[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Blush Pink and Ivory, with hints of greenery. [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]
Jessica and Michael envisioned a celebration that was timeless, elegant, and personal – a day filled with undeniable joy from beginning to end. Their soft palate of blush pink, ivory, and greenery paired beautifully with the Hill Country backdrop of the Omni Barton Creek in Austin, Texas. Guests experienced a natural flow from a serene outdoor ceremony overlooking the rolling hills, to a courtyard cocktail hour, and finally into a pavilion reception that opened to the evening breeze before transforming into a lively dance party. Lush, fresh florals and candlelight gave each space a sense of romance and intimacy, while statement pieces – from the cascading florals at the head table to the six-tier cake – added a touch of grandeur. Layered throughout were thoughtful details that reflected Jessica and Michael’s personalities and story: a gelato cart, signature cocktails, a “Generations of Love” photo display, and Jessica’s iconic Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders “Thunderstruck” performance opening the dance floor, to name a few. Their wedding day was filled with beauty, joy, and meaning – a true reflection of Jessica and Michael’s love story.
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[field title=”Proposal Story”]
A few weeks before the proposal, one of Jessica’s Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader teammates asked her and her roommate, Claire, to model in a photo shoot for her new boutique. Dresses arrived at her apartment in the weeks leading up to the shoot, all part of a carefully orchestrated plan by Jessica’s mom, Claire, and Michael. Jessica, convinced the proposal would happen later in December when Michael’s Italian family was due to visit, had no idea the big moment was already in motion. One weekend in November of 2023, Jessica’s family and friends came into town to watch one of her DCC Christmas shows that Friday and Saturday at The Star, as they did at least once every year. Her mom even helped steam her “photo shoot dresses” while she was in town, secretly hiding her excitement for what was about to happen that weekend. After a fun Saturday night out after the show, Jessica’s friends and family pretended to leave town the next morning, leaving Jessica to go about her day – getting her nails done and filming a lighthearted “get ready with us” video with Claire before heading to the shoot in downtown Dallas. When they arrived at the photo shoot location, the photographer introduced herself as Megan Kay, who, unbeknownst to Jessica, would later capture her wedding day too. After a few test shots, the door quietly opened, and Michael walked in. Jessica immediately knew what was happening in this moment. Everything else faded away as he took her hands, said a few sweet words, and dropped down on one knee. Overwhelmed with joy and emotion, she said “yes” before she could even see the ring through her happy tears. Their families, waiting nearby, rushed in to celebrate, and the surprises continued with a beautifully planned engagement party at Mesero in Legacy West. The room was filled with thoughtful details, Jessica’s teammates, and close friends who had traveled from near and far. The night was overflowing with love, joy, and happy tears. An unforgettable start to Jessica and Michael’s forever – November 19th.
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[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]
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[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]
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[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]
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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]
For her ceremony, Jessica wore a breathtaking Berta gown from BB Lewisville. The romantic A-line silhouette was fully covered in classic floral lace, with sheer off-the-shoulder sleeves that created an angelic and ethereal look for the outdoor setting. The dramatic train added a grand touch, while delicate pearls and subtle sparkle along the bodice gave it just the right amount of shimmer. She wore her hair down with big curls, and paired the gown with a pearl-trimmed veil, custom Verstolo pearl-and-diamond earrings, and Jimmy Choo heels. Jessica shared that the dress was the second one she ever tried on, but she knew instantly it was “the one” as she always came back to it. She wore this gown through the cocktail hour and first part of the reception, including her first dance, toasts, and cake cutting. Later that evening, Jessica changed into a custom Casablanca Bridal design that she worked on at their flagship in Newport Beach, California. The chic mini A-line style was crafted in satin with a square neckline and thin straps, brought to life with scattered beaded detailing across the waist and bodice. She paired the look with diamond Verstolo earrings and a necklace, and her iconic white Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders boots — which had been hand-painted by Darby Thompson with blush florals, pearls, sparkles, her new last name, and her wedding date. Jessica debuted this look with a DCC performance to “Thunderstruck,” officially opening the dance floor, and wore it through the late-night celebration and send-off. For her rehearsal dinner, Jessica chose a fitted Vera Wang floor-length gown with a subtle train and delicate lace side panels. She accessorized with pointed satin Steve Madden heels featuring pearl details, a pearl handbag from Anthropologie, and Verstolo diamond-and-pearl earrings. She completed the look with a ponytail, striking the perfect balance of chic and timeless on the eve of her wedding day.
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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Jessica’s bridal party of eight bridesmaids looked elegant in matching gowns from Birdy Grey. She chose the Kira Dress in Pale Blush and Matte Satin, a timeless off-the-shoulder silhouette with a soft floor-length drape. The subtle shine of the fabric caught the natural light outside beautifully, creating a classic and cohesive look.
To complete their ensembles, Jessica gifted each bridesmaid delicate Birdy Grey jewelry: pearl drop earrings and a pearl bracelet. These details added the perfect finishing touch, and the soft blush gowns paired with pearls created a look that was both romantic and refined. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]
Michael and his groomsmen embraced a timeless, classic look for the wedding day. All of the groomsmen wore black tuxedos with crisp white shirts, a sharp and elegant choice that perfectly complemented the bridesmaids’ blush gowns. As a meaningful gift, Michael presented each of his groomsmen with custom cufflinks, which they wore with their tuxedos. Michael stayed true to his own classic style on the wedding day in a black Vera Wang tuxedo with a white shirt, looking sharp, handsome, and effortlessly himself. For the rehearsal dinner at The Driskill, he wore the dark gray suit he had proposed to Jessica in—a sentimental nod to their story—paired with his Lucchese cowboy boots for a touch of Texas flair.
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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Party”]
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[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]
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[board_carousel title=”Cocktail Hour”]
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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]
Jessica and Michael treated guests to a thoughtful culinary experience from start to finish. During cocktail hour, guests enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres including fried crab cakes with Cajun remoulade, honey-smoked salmon with boursin and black pepper on toast, and balsamic-marinated Roma tomato skewers. Dinner began with a classic Caesar salad, followed by entree choices of herb and sea salt-rubbed beef tenderloin, pan-roasted chicken breast, or butternut squash gnocchi, with sides of Boursin smashed potatoes and glazed baby carrots. Dessert was the couple’s six-tier wedding cake, served alongside late-night snacks of passed truffle fries (in custom fry holders with their wedding crest) and a gelato station featuring flavors like stracciatella, chocolate, and caramel macchiato. The drinks were just as memorable. An open bar flowed throughout the night, with wine service at dinner and an espresso martini custom ice lounge, by Full Spectrum Ice, that guests loved. The couple also created signature cocktails: Jessica’s “The Blushing Bride,” a pink prickly pear margarita with a Dallas Cowboys star engraved on the ice cubes by Full Spectrum Ice, and Michael’s “Michael’s Type,” a Shiner Light Blonde – both playful and personal nods to their story and style.
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]
Jessica carried a beautiful bridal bouquet of blush peonies, while her bridesmaids held coordinating arrangements of white and soft blush blooms. The flower girl wore a crown of petite white flowers with greenery and scattered petals before JJessica walkeddown the aisle. The ceremony itself was framed by blush and white florals lining the aisle and a stunning, grounded floral arbor that created a dreamy, garden-like altar. For cocktail hour, a circular bar was crowned with a dramatic floral centerpiece, while a welcome mirror surrounded in blooms and a “Generations of Love” display with family wedding photos added meaningful touches. Inside the pavilion, the sweetheart table overflowed with cascading florals and candles, and the head table featured a mix of low arrangements and tall glowing candles with a dramatic floral “train” that mimicked Jessica’s gown. Guest tables glowed with florals and candlelight, while the six-tier wedding cake adorned with cascading blush and white blooms served as a breathtaking focal point behind the couple. The all-white dance floor, customized with their wedding crest in blush, tied the entire design vision together and created the perfect backdrop for the evening’s most special moments. Together, the flowers, decor, and thoughtful details created an atmosphere that felt both breathtakingly timeless and uniquely theirs.
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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Jessica and Michael worked with Judy at Simon Lee Bakery in Austin to design a stunning six-tier wedding cake. The all-white creation was wrapped from top to bottom in cascading fresh flowers from their florist, making it the perfect backdrop for their sweetheart table and photos. Inside, the couple chose two flavors to delight their guests: half white cake with cream cheese amaretto and half chocolate cake with Belgian chocolate mousse. It was as delicious as it was beautiful.
Instead of a traditional groom’s cake, the couple added a personal touch with a “groom’s dessert” – a gelato cart, in honor of Michael’s Italian heritage and Jessica and Michael’s first date getting gelato. With family traveling all the way from Rome to celebrate, it was the sweetest nod to his mother’s side of the family (and a crowd-pleaser for guests who couldn’t resist a scoop of gelato). [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]
Before the ceremony, Jessica and Michael chose to exchange private personal vows, reading heartfelt letters they each wrote to one another and exchanging meaningful gifts. They did not do a first look, so their handwritten vows, letters, and gifts were delivered to their waiting rooms before they walked the aisle. Jessica gave Michael a custom Lanham family Bible, while he surprised her with a Tiffany pearl bracelet and a set of “open when” cards for milestones in their marriage and lifetime together. For the ceremony itself, the couple said traditional vows in front of the pastor from Jessica’s childhood church — a touching full-circle moment. The Sienna String Quartet provided live music throughout, setting an endearing and elegant tone. Jessica walked down the aisle to “Canon in D,” Michael’s favorite classical piece, and the two recessed as Mr. and Mrs. Lanham to the traditional “Wedding March.” The quartet continued into cocktail hour, playing classical renditions of popular songs that made the atmosphere feel like a movie. The reception was filled with music and memorable moments. Jessica and Michael shared their first dance to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis, followed by a father-daughter dance with a surprise twist. Jessica and her dad began with “I Hope You Dance” (the Chris Stapleton version) before breaking into a lively mash-up of “Can’t Touch This” and “Dancing Queen,” complete with pom-poms hidden up her dad’s sleeve that later became props on the dance floor. This was a fun tribute to their many “daddy/daughter dance” recital performances when Jessica was little. Michael and his mom then shared a sweet Texas two-step to “Days Like This” by Van Morrison. Throughout the dinner, reception, and dance party, the Jordan Kahn Orchestra’s Manhattan Band kept the energy alive with an 11-piece ensemble that brought guests to their feet. From pulling Jessica and Michael on stage to starting a limbo line in the middle of the crowd, the band created an unforgettable atmosphere of celebration.
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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]
One of the most unforgettable moments of the night came when Jessica honored her four years as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader by carrying on a beloved DCC wedding tradition. At each wedding, the bride takes the point of the iconic triangle formation as current and former teammates join her to perform their signature pre-game routine to “Thunderstruck.” Jessica made this performance the official grand opening of the dance floor, and it was every bit as electric as game day. For the performance, she changed into her second look along with her custom hand-painted white Lucchese DCC boots and pom-poms. As she and her teammates hit the routine’s signature moments, sparklers shot off behind them, bringing the energy to an all-time high, thanks to Big Dog Pyro. Michael sat front and center, cheering Jessica on just as he had for four years at AT&T Stadium, while guests cheered and clapped along, too. When the performance ended, everyone was invited onto the dance floor, complete with pom-poms and light-up cowboy hats, setting the stage for an unforgettable party.
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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]
To close out the night, Jessica and Michael shared a private last dance to “Amazed” by Lonestar with their band before joining their guests for a spectacular sendoff. Friends and family lined the pathway to the circle drive, each holding sparklers as the couple made their way through. The horn section of their band followed closely behind them, playing “All You Need Is Love” to keep the celebration alive until the very end. What made the moment even more meaningful was their getaway car: Jessica’s dad’s treasured 1967 black Pontiac GTO. The car, from the year of his birth and with Italian origins, was both a sentimental nod to her father and a fun tribute to Michael’s Italian side of the family. Decorated lovingly by Jessica’s parents, the car became the perfect final touch to the night. With a final wave, a dip, and a kiss, Jessica and Michael drove off into married life — and then on to their honeymoon adventure in Thailand.
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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]Incorporating a beloved Italian wedding custom, the couple incorporated a sweet tradition into their wedding favors. Guests were gifted “Italian Confetti” – not paper streamers, but sugar-coated almonds – as a cherished wedding tradition symbolizing love, luck, and prosperity. Each guest received five confetti, representing health, happiness, fertility, wealth, and a long life – five heartfelt wishes for the newlyweds.
The almond inside has a natural richness, while the sugar coating adds sweetness, reflecting the contrast of life’s moments. Together, they create the perfect balance – just like a strong and loving marriage. This thoughtful detail was the perfect ending to the celebration, filling guests’ hands with something sweet and their hearts with well-wishes. [/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Reception”]
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Photography: Megan Kay Photography | Cinematography: Reid & Co. Films | Event Planning: Pearl Events Austin | Floral Design: Bouquets of Austin | Wedding Dress: Berta | Cake: Simon Lee Bakery | Stationary: Aryn Graves | Reception Venue: Omni Barton Creek Resort And Spa | Jewelry: Verstolo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Birdy Grey | Lighting: Austin Event Lighting | Band: jordan kahn orchestra | Beauty: Madeline Cope Makeup | Beauty: Anna Sullivan Hair | Cool Sparks: Big Dog Pyro | Dress Shop: Bridal Boutique Of Lewisville | Ice Louge: Full Spectrum Ice Sculptures | Reception Dress: Casablanca | Rehearsal Dinner Dress: Vera Wang | Rehearsal Dinner Venue: The Driskill Hotel | Rentals: Premier Events | String Music: Sienna Strings
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