Barton Creek Resort Wedding //// Napa Elegance //// Samantha + Brennan, the intro

"To Truly Love and To Be Loved"

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/109892359[/vimeo]

"Tonight"  by Secret Nation musical track licensing provided by The Music Bed

It's hard to believe that there could 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.

The couple was given special box of wines that were each etched with the year they will open the wine in the future, and guests filled this box with encouragement notes and messages that were also dated for the future anniversary when they wanted Samantha and Brennan to read their letter.

Along with the stunning displays of roses, natural woods, and acrylics all impeccably designed by the talented team lead by Gina at The Whitt Experience, guests were treated to a whiskey bar, fine cigars, and a variety of wines all laid out for tasting at each individual place setting at the tables.   Their tablescapes included whitewashed chairs and ivory miramar linens coupled with mink sea sponge chargers, and the bridal party sat at 8' fruitwood farm tables with Monaco Jacquard napkins.

Samantha and Brennan left their wedding ceremony to a parade line of gold, glittery confetti.  We love the way it sparkled in the sunlight!  It was truly a joyous, festive party filled with smiles and deep laughter.

Samantha and Brennan,

We wish you all the best, and we can't wait to share your full-length film with you!

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

Backyard Father-of-the-Bride Themed Wedding /// #TheHandsomeHowards /// Meredith + Anson, the intro

We have been excited to film this wedding ever since we met Meredith, the bride, in our offices on South Congress in Austin. On a golden afternoon, she sat on our couch with the sunlight in her hair and described to us what her wedding would be like in magical detail--dripping in magnolia garlands, filled with gratitude, and conducted in the place that she loved most--her childhood home. She told us about how special her parents and siblings are to her, and how much fun she and Anson, her groom, have while hunting--so much so, in fact, that the groom's cake was going to be a life-like chocolate-sculpted replica of Anson's hunting dog (Gunner!) going after some unsuspecting chocolate-carved quail. We couldn't wait to see the Marines' saber arch at the ceremony, the choraleers performing in front of her home at cocktail hour, or the boat-neck wedding dress which Meredith designed herself.  While at her rehearsal dinner, we learned during the speeches that her family even has their own vernacular:

fellowship:  (noun) a party, a gathering boppers:  (noun) a person of quality with whom anyone would love to spend time

Their wedding was most certainly a fellowship of boppers if ever we saw one!   Enjoy this introduction to their full film we are creating for them. This little sneak peek video we are sharing today is a highlight of Meredith's love for the movie 'Father of the Bride,' a feature of her own father's poetic story-telling, and a tribute to the future that #TheHandsomeHowards will share together.

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/108540656[/vimeo]

This gorgeous groom's cake was created by Finale by Glenna based in Houston.  Featuring a pointing hunting dog, it was surrounded by chocolate sculpted tree branches with quail perched all around.  The groomsmen were in such awe of the cake that they couldn't even fathom the idea of cutting into it!  Now, you know it's gorgeous if men are hesitant to take a knife to this cake. :)

The Proposal: "Our favorite thing to do together is hunting and spending time outdoors and drinking champagne! At Anson's Ranch in Christoval, Texas (The Head of the River Ranch), we were on a turkey hunt, and Anson slipped the ring into my glove!" --Meredith

Meredith also told us that she was most looking forward to showing her friends and family how wonderful Bay City is, and having the opportunity to give back to a town that has been so wonderful to her. She couldn't wait to see Anson in his Marine Uniform for the first time, and to show off her wedding dress to her friends since she designed it. She also couldn't wait to dance with all 19 of her bridesmaids to the amazing performances of Simply Irresistible Band, a party band so great that Meredith's family brought them to Texas all the way from Atlanta, Georgia!

Event Planning:  Katy Priesler with Keely Thorne Events Event Design & Production:   Elizabeth Copeland with Swift + Company Venue: Private Estate + First United Methodist Church Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Bay City Country Club Skeet Shooting Venue: Evan's Ranch Photographer: Chris Bailey Caterer: Swift + Company Events Bakery: Susie's Cakes Groom's cake: Finale by Glenna Band: Simply Irresistible Lighting: Lite Productions & Aztec Magnolia garlands: Magnolia Company Transportation: Karr Transportation Ceremony Performance: Divisi Strings Dress: Casa De Novia Tuxes: Al's Formal Wear

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

It's not very often that we start telling you about a couple by describing their cake, but when it comes to Kathryn and Hunter, who are both Aggies, huge fans of cake, and totally committed to wowing each other with surprises, well, then, the cake is almost as perfect a symbol of their relationship as the wedding rings! We've seen Aggie cakes before.  We've seen Field Cakes before.  ....but we've never seen a cake like this one.  It was so amazingly large and ornate that when Hunter, the groom, first saw it after the wedding ceremony, he exclaimed incredulously, "that's a cake!?!?!" This groom's cake was a perfect model of the new Kyle Field that is currently under construction, and it was so large that it filled up almost a whole wing of the Barton Creek Resort Ballroom, and the rest of the room was filled with wonder, awe, and of course, lots of laughter.  All of the Texas A&M fans in attendance beamed with pride when they saw it!

Enjoy Kathryn & Hunter's preview to their full wedding film:

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/104021088[/vimeo] "I love you, I do" by Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors; Licensed through The Music Bed

Barton Creek Resort, where the wedding was held, sits perfectly nestled on the edge of the capital city of Austin and the rolling hill country that lies to the west of this Texas metropolis. The suites have a lovely view of one of the greenest areas in Texas, and that's where Kathryn got ready with her bridesmaids and family on the wedding day.

The Proposal:

"On a Tuesday in December I decided I wanted to get my very own Christmas tree to have in my apartment where I lived alone. I expressed my interest to Hunter and he was a bit overly excited about this idea.  So, later that night we got a Christmas tree and I decorated it with gold and silver stars.  After placing what I thought was the final ornament, Hunter handed me a little stocking and said there was one more for me to hang. I glanced down at the stocking to see a brown box. Hunter took the box out of the stocking got down on one knee and asked me to marry him!" --Kathryn

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 Castle Hill Inn /// To the Moon and Back /// Kristel + Austin, the intro

"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.  The night of the rehearsal dinner, as their guests gathered on the edge of the ocean where Castle Hill Inn sits nestled on the hills, they watched the sunset, cheered on the traditional clambake reveal, and listened to the story of Austin and Kristel.

Sometimes, the story of how a couple meets is just an introduction to the story of how they learned to love one another.   These love birds have been pursuing one another's hearts for the past 6 years, and their wedding weekend was truly a celebration of their joy.  Every detail was a reflection of their love: home-made banners featuring hand-drawn cards from Kristel's students to signature Newport-themed cocktails (the "dark and stormy").  Even Kristel's toenail polish was "clambake red!" :)

Enjoy this introduction to their full film, which is in the works as we speak:

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/101669150[/vimeo] musical soundtrack by: Monako Davis and licensed through The Music Bed

Rather than have the wedding in one of their hometowns, Kristel and Austin decided to plane their event in a location where the guests'  sole focus for could be spending time together to celebrate.  The city of Newport, Rhode Island is a coastal town with plenty to keep one entertained.  There's a bustling downtown area with some of Kristel & Austin's favorite coffee shops and seafood spots.  One could also explore Bellevue Avenue and tour any of the mansions seen there.

Both the rehearsal dinner and reception were held at Castle Hill Inn, which faces the sunset.  At the rehearsal dinner, Michelle Rago's powerhouse team (affectionately called #teamrago) had set up the lawn with stunning buffets of treats, adirondack chairs, outdoor lounges, and a s'mores station for later in the night.  A wandering minstrel from Vali Entertainment softly crooned as the families dug into a delicious lobster dinner under the twinkling strands of lights strung from the large oak trees.

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.  

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 || #GettingHooked || Kailey + Travis, the intro

"I've never met a more grateful kid." 

As the girls laughed and enjoyed each others' company during bridal preps, the father of the bride was secluded into another room, writing his welcome speech.  He paused to tell us that while growing up, his daughter was always so appreciative and grateful.  In addition to that, Travis the groom was so overwhelmed when he saw the beauty of the reception tent that he turned to the planners and asked "all of this is for us?"

From the way that both Kailey and Travis responded to each note, each kind word, and each excited greeting from a guest, we could tell that it's true--Kailey and Travis are both so openly grateful and openly thankful to celebrate their marriage with their family and friends.  Enjoy this sneak peek of their full wedding film by watching the introduction: [vimeo]https://vimeo.com/99736057[/vimeo]

Soundtrack: "Oh My My" by Act As If

The couple met while studying at UT, and so the flower girls wore special Longhorn themed boots. Escondido has beautiful scenery and gorgeous architecture. Because Travis loves golf, having the wedding at such a gorgeous outdoor location meant that the groomsmen could enjoy several days of golfing before the wedding ceremony. Kailey even gave her groom a special UT branded golf cart for a wedding present, and he gave her a pearl-drop necklace.

Ceremony & Reception Venue & Catering: 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