Vivian & Byron | Ballroom Wedding at River Oaks Country Club

Vivian & Byron quite simply radiate. They exude warmth, joy and love not only for one another but with everyone who they interact with. They share a true partnership. We were fortunate enough to document the evening before their wedding and witness first hand how special these two are and the impact they have had on those they love. The following day, Vivian & Byron in front of their closest family and friends exchanged vows in a traditional ceremony at South Main Baptist Church in Houston followed by a stunning reception that ended with a breathtaking grand exit at River Oaks Country Club.

We are so grateful to be a part of their big day and wish them a lifetime of happiness. - XO. MJF

VIVIAN & BRYON | HEIRLOOM FILM | HOUSTON, TEXAS

Ceremony Venue: South Main Baptist Church \\ Rehearsal  and Reception Venue: River Oaks Country Club \\ Coordinator: Keely Thorne \\ Photographer: Nancy Aidee Photography \\ Hair & Makeup: Kristin Daniell and Blush & Co. \\ Florist: Events in Bloom \\ Music: Atlanta Showstoppers \\ Catering: River Oaks Country Club \\ Cake: Who Made The Cake \\ Pyrotechnics: Phoenix Design Group

The Houstonian Hotel /// #MiAmorMiVida /// Christina + Sudan, the Locket

Mi Amor, Mi Vida

Christina and Sudan have the kind of relationship that values both adventures and everyday routines -- they're happy whether they are skiing together in the mountains or lounging around watching Netflix. Christina is kind, faithful, and introspective, while Sudan is outgoing, joy-filled, and optimistic. When we asked what they were most looking forward to on their wedding day, they told us, "celebrating with our friends and family." And celebrate they did.

The dance floor at the reception was never empty! Although the energy at this party was absolutely incredible, we have to admit--the moments that touched our hearts the most occurred mostly behind the scenes, with only a few people there to experience them: the quiet moments. One such moment happened when the bridal party had gathered outside the sanctuary, just after the ceremony, cheering and hugging one another. It was then that Sudan proclaimed to everyone how "Tina looked like Cinderella!" Doesn't every girl want to look like a princess on their wedding day?

Enjoy their film! [vimeo]https://vimeo.com/128509335[/vimeo] Musical Soundtrack: Ryan Taubert: "Soul Birds"  and The Echelon Effect: "Your First Light My Eventide" licensed through Musicbed

Their ceremony was held at the Cathedral of St. John in Houston. Christina told us that one of her favorite things about the church is the bell tower and the beautiful music that would be playing from the tower during the day. As candles flickered in the sanctuary before the ceremony, we couldn't help feeling overwhelmed by the beauty of the angular architecture and the wooden beams that glowed gold, drawing our eyes toward heaven during the ceremony.

The reception took place at the Houstonian Hotel in downtown Houston. As the party gained momentum, guests were given all kinds of hilarious props and hats to celebrate "La Hora Loca" on the dance floor. Between the conga line and the limbo, it was a fun, wonderful time, and no one danced more than the bride and groom. Their joy was so expressive and apparent, manifesting in every smile and in every dance step.

The Proposal:

Christina shared the sweet story of the proposal with us: "Saturday morning, August 23rd. Sudan and I had his kids (Gabriela and Daniel) that weekend. The kids and Sudan woke up early, as did I. Sudan and I planned to go on a walk, and the kids were allegedly going to ride their bikes. They started off ahead of us. Sudan and I walked hand in hand to the lake in his neighborhood. As we crossed a bridge, he pointed out the turtles in the water below on either side of the bridge. I went side to side, peering over the edge at the turtles. He said, "Mi amor." I turned around. He said, "I don't want it to be hypothetical anymore. Would you marry me?" I screamed "Mi viiiiiiida!!!!" The kids came running out from behind the bushes at the end of the bridge, where they had been hiding and filming the whole thing. A very sweet moment."

Ceremony Venue: The Church of St. John the Divine 2450 River Oaks Boulevard Houston, Texas 77098 Ceremony Coordinator: Debra Lazarine Reception Venue: The Houstonian  @thehoustonianhotel Photographer: Philip Thomas Studios Caterer: The Houstonian Florist: Scott McCool/In Bloom Inc. Reception Entertainment: Yelba Hair + Makeup: Ovations Hair Studio 2410 Quenby, Houston, Texas 77005

Father-of-the-Bride Themed Garden Wedding /// #TheHandsomeHowards /// Meredith + Anson, the full film

"Anson, you're one lucky guy"

Be prepared to be inspired by love. This magnolia-filled Southern garden wedding had more than enough laughter and love to fill up a landscape.  Over the course of the film, you'll discover why Anson is one lucky guy, how Meredith has 19 bridesmaids and even more treasured memories, and how a funny card with a picture of a bottle of tabasco sauce set their love story in motion. [vimeo]https://vimeo.com/117348990[/vimeo]

Soundtrack: "Love on the Run" by Kerry Muzzey ---licensing through Music Bed "Sweetness" by Dan Masquelier ---licensING through Creative Commons "It had to be You" by Frank Sinatra ---licensING through SongFreedom.com "Already There" by Josh Woodward ---licensING through Creative Commons "Opposites in Love" by The Speedbumps ---licensING through MusicBed.com "Mount Sol" by Afterlife Parade ---licensING through MusicBed.com "Diamond in a Coal Mine" by Holley Maher ---licensING through MusicBed.com "Tasting Sunshine" by The Rival ---licensING through MusicBed.com "In the Midst" by A New Normal --- licensING through MusicBed.com "How Sweet it Is to be Loved by You" by Marvin Gaye --- licensING through Songfreedom.com

The weekend began with a fantastic fall-themed rehearsal dinner at the Bay City Country Club. With deep roots in Texas, the father of the bride revealed that due to the wonderful people and enduring friendships that Matagorda County had provided to their family, he truly felt that "I wasn't born in Matagorda County, but I got here as quickly as I could."

 "He's a modern day version of John Wayne!"

On the day of the wedding, Anson and his groomsmen set out for a skeet shoot at Red Bluff Ranch.  Later, they dined on a hearty BBQ lunch at the ranch house, where Anson gifted each groomsman with custom monogrammed shotgun cases. Meanwhile, the ladies enjoyed a magnolia themed brunch with a live harpist playing classical music.  Each bridesmaid was presented with a pewter magnolia embossed tray, and Meredith was given a beautiful mirror-faceted box with letters from each friend, recounting her favorite memory with the bride.

Meredith's favorite movie growing up was "Father of the Bride," so naturally, she and her parents wanted to host Meredith's wedding in their family home! So, back at the bride's childhood home, Elizabeth Swift  and her fantastic crew from Swift + Company bustled in both the front and back gardens setting up every detail.  Magnolia leaf garlands stretched as far as the eye could see in all of the decor---from the circular bar that wrapped around Meredith's favorite live oak tree to the massive chandelier overhanging the acrylic dance floor that had been built just above the family swimming pool.

Later at the Bay City Country Club, Meredith shared a very sweet moment with her bridesmaids when she revealed her wedding dress to them for the first time---a couture dress inspired by her own design.

Something Borrowed, Something Blue

Special details and tokens were very important to Meredith and showcased in her bridal attire. She had a garter worn by many of her Kappa sorority sisters with each one's initials and wedding date embroidered around the edges in baby blue. Meredith also wore a 1945 British sixpence in her shoe that belonged to Anson's great grandfather, William Anson. He had moved from England to settle the Head of the River Ranch in Christoval, Texas, which is where Anson eventually proposed to Meredith.  Traditionally, a sixpence is a symbol that the couple will be blessed with love, happiness, and success.

 Oh, Happy Day!

Guests were greeted at cocktail hour during the wedding reception by the Choraleers and bountiful seafood buffets.  They mingled on the front lawn until the gates to the back gardens opened, and the Choraleers sang around them as they passed through the gates to the reception. The gorgeous cakes were positioned just inside the English manor house along with special photographs of the bride and groom.  Anson's cake was especially spectacular---a beautiful chocolate sculpture of his hunting dog, Gunner, in pursuit of quail perched on chocolate-sculpted trees.  Guests could treat themselves to a coffee bar while watching a slideshow of the newlyweds in their early years growing up with their familes.  Additionally, party attendees indulged in an enticing candy display featured in apothecary jars reminiscent of an old world pharmacy.  Outside, lavish buffets were positioned under each tent and along several garden pathways. Stockholm lanterns hung from the wild branches of live oak trees as they stretched toward the starry sky above, illuminating the festivities that ended a perfect day.

 Gratitude

Beyond every magical detail and meaningful moment, this is a story of gratitude:

Gratitude between friends for adventures shared at camp, boarding school, and college.

Gratitude between siblings for camaraderie and family tradition.

Gratitude between parents and children for a lifetime of love already lived.

Gratitude between a newly-married couple for adventures already had and for the lifetime to come.

Event Design & Production:   Elizabeth Copeland Swift, Swift + Company Event Planning:  Katy Priesler with Keely Thorne Events Photographer: Chris Bailey Videographer: Chris P. Jones & Kourtney Amelia Schopper, Mason Jar Films Artistic Director: Peter Duffney, Swift + Company Floral Design:  Wrey Wrest, Swift + Company Sanctuary and Bridal Floral Design: Yvonne Klein and Ester Gomez Caterer: Swift + Company Menu Coordinator:  Melissa Tramuto Fuentes, Swift + Company Bakery: Susie's Cakes Groom's cake: Finale by Glenna Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Bay City Country Club Rehearsal Dinner Entertainment: Lucky Strikes - Austin, TX Ceremony Venue:  First United Methodist Church Ceremony Performance: Divisi Strings Wedding Reception Venue: Private Estate Cocktail Entertainment: The Choraleers - Houston, TX Reception Entertainment Band: Simply Irresistible - Atlanta, GA Skeet Shooting Venue: Red Bluff Ranch Lighting: Lite Productions & Aztec Magnolia garlands: The Magnolia Company - Barberville, FL Transportation: Karr Transportation Getaway car: Jordan Limousine Dress: Casa De Novia Tuxes: Al's Formal Wear Watercolor "Save the Date" Artist: Inslee Haynes Fariss - New York, NY Calligrapher:  Maureen Vickery