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

Kimbell Art Museum - #BisforBaker - Stephanie + Cody, the Memory Tin

Meet Stephanie and Cody: she's festive and organized, he's kind and enjoyable to be around.  It's their love for one another that inspired their wedding celebration -- from a surprise proposal (complete with a bag piper in California) to a wedding at a modern art museum in Texas.  We adored every detail we could see; like the ghost chairs at the ceremony and the trumpet skirt detailing on Stephanie's couture wedding dress.

Enjoy the full film that captured Stephanie and Cody's celebration----

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/124674130[/vimeo] Soundtrack: "The Best Day Of My Life" by Candlepark Stars, licensed through MusicBed.com "I Love You, I Do" by Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, licensed through MusicBed.com 

Before the ceremony, the bride and her attendants enjoyed watching "Father of the Bride" together.  It's one of our team's favorite movies, too! Guests were treated to the sounds of a string quartet before the ceremony and were free to roam the numerous wings and art exhibits afterwards to enjoy the beauty that the Kimbell Museum provides.

Stephanie loves formal exits.  In fact, it's her favorite part of any wedding.  Guests lined the sidewalk of the Kimbell and waved wands of ribbon and bells as Stephanie and Cody ran to their getaway car.  As they kissed in front of the vintage automobile, fireworks lining the streets lit up the scene for a truly romantic end to the evening.

Ceremony Coordinator: Bill Robertson Prep Venue:  The Worthington Renaissance Hotel   200 Main Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102 Groom Prep: Fort Worth Barber Shop    3529 Lovell Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76107 Wedding & Reception Venue:  Piano Pavilion, Kimbell Art Museum    3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107 Photographer: Andrea Polito Caterer: Bonnell’s Catering Entertainment:  Roof Raisers - Gene Glover

Four Seasons Hotel Austin Wedding - #Wiikattheknees - Anne + Nick, the Locket

"bridechilla"

Just before the wedding reception began, Anne and Nick arrived at the Four Seasons Austin.  They were greeted by their wedding planner, Becky Brock, and whisked away behind the scenes so that they could get a firsthand sneak peek at their reception banquet ballroom while their guests enjoyed cocktails and beer flights in a tulip-filled foyer.  Because both Anne and Nick currently live in California,  Anne's mother had taken care of most of the wedding details for her daughter here in Austin, TX.  Upon seeing her mom's selections for the decor, Anne exclaimed "whoa, this is cool!" in every direction that she turned.

When our team found out that Anne had entrusted her mother to so much in the wedding details, we knew this would be a special bride to work alongside.  Anne was dubbed by all to be a definite #bridechilla because of her laid-back, fun and family-based approach to her own wedding.   In fact, other than walking down the aisle to marry her groom, one of Anne's only requests was that she not throw her own bouquet, but that it would be specially positioned at the dinner place setting of her brother's girlfriend along with a personal note from the bride.  So sweet, right?

Enjoy the full film of Anne and Nick's celebration----between Anne's bubbly personality, her special choreographed father daughter dance,  and the so very Austin pedi-cab get-away "vehicle," you are guaranteed to smile.

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/118813370[/vimeo] Soundtrack: "A Million Years" by Johnny Stimson, licensed through MusicBed.com "Hello Lovely" by The Likes of Us, licensed through MusicBed.com "Hopscotch" by Afterlife Parade, licensed through MusicBed.com "Let The Good Times Roll" by Ben Rector, licensed through MusicBed.com

"Isn't She Lovely?"

Tarrytown United Methodist is a beautiful sanctuary in Austin with mahogany wooden pews, golden walls and traditional white wood finish.  David Kurio's designs included modern, cascading curtains of flowers topped with tropical modern greenery.  Outside, the towering doors to the church were flanked in a garland of white flowers as well, creating a stunning entrance to the day's celebrations.   Inside, the bridesmaids gathered around Anne singing "isn't she lovely?" as Anne slipped into her wedding dress.  Anne wore a double-layered lace gown designed by Oscar de la Renta and a classic white fur stole.

A Sweet Finish

The team at Brock & Co never ceases to amaze us--their designs and their coordination for events are always smooth, elegant, and so unique.  This dining room almost seemed to shine like diamonds with all of the faceted glass, elegant iron-backed chairs, and tulips on each surface, giving the candles a glow that could reflect, shine, and warm the room.  The wine bar menus were made of etched glass and perched on mirrored and brass trays.  The letterpress menus at each place setting let guests know the courses for the evening, including a "sweet finish" of personal wedding cakes.   These "Little" cakes celebrated Anne's family, the Littles.

All Smiles

Guests went wild during the father-daughter traditional dance as Anne and her father waltzed spritely onto the dance floor.  Their upbeat choreography had everyone squealing with excitement, and even some shedding a few tears at the beautiful, joy-filled moment.  Pure Party Band kept the rest of the reception rocking through the evening all the way until Anne and Nick's departure from their reception.  In a nod to Anne's roots in Austin, Texas, they took a traditional downtown mode of transportation as they left the party--a pedi-cab.  This wedding was truly a celebration! Wedding Coordinator:  Becky Brock, Brock & Co Events Ceremony Venue: Tarrytown United Methodist Church 2601 Exposition Boulevard, Austin, TX 78703 Ceremony Venue Coordinator:  Nancy Russ Reception Venue: Four Seasons Austin Austin Wedding Photographer:  Jennifer Lindberg Caterer:  Four Seasons Austin Florist:  David Kurio Recption Band:  Pure Party Band, Atlanta, GA Bakery:  Simon Lee Bakery Lighting: Filo Productions Decor Rentals: Townsley Designs Rentals: Marquee Event Rentals Transportation: Ducky Bob's Hair: N Salon, Nikki Makeup: Katherine Crenshaw, Cren de La Cren Ceremony Music:  Hill Country Strings Cocktail Hour Entertainment:  Lucky Strikes Frozen Yogurt Bar:  Pinkberry Getaway Transportation:  Capital Pedicab Transportation:  Transportation Consultants

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

Barton Creek Resort Wedding //// May Your Life Be Like Fine Wine //// Samantha + Brennan, the full film

"May Your Life Be Like Fine Wine"

What makes a new wine wonderful?  According to the father of the bride, it is the inner taste of the grape in addition to its outer beauty.  It is the time and obstacles overcome while ripening on the vine that makes this flavor shine.  Lastly, it is the mixture of the grapes that creates a new flavor entirely, one that is even better than the way the wine would have tasted if each grapes had been the sole flavor.  Combined, they are stunning.

And, so it is with Samantha and Brennan.  Having spent years of dreaming of their future, these two have embraced the deepest joys of love and the daily beauty of life.  We are truly inspired by their love---by their obvious affection for their siblings, they way they have honored the examples of love and generosity set by their parents, their good natured sense of play with their nieces and nephews, and even how the details they chose for their wedding day were a reflection of their love for each other and for their family.  They were so grateful and humble that they even made sure to praise their dedicated wedding planner, Gina Whittington, from the bandstage.

Samantha and Brennan, you truly are "loving hearts that care deeply for family and friends."

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/116551589[/vimeo]

"Tonight"  by Secret Nation "Soul Birds" by Ryan Taubert "Book Ends" by Adam Agin "Tasting Sunshine" by The Rival

all musical track licensing provided by The Music Bed

It's hard to believe that there would be a better  way for two wine aficionados to celebrate their wedding than by sharing some of their favorite things with their favorite people.   Samantha & Brennan savored their wedding by transporting the elegance and intimacy of Napa to the comforts of the Texas Hill Country--with a lakeside ceremony that took place on an acrylic stage positioned just over the bride's parents' home's infinity pool, and a reception in a glass-walled cathedral at Barton Creek Resort.  Both locations offered stunning views of the lake and the hills, with all the intimacy of a private celebration.

Guests were served delicious lemonade and cocktails as they arrived at the home of the bride's family for the ceremony.  In addition to these refreshments, guests were able to sample different wines from custom wine flights at the wedding reception.  They were provided with a card where they could jot notes about each wine and make their decision as to which wine they'd like to drink most throughout the evening.

Samantha and Brennan,

Thank you so much for allowing us to create your wedding video.  We hope that the words spoken by your dearest family and friends always remind you of the joy that brought you to this very moment to make these vows.  Thank you for inspiring us with your love and devotion!

Love, The Mason Jar Team

Reception Venue and Catering: Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa Austin 8212 Barton Club Dr, Austin, TX 78735    (512) 329-4000 Coordinator: Gina Whittington from The Whitt Experience Photographer:  Diana M. Lott Photography Floral: Wendee Sawran Reception Entertainment:  Matt Wilson Band, Reception DJ:  Penguin Entertainment, Ceremony Music:  Barton Strings Reception Rentals: Marquee Rents Decor:  Townsley Designs Ceremony Rentals: Whim Hospitality Ceremony Catering: Ben Petko Linens/Chargers: BBJ Linens

Makeup: Face Kandy ATX Hair Stylist: Hair Barr Transportation:  Transportation Consultants Lighting:  Ilios Lighting