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

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

Riverhill Country Club | "Hook 'em and Sic 'em Forever" Bailey & JR, the full film

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Bailey and JR are the kind of people who keep a room lit up with smiles and laughter.  We were thrilled to travel from Austin, where we are based, to the Texas foothills north of San Antonio to create this wedding video for such a precious couple.   Beyond their absolutely SWEET love for each other, they kept their family and friends entertained at their wedding with multiple surprises--their outdoor sunset ceremony ended with a gospel choir serenading the crowd and guiding them to the location of the dancing reception.  Their first dance transitioned from serious to sassy in a heartbeat, and boy, can they dance!   Later on that night, JR's family also surprised him in turn with a funny flashmob dance.  Here is their entire wedding film, in full:

Ashley Garmon, the wedding photographer,  chose a lovely location under the trees for the portraits before the wedding.  The soft light coming through the leaves looked beautiful with the bridesmaids' pale green sundresses.

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The flowergirls were in similar dresses all in white.  What angels!

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Their decor included a stag-head theme.  Each reception table centerpiece was set with a silhouette of a deer head laser-cut into pine slices. 

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Talented event designer Tricia Hamil (Viridian Design) even had a deer silhouette pattern made for the lights that projected the antler silhouette onto the dancefloor.  Surrounded by wine barrel tables, old-fashioned light bulb chandelieres, live oak canopies, rustic signs, white florals, and warm lighting, the guests were happy to dance the night away and feast on such greatness as the avocado buffet and even sneak inside to watch portions of the Baylor football game between songs.

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The Tip-Top band were excellent performers, inviting the bride and groom onto the stage and even letting some guests sing into the mic during some of the songs.

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Riverhill Country Club Viridian Wedding Pic 40 sparkler exit

Editor's note:

My favorite shot in the wedding video is the slow-motion shot where J.R. stops to kiss Bailey as they ran through the sparkler exit line.  So pretty!  -kourtney amelia

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Riverhill Country Club

Address: 100 Riverhill Club Ln, Kerrville, TX 78028

Phone:(830) 896-1400

VENDORS

Wedding Coordination & Florals: Viridian Design with Tricia Hamil

Photography: Ashley Garmon Photographers

Hair: Erin Jantzen

Makeup: Donna Bruns

Linens: Marquee Rentals

Lighting: Ilios Lighting

Cakes: Sophie's Choice

Riverhill Country Club | "Hook 'em and Sic 'em Forever" Bailey & J.R., part 1 of 2

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Bailey & J.R. couldn't have had better weather for their outdoor wedding and reception in Kerrville TX.  The Mansion at Riverhill is a historic site in Texas, built in 1901, and it has been a social setting in the Kerrville community ever since.

Bailey is a UT grad, and while in school, her friends said they knew something must be really special about that Baylor guy (JR) when Bailey kept skipping out on events in Austin to go spend time in the little town of Waco.

The energy in the room was simply precious when we arrived to film with Bailey & JR before the ceremony.  Bailey was quietly putting the finishing touches on her dress & veil, and her mom was just glowing.  After they went outside to take pictures, her brothers stood nearby, proudly taking pictures of their sister as a bride. 

Many of their good friends took part in the day--the wedding party was made up of many friends and siblings, and friends even played instruments in the ceremony.

We hope you enjoy the preview of their full film--and feast your eyes on stills from their complete video below.  Tricia Hamil with Viridian Design did a great job putting together a beautiful event--complete with wine barrels, vintage light bulbs descending from the oak trees, rustic painted wooden signs, white florals, antler chandeliers, and even a deer theme silhouette streaming down onto the dance floor.

As a Baylor University Alum, I was personally really happy to see JR's Baylor Football helmet cake.  Sic 'Em, and congratulations to you both!

-kourtney amelia

Riverhill Country Club Viridian Wedding Pic 43 Outdoor Ceremony

Riverhill Country Club Viridian Wedding Pic 42 Antler Reception

VENDORS

Wedding Coordination & Florals: Viridian Design with Tricia Hamil

Photography: Ashley Garmon Photographers

Hair: Erin Jantzen

Makeup: Donna Bruns

Linens: Marquee Rentals

Lighting: Ilios Lighting

Cakes: Sophie's Choice

Barton Creek Resort | "219 to 1" - Leslie + Andy, the full film

"Was it love at first sight?" The officiant, Dennis Prager, humorously asked Leslie and Andy to describe whether they felt this way the moment they met. The lovely Bride Leslie answered in 219 words.  Andy, an ever stoic groom, answered in one.  We wrote about it in 600 words, but we think you should just watch our video and see it for yourself.

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If you've watched several of our films, you'll notice that sometimes they open on a quiet note, and sometimes they open with a bubbly song, and other times they begin with a fast frenzy.  We try to make our films match the excitement, tone, and energy of the couple and of the day itself.  It didn't take us long to see that Leslie and Andy love upbeat, big band style music, and they love having a good time with their families.  The couple had traveled from Houston to Austin for their wedding at Barton Creek Resort, and their families joined them from all over the country.  Before the wedding, Leslie had told us that quite a few of her family members would be some serious fun on the dance floor.   (you can read more about that here)  As you can see, they really were!  We left the wedding with just as much energy as when the reception began--the dancing was just so fun.

<click

here

to see dozens of their amazing official photos by Stacy Cross.  below are screen grabs

from their

Austin wedding video

>

jessica simpson wedding austin barton creek resort

Barton Creek Resort is nestled in the Texas hill country outside of Austin, and the ballroom has a great view of the foothills.  The resort is also famous as both a golf club and where Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey were married.  The building proudly boasts of its Texas locale by hanging revolutionary Texas artifacts throughout the hallways, historic photos, flags, and other items of Lone Star State Pride.

Leslie's Bridesmaids wore a very formal royal blue dresses with champagne gold shoes of their choice. The colors were a preppy contrast with their tightly gathered and uniform rose bouquets.

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A wedding just dripping with beauty

Sally Fields may have blown off Julia Roberts' colors of 'blush and bashful' as 'pink and pink' in Steel Magnolias, but one look at the pink hues in Leslie and Andy's luscious floral and reception design makes even the adjectives 'blush and bashful' seem incapable of describing the delicate rosy and romantic hues that surrounded the couple on their wedding day.  Classic, elegant, and dripping with crystalline beauty, the wedding was a formal affair from the rose and curly-willow covered chuppah to the glass chandeliers in the reception. 

The CEREMONY

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Doesn't this chuppah take your breath away?  It has a very fairy-tale quality.   David Kurio designed the decadent florals, and Jessica Moore was the event designer/planner.  My favorite element is how David Kurio's team hid lights inside of the chuppah.  Because the wedding happened at sunset, the challenge was to keep the bride and groom well lit throughout the ceremony, even after dark.  The team had the perfect plan for the lights to continue to adjust throughout the solarium as the sun went down.  The wedding began lit by the ceiling-to-floor windows, and by the end, the lovely spotlights inside of the chuppah and beaming from the ceiling kept the bride and groom's faces well lit enough that the guests, the photographers, and the videographers could still see their faces perfectly well.

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THE RECEPTION

As guests gathered for cocktail hour, they found their place-tags organized in a table-wide bed of pearls.

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The round reception tables were covered with alternate and varying sprays in mirrored vases and glass chandeliers.  The light reflections on mirror and refractions through cut glass sent light dazzling through the reception. Hats off to Jessica and David for the gorgeous display, and to Leslie and her mom for selecting such a lovely theme.

Love is Sweet

Jessica, the planner, worked diligently with Leslie to create the perfect dessert buffet that extended for several tables with all kinds of sweet delicacies in bite sizes--allowing guests to sample several lovely treats.

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Leslie and Andy, thanks for letting us document the goodness of your Austin wedding.

Mazel Tov!

Wedding Coordinator: Jessica Moore, Something to Celebrate

Venue: Barton Creek Resort and Spa

Floral: David Kurio Designs

Photographer: Stacy Cross

Music Agent: Emerald Entertainment

Ceremony Music: High Island Hepcats

Officiant: Dennis Prager

Reception Music: Collector’s Item

Linens: BBJ

Chairs: Marquee Rents

Lighting: Ilios

Photobooth: Say Cheese

Hair: Pamela Donnellan

Makeup: Maris Malone Calderon

Rehearsal Dinner: The Salt Lick