Rachel + Jason
Austin Museum of Art- Laguna Gloria

Rachel and Jason’s love story would make the perfect Hollywood blockbuster romantic comedy.    Jason crashed Rachel’s birthday party and immediately fell madly in love.  The proposal took place on Valentine’s Day after a romantic picnic on the beach – it was truly perfect except for the fact that  Jason’s buddy who was to photograph the proposal was at the wrong beach taking pictures of an entirely different couple’s proposal! Needless to say, planning the wedding was just as entertaining. Jason kept us laughing and Rachel’s impeccable taste had us on the edge of our seats eager to see the all the pieces come together on the big day.

Set among the beautiful grounds of Austin Museum of Art – Laguna Gloria, Rachel and Jason’s wedding was the epitome of lush, romantic elegance with sophisticated touches of vintage glamour.  The color palette was made up of classic whites and golds with accents of black, pale pink and soft greens.  Stationery incorporated a chandelier motif as well as tiny crystal accents.  The wedding ceremony was the perfect mix of modern meets tradition.  The music was classical renditions of modern hits such as Guns and Roses’ “November Rain.” The ceremony incorporated both Christian and Jewish traditions, as well as one-of-a-kind, personalized wedding vows; and the altar was a modern, square chuppah made up of gold bamboo poles draped in sheer white fabric and adorned with lush ferns, whimsical fiddlehead fern-curls and clear crystal strands set among a blanket of ferns.  Personal flowers consisted of romantic hand-tied mixes of white peonies, ranunculus, roses, anemones, pale pink and green parrot tulips coupled with accents of green lamb’s ear, dusty miller and fiddlehead fern curls all wrapped in ivory grosgrain ribbon with stems exposed.  The bride’s bouquet also included lily of the valley and clear crystal accents along the bouquet’s wrap.

After the ceremony, guests gathered on the front lawn to celebrate Rachel and Jason’s union, as well as whet their appetites with signature cocktails and delectable passed hors d’oeuvres including: lavender champagne, lemon basil martinis, Italian cheese crisps filled with Ahi tuna, venison salpicon and tomato basil skewers.  Guests’ escort cards were secured to custom gold vintage frames with crystal push pins.

The celebration continued throughout the back villa grounds where guests were surrounded by a visual feast of delicate clear and pink crystal chandeliers hung among the branches of an ancient oak, tall elegant crystal candelabras, centerpieces comprised of greenery and gold painted leaves, as well as lush romantic floral in shades of white and ivory with accents of pale pink.  Candlelight was abundant.  Tables were filled with a mixture of black pillar candles set among crystal sea glass, hollow wax luminaries adorned with a black band of grosgrain ribbon and a vintage gold button and vintage oil lamps.  Even the back fountain was glowing with floating wax luminaries.  Guests enjoyed a delicious plated duet of dry rubbed rib-eye steak and Atlantic salmon and had access to an amazing self-serve champagne bar complete with enticing garnishes including: bitters soaked sugar cubes, peach nectar, fresh raspberry puree and blueberry pomegranate juice, among others. The bride’s cake was a gorgeous, four-tiered, round cake adorned with ivory gardenias. And the groom’s “Georgia” cake was a family recipe!

As the sun went down, the party heated up.  Specialty lighting and romantic gobos highlighted the villa façade, the packed dance floor and surrounding landscaping. Guests danced among the stars, grabbed comical props and posed for pics in a custom photo booth and relaxed in Jason’s custom cigar lounge.  Rachel and Jason’s fun-loving personalities shone through as they climbed on stage for a rousing rendition of “Livin’ On A Prayer.”  The couple made their grand exit among the sparkling light of sparklers along a candlelit walkway.

Rachel, we need an entirely separate blog just to ooh and ahh over YOUR look.  Your dress was A-MAY-ZING and you looked absolutely stunning. We want to thank both you and your families for allowing us the honor to be a part of your wedding team. The day was beautiful and fun – two adjectives we know will follow you both as your lives unfold together.  We wish you much happiness, laughter and love!

Cheers to you both!

Photography Courtesy of SMS Photography

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