Austin Wedding by The Nichols

Peaches are my absolute favorite summer fruit. I literally spend the year awaiting their arrival at the farmers’ market, so when I saw how Gina and Kyle incorporated fresh peaches throughout their summer wedding, my mouth was watering immediately. Gina, the bride, works for Little Black Book member 2 Dine 4 Fine Catering in Austin, so I knew right away that the attention to detail would be excellent and this peaches and cream affair, beautifully captured by The Nichols, does not disappoint. You can drool through the entire image gallery right here.  xoxo, Erin from apartment 34

click here to see the full gallery!

From the bride, Gina…

Although I’ve seen many weddings while working in this industry, there is nothing like your own wedding day. It was absolutely magical, and I had the added bonus of being surrounded not only by the love of my life, my family and friends, but also my “second” family at 2 Dine 4 Catering, who really outdid themselves to make everything perfect.

Here are a few of my favorite details:

Venue: We both grew up in Austin and consider ourselves to be “old school” Austinites. We wanted a venue that reflected that – centrally located and with a very classic, vintage ballroom feel. The Mansion felt just right.

Food: The food was naturally very important to me, but (surprise!) it wasn’t just up to me…Kyle wanted an elegant menu, but I wanted kitschy and playful for the 4th of July. What we ended up with was a mix of classic and fun: braised beef short ribs and summer salad, but also my favorite panko-crusted mac n’ cheese and mini corn dog appetizers. My favorite food element was the peach ice cream, which 2 Dine 4’s chefs prepared from my grandmother’s “famous” recipe. Paired with almond cake and a slice of Texas peach, it was absolutely divine!

Flowers: Our florist Melanie came up with a gorgeous entryway arrangement dappled with books, peaches and candlesticks. When I said, “make it reflect the venue,” she located candelabras that matched the sconces on the wall! We wrapped my bouquet with lace from the trim of my mother’s wedding dress. (note: this is a great way to knock out your something old AND something borrowed). Mom didn’t have the heart to cut her dress, so she actually un-sewed the lace for this very purpose. Now that’s love. Rather than doing a bouquet toss at the end of the night, I presented the bridal bouquet to my grandmother who has been married almost 62 years! I was blessed to have my grandparents not only attend, but also dance at my wedding, and can only hope that my marriage is as long and happy as theirs.

In traditional Jewish ceremonies, the bride circles the groom seven times before the rabbi begins. This represents the bride creating a protective sort of “orbit” around the groom – indicating that she will take care of him and that he is the center of her world. I knew I would get nervous and not pay attention to counting, so Kyle helped me out. The huppah, or wedding canopy, represents the home the bride and groom will make together. Rather than an ornate floral design, we opted to personalize it with family relics – the covering was a handmade tablecloth from my grandmother’s bridal trousseau and we drank off an antique table that was Kyle’s great-great-great grandmother’s from France.

Thanks to Gina and Kyle for sharing their gorgeous wedding images and touching detail with us. It goes to show that it’s not how lovely a wedding looks, but the meaning behind what’s involved. Congratulations!

Cheers, Mrs. E / apartment 34

Vendor Credits: Photography by The Nichols / Venue: Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs /  Cake: Stardust Pastry / Catering: 2 Dine 4 Catering /Band: Jumpstart / Florals: Last Petal / Getaway Car: SWOOP events / Hair & Makeup: Milk and Honey Salon / Wedding Dress: Blue by Enzoani at Belle Saison Bridal / Rentals: Premiere Party Central