This laid back bride hit the wedding planning jack pot with her sweet as can be sister (who submitted the wedding) and darling mom. They helped to bring her vision of a DIY family affair to full on gorgeous reality. Each detail was carefully planned and executed by family and friends, and the result was downright darling. I’ve said it once, I’ll definitely say it again – there is just something special about a Texas wedding, and thanks to Nicole Chatham Photography there is a full gallery of images proving that fact for you to gawk over.
Click here to see the entire image gallery!
From the Sister of the Bride… Spicewood Vineyards has a wonderful mix of rustic charm. The limestone exterior, wrap around porch, wood beam ceiling, and hand carved exterior barall create a welcoming feeling true to Texas. Plus the Live Oak trees and background of grape vines isn’t too bad either!
We decided to play up the rustic feel of the venue by incorporating elements like old repurposed barn wood and burlap table overlays. We also wanted a few polished elements (to soften the rustic), like potted boxwoods to line the aisle in the ceremony area and mercury glass votives. The flowers were a perfect mixture of rustic and polished, as they incorporated feathers and vines, but also had heirloom and spray roses, hydrangea, peonies, and tulips.
As the decor began to come together, we decided to work in some vintage elements. We scoured ebay, looking for anything from old Ball mason jars, used horseshoes, old wooden crates and boxes, old books, and old tobacco cans. These became unique alternatives to floral arrangements!
We wanted the event’s charm to come through in the details. When guests first checked in at their hotels for the weekend, they were greeted with a welcome bag – a burlap wine bag hand painted with a blue bonnet containing a welcome letter from Jaye and Charles, an itinerary/timeline for the weekend, a wine trail for local wineries, and a corkscrew from Spicewood Vineyards. At the venue, we created a wish tree where people could leave their wishes for the newlyweds. Tags had an imprint of a horseshoe, which had become a theme of the event. We also had flatware packets that said things like “Chow Down,” “Dee-lish,” and “Good Grub” – perfect for BBQ! There was a photo screen containing images of Jaye and Charles growing up – and of them together. And even their monogram D was spotlighted on a main wall for all to see. For late night live music, we put up twinkle lights across the ceiling of the patio, creating charming lighting any dance hall would be proud of.
Throughout everything, we wanted the couple’s fun spirit to come through, so we chose s’mores packets, pinwheels, custom M&Ms, and twined blue bonnet seed packets for their favors. We had late night ice cream sandwiches wheeled around the event in a vintage Radio Flyer wagon. For the ceremony, the couple selected non-traditional music – oldies, country, and classic favorites everyone could recognize. And guests were provided with transportation on a trolley to and from the venue!
Finally, staying local was extremely important to us. We chose to have Cuvee french press coffee from a roaster located right there in Spicewood. We also had live music from a favorite Austin band – Christy Hays and Her Sunday Best. The venue’s close proximity to Austin, Spicewood, and Marble Falls allowed us to use the perfect combination of vendors from all places, creating a true hill country wedding!
This was truly a DIY wedding from start to finish. We had around six months to plan this wedding. My mom, Shella, and I would come up with fun ideas, run them by our laid back bride, and then work hard to make them a reality. Weddings often bring families together, but we were unique in that planning this wedding really brought the Bycura family together long before the wedding day itself.
Wedding Photography: Nicole Chatham Photography / Wedding Venue: Spicewood Vineyards / Rentals & Spotlight: Out Back Party Rentals / Catering: Opie’s BBQ / Cupcakes: Hill Country Cupcake / Coffee Service: Hallowed Grounds / Floral Design: Audrey of The Flower House / DJ: Keith Harris of A-Town DJ / Band: Christy Hays and Her Sunday Best / Trolley & Antique Limo Service: Antique Limousines of Austin / Event Coordination: Annie Berg and Megan Kenney / Makeup: Rae Cosmetics / Hair: Virginia Bell / Bride’s Attire: J.Crew + Alterations & Veils by Beatrice / Bridesmaid Attire: J.Crew + Emici Bridal / Groomsmen Attire: Al’s Formal Wear / Event Decor: Mike, Shella & Katie Bycura