Wedding Slideshow

This is the last of the wedding posts, I promise! But I wanted to put together a slideshow of pictures that really told the story of our day. I wish I had the time, energy and knowledge to make it something really cool, but I only had time to throw a bunch of pictures into iPhoto and add a little music. Maybe one day....

We chose the song because our very first date was at a coffee shop. It was Hank's suggestion, and I think the song is perfect!

Wedding Series: The After-Party

When we initially picked the date for our wedding, we had no idea that it fell on Kentucky Derby Day. And since we planned a brunch reception, we wanted to be able to spend a little extra time with our family and friends who had traveled a long distance to celebrate with us. So it worked at perfectly that after the reception, we were able to walk across the street to the W Austin. We lucked out by getting almost an entire room to ourselves and toasted with drinks and watched the Derby for the rest of the afternoon. We ended up staying for about 3 hours before we finally called it a day and headed to our hotel. It was such a great extension of an already perfect day, and we had so much fun just kicking back with our friends. We suggested the idea of ladies wearing fascinators, and I know we must have looked like an interesting bunch to the other guests surrounding us. But it made the day even that much better, if that was at all possible.

After our post-wedding fun, Hank and I headed a few blocks away to the Hotel San Jose on South Congress. We ordered a pizza from Home Slice, put our feet up and relaxed on the balcony of our beautiful hotel room. We ended our wedding weekend with breakfast tacos and a relaxing morning enjoying our room before heading home to start the rest of our lives.

Wedding Series: The Reception

For the wedding reception, we wanted to keep with the "Austin" theme, and didn't have to search far for a reception venue. Our only requirements were a private space and minimal fuss. We also wanted brunch- and that was the only thing that made our search the slightest bit difficult. Not everyone serves brunch on Saturday, and most of the places that do didn't have the space we were looking for. Luckily Lambert's was able to accommodate us and made the planning process fairly easy.

They have a second story space that was the perfect size for our group of 40, and allowed us the privacy we were looking for. Given the black and white damask wall behind the bar, we knew we wouldn't have to do much decorating as it already had a lot of character. We also knew the food would not disappoint. It's ironic that we had our reception at a BBQ restaurant, given that we really don't eat a lot of meat. But our goal was a southern style brunch, and Lambert's pulled through. We planned a menu that included migas, biscuits and gravy, jicama slaw, brisket hash, green chili cheese grits and mac and cheese. Can you say carb-fest?! It was all absolutely delicious. My only regret is that I didn't eat more.

After wrapping up pictures from the ceremony, and enlisting a small village to get my dress bustled, we were finally able to join everyone upstairs. We grabbed a drink, mingled with our guests, and then grabbed a plate of food so that everyone else could eat. I didn't want the reception to be very planned. Other than eating, drinking and chatting- the only other "activity" was cutting and eating the cake. It was pretty laid back and relaxing, and we really enjoyed it!

We opted not to do a traditional wedding cake, and instead ordered 3 Chantilly cakes from Whole Foods, and 2 Dutch Chocolate Cakes from Sweetish Hill Bakery. Including delivery fees, we got all 5 cakes for $200. Score one for the budget! Our cakes were amazing, and we ended up having one of each left over that we snacked on the rest of the week.

The only real decor that we did were the table arrangements made by Verbena Floral. I chose yellow and white because it really popped with the black and white wall, and I wanted a "sunny" vibe for the reception. LuAnn from Verbena was nothing short of amazing to work with. When my mom and I met with her, she completely understood the look we were going for, and was so easy to work with from start to finish. Her team was also instrumental in helping get the cake table put together in a very short period. Please- pretty please- consider her for any floral needs. She is wonderful!

There was plenty of time to say hello and chat with our guests, and before we knew it the reception was wrapping up. Some of our guests headed across the street to the W for the post-wedding Kentucky Derby party, and we stayed behind to close out the check and help get everything packed up. I cannot say enough nice things about the three girls from Lambert's who were working our reception. Not only did they take great care of us throughout the party, but they also were a tremendous help in getting everything packed up- including dumping water from all the flower vases. They really helped make the day feel effortless.

I also cannot thank the lovely and talented Melanie of Melanie Wright Photography for capturing such beautiful and special moments from the day. There hasn't been a day yet that I don't click through all of our photos, and I cannot wait to start choosing ones to frame for home and office.

Wedding Series: The Ceremony

Our entire wedding day was absolute perfection. From the cooler than usual temps in the morning, to the bottle of champagne and cheese tray in our hotel room that night, it was absolutely perfect. When we started thinking about what we really wanted for our special day, the most important things were that it be meaningful, intimate, and very "Austin". We got all of those things, and so much more!

The day started off with hair and makeup at the Hyatt, where I had spent the night with my sister and two girlfriends. The amazingly talented Nancy (owner of The Hills Salon & Spa) paid us an early morning visit and made my hair and make-up look fabulous. My parents and sister in law joined us at the hotel to help me finish getting ready, and then I rode with them to the ceremony site, just in time for the 11am start. My sister and friends were kind enough to leave early and run by the reception site to make sure everything was set up just right. So appreciative of all their help!

After making our way to Zilker Park, my dad and I hopped on the pedicab and rode up to Lou Neff Point. We picked this ceremony spot for several reasons- it's beautiful, it's where my grandfather used to take me to feed the ducks with my siblings as young kids, and it's also a spot that Hank and I run by just about every week. It overlooks downtown, and it has that intimate feel that we wanted. It's also a public space that cannot be rented, so we knew we ran the risk of having anything come up that could interfere with the ceremony.
We were in luck though. Hank got down there early, and with the help of my brother and the pedicab, they transported a few chairs and flowers to the spot and got it all set up. I knew the people of Austin would be kind enough to allow us time to get married without much fuss, and they did not disappoint. Sure- we had plenty of spectators, but who can blame them? I would have stopped if I had seen a wedding going on as well. It was fun riding on the trail hearing "Oh look- it's a bride!" as we passed by all the runners and walker.

My adorable niece Georgia met us just outside the point (I was hidden from Hank's sight) and she made her way up the aisle to kick off the ceremony. There was also a guitar player singing "Can't Help Falling in Love" as I walked towards Hank. The second I locked eyes with him, I just about lost it. I tried so hard not to cry, but my lips kept quivering and my eyes got all teary. There's just no way to describe that moment when you see the man you are about to make such a big commitment to. It was wonderful!

My brother Blake performed the ceremony, and every little bit of it was so personal. We wanted someone who really knew us, and were so glad that he accepted our request to get ordained online so that he could perform the ceremony. We worked on it together, but he had a section for the things that he wanted to say to us as a couple. My favorite part was lyrics he incorporated from the Coldplay song "Strawberry Swing" (so appropriate, given how much we love them).

The sky could be blue, could be gray

Without you I just slide away

The sky could be blue, I don't mind

Without you it's a waste of time

It's such a perfect day

One of the funniest memories of the ceremony was when I noticed that everyone was still standing after we had said a prayer and Blake had started his section of the ceremony. I finally whispered to Blake to tell everyone to sit down, and then laughed at our audience- telling them they were making me nervous. I think they were thankful I noticed though!

After Blake's part, Hank and I each read our own vows to each other. We had no idea what the other would say, but I loved how they balanced each other out. We both referenced similar things, but also had our own unique promises to the other. Then we exchanged rings and before we knew it, Blake was announcing us husband and wife. As soon as the ceremony was over, we walked towards the water to feed the ducks and to mingle with our friends and family. My aunt made the most adorable duck food bags to coordinate with our black, yellow and white theme, and we had fun grabbing those and feeding the ducks and pigeons who came by to grab a snack. 

Our guests headed on to the reception while family stayed behind to take pictures. Our photographer, Melanie Wright Photography, took some of the most amazing pictures for us! We wrapped up quickly and headed on to the party too.

Wedding Series: Pre-Wedding Family Dinner

Hank and I were married just a little over a month ago, on May 4th. Since we planned a smaller wedding, we wanted any surrounding events to be in keeping with that theme. Rather than have an actual rehearsal dinner, we opted for a small family dinner instead. My parents were gracious enough to host it in their beautiful backyard, and it was the perfect opportunity for our families, and a few close friends, to meet and mingle.

The theme was "Fiesta Chic", and my parents worked hard over several weekends to get the yard in good shape. With the help of my sister and aunt, they created a unique setting and a few fun activities to make it more than just a casual dinner. It was very special, and enjoyed by everyone who attended.

Highlights of the evening were by far the food and the piñata. It was the perfect activity to provide a break between cocktails/appetizers, and the meal itself. My mother worked with Susan Shields of Di Lux Catering to create a menu and handle all the food for the evening. The result was an incredible meal with plenty of options for everyone. It really was the perfect way to kick off our wedding weekend! (pictures by my lovely sister-in-law Meredith)

Entrance to the "fiesta".

Bride and Groom to-be.

Fun details from table setting, drinks and food.

The many faces of my adorable niece Georgia.

Friends and Family.

Piñata fun.

Fun with piñata favors.