Lakeway Resort //// Let Love Grow //// Kate + Stephen, the full film

 "Let Love Grow"

When your favorite thing to do together is hang out at the lake, then Lakeway Resort is the perfect little spot to host a wedding celebration.  Looking out over the waters through walls made completely of glass, guests were treated to a panoramic view of the scenery even while indoors.  Kate, an easy going, organized, laid back bride, and Stephen, an outdoorsy, sweet, funny groom, were surrounded by doting grandparents and friends as they  danced their first dance in the Texas twilight.  Encouraging their guests to "let love grow," they gave away sweet little succulents as wedding favors. [vimeo]https://vimeo.com/103477535[/vimeo] 

The Proposal:

"Stephen proposed at a nice restaurant in Houston. We had been together for 4 years at the time, and he surprised me on a Thursday night when he took me to dinner downtown. He then drove me to the St. Regis hotel where both of our families were waiting. I had no clue they were all there!" --Kate, the bride One of our favorite moments from this wedding came when Stephen's eyes watered up with tears as he watched his beautiful bride walk down the aisle. The tables at Lakeway Resort were filled with beautiful family history pictures from other weddings in the family, and engagement pictures of Stephen and Kate. The groom's cake was a celebration of both Baylor University and University of Texas. The bride and groom incorporated other university traditions into their wedding, with their own "Dr. Pepper Hour," a Baylor tradition where the university serves free Dr. Pepper floats each week in their student union. Stephen and Kate had bottled Imperial Sugar Dr. Pepper there to mix with ice cream in Mason Jars. Yum! Wedding Planner: Samantha Rosenburg Wedding Photographer: Sarah Q Venue: Lakeway Resort 101 Lakeway Dr, Austin, TX 78734

Austin Country Club //// High School Sweethearts + Lifetime Loves //// Christine + Blake, the full film

On a sunny day in early summer, the clouds wandered through the sky as bridesmaids in gold and groomsmen in white tie tuxes gathered around Christine and Blake, high school sweethearts saying their vows after 8 years of dating.  Throughout high school and later as they were attending Texas A&M, their love blossomed.  As the crowd gathered in the sanctuary to witness their promises of love, their officiant, who also is married to his own high school sweetheart, had this to say:

"The up to marrying your high school sweetheart--you know one another so well. you will have known one another's mistakes, but you will also know one  another's first joys and first celebrations.  You have shared your growing up together.....Having a witness of those years in your life, not only of the years past but also years to come, is such a gift--you have someone to share the narration of all your joys...a narrator--and what you'll narrate by word and by action together in this life, we pray is nothing less than love.  On this day, this life, and every year to come."

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/102559915[/vimeo]

Chevron sequins in pink and gold, hydrangeas, and mercury glass decked out the tables in the reception designed by Samantha Rosenberg.  The reception was also filled with fun--a stunning & tall tiered floral cake by the Cake Plate for the bride, a Photo Booth provided by Say Cheese, outdoor visiting areas lit with crystal chandeliers in the garden,  and an enormous groom's cake in the shape of a class ring.  It was decorated to be an exact replica of the groom's Texas A&M senior ring, and it really was breathtaking in person--both because of it's sheer size and because of the quality craftsmanship in the decor!

One of the sweetest moments came when one of Christine's grandmothers went out on the dance floor in her wheelchair and several women in her family and friends gathered round to dance together for a song.  The love on all their faces was so very apparent, and they were all filled with joy.

Christine & Blake,

Thank you for choosing us to film and edit a wedding video of your special day--Blake made us laugh with all of his jokes, and Christine's smile was full of pure joy.  We loved seeing how excited both sets of your parents were, and we were inspired by the love that Mr. Timmerman radiated as he spoke of his approval and love for Blake as a son-in-law.  We join all of your friends in wishing you many happy years together, and most of all, a lifetime full of love.

Venue: Austin Country Club 4408 Long Champ Dr. Austin, TX 78746 Event Planner: Samantha Rosenberg with Samantha Elizabeth Events, LLC Wedding Officiant: Morgan Allen Ceremony Musicians: Arundel Ensemble Wedding Photographer: Jennifer Lindberg Weddings Wedding Videographer: Mason Jar Films Cake & Confections: The Cake Plate Florals: Westbank Flower Market Photo Booth: Say Cheese Rental Linens: La Tavola Rental Chairs: Marquee Rents Event Production: Beth & Shonda with Townsley Designs Transportation:  Austin Classic Limo & Uptown Valet Lighting: Howard Fletcher with FILO Productions Reception Entertainment: Blind Date

Hair: Cassaundra Redman & Sandra Thornhill Makeup: Christy Edlin

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

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

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