Vista On Seward Hill //// Paper Moon Wedding //// Hannah + Scott, the full film

We met Hannah and her mother as they were spending a week together in Austin planning the details for Hannah & Scott's wedding.   As they shared their vision for the wedding--a garden draped in romantic roses, tables laced with sparkling white pumpkins, and jewels dripping from the ceilings--one other thing became abundantly clear to us.  Both the bride and her mother continually expressed that they valued the spirit of the event over any wedding detail--they wanted to celebrate Hannah and Scott's marriage by creating a warm, inviting celebration where they could humbly express their gratefulness to all who joined them to celebrate such a wonderful day.

We continue to be grateful for clients who value love and community in this way. In this world, the most lasting thing is truly LOVE.

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/110625605[/vimeo] Music licensed by Music Bed Brooke Annibale, "Now and Always" Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes, "Follow Me Home"

The Vista on Seward Hill is a stunning garden location just west of downtown that somehow is an oasis that transports visitors as if they were already deep in the Texas Hill Country.  Just a quick drive from South Austin, it features 2 separate banquet halls, numerous grecian statues, and a stunning set of fountains that house a diverse collection of koi and other colorful fish.  Guests can stroll through the gardens, enjoy the shade under the canopy of the live oak trees, or seek the comfort of indoor lounges. The bride wore Jimmy Choo shoes and a timeless, modern & glittering Badgley Mischka wedding dress that she had personalized with new stylistic details.   Her "send off dress" was a stunning Jovani gold gown with alternating sheer and embellished sparkling segments across the bodice.  Hannah's bridesmaids wore tea-length  champagne lace dresses from Anthropologie, coupled with cute little belts from the same store.   The bride's bouquet was wrapped with ribbon and  an heirloom charm created to commemorate the occasion  --- it featured the bride & groom's name with the wedding date. Her bouquet had another unique feature -- the succulents included in the bouquet had gold-painted tips!  It was a really neat way to add a modern, edgy touch to a traditional floral wedding bouquet.   Hannah's family included many personal, interesting ideas throughout the entire wedding. Guests could try the couple signature's drinks at the bar during the cocktail hour--with the bride's choice being milano mule made of Dripping Springs Vodka, asperol and Main root ginger brew, and the Groom's choice being an "Old Fashioned" comprised of Maker's Mark bourbon, a sugar cube, angostura bitters and an orange twist. The couple served their guests a variety of delightful cake desserts--because "love is sweet," as they said on their hand-lettered chalkboard signs.  Flavors included madagascar vanilla cake with fresh strawberry filling, heirloom recipe carrot cake with whipped cream cheese filling, valrhona chocolate cake with salted caramel filling and italian cream cake.

During the reception, Austin musical legend Tony Harrison and his band played smooth jazz, country, and party songs while guests danced, had their caricatures drawn, enjoyed a freshly rolled cigar (thanks to Bobalu!), and had their photos taken at the Photo Booth.  Hannah mentioned to us during her planning process that she loves timeless, vintage things, and so one of her mother's friends had taken the time to paint a beautiful "paper moon" backdrop for the wedding's photo booth, and it had travelled all the way from Oklahoma to Texas to make its debut.  It was definitely a hit!

Hannah and Scott, 

You've got style and sweetness, but most of all, you have the kind of joy and confidence that will keep your love strong.  We love what the best man said in his speech--"may your love be modern enough to survive the times and old fashioned enough to last forever."   We wish you all the best!!!

love,

the Mason Jar Team

xoxo  

Venue: Vista On Seward Hill 6414 Bee Caves Rd, Austin, TX 78746    (512) 327-3843 Coordinator: Stefanie Yandell at Your Wedding Your Way Photographer: Anthology Photography (Eric & Laura Sartoris) Catering:  Pascal's Catering Company (Dan Cady, Mgr) Floral: The Flower Studio (Coby Neal) Entertainment:  Tony Harrison Music Photo Booth:  Russell Brammer Caricatures:  Theresa Bayer Strings Quartet: Hyde Park Strings (Carrie Miller) Wedding Cakes: Sweet Treets Bakery (Jackie McGrath) Event Lighting:  Austin Event Lighting (Sean Kreneck) On-site Sound Engineer:  Anthony Fernandez of the Vista on Seward Hill Cigars: Bobalu Cigar Co.  (Jeff Lipton) Hairstylist:  Holly Kottwitz, Fringe Salon Makeup Artist:  Maris Malone-Calderon Bridesmaids' wardrobe:  Anthropologie Bride's wardrobe:  Badgley Mischka, Jovani, and Jimmy Choo Ltd. 

Barton Creek Resort Wedding /// That's a cake!?!?! /// Kathryn + Hunter, the full film

Austin is a city unlike many others in Texas.  Nestled within a deeply-wooded hill country, it bustles with life, live music, technology, art,  and incredible food.  It's only fitting that in this live-music capital of the world that Kathryn and Hunter would choose a rehearsal dinner setting that honors all the things they love about the city they love. As the setting sun danced and glimmered over Town Lake on the Colorado River,  their families gathered to eat great Texas meats, tell hilarious stories, and two-step to live music performed by the Drew Fish Band.  It was the perfect way to start the weekend for a couple that loves Texas.

Enjoy Kathryn & Hunter's full wedding film below:

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/107842437[/vimeo] "I love you, I do" by Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors; Licensed through The Music Bed "Fly On" by Humming House; Licensed through The Music Bed "Thanks for Coming" by Josh Woodward; licensed through Creative Commons "Always Be" by Holly Maher, licensed through The Music Bed "New Earth" by Zerbin; licensed through The Music Bed Including live performances by the Drew Fish Band and Matchmaker Band

The bride gave her groom a gift of Texas A&M tailored cufflinks to wear on their wedding day. The couple included many Texas details in their wedding---Hunter wore a Texas flag bow tie, and gave a gift of the Texas flag to each of his groomsmen along with a certificate from the state Senate of Texas thanking each one for their service as a witness in his wedding. In addition to the advice given through toasts throughout the night, the couple invited their guests to share advice on custom letterpress cards to keep in a keepsake box as an heirloom for years to come. The Drew Fish Band performed live and kept the party going through the night.  The lead singer in the band just happens to be the younger brother of the bride's maid of honor, so the families had a personal connection to the band! The gorgeous Kyle Field cake at the wedding the next day---Aggie fans were very proud!

Kathryn and her father performed an amazing surprise dance during the father-daughter dance at the reception. It was so fun to see her dad cut loose and the two of them put on an awesome show for their guests--people were screaming with excitement to see them as they performed their jazzy choreography.

Just outside the Barton Creek Resort Ballroom, the Photo Booth team kept everyone having a good time, and the pictures were placed in a scrapbook as a unique guest book idea.  Tiff's Treats (an Austinite foodie's favorite dessert maker!) were served to guests as a favor as they left.  It was a stunning party!

Wedding Coordinator: Samantha Rosenberg Ceremony & Reception Venue: Barton Creek Country Club Band: Matchmaker Band Cake: Bride's Table Ceremony Musicians: Monte Vista Strings Favors: Tiff's Treats Florist: Westbank Flower Market Hair: Jen Hoover; Adore Salon Iron Cross Rental: Mancino Iron Rentals Makeup: Denise Vasquez Officiant: Mac Richard Photo Booth: Live Oak Photo Booth Rentals: Monarch Event Rentals Lighting/Stage/Drapery: Strong Events Transportation: Transportation Consultants Wedding Photographer: Jennifer Lindberg Wedding Videographer: Mason Jar Films

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

"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!

Both 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.

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!

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.

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.

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

Escondido Horseshoe Bay || #JustHooked || Kailey + Travis, the full film

Driving out to Horseshoe Bay, the developments around the city of Austin begin to fade away to untouched hill country densely covered in trees and low shrubs. There, amidst the deer and the armadillos, the sleepy retreat of Horseshoe Bay emerges as the road rises to meet the lake.   It was in this beautiful hidden garden area of Texas that Kailey and Travis chose to spend their wedding weekend with family and friends.   Pulling away from distractions, focusing on the ones they loved dearly, they gathered at Escondido, which is spanish for "hidden," where they could share their hearts and their love in a joyous celebration.  Enjoy their full film:

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/105481475[/vimeo]

Soundtrack licensed through The Music Bed "Oh My My" by Act As If "Love On The Run" by Kerry Muzzey "Little Bit" by Perrin Lamb "Celeste" by Les Enfants "Just You" by Amy Stroup "Still Here" by Kerry Muzzey

Kailey wore her sister's wedding veil for the ceremony. The classic getaway car belongs to Kailey's grandfather and was outfitted with a special backplate for the occasion that read "Just Hooked!"

We owe a big thank you to many people -- to Kailey and Travis for allowing us to create this heirloom film for them, to Kailey's father for allowing us to film him while he worked on something as important as his wedding speech, to Kailey's mother for telling us where he had hidden himself to write the speech, to Cristen Meehan and the entire design team and vendors who worked with Kennedy Weddings for creating such a gorgeous setting.  Lastly, we want to thank Kailey and Travis' family and friends for opening your hearts and letting your joy overflow--these are the moments and images that will stand as testimony to the beauty of Kailey and Travis' love --not just through our film, but through your love and support toward them as they journey through the rest of their days together.  We wish you all much joy and many great games of golf.

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Escondido Golf & Lake Club Event Design, & Consulting: Kennedy Weddings, Cristen Meehan Venue, Catering & Beverage: Kelly Aldridge Wedding Photographer:  Don Dickson Photography Lighting: Ilios, Wade Ratliff Reception Band: Ice House Lounge/Decor & Florist: Events In Bloom, Rob Smith Bakery: Simon Lee Bakery

Musical track licensed through The Music Bed

Horseshoe Bay Resort Wedding //// Best. Wedding. Ever. ...Ever. ...Ever. //// Astrid + Darren, the full film

Astrid & Darren have had a beautiful, whirl-wind kind of romance, and in planning their wedding, Astrid told us that she wanted her wedding video to capture all the joy of both of their families and how much fun their community can be.

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/111578896[/vimeo]

Musical Tracks Licensed through The Music Bed "Always Been You (Cinematic Version)" by Marie Hines "Oh Clara" by Riley & The Roxies

At the ceremony, we could tell the love Astrid had described was truly present in both families--from the way her sisters doted on her to the moments that Darren's mother wrapped her own great-grandfather's pocket watch around the clasp of the bridal bouquet (a family tradition).  In fact, we were told that Astrid would be the 9th bride to carry that watch down the aisle.   What a lovely way to incorporate a "something old" into your wedding!

Astrid also told us to look for all the fun that would be going on with her nephews and nieces at the reception.  By the time La Hora Loca had begun, the dance floor was packed with guests rocking out to the Spazmatics and having fun in the open-area photo booth.

Clink Events designed a beautiful setting for Astrid and Darren.  The ceremony was filled with only white-based bouquets filled with dusty miller and many textures of white flowers, including white larkspur, dahlias, lilies, orchids, and white majolica roses.

In contrast, the cocktail hour added pops of deep lilac, purples and smoky grey to the color palette.  As guests chatted under khaki umbrellas, they found relief from the Texas summer heat with beautiful wooden hand-held fans and cool beverages.  In addition to the bar, guests were treated to lemonade and tea in apothecary style jars, and water bottles rested in ice baths in galvanized buckets.

Astrid & Darren chose a very unique way to commemorate the concept of a guestbook at their wedding.  They selected their favorite wines to open on  each milestone anniversary, and asked guests to sign their names to the bottles so that as they celebrated their marriage in the future, they could reflect back on all of the people who have loved and supported them throughout their lives.

At the reception, Ice chiavari chairs surrounded each guest table, while the head banquet table was a lucite table with a mirror top, mirror and silver finished chargers, ghost lucite chairs, and beautiful floating candles in glass vases.

In lieu of a cake, Astrid & Darren chose to have a dessert buffet loaded high with single-serving delicacies.

How could you pick just one?  :)

We are so happy to have joined Astrid and Darren for this day of celebration and love--with a crowd of friends and family who can dance into the wee hours of the night, we're sure it's always  a good time wherever their smiles are present!  Many thanks also go out to Jessica and Katie at Clink Events who kept the day going so smoothly.

Ceremony Venue: St. Paul the Apostle Chapel Wedding Coordinator:  CLINK Events Reception Venue: Horsehoe Bay Resort - Yacht Club Ballroom Catering: Horseshoe Bay Resort Bakery: Barbara Garza Rentals/Linens:  Premiere Lighting: Ilios Lighting Hair/Makeup:  Rosa Riviera Ceremony Music:  Barton Strings Cocktail Music: Mark Cruz Reception Music:  Spazmatics Reception DJ:  DJ Kit Ketterman Officiant:  Marcelo Aravena Florist: Prive Photographer: Cory Ryan Photography Videographer: Mason Jar Films Transportation: Transportation Consultants Photo Booth:  Le Photo Booth