Rhode Island Kay Chapel Wedding /// To the Moon and Back /// Kristel + Austin, the full film

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"I love you to the moon and back"

Taken from the words of her favorite childhood book, Kristel and Austin felt that this phrase was the best theme for their wedding as a way to express to all of their friends and family the depths of their love.  Austin met Kristel while he was rooming with her twin brother in college.  While he quickly won her heart, their  love was tested through 6 years of long distance relating.  Throughout the wedding weekend, we heard their friends and family repeat a familiar theme as they spoke about Austin and Kristel-- what tied them together through that long journey of courtship was the strength of their love for each other and their love for making the lives of their friends and families better.   As Kristel's brother so poignantly said: finding love isn't like finding $20 on the ground--it takes a thousand acts of bravery and and a thousand victories over the course of time.

Now, that is worth celebrating.   Enjoy their full film below!

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/106278942[/vimeo] musical soundtrack licensed through The Music Bed or Creative Commons: "Devote" by Monako Davis "Border Blaster (Instrumental)" by Josh Woodward "Love You Strongly" by Amy Stroup "That Kid..." by Chris Zabriskie "Walk in Season" by Kelly Latimore

For this Texan filmmaker, traveling to Rhode Island in the middle of the flaming hot Texas summer was like a ticket to paradise--every blade of grass in Newport was the most vivid shade of green, bunnies roamed unafraid across the lawns of the mansions on Bellevue Avenue, and the quiet roar of the ocean  was so calming as the waves gently kissed the shore and yachts gracefully made their way in and out of the port each morning.  Newport is certainly a perfect location to gather for a celebration!

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michelle rago destination wedding rhode island stone kelly event photo 59Both the rehearsal dinner and reception were held at Castle Hill Inn which faces the sunset.  On the wedding day, #teamrago (lead by Michelle Rago) were out early preparing the reception site, while Kristel and her bridesmaids prepped in an upstairs cottage overlooking both the reception lawn and the harbor.

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With yellow and navy as the guiding colors, a gorgeous and very fragrant assortment of florals graced each table and surface--daisies, sunflowers, hydrangeas, and more!

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Ringbearer and bridesmaid--joking around just before the ceremony.  The bridesmaids wore classic, navy tea-length a-line dresses with pearls and a beautiful variety of repurposed antique earrings.

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The reception began on the lawn with fruit-infused specialty lemonade varieties and "dark and stormy" signature Newport cocktails.  Guests were able to play rounds of lawn games like corn hole and croquet, wander to a canopied cigar lounge, sit and listen to a string quartet, and watch the boats as they slid silently across the water.

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michelle rago destination wedding rhode island stone kelly event photo 95 Kristel and Austin,

Congratulations on this next step in your journey through life together.  You are truly beautiful people with an inspiring story, and we can't wait to see more of the wonderful things you bring to the world with the light of your love.  Here's to many thousands of victories in your future!

love, Mason Jar

Planning & Design: Michelle Rago Destinations Confections & Cake:  Marie Soliday Decor: Stone Kelly Events Music & Entertainers: Vali Entertainment Venue: Castle Hill Inn Wedding Photographer: Brian Dorsey Studios Transportation: Rockstar Limo Wedding Videographer: Mason Jar Films Hotel:  Hotel Viking

Rhode Island Castle Hill Inn /// To the Moon and Back /// Kristel + Austin, the intro

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"I love you to the moon and back"

Taken from the words of her favorite childhood book, Kristel and Austin felt that this phrase was the best theme for their wedding as a way to express to all of their friends and family the depths of their love.  The night of the rehearsal dinner, as their guests gathered on the edge of the ocean where Castle Hill Inn sits nestled on the hills, they watched the sunset, cheered on the traditional clambake reveal, and listened to the story of Austin and Kristel.

Sometimes, the story of how a couple meets is just an introduction to the story of how they learned to love one another.   These love birds have been pursuing one another's hearts for the past 6 years, and their wedding weekend was truly a celebration of their joy.  Every detail was a reflection of their love: home-made banners featuring hand-drawn cards from Kristel's students to signature Newport-themed cocktails (the "dark and stormy").  Even Kristel's toenail polish was "clambake red!" :)

Enjoy this introduction to their full film, which is in the works as we speak:

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/101669150[/vimeo] musical soundtrack by: Monako Davis and licensed through The Music Bed

Rather than have the wedding in one of their hometowns, Kristel and Austin decided to plane their event in a location where the guests'  sole focus for could be spending time together to celebrate.  The city of Newport, Rhode Island is a coastal town with plenty to keep one entertained.  There's a bustling downtown area with some of Kristel & Austin's favorite coffee shops and seafood spots.  One could also explore Bellevue Avenue and tour any of the mansions seen there.

michelle rago destination wedding rhode island stone kelly event photo 25 michelle rago destination wedding rhode island stone kelly event photo 27 michelle rago destination wedding rhode island stone kelly event photo 32 michelle rago destination wedding rhode island stone kelly event photo 33Both the rehearsal dinner and reception were held at Castle Hill Inn, which faces the sunset.  At the rehearsal dinner, Michelle Rago's powerhouse team (affectionately called #teamrago) had set up the lawn with stunning buffets of treats, adirondack chairs, outdoor lounges, and a s'mores station for later in the night.  A wandering minstrel from Vali Entertainment softly crooned as the families dug into a delicious lobster dinner under the twinkling strands of lights strung from the large oak trees.

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Kristel and Austin, congratulations on this next step in your journey through life together.  You are truly beautiful people with an inspiring story, and we can't wait to see more of the wonderful things you bring to the world with the light of your love.  michelle rago destination wedding rhode island stone kelly event photo 96

Planning & Design: Michelle Rago Destinations Confections & Cake:  Marie Soliday Decor: Stone Kelly Events Music & Entertainers: Vali Entertainment Venue: Castle Hill Inn Wedding Photographer: Brian Dorsey Studios Transportation: Rockstar Limo Wedding Videographer: Mason Jar Films Hotel:  Hotel Viking

Dallas Petroleum Club || #hitchedtoafinch || Audrey + Roy, the full film

"If I'm a bird, you're a bird"

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On a recent saturday afternoon, the sounds of cellos and violins swelled in the rafters of First United Methodist Church.  The crowd stood for Audrey to enter the sanctuary, escorted by her doting, smiling father.  Roy, her groom, stood smiling and trembling at  the front of the altar.  As Audrey made her way toward the front, on the first row of pews, Audrey's grandmother leaned close to her mother, leaning to catch a glimpse of her granddaughter.  Brimming with joy, Audrey's mother turned to her own mother and said, "isn't she beautiful?"

Moments like these are why we love capturing the story of a wedding day.  Enjoy the glamorous wedding of these two lovebirds here:

wedding video package memory tin[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/98775841[/vimeo] Musical Soundtrack: "Hold Onto Hope Love" by Amy Stroup "I Can Feel Your Heartbeat" by A New Normal,  licensed through The Music Bed

Just before the ceremony began, all of the bridesmaids and house party girls swirled around the bride.  With Roy's last name being "Finch" there were many bird-themed ideas being tossed around for the wedding's hashtag, and they all settled on #hitchedtoafinch.

Even the wedding cake played to the bird theme:

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dallas petroleum club wedding video picture 06dallas petroleum club wedding video picture 04dallas petroleum club wedding video picture 09dallas petroleum club wedding video picture 10dallas petroleum club wedding video picture 11This Aggie Ring cake was decked out to all of the groom's specifications.

dallas petroleum club wedding video picture 13dallas petroleum club wedding video picture 14The bride and groom exited their wedding to a line of sparklers, and they left the wedding in a classic car that belonged to Roy's great grandfather.

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WEDDING VENDORS: Ceremony Venue: First United Methodist Church Dallas 1928 Ross Ave, Dallas, TX 75201   (214) 220-2727 Reception Venue: Dallas Petroleum Club - Chase Tower 2200 Ross Ave, Dallas, TX 75201   (214) 871-1500 Wedding Planner: Katie McCann Crow  Collins Coordination Floral / Decor: Jackson Durham Lighting: Beyond Lighting Caterer: Dallas Petroleum Club Bride and Groom's Cakes: Dallas Affaires Cake Company Wedding Videographer:  Mason Jar Films Wedding Photographer: Averi Blackmon Ceremony Music: Serenata Strings Cocktail Hour Quartet & Three Pianists: Petroleum Club Musicians Reception Entertainment: Emerald City Rentals: Posh Couture Rentals Draping: Quest Drape Paper Goods: Ellis Hill Calligrapher: Laurie Harper

Wedding dress: Warren Barron Bridesmaid's Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid Tuxedoes: Culwell and Son Hair & Makeup: Beauty and the Blush, Contact: Rayyen

Barton Creek || #endlesssummers || Lauren + Michael, the full film

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barton creek resort brock & co boxwood wedding pic 01

"She will take your breath away." 

Although we have many favorite moments from Lauren and Michael's wedding video, one of our favorites came just before the ceremony began.   As family and friends began to gather under the gilded mahogany beams of Central Christian Church,  the father of the bride went to see his only daughter in her wedding dress for the first time.  His reaction was one of awe as he beheld Lauren, glamorous and radiant.   Her beauty and kindness seemed to fill the room with light. As everyone held their breath to see if he would cry, he managed to hold it in until after he had walked over and hugged her.  His eyes began to fill with happy tears as he gave her a wink of assurance.  Although it may seem so short, to us, that tiny wink communicates a  world of things - joy, approval, and a deep bond of love that is shared between father and daughter. He went to the groom immediately and told him  "I'm not prejudiced, but I'm telling you right now that she is stunning. She will take your breath away."

wedding video package memory tin
wedding video package memory tin

Soundtrack: "All Things Big And Small" by Sara Swenson "Soul Birds" by Ryan Taubert

Lauren's dad was not the only one to express so much joy on the wedding day --  happy tears were shed all around, and the dancing at the reception painted permanent smiles on our faces, it was so much fun.    Lauren & Michael were both so effusive in their displays of joy, and their tenderness toward each other and their families.  Tender and wild with joy, this wedding re-defines what it means to have a celebration.

The wedding day began for the groom at Omni Barton Creek Resort  with straight shaves provided by Shed Austin.  They were able to set up all the necessary accessories for a straight shave right there on site so that all the groomsmen could have a relaxing, clean cut grooming experience.

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Austin Central Christian Church is a historic location in Austin, and in addition to having some of the most beautiful architecture, it is also filled with some very adorable hand-painted landscapes.  I included this one from the groom's prep room in the edit because I think Wes Anderson would not have neglected to film it, either:

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barton creek resort brock & co boxwood wedding pic 16 copy
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Lauren wore a knock-out gorgeous cocktail ring custom-made by Erickson Beamon that matched her earrings, and her "Mara" gown by Vera Wang featured very sleek architectural detail on the bodice with an elegant, minimal peplum cut at the waist.  Combined with her sweeping up-do, you can see why her dad said she was "stunning!"  

Becky Brock & Henry Uribe's design team converted the rustic foyer of the Barton Creek Ballroom into a magical indoor boxwood garden, complete with white-washed taxidermy, gold & navy adornments, and a beautiful mix of mercury glass, preppy geometric patterns, golden antlers, and fun snacks.

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barton creek resort brock & co boxwood wedding pic 02
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barton creek resort brock & co boxwood wedding pic 03 copy
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Lauren & Michael are true Austinites --- they love spending time trying new Austin cuisine, spending time with friends, and being outdoors.  The food at their wedding reception reflected all these themes in their relationship--each item on the menu and decor vignette was designed to communicate the story of their lives--with buffet tables dedicated to Lauren's family homestead, the 4L Ranch, a foodie buffet-heaven of their favorite date-night ATX foods, a buffet filled with Michael's family recipes, and a lemonade bar with custom fruit infusions.    They also had a lounge set up next to the ballroom with a coffee bar styled to look like Michael's favorite coffee house in Nashville, and a "sweet shoppe" that gave out several types of cookies that were all special family recipes.  Many guests were happy to see Mamaw's and Dede's special cookies there.

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barton creek resort brock & co boxwood wedding pic 22
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barton creek resort brock & co boxwood wedding pic 04

The proposal story:

Lauren went to Hilton Head for a girls trip to celebrate her 30th birthday.  On the very last day, the girls took Lauren to a spa day, and as far as Lauren knew, the plan was to hang out with her friends for a bit at a bar on the beach before dropping off one of the ladies at the airport.  When they arrived at the beach, they walk down a path to this "bar." Little did Lauren know, but there wasn't a bar anywhere in the vicinity.  Being completely oblivious, she took her time to enjoy the scenery, snapping some photos of the water.

As she was taking these photos, she suddenly saw Michael standing on the beach about 200 yards away. Instantly bursting into tears, she walked to where Michael stood, he got on one knee, and proposed.

As we have gotten to know Lauren and Michael, we have discovered that every pure, magical moment in their lives is also accompanied by something completely hilarious---during the proposal, Michael's brother, James, was hiding in the bushes on the beach to take pictures, but he was IN FULL CAMO.  So great, right? Lauren's friends discreetly drifted away and headed back to the beach house to give Michael and Lauren some time to sit on the beach and take in the moment.  When Michael returned Lauren to the beach house, she was greeted with yet ANOTHER suprise-  her entire family and Michael's entire family were there to celebrate the engagement, and Michael had organized all of this in secret!  She was completely surprised.   They all celebrated at the house that evening and enjoyed the company of their newly combined family and a fantastic chef-catered dinner that Lauren's father arranged.

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barton creek resort brock & co boxwood wedding pic 28

Ceremony Venue:  Central Christian Church 1110 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701       (512) 476-6941 Reception Venue & Caterer:  Omni Resort - Barton Creek  Country Club 8212 Barton Club Dr, Austin, TX 78735   (512) 329-4000 Event Design & Coordinator: Brock & Co. - Becky Brock & Henry Uribe Wedding Photographer: Kathryn Krueger Florist: Westbank Flower Market Cake: Aunt Gale Ceremony Music: Hill Country Strings Reception Band: In10City Lounge/Decor: Townsley Designs Rentals: Marquee Rentals Buses: Transportation Consultants

Bride's Gown Designer: The "Mara" gown by Vera Wang Shaves: Chris & Michael from Shed Austin Makeup: Lauren from Rae Cosmetics Hair: Johna from Mirror Mirror All musical tracks 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
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
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:

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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