Austin Ranch Wedding /// #StarksOfSomethingGreat /// Jessica + Alex, the Memory Tin

The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."

And now, Mason Jar - with a twist! This exciting wedding film is a slight departure from our classic laid-back and relaxed pace of filmmaking. When Jessica and Alex chose us to create their film, they challenged us to create a wedding film for them that would capture the fast-paced, pumped up excitement of their wedding day. Of course, discovering that the bride's favorite movie is Moulin Rouge was a joy for us to hear -- Baz Luhrmann is definitely one of our artistic influences! So although the pace of this film is more upbeat than some of our others, at its core, this is a story of two people who love each other fiercely, and that is what inspires us most. As Alex says in his personal vows to Jessica under the pergola at his father's ranch, “The gravity of this moment isn't lost on me." What else could we feel but inspired as we watch Jessica profess her love of her groom's creative mind...as we watch uncles stand in the cathedral aisle to honor the bride's deceased father…we watch Alex and his groomsmen joyfully serenade the bride during the reception?

See it for yourself -- but grab a tissue first!

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/147321222[/vimeo] Music by:  The Rival and Ryan Taubert;  licensed through MusicBed.com As the bride got ready on her wedding day, the bridesmaids could see the sun rising over the Austin city skyline from their balcony. Jessica chose to wear a diamond necklace of her grandmother’s as well as carry her grandmother's bible down the aisle in addition to her bouquet. The bridal party was surrounded by beautiful children, including one sweet infant flower girl who slept as she was carried down the aisle during the ceremony!

The reception took place at the groom's family ranch. Guests played lawn games as they arrived and enjoyed live music while they mingled under string lights and a pine tree canopy. After portraits, the crowd gathered at a lakeside pergola to watch Jessica and Alex exchange beautiful personal vows. The party continued late into the night under a transparent tent allowing everyone to gaze at the stars and watch some surprise fireworks!

 The Proposal: How it happened.... "It happened on the 4th of July on the 4 year anniversary of when he first made a move (we were friends up to that point). I saw the ring box in his pocket and had to wait hours pretending not to be freaking out on the inside. ”

Jessica and Alex, After creating your wedding video, we are amazed by the strength of your commitment -- both to one another and to your creative growth. Years from now as you sit down to watch this film, we hope that you are reminded of the foundation you set here in these places you treasure-- your church and your family land. We hope the memory of these moments will encourage you and guide you in your adventures together forevermore.

Truly, the Mason Jar Team

Coordinator: Something To Celebrate Jessica Moore  @something_to_celebrate

Church: St. Mary Cathedral 

Venue: Private Estate

Caterer: Primizie @primiziecatering

Cake: Simon Lee Bakery @simonleebakery

Florist: Last Petal Floral Studio @lastpetalfloralstudio

Photographer: Jenny DeMarco Photography @jennydemarcoweddings

Videographer: Mason Jar Films

Recep/cocktail hr Music: Buzz & the Blue Cats 

Afterparty music: Altared Weddings  @altared_weddings

Lighting: ILIOS Lighting @ilios_lighting

Transportation: Transportation Consultants

Comfort Station: First Class Rentals

Cigar Roller: Bobalu Cigar Co.  @bobalucigars

Hair1: Pearl Hair & Make-up Studio

Hair2: Adore Makeup Salon @adoremakeupsalon

Rentals/Tent: Marquee Event Group @marqueeatx

Bullock Texas State History Museum /// Let True North Lead You /// Emily + Keith

Sometimes our clients come to us with love stories that may have been a year in the making. Or seven years in the making....or even a lifetime, like in the case of several childhood-sweetheart weddings we have filmed. However, the love story we are about to share with you today is extremely unique: it began even before the bride and groom were born. As Emily and Keith were planning their wedding, they discovered their families had been good friends and had run in the same circles for generations--one example being that Keith now works in the same place that Emily's grandfather had worked for 30 years. Keith's mother grew up next door to Emily's great-grandmother. A family heirloom that had been gifted from Emily's family to Keith's family many years ago stood in the entrance to the reception as a physical symbol of how "God had a hand” in their love story all along. Their officiant, Jon Dansby, said it best when he said that “What it really means is that God is writing Emily and Keith a special story, for his glory and for their joy."

Please enjoy their wedding video--filmed at UBC and the Bullock Texas State History Museum. It is truly a wedding celebrating the heritage, legacy, and faith in God that brought this couple together. [vimeo]https://vimeo.com/136293152[/vimeo] Did you like the music? Be sure to check out the soundtrack artists whose music was licensed for this wedding video through MusicBed: Humming House "Say I Do" Future of Forestry "You" (piano and strings version) Andrew Belle "All Those Pretty Lights" Benjamin Dunn "Sweetest Thing"

Emily took special care to make sure that her guests would enjoy all the serendipitous details that brought the couple together. The ceremony site, UBC, was chosen for of two reasons: it was where the groom was baptized as well as where Emily's grandparents were married in 1947. The bride placed her grandmother's wedding dress and photos from that 1947 wedding at the entrance to the UBC sanctuary. The bridesmaids wore sparkling gold gowns and the flower girls donned flower crowns but nothing was more radiant than the bride in a pair of Kendra Scott earrings.

Guests gathered for the reception at the Bullock Texas State History Museum. They danced the night away surrounded by marble walls engraved with famous quotes professing love for the state of Texas. The couple danced their first dance in front of a two-story granite wall chiseled with the most perfect Barbara Jordan quote: "I get from the soil and spirit of Texas the feeling that there are no limits." With the way their story has begun, we truly believe that there are no limits for this special couple.

Emily and Keith,

Thank you for allowing us to create your wedding video.   We love that the city of Austin has been such a special place for  your families, and we look forward to hearing how your story will continue in the years to come.  We wish you all the best!

xoxo,

the Mason Jar Team

Prep Venue // AT&T Center – 1900 University Ave Austin // Ceremony // University Baptist Church – 2130 Guadalupe St Austin // Reception // Bob Bullock Texas History Museum – 1800 N. Congress Ave Austin   // @bullockmuseum Coordinator // Eclipse Event Co. //  @eclipseeventco Catering // Rosemary’s Catering //  @therkgroup TX Pro DJ // Barrington Miles //  @texasprodj Floral // HEB Blooms //  @heb Cakes // Sweet Treets Bakery //  @sweettreetsbakery Photography // Caitlin McWeeney //

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

Lubbock Wedding || In Joy and In Sorrow || Kelcee + Andrew, the full film

Kelcee and Andrew are the kind of people who are known for "bringing spice" to everyone's lives.  They are smiling adventurers who delight in their friends; they are never short of being entertaining, and they are reliable allies.  Their West Texas wedding is filled with the kind of fun details that, while not common, are consistent with the cutest of weddings -- they had a University of Texas "track-and-field" themed groom's cake, quirky photo-booth props, a buffet with southern delights like pickled okra, a surprise choreographed mother-son dance, and a whole troupe of adorable flower girls accompanied by one tuxedo-clad, flag-waving ring bearer.   

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What might surprise you about their story is the sheer strength of their love, because while Kelcee and Andrew are both bold, witty people, their boldness is matched by their kindness.  In fact, Andrew's mother Sharon stood in front of the crowd at the rehearsal dinner, and in her speech, she confessed that several years ago when she found out Andrew was dating someone she didn't know, she "researched" Kelcee among her friends and relatives to find out what this young lady was like.  What she learned of Kelcee's compassion and character was so overwhelming that it caused her to say, "we loved you before we even knew you."

Several months ago, Jones was initially contacted by Andrew's mother Sharon to film this event.  We are often contacted by parents, so what made her call unique was that we had already filmed her daughter's wedding a few years ago, and she was now interested in having us film her youngest son Andrew's wedding.  We already consider this job to be an honor and a privilege, but it is truly humbling to be invited into the life of a family repeatedly and see their legacy bloom to the next generation over the years.

The weekend began with a hunting-themed rehearsal dinner at Caprock Winery, just outside of Lubbock, TX.  Andrew and his groomsmen had spent the afternoon getting their final fittings for their tuxes, and joined the whole party for the rehearsal at the church.  As guests rushed inside to escape the (unseasonably) wintery West Texas wind,  they found the comforts of a crackling fire, sweet potato soup appetizers, a live guitarist strumming love songs, and wine stored from ceiling to floor.  Their menu included a top tier signature salad with goat cheese coulis, micro field greens, spiced pecans and mandarin oranges with roasted maple syrup, followed by a grilled beef tenderloin with Texas Tech signature sauce and cedar planked salmon garnished with fresh dill and rosemary, roasted potatoes and winter vegetables.  The dinner was capped off with toasts, a molten lava cake, and gifts of boots for all the groomsmen.

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The surprise wintery weather met the groomsmen on the golf course the next morning, but nothing could squash the men's happy spirits as they played golf and enjoyed one another's company.   Jack-rabbits sprinted in and out of the scramble as the sun melted the frost off of the greens, and the Cash Foundation clubhouse staff was quick to deliver coffee and hot chocolate to keep the group warm.

Kelcee, on the other hand, spent her morning getting ready at the church. Amidst the bridesmaids in gold dresses and flower girls learning how to use their petal wands (see the video, it's pretty cute!), Andrew's mother and father had a special gift they presented to their new daughter-in-law: a bracelet with heirloom gold and jewels from Andrew's family heritage. The jewels were set in a cross charm that was modeled after the cross that stands on the altar at the church where the ceremony was happening.  They had done the same thing for their eldest daughter, Elizabeth, and for their second son's wife, too.  

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This bracelet and many other details were specifically chosen to honor their loved ones and friends who had passed away.   The groomsmen each wore a special lapel pin in remembrance of Kelcee's brother who had died when Kelcee was young from a congenital heart defect, and Kelcee also gave Andrew a special pocket-watch and coin to honor one of Andrew's close friends who had passed away.  Andrew and Kelcee shared with us that this was how they chose to represent that even though these special people couldn't be at the wedding, their love for them was very present and very real.   

Kelcee & Andrew's story of how they have cherished & supported each other by giving honor to their loved ones who have passed away is affirmation of the power of love.  In their wedding vows, they promised to support each other in joy and in sorrow, and in many ways, they already have.  Their love is a strong reminder to us all that grief and loss can be comforted with compassion, and that life is fullest when we live purposefully, taking every opportunity to share joy, tenderness, and affection with each other in a close-knit community.  

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Ceremony Venue:  First United Methodist Church Lubbock

1411 Broadway  Lubbock, TX 79401

Rehearsal Dinner Venue: CapRock Winery

408 E Woodrow Rd  Lubbock, TX 79423

Reception Venue: The Historic Baker Building

1211 13th St  Lubbock, TX 79401

Florist: Box of Rain Floral

Reception Entertainment Band: The Atlantics

Photography: Helen Byrd

Wedding Videographer: Mason Jar Films

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