San Antonio Country Club | "Deep In the Heart of Texas" Rebecca & Scott, the full film

"Rebecca is urban, and Scott's suburban. She's organized--he's....well, he's less so."  Chuckles and laughter rippled through the crowd as the Rabbi happily described Rebecca & Scott's distinct personalities during their Jewish ceremony under a silken chuppah.  When Rebecca had approached us about filming her wedding video, she had told us with great joy about coming back to her hometown of San Antonio and bringing all of her dear friends and Scott's family to experience it. 

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Rebecca also raved about how good the food would be at the San Antonio Country Club. As we chatted with the photographer, Catherine Hornberger of Peacock Photography on the wedding day, we found out that even her husband was jealous that she and her assistant were getting to eat the SACC food--and let me tell you--even the bread served with the appetizers could have stood alone as a treat. 

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What struck me as we were filming both the rehearsal dinner and the wedding was Rebecca's impeccable sense for design, the deep love she shares with Scott, and the extremely close knit love and affection shared by each side of their families.

The 'I DO' Barbecue

The weekend opened with a rehearsal dinner complete with cowboy hats, bread pudding dessert, live country music, and handkerchiefs.   The Pearl Stable is a historic building that once housed horses for a brewery.  Now, it has been repurposed as a ballroom, and it features plenty of gorgeous wrought-iron work throughout the entire ballroom, as well as rustic chandeliers built from multi-colored antique glass bottles.  As Scott's groomsmen walked around in 10-gallon hats, they told Rebecca  with a grin that they were "taking this Texas thing very seriously." 

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This family knows how to entertain each other, and we were treated to several poems, songs, and toasts that brought tears to our eyes.  Scott is from a large family, and so with so many sisters, they joked that they didn't know he could even walk until the age of three because someone always wanted to carry him.  One of the groomsmen spoke about why he had chosen Scott to be the godfather of his daughter.  He said that he knew that if something ever happened to his wife or to him, that Scott would be the kind of man who would raise his daughter showing her the example of how a woman should be loved by the way that Scott loves Rebecca.

And yes, I may have been crying behind the camera as I was filming.  And as I was editing the video.  And as I was doing quality control viewings of the film.

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It wouldn't have been a real Texas "shin-dig" without the talented live band that Rebecca found for that night--and the Ben McPeak Band kept the spirit lively with the twang of country rhythm and plenty of toe-tapping as everyone jumped onto the dance floor.   Their musical performance had everyone from children to grandparents two-stepping.

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The Wedding Day: San Antonio Country Club

Rebecca and Scott celebrated their wedding with a traditional Jewish ceremony, which includes the signing of a ketubah, a marriage document, and the ceremony under the chuppah.  As the family and bridal party gathered in a private room for the signing of the ketubah, Rebecca and Scott stood among multiple generations of married couples in their families.  As Rabbi Block honored their presence, it was hard to not get chills as he spoke of the day when Rebecca and Scott would be watching their own children sign ketubahs in the future.

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As Rebecca was being zipped into her gown, her flower girls (Scott's nieces) exclaimed "You look like a princess."  Adorable!...and she did, indeed, look like a princess.

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Rebecca and Scott,

We were so pleased to film your wedding, and honored to be given the task to make you this artistic film.  We hope that this video is a reminder for years to come of the joy that you shared as you made your vows to each other in front of the community you hold so dear.

-kourtney amelia

If you'd like to visit, you can locate the San Antonio Country Club here:

4100 N. New Braunfels Avenue

San Antonio, TX 78209

and the Pearl Stable here:

303 Pearl Pkwy

San Antonio, TX 78215

(210) 212-7260

Event Planner: Betty Parish

Photographer: Catherine Hornberger with Peacock Photography

Catering: San Antonio Country Club

Florist: Trinity Flowers with Danny Cuellar

Wedding Reception Entertainment: Matchmaker Band

Rehearsal Dinner Entertainment: Ben McPeak Band

Officiant: Rabbi Barry Block

Dress: Julian Gold

Cakes: Cathy Young

Invitations: Invitations, etc.

Tuxedos: Heights Tuxedo

Linens/Rentals: Illusions Rentals & Design

Hair: Veronica Hughes

Make up: Jena Massarello-Obregon

Escondido Golf & Lake Club | "My Loving Arms Are For You" - Lindsay & Steven, the preview

Lindsay is an avid athlete and award-winning UT Longhorn swimmer--and Steven, her aggie husband, brought many Canadians from his side of the wedding party down to Texas.  The bride told us that they love to spend time on the lake, go bowling, and running together. 

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Lindsay also described herself as traditional and told us that Steven is laid back.  After attending their wedding, we can tell this is totally true about them. Everything from the location, decor, and the activities at their wedding reflected this dichotomy between them--including their sweet passion.  You can see from the footage of their first dance that although Steven claims to be shy, he doesn't hold back the smiles when it comes to looking into the eyes of his bride.

Jones and I happily packed up our gear to head out to Lindsay & Steven's wedding at the gorgeous Escondido Golf and Lake Club.  It's been almost a year since we filmed Sidni & Jay's wedding there, and just over six months since filming Laura and Marcus. (Both of those weddings still make me cry when I watch them!)

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We were so excited to be teaming up with the folks at DFW Events and Petal Pushers for this event--The ladies at DFW Events know how to keep a party alive and they're so organized and friendly.  Also, Petal pushers always stuns us with their heady, romantic displays that should be considered more art than arrangement.

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The day started out bright and full of sunshine with 0% chance of rain.  Zero.  Although that changed as soon as the ceremony began, the ceremony continued under a light shower.  As Lindsay's dad gave her away to her groom, Steven, he whispered, "she's spent all this time in the water, so why not now?"  They laughed, and although the clouds hovered nearby, the rain couldn't keep the happy spirit of this family down.   After the ceremony, cocktail hour was held on the back balcony of the Club house, and the Dallas String Quartet continued performing while the food was being laid out onto the buffet.  A cute little guest entertained everyone around him while pretending to be the conductor of the quartet--even the violinists were cracking grins.

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escondido catering

 Quail was a meat option....Quail! Yum!

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Steven and Lindsay danced their first dance to a song by a Texas band--Green River Ordinance--called "Dancing Shoes."  There's a lyric in the song that says:

Forget about all the things that

We can't make right

Put on a little Emmyloo

And we'll dance into the night

Singing, hold my loving arms

My loving arms are for you

All we need is time, honey

all we need is time

And they did dance into the night.   The band Suede from Austin entertained the crowd of Canadians and Americans late into the night, ending with a powerful rendition of "God Bless Texas" and "Don't Stop Believin" 

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The officiant  (Father Ruben Patino) began the ceremony with a description of why marriage is sacred, and how Lindsay and Steven's marriage is supposed to be a reflection of love that guides those who witness it toward having more love in their own lives.  Lindsay and Steven, thank you for the reminder that no matter how plans go "all you need is time."  Time with friends, with family, and forever with each other.

-kourtney amelia

Reception:

Escondido Golf And Lake Club

Chargers:

POSH Couture Rentals

Officiant: Father Ruben Patino

Musicians:

Dallas String Quartet

Soloist: Addison Myrick (who also happens to be a local ATX photographer)

Photographer:

Jennifer Lindberg Weddings

Videographer: Mason Jar Films

Band:

Suede Austin

Florist:

Petal Pushers

Lighting:

Groove Labs

Cakes:

The Cake Plate

Hair and Make-up:

Rae Cosmetics

Cigar Roller:

BOBALU CIGAR COMPANY

Whiskey Tasting:

Rebecca Creek Whiskey

Music by Humming House

Licensed through The Music Bed

Country Club of Jackson | Nascar & Casablanca - Callie & Reid, Part 1 of 3

This past weekend, we packed up our team and headed out to Jones' hometown of Jackson, Mississippi.  We were filming the wedding of Callie and Reid, who met in college (hotty toddy!) on the same fraternity house steps where Callie's parents had first laid eyes on each other.  Pretty sweet, huh?  Their rehearsal dinner was impeccably designed by Wendy Putt, and Callie was radiant in a grecian-style dress that was an homage to the art deco period (Or we could say very Great Gatsby, for the Baz Luhrmann fans out there).

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While Texas is filled with southern politeness, while in Mississippi, we really got to experience true southern hospitality in the capable hands of Callie and Reid's mothers.  They welcomed our small team into their homes and shared their stories with us--I can't wait to finish this edit so that you can hear a refreshingly historical and interesting story behind wallpaper (you'll really be surprised), see Callie's grandfather's elephant collection, hear the stories from the amazing rehearsal dinner, and see the gorgeous dog that never left Callie's side during preps.  There was also some seriously kind sibling affection--Reid's sister was sweetly tearful throughout both the rehearsal and the wedding as was Reid when he returned words about her.   Callie was also kindly affectionate towards her siblings, and boy, is their extended family fun! When I say fun, I mean, the kind of family that puts on skits and musicals for each other at Christmas kind of fun.

See, I told you--there's going to be a lot of story to tell in this film.

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 Did I also mention that alligators inhabit the pond behind Callie's house?  Yikes!  The lake-top was serene on the wedding day, though, and although the Father of the Bride (who is often mistaken for Dennis Quaid) pointed out some alligators in the far off grasses, I was unable to find them with my long range lens.

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The reception was held at the Country Club of Jackson, and Callie had two whole rooms devoted to their hobbies--classic films and Nascar/Memphis food.  Reid's "tire stack" cake sat atop an actual tire signed by Jeff Gordon, and the movie room screened great films like Casablanca, Sound of Music, and more.  Guests were greeted at the door with a Parisian buffet of artisan candies,  and candles hung overhead from invisible wire, giving the feeling of floating firelight everywhere. 

Did I mention the bacon bar at the reception?

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The  Atlanta based band "Party on the Moon" put on a rockin show --and they were hilarious, too.  When Reid's groomsmen just let the garter fall to the ground at garter toss, they had him re-toss it--claiming a rule that "it has to be caught."  I've never heard that rule before, but it had everyone laughing.

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 This is one of Callie's favorite rings perched atop a Tiffany's box for her earrings.  She said that even though it's a casual ring, it meant a lot to her, so it was a "must have" for her wedding day ensemble.  Her belt, if you've been wondering, was designed by the team at Vera Wang.  

Thanks to Callie and Reid for spoiling us with delicious food to eat, smiling people to film, and great story-telling material to work with.  I'm excited to head into the editing bay!

-kourtney amelia

P.S. Although we did not see alligators (whew!), we still got an interesting shot of some wildlife-- Elizabeth managed to snag some footage of a hopping squirrel.   Yes, hopping.  You'll have to tune back later when we post the full film to check it out.

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Ceremony: First Presbyterian Church Jackson

Reception: Country Club of Jackson

Rehearsal Dinner: The South

Event Design: Wendy Putt of Fresh Cut Catering and Floral

Event Coordinator: Crisler Boone

Event Styling: Shanna Lumpkin Events

Photographer Bryan Johnson

Reception Band: Party On The Moon

St. Mark's Episcopal Church | "Luckiest Man Alive" - Annlyn & D.A.

Annlyn & D.A. had a beautiful spring outdoor reception at The Argyle club--at the ocean-inspired reception party, guests were treated to a diverse buffet that include a shrimp bar, sushi bar, and taco bar.  The flower girls and ring bearer ran from place to place enjoying the discovery of the different ice sculptures scattered throughout the party--including a mermaid and a dolphin.  As if that weren't enough, Cheesy Janes (http://cheesyjanes.com) food truck showed up to feed the party crowd some late night sliders. Yum, oh! We left the party so energized, because the band plowed through hit after hit, switching members in and out so that they played continuously without a break, keeping the party going all night long.

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Earlier in the day, we met up with Annylyn as she arrived at the ceremony site, St. Mark's Episcopal Church. St. Mark's is a beautiful building, filled with history. Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson were married there!

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Outside the gorgeous stone cathedral, family calmly gathered to begin taking photographs before the wedding ceremony.   The bridesmaids floated in Grecian blue gowns and the ring bearers had their checkered bow-ties straightened.   The stone and stained-glass building towered over the group, but the day seemed to have no shadows as Annlyn and D.A. prepared for their first look before the ceremony.  

(Tradition tip: a "first look" is a modern tradition that allows the bride and groom to see each other about an hour before the wedding ceremony in a private setting. This allows them to see each other without distraction, to exchange private words, to get out any jitters, and to take their portraits before the ceremony so that they can head straight to their party afterwards.)

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D.A. was completely smitten when he saw Annlyn for the first time in her wedding dress.  Every few seconds he stopped to tell her how beautiful she looked, and before their portraits were done, he had declared himself to be "the luckiest man alive."

Here are a few still-frames from the wedding video we are putting together for this amazing bride and groom:

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Ceremony: St. Mark's Episcopal Church 315 E. Pecan St. San Antonio, TX 78205

Reception: The Argyle Club

Event Planner: The French Connection with Tracy French

Ceremony Coordinator: Jody Kelly

Photographer: JeanAnn Wilkinson

Florist: Steven Pizzini with Pizzini Designs

Caterer: The Argyle

Reception Band:  Area CodeSimply Irresistible  and Julian Mercado

Hair & Makeup: Amar Cosmetics  artists: Valerie Perez and Johanna Woodfin

Late Night Snacks: Cheesy Jane's

Bridal Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Christmas Wedding at The Roosevelt || It Feels Like Coming Home || Mary + Aaron, the full film

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"When we decided not to have our wedding at my mother's home, I knew that where-ever we had it, it had to feel like being at home." Mary told me this in the brief minutes we spent in the courtyard just before she and Aaron entered the Montegut house for their first dance. As you watch the film, you'll see exactly what she and Elyse Skanski (Tying the Knot Wedding Coordination) were able to create within the walls of the Montegut House---her family had brought their own heirloom crystal, milkglass vases, and mercury glass votives to adorn all of the tables and fireplace mantles.  The vintage cake topper had even belonged to Mary's grandfather.  You can read more about that in our first post about Mary & Aaron's vintage home-style wedding.

Enjoy their full film below.  Mary's personal touches and gifts for her groom and family will have you misty-eyed in minutes, I promise!  Plus, every location seems like a scene out of Downton Abbey, between the historic venue locations and the classic Victorian outfits worn by the bridesmaids and ring bearers. 

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In every wedding we film, we try to capture the spirit of the city where the wedding is taking place as well as the event itself.  From the performing street bands to the Second Line parade that led the party away from the Montegut House, New Orleans charmed us once again.

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I should also mention that not only do we adore filming in New Orleans, but we also love December weddings.  In the south, the air is finally a little crisp, but rarely is it ever bitter at that point in winter, and holiday decorations are in full swing.  When we walked into the Roosevelt Hotel in downtown New Orleans, the entire first floor and all of its corridors were like a winter wonderland--lit up with thousands of christmas lights, and trees everywhere--we almost couldn't see the walls, it was so lovely!  There were some happy families there bustling about with their children in holiday outfits and red velvet dresses taking pictures.  With that cheery scene, we headed upstairs to the room where Mary was getting ready.

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Mary wore a strapless lace wedding gown with a cathedral length veil and a very unique bolero jacket that actually included her train.  

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Mary is quiet, sweet, and funny--and her sense of classical taste led her to select a very unique approach to her wedding gown.  She wore a lovely fitted lace bolero with an off-shoulder ncckline and  quarter-length sleeves.  While it was fitted perfectly at her waist in front, the back of it buttoned down to a long train, giving her a stunning, full- length dress for the ceremony and a perfect and easy dress length for the reception without the worry of bustling the dress.

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This shot feels very  'Downton Abbey' to me...

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Doesn't this appetizer plate look amazing?  The catering was done by Joel's out of New Orleans.

For a full look at the beautiful photography from the event, you must check out Mark Eric's blog.  Here's a little sneak peek at why we think he's one of the best wedding photographers around:

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Stunning, right?  Mark was wonderful to work with--he's a real team player, friendly, and hard-working, too.  Plus, he's super talented--grabbing amazing shots that really tell the emotion of the moment.  I can't decide which of the gallery images from that post are my favorite, but I love the guitar and singing shots, and his great images of the second line band, the Jaywalkers.

Bridal Prep & Groom Prep: The Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans

123 Baronne St  New Orleans, LA 70112

(504) 648-1200

Ceremony: Christ Church Cathedral

Reception: Maison Montegut

Event Planner: Elyse Skansi, Tying the Knot Wedding Coordination

Photographer: Mark Eric

Catering: Joel's

Florist: Iris Floral and Event Design Studio

Cocktail Hour Music: John Royen Band

2nd Line Band: The Jaywalkers

Reception Entertainment: Crystal Clear Band