Texas Hill Country || #WeddedWoodards || Hailey + Ryan, the full film

"I knew that no matter what happened, I'd be marrying him." 

This Texas wedding is full to the brim with joy and with hearty, throw-back-your-head-and-laugh moments----but beyond the jokes of state and sports rivalry (we heard many cries of "boomer, sooners" and "hook em, horns!"), stories of mis-adventures with a cactus, a cornucopia of exotic animals (well hello, zedonks, camels, and kangaroos!), and a troupe of dancing, singing bridesmaids who make the bride's day seem like a scene in a musical, this love story is a model of what it means to appreciate true beauty. The beauty of this wedding story lies in more than just the serene Texas hill country landscape--it is found in the tender moments of appreciation--as the bride and groom reflect on their hand-written letters from each other, as Ryan cries when Hailey walks down the aisle, and even late after midnight as they both hug Hailey's parents good night, thanking them for the beautiful evening and joking about hiding extra breakfast tacos in the fridge and who ate the most hot-dogs. The beauty of this story is also in the family legacy of doting grandparents, and the deep and abiding adoration of siblings who also happen to be the bride and groom's dearest friends.   So take a seat, grab a tissue, and press play.  Oh, and watch out for the moment when Hailey's grandfather gets in the biggest prank of the day: [vimeo]http://vimeo.com/100810387[/vimeo] Soundtrack: "Your First Light My Eventide" by The Echelon Effect "Say I do" by Humming House "Book Ends" by Adam Agin, member of the band Neulore "Fallin' For You" by Seth Philpott (with Texas ties--he's a Baylor University grad!) "I Like to be With Me When I'm With You" by Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors Hailey's "first look" with her father was such a sweet moment----her, an anxious bride, wringing her hands as she waited to see him, and he, a first-time father-of-the-bride, overcome so much by his daughter's beauty that he could hardly speak above a whisper once he saw her.  We thought they were so precious, and so we featured this thoughtful little tie that she had made for her dad in our Father's Day celebration video compilation that was featured on Style Me Pretty.  

To Hailey and Ryan, and all of their sweet, sweet family members--Thank you for allowing us to create a wedding video for you that you will treasure.  Thank you for being such a beautiful example of laughter, love, and camaraderie.   We were so grateful to work alongside such happy, helpful, and talented vendors, too:

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Private Estate in Kerrville, TX Event Design, Florist, & Day/Reception Coordinator: Tricia Hamil, Viridian Design Ceremony Coordinator: Sherry Wright Wedding Photographer:  Brooke Schwab Photography Photo Booth: Smilebooth Lighting: Ilios Caterer: Don Strange of Texas Reception Band: Signed, Sealed, Delivered (from DFW) with Absolute Entertainment Lounge/Decor Rentals: Aztec Bride's Shoes: Prada All Musical track licensed through The Music Bed

Rustic Wedding at The Orchard || #becomingabeneski || Tyler + David, the full film

When Tyler and David met in middle school, they probably never imagined that their once a month, adult-chaperoned dates to the mall would end up here almost a decade later--with a crowd of doting grandparents, family and friends all speaking words of tribute to their steadfastness and to the maturity of their love.   Even David's brother remarked that the real reason their friends "set them up" together was because they both happened to be short (which neither of them are now).

Because it's not how you start in a relationship--it's how you grow.

As you watch their film, we hope you enjoy the emotional speech given by Tyler's father, the nostalgic, romantic design created by planner Stefanie Miles, and Tyler & David's seriously sweet first look before the ceremony.

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/98161328[/vimeo] Musical Soundtrack: Instrumental version of  "The Last Piece of Pecan Pie" by Josh Woodward, licensed through Creative Commons "Forever Like That" by Ben Rector,  licensed through The Music Bed "Best Day of Your Life" by Katie Herzig, licensed through The Music Bed

Warm and gentle, the sun filtered through the leaves of the wild oaks scattered throughout the lawn of the Orchard in Azle, TX as David waited to see Tyler for the first time.   When he finally saw her, he hugged his bride so tightly and whispered into her ear, "I'm gonna kiss all your makeup off!"

Father of the bride dancing with his daughter.

We simply love this gorgeous "Just Married" sign for the back of their classic getaway car, a 1941 Packard.  The typography style has a very 1940s or 1950s illustrative feel to it.

The bridesmaids all wore blushing tints of pinks and greens in cocktail length dresses for this garden-themed outdoor wedding.

All kinds of mint lemonades and refreshing drinks were available to drink as guests gathered for the ceremony on the lawn.

This hesitant little ring bearer stole everyone's hearts with this move!  Don't fret, all this tiny gentleman needed was a guiding hand, and he happily walked down the rest of the aisle.

One of the highlights of the evening was a very rambunctious toast from the bridesmaids. Their hip-hop styled speech was set to the tune of the "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" and told the love story from beginning to end: from the awkward moment Tyler and David met in middle school all the way to David's proposal at the beach! The girls also boldly busted some crazy dance moves that had the crowd roaring!

WEDDING VENDORS: Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Orchard 100 Orchard Ln, Azle, TX 76020 (817) 270-4555 Event Planning + Design:  Stefanie Miles Videographer:  Mason Jar Films Photographer: Ryan Ray Photography Floral: Bows & Arrows Cakes: Cakewalk Late Night Desserts: Melt Ice Creams Catering: Tastefully Yours Officiant: Drew Sherman Rentals: Posh Couture Rentals, Classic Event Rentals, Suite 206 Rentals Lounge/décor: AFR Furniture Rentals Styling: Perch Decor Linens: La Tavola and BBJ Linens Ceremony music: Vocalist Heidi Roush Reception Entertainment: Colby with Astounding Sounds Additional Team: Dovetail Logistics Getaway car: 1941 Packard provided by My Vintage Limo Illustration, Lettering & Calligraphy: Julie Song Ink on Etsy Hair & Makeup: Amy Clarke

Texas Hill Country || #WeddedWoodards || Hailey + Ryan, the intro

"This was her favorite place." 

At the end of their wedding reception, I rode with the bride and groom in their Jeep to the Lake House where they would gather around a campfire eating breakfast tacos with friends late into the night.  As the sparklers faded into the distance, Ryan decided we should take a short detour first and instead drive over to the ceremony location for one last look at the arbor where he and Hailey Catherine had exchanged vows earlier that evening.  As I filmed them dancing under the rustic arbor covered in pink roses, they started to talk about what would inspire a couple from Oklahoma to bring almost 500 of their friends and family to a secluded canyon-side lake in the foothills of Texas.    The answer lies in the bride's middle name.  Whether it's fate or chance, Hailey Catherine grew up to be considered by many to be a carbon copy of her grandmother Catherine, who she was named for.  Catherine and her husband have owned this ranch for many decades, and although she has passed away, her love for this lake with its sweet little island is what prompted Hailey and Ryan to make their own vows of eternal devotion in this very spot.  They chose to do so not only because it was Catherine's favorite place, but also because of what Catherine said to Hailey before she passed away almost five years earlier.

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/96112541[/vimeo] Soundtrack: "Your First Light My Eventide" by The Echelon Effect

We have been looking forward to filming this wedding ever since we first spoke with Hailey several months ago.   Ryan describes Hailey as "outgoing, sincere, and beautiful."  When we asked Hailey for three words that describe Ryan, she said he was "handsome, passionate, genuine, and intelligent" before joking with us that she can't count or prioritize.  We adored their spunky, fun personalities, and couldn't wait til this weekend arrived.   Hailey wrote to us that they were most looking forward to just finally being married. She said, "A lot of times the huge escapade of weddings take away from what we're here for. On our wedding day we are so excited to be married and call each other husband and wife."

Honestly, Cypress Springs Ranch really ought to be renamed "Surprise" Springs Ranch.  As if a family ranch isn't delightful and comforting enough, Hailey's grandfather has gone and created the most magical world for all of his progeny to enjoy--the ranch is filled with bison, elk, camels, zedonks, kangaroos, ostriches, longhorns, miniature horses, watusi, and more.  There was even a baby alpaca that was new to the ranch this year.  Hailey's grandfather is also known as the chief prank ring-leader -- right after Hailey & Ryan were pronounced husband and wife, her grandfather and some cousins had rigged some tannerite in the canyon to surprise all the guests with its echoey, canon-like boom in celebration.

During one of our consultations, I asked Hailey to list her favorite genres of music.  She listed "Disney" as one of the three, and then she promptly confessed that she and her sisters would most likely burst into song and dance over the course of the wedding day.  See why we were looking forward to this so much?   The lodge on the ranch where Hailey got ready for the wedding is the ultimate hunter's oasis --with more taxidermy than Beauty and the Beast's Gaston could ever hope to find.  (Sing it with me: "I use antlers in all of my decorating...")  The bride wore sparkling Prada sandals for the wedding ceremony, and custom-monogrammed leather boots that also featured the wedding date on the side straps and said "Texas Fight" across the back.

Their dog, Ranger, was the official ring bearer (look at that sweet face).  He wore a properly-dapper American Flag bow-tie, as any classy dog would, and he was escorted down the aisle by several young "cadets" in camo dinner jackets.

At the end of the reception, guests gathered outside the tent for a surprise round of fireworks, and a live fire-dance performance.   Guests called out to Ryan, "kiss your bride! Kiss your bride!" as the fireworks echoed overhead.

The proposal story:

On Saturday September 28, 2013, Hailey and Ryan were planning on going sky diving in Skiatook, OK.  This was Ryan's graduation gift for Hailey from her MBA.  Little did Hailey know, Ryan had plans to propose after they landed on the ground from jumping out of the plane.  However, sky diving was canceled due to rain, so Ryan had to think quickly and revert to Plan B, because family and friends were waiting for them both at his parents' house.

He convinced Hailey to go with him under the guise that they "needed to stop by his parents to pick up fair tickets," and as they were walking into the house, he stopped her before the door and got down on one knee.  It was not the engagement he planned on, but it was the perfect one in her eyes.   Family and friends were waiting inside, including Hailey's two best friends (Brooke Watson and Megan Moran) from Austin who Ryan had flown in for the occasion.  The rest of the day was spent celebrating and being with the ones they love.

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Private Estate in Kerrville, TX Event Design, Florist, & Day/Reception Coordinator: Tricia Hamil, Viridian Design Ceremony Coordinator: Sherry Wright Wedding Photographer:  Brooke Schwab Photography Photo Booth: Smilebooth Lighting: Ilios Caterer: Don Strange of Texas Reception Band: Signed, Sealed, Delivered (from DFW) with Absolute Entertainment Lounge/Decor Rentals: Aztec

Bride's Shoes: Prada

Musical track licensed through The Music Bed

Featured by Glamour and Grace || Romantic, Vintage Wedding at Maison Montegut

Designing her wedding reception to "feel like coming home" to her mother's house, Mary made sure to select decor details that spoke to her heart.  All the crystal, lace, silver, mercury glass, and family photos were brought in by her mother for this truly romantic event at Maison Montegut.  We are excited to announce that our film has been featured alongside the  work of their  fantastic New Orleans photographer, Mark Eric, in the blog for brides who love vintage and handmade details, Glamour and Grace.

2014 glamour and grace feature

Enjoy their full film below.  Mary's personal touches and gifts for her groom and family will have you misty-eyed in minutes, I promise!  Plus, every location seems like a scene out of Downton Abbey, between the historic venue locations and the classic Victorian outfits worn by the bridesmaids and ring bearers. 

wedding video package heirloom

For a full look at the beautiful photography from the event, you must check out Mark Eric's blog.  Here's a little sneak peek at why we think he's one of the best wedding photographers around:

Montegut_house08731

Bridal Prep & Groom Prep: The Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans

123 Baronne St  New Orleans, LA 70112

(504) 648-1200

Ceremony: Christ Church Cathedral

Reception: Maison Montegut

Event Planner: Elyse Skansi, Tying the Knot Wedding Coordination

Photographer: Mark Eric

Catering: Joel's

Florist: Iris Floral and Event Design Studio

Cocktail Hour Music: John Royen Band

2nd Line Band: The Jaywalkers

Reception Entertainment: Crystal Clear Band

We've been featured! Rustic Lake-side Wedding || Once In A Lifetime

[pix_dropcap]W[/pix_dropcap]hat an honor!  An online German bridal magazine (similar to Style Me Pretty) has featured Kellye & Dustin's wedding video & story as an example of true romance.  Who could argue with that when they see that these childhood sweethearts exchanged personalized vows like these?

"I promise to kiss you

first thing each morning,

and last thing each evening,

so long as we both shall live."

romantische hochzeit in texas hochzeitvideos rustikale gartendeko 2

Click here to see the perfect rustic wedding photos that Genya from Vue Photography took at the event.  The famed Tara Wilson (who has been featured on morning shows like the TODAY show and manymore!) of Tara Wilson Events coordinated and designed this backyard soirée.

romantische hochzeit in texas hochzeitvideos rustikale gartendeko

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Private Home

Event Design, Styling & Coordination: Tara Wilson & Lee Anne Jackson of Tara Wilson Events

Photographer: Vue Photography Catering: Sissy's Southern Kitchen

Florist: Branching Out

Reception Band: The Good Nights

Cake: Cake Walk Bake Shop

paper goods: Blue Eye Brown Eye

Bride's Dress: Monique Lhuillier

Bride's Shoes: Christian Louboutin