Texas Weddings

I’ve got a serious venue crush on Camp Lucy and I dare say, if beautiful Texas were my wedding destination, it’d be a top contender for sure. All it takes is one little peek at this stunner from Becca Lea Photography to see why. The simple, raw stone detailing and gorgeous green cacti galore paired with lush pinks and corals makes for a gallery that’s too good to miss. See it all here.

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From Becca Lea Photography…Sage and Lacey’s Camp Lucy wedding could not have been more beautiful or perfect for them. With parasols, fans, and outdoor games for cocktail hour, you definitely knew you were in the south. The pops of coral and simple touches of white, that they added within the wedding were perfect additions to an already stunning venue.

Ian’s chapel was a great choice for their intimate ceremony. The beautiful architecture spoke for itself, so Lacey and Sage chose to line the aisle with only rose petals as their decor to truly create a romantic feel.

The reception also continued the effortless feel, with simple place settings that had a sprig of rosemary on each napkin. A small tribute to Sage and his name. As well as the pops of coral and white, which created a beautifully executed day!

Photography: Becca Lea Photography | Videographer: Adam Grumbo | Floral Design: Wild Bunches | Wedding Dress: Belle Saison | Cake: Classic Cakes by Lori | Invitations: Paper Place | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | DJ: TX Pro DJ | Groom's Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Groomsmen's Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Ceremony & Reception: Camp Lucy | Vintage Lighting: Intelligent Lighting Design

This bride is awesome for a lot of reasons (rainbow-hued wedding theme, anyone?), but I have to say that her ability to craft one breathtaking detail after another (with the help of amazing family + friends) is most certainly standing front and center in this gorgeous day captured by Brian Shofner.  I’m talking everything from burlap bows to signage to those crazy cool centerpieces.  See it all in the full gallery.

From the Bride… Although my love grew up in Michigan, I, a native Texan, could dream of nothing more wonderful than a wedding in the Hill County of Texas. Where the stars at night really are big and bright and rolling tree-filled hills encompass one’s being. We wanted our wedding to feel relaxed, like a home where you can put your feet on the coffee table. That’s what inspired our day… well, that and our not-so-huge budget.

We chose Memory Lane in Dripping Springs, Texas, as our venue because it glows with country charm. We said our vows at the outdoor ceremony site beneath big tree branches and sunshine. We then continued our celebration inside the oversized barn-inspired reception hall. I, an eternal idealist, have always dreamed of a rainbow wedding. While some family and friends were skeptical, CJ, my sweet groom, actually agreed to this and allowed me to turn my long yearned for vision into reality.

We made nearly all of our décor, which gave me an outlet for my out of control Pinterest addiction and helped us save money! Our crafting included: burlap and lace bows to attach to the benches outdoors, burlap and lace table runners (thanks mom!), table numbers, centerpieces, escort cards, and welcome signs for the guests. For seven months, Hobby Lobby was just a regular stop on the way to and home from work. Now that it has all come to fruition, I can say, the work was worth it. I can’t imagine our special day without all the intimate touches which we created.

For the sign in picture, CJ drew our “Dreams do come true” picture where guests signed in by stamping their thumb print which was to be a collection of balloons helping a pig in cowboy attire to “fly.” Some guests got a bit too creative with their thumb prints, in our opinion.

For the centerpieces, I collected over 70 glass bottles of different heights in all colors of the rainbow (only purchasing on the weeks in which bottles were 40% percent off, of course). For the day of, Wild Bunches Floral filled the bottles with white hydrangeas, baby’s breath and daisies and we put three matching colors on each table. I hand drew each table number using a chalk pencil on black cardstock paper and inserted them into price-friendly picture frames purchased at Ikea which I spruced up with a small burlap bow.

I borrowed a Cricut cutting machine from a friend to cut each one of our boot shaped escort cards. I then added detailing with a white paint pen to each boot tip along with guests names and table numbers. The boots were hung on a ladder with mini clothespins for guests to take to their seats. Using black foam board and a white paint pen to mimic a chalkboard look, I free handed Pinterest-inspired lettering for our “Welcome to our Wedding” sign and our “Take a Seat Not a Side” sign.

My ball gown dress, designed by Justin Alexander, had a simple bodice, followed by a party of tulle and organza. I paired it with cowboy boots I already owned to match our theme. Although the gown was ivory, I rocked the rainbow with my fingernails, bouquet and bridesmaids. Since each of my bridesmaids is overflowing with personal beauty and style, I gave them each a color of the rainbow (purple, blue, green, orange and red) and allowed them to pick their own dresses, boots and jewelry. I wanted them to feel beautiful and comfortable too.

The guys’ attire was simple, but they looked handsome wearing jeans, belt buckles, white button up shirts and boots. They loved the comfortable clothing and it set a great tone for our down to earth celebration. For CJ, my groom, we added a Ralph Lauren brown corduroy coat which I purchased from Dillard’s during an internet door buster sale. It’s all about working the sales!

One of my favorite parts of the day was right before walking down the aisle when I read a hand written letter from my groom. It helped calm my jitters and reassured me of the great man I was marrying. Soon after, the music began and I walked with my sweet dad down the aisle and said “I Do” to my sweet love.

Oh and then there was the cake. Simon Lee Bakery, thank you for baking and designing cakes that can change lives. The bride’s cake had rainbow butterflies spiraling to the top and the groom’s cake was the shape of Michigan. Cutting into those cakes felt liking slicing through butter and it tasted like a smooth mouth full of wedding bliss. Yum.

This truly was a day full of sunshine, love and joy. Like everyone warned, it did go by fast, but I will always cherish the pictures, memories and my marriage. I wish a wonderful wedding to all to-be brides and if you also have a not-so-huge budget, I’ve provided some tips on how we saved money.

Sticking to the Budget

• Spending less, doesn’t mean less of an experience. Really. Chose carefully what is and is not worth splurging on. What are “must have’s” for you and your groom? For us, my dress and the cake were splurges. The rest was about creative savings.
• An easy one was the season. Having a January wedding saved us money on the venue and DJ.
• Utilize your resources, as in your friends. A wonderful co-worker coordinated our wedding day free of charge. My cousin and bridesmaid, who is a trained cosmetologist, did my hair and makeup for free. A pastor friend of ours officiated our wedding and did our premarital counseling which made the ceremony very special for us.
• Bulk order! This isn’t just a way to save on groceries (although I’d recommend it). We bulk ordered baby’s breath from Sam’s for the bridesmaids’ bouquets and wrapped them in burlap the morning of the wedding in twenty-five minutes. We also bulk ordered plates and plastic ware, and napkins all of which were big savings.
• DIY: I’ve already mentioned all of our DIY décor, but we also did it ourselves for other things, too. Rather than ordering drinks and appetizers from our caterer, we provided guests with water bottles and a rainbow soda bar full of bottled vintage sodas, like Orange Crush! We also made a build your own trail mix bar with nuts, raisins, Cheese Its and M&Ms bought in bulk. Oh, and not to forget, the build your own s’more bar, with oversized marshmallows, three different types of chocolates and graham crackers which could be roasted on an outdoor fire pit – huge crowd pleaser.
• Borrow, reuse and recycle. Let’s face it, nothing beats free. My garter and my hair flower were borrowed and I already owned my cowgirl boots. We also borrowed plenty of items for décor including easels, the Cricut cutting machine and appetizer trays.
• Get a food truck to cater! After doing several tastings we actually decided to go with a food truck in Austin, The Peached Tortilla, which was delicious and saved us a big chunk of change.

Photography: Brian Shofner | Florals: Wild Bunches Floral | Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander | Cake: Simon Lee Bakery | Catering: The Peached Tortilla | Wedding Venue: Memory Lane Event Center | Bride's Jewelry: Snobishdesign

When rustic meets romantic in the Hill Country, it’s always a beautiful thing.  Especially when it’s a pink and gold hued beauty like this one filled with sweet DIY details, soft florals from Wild Bunches and some Texas meets Louisiana goodness.  That’s a combo that makes for one crazy cool party, and when you throw in some amazing images from Bird And The Bear, it’s also an awesome Tuesday.  See it here.

From the Bride… I’m from Louisiana and so connected to my state – I never in a million years thought I’d end up in Texas, much less find the love of my life and settle down here. Since we were closing on our house in Austin (and I’d agreed to marry a proud Texan and UT grad), I felt like this wedding was my last hoorah as a true Louisianan! I wanted to have as many nods to my culture as possible.

Although I am far more comfortable in a hoodie and Chucks than a dress, I really wanted our wedding to feel beautiful and feminine. When else would I have a chance to go all out? With that in mind, we settled on a color palette of pale pinks and ivory with gold accents as a contrast to the rustic outdoor setting of our Hill Country venue. The groom and groomsmen wore gray tuxes with pale pink ties; the bridesmaids and maid of honor wore pale pink floor-length dresses.

I put off dress shopping until the last few months before the wedding – I wanted a dress that didn’t exist on any rack and I got so frustrated after trying on gown after gown and feeling like I was never going to find the right fit. I’d gotten recommendations for Cotures by Laura (a bridal designer and customization boutique in Austin), so I ended up buying a Maggie Sottero gown off the rack and brought it to Laura to work her magic! I wanted a lower cut neckline, very specific in shape, bustling, and – the most important and difficult piece – a bolero that fit perfectly. I was so afraid every time I went in for a fitting that something would be wrong, or that Laura would tell me that there was no way this would work, but she put me at ease every time! On the day of my final fitting, I totally cried – the dress was PERFECT and Laura truly took what was in my head and made it a reality after only a couple conversations and trial fittings. She was a dream to work with — such a passionate artist who is an expert in her craft. She made me feel like family. I am so incredibly blessed that she took me in and delivered my dream dress, and all for a very reasonable cost!

We researched so many venues before we found Heritage House, but we knew it was a fit from the first call with owner Cindi Baker. We clicked immediately and I thought, I have found my people! As luck would have it, Cindi is from the same small town my family is from. We locked in the venue in on the first visit – our best decision by far. Even the date of our ceremony was a Louisiana nod – our wedding fell on the last big party weekend of Mardi Gras before Fat Tuesday, so we celebrated double! Other Louisiana details: My best friend and maid of honor, Meagan, hand-sewed tiny gold charms from Etsy on the lace of my bridal bouquet – Mardi Gras masks, fleur de lis, alligators, even a crawfish!

Speaking of seafood, we chose Quality Seafood to cater the wedding – we knew we wanted good, Southern comfort food and their gumbo and hushpuppies are the best! We tried caterer after caterer trying to recreate their taste, but we knew Quality didn’t do weddings, so assumed they wouldn’t do ours. After many failed tastings, I finally gave them a call – their events manager, Carol, was such a dream and worked so hard to make sure their first wedding catering gig was a success. Both Brian’s and my grandparents owned seafood restaurants/markets when we were younger, so there’s a real comfort and connection for us when we’re there. We decided on a final menu featuring mini crab cakes with remoulade and andouille sausage at our happy hour, then big bowls of seafood gumbo, cornbread and hushpuppies with lavender butter for dinner. We were so happy with the food (even down to silly details like the pink seashells our appetizers were served on).

In lieu of a groom’s cake, we had our officiants (who live in New Orleans) bring up king cakes from the world-famous Randazzo’s bakery – strawberry cream cheese, my favorite! The cakes were placed in the bridesmaids’, groomsmen’s and family cottages onsite at Heritage House. Our music selections for the reception were a mix of Louisiana and Houston hip-hop, zydeco and New Orleans jazz. We also had the DJ immediately follow our first dance (The Flamingos’ “I Only Have Eyes For You”) with Rebirth Brass Band’s “Do Whatcha Wanna,” which got everyone out on the floor. The only thing missing was a second line!

We were careful to make sure Brian’s Texas pride was also represented – we had a full on Texas-themed rehearsal dinner in the Cattle Baron’s room at Texas Land & Cattle, a favorite steakhouse of Brian and his Dad. And we can’t say enough about the gorgeous natural setting of our venue, about 30 minutes outside of Austin in the gorgeous hill country of Dripping Springs. The whispy grass, cool breezes and endless sunset made for amazing photo ops. To continue the Texas theme, Brian (who loves craft beer) made sure we featured all local breweries (Real Ale Brewing Company, Austin Beer Works, and Southern Star Brewing) at the reception.

We wanted our ceremony to feel intimate and asked close friends to officiate. We involved our families as much as we could! Brian’s Gran opened with a prayer, and my brother Blake, a pianist, provided the music in the chapel. Brian made an awesome custom LEGO ring bearer’s box, and our flower girl, Brian’s niece, walked our two dogs, Ed and Ollie, down the aisle! (Their leashes, handmade by my sister Eli, were my “something blue.”) It was so special to have them there. The processional was a piano version of The Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows,” my bridal processional was a piano version of Etta James’ “At Last,” and our recessional was a sped-up piano version of “Home” by Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeroes. We wrote our own vows and laugh-cried through them all.

I was so lucky to have help from creative friends and family to make all the gorgeous ideas in my head come to life – I DIY’d a lot! I knew I didn’t want big centerpieces on every table, so I spent weeks scouring flea markets and garage sales for vases I could spray paint gold. Mixed with hand-me-down crystal from my great-grandmother’s collection, they made for awesome centerpieces on the cheap! Our gorgeous sequined blush table runners came from Etsy seller Jessmy (linked below) and were the perfect pretty detail to tie them all together. I knew I wanted at least one statement piece and enlisted my sister and bridesmaid Eli to help me cut, papier-mâché, duct tape, spray paint and glitter our way through this 100 Layer Cake tutorial for a giant sequined gold heart! It was so awesome (and well worth the work)! We got so many compliments on it! Eli also made custom gift bags for all the kids at the wedding – they were filled with snacks, Legos, stickers, and coloring books. They were a huge hit! Additionally, my Maid of Honor Meagan made our DIY chalkboard signs with cardboard we spray painted and paint pens from a craft store. I’d collected the gold frames while thrifting, so total cost was less than $15 for all the signage at the wedding. It meant so much to me so see her handwriting on everything. Brian supplied everything necessary for a games table, and we framed photos of our grandparents and ourselves as kids to feature around the reception hall.

My favorite part of the wedding was giving Brian his wedding surprise! We have this inside joke about crabs – it sounds weird, but if one of us is feeling down, the other will text a crab with a description of what it does. For example, if I was scared to fly, Brian might text me a Bravery Crab, who would ride along with me on the plane and help with my nerves. Anyway, while thrifting for vases I found this amazing pair of vintage crab pins – gold, pearl and diamond – which totally matched the wedding! I can’t explain why these silly little wedding crabs were so special, but I just knew Brian was going to love them! At our First Look, I got to reveal them—he wore his on his suit (and pinned mine to my veil). They were a conversation piece all night!

We had a fiasco with the florist we originally chose — she totally dropped off the map less than a month from the wedding, and I was a mess. Luckily, our venue recommended Wild Bunches, a Dripping Springs local florist with a great reputation and (thankfully!) an opening on our wedding date! I scheduled an ASAP consult and they hooked me right up! I cannot explain what it felt like to walk into the venue and see the table arrangements for the first time — truly, they were beyond my wildest dreams and I just could not believe how gorgeous they came out! In my DIY vases were white and peach stock, blush pink and white spray roses, white ranunculus, pink veronica (my absolute favorite, also used in the groomsmen’s boutineers), seeded eucalyptus, silver dollar eucalyptus, and dusty miller. The swag draped across our sweetheart table was equally impressive — I will be buying blush pink spray roses and peach stock for the rest of my life to bring me back to our magical day!

One piece of wisdom I’d pass on to future brides is not to let vendors get you down if they flake or aren’t feeling your vision. There are so many amazing creative wedding professionals — keep talking to folks until you find the perfect fit.

Additionally, even if you are a crafty DIY bride, enlist a wedding coordinator for month-of help. I didn’t think I needed a coordinator, but I was so wrong! Maggie Gallant, our coordinator, was a lifesaver for me and gave me a reality check early on about how many tasks were left to complete (and how best to tackle them)! She taught me that no matter how much work you put into the wedding months before, you really owe it to yourself to be able to stop working and actually enjoy those blissful days before the ceremony with your soon to be husband, family and friends who have traveled so far to celebrate with you. I’m so glad that I took her advice!

Photography: The Bird And The Bear | Wedding Coordinator: Maggie Gallant | Floral Design: Wild Bunches | Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero | Wedding Cake: Classic Cakes by Lori | Ceremony Venue: Heritage House | Reception Venue: Heritage House | Bridesmaids' Dresses: David's Bridal | Catering: Quality Seafood | Hair & Makeup: Ron King Salon | Grooms Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Groomsmen Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Bouquet Charms: Etsy Seller 95 Boutique | Bridal Jewlery: Forever 21 | Bridal Sash: Etsy Seller Get Noticed | Custom Dog Leashes: Eli Byerly | Custom Signage: Meagan Whiteley | Heart Centerpiece: LeeLina Martin | King Cakes: Randazzos | Sequined Table Runners: Etsy Seller Jessmy | Wedding Dress Customization: Coutures By Laura | Wedding Dress Shop: La Reve Couture

Somewhere in between the first and last image of this unbelievably stunning gallery from Mint Photography lives a soiree that I can only describe as my dream wedding. A blush, pale peach and ivory palette—check. Full length bridesmaids dresses—check. A pristine and perfectly lit venue, the gorgeous Ma Maison—check. Lush blooms in every corner from Last Petal—check. And beyond all those pretty details? Moment upon sweet moment. Click here for the full gallery.

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From Mint Photography… Lauri and Chad had their wedding at the most gorgeous new venue in Dripping Springs, Ma Maison! We loved the simple elegance of the day. The soft pastels of the florals and the color of the bridesmaids dresses were the perfect fit for this warm summer wedding. We loved the playfulness of the whole bridal party and we had so much fun with this group! We are honored we got to photograph this special day for Lauri and Chad!

Photography: Mint Photography | Coordination: Something To Celebrate | Florist: Last Petal | Ceremony Venue: Ma Maison Wedding + Event Venue | Hair: Method Salon | Music: Greenbelt DJ | Rentals: Marquee Event Rentals

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Ma Maison Wedding + Event Venue

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If there is one thing that sets the tone to a perfectly beautiful, visually pleasing wedding it’s a perfect color palette, which this Camp Lucy wedding from Anna Routh Photography has stunningly achieved. But if there is one thing that brings that visually pleasing soiree to the level of goosebumps, it’s a love at the center that makes even those of us who don’t know the couple, happier and warmer. Again, this wedding completely delivers.

From the photographer… Cullen and Natalie got married on a beautiful sunny day just outside of Austin, TX. Camp Lucy was the perfect venue for this beautiful couple who fell in love with the property at first site. Camp Lucy’s wide open spaces, unique architecture and beautiful landscaping was the perfect setting for Natalie and Cullen to exchange vows in front of their friends and family. Natalie was stunning in her Watters gown – that skirt! – and Cullen couldn’t keep his eyes off his beautiful bride all night. The soft florals that adorned the tables were one of my favorite aspects of this wedding. And, the wheat accents and glittered table numbers were put together by the bride with the help of some dear friends and family. All of the details came together for a warm evening of dancing and laughing. And, who doesn’t love a sparkler exit? It was such an honor to capture Natalie and Cullen on their special day. These two share an amazing bond and their wedding day was nothing short of magical. Congratulations, Cullen and Natalie!

Photographer: Anna Routh Photography | Floral Design: Petal Pushers | Wedding Dress: Watters Via Stardust Celebration | Cake: Classic Cakes by Lori | Ceremony Venue: Camp Lucy | Reception Venue: Camp Lucy | Catering: Verde's Mexican Parilla | Makeup: Austin Wedding Makeup | Hair: Danann Patrick Of Mint Salon | Suits: Men's Wearhouse | Bridesmaid Dress: Mori Lee | Bridesmaids Dress: Jenny Yoo | Bridesmaids Dress: LOVE Lane | Bridesmaids Dress: Bill Levkoff | Groom's Cake: Verde's Mexican Parilla | Hand Scribed Escort Cards: Annelie Persson Call | Programs And Invitations: Paper Place | Wheat Decoration And Table Numbers: The Bride, Family And Friends!

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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I’m not sure about you, but something about Texas goes hand in hand with the chicest vintage affairs, at least based on the weddings I’ve come across in my day. This Vista West Ranch wedding from Christina Carroll Photography is the supreme example of just how pretty the vintage Texas wedding is. Typewriters and collected flowers in found vessels, lace and burlap curtains… the perfect pair.

From the photographer… There isn’t a sweeter couple than Kirah and Brian! I loved working with them throughout the wedding planning process! Kirah is a very DIY person and designed so much of the details herself. Everywhere you looked were personal touches. She even had family members bake each one of the different desserts on the desserts table. I tried a few and they were wonderful! The food from Royal Fig was fantastic. There were all different types of stations. Everything was very Southern (think grits and bacon). I’m so happy I was able to photography this lovely wedding for this lovely couple.

Photography: Christina Carroll Photography | Event Design: Coordinate This | Flowers: Pat Tryme | Wedding Cake: Cakes By Lori | Ceremony Venue: Vista West Ranch | Reception Venue: Vista West Ranch | Catering: Royal Fig Catering | music: Complete Music

Y’all are going to love this spunky bride. She’s gorgeous, she’s got fabulous taste, and her smile is infectious. Closer to Love Photography captured her on her happiest day and if this doesn’t get you, nothing will. She married her love at Vista West Ranch, and the rest, as they say, is history. Pretty, pretty history.

From the stunning bride… Due to our culture’s surging obsession with all things wedding, there seems to be a lot of unnecessary pressure on the bride and groom to create the most killer, most hipster, most creative, most memorable wedding experience ever. And I will admit, I (the bride) certainly felt and gave into this pressure when Eric, my now husband, and I first started the wedding planning process. I remember feeling at the start that every single detail of the wedding needed to be “cool” and “different” so as to make a noticeable statement. This stressed me out for a while until Eric spoke some sense into me. He said something to the effect of this: “Kallie, if the wedding day is focused on the wedding itself and not on the marriage, then something is wrong.” He was right. I’d been focusing so much on the stuff that was going to be at the wedding that I’d forgotten to prioritize the one thing that should be the focus: the love that holds us together. Once I made that profound shift in my mind, all the wedding planning started to fall in to place. I stopped trying to create the most epic wedding (an effort that is for self glory) and started making a wedding that was true to us, our love and our relationship.

As a couple, Eric and I are all about mixing classic elements with a little bit of vintage funk. We also wanted to create a wedding experience that made our guests feel less like guests and more like family, thus we knew we wanted it to be somewhere where we could create an inviting atmosphere. That’s why when we saw Vista West Ranch, our wedding venue, we instantly fell in love. Tucked back in the Texas Hill Country, the mix of metal and wood on the barn were to die for. Elegant yet rustic. Warm and inviting, yet assertive. Structured and raw, but still incredibly romantic and ethereal. The area and the venue itself were stunning. We also loved all the decor detail that Vista West provided with glass lanterns hanging in the trees and burlap drapes and wooden light structures beautifully filling the indoor space. It was the perfect location for us, so we booked that day!

The decisions we made on food, decorations, flowers and clothing were all inspired by Vista West. We wanted the food and the food service to retain the same elegance as the space while still being inviting and unique. Sullivan Street Catering helped us accomplish this goal flawlessly. I bet it’s not everyday you see BBQ tofu served at a wedding! We wanted the decorations and flowers to stay true to the romance and structure of the venue, which we accomplished by contrasting the softness of big, full flowers against the strong edges of the books and glass vases. And as for our clothing choices, we wanted our wedding party and ourselves to look vintage and ethereal. This was achieved by using grey and charcoal for the groom and groomsmen (rather than black, which is too harsh) and ivory and indigo for the bride and bridesmaids (ivory rather than white since which is also very stark).

Overall, we feel our wedding far exceeded our expectations! We and our guests had an ABSOLUTE blast! The venue looked amazing, the food was so fresh and scrumptious, the flowers were simply elegant, the dance party was a rager, and above all else, the focus was without a doubt, the Love that holds us together. All praise be to Him who is love and is the love in us (1 John 4:8)!

Photography: Closer to Love Photography | Wedding Coordinator: Bonnie Beck | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Cake: Coco Paloma Desserts | Ceremony Venue: Vista West Ranch | Wedding Shoes: Seychelles | Bridesmaid Dresses: Weddings By Debbie | Food: Sullivan Street Catering | Dinnerware Rentals: Hill Country Event Rentals | Grooms And Groomsmen Suits And Ties: Jos. A. Bank | Table Vases: The Guild Shop | Vintage Books: Goodwill | Vintage Indoor Accessories (farm Tables, Vintage Chairs, Burlap: Petal Pushers

I’ve always believed the most romantic part of a wedding comes down to the getaway. You know – those major moments of bliss as you pull away with the one you love on the best day ever? So when Reagen Taylor and Caroline Joy joined forces to bring that very vision to life, it took all I had not to pin every. last. image. Have a look for yourself in the full gallery right here!

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From Reagen Taylor… After our first style shoot together, Caroline and I immediately came up with the idea to do a getaway car-inspired style shoot. I spent the next couple weeks in a giddy daze as I sketched out ideas, wandered through flower markets, drove until I got lost in the Hill Country searching for the perfect setting, held creative collaboration sessions, and crafted (which consequently led to the spreading of gold glitter all over my studio…whoops).

On my adventure through the Hill Country, I found a picturesque hunting ranch outside Dripping Springs, TX which served as the perfect backdrop for the style shoot against the meadows, rolling hills, and centuries-old oak trees. To maintain a classically elegant feel, the models, Kristen and Hunter (super sweet real-life husband and wife), wore simple black and white dress. For the flowers, I used rich jewel tones (garnet, amethyst, ruby, sapphire) to stand out dramatically against the simplicity of the classic car and attire.

Then, I had a vision that an old stained-glass window should be used in the middle of a meadow as a ceremony backdrop. I ended up creating a three-panel ‘stained glass’ window out of vintage lace so the sun would glow through the lace in delicate patterns. The invitations were designed and hand-painted by the lovely and talented Wynne and Mozelle from Inviting Affairs. I’m so thankful for all of the wonderful people who helped pull this style shoot together, and to be blessed with the opportunity to work with such amazingly creative and genuine people.

Photography: Caroline Joy Photography | Invitations: Inviting Affairs | Jewelry: Kendra Scott Jewelry | Hair & Makeup: Rae Cosmetics | Vintage Car: Jim Coffman | Venue: Longhorn River Ranch | Dress & Veil: Second Summer Bride | Floral Design/ Concept + Styling: Reagen Taylor | Models: Kristen & Hunter Smith

I’ve never met a Hill Country Wedding I don’t want to be a guest at. They have that rustic Texas flavor and always look like a wildly good time. Cowboy boots and lawn games being major factors in that fun equation. This particular installment captured by Apryl Ann Photography has all the above plus a crazy good layer of florals by Verbena Floral and the backdrop of Camp Lucy to add to its major awesomeness. One look at the full gallery and I guarantee you’ll be jumping on the Hill Country bandwagon too.

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From the Bride… As an interior designer, naturally, I had planned and dreamed of this day for so long– All of the vintage-y design details, the “Hill Country Chic” theme, the peachy-pink and gray color scheme, etc. etc. — I know every bride says it, but the day was honestly SO much more than we could have ever dreamed, planned or expected!

Our amazing day took place on Easter Sunday- 3.31.13 (exactly a year from the date of our spectacular proposal in Puerto Rico). Our event was set atop of a gorgeous peak overlooking the Texas Hill Country at “Camp Lucy” in Dripping Springs, TX. The spring landscaping was beautiful and the scenery was breathtaking… Since Michael and I are transplants from Wisconsin and Puerto Rico and most of our guests were visiting us from afar, we wanted our wedding to showcase our lives here in Texas. We even held a Welcome Dinner at Salt Lick Barbecue and had our Rehearsal Dinner at the local Brewpub we own, Bastrop Brewhouse, to introduce our guests to Texas music, food, drink and lifestyle. Camp Lucy was the perfect venue to represent the true and natural beauty of Texas-our new home state.

Since we were our own wedding planner, we relied heavily on our small wedding party and close family members to help us pull all of our planning and details together the day of the wedding.”Premier Party Rentals” helped to deliver the white ceremony chairs, rustic farm tables and antiqued chairs for the outdoor reception pavilion. The tables were simply adorned with burlap runners, hundreds of clear glass candlesticks, and mercury glass urns with peachy-pink roses, gray succulents and dusty miller from “Verbena Floral”. Clear glass beaded chargers with vintage silver place settings also provided a feminine contrast to the reclaimed wood of the farmhouse tables. The ceremony site was simplistically grand, set on the outdoor lawn under a large live oak tree with hanging crystal chandeliers provided by Ilios Lighting. Our program and schedule of events were written on a large vintage framed chalkboard at the ceremony entrance and rustic wine barrels held a small pale of “irish wedding bells” for our guests to ring as the newly married couple walked down the aisle (both created by the MOB). Pastel colored Easter eggs were hidden throughout the property for an Easter Egg Hunt for the little guests. Rustic painted signs pointed to lawn games like bocce ball, croquet and bean bags, which were personalized with our wedding logo. The bar, set atop rustic wine barrels and covered with lace, was stocked with Bastrop Brewhouse brews and personalized mason jar favors for guests to use throughout the night. The cocktail tables were set with flowering succulents that were planted in vintage tea cups and set above stacked antique books. Blue mason jars served as “tip jars” at each table with small Kraft paper tags for guests to write their “tips” and advice for the couple. Coordinating “I do” coloring books and “I spy” games were also fun for the kids (and adults!). Vintage sofas, chairs and side tables were sprinkled throughout the venue to provide additional seating and conversation. A tufted gold couch sat beneath a stone arch overlooking a breathtaking Hill Country View. Vintage white frames and props were available nearby to complete the Polaroid “photo booth”. An antique peach secretary desk with a vintage typewriter acted as our guest book, while stacked luggage served as our “card box”. Nearby, framed photos of loved ones who have passed sat on an old turquoise painted mantle. Apothecary jars with jelly beans, easter chocolates, and cupcakes from “Simply Sweet” in Bastrop sat on top of a white antique buffet and our 3-tiered ruffled grand mariner cake from “Simon Lee Bakery” was the center piece. The food was prepared by our own team at Bastrop Brewhouse and was served family style. Acoustic music was provided by “Tanner Louis and the Aviators”. And of course, there were the dresses! My Enzoani dress from “Blush Bridal” was fun, feminine and unexpected. It was ethereal and eclectic with a fitted bodice tied by a vintage sash and feathery tulle bottom. My bridesmaids wore pale slate gray chiffon dresses from “J crew ” with the cowboy boots that were given to the girls as their bridesmaids gifts early in the day. The groom and his groomsmen wore black suits with gray vests from Men’s Wearhouse, and little Aiden, our son and ring bearer, wore peach polka dot suspenders and a bow tie from Etsy.

I could go on and on about all of the incredible details! But what truly made our wedding so incredible, memorable and unique, was the overwhelming LOVE that was felt throughout the day. From the loving words spoken by the officiant/ Father of the Bride, to the personal vows we shared as a family, to the series of tearful toasts by the wedding party… The day was filled with love. We are so lucky and blessed to have spent such a special day with the most important people in our lives. We will cherish these memories and photos forever!

Photographer: Apryl Ann Photography | Wedding Dress: Enzoani | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Catering: Bastrop Brewhouse | Lighting: Ilios | Desserts: Simon Lee Bakery | Floral: Verbena Floral Design | Reception Music: Tanner Lewis Music | Rentals: James Allen Salon

DIY Brides these days are my heroes. The pretty they can whip up just blows my wedding-loving mind, and this lovely Bride is a fine example. Her perfectly crafted day filled the gorgeous pictures from The Bird and The Bear with so much love, I simply can’t get over it. Sprinkle in some gorgeous florals from Petals, Ink., and lovelies, we’ve got one gorgeous gallery on our hands. See it all here.

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From the Bride… My husband and I knew we had to get married in Austin, Texas; it’s a short drive down the road from our alma mater, Baylor, where we met our freshman year. The only problem was, I had moved home to Pennsylvania after I graduated while he finished an extra semester, and he was about to move back to California to start his new job after he graduated! So, in a nutshell, it was complicated from the start. But we were heart set that was the place, so we made it work! I planned the entire wedding while living on the east coast, which was definitely a challenge. I had to give up on a lot of my initial dreams and ideas because it just wasn’t possible with the distance. But in the end, it all turned out perfectly and many of those “crushed” dreams were forgotten. We wanted to get married as soon as we could, and I had to have an outdoor wedding, so that complicated things as well with the summer heat in Texas. We finally chose June 16, a little over 6 months from the day we got engaged. My goals when planning the wedding were: be frugal, make it personal, and make it casual. It was never in the budget for me to hire a full-on wedding planner, but I did take some advice from a few friends and hired a day-of coordinator who was absolutely amazing (I would say that was worth every penny to not have stress for anyone the day of the wedding).

I wanted the day to feel like a backyard party; casual and really fun. I hand made almost everything. I wanted my hands to be in all the details so that they would be super personalized to fit us as a couple. I worked around the color scheme of green and yellow (for Baylor, where we met at our freshman orientation), and worked it into yellow and mint and then with some blues and turquoises thrown in. I played a lot with different design elements, so I didn’t have one specific theme. It was kind of colorful-meets-rustic-meets-DIY. All the wooden signs I made out of old shipping pallets, my mom hand sewed the streamers draped in the barn, and we both scoured vintage and thrift shops for months for antique items to place around for an added rustic look.

I would say I am very laid-back and a nontraditional bride. My main focuses were the personalization of all the details, the photography and the food and desserts! The dress was probably last on my list. I had a really hard time spending so much on a dress that I would only wear once (it looked great though)! My mother actually handmade the one-shoulder lace jacket I wore for the ceremony. She sewed on the buttons from her (and my nana’s) wedding dress for a personal touch. It turned out perfectly, and it was fun to transition to another look after the ceremony! The day of the wedding, it was a perfect sunny day with a bit of a breeze to cut the summer heat. Half of our guests were from California (and struggled a bit in the heat) and the other half were from Texas. We got married in front of an old mantle I found at a thrift store that I had my dad prop upright and add a frame on top. The hole of the frame and the open part of the mantle had a perfect view of the Texas Hill country; it was absolutely beautiful. I struggled a little bit during the ceremony because the sun was shining right in my eyes, but it actually helped me not cry as much as I probably would have! Spencer, on the other hand, was a mess. It was so sweet! One thing I will never forget was being at the reception and seeing so many faces, all of which I knew and had a personal story with. It was the coolest experience ever to have so many people who meant so much to us in the same place, celebrating us. Our photographers, Caryn and Brian from the Bird and the Bear did an absolutely phenomenal job capturing the day. I have never been more proud of something in my life, seeing all my ideas come to life after such hard work!

Photography: The Bird And The Bear | Florals: Petals, ink. | Wedding Dress: Bijou Bridal | Cake: Classic Cakes by Lori | Invitations: Kramer Drive Designs | Shoes: Anthropologie | Catering: The Peached Tortilla | Catering: Whole Foods Market Preston | Band: Royal Dukes Band | Groomsmen Attire: Urban Outfitters | Get Away Car: Austin Classic Limo | Rentals: Bee Lavish Vintage Rentals

You know what every wedding needs?  A donkey.  A cuter than cute donkey, complete with a little feeding station, so that all of your guests can partake in the world’s sweetest meet and greet.  And in addition to all of that fun (+ total adorableness), it wouldn’t hurt if it was as pretty and love-filled as this gorgeous day captured by Austin Imagery.  Because this is a day that takes seriously stunning details and marries them with a charming Inn at Wild Rose Hall setting and a whole lot of happy.  See it all in the full gallery.

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From Austin Imagery… Megan and Andrew’s wedding day on March 15, 2013 was amazing! A vintage-inspired DIY wedding, the bride designed all the key elements of the wedding day including the invitations, all of the wedding day signage including the buntings, the table decor, the adorable table assignment tags and the wedding and reception flowers. The outdoor ceremony under the Texas sky and oak trees was lovely; Megan’s Mom walked her down the aisle and Megan’s best friend was her maid-of-honor while Andrew’s identical twin brother served as the best man. We so enjoyed photographing their wedding and reception at the vintage farmhouse turned wedding venue, The Inn at Wild Rose Hall in Dripping Springs, Texas. We also had a blast photographing the bride, groom and the guests feeding the DONKEYS! After the ceremony, the guests enjoyed the famous Amy’s ice cream in lieu of cake, had fun hamming it up in the vintage 1967 Airstream Photo Booth and dancing until midnight.

Ceremony Venue: The Inn at Wild Rose Hall | Ice Cream: Amy's Ice Cream | Photo Booth: Silvercloud Trailer Events | Photographers: Austin Imagery

This is a real wedding.  I just wanted to get that out there from the get-go before you start thinking that this is, in fact, a gloriously executed photo shoot from a dream team of Texas vendors (I’m looking at you, Verbena Floral Design).  Because even though this gem of a day may seem just a tad bit unreal (it is perfect, after all), it’s 100%, without a doubt an authentic set of nuptials captured amazingly by Matthew Johnson Studios.  Dive into all of the pretty right here.

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From Matthew Johnson… Claire & Ryan’s April wedding in the Texas Hill Country was the perfect, and very hard to achieve, mix of classic elegance and a serious party. Planned and coordinated by Kristen White of Frills Consulting, the wedding took place outside of Austin at Camp Lucy. The outdoor lawn ceremony was the perfect setting for Claire to make the long walk down the aisle with her father in her gorgeous Oscar de la Renta dress.

The beauty of Camp Lucy’s property looking out over the Hill Country was the draw for the couple to have their destination wedding over five hours away from their home in Midland, Texas. After the classically beautiful ceremony, the reception turned into an amazing party complete with sunglasses and decor that sported the couple’s likeness and an 80’s cover band.

Photography: Matthew Johnson Studios | Floral Design: Verbena Floral Design | Wedding Dress: Oscar De La Renta | Cake: Classic Cakes by Lori | Shoes: Kate Spade | Jewelry: Sam L. Majors Jewelers | Catering: Verde's Mexican Parilla | Wedding Venue: Camp Lucy | Invitations and Programs: Hale Koa phineas Estate | Monogram Design: Pearly Gates Design | Music: The Spazmatics | Planning + Coordination: Frills Consulting

I have this awesome habit of falling head over heels for Texas weddings.  One that I don’t see myself getting over anytime soon. Because when a sweet rustic meets vintage soiree like this darling Austin affair comes my way, it’s impossible NOT to find myself falling hopelessly in love.  Especially when that sweet rustic meets vintage soiree includes lush florals from Wild Bunches, a Wtoo masterpiece and all kinds of amazing imagery from Kristi Wright Photography.  See it all in the full gallery.

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From Kristi Wright Photography… Kate and Zach are serious sweethearts. I met them last year at their friend’s wedding where I was also the photographer. Kate stopped me afterward to tell me about how she and Zach planned to have their destination wedding in Texas. They live in Seattle so we skyped and she told me all about their plans to have something fun for their guests – something that felt more like a backyard/home wedding – I was hooked. They had yard games and family style seating. It was so much fun.

Kate brought a little of the Pacific Northwest with her which can be seen in her details. The tables are named after some of the beautiful trees found in her neck of the woods. Other interesting details included the sash/belt she wore with her wedding dress that was adorned with the costume jewelry that belonged to her grandmother and that she had played with as a child. Each guest received a luggage bag tag with their name on it – so many people traveled far to go to their wedding – it was a perfect gift. I think my favorite detail is Kate’s tattoo of “Elijah Stapp” on her foot! “The tattoo is the signature of my great great great great (that’s four) grandfather from the Texas declaration of independence!” (the bride). I’m pretty sure her grandmother paid for it which makes it even cooler!

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Wedding Venue: Memory Lane Weddings | Floral Design: Wild Bunches | Photography: Kristi Wright Photography | Catering: Southern’s Fine Dining | Wedding Dress: Wtoo | Jewelry on Wedding Sash: Grandmother’s | DJ: Byrne Rock |Makeup: Vixie by Ellie Vixie | Invitations: Paper Delights, Seattle, Washington | Guest Sign In Tree: Bleu de Toi | Table Markers + Signs: DIY by the Bride

You know what makes me happy?  Beautiful blooms.  Beautiful blooms in every shape, color and size of the rainbow.  From rose-filled bouquets to dahlia-dotted centerpieces, I love them all.  And this darling Camp Lucy wedding?  Well, it’s boasting beautiful blooms aplenty from the talented designers at Petal Pushers… works of art, really, that have me completely mesmerized.  Add in some pretty pink hues, a gallery of lovely captured by EE Photography and a stunning bride and groom and, well.  It’s my kind of Tuesday.  See it all in the full gallery.

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From the Bride… Josh and I met 5 years ago when I was a college senior at the University of Arizona and he was playing minor league baseball for the Arizona Diamondbacks. We had an instant connection and became great friends. After a few years, our friendship developed into a relationship and Josh proposed in February 2012. Shortly after, Josh retired from professional baseball and we decided to make Austin, TX home.

I am from Southern California and Josh is from Baytown, TX but we knew after looking at Camp Lucy that that was where we wanted to get married. We both just felt something special there and knew it was the perfect place to say our vows in front of God, our family, and our friends. The venue is so beautiful and we wanted to use every inch of the space. We were married in the Chapel, had our cocktail hour in the Open Air Pavilion, and held our reception in the Events Hall. I have to confess, I am one of those girls who had always dreamt of my wedding day and had a very clear vision of what we both wanted. Our wedding was casually elegant and a true reflection of who we are as a couple. We wanted everyone to leave our wedding thinking “that was very Josh and Rachel” and they did. The colors and decor were a combination of neutrals, blush, mercury glass, and candles. Our caterer created the perfect Tex-Mex menu and we served Texas Martinis as our signature drink. In lieu of a champagne toast, we toasted with tequila in monogrammed shot glasses that our guests took home as favors.

We were married by a family friend who knows both of us well and exchanged traditional wedding vows. As opposed to writing our own, we felt there was something romantic about saying the same wedding vows people have said for years. Our wedding day truly was the best day of our lives. We were surrounded by 75 of our closest friends and family members and were humbled by the love and support we received that day.

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Photography: EE Photography | Flowers: Petal Pushers | Event Planning + Design: The Bride | Wedding Venue: Camp Lucy | Invitations: Ruffled Ink | Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale | Caterer: Pink Avocado | Cake: Classic Cakes by Lori | Rentals: Whim Event Rentals + Marquee Rentals + Loot Vintage Rentals | Wedding Gown: Vera Wang | Flower Girl Dress: Tutu Garden | DJ: Altared Weddings | Makeup: Maris Malone Calderon

You know those weddings that are sooo chock-full of personality and sooo overflowing with pretty, you can’t help but love every last second?  Where the bride and groom tackle some sweet DIY details and choose a stunning locale like the Vista West Ranch to celebrate all of the festivities?  Well, lovelies… this darling affair captured by Haydon Photography is one of those weddings.  A seriously amazing day filled to the brim with colorful hues and personality-inspired details that will leave you swooning full-force in the gallery.  Join me there for all of the pretty.

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From Haydon Photography… Emily and Kerstan are an adorable couple who met in college and included many personal touches in their wedding. The bride and groom are very creative and handled many of the details on their own. Vista West Ranch was the perfect setting for their family-oriented day as it provided the rustic quality they were looking for and helped display all their fun details.

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Photography: Haydon Photography |  Ceremony + Reception Location: Vista West Ranch | Invitations: Illustrated by Groom | Catering: Freebirds Burritos | Cupcakes: Hello Cupcake!

This Hill Country Wedding from Heavenly Day Events and  June Bug Co. Photography at the Heritage House is the definition of sweet. With a touch of vintage and loads of charm, it’s hard not to fall head over heels for every detail sitting pretty in this gallery. It’s DIY done with so much heart, you just can’t help but fall in love with all the sweetness…and you can do just that right here.

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From Amber at Heavenly Day Events…. I can’t even begin to tell you about the devotion surrounding Robert and Abi’s love for each other. Having been colleagues for several years, Robert decided to pursue Abi with hopeless abandonment, even though Abi did not even realize their first date was actually a date. After clarifying that important detail, the two began a relationship that is a force to be reckoned with. A few months into dating, Robert was diagnosed with cancer and admirably gave Abi the ‘chance to flee’. In a real life version of “The Notebook”, the thought never crossed her mind and she stuck by his side. Abi cared for Robert in a way that only true soul mates can. The following Valentine’s Day, Robert asked Abi to marry him and they did so that November! While their story truly embodies a message of unconditional love, faith and humility- it is also full of comedy and joy! Robert might be the funniest groom I have had the pleasure of working for and while I was always impressed by his gentle attention to detail and care for Abi, he always had me laughing about something. These two certainly do not take each other (or life) for granted and have chosen to seize the day. Abi and Robert are pleased to announce the expectancy of their first baby, little Miss Natalie Victoria, later this year.

From the Bride… We wanted to marry quickly, and we did a lot of planning in a short period! I knew I wanted a rustic/shabby venue. Upon sight, I knew that Heritage House was the place I wanted to be married. I felt like I knew Cindi from long ago and she recommended Heavenly Day Events! I was very thankful that I used a wedding planner, I seriously don’t know how you can have a wedding without one! Amber was very thorough and followed through with everything, even going over and beyond our agreement.

For our catering we chose the famous Salt Lick and everyone loved the barbeque! Annette Yates did a wonderful job of ensuring we picked the right items for appetizers, which were a hit during the picture taking session. As you can see, Nadia Huerta, from June Bug Co Photography did a fantastic job of documenting our wedding. I just love her style!

The Mariachi Texas Band played during our photo session, which was a nice and a cultural transition into our dinner/reception time. We were pleased with Complete Music & Video of Austin who provided both DJ, Video, and Photobooth services. We danced all night long and we have our wedding footage to watch for years to come!

Our theme was DIY shabby chic. I used paper fans, and heart-shaped streamers throughout the reception area. The menu sign was an old window from a friend and I placed a piece of burlap behind the glass! Centerpieces were old blue mason jars with bright flowers and my mom collected antique teacups for each of the reception tables. I made my own wedding wood signs as well. I really enjoyed having a personal touch on our wedding day. Our wedding cake was from Penny’s Creations in Houston, which is special because it is owned by a Church friend. She made the grooms cake in his favorite theme: Chicago Cubs, in honor of our unofficial first date at the ‘Chicago Cubs game.’

Last but not least we had our flower girls and ring bearers start the day right: November 10 is National Sesame Street Day! The kiddos got to march in with stuffed Sesame Street and Muppet characters!

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Wedding Photography: June Bug Co. Photography | Wedding Venue: Heritage House |  Event Planning + Design: Heavenly Day Events + Bride and Family | Flowers: HEB Blooms | | Invitations: Paper & Lace | Catering: Salt Lick | Accessories: BHLDN | Bakery: Penny’s Creations | Cake Topper: Cinnamon Birds | Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander via Ventura’s Bridal | Shoes: E! Live from the Red Carpet | Entertainment: Texas Mariachi Band | Cinematography, DJ + Photobooth: Complete Music & Video of Austin

This wedding just feels cozy.  Cozy in that way that instantly warms your heart and fills your entire being with happy… the kind of happiness that can only come from the sweet simplicity of a Hill Country affair paired with elegant details planned to perfection by Country Sugar Events.  From the beautiful DIY florals to the stunning Amsale gown to the gallery of pretty snapped up perfectly by Loft Photographie, this is a day that deserves your full and undivided attention.  See it all here.

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From Loft Photographie… Lela and Charlie created a relaxed Texas wedding with understated elegance & romantic details. From a beautiful venue offering the perfect backdrop for friends & family to gather to the best band we’ve heard in a long time, every aspect reflected their kind and intentional personalities. This pair cares for people, and warmly welcomed all of their guests to an evening of dinner, drinks and dancing.

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Wedding Photography: Loft Photographie | Wedding Venue: Heritage House in Dripping Springs, Texas | Event Planning: Country Sugar Events | Floral Design: Family Friend | Catering: Picnikins Patio Cafe | Cake: Wild Flour Cakery | Band: Sour Bridges | Vintage Dishes + Furniture: Loot Vintage Rentals | Wedding Dress: Amsale via Mia Bridal Couture | Bridesmaid Attire: David’s Bridal | Hair + Makeup: North Street Studio

Looking to create a “rustic cabin in the wintery woods” feel for their big day, this stunning bride and groom turned to Vista West Ranch, the breathtaking Hill Country locale where hosting drop-dead gorgeous weddings is like second nature.  The result?  A seriously stunning affair filled with uber-amazing florals from Petal Pushers, sweet vintage details and personalized touches aplenty, including a dessert buffet.  Yummy.  See every love-filled moment captured by Mike Reed Photo in the full gallery.

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From the Bride… My husband Darron and I have definitely been coined old souls from our taste in music to design and style preferences.  We channeled that while planning our wedding exactly the way we wanted it; set against the Texas Hill Country backdrop. I had always envisioned an outdoor ceremony, so that, paired with an indoor ranch style reception, gave us a lot of space to add our personal touches.  Meaningful song quotes were sprinkled throughout our wedding from the invitations to the welcome baskets to even being displayed on wooden signs and chalkboards on the wedding day.  I had a bartender tell me “I knew this wedding was going to be fun when I saw the Led Zeppelin quote displayed during the cocktail hour.”  We also handpicked practically every song played that night from the ceremony to dinner music and, of course, for dancing. It was a lot of work but it accented the night perfectly and represented Darron and I in such a fun way.

When I tried to describe my vision to my floral and design planner I remember using the phrase “rustic cabin in the wintery woods minus any animal decor.”  The output was lots of muted flowers, branches, pine cones, antique books, vintage door hardware for table numbers, and tons of candlelight.   The warm candlelight ambiance at Vista West Ranch at night is to die for.  It felt almost magical. It was important that our wedding would not be confused as a Christmas party despite the December date; hence no poinsettias, mistletoe, or garland were present.

We enjoyed personalizing the timeline by skipping a lot of the reception cliches: instead of a cake we had a dessert station; I presented my bouquet to my mom instead of tossing it; and a family style dinner comprised of mostly locally grown and organic food was served instead of a buffet. When I first proposed the idea of doing a choreographed dance to Darron he gave me that “you’re crazy” stare, but now we look back at those late night dance sessions fondly and they actually helped me to de-stress quite a bit leading up to the wedding. I choreographed the dance to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero’s song “Home” and had both sets of parents and all of our wedding party incorporated.  It was a huge success and one of my favorite memories of the night. In our eyes, the wedding was absolutely perfect which is in large part is due to all of our amazing vendors who made our vision a reality.

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Photogrpaher: Mike Reed Photo | Coordination: Coordinate This | Floral Design: Petal Pushers | Venue: Vista West Ranch | Dress: Essense of Australia

If there is anyone that can make planning a destination wedding look like a breeze, it would be this beauty of a Bride. Her wedding at the stunning Vista West Ranch was planned from behind her computer screen in New York City, which basically seems impossible when you see how gorgeous the day unfolded via the lens of Kristi Wright. Oh but it was possible, and with the help of her rock star team of vendors including Petal Pushers, Lizze Belle Events, Polka Dots and Tiny Pies – her Austin affair went off without a hitch. See it all here.

The Texas pretty continues in their sweet film from Nostalgia Film, which you simply cannot miss…

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From Kristi Wright… I loved photographing Josh and Virginia’s wedding. When I first saw the little chapel where the ceremony would take place, it immediately reminded me of JFK, Jr. and Caroline’s wedding. The small space provided an intimate and romantic setting and as a photographer, I was so happy to see the beautiful soft light inside the church, something we rarely see in church ceremonies. Their daytime exit was another favorite part of the day for me, another throwback to a by-gone era. I hope it becomes a growing trend in weddings! Also, the nod to their finance backgrounds on the pie tags was adorable.

From the Bride… Josh and I both decided to have our wedding in Texas as we knew having both of our families travel to New York would be difficult.  We also live in a 500 square foot apartment, so accommodating out of town guests would be a problem during the wedding festivities.  We decided to get married in January in Texas -specifically Austin.  We wanted a fresh start to the year and the weather to be on the cooler side for Texas – 65 degrees.  Austin was also the first city Josh and I traveled to a month after dating.  He had never been before.  Austin’s changed since I went to school there. Definitely a neat city for people to travel to for a destination wedding – the New Yorkers loved it and our Williamsburg Brooklyn hipster friends felt right at home on “SoCo” and Rainey Street.

The wedding was designed entirely online.  Kristi Wright, our photographer, was the first vendor I found and signed, followed by Vista West Ranch, Aimee Villa, Olga at Polkadots, and it just kept falling into place.  The little white Chapel was so perfect.  I lived next to that church in college but never went.  It was quite different before its renovation in 2002 – done for it’s 100th anniversary as a gift from a member.  What a treat that a chapel that special is still in tact.  The inspiration for almost every element of the design came from a photo of a cake which I think came from our photographer’s Pinterest site.  I wanted the wedding to be just like that cake – white, airy, charming, rustic, chic, traditional, yet playful.

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Wedding Photography: Kristi Wright  | Ceremony Venue: Hyde Park Presbyterian | Reception Venue: Vista West Ranch in Dripping Springs, Texas | Wedding Cinematography: Nostalgia Film | Wedding Planning: Lizze Belle Events | Floral Design: Petal Pushers | Catering: Verdes | Wedding Cake: Polka Dots | Pies: Tiny Pies | Band: Will Taylor Band | Wedding Dress: Christos “Desiree”  | Bride’s shoes: Milk and Honey  | Bridesmaids’ Attire: Amsale | Bridesmaids’ Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Hair + Makeup: Erica Gray

Vista West Ranch.  A venue synonymous with breathtaking scenery and drop-dead gorgeous weddings… AND the sweeter than sweet locale for today’s darling nuptials captured by the ever-wonderful Christina Carroll Photography.  Nuptials, I might add, that are literally bursting with pretty – from the lovely rustic details to the beautiful blooms from Petal Pushers to the bride and groom who are the epitome of stunning. (Literally.)  Don’t miss a minute in the full gallery.

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From the Bride… Nick and I met while attending Texas Tech University in Lubbock. We moved to Houston after graduation and shortly after our engagement we moved back to West Texas. We knew immediately that we wanted to be married in one of our favorite weekend getaway spots, the Texas Hill Country. 

After doing some research we knew that Vista West Ranch in Dripping Springs was the perfect venue for us. We loved how open and unique the property was and knew that we would be able to stick to our personal style while ensuring a great time for everyone. We tried to keep the color palette neutral as to not compete with gorgeous natural scenery around us. We had a little over a year to plan our special day and we were able put together a team of venders that we knew would make our day perfect. We loved every minute of our wedding and we truly were able to relax and enjoy the day thanks to the fantastic group of people handling every last detail. A special thanks to Christina Carroll for capturing our day so beautifully. We will cherish these moments forever.

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Wedding Photography: Christina Carroll Photography | Wedding Venue: Vista West Ranch in Dripping Springs, Texas | Wedding Planning: Coordinate This | Floral Design: Petal Pushers | Catering: Pok-E-Jo’s BBQ | Wedding Cake: Simon Lee Bakery | Music: The Drywater Band | Wedding Dress: Enzoani | Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids’ Attire: Lula Kate | Groom’s Attire: JoS.A. Bank | Hair + Makeup: Defining Styles