Texas Weddings

From using a cookbook as a guestbook to gifting Tiny Pies in mason jars as favors, this Austin couple made sure their personalities came through in their gorgeous fall wedding. 36th Street Events worked its magic, along with lush blooms from Petals, Ink. and cakes from Polka Dots Cupcake Factory, to make it an unforgettable celebration, and you can join in the fun right here!

From the beautiful Bride… Sam and I were high school sweethearts and endured five years of long distance during college before he proposed on Town Lake with our rescue pit bull, Droopy. After celebrating our engagement with mimosas and french pastries, planning our dream wedding immediately became a true labor of love. We wanted our wedding to be a romantic representation of our hometown, Austin, and infused natural colors, metallics, different textures, and pops of bold hues in the floral design to bring our vision to life.

We were working on a budget, so every weekend I would go out with my mom and sisters to look for one-of-a-kind finds that wouldn’t break the bank, like the votives from our local grocery store and the head table linen from Jo-Ann Fabrics. We also re-purposed a lot of things we already owned, like the picture frames that held keepsake photos of our families, rustic lanterns – and my sister even made a lot of our desserts! I even hand-wrote all of our escort cards. However, my favorite DIY project that we took on was sponging gold paint on what felt like hundreds of orange and white pumpkins to display throughout the wedding.

Sam and I also wanted to inject our personalities into the wedding, and we found creative ways to do so. Our guest sign-in book was a cookbook since Sam and I love to cook together…. we had our guests write something special next to their favorite recipes! Our signature drinks were Moscow Mules and White Russians (the Dude abides), and we also chose to do tiny pies in mason jars as our wedding favors – a nod to our love of Southern sweets and our laid back lifestyle.

Our ceremony and reception were on the mosaic-stoned terrace at One World Theatre, and Sam and I said our vows at sunset with our closest friends and family looking on.  It was truly an emotional, personal, and ethereal experience.

From 36th Street Events… Kylie met Sam in a high school physics class. He was the class clown and she was the studious type. Fast-forward five years through a long distance relationship and you can imagine Sam on one knee in the middle of the hike and bike bridge where Kylie loves to run.

These two hopeless romantics continued the element of surprise throughout their wedding by scheming with DJ Byrne Rock to surprise Kylie’s mom with a special “first dance”. Her parents had eloped 25 years earlier and never had a formal wedding, or a first dance. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as the Bride’s parents danced to a favorite song by a local artist named Jimmy LaFave.

The ceremony took place on a mosaic-stoned terrace overlooking the Texas hill country, where the Bride and Groom graduated from high school sweethearts to lifelong lovers. Kate Anfinson Photography was there to capture every intimate moment.

The focus on romance was continued through the reception floral design expertly styled by Petals, Ink. Floral Artistry. Lush deep red and purple blooms complemented small pumpkins and metallic accents as a dreamy nod to the upcoming holiday. Later in the evening guests were invited to experience the Bride and Groom’s love of Southern sweets and a laid-back lifestyle with a variety of seasonal pies in mason jars.

The 36th Street Events planning team was beyond thrilled to bring all these details together for what shaped up to be every pumpkin latte-drinking romance-loving bride’s dream come true!

Photography: Kate Anfinson | Event Planning: 36th Street Events | Floral Design: Petals, ink. | Wedding Dress: Serendipity Bridal | Cupcakes: Homemade By Bride's Sister | Stationery: The Stationery Bakery | Shoes: BHLDN | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Anthropologie | Catering: Pink Avocado | DJ: Byrne Rock | Wedding Favors: Tiny Pies | Groom's Attire: Jack Victor | Officiant: Hill Country Officiant | Wedding Venue: One World Theatre | Bride & Bridal Party Hair: Adore Makeup Salon | Bride & Bridal Party Makeup: Adore Makeup Salon | Bride And Groom's Cakes: Polkadots | Bridesmaids' Belts: Anthropologie | Ceremony And Cocktail Hour Music: Hill Country Strings | Chalkboard Program And Easel: HEB Blooms | Escort Card: Hobby Lobby | Father Of The Bride's Attire: Jack Victor | Flower Girls' Dresses: Amazon | Groom And Groomsmen's Ties: Dillard's | Head Table Linen: Joann Fabrics | Lounge Pillows: Home Goods | Moroccan Lanterns: Home Goods | Mother Of Groom's Attire: Nordstrom | Mother Of The Bride's Attire: Saks Fifth Avenue | Pumpkins: Whole Foods Market Preston | Rentals: Marquee Event Rentals | Table Numbers: Timeless Things | Votives: HEB Blooms | Wooden Lounge Furniture: One World Theatre

There’s something so perfectly sweet about a brunch wedding, but factor in the beautiful old church, a glowing Bride plus a Groom in uniform, and you’ve got a recipe for perfection. It’s a true family affair captured by Kristen Kilpatrick, and to top if all off? A three-tiered cinnamon roll flavored wedding cake made my the bride’s best friend. Yes, please!

From Kristen Kilpatrick…Sometimes when a wedding ceremony is so incredibly special and soul filling, it then becomes hard to put into words, which is why the little details and small moments throughout the day play such an important role for telling the sory of the day. Luisa and Even first met during the second grade in their small hometown of Elgin, Texas. After highshcool graduation the two lost touch and in 2012 rekindled their flame. From my very first client meeting with Luisa, she made it completely clear that she wanted the ceremony to be God glorifying and centered on the true meaning of marriage. Luisa also wanted to plan a wedding that was small and intimate, so that she best felt surrounded by family and Christ. This stunning bride couldn’t have asked for a more romantic, sincere, or gorgeous day! Having the entire family able to attend was important to Luisa and Evan, so they decided to go with a brunch themed noon wedding in order to assure everyone made it home safely by evening. They chose to have their wedding at Mercury Hall in Austin, Texas.

The twelve o’clock sunshine seeped through the stain glass windows of the old refurbished Church and completely lit up the ceremony site with the most breathtaking natural light. Upon entering guest mingled and gathered around a table that had old pictures of the bride and groom framed about. The love these two shared for each other couldn’t have been any more evident. Once they signed the guest book, guest found their seats and began listening to soft strums of a guitarist.

Soon after Luisa walked down the isle and dropped the jaws of many as her inner beauty radiated throughout the room. Her effortlessly elegant “up do” and simple diamond drop earrings paired together perfectly, giving her the look of a timeless classic bride.

This elegant couple got married in front of an old fireplace that was covered in fresh garden roses as well as other beautiful flowers with vintage candle holders placed throughout. During the ceremony Luisa and Evan shared communion and prayer together then sealed their covenant with a kiss! With family being so important to Luisa, she had her florist use her great grandmothers vintage mason jars for some of the table centerpieces. Guest enjoyed a seated and relaxed Texas style BBQ lunch and close friends made speeches that brought tears to all!

The brunch aspect was heightened when Luisa and Evan cut into their three-tiered cinnamon roll flavored wedding cake, created by the bride’s best friend and bridesmaid. Vintage china was used to serve the cake and coffee. Luisa brought forth elements of a modern bride to her wedding by incorporating pops of pink vibrant hues to her florals, which added a nice cheerful color to her images. The newlyweds were sent off with a flower toss and lots of love from family and friends. The love Evan and Luisa share was such a blessing to witness, much less capture.

Photography: Kristen Kilpatrick | Planner: Soireebliss! Events | Floral Design: Zinnia and Company | Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander | Makeup: Nisa Nicole Makeup Artistry | Hair: Path Salon | Venue: Mercury Hall | Ceremony Backdrop: Loot Vintage Rentals

There are romantic weddings and then there is this: a drop-dead gorgeous Hill Country affair that is bursting with some of the most stunning details you have ever seen.  Imagine a straight from Versailles vibe with lush garden party-inspired blooms from Last Petal, a soft, pastel color palette and the beauty stylings of Belle Mariee.  See every breathtaking image captured by Mint Photography in the full gallery.

From Mint Photography… Melanie and Frank’s wedding took place at one of the most unique venues in the Austin area, Le San Michele. We love the mix of architecture and nature that this venue provides. Melanie’s bridal style was impeccable. She looked beyond elegant. The whole day was styled impeccably, and this couple was the sweetest – we couldn’t be happier to have been a part in capturing everything!

From the Bride… Leading up to our day took a lot of planning. Our first objective was to find that perfect venue for a garden wedding. We knew that we wanted something timeless and vintage, but finding the right kind of venue was a task. We decided on a venue that best described Versailles meets Sante Fe. We love to travel and lived abroad, so the atmosphere that was created fit our personalities and lifestyle perfectly. We rented various lounging areas that set up the relaxed vibe but something that matched our colors, which were blush and lavender. My husband made our seating chart which was a peg board made into a door. Our guests picked a key and then found their table, in which laid a matching door knob. He is so handy! We did have limited floral arrangements; we only really used them for our arch way, centerpieces and of course boutonnieres. To save money the flowers were primarily seasonal and color coordinated. I mixed my bouqet with succulents which my husband and I fell in love with. If I were to give any advice in planning this theme is to have very subtle accents of color and decor.

Photography: Mint Photography | Floral Design: Last Petal | Bakery: Coco Paloma Desserts | Ceremony Venue: Le San Michele | Reception Venue: Le San Michele | Hair & Makeup: Belle Mariee | DJ: Hill Country DJ | Bridal Gown: Inbal Dror | Coordinating: Your Wedding Your Way | Rentals: Bee Lavish Vintage Rentals

Nothing says spring quite like lush florals and pretty pastels, and this slice of stunning is filled with plenty of both. Jessica Gold Photography captured beautiful bouquets, fancy floral crowns, and gorgeous BHLDN gowns, all in a gallery I’m sure to revisit time and time again, here!

From Jessica Gold Photography… As winter comes to an end, this shoot had us dreaming of spring! First, we love the neutral tones displayed through the details. Between the blush, golds, greys, and other colors, we adore the palette that brings the feeling of a spring wedding. This is seen through the bridal party fashion, invitation suite, shoes, accessories, and more! As for the tablescape, we love the wood and mismatching chairs accented with simple greenery for chair backs. As for the display of the table, we have a simple beige table runner, candle holders, and a lush centerpiece. The centerpiece is the eye-catcher of the table, complimented by other details. For each table setting, we love a personalized menu for each guest, tied with a ribbon and some greenery! And as for the china and wineglasses, gold is never out of style! To continue with gold, we love the gold wedding cake! What better way to celebrate a spring wedding than with a gorgeous floral-accented gold wedding cake?! The florals absolutely take our breath away; nothing says spring like lush and gorgeous florals! We love the use of peonies, tulips, and greenery to fill the floral arrangements. As for the bridal style, we love the blush wedding dress and grey bridesmaids dresses to finish the look! To finish the bride’s look, her gold hair pins accent her elegant bun and bring together her ethereal look. As for the bridesmaids, what else says spring other than beautiful floral crowns?!

Photography: Jessica Gold Photography | Florals: Bristol Lane Florals | Cake: Blue Note Bakery | Shoes: BHLDN | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Makeup: Makenzi Laine | Hair Stylist: Propaganda Hair group | Venue: Le San Michele | Bride's Dress: BHLDN | Floral Ribbon: Silk and Willow | Hair Accessories: BHLDN | Paper: Magnolia Tree Paperie | Rentals: Birch And Brass Rentals | Table Ribbon: FrouFrou Chic

This, my friends, is the kind of wedding I live for: a laid-back, yet totally sophisticated affair that is equal parts sooo fun and sooo pretty.  From the beautiful blooms from Rosehip Flora to the garden-inspired loveliness crafted by Beau Tied Events (masters, I tell you) to that oh-so-cool Austin charm.  In other words?  It’s pure perfection… and the gallery from Kat Bevel?  As awesome as you think.  

From The Bride… Jeff and I began planning just over four months before our wedding day. When we started planning, all we knew was the location: Austin, Texas, where we met twelve years ago. Beyond that, we knew we wanted to keep things simple and fun, which for us meant focusing on things we love: food, music, and our wonderful family and friends.

Because we were planning a wedding in Austin from our home in San Francisco and we had both a short time frame and a strict budget, we knew we needed help, which is where our wedding planner, Kathlee Akers, came to the rescue. She listened to my stream of ideas and helped us plan a wedding that was beautiful, intimate, elegant, and completely true to our somewhat quirky personalities.

Within a month, we had booked the perfect venue, the Palm Door, in the heart of downtown Austin, and had found Erin at Rosehip Flora, who would transform the Palm Door into the indoor garden of my dreams. Pink Avocado, Palm Door’s in-house catering team, wowed us from our first tasting through the wedding day.

Our ceremony was brief but personal: we asked three of the people most dear to us to perform readings of poems that we love, then exchanged vows we had written ourselves and stored in our pockets as we walked up the aisle. We spent the rest of the evening eating, drinking, dancing, and talking to guests who had traveled to the heat of Texas in August from as far as London and Mozambique. Our close friend Will stepped in as our DJ and played songs that we love from the minute the ceremony started until we left for the night. Jeff and I managed a first dance without falling down and then, in lieu of the traditional father daughter dance, my father played “Ripple” by the Grateful Dead, which we sang together.

When Kat Bevel sent us the pictures of our wedding, I promptly burst into tears because they so perfectly captured our wedding day and the love that we felt for each other and our family and friends.

Unless you have unlimited time and unlimited resources, planning a wedding alone is impossible. My best advice is to find people you trust, whether friends and family or a wedding planner, and let them help you make decisions, especially for things you don’t feel strongly about.

Photography: Kat Bevel Photography | Event Planner: Beau Tied Events | Florist: Rosehip Flora | Wedding Dress: J.Crew | Cake: Sweet Treets Bakery | Catering: Pink Avocado | Calligraphy: Carolyn Jane | Wedding Venue: Palm Door | Rentals: Premiere Events | Stylist: Method Salon | Vintage Rentals: Bee Lavish Vintage Rentals

I’m pretty sure that when Andy Barnhart set out to find the perfect location to shoot these two lovebirds, he nailed it with this gem known as Le San Michele. With a slightly Mediterranean vibe, but rooted to the Southwest, it served as the sweetest backdrop to let Kim and Will’s love shine. Take a peek at the colorful, happy gallery for more.

From Andy Barnhart Photography…I recently traveled to Austin, TX for Kim and Will’s engagement session. I was scouting possible locations online before the trip. When I came across photos of Le San Michele, my jaw dropped. I couldn’t believe this venue was in Texas! The farmhouse and the fountains on the property looked like it could be in Italy, or somewhere along the Mediterranean. Although, the shoot was in January, the warm Texas sun gave us a Spring-like day, and the property shined with beautiful agave and cactus throughout. Then, we went to the park where Will proposed to Kim while on her morning run with their two dogs. We finished the shoot with a beautiful evening stroll along the river, with the Austin skyline as the backdrop. Can’t wait for their wedding in Colorado this August!

Photography: Andy Barnhart Photography | Wedding Venue: Le San Michele

With a courtship that took them from Louisiana to London, this couple was well traveled and ready to celebrate with all their loved ones when it came to their special day. Hosting their celebration in the colorful city of Austin, their wedding took on that energy with bright greens and gold, and a Bride that never stopped smiling. Jenna McElroy captured it all for us to soak up right here.

From The Bride… As all great love stories begin, we first met in a bar in Shreveport during my senior year of college and on Jamie’s last day of a work trip. He’s British and in the Royal Air Force and had been working from an Air Force base in Shreveport-Bossier for the last couple of weeks. We exchanged email addresses and began a long distance friendship over the next year. After many emails, Skype calls and a deployment to Afghanistan, our friendship had become much more and Jamie decided to fly over to Austin for our first official date, on New Year’s Eve of 2009. Over the summer I had received word that I had been accepted into a Master’s programme in London and we were very excited about the prospect of living in the same country. We were long distance for the next nine months, save a two week trip to England in March in which he surprised me with a trip to Paris as a belated Valentine’s Day gift.

I finally moved over to England in August of 2010 and since then we’ve been through three more deployments, finishing my master’s degree and establishing ourselves in Cambridge. Last Christmas, Jamie decided to pop the question at our family Christmas and flew over on Boxing Day (December 26th) to see me and my family. It didn’t go completely as planned and involved a crazy cat and a giant TV hogging the limelight. But of course, I said yes and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. It typified our relationship, so much love, lots of laughs and a little bit of crazy. Apparently there was a second proposal planned, but it was ruined as well when I had to work late one night; so when we returned back to England, I opened a picture collage that Jamie had made with ‘Will You Marry Me?’ written across the glass.

We had the most incredible wedding weekend celebration in Austin. Family and friends flew from all across the globe to celebrate; it was the first time our parents had met and it was the most wonderful feeling to have all the people that we love in the same room. Besides saying our vows and dancing with my dad, the most precious memory was walking down the aisle and seeing all of the people that travelled to celebrate with us; I’ve never felt a room bursting with so much love. It was the most perfect day.

Photography: Jenna McElroy | Florist: Kathy Barger | Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | DJ: Tunes Across Texas | Baker: Crema Bakery | Bridal Store: Maggie Louise Bridal | Dress Designer: Mikaella Bridal | Film Scans: PhotoVision Prints | Hair Artist: Pearl Austin | Hair + Makeup | Make-up Artist: Danann Patrick Of Mint Salon | The Mansion: The Tfwc Mansion

I just realized that I have a grin spread wide across my face, and the source of this smile is the video by Ian Fleming below. I’m beaming from watching these adorable lovebirds say their “I do’s” and all the perfect little details they scattered throughout their Texas bash. Pearl Events Austin orchestrated the whole affair and Awake Photography didn’t miss a beat. Join the club and smile with me right here.

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From The Bride… One of the most important things to Jeesoung and I when starting our wedding planning was that our day be meaningful, romantic and surrounded by nature. We visited numerous venues until we stumbled upon Vineyard at Chappel Lodge. The day we arrived for our first visit it was cold and raining, but as soon as we drove up I knew it was the one. With the fields of wildflowers lining the long driveway, the flawlessly kept vineyard and the towering oak trees along the ceremony site, it was perfect. The venue felt tucked away almost like a secret garden and reminded me of the spot where Jeesoung asked me to marry him.

We chose shades of off-white, blush, and green as our wedding colors. I always had a vision that one day my wedding would be dripping with chandeliers. The festoon lighting and giant chandeliers framing the head table were one of my favorite details of the reception and gave it the perfect romantic touch. Because our venue was so beautiful we didn’t want the details taking away from the natural feel of the location, and our wedding planner did a great job making sure this didn’t happen.

One of my favorite memories of the day was our first look near the low hanging oak trees of our ceremony site. Jeesoung and I were completely captivated by each other. The sun shone through the clouds almost like a spotlight and we felt like were the only ones on the planet. Our photographer did an amazing job of capturing the genuine love Jeesoung and I have for one another and the excitement we shared in that moment.

There are so many other details that I could go on and on about. From the loose romantic flower arrangements, to the incredibly delicious wedding cake, every aspect was better than I ever imagined. I get butterflies every time I think back on our wedding day. It truly was The Best Day Ever.

From Megan Metzger Of Pearl Events Austin… Stephanie and Jeesoung’s wedding was pure perfection, just like them. From the beginning of the planning process, Stephanie and Jee wanted their wedding to be beautiful, romantic, and personal. We focused the decor around an elegant vintage garden theme which was a perfect match for the Vineyard at Chappel Lodge. Our floral inspiration stemmed from loose and organic arrangements with pops of color. In order to accomplish a vintage element, our caterer, Catering with a Twist, provided mismatched vintage china at each place setting.

The couple provided many DIY elements to make their wedding personal. They had an amazing sign made to welcome guests, and the escort cards were in planters made by Stephanie’s mom to further emphasize the garden theme. For months, Stephanie and I searched for the perfect cake table linen, and we finally found it through La Tavola linens. It was an amazing addition to the already spectacular cake and dessert table provided by Polkadots Cupcake Factory.

Photography: Awake Photography | Videography: Ian Fleming | Planner: Pearl Events Austin | Floral Design: Bouquets of Austin | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Cake: Polkadots | Reception Venue: Vineyard At Chappel Lodge | Jewelry: Mia Bridal Couture | Caterer: Catering with a Twist | Hair & Makeup: Propaganda Hair group | Lighting: Intelligent Lighting Design | DJ: Hill Country DJ | Groom's Attire: Macy's | Officiant: Todd Rapp | Transportation: Uptown Valet | Bride's Accessories (Belt): Blossom Veils | Flower Girl Basket: BHLDN | Groom's Attire (Cuff Links): Smathers & Branson | Groom's Attire (Tie): The Tie Bar | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Premiere Events | Table Numbers: BHLDN | Veil: Brickhouse Bridal

From modern to classic, rustic to glam, we love weddings of all shapes and sizes but this particular beauty is sweet reminder of how stunning a boho affair can be. Complete with a lush, natural setting and protea-filled bouquets by Pollen Floral Art, it’s a day with a style all its own, and Lauren Peele didn’t miss a beat. Boho lovers unite in the gallery right here.

From Lauren Peele… Natalie and Noah are both runners, Natalie runs professionally, and their wedding was a true reflection of their love for nature and the outdoors. Laguna Gloria’s beautiful lakeside view and lush natural landscaping provided the perfect backdrop for photos.

The reception decor was desert inspired, complete with lots of succulents and cacti, and full of thoughtful details. Natalie hand picked all of the vases and terrariums for the tables, so that each table was unique. Pollen Floral Art used a mixture of pink, cream, salmon, and red tones in the lush and loose floral arrangements, which pulled the reception decor together perfectly. Their wedding was such a fun celebration, and I’m so honored to have captured it!

Photography: Lauren Peele | Florist: Pollen Floral Art | Wedding Dress: JLM Couture, Inc | Cake: Coco Paloma Desserts | Bridesmaid Dresses: Free People | Makeup: Studio Tilee | Hair: Studio Tilee | Groom's Attire: Zara | Wedding Venue: The Contemporary Austin | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab | Maid Of Honor Dress: Adrianna Papell

Before I knew it, I was adding this wedding to my list of all-time favorites. I continue to find new details to adore every time I go through these pics by Cory Ryan, from Posey Floral and Event Design‘s bouquets, to the cutest flower girl I ever did see. 36th Street Events crafted this chic celebration and I’m now thinking black, white, blush and gold might be my own new wedding colors. Pretty fabulous, right?

From Cory Ryan Photography… I’ve been looking forward to Caroline & Logan’s Vintage Villas wedding ever since I had the pleasure of photographing their engagement photos. You can tell when they lock eyes how truly in love they are! In fact, these two are high school sweethearts, finally reunited for a lifetime. This classy black and white wedding was effortlessly organized by 36th Street Events, with chic touches of gold, blush, coral and green. Caroline and Logan exchanged gifts before their first look, with Caroline receiving stunning diamond earrings and a sweet card that put her in tears, and Logan receiving a Movado watch. Their first look was magical, and Caroline spun around in her Vera Wang wedding dress paired perfectly with gold Jimmy Choo heels. Caroline attached her grandmother’s starburst brooch to her bouquet for her “something borrowed” – I just love heartfelt personal family touches like that! Their magical ceremony took place overlooking Lake Austin at sunset, with grandma throwing in a hilarious blessing wishing them “good sex” (ha ha!) providing a little comic relief from the emotional ceremony. Then I lucked out, and was in heaven doing gorgeous golden hour portraits with the stunning gold and cobalt sky. After dinner and a sweet toast by Caroline’s dad, the couple enjoyed their first dance courtesy of the wedding band Caboose. Guests of all ages hit the dance floor and partied with awesome moves until Caroline and Logan’s streamer wand exit.

Photography: Cory Ryan Photography | Event Planning: 36th Street Events | Floral Design: Posey Floral and Event Design | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Cake: Polkadots | Make-up: Houston Puryear | Hair: Mirror Mirror | Lighting: Ilios | Band: Caboose | Bridal Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Vintage Villas | Musician: Austin Harp

Maybe it’s the streamliner reception, the cafe lights adorning the scenery, or the fact that this Bride is one serious baker, but something is seriously special about this outdoor affair. Starting with the perfectly pink Petals, Ink. bouquets, to the couple’s sweetly sentimental vows, every moment Luxe Photography snapped up is sweet and sentimental. See it all right here!

From the beautiful Bride… I first met Will through work. We worked at a large company of over six hundred employees in Austin, Texas. Will and I worked on separate floors but we worked on similar projects so we spoke over the phone quite often. After a few months of subtle flirting, I found myself developing a small crush on Will without ever having seen his face. I had started making up reasons to call him just so I could hear his voice. I decided that this was unacceptable and that I had to see what he looked liked once and for all. Once I did, it was all over for me. I fell head over heels for his boyish grin and puppy dog eyes. My small crush had turned into a full blown one.

Having never pursued a man before, I took my mothers wise advise “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”! I started baking treats like cookies and brownies every Friday to take down to his floor with the excuse “I just think we all should get to know each other better!” I of course went around and talked to everyone and passed out cookies so that I wouldn’t look too desperate, but I of course lingered a little longer at Will’s desk to make sure he knew it was all for him. After a few weeks of this he was mine!

Fast forward three years and we were engaged! Within a week of getting engaged, I fell in love for a second time with Laguna Gloria and booked it on the spot! I move fast when I know what I want! Being at Laguna Gloria is like being in a secret garden in Italy. The gorgeous house built in the 1920’s brings you back in time and the lake view makes one feel like you are in another country. It was the perfect outdoor setting that we were looking for and that I had always imagined.

Will and I got married under the Temple of Love surrounded by our closest friends and family on a warm June evening. The gazebo was tucked away on a lagoon with trees and water surrounding us. The beauty was further enhanced by the lush and vibrant pink bouquets adorning the gazebo. Our fairytale ceremony turned out to be exactly what we wanted. It was heartfelt, spiritual and intimate.

The reception was equally important to Will and I. Our main concern was for everyone to have fun and relax. We picked an amazing local band to get everyone up and dancing. I can still remember the moment the sun went down and the twinkle lights turned on, it felt like magic. After that, you couldn’t pull us off the dance floor! We did take a short break to cut the bride and grooms cake! I had decided to make the groom’s cake myself. After four years of baking, my simple cookies and brownies that I made for friends had evolved into more extravagant cakes that I charged for money. It only seemed fitting that I make his cake considering that’s how I won his heart. It took a lot of preparation and time the week before the wedding but it turned out to be my best cake yet. I even went so far as to make edible sugar beer bottles! I was so happy that I was able to create something so memorable and so perfectly catered to Will for the wedding since it was his day too!

I’m amazed how smooth the day went and how everything just fell into place. We had the best night of our lives and wish we could do it again. I’m so thankful we have beautiful pictures and video to look back on and remember our magical day!

Photography: Luxe Photography | Videography: Ryan Serr | Wedding Coordinator: Austin Wedding Planners by Rosa | Floral Design: Petals, ink. | Wedding Dress: Mayfair Bridal | Cake: Sugar Mama's Bakeshop | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Nordstrom | Catering: Pink Avocado | Makeup: Adore Makeup Salon | Band: Royal Dukes Band | Wedding Venue: The Contemporary Austin

When this gem from Mint Photography landed in my lap, the first thing I did was ‘ooh and aah’ over the gorgeously unexpected color combo. You might think, oh red and blue, it’s been done before. But Posh Events Co. and the entire vendor team turned it into it’s own character. From the velvety red ring box from The Mrs. Box to the incredibly stunning bouquet by Lovely Leaves tied up with dusty blue ribbons, it’s romance at it’s best.

From Karen at Posh Events…Our inspiration for this styled shoot began simply, with colors. The shoot revolved around a dusty blue complimented with cranberry and a touch of greenery. These colors pair perfectly and give off such a romantic and airy feel. Posh Events envisioned a beautiful, yet unique wedding shoot, so we teamed up with some of Texas’ most amazing vendors to bring our inspiration to life.

We chose a venue that radiated both timelessness and elegance in order to contribute to the romantic style that we had envisioned. Chateau Bellevue, a historic mansion located in the heart of Austin, Texas, was perfect, with its French Romanesque arches, a spacious aged courtyard and garden, beautiful ornate carved woodwork, and stunning stained glass windows.

The table setting featured dusty blue linens, classic white napkins, and vintage gold silverware from Marquee. A breathtaking floral table runner was strategically placed and adorned with brass candlesticks. Wondrous Whimsy’s hand painted calligraphy place setting cards were delicately placed on the white china complimented with with sprigs of wax flower. A beautiful antique couch and gold nesting tables were provided by Birch and Brass for a picturesque lounge area.

The stunning organic floral displays that Lovely Leaves created consisted of burgundy peonies and dahlias with a variety of garden roses nestled into silver dollar eucalyptus accented with silver brunia and soft dusty miller.

Our dusty blue and ivory custom cake was three tiers of perfection with its delicate gold details and a touch of floral. We placed it on a glass table top to accentuate the surrounding floral and the lush greenery of the courtyards garden.

The stunning mermaid styled dress embodies refined luxury with its exquisite fabric and delicate lace gradations. Adore Makeup Boutique provided natural, yet beautiful makeup and a classic up do on our model.

Mint Photography portrayed our vision perfectly, with the ability to produce flawless pictures that are both romantically airy and full of light.

This wedding inspiration is perfect for the sophisticated bride, that appreciates both timelessness and the beauty of fine details to create an elegant and romantic setting.

Photography: Mint Photography | Design And Styling: Posh Events | Wedding Gown: Blush Bridal Lounge | Cake: Baked By Amy's | Stationary: Wondrous Whimsy | Makeup: Adore Makeup Salon | Hair: Adore Makeup Salon | Floral: Lovely Leaves | Historic Mansion: Chateau Bellevue | Model: Samantha Cerna | Rentals: Marquee Event Rentals | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Vintage Rentals: Birch And Brass Rentals

Settle in SMPers, because you are about to experience an explosion of prettiness. This fabulous fête planned by Pearl Events is a wonderful combination of stylish and chic, and it’s layered with stunning florals from Posey Events – meaning, we’ve entered a whole new level of gorgeous. The images sitting below from Cory Ryan Photography will surely blow your mind in the best possible way, and you can see just what I’m talking about right here.

From Cory Ryan Photography…Candace and Ben’s Umlauf Sculpture Gardens wedding was blessed with the perfect Austin spring weather! Candace’s megawatt smile just lights up a room, and brings such joy to everyone around her. Since the couple hails from San Francisco, we enjoyed a little extra time for a mini-bridal session with Candace at the W Hotel Austin. Candace has some serious mojo, and onlookers even asked “Is this a model shoot?”. No, that’s just one beautiful bride! The groom Ben got ready with the guys at the Four Seasons Hotel, and saw each other for the very first time as Candace walked down the aisle on her father’s arm. The ceremony area was decorated with peach, gold & white ribbon, which looked especially gorgeous blowing in the breeze behind them. Their intimate ceremony caused many happy tears (and not-so-happy tears from one flower girl who was not enthused about her tulle dress – ha!), and a few laughs of delight as the ring bearers and flower girls ran full-speed down the aisle. ROYAL FIG then whipped out a delicious family style menu on colorfully flowered tabletops by Posey Events, all enjoyed at dusk under string lights by  ILD . The perfectly planned affair ended with sweet toasts and dancing under the stars to the awesome DJ skills of Greenbelt DJ. Big thanks to Pearl Events for planning such a wonderful affair, and big congratulations to Candace and Ben, who now get to celebrate with their friends and family in San Francisco this weekend!

Photography: Cory Ryan Photography | Florals: Posey Floral and Event Design | Cakes: Sugar Mama's Bakeshop | Catering: Royal Fig Catering | Make-up: maris malone calderón | makeup artist | Hair: Blo Blow Dry Bar | Lighting: Intelligent Lighting Design | DJ: Greenbelt DJ | Ceremony Music: Penny & Sparrow | Ceremony And Reception: UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum | Event Planners: Pearl Events Austin | Guest Accomodations: W Hotel Austin

Do yourself a big ol’ favor this morning and take some serious time to soak in all the prettiness below from Loft Photographie LLC,  Last Petal, Joyful Details and Pearl Austin. Because this kind of gorgeous wedding doesn’t happen everyday. It’s traditional yet personal and absolutely stunning from start to finish, and it’s all waiting for you here.

From Loft Photographie LLC…Heather and Lawrence had an elegant destination wedding in the heart of downtown Austin, Texas. They achieved a classic style with a touch of personal flare for their celebration. They treated their guests to an evening of fine dining and music by one of Austin’s local cover bands, the Spazmatics. A soft color palette, romantic florals, a timeless cathedral and a historic hotel made for a memorable event!

Photography: Loft Photographie LLC | Coordination: Joyful Details | Florist: Last Petal | Wedding Dress: Paloma Blanca | Cake: Michelle’s Patiserie | Stationery: Arzberger Stationers | Ceremony Venue: Saint Mary Cathedral Diocese Of Austin | Reception Venue: Intercontinental Stephen F Austin | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Intercontinental Stephen F Austin | Makeup: maris malone calderón | makeup artist | Hair: Pearl Austin | Hair + Makeup | Band: The Spazmatics | Transportation: Austin Classic Limo | Clutch: BHLDN | Film Lab: PhotoVision Prints | Hair Accessory: J.Crew | Rentals: Monarch Event Rentals

To say I love this Barr Mansion affair would be an understatement to the max. Complete with textured-filled bouquets by Gypsy Floral and blush pink bridesmaids all in a row, there’s no shortage of pretty moments captured from beginning to end. Mint Photography captured the day to perfection, and you can see the full story unfold in the gallery.

From Mint Photography…Laura and Jon had a BEAUTIFUL wedding at Barr Mansion. To start, you can’t go wrong with Barr Mansion – it certainly sets the tone for beauty to ensue! However, with Laura and Jon, and their gorgeous choices in colors and fashion – this one was especially a stunner! The soft sunlight on their fall wedding day highlighted the gorgeous tones, and made the whole day feel as though it were glowing. We are so happy we got to photograph this couple on their beautiful day!

Photography: Mint Photography | Floral Design: Gypsy Floral | Ceremony Venue: Barr Mansion | Hair And Makeup: Adore Makeup Salon | Wedding Dress Shop: Blush Bridal Lounge

While it’s no surprise that gold has a special place in our SMP hearts, it still never, ever fails to excite, and this Austin affair is a perfect example. Designed by the stylish bride herself, this wedding radiates modern glamour and Ashley Bosnick snapped up every shimmery, shiny bit of it. No need for post-holiday reality just yet, so you’ll find me immersed in every gold sparkly moment right this way.

From Ashley Bosnick Photography… This “Modern Golden Glam” wedding could not have been more perfect and fit Marisa + Erick’s personalities better! Marisa designed and planned her entire wedding down to every last detail and knew she wanted it to have a very elegant, yet modern vibe, with a little bit of glam thrown in there too!

The bride’s stunning Matthew Christopher gown added even more romance with the full bottom and fitted bodice. The groom’s fitted Vera Wang attire really helped complete their entire look that screamed modern elegance.

With gorgeous pops of coral, blush, and tangerine tones in the bridesmaids dresses by Donna Morgan and the floral by Pollen Floral Art, this wedding was a colorful, yet very refined and tasteful soiree. The bride make sure to include subtle hints of yellow and rose gold throughout the decor to help add some romantic touches to the day!

Photography: Ashley Bosnick Photography | Floral Design: Pollen Floral Art | Wedding Cake: Coco Paloma Desserts | Ceremony Venue: St. Austin's Catholic Church | Reception Venue: Hotel Ella | Bride's Shoes: Brian Atwood | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Donna Morgan | Makeup Artist: Modern Muse Beauty | Hair Stylist: Happy Salon | Grooms Attire: Vera Wang | Groomsmen's Attire: Calvin Klein | Bridal Photos/Getting Ready: W Hotel Austin | Bridal Salon: Haute Bride | Bridesmaid's Necklaces: Nordstrom | Veil: Haute Bride | Wedding Design + Styling: Marisa Layla Levitre | Wedding Dress Designer: Matthew Christopher

There’s something so warming about a love shining bright on a serene winter day. It’s the reason we’ve come to adore weddings of this cozy season, so very much. And this shoot from Mint Photography, VIVID Events and Swoon Rentals + Design wraps all that seasonal spirit up into one pretty package, where rich reds, black satin ribbons and bow ties and soft cotton touches take center stage. Feast your eyes on more gorgeous right here!

From Jordan with Swoon Rentals + Design…Tucked away amongst the trees lies a hidden cove on Belton Lake where the sunset barely hits the water on a still, winter day. So is the place where an idyllic canoe ride seems fitting for a new groom and his bride, drawing them in for a romantic picturesque love story. Natural, serene winter elegance was our aspiration for this inspiration shoot and we selected deep reds, grey, black velvet and fur with lush greens to portray a sense of winter elegance. Cedar Ridge Park with its breathtaking lakeside sunset view, sweet cabins and tall trees was the ideal backdrop for flawless photos taken by Mint Photography.

We chose a mix of substance and texture throughout the shoot to attain the winter feel: gorgeous white tulle, grey flannel plaid, black velvet ribbon, black mink, earthy wood slices and brass metals. The impeccable attention to detail brought to the table by Lovely Leaves is picture-perfect with red piano roses, red David Austin Darby roses, tulips, red anemones, brunia, winter greenery and soft cotton. From the full red bouquet to the lush green blanket of willow eucalyptus on the mantle, each element embodies beauty. The red antique Evette sofa, fresh grey mantle, inherited barnwood table and cool cane-back chairs are Swoon favorites and fit the style wholly. A reflection of the tall trees and wild elements of Cedar Ridge Park, the stationery suite and menus delivered by Studio W Designs fulfilled our hearts’ desires. For dessert, Lily’s Cakes baked a delicious three-tiered cake with salted caramel buttercream filling thick between the layers topped with romantic red garden roses and exquisite ivy.

Shelbey and Zach are the most darling couple and we are dying in anticipation of their actual engagement. The delicate Allure gown she wore was a beautiful mix of handmade lace and soft, wedding-white tulle provided by Georgio’s Bridal. A black sash was the perfect accent. To keep warm during the cold winter nights, we chose a luxurious black, floor-length mink coat passed down from generations, previously worn to the most grand affairs. It was important that the bride’s natural beauty shine through—Nory from Be.YOU.tiful Salon chose natural, loose curls to pair with our winter floral headpiece. Kimberly Cutler Professional Make-Up used warm, alluring eye make-up perfect for hazel eyes with deep red lips to accentuated already perfect features.

Photography: Mint Photography | Design: Swoon Rentals + Design | Design: VIVID Events | Florals: Lovely Leaves | Wedding Gown: Georgio's Bridal | Cake: Lily's Cakes | Stationery: Studio W Designs | Make-up: Kimberly Cutler | Hair: Be You Tiful Salon | Gown Designer: Allure | Planning: Swoon Rentals + Design | Rentals: Swoon Rentals + Design

When a Camp Lucy soiree lands on my desk, I do a little happy dance. But when it’s from Mint Photography? It’s a get out of your seat and boogie kind of day. And the following affair with it’s sweet something blue shoes, charming florals and stunning portraits is inducing an all out jam in the office. Join me in the gallery!

From Mint Photography…Alisa and Gary’s wedding was on of our favorites by far! It was the perfect mix of elegance and nature combined. Alisa’s dress was a gorgeous Enaura Couture gown with outstanding detailing. Her yellow diamond Tiffany engagement ring was one of the prettiest we’ve seen! The uniqueness of it was exceptional! Gary was just as dapper in his Vera Wang suit and colorful bow tie. To top all of the amazing details off was the loving connection between these two! It was such a joy to photograph this gorgeous wedding and this sweet couple!

Photography: Mint Photography | Gown: Enaura Bridal | Ceremony Venue: Camp Lucy | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Makeup: Designs By Janet Suzanne | Hair: Vera Khatman | Groom's Attire: Vera Wang | Coordinating: Frills Consulting | Floral: Whim Florals | Rentals: Whim Hospitality

I really can’t put my thumb on just exactly what it is about this wedding that makes my heart race. Every time I think I have it figured out, some other romantic detail, a perfect color, a beautiful bloom catches my eye and steals the show. All I know is the gallery from Bella Reese Photography is my new favorite place to be.

From Bella Reese Photography… This wedding was the epitome of romance. From the colors, to the meaning behind their cake topper, to the couple themselves. This bride was on a strict budget but knew exactly what she wanted and found amazing vendors to help her achieve exactly what she wanted, along with the help of her family and friends for some DIY. The Vineyards at Chappel Lodge is absolutely gorgeous, with it’s great vineyard, large pond (frogs included!), abundance of trees and the amazing sunlight. When I first came in and saw everything she had done I quite honestly got butterflies and knew it would be nothing short of amazing. Tiffany (the bride) wanted her wedding to reflect romance and the love for one another and I think she really accomplished that! I couldn’t have asked for a more romantic place to have the honor to shoot at.

Photography: Bella Reese Photography | Photography: Bella Reese Photography | Coordination: Vineyard At Chappel Lodge | Coordination: Vineyard At Chappel Lodge | Floral Design: HEB Blooms | Floral Design: HEB Blooms | Cake: Rocheli Patisserie | Cake: Rocheli Patisserie | Lighting: Intelligent Lighting Design | Wedding Venue: Vineyard At Chappel Lodge

There’s no denying that the scenery at Villa Del Lago is best paired with a gathering of love, and this stunner from Christina Carroll Photography is all the proof I need. The seriously beautiful Bride in her lace-drenched dress just might have something to do with how gorgeous these captures truly are. See even more in the gallery!

From Christina Carroll Photography…Lauren and Bobby had a glamorous wedding at one of my favorite Austin venues, Villa del Lago. Lauren’s wedding dress might be the most beautiful and unique dress I’ve ever seen. She looked absolutely stunning in it. The couple decided to do a first look and I loved Bobby’s reaction to his beautiful bride. The ceremony site looks over Lake Travis and was a perfect fit for this glamorous affair. After the cocktail hour the guests went to the lawn where there was one long table where everyone sat with chandeliers hanging above. The wedding was personal and creative and I was so happy to be apart of the day!

Photography: Christina Carroll Photography | Event Planner: Rachel Stepanov | Floral Design: Bushel & Peck | Wedding Dress: Inbal Dror | Cake: Polkadots | Stationery: Antiquaria | Reception Venue: Villa Del Lago | Makeup: Laura Martinez | Hair: Zig Zag Salon | Lighting: D & H Stage Lighting | Transportation: Uptown Valet & Transportation