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

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

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"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."

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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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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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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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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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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

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."

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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.

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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

Possum Kingdom Lake || Once In A Lifetime || Kellye + Dustin; the full film

The story of Kellye and Dustin is absolutely precious.  They've known each other their entire lives, and grew up near each other as next-door neighbors.  When we witnessed their wedding day, we walked away with certain stories echoing in our minds:  this is a family and a couple that truly delights in showing affection toward each other, and that is what we tried to capture in this film. 

"I promise to kiss you

first thing each morning,

and last thing each evening,

so long as we both shall live."

From the relaxed atmosphere with dogs roaming around to the luscious cocktails and food spread, Dustin & Kellye's day was full of fun stories, smiling conversations, and sassy dancing late into the night.  We'll never forget Kellye's expressive kindness to everyone that she saw, or the way she choked up during their (incredibly) unique vows.  

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If you haven't read our introduction to Dustin & Kellye, read about their modern eclectic backyard wedding here.   Also, click here to see the perfect rustic wedding photos that Genya from Vue Photography took at the event.  Genya and her husband are a photography team duo, and they were such a treat to work alongside.  They're based in Atlanta, Georgia, so we enjoyed their southern charm.

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Austin-based band The Good Nights really helped to set the tone for the film with their performances of their original tunes (they also have a band called The Roosevelts, and two of the songs in Kellye & Dustin's film are going to be on their new album this next year).  So, you are getting the sneak peek here!

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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--complete with an indoor furniture lounge set up out doors, reversed magnolia leaf garlands, and a large grey & white striped background for the dance floor. Guests were also treated to jalapeno cocktails, chicken-fried steak, and fried okra strips from Sissy's Southern Kitchen.  

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Perhaps our favorite part of the film is the moment at the end where Kellye tears up during the speeches and suddenly exclaims, "it doesn't get any better than this!"

We agree, and we wish Kellye and Dustin many, many more years of love, happiness, and lots of dogs, too. 

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