Texas Weddings

I think Sweet Sunday Events said it perfectly when they described this vineyard beauty as super-duper sweet – because just super really wouldn’t cut it. And don’t even get me started on the vintage furniture – me oh my it took a hold of my heart and just wouldn’t let go. That is just the tip of this detail-filled fête. Kelly Cameron Photography snapped all of the sweetness so we could spend our lovely day gawking at the full gallery of images, and I highly recommend you jump on in and join me in there!

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From Sweet Sunday Events…Gorgeous, fun and super-duper sweet… Oh-my how I love this wedding! I am so in love with every single element of this wedding. It brings a big, fat smile to my face every time I see it! Faith was any designer and planner’s dream bride– with a few must have requests while letting up on the reigns so we could create the dream wedding she never saw coming. This wedding was certainly a labor of love with the groom and bride writing their own vows, a close friend officiating and our creation of surprise elements– one of kind pieces, tailor-made for Faith and Peter. I mean seriously, have you ever seen a personalized sign made from recycled dyed corks {courtesy of the Vineyard at Florence}, hanged over a well to create a wishing well of words of wisdom for the happy couple?! Lucky for us, photographer, Kelly Cameron, captured all the details we share with you today.

Venue: The Vineyard at Florence / Wedding Photography: Kelly Cameron Photography / Rentals, Floral Design, Event Styling + Coordinating: Sweet Sunday Events / Wedding Videography: Lizama Videography / DJ: Altared Weddings

This adorable bride and groom got to get their vows on not once, but twice in one day. First with a beautiful and colorful traditional Hindu ceremony that included a white horse that carried the groom to the ceremony site and some of the cutest little flower girls, and then ending with an American ceremony in the evening. This film, by Elite Video Productions, is so much fun to watch and there’s even a Bollywood dance at the end. Enjoy!

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From the bride…For the Hindu Ceremony and Lunch, we wanted to create a unique, cultured experience for our guests, both Indian and non-Indian. We aspired to bring India to Austin by using vibrant colors, flowing fabrics, live Indian music and a decorated white horse to bring the groom and his family and friends to the event.  The Baraat drummers and marching band were intended to set a festive tone for the groom’s procession, and the live sitar and tabla music at lunch were intended to bring a refined touch to the ambience at lunch.

In the evening, we wanted to capitalize on the beautiful natural setting of the Wildflower Center so we chose to work with lighting design and softer colors to focus on the natural elements. We emphasized different colors within our wedding color palette for the evening event, highlighting ivory and turquoise and de-emphasizing red and gold.  We wanted to integrate both cultures into the evening events through subtle touches, while also letting our personalities drive more of the design touches. We chose centerpieces dominant in succulents and various wildflowers, paisley lighting designs for the dance floor, and two tall cedar trees that framed the space where our ceremony took place. Those two cedars are now planted in our yard.  All of our tables were named after different trips we have taken all over the world, with a few silly and special highlights listed on each of the table cards along with an aerial view of the destination.  The table and name cards were various shades of turquoise and were designed by the groom, along with all the programs and menus for the morning and evening events. To shake things up a bit, we surprised all of our guests with a choreographed Bollywood dance performed by us along with some of our closest friends.

Note to self – I need to high tail it to Hill Country ASAP. After seeing this wedding by Matthew Johnson Studios I’m ready to book a flight to the Lone Star State to see this pretty place in person. And the bride? Well she is as breathtaking as the backdrop. I know they say everything is bigger in Texas, but it also looks like everything is prettier too. See for yourself in the full gallery of images!

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From the Bride…Our wedding took place on the stone terrace of a friends villa overlooking the sweeping Texas Hill Country, in the artsy town of Wimberley.  It was a sunny, slightly breezy spring day, everything about it reminded us of our favorite San Diego, California retreat.

A small gathering of close friends and family members joined us for the celebration.  The evening was filled with laughter, smiles and love.  Everything was just perfect; the scent of succulent jewel toned peonies in blue mason jars, the crowd beneath the warm glow of tree-hung lights, it was really magical!

Wedding Photography: Matthew Johnson Studios / Wedding Coordinator: Christina Lewis of Wedding Warriors / DJ: Altared Weddings / Caterer: Austin Catering / Bar: Star of Texas Liquor / Ceremony Music: Classical Guitarist Tony Morris & Renata / Floral Design: Wow Factor Floral Design / Wedding Cake: Classic Cakes by Lori / Transportation: Mike’s Luxury Transport / Rentals: Premiere Party Central / Make-up: James Allen Salon

This lovely Chicago couple chose Austin as the perfect location for their crazy gorgeous nuptials and I am beyond happy they did.  Held at the oh-so-charming Allan House and photographed by the amazing Ivy Weddings, this is definitely a destination wedding done right.  Every last detail coordinated by BZ Events, from the mason jars to the bright paper lanterns, is fab-u-lous.  And I think I am in desperate need of some cake by Michelle’s Patisserie.  Gorgeous and yummy.  Yes, I do believe it’s going to be a very good day here on Style Me Pretty Texas.  A very good day.  Join me in the gallery for even more!

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From the Bride… For our wedding, we decided to come down from Chicago and give Austin a “test drive,” as we are looking to make the move down there in a year or so. London, San Diego, Virginia, St. Louis, Chicago – we had friends and family from all over…except Austin! Needless to say, everyone was very excited to have an excuse to visit the Texas Capital. We had over 95 guests join us, all from out of town.

We tried to add a personal touch to everything that went into the wedding. Johnny’s cousin Daphne performed the ceremony, and we designed and printed our own save the dates, invites and programs. We chose green, coral and yellow as our colors, to play off all the natural greenery at the Allan House and create a “backyard wedding” feel. We had Chinese lanterns hanging in the trees, candles and flowers in mason jars, and customized “koozies” for each of our guests. At around 10:00 we had a root beer float bar, and then after a few hours of dancing, Chicago hot dogs on the bus ride back to the hotel.

It was truly a special night, and gave us nothing but good more good vibes about our probable future home!

Wedding Photography: Ivy Weddings / Wedding Coordinator: Gray Allen of BZ Events / Reception Venue: The Allan House / Wedding Dress: Marisa / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Hair: Celeste Biller of Austin Hair and Make-up / Makeup: Susan Hood Evans of Makeup by S.H.E. / Jewelry: The Bride’s / Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo / Groom’s Suit: Tommy Hilfiger / DJ: Penguin Entertainment / Floral Design: Wild Poppy / Wedding Cake: Michelle’s Patisserie / Caterer: Crave Catering / Officiant: Daphne DeMaris / Rentals: Marquee / Customized Cake Toppers: Tipsy Topsy / Customized Stickers for Gift Bags: 76th Street Ink / Customized Hand Rolled Sendoff Streamers: Extravagant Exits

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Talk about cool.  This rockin’ retro photo shoot by The Life You Love Photography has it going on in spades.  It’s a colorful blast from the past with a little bit of a hip, modern edge and I am loving every little moment.  Especially that smokin’ 1963 Ford Falcon which just might be the best dressed wedding car I have ever seen!  Check out all the vintage, aqua pink, and red details in the full gallery!

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From The Life You Love Photography…Vintage, antique, throwback….we’ve heard and seen it done many times before.  But Courtney and Steve brought a new twist to an old idea.  Retro 1950s is given a funky edge with vibrant reds and aquas incorporated with mismatched vases using a mixture of hydrangeas, roses, ranuculus and lush greenery for the centerpieces.  Mini 1950’s desserts such as cherry pies, eclairs, and ganache covered bundt cakes brought the sweet tooth out in our bride and groom.  Two unique, yet completely different dresses were created for our lovely bride to compliment the retro suits the groom donned.   The bride’s transformation was finished off with a side-swept up do and light, yet refined make up.  Intimate moments of these  obviously crazy in love newlyweds were captured with the help from a 1963 Ford Falcon to pull together the classic feel of the day.  With a little ingenuity, this bride and groom brought us back to a generation of class and timeless grace.

Photography: The Life You Love Photography / Floral Design: Lindy Floral / Event Design + Planning: Beautiful Day Events / Dress: Material Clothing (dresses made custom for this shoot) / Hair + Make-up: Erica Gray / Baked Goods: Benevolent Confections

Oh, DIY brides.  You never cease to amaze me with your creativeness, originality and talent.  Yes, it’s true.  I am consistently blown away by your fab selves and today’s stunner is no exception.  Every last detail of these Austin nuptials was designed and crafted by the oh-so-talented bride and the end result is a modern and sleek soiree that is as beautiful as it is awe-inspiring.  From the stunning floral design to the amazing dessert table, it’s one crazy gorgeous moment after another.  And I, for one, can’t seem to get enough.  Lucky for us, Sunny 16 Photography was there to capture all of the pretty.  So, join me in the gallery for even more!

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From Sunny 16 Photography… I remember the day Marilyn and Tony contacted me. Marilyn was telling me how they just decided to get married, and were wanting to do it within three weeks. The very posh W Hotel was just about to open and they were able to secure a room to hold their ceremony. Only the closest family and friends were going to attend.

Marilyn spent hours handcrafting and designing her wedding table. From the colors of black, white and green, to the flowers, logo, invitations, signs, name tags. She works in advertising, so she was delighted in designing her own wedding. She loves the modern feel of the wedding. The dessert table was filled with cupcakes, breads, cookies, chocolates that she made and guest would enjoy. She didn’t find designing this wedding a chore, she really enjoyed the process and would do it all again in a heart beat.

Also at this wedding was the announcement of the gender of their child. The candy cigars, in the color of blue or pink, were wrapped in little baby booties. The guests would unwrap the socks to find out if the child was a boy or a girl. There was just so much love and joy celebrating the wedding. I really felt part of Marilyn and Tony’s lives.

Wedding: Photography: Sunny 16 Photography / Wedding Ceremony & Reception Location: W Hotel / Decor, Invitations, Logo, Floral Design & Desserts: DIY, The Bride

Heather Ann Design & Photography sent this beauty our way and it is has our swoon seal of approval for best lineup of cowboy boots. Mixed with a gorgeous lace dress, now that is a combo worthy of swooning and the Texas style celebration that followed suit is equally as stunning. Not to mention the lovely florals at every turn courtesy of Last Petal. So sit back, kick up your boots and dig into this Fredericksburg affair in the full wedding gallery!

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From Heather Ann Design & Photography…This quaint Texas wedding was every photographer’s dream come true. All the details and romantic touches seemed to come straight from a J.Crew or Anthropologie ad campaign. The wedding was so classic, so charming, and so quaint. The union took place at the Hoffman Haus in Fredericksburg, Texas & was a complete success. Wedding coordinator Luis Carmona was exceptional and made sure each superfluous detail was executed properly. My second shooter Amy-Rose King, of Amy-Rose King Photography, shot along side me at this wedding and contributed some phenomenal images. The flowers were provided by Last Petal out of Austin, Texas and provided  fresh, soft and elegant touches to the vintage backdrop. The wedding was the absolute picture of romance set alongside a true Texas treasure, The Hoffman Haus.

Wedding Photography: Heather Ann Design & Photography / Floral Design: Last Petal / Event Design: The Bride / Event Planning: Luis Carmona / Location: Hoffman Haus / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Another week of wedding eye candy has come to a close, and we’re about to head out for the weekend. Obviously, we’re going to leave you with something fantastic to get you through the next couple days before we’re back Monday morning. With Labor Day just around the corner, that means the end of summer is coming into view. So here’s to late summer picnic’s in the park, riding your bike with your sweetie, and just curling up with a good read under a big, shady tree. Stacy Reeves – The Wedding Photographer has given us the cutest little engagement shoot to use as inspiration, so you can soak up all the summer you can get this weekend. See you Monday lovelies! xoxo

Click here for more of this shoot from Stacy Reeves!

In case you missed anything, here is the whole week of pretty all lined up:

a wedding film from Connecticut that has jumped top to the list of my faves
a vow renewal of one of our favorites to follow the fantastic Hartford film
a sweet as pie summery barn wedding in Madison
a vintage charmer of a Pittsburgh engagement sesh
a gorgeous bunch of floral and tablescape inspiration from Australia
a rustic Georgia bash celebrating a special couple’s engagement
a sweet and oh-so-pretty Connecticut shore affair
a stunning fête in the mountains of New York
a California Hindu wedding which was so fun and vibrant
a beyond beautiful bride in a beyond beautiful California barn
a classic and über-chic North Carolina affair

Some links we can’t get enough of from around the WWW

a super cute DIY fabric chandelier via 100 Layer Cake
a bunch of fashionable flower girls via Green Wedding Shoes
a really romantic Michigan wedding filled with DIY deets via Ruffled

For as long as I have been in love with all things wedding, I have been in love with all things floral.  And, let’s face it, that’s a long time.  There is just something so very wonderful about some pretty, pretty blooms.  I like to fill my house with them, use images of them as screen savers and gaze at them longingly here on Style Me Pretty.  And so it’s a no brainer that I would be head over heels for Sprout, the ah.ma.zing boutique floral studio located in downtown Fredericksburg.  Time and time again, I find myself picking my jaw right up off the floor when I get a peak at some of the gorgeous that Sprout is creating.  (And I may or may not save certain images of Sprout bouquets in a folder I call “My Wedding.”)  Needless to say, I was just a tad bit excited to do a little Q&A with Sprout’s sweet-as-can-be owner, Michelle.  And I was right.  She’s awesome.

What do you do, how long have you been doing it and what makes you awesome?

I have had Sprout, a flower and gift shop in Fredericksburg, Texas, since 2008.  The first week we were open, I received a call asking us to do the flowers for a wedding.  Since that time, providing florals for weddings and events has become a very important and vibrant part of the business.  The word “awesome” makes me a bit nervous, but I think I have been fortunate enough to stumble upon a niche market in our community – catering to couples looking to have a unique destination wedding in the Texas Hill Country.  We design florals for stylized boutique weddings, taking our lead from the style of the bride and groom, as well as the flowers currently in season.  I like to incorporate as many natural elements as possible, as well as unique vintage vessels.  Flea markets have become a great source of finding the perfect containers to incorporate in the design and we are constantly adding to our collection.

What sets Texas weddings apart from weddings anywhere else?

Cowboy boots with wedding dresses for one.  While not unique to Texas, I would say the term “rustic charm” sums up many a Texas wedding.  Often it is the mixing of rough elements like rusted metal, worn wood, deer antlers or limestone with the romantic softness of peonies, hydrangeas and garden roses.  Succulents are often another key ingredient.

What kind of weddings do you love most and what is your favorite trend right now?

I love it when the bride and groom bring their own personality, heritage and interests into the mix.  As to current trends, I’m enthralled by the more natural styled arranging that allows flowers to be seen more as they would appear in nature or in a garden.  Ariella Chezar is the queen of this in America at the moment with many other shining stars appearing all the time.  I also love the use of tablescapes – creating collages of florals and other items, often vintage, especially ones that resonate with the personalities of the bride and groom.

What is your biggest piece of advice for people planning a wedding?

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Choose your vendors well, communicate your style clearly and thoroughly and then let them deal with the details. Our job is to please you. With that in mind, I find that I am much more able to be creative when given a bit of leeway.

Who are your favorite vendor friends in Texas that keep the inspiration flowing?

I’m always amazed with the photography of Suzi Q from QWeddings.  I often start the day checking in on her “photo of the day” from her blog.  It inspires me to find beauty in unusual places and to look at things more carefully.  Svetlana Frolova of Svetlana Photography is another favorite as her images are so often simply breathtaking.  Elizabeth Harris is an event planner with a vast amount of experience and creativity.  She builds a rapport with her clients and is a great collaborator.  As for wedding cakes, Sophie’s Choice Bakery creates the most beautiful designs and they taste great, as well.  And I’m really excited about a new kid on the block here in Fredericksburg, Sisters Vintage Party.  They have a growing collection of vintage dishes and accessories available for rent.

Oh, and it gets better.  Michelle was gracious enough to share some floral tips for your big day.  I told you she was awesome.  So, without further ado, Sprout’s Top 5 Floral Tips!

Top 5 Floral Tips From Sprout

1. Define your style. Pinterest is a great way to pull together photographs of things you love.

2. Choose flowers that are in season. A flower not at the height of its season can be disappointing, while there is nothing quite like the robustness of a flower at its peak. That said, if there is a particular flower that you really have your heart set on, communicate that to your florist—sometimes we are able to get our hands on that special flower and add it in.

3. Do a walk-through. If possible, walk through the venue with your florist so you can see areas that may need a bit of embellishment.

4. When planning your decor, take into consideration the time of day and possible exposure to the elements. You don’t necessarily need candles if your ceremony takes place in daylight. Just as you may want to consider weighted vessels as opposed to small bud vases if there is a chance of wind.

5. Consider ahead of time what you will do with the flowers after the reception. Our local hospice program is happy to get leftover flowers and distribute them to their patients.

So, that concludes our Sprout tour of pretty for the day!  It’s been an honor, Michelle.  Thank you so much for giving us a glimpse in to your beautiful world!

Floral Design: Sprout / Photography: Jen Huang Photography + Alina Prax of La Dolce Vita Photography + Crystal Littrell of Littrell Photography + Suzi Q Varin of Q Weddings + Stacy Sodolak of SMS Photography + Sveltlana Frolova of Svetlana Photography + Kristin Radicke Light of Urth Studio / Film Work: Richard Photo

Taylor Lord Photography sent this next wedding our way and it is a white wedding wonderland full of romance and sparkle (just like the gorgeous Louboutins on the bride’s pretty feet). And the classic details? These are the mainstays that never ever go out of style for good reason. They are completely stunning. Sparklers, Monique Lhuillier, peonies, french macarons – they’re all making an appearance and it’s a pretty one. Eat up every last lovely detail in the full wedding gallery!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride…Style Me Pretty become my one-stop-shop for any and all wedding inspiration after our engagement. With each lovely wedding posted, I had a new favorite. Every day I wanted different flowers, colors, favors, everything…the only thing that I was one hundred percent sure about was Johnny! And luckily he felt the same way. In his letter to me before the wedding, he told me, “everyone kept asking if I was nervous about today, and my answer always was NO. I’m not nervous because I’ve never been more sure of something in my entire life. I know you’re the one I want to spend the rest of my life with and I LOVE you more than anything in the world.” Yes, I was in tears by the end of the letter!

In the end, my vision became clear. And we put it all together in six short months. I wanted a sweet and charming yet simple all-white wedding with pretty pretty gardenias, peonies, and hydrangeas everywhere, twinkle lights in the trees, and some glittery gold shoes! Bill from Floral Events came in and sprinkled gardenias all over the Courtyard on St. James Place! It was down the aisle, in the centerpieces, in all the bouquets, on the cake table, and in my hair! The white flowers were lovely against the natural ivy covered balcony at the Courtyard. And the sweet smell of the gardenias was intoxicating!

My love for anything Tiffany’s was inspiration for my wedding dress. Simple, timeless, and oh-so-stunning. It was the only dress I tried on! Of course, we also wanted to incorporate Johnny’s love of the Cubs in our wedding. Cakes by Gina created such an adorable replica of the team’s mascot for his groom’s cake. And Gina also incorporated the gardenia into the bride’s cake.

The only hitch on the wedding day? Our adorable two-year-old flower girl fell asleep right before the ceremony. But she woke up just in time to dance the night away at the reception! It was the perfect night and the perfect way to start our incredibly blessed marriage.

Wedding Photography: Taylor Lord Photography / Floral Design: Floral Events / Ceremony + Reception Location: Courtyard on St. James Place / Wedding Invitations: Invitation Solutions / Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin via Neiman Marcus / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier via Joan Pillow Bridal Salon / Wedding Cake: Cakes by Gina / Bridesmaid Dresses + Groomsmen Suits: J.Crew / Make-up + Hair: Flawless Makeup.Hair.Cosmetics

If I were sporting a mood ring right now, it would be a sea of deep blue because I have nothing but love for this wedding shot to sheer perfection by SMS Photography. Unfortunately I don’t have a mood ring, but the obsession over every lovely detail is in full effect. The bride crafted all of the paper goods and vintage decor while the gorgeous blooms where masterminded by Stem Floral Design. Honestly I could probably stare at a fluffy coral peony all live long day and I just might in the full wedding gallery.  Care to join me?

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From the Bride…I did all the planning myself. I have a background in event planning but I did find it hard to actually make the decisions. It is so much easier to make decisions for someone else. I did hire a day of planner, which was wonderful because I didn’t have to worry about all the details the day of!

We really wanted to have our wedding in downtown Austin and didn’t want guests to have to drive from ceremony to reception, hence the pedicabs! We had our hearts set on our church St. Mary’s and we are huge foodies and wanted a restaurant experience verses a banquet or buffet feel. After lots of searching we almost booked the rehearsal dinner at Parkside, but just before signing the papers we realized this was going to be the location of the reception. We also stayed at the Driskill Hotel, an old, TEXAS style hotel, which was only a block away. We got history, modern cuisine, and a vintage feel… everything we love!

The theme was vintage with a touch of modern. Everything has a LOT of detail. The colors were orange, teal, fuchsia/raspberry, green, all based off an ivory background. We chose this color scheme because it was a bright spring wedding with a lively feel to all aspects. Everything from the wording on the invitation to the bridal bouquet had a whimsical, organic (not streamlined) feel to it. You saw the colors and vintage/modern feel everywhere: invitations, vintage map cufflinks, custom handmade bridesmaid dresses, trios of vintage centerpieces, tea-length full lace bridal gown, handmade hairpieces, ring bearer book, birdcage card holder, and much more.

Reception + Catering: Parkside / Ceremony Location: St. Mary’s Cathedral / Prep + After Hours Party Location: Driskill Hotel / Floral Design: Stem Floral Design / Invitations + Decor: The Bride / Wedding Dress: Stephanie James Couture / Veil: Sara Gabriel / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bridesmaid Dresses: Miss Brache / Cufflinks: Sherry Truitt / Day of Coordinator: Jessica Brightwell, Pearl Events / Make-up: Keep Austin Gorgeous / DJ: DJ Vegg / Wedding Photography: SMS Photography

All it took was just one second of gazing at this gorgeous Dallas wedding by Andrea Polito Photography, Inc. and I was completely and madly in love.  It’s true.  With amazing blooms by Cebolla (including a beautiful peony-filled bouquet), a charming location and a reception with milk and cookies (And even a milk toast for the groom!), I can’t seem to get enough of this sweet, sweet soiree.  Trust me, you don’t want to miss a single detail of garden party perfection.  See all of the lovely here!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Andrea Polito Photography, Inc.… Katie and Tait were joined by their immediate family and closest of friends for their intimate ceremony.  Afterwards the couple celebrated their marriage at a private residence with more of their closest well wishers. After a champagne and milk toast (The groom opted for cookies and milk for his cake!), the couple danced the night away with their friends and family.  Katie and Tait were so enjoyable to shoot and it was easy to capture not only their love for one another, but also the love and happiness shared by their family and friends.  Congratulations Katie and Tait!

Wedding Photography: Andrea Polito Photography, Inc. / Floral Design: Cebolla / Wedding Ceremony Location: Park Cities Presbyterian Church / Wedding Reception Location: Private Residence / Bride’s Cake: Margaret Gragg of Dallas Affaires Cake Co. / Groom’s Cookies: JD’s Chippery / DJ: Randal Stout

Ever wonder what it looks like when an SMP girl gets married? Well, you’re in luck today because Shawna the bride is part of our SMP family and nothing sends us into wedding ga-ga land like one of our very own tying the knot! This wedding is SMP personified and each and every element has us swooning over our keyboards this morning. Shawna rounded up a dream team of vendors including Anne Marie Photography, Unexpected Elements, The Left Handed Calligrapher, Blue Sky Papers, CarteWheels Catering, and Marquee Event Group, just to name a few. I’m having a hard time picking my favorite parts out of this one, but I must say, that Bellini bar looks quite delicious! See that and soooo much more in the full gallery!

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From the Bride…Matt and I met, fell in love and started our life together in Dallas, Texas. After a little over 3 years together he proposed on Valentine’s day while we were vacationing in Malibu. After brunch, while down on the beach under the Malibu Pier, he proposed with a mood ring. It couldn’t have been any more perfect and we will cherish that moment forever. Before the proposal, we had the most wonderful romantic getaway in the charming town of Fredericksburg,TX and knew that’s where we wanted to marry some day. Fredericksburg is a great reflection of Texas and represents the hospitality that we know and love about this state. We knew our friends and family would have no problem making a trip there for a fun and relaxing weekend together.

Style Me Pretty was of course the main inspiration for my ideas! I know exactly what happens to everyone on here, you get hooked and you can’t even look elsewhere. SMP really gave me the courage to make decisions throughout the whole process. In the beginning I thought that nailing down a scheme would be a lot more difficult than it actually was, but I just selected things that went with the vibe of the town. Fredericksburg is known for its peaches, antique shopping and regional beer and wine so I really wanted to play that up in the decor and menu. A mix of luxury and good DIY was the goal. My background is in interior design so I’m really drawn to the idea of having more than one color and incorporating soft, rich layered tones of texture. The Hoffman Haus made for an easy backdrop for my dreamy vintage ideas.

Originally I thought I wanted an all-over lace dress and had that on my mind for a while. When the styles just didn’t work out for me I went with a pleated dress, but was still kinda sad about not having lace. My event designer focused on that wish and created a lace aisle runner and curtain backdrop for the ceremony. It was the perfect way to achieve the lace look I originally wanted, but with a twist! I was able to have more lace than just wearing it.

My proposal mood ring was my “something blue” and we used a magnolia shrub for our planting ceremony. Our first dance song was “Grow Old with Me” by John Lennon. The doilies, hankies and brooches were from my grandmother. The panic happened two hours before the wedding when we realized my traditional veil was left in Dallas! Plan B – I rushed to the fabric store for tulle and then a last-minute glamorous headpiece was created by my hairstylist! Thankfully I had thought ahead and purchased an Etsy hair fascinator to wear at some point that night, it really completed the look and just worked better with the dress. Forgetting the veil was the best mistake EVER and I even ended up wearing it to our farewell breakfast the next morning!

I can’t thank my amazing vendors enough for making our dream wedding come to life and I’m so glad I planned ahead and chose each one of them, we’ve never felt so pampered. My favorite part of my wedding (aside from marrying Matt of course!) was that I was able to incorporate everything I wanted and be with everyone that I love; it was truly a dreamy vintage garden wedding.

Wedding Photography: Anne Marie Photography / Ceremony + Reception Location: Hoffman Haus / Floral, Event Design + Planning: Unexpected Elements / Invitations: Bella Figura / Calligraphy, Signage + Save the Date: The Left Handed Calligrapher / Catering + Ice Cream: CarteWheels Catering / Linens: Marquee Event Group / Guest Sign-In Book: Blue Sky Papers / Cake + Cake Base: Sophie’s Choice Bakery / Music: Altared Weddings / Hair + Make-up: Lucie Marie / Ceremony Music: Theresa Britt / Officiant: Rev. Janice R. McGrath / Chair Rental: Class A / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka via Nordstrom / Wedding Gown: Bridal Designs Southlake / Bride’s Sash: Mother of the Groom with Grandma’s brooches / Cake Table: DIY Doilies from Grandmother / Bride’s Hair Piece + Garter Set: Bella Sorella Couture / Earrings: Nadri via Nordstrom / Veil: Custom Creation by Lucie Marie, Tulle from Things in a Room / Groom’s Suit: Ralph Lauren via Dillards / Groomsmen Suit: Joseph A. Bank / Bridesmaid Dresses: Anthropologie, Macy’s, J.Crew, H&M / Bridesmaid Shoes: Dillards, Macy’s, DSW / MOB Dresses: Macy’s / Giant Jenga Game: Father of the Bride / Groomsmen Gifts: Growlers from Fredericksburg Brewery / Card Holder: Plant Terrarium via Hobby Lobby / Guest Gift Baskets: Hobby Lobby / Guest Gift Basket Linen: Ikea / Guest Gift Basket Popcorn: Mom and Popcorn / Guest Gift Basket Tea: Teas of Texas / CD + Cover: DIY / Oval Table Name Holders: Hobby Lobby / Champagne Toasting Flutes: Z Gallerie / Wedding Cake Server: Pottery Barn / Guest Book Pen: Swarovski / Groom’s Cufflinks: James Avery / Cigars: Addison Cigar Club / Ceremony Plant + Pot: Central Market + Joann / Matchbooks and Decor : Event Styling by Shawna Marie 

I know they say everything is bigger in Texas, but I do believe everything is a bit more darling too. Maybe it’s the sweetheart bride in this soiree by Viridian Design Studio or maybe it’s the pretty color palette that just seems made for Hill Country – whatever it might be that ups the darling degree, Forever Photography captured all the cuteness and filled the full gallery of images so we could devour every bit of it!

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From Forever Photography…This wedding was so much fun to photograph!! We got the chance to work with Trisha again from Viridian Design Studio. They do the coordinating and the AMAZING flowers, we always love working with her! Their reception was held at Riven Rock Ranch in Comfort, TX. We love Hill country weddings, especially when they are all outdoors! Dominic’s happiness is so contagious. When you are around her you cannot help but smile and feel good inside, and I am sure that is something Vince loves about her. We really loved their color choices. Gold bridesmaids dresses with light pink flowers!! It looked so amazing! We love seeing different and unique color palettes. Dominic and Vince we wish you both the best, and hope you enjoy the pictures from your wedding day!

Venue: Riven Rock Ranch / Wedding Coordination, Linens + Floral Design: Trisha of Viridian Design Studio / Wedding Dress: Bridal Galleria / Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal / Church: St. Peter Apostle Church / Wedding Photography: Forever Photography / Caterer: CarteWheels Catering Inc. / DJ: Holtz Entertainment / Wedding Cake: Sophie’s Choice

This is the perfect inspiration for anyone who loves the ballet or all things girl-y and feminine. The perfect mix of music and movement, I’m loving all the details including the vintage looking music sheets wrapped into a cone, holding petals for the adorable flower girls festooned with baby’s breath crowns and tutus. Captured by Sara Donaldson and designed by Shannon Schultz Events, this photo shoot is full of pretty little details that you can incorporate into your day. It’s fresh and gorgeous and there’s so much more in the full gallery of images!

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From Sara Donaldson…She is a ballet dancer. He is a pianist and singer. For this style shoot, we wanted to both capture real life as well as simplify what the wedding experience can be: genuine, raw, real. Every detail has a simple practicality to establish a reflection of the bride and groom as a couple.

A six-foot altar was created with the groom’s vintage piano sheet music, flanked by ivory mosquito net panels and a gold curtain ballast. Many of the altar’s music pages feature the groom’s beloved teacher’s handwritten notations. The flower girls stole the show, playing in and around the altar, telling secrets and throwing rose petals, simply being children and exemplifying the pure innocence with which love begins. Two deconstructed piano keyboards held escort cards. The bare bones of the piano and rugged edge of the escort cards gave the shoot a raw simplicity and a reminder of the groom’s genuine creativity.  Allowing wedding guests to continuously interact with such personal details keeps the wedding focused on the bride and groom.

The French zinc tabletop was a true inspiration.  With its industrial presence, we were able to mix and match feminine vintage chairs to create a very simple, classic look. Hand painted white chargers, 70-year-old amber china, gold flatware, EmersonMade linen napkins, organic moss, and tea-stained compliment tags worked to create the romantic charm of a ballet dancer marrying her beloved. Maiden Hair, Lysmachia, and Nigella (all garden flowers) were chosen for their unique feminine qualities. The boutonnières played on the idea of joining a man and a woman in marriage: the masculine berries tied with feminine lace made a perfect juxtaposition.  A bouquet of precious light peach roses perfectly complimented the bride’s ballet-inspired gown, her long French tulle veil, and her detailed tiara. Soft rose petals filled tea-stained music sheets for tossing.

We couldn’t resist bringing in one final detail, a 1968 Imperial Crown Coupe Mobile Director. The classic, clean lines and rich blues of the vintage automobile reflected the couple’s charming interaction. When you keep your wedding details classic and simple, your story as a couple can truly sparkle.

Photography: Sara Donaldson / Design: Shannon Schultz Events / Furniture: Simple Things + Sara Donaldson / Floral Design: The Enchanted Florist / Food: Linguine and Dirty Martinis / Calligraphy: Blue Eye Brown Eye / Car: The personal collection of Chandler Smith / Dress + Accessories: De Ma Fille Bridal

Oh my goodness, Texas.  Do we have a treat for you this lovely Friday morning.  An oh-so-enchanting bridal session, complete with a vintage Cadillac, a stunning Monique Lhuillier gown, a pair of I-have-to-have-them Manolos and a beautiful bride who, I swear, could have just walked off the pages of a magazine.  All of that gorgeousness AND ah.ma.zing images by Kelly Kate Photography.  Yep, I do believe it’s going to be a wonderful Friday.  So, pick your jaws up off the floor and join me in the gallery for all of the pretty!

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From the Bride… My vision was to capture God’s beauty with my love for Texas Sunsets in open land. I wanted rustic with class.  Southern chic was my vision for the photo session and wedding. The setting took place in the country, where there was open landscape, a lush green garden, fields of tall and dry grass, Italian stone arches, antique blue chair and my daddy’s old red Cadillac (which he drove us away in at the end of the wedding). I guess you could say I wanted to capture the things my “biggest loves” represented. My dad- his car which holds so many precious memories for both of us. My mom-the garden, which shows her beauty and love for exceptional design.  My beloved husband – the Italian arches symbolize his family, which is Italian. Our Heavenly Father- the sunset which radiates God’s creativity, beauty, and goodness. He paints it each evening for our pure enjoyment.

Photography: Kelly Kate Photography / Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blahnik / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier / Hair: Nicki at Lookin’ Good

I love a good “how we met” story – don’t you? Well this couple’s chance encounter was fate, shall we say, and ended up in the most lovely way – right back in Austin where the two cuties crossed paths for the first time. This time Ku Photography was there to capture all the gorgeous in this adorable Austin affair. All of the sweet details are almost as cute as the couple, and you can see even more in the full gallery!

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From the Bride…Hard to believe that a chance meeting on a park bench while en route to Austin City Limits Music Festival in 2003 would one day lead us down the aisle. We were both in Austin (I lived in Kansas City; Jason was from Baltimore) with friends for the music festival, and struck up a casual conversation. We thought nothing of the encounter, but all agreed to meet up later that evening on Austin’s famed Sixth Street entertainment district. At the end of a fun weekend, we all exchanged e-mail addresses and promised to stay in touch. When a temporary job assignment landed me in Washington, D.C., I reconnected with Jason and his friends from Baltimore, since I knew they were into live music. A friendship bloomed between Jason and I, and our first “date” was a concert at DC’s 930 Club. Needless to say, love did not bloom immediately. But, once we were both settled into our lives in separate places (1,500 miles away from one another), a whirlwind long-distance romance ensued. Nearly seven years and a couple cross-country moves later, we were finally tying the knot.

Since our friends and family were spread all across the country, we decided to hold our wedding in the place where it all began—in Austin, Texas. Our vision for the day was to have something warm, comfortable and friendly, surrounded by those we loved so much. We were wed on the perfect sunny day, and danced the night away under the starry Texas sky.

Early in the planning process I fell in love with Amy Butler’s amazing fabric and paper designs, which helped set the tone and color palette for the event. I used an amazing letterpress printer I found on Etsy who used a variety of Amy Butler papers as invitation backing, resulting in each invite being a bit different and unique. Amy Butler fabrics were also used on handmade touches throughout the reception including pillows, covered canvases, program fans and the seating cardboard.

As it turned out, the wedding was exactly as we’d hoped. The food was delicious. The drink swere cold and flowing. And the photo booth was jam-packed with guests all night. And, very appropriately, after the official festivities ended, we spent the last moments of the night in downtown Austin, the place where it had all begun for Jason and I so many years before.

Wedding Photography: Tony Ku and Ashley Eddleman for Ku Photography / Florals + Event Coordination: Wild Poppy / Hair + Make-up: Keep Austin Gorgeous / Photobooth: Magnolia Photo Booth Company / Ceremony + Reception Location: Hamilton Twelve / Guitarist: Brady Davis / Wedding Invitations: Elf Design & Letterpress / Wedding Dress: Matthew Christopher / Bride’s Shoes: Stuart Weitzman / Bride’s Jewelry: Adorn / Bridesmaid Dresses: Ann Taylor / Groom + Groomsmen Suits: Jos A. Bank / Dessert Buffet: Whole Foods Bakery, Austin Cake Ball + Mandola’s Italian Market

This sweet Houston wedding is the epitome of elegance.  It is full of non-stop girly eye candy from the luscious peonies to the pink Amsale dresses.  Sharon Nicole Photography captured all the romance that swirled around these two high school sweethearts and all the picture perfect details they put together.  Following her lovely photographs there is a real special goodie from the folks at 31 Films that you will just go bonkers over!  Head on down there and then check out the full gallery to see all the details!

And now for that really sweet treat I promised! 31 Films brought us this up close and personal look at the entire gorgeous day as it unfolded…

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From the Bride…Will and I were so fortunate to find one another at such a young age during our freshman year of high school. Eight years later, after surviving the long-distance relationship in college, Will proposed and we were so excited to be back home and start planning our big day. Since I had secretly been planning for almost a decade, I knew exactly what I wanted: a simple, yet elegant evening with soft details and a romantic ambiance. However, I needed my wonderful sister and Matron of Honor, Ellen Cairns, to help bring all of my wedding dreams to life!

It was an easy decision for Will and I to choose a Catholic ceremony at Holy Rosary Church, and the reception to follow in the gorgeous ballroom of River Oaks Country Club. I first chose a color scheme of blush pink, champagne gold, and ivory. 31 Films and Sharon Nicole Photography were the first things I booked, as I think it is so important to be able to cherish the memories once the day is over. I was thrilled to find my dress at the brand new Ivory Bridal Atelier in Houston. I felt like I was floating in the subtle layers of ivory organza and tulle. I wanted my bridesmaids to feel just as beautiful, so I asked them to choose whatever style silk chiffon Amsale dress that they loved the most. We even altered down one to fit my 8 year old junior bridesmaid, and she looked like such a little lady! I chose for each of them to walk down the aisle with their choice of peonies, hydrangeas, or roses (my favorites!), and the flower girls had baby rose pomanders held by a string of pearls. The reception was filled with a combination of the three flowers, along with simple bundles of babies breath.

The song that 31 Films chose for our next day edit perfectly expresses the sense of serenity that came over me on the morning of the wedding, and all of the planning suddenly paid off. I walked down the aisle to my best friend, and the rest of the evening was even better than I imagined it would be. The guests raved about the food, and had a blast dancing with the party props that were thrown onto the dance floor. We chose to have a photo booth for our guests to take home a fun memory from the night. They also left with goodie bags from the candy bar, water bottles to help the sugar high, and a CD of all our favorite songs for the ride home. We feel so lucky to have had so many friends and family there to help celebrate our love, and couldn’t have asked for a better start to our new life as husband and wife!

Wedding Videography: 31 Films / Wedding Photography: Sharon Nicole Photography / Floral Design: Wedding Flowers by Lisa / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Wedding Dress: Rivini via Ivory Bridal Atelier / Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale via Bella Bridesmaid / Ceremony Location: Holy Rosary Catholic Church / Reception Location: River Oaks Country Club / Band: Doppleganger / Day of Coordination: Chelsea Wenner of Belle of the Ball / Wedding Cakes: Susie’s Cakes / Hair + Make-up: Empire Faces / Photo booth: Say Cheese / Gobo: Bright Star Productions / Transportation: Cosmo Cool Concepts

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Before we get into this gorgeous Galveston wedding by Alyse French Photography, I highly advise you scroll on down to the darling Bride’s lovely words and read her proposal story, because it.is.a.gem. Bravo to the handsome groom, bravo indeed. The wedding is just as darling and filled with gorgeous florals from Knapp Flower Shop and of course love from the handsome pair. It’s all around lovely, and there is even more in the full gallery of images!

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From the Bride…I grew up in Galveston, so I knew from the moment Shane proposed and even before then really, that the wedding had to be in Galveston. Speaking of proposals, Shane’s proposal was perfect. I was completely surprised, shocked even, when it happened. Shane is an artist and had been commissioned to paint a bench on the seawall. He chose to paint a cherry blossom tree on the bench. Later, he painted his proposal on the bench with the words “Laura Hughes, will you marry me?” Of course, when he asked me to take a walk along the beach at dusk on December 27, 2009, I had no idea about the painted proposal. As we got closer to the bench, I noticed there was a box on top and a bottle sitting next to it. When I saw the words, I stopped in my tracks and my mouth fell open. Suddenly, my parents and Shane’s parents popped out from their hiding spaces. Shane popped the bottle of champagne and we all toasted the occasion at sunset on the beach. It was beautiful. And, of course, I said yes.

I took the plunge and approached someone at the church about my idea of having the wedding outside. Luckily, the church said yes! After considering a number of factors (no mosquitoes, still relatively cool, beautiful flowers naturally in bloom), Shane and I decided to have the wedding in early May. The time of year also helped me home in on my wedding colors: light blue, soft purple, and pink.

For the reception, I wanted an intimate venue where guests could mingle indoors and outdoors. The Galveston Artillery Club delivered just that. Because the club is divided into several rooms, its layout provided a certain intimacy that giant ballrooms lack. Initially, Shane and I wanted to have the reception at my parents’ house, but the wedding grew too large. Instead, we decided to throw the rehearsal dinner at my parents and have the reception at the club. Each venue was personal and intimate, in its own unique way.

Although I did not have a wedding planner, I had lots of time to plan. Before Shane proposed, we had been dating for almost seven years. By the time we got married, we had been dating for almost eight. Our wedding was a long time in the making, but in the end, it was everything that I had ever dreamed and more. Also, many people in our families contributed to making the wedding what it was. My mother-in-law made the food for the rehearsal dinner, decorated the flower baskets, and found bubble bottles. Shane’s sister’s mother-in-law sewed the flower girl dresses along with the ring bearer’s tux and pillow. A coworker sewed my garter and located materials and ribbons. My friend and bridesmaid, Nancy Hite, decorated the birdcage and bubble basket with love and care. She also found sparklers. So many people did so many wonderful things. It’s amazing how weddings manage to bring out the best in people – and how so many people are willing to help. To my wonderful family and friends, thank you.

Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Make-up + Hair: LuLu’s, The Salon & Day Spa / Flowers: Knapp Flower Shop / Wedding Stationery: Paper Source / Wedding Photography: Alyse French Photography / Ceremony Venue: Trinity Episcopal Church / Reception Venue: Galveston Artillery Club / DJ: Rock N Robin / Wedding Cake: Patty Cakes

We think Monday mornings should start off with a squeal – the good kind. And this darling ditty by Sweet Caroline Photo is the perfectly pretty, squeal-worthy wedding to kick start your week. Feel free to gawk the fabulous florals from Posey Floral and the pretty as can be bride, you won’t be alone. You also won’t be alone in the fabulous full gallery of squeal-worthy images – which, if you ask little ol me, is not a bad way to spend a Monday.

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From the Bride…The “theme” was natural and romantic. Our colors were chocolate brown and different shades of green which went nicely with the reception venue and decor. We wanted to play off the incredible views that the reception site offered and keep everything “Austin Hill Country-esque!”

There are so many “best moments” but the most obvious was when we walked out of the church as husband and wife! Dancing the night away with our friends and family was also pretty special too. We absolutely loved our band, Matchmaker, dancing under the Texas stars with a surprise cool summer breeze was magical!

My biggest piece of advice for brides would be “Trust your gut!” If you find there is something with a vendor or detail that you don’t like then speak up! It’s your day and you don’t want to look back and think I could have avoided this had I said something. Lastly, make the reception your own. Include your special touches where you can, it will make your wedding different from any other!

Wedding Dress: Modern Trousseau / Bride’s Shoes: Dolce & Gabbana / Floral Design: Posey Floral and Event Design / Earrings + Bracelet: Kendra Scott / Brooch: Uncommon Objects / Hair: Shannon Carr / Make-up: Rochelle Rae Cosmetics / Groom’s Tux: Jos A. Bank / Bridesmaid Dresses: LOVE by Enzoani / Event Planning + Coordination: Darla Novak, Impressions / Wedding Invitations: Inviting Affairs / Catering: Kurant Events / Wedding Cake + Dessert: Bountiful Bakery / Linens: Marquee Event Group / Groom’s Rings: Fabuluster / Bridesmaid Necklaces + Bracelets: Flamingo Feathers and Strim / Personalized Hanger: DIY / Wire Heart Wedding Cake Topper: Deliziare / Wooden People Cake Toppers: IttyBittyWoodShoppe / Moss Letters: DIY / Wooden Guest Book: Mother, Aunt, and Grandmother of the Bride / Wedding Photography: Sweet Caroline Photo