracelet + Purse: Vintage / Bride’s Necklace: A Gift from the Groom / Hair + Makeup: The French Connection

There is so much to love about this rustic + vintage Camp Lucy wedding, I’m just not sure where to start. Months of thrifting and crafting culminated in a perfectly themed “country fair” celebration where not a single detail was missed. From the personalized mason jar place cards to the mix + match chairs for the head table, this pretty little number proves that country chic is here to stay. See every last image by Luke and Cat Photography in the full gallery!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From Luke and Cat Photography… Jana and Clint planned a dream of a Texas rustic vintage wedding. The couple’s engagement happened atop the Ferris wheel at the groom’s small hometown county fair, which sparked the idea for planning their wedding. A stationery ensemble inspired by vintage fair posters, homemade baked goods, DIY elements from many “crafternoons,” farmhouse tables with mismatched chairs and tin goats all played a part in bringing the couple’s old-fashioned county fair vision to life. The fashion was vintage chic, and the color palette was a warm mix of cream, brown and dusty pink. The bride wore her grandmother’s pearls, a borrowed veil from a treasured friend and new blue earrings from her beau. The flower girls were dressed in handmade, one-of-a-kind vintage dresses.

After a heart-felt ceremony performed by the groom’s aunt, friends and family made the short trip over to the open-air stucco pavilion for drinks and appetizers. Sunset rolled in as the cocktail hour began, and guests enjoyed the easy fall breeze along with, at the special request of the groom, a serenade by a traditional South Texas staple … a mariachi band! Instead of a usual seating chart, guests grabbed “place card” mason jars to find their seat and had a designated glass for the night. The reception was the combined vision and work of the bride and groom, and in their own words, “a solid six months of junkin’ which we loved every minute of!” Many trips around Texas flea markets and antique shops brought a bounty of 150+ mason jars, an eclectic mix of vases, wooden milk crates, old frames and doors, suitcases and mail carts. Vintage linens and lace were placed atop long wooden tables, and gorgeous florals completed the tablescape. Different chairs for every seat at the head table made a welcoming focal point for the festivities. Choosing to skip a traditional tiered wedding cake, the couple called on the groom’s mother (a food show baking champion) to create a dessert table adorned with homemade cakes – all baked from scratch! From strawberry bundts to a decadent Italian cream cake, the spread was the talk of the day. A tongue-in-cheek faux bride’s cake was fashioned as the centerpiece of the dessert table using “tiers” scavenged by the bride and groom at local flea markets and antiques stores, just to get the right sizes.

Since no one leaves a county fair empty-handed, at the “spread the love” station, guests were offered homemade favors of pepper jelly and salsa. The groom and his father made the salsa, all with ingredients from the family garden. The mother of the groom made the pepper jelly with her award-winning recipe. The labor of love from the family left guests with the best of both worlds – sweet and spicy! At the end of the night, the sparklers were lit. Friends and family left with memories and homemade goodies, and the couple exited with smiles on their faces and warmth in their hearts.

Wedding Photography: Luke and Cat Photography / Wedding Venue: Camp Lucy in Dripping Springs, Texas / Event Planning: Lizze Belle Event Management / Floral Design: Petal Pushers / Officiant: Dellene Blackmore, Aunt of the Groom / Catering: Verdes Mexican Parrilla / Ice Cream: Amy’s Ice Cream / Wedding Invitations: Designed by the Bride & Groom / Guitarist: Earl Bishop, Cousin of the Groom / Mariachi Band: Mariachi Estrella / Entertainment: Texas Unlimited Band / Head Table + Farmhouse Table Rentals: Premier Party Rentals / Miscellaneous Table Rentals: Whim Event Rentals + Petal Pushers / Mismatched Chair Rentals: Petal Pushers / Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: David’s Bridal / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Hair: Brittney Waltrip of Shelby & Co. / Makeup: Benefit Cosmetics via Ulta / Men’s Tuxedos: Al’s Formal Wear

I’m totally head over heels in love with each and every detail of this wedding, not to mention the beyond adorable couple. From those super cool grey and white stripped ties on the guys, to the simple but elegant white curtain altar, this wedding proves that vintage touches with a modern edge are here to stay. And that makes us oh-so-happy. Sara & Rocky Photography snapped some seriously gorgeous images and there’s even more right here.

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From Sara & Rocky Photography… Lauren and Troy were wed in Kennedale, Texas at Weston Gardens on October 12, 2012. Lauren and her dad made the draping backdrop for their ceremony, and she did all of the centerpieces herself.  The venue was gorgeous, with a “ship” the guys got ready in and an awesome bridge over the creek. So many beautiful nooks to get married in. Lauren lived in Dallas, and Troy had moved to LA to pursue a writing career. She moved to LA with him after they got back from their honeymoon. Not only are they two of the most beautiful people we know, but they have the sweetest hearts. 

Wedding Photography: Sara & Rocky Photography / Wedding Venue: Weston Gardens in Fort Worth, Texas / Floral Design: Sabrina Renterria / Wedding Cinematography: Eleven 29 Films / Catering: Rosa’s Cafe / Wedding Cakes: Lisa’s Creative Cakes / Wedding Dress: San Patrick via Lasting Bridal Couture of Addison / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bill Levkoff

There seems to be this crazy misconception in the world of weddings that pink, peach + purple hues are reserved for the warm summer months. But this amazingly beautiful shoot from Blue Lotus + Matt & Julie Weddings throws that idea right out the window. The rustic, earth-toned farm table from Shag Carpet Prop Rentals brings in a bit of fall and the amber + navy glassware help to anchor the set in autumn. Be sure to check out the rest in the full gallery!

Click here for the FULL photo shoot!

From Blue Lotus… We wanted to create fall a wedding look that was unique and unexpected. Blue Lotus chose floral with warm and cool tones to represent the marriage of the end of summer and the beginning of fall. Soft hues such as pink, peach and even purple don’t have to be reserved for spring or summer weddings; they can also be incorporated into fall décor. To offset the soft pink and peach hues, we brought in earthly elements such as plant décor, a honeycomb table number and cholla sticks among the floral. We used rich jewel tones for floral containers and goblets, which is a fun change of pace for fall and winter weddings. The octopus plate serves as a statement piece to breakup the table setting. For the location, we choose a clearing in the woods of a park, where fresh fall leaves covered the ground. Our bride wore a simple, flowing bohemian dress that complemented the earthy, bohemian feel of the shoot.

Photography: Matt & Julie Weddings / Floral Design: Blue Lotus / Paper Goods: Palm Papers / Calligraphy: Chips and Salsa / Table: Shag Carpet Prop Rentals / Octopus Plates: Anthropologie / White Plates: Pottery Barn “Gabriella” / Bride’s Earrings: Kendra Scott / Hair + Makeup: Maggie Remer of Salon Twenty Two

When a bridal session is as stunning as this one is, you can’t help but smile.  Maybe it’s because the bride is drop-dead gorgeous and rockin’ one seriously amazing Monique Lhuillier gown – or maybe it’s the way she frolics through that breathtaking Dallas field with a beautiful bouquet from Bows and Arrows and a joy that can only be found in true love.  My guess?  It’s a sweet, sweet combo of all of the above.  And the gallery captured by Heather Hawkins Photography?  Amazing with a capital A.  Join me there for more.

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From Heather Hawkins Photography… This gorgeous bride, Korena, grew up on a small farm in Oklahoma and is now a Dallas-based art director with impeccable taste. After getting engaged in the mountains of Santa Fe, she and her fiance decided to elope to the gorgeous Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California. She found the beautiful Monique Lhuillier legend gown at the Neiman Marcus flagship store in downtown Dallas and teamed up with the florists Bows and Arrows for one stunning, light-filled shoot. It was the perfect Fall day for her vision to come to life before she married the man she fell in love with!

Photography: Heather Hawkins Photography / Floral Design: Bows and Arrows / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier “Legend” via Neiman Marcus / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bride’s Jewelry: Her Grandmother’s Earrings + A Custom Ring

We tend to get a little excited when gorgeous weddings come our way.  That goes without saying.  So, when we first spotted this breathtaking number captured by J.W. Baugh Photography, it was crazy excitement from the very first beautiful image.  Because when an uber-stunning duo, Stonebrook Hall at Amber Springs and the fab stylings of A Style Collective team up for a rustic chic soiree, that’s a recipe for some serious pretty – AND the perfect combo for a pretty awesome Monday.  See it all here.

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And a breathtaking film from Bella Vista Productions to cap it all off…

From the Bride… When Steven proposed last October at my family’s ranch in Southwest Texas, I could hardly wait to start planning our dream wedding. Steven and I dated for nearly four years before he proposed, but he took me completely off guard when he popped the question in front of my entire family on a bluff overlooking the ranch. As soon as we were engaged, we started looking for the perfect rustic venue to host our “shabby-chic” wedding. After searching the Houston area, we decided to use Stonebrook Hall at Amber Springs as our venue.

After our engagement, we started scouring antique stores around Texas for blue mason jars, lace doilies, crocheted table cloths, brooches and a variety of vintage knick-knacks. We stopped in nearly every antique mall or vintage store that we passed, so to me it felt like a treasure hunt! I knew that I wanted a mixture of lace, rustic wood and sparkle for the décor, so we started putting together our vision to bring all of those elements and textures together. We decided on a palette of Tiffany blue, cream, burlap and natural wood as our inspiration. My wonderful mother, Lynn, was instrumental during this process, as she began crafting up a storm, creating craft paper flowers to display behind our cake table, putting together my brooch bouquet, helping to piece together chandeliers that would be hung in our venue and making every guest’s place card. We purchased 10 old doors to use as backdrops during the reception and had one Tiffany blue door converted to our cake table. My brooch bouquet was a mixture of family heirlooms and antique-store finds, and each of my bridesmaids carried a vintage brooch on their bouquet. I also carried tiny photos of each of our grandparents who had passed away on my bouquet, so they could be with us and watch over us as we were joined in marriage. Our “guest book” was actually a wooden bench that we had made and plan to use in our new home, along with most of the other things that we collected for our special day.

We wanted to have an outdoor ceremony, but also wanted it to feel like we were getting married in an old white-washed church. One of my best friends from childhood is a pastor in the Woodlands, so it was very special to have him be our officiant. One of the things that Steven was most excited about wearing were the custom Meyer boots I had made for him for his wedding present. They were made out of ostrich skin and calf leather from an ostrich that I shot a few years ago in Africa. After the ceremony, I changed out of my heels and into a matching pair of ostrich boots before we danced the night away. Steven’s favorite dessert is banana pudding, so instead of having a groom’s cake, a few of Steven’s aunts made homemade banana pudding for him and served it in small mason jars. Carlos Gomez, an incredible chef and family friend, flew in from Washington, D.C. to cook the venison, elk, and axis deer steaks that Steven and I harvested. The ladies with A Style Collective were so wonderful in helping refine our vision, and they brought a few linen wingback chairs and a gorgeous tufted Tiffany blue couch for our guests to lounge on during our cocktail hour. We chose a margarita with South Texas prickly pear syrup as our cocktail, along with a selection of beer and wine. Instead of using round tables during the reception, we rented 25 wooden farmhouse tables that A Style Collective had constructed. We wanted everything to feel “family style,” so the farmhouse tables and open buffet helped us create a level of comfort for each of our guests. Steven and I love to dance, and our wonderful band, The Drywater Band, kept everyone on the dance floor all night. We were so sad to see such a beautiful day come to an end, but after jumping into our getaway car, a Tiffany blue 1956 Packard, we couldn’t wait for the rest of our lives to begin.

Wedding Photography: J.W. Baugh Photography / Wedding Venue: Stonebrook Hall at Amber Springsin Houston, Texas / Floral Design: Danell Fields (832-776-4407 / dlpudlum@aol.com) / Event Design, Farmhouse Table, Vintage Prop Rentals + Custom Ceremony Backdrop: A Style Collective / Wedding Cinematography: Bella Vista Productions / Catering: Carlos Gomez / Bar Service: Traci Tini Bar Service / Wedding Cake: Finale By Glenna / Wedding Invitations: Invitation Solutions / Wedding Program Fans: Woodlark Designs / Ceremony Music: Divisi Strings / Reception Entertainment: The Drywater Band / Wedding Dress: Allure Couture via The Princess Bridal / Bride’s Heels: Manolo Blahnik “Sedaraby” / Custom Boots: Meyer Custom Boots (713-864-3808) / Hair + Makeup: The Perfect Face / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Watters via Brickhouse Bridal / Men’s Suits: Jos. A. Bank

With a theme of hot air balloons and a tangerine, lemon + spring grass palette, this cheery Houston wedding at La Colombe d’Or has slapped a huge smile on my face-and doubled the content of my inspiration board!  Not a detail was overlooked from the stunning paper suite by Atheneum Creative to the spot-on decor + florals from Darryl & Co. The whimsical fête continues with even more images from Studio563 by Craig Davis in the full gallery!

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From Studio563… A beautiful Texas girl met a handsome man from Denmark online in 2006 and discovered their worlds had many things in common. Gert had been transferred to Houston, and they lived in the same apartment complex. After four days of constant communication, they went on their first date to a romantic Italian restaurant named Grotto’s. The rest is history, and their loved continued to blossom.

The themes of their wedding were early 1900’s and hot air balloons. Colors of tangerine, lemon and spring grass tastefully weaved through out the event. Gorgeous and unique!

Wedding Photography: Craig Davis of Studio563 Houston / Wedding Venue: La Colombe d’Or in Houston, Texas / Event Planning: Emily Moise of Keely Thorne Events / Floral Design + Decor: Darryl & Co. / Wedding Cake: World Catering / Wedding Invitations, Paper Goods + Signage: Atheneum Creative / String Quartet: Divisi Strings / Band: The Drywater Band / Photo Booth: Booth66 / Popcorn: Cornucopia Popcorn / Silhouette Artist: Kathryn Flocken / Wedding Dress: Badgley Mischka via Ivory Bridal Atelier / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale

Before you head off into your day of turkey, stuffing, football, friends and family, we thought we’d share a little something extra special to put you in the celebration mood.  A pretty little Glen Rose wedding boasting just the right combo of rustic details and downright romantic moments with the oh-so-fabulous stylings of Tara Wilson Events dotting every inch of space.  (To be exact.)  The ever-amazing Ben Q Photography snapped up every last ounce of lovely and it’s what we’re calling the perfect start to your holiday weekend.  Join me in the gallery for more.

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And an uber-sweet film from the day captured by Lynn Films…

From the Bride… Caleb and I actually met when we were just little kids. We grew up knowing of each other, but more than 10 years went by before our paths crossed again. I was attending my second year in college at the University of Central Oklahoma when I ran into Caleb.  Instantly, there was a connection. After that day, the rest is history. After a year in half, Caleb proposed to me in an old barn. He wrote “Will you marry me” in a dusty window. We immediately started searching for a wedding planner. I honestly did not know where to start looking for a planner. I searched the internet for planners in Oklahoma, but just didn’t find what I was looking for. Then one day, I was flipping through a bridal magazine and came across Tara Wilson. There was just something about her that I liked. She was creative, savvy and different. Caleb, my mom, dad and I set out to meet with Tara in Fort Worth. We all hit off immediately. Tara instantly tuned into our personality and style. That same day, we went for a site visit at Rough Creek Lodge in Glen Rose, Texas. We all fell in love with Rough Creek.

After choosing the venue, my mom and I went to Chicago to find “the dress.” I knew finding my dress was going to be my biggest challenge, but come to find out, it didn’t take long at all. The designer of my dress is Ulla-Maija, and I purchased it at Ultimate Bride. It was a very simple, lace, trumpet style. It was exactly what I was looking for. Now that we had the dress, it was time to start the planning process. The planning process was so much fun. Since we live in Oklahoma, we only met with Tara a few times, but we enjoyed every minute of it. We chose July 14, 2012 as our date because that was when my parents married 33 years ago. Our style for our wedding was inspired by our lifestyle and personalities. Caleb and I grew up in small towns in Oklahoma. Caleb grew up as a simple country boy. He has always had a passion for hunting, so we decided we wanted a simple, country and elegant wedding. So with Tara’s wonderful creative mind, she came up with the theme “The Hunt Is Over.” It was PERFECT! I was very laid-back through out the whole planning process. Tara and I mainly communicated through email or phone. She would email pictures, and everything she chose, I loved. Every detail of the wedding was beyond everything I had ever dreamed of. The ferns in the chapel, the cocktail hour, the burlap linens, floral designs, delicious food and the sparkler exit — every detail was perfect and very well-thought out. Our wedding was so much more than we could have every imagined. We couldn’t have picked a better person than Tara Wilson to plan our wedding. Our day was perfect!

Wedding Photography: Ben Q Photography / Wedding Venue: Rough Creek Lodge in Glen Rose, Texas / Wedding Planning: Tara Wilson Events / Floral Design: Branching Out Event Florist / Wedding Cinematography: Lynn Films / Wedding Cake: Frosted Art / Band: Mike Ryan / Wedding Dress: Anna Maier Ulla-Maija via Ultimate Bride / Bride’s Jewelry: BC Clark / Bride’s Shoes: Balliets / Hair: Liz Hernandez / Makeup: Adina Wright / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew / Mother of Bride’s Attire: Ultimate Bride / Groom’s Suit: Nordstrom / Groomsmen’s + Bride’s Father’s Attire: Edward’s Menswear in Lawton, Oklahoma / Custom Paper: Southern Fried Paper

When a couple has an e-session as creative as this one, it’s no wonder their Agave Road wedding flipped the lid on convention and embraced bold, bright color! Hoping to share some Southwestern beauty + culture with their out of town guests, this Mr. and Mrs. enlisted amazing vendors (and local talents) like Flora Bella Designs and Edible Designs by Jessie for their big day. Click here to see the rest of the images from Carlea J Photography!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… Our inspiration and theme for the wedding was inspired by our venue, Agave Road. Most of our guests were from out of state, so we really wanted to find a venue that showcased some of the beauty of Texas and the Southwest region and culture. The beautiful agave plants and flowers, the outdoor lighting at night, fireplace, the cute donkeys and emus on the property, stunning wooden doors and architecture all created this romantic “Old Mexico” atmosphere. Our vibrant colors of poppy, fuchsia and violet really shined against the background of Agave Road and could be seen throughout the wedding from the invitations and stamps, to the flowers, cake and bridal attire. 

It was very important to me that we support artists or craftsmen who specialize in hand-made goods and small businesses throughout our wedding planning journey. Many of our special touches were purchased through Etsy or through up-and-coming graphic designers or freelancers. Some of these included our salt covenant egg for the ceremony, my necklace and bridesmaid earrings, the bow ties, custom wine labels, and the hand-painted ornaments. Those touches created special elements in our day, and we felt good supporting all of these talented artists!

The gorgeous poppy, violet and fuschia pom pom photo booth backdrop was created with love by my mom, step-dad and many family members. It was the perfect backdrop for some of our most favorite wedding photos of all time! The beautiful seating cards were assembled by hand by my maid of honor, step-mom and me. My MOH created the template and we spent a few days creating over 200 of these seven-layer flowers! The templates for the stickers on our welcome bags and cookie bags (favor) and cigar belly bands were also created by my MOH. Our family grew succulents to use as decoration throughout the reception. My dad created the reception table numbers, and the bridesmaids’ earrings, bridal keshi pearl necklace and veil were all made by my step-mom, Lena.

It’s hard to just choose one “favorite” memory of the day, but I have to say that I really enjoyed eating dinner with my husband at our sweetheart table and looking out into the reception and seeing our amazing family and treasured friends laughing, smiling and having a good time. We were able to enjoy our meal, relax and just BE HAPPY. The room was full of joy and beauty. It doesn’t really get better than that! My grandparents were also celebrating their 62nd wedding anniversary that weekend, and we were honored to have them at the wedding. We played the “Anniversary Song” in their honor. They danced all evening and we had such a blast, especially when they danced to Justin Timberlake’s “Sexy Back.”

Wedding Photography: Carlea J Photography / Wedding Venue: Agave Road in Katy, Texas / Floral Design: Flora Bella Designs / Wedding Cakes: Edible Designs by Jessie / Anniversary Wine Bottle Labels: Sara Michelle Designs / Cookie Table Signs: Amy Phan / Cigar Rolling: Chip Hight / Salt Covenant Egg: Centered Ceramics / Korean Wedding Ducks: Taeyon / Wedding Dress: Kirstie Kelly Couture / Bride’s Red Shoes: Kate Spade / Bride’s White Shoes: Mia / Bride’s Personalized Wedding Dress Patch: Monde Design / Bride’s Hair Flower: Olini Floral / Bridal Hanger: Einspanner / Bride’s Necklace, Bride’s Veil + Bridesmaids’ Earrings: Yelena’s Bijoux (The Bride’s Step-Mom) / Hair + Makeup: Thalio Beckham Artistry / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew / Groomsmen’s Suits: Jos A. Bank / Groomsmen Bow Ties: CCADesign / Ushers’ Ties: tuxandtulle

When rustic meets romance at the oh-so-darling Vista West Ranch, it’s like the prettiest thing you’ll ever see.  Especially when there is an adorable duo like this behind the day.  Because these two cuties put together a shindig that would make any wedding lover weak in the knees, complete with vibrant blooms from Petal Pushers and one fab detail after another that just screams personality.  Half Orange Photography captured every last moment perfectly, including the world’s most beautiful ceremony.  See it all here.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… It is all too easy these days for a bride-to-be to get overwhelmed with how fabulous all the wedding ideas on Pinterest and wedding inspiration blogs are. So during our wedding planning, I would have to remind myself that we don’t have to include everything I see into our wedding. Mark and I were planning our wedding during our final semester of grad school at Texas A&M while also studying and sitting for the CPA exam. Because of this, we knew we couldn’t take on too many DIY crafts or decorations for the big day. Instead, we looked for a venue that wouldn’t need very much decorating. We had been to Vista West Ranch in Dripping Springs for a few other weddings, and we knew it would be perfect for our special day! Just for fun, we wanted to make things complicated and have our ceremony and reception in the barn, which isn’t necessarily common at VWR – summer in Texas was our main concern! Stacey, owner of VWR and Petal Pushers, exceeded anything I could have imagined for how beautiful the alter decoration turned out – it was so perfect!

We wanted our wedding to be romantic, casual, intimate, and full of love – and it was! We loved how the burlap, lace and gorgeous flowers gave our wedding and reception a rustic yet romantic feel. Our ceremony was so special with lots of tears (of joy of course) and very personal by having my uncle, who both Mark and I are very close to, officiate our wedding. During the planning process, it was so fun for Mark and I to work together on deciding things that would both make us both happy and would be true to who we are. Our wedding included some quirky aspects (first dance as husband and wife to Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and the Zelda shield groom’s cake that made our wedding more about our personalities and not just something from a website that someone else thought of).

So my advice for brides-to-be is to not get overwhelmed with all of the creativity that’s out there. Instead, focus on what will work for you and your fiancé (as far as budget, style, workload, etc.) so that your day will reflect and celebrate the love that you two share!

Wedding Photography: Half Orange Photography / Wedding Venue: Vista West Ranch in Dripping Springs, Texas / Floral Design: Petal Pushers / Catering: Beth Watson of Our Lady of the Lunch (ourladyofthelunch@gmail.com) / Wedding Cake: Classic Cakes by Lori / Wedding Invitations + Program Design: The Paper Place / DJ: Mike Jarvis / Wedding Dress: Wtoo via Signature Bridal Salon / Makeup: Adore Makeup Boutique + Salon

I kid you not – the moment I first spotted this gorgeous Dallas affair, I gasped out loud.  Like an audible, put your hand to your heart kind of gasp, “wow” included.  Because this wedding?  This stunning masterpiece of a day?  It’s all kinds of fabulous.  And with beautiful blooms from Blue Lotus, oh-so-perfect planning by Sweet Pea Events and seriously amazing images from Sarah Kate, Photographer, it’s most definitely a take your breath away kind of soiree.  Prepare to get your pretty on and join me in the gallery for soooo much more.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… Mike and I had always been the outdoorsy type. I grew up spending my summers at the lake with my family, and Mike grew up surfing on the beaches back home in his native Australia. So of course I knew when we got engaged that I wanted to have the ceremony outdoors – and what better place to have a wedding in Dallas other than the Filter Building? It’s right next to the lake, has gorgeous natural flora all around it, and the building itself is one of those great venues that oozes a minimalist chic vibe. So the minute I pulled up to the building with my parents, I knew that it was the perfect place.

Once we had picked out the location, all the fun detail planning started! I wanted to have a clean, elegant chic look, but still stay true to our natural and rustic roots. Bri of Blue Lotus helped that vision become a reality. All of the centerpieces had natural, wooden elements to them, and the arch that we got married under was amazing with all of the ferns, moss and wood that she hand-built into the ground! One of my favorite elements to all of our reception tables was that we had decided to get natural moss and surround all the centerpieces with it to make them look like they were growing out of the table. All of our linens from Kennique Linens were simple green silk tablecloths with tan burlap runners down the middle, topped off with gold chargers and rust-colored napkins with our menus perfectly tucked into them. All of the place cards were made by hand by my mom, Kathy, using used wine corks to fit in with the casually elegant theme. Wendy Krispin Caterer topped off the night with the most amazing wait and bar staff ever. They had each dish plated perfectly and made sure every guest was attended to perfectly! I’m so happy we hired Sarah Kate to capture each and every special moment and detail of that day! And Colby Logan from Astounding Sounds helped us dance the night away!

My dress was by Alberto Makali and my bridesmaids dresses were by Monique Lhuillier. I wanted all of my bridesmaids to feel gorgeous and pretty, so we had booked the services of Shipe Ibrahimi for hair and Marilona Makeovers to do all the makeup, and they were amazing! Not only did everyone feel beautiful on the day of, but they were so much fun to get ready with as well. Mike picked out the Calvin Klein attire for the boys and went with simple black ties without any type of vest — a classic Aussie surfer boy look! The entire day went off without a hitch, and I could not have done it without anyone from my fabulous wedding team, especially my amazing wedding planners from Sweet Pea Events, who made my dream day a reality!

Wedding Photography: Sarah Kate, Photographer / Wedding Venue: The Filter Building in Dallas, Texas / Wedding Planning: Sweet Pea Events / Floral Design: Blue Lotus / Officiant: Love Notes Weddings / Catering: Wendy Krispin Caterer / Wedding Cake: Unrefined Bakery / DJ: Colby Logan of Astounding Sounds / Rentals: Dallas Party Tent & Event, Shag Carpet + Kennique Linens / Transportation: Cloud 9 Vintage Coach Service / Wedding Dress: Alberto Makali / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Monique Lhuillier / Hair: Shipe Ibrahimi / Makeup: Marilona Makeovers

This wedding has spunk. It’s vintage, Southern with a smidge of DIY, yes, but the overall feel is a lovely spunk. The way the bright blooms pop against the classic burlap and lace. The sweet “First Look” with a blindfolded groom. The bride and her sweet, sweet words. It’s a wedding with spunk – which is a wedding we can love with ease. Forever Photography was behind the camera for the day which has provided a gorgeous gallery (with all sorts of spunk) to spend hours and hours getting lost in!

Click here to see the full image gallery!

Matt and I first met through friends on a blind date on Valentine’s Day! I was immediately captivated by his sweet, southern charm, and his sense of humor! Once I got to know him on a deeper level, his selflessness and tender heart made me fall in love with him. I knew he was a keeper from the very beginning! We dated for about a year and half before he popped the question. During that year and a half, our favorite spot to go take walks was near a pond behind the campus library. That place held some of our most cherished memories. So on October 7th, I got in my best friend’s car to go on a road trip. Needless to say, I was a little confused when she started driving towards the library. Matt had some of his friends meet me at the car, pray over my relationship with Matt and the new steps we were about to take, and walk me to the gazebo where my beloved was waiting for me. He got down on one knee, and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him! Once I said YES, he whisked me away to an engagement party where my family and friends were waiting for us. I was so touched by his thoughtful planning and hard work to make this a special surprise for me.

Matt is a true southern boy. He grew up in the small Texas town of Waco, wears cowboy boots whenever he can, and has a typical easy going, “no fuss” attitude that is typical in the south. I wanted to capture this quality about him in our wedding. So we decided to get married at Vista West Ranch. It is a beautiful little ranch located in the Texas Hill Country right outside my hometown of Austin. It’s rustic and elegant charm drew me in. The ceremony was outside overlooking the rolling hills of Texas, and the reception was inside a charming barn with twinkle lights dotting the ceiling. I knew it was the perfect venue for us.

The inspiration for our wedding was the first thing that attracted me to Matt – his southern charm and outgoing nature. We wanted our wedding to reflect that. So after deciding on a ranch in the hills as our venue, I tried to bring in other artistic touches that reflected the breathtaking Texas hill country. Instead of traditionally picking out one or two main colors for the wedding, we decided on a backdrop of burlap and lace. That gave me freedom to pick many different colors for flowers and decorations, that all “popped” against the simplicity of the burlap and lace. My bridesmaids’ dresses were a deep purple, which made for an excellent backdrop for their bright and colorful wildflower bouquets. My wedding dress was a light gold lace, with a gold ribbon around the waist. I always knew I wanted a lace dress, because I thought it was so elegant and romantic. We added many ‘vintage/rustic’ decorations (in keeping with the look at Vista West) to introduce our wedding party and family to our guests.

Our ceremony was very unique to us. I had my maid of honor, who happens to be my best friend and older sister, sing a worship song with Matt’s best friend, who was the best man. Their voices blended beautifully, and it was a very special to share those moments together. Matt also wanted to take the time during the ceremony to wash my feet, for symbolic reasons. I loved that moment. During our reception, there were many personal touches that we worked hard to incorporate. There was a display honoring the marriages in our family history, and a display explaining each relationship we had with our bridesmaids and groomsmen. I wanted our wedding guests to fully understand the amount of love and prayers from our family and friends that were supporting our new marriage. The guests also had the opportunity to write down some marriage advice on some vintage postcards, and take “extra” pictures with disposable cameras that were placed on all the tables. There were some great shots and we treasure the personal notes! A tradition we continued that began at my sister’s wedding last summer was a lively, choreographed ‘father/daughter’ dance. I think the guests enjoyed it as much as we did. We used my grandma’s old linens on every table, which I absolutely loved.

One of my favorite memories from the wedding was before the ceremony. Matt didn’t want to do a “first look”, because he wanted the first look to be when I was walking down the aisle. So we decided on some blindfold pictures. He was the one blindfolded, and I walked out to him and got to hug him and talk to him. We were both so nervous, and it was great to be able to be together and talk before the big ceremony. The pictures from those few moments are really adorable. Obviously, another favorite moment for me was walking down the aisle and seeing Matt waiting for me under the altar. It was very surreal. I also have very precious memories made with my sweet friends and family. We had so much fun laughing and getting ready, taking goofy pictures after the ceremony, and dancing the night away on the dance floor! I loved every moment of our special day.

Photographer: Forever Photography / Videographer: Capital Wedding Video / Floral Designer: Petal Pushers / Event Design & Planning: Linda Dryden, lkdryden@aol.com / Venue: Vista West Ranch / Invitation Designer: Courtney Bliss / Cake & Desserts: Cupcake Bar & Tiny Pies / Wedding Gown Designer: Maggie Sottero, Karena / Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer: B2 by Jasmine, B2078 in Bordeaux / Earrings: J.Crew