Nautical Wedding at Lost Mission /// One Less Fish In The Sea /// Lindsey + Cooper, the intro

It all began with a beer.

Like all great love stories, Lindsey and Cooper’s meet-cute was an unexpected one. They met 12 years ago at Wurstfest and as Lindsey said in her vows, “From the moment I saw those curls, I knew you were my other half.” But they bond over more that just beer and curls. Their mutual love for adventure, fishing, family and (of course) one another is truly inspiring.

May 14th was a perfect day for a wedding. At Lost Mission in Spring Branch, Texas, Lindsey and Cooper said “I do” among their family and closest friends. They surrounded themselves with beautiful, personal effects and created moments that were incredible to capture on film: from  the stunning heirloom ring from Lindsey’s Great-Grandmother that 6 others have worn to the lovely gift exchange between Lindsey and Cooper.

Their love of the coast and fishing together was apparent in both cakes adorned with stunning seashells and incredibly realistic fish! Her bridesmaids wore matching coral colored dresses with blue sandals that were each personalized (and super comfy!)

The reception was filled with laughter, love, and tons of wine! One of their closest friends who officiated the ceremony owns a winery in the Napa Valley.  Lindsey’s parents gushed over their daughter and new son. Larry Taylor, Lindsey’s father, even mentioned how Cooper knew exactly when to ask for his daughter’s hand: during a fishing trip when the fish were biting extremely well!

The Proposal:  How it Happened...

Lindsey shared the proposal story with us: "Cooper made us dinner reservations for a nice dinner on a Monday at 5:00pm. I thought that 5pm was a little early to have dinner but I was not going to say anything because I knew this restaurant was popular and hard to get a reservation. Earlier that day he told me that he read on a private scuba diving blog that there was a hammerhead shark spotted at Smith Cove. Needless to say all day Monday he was talking about how he wanted to go to Smith Cove and look for the shark. Ironically, I had just read an article about a hammerhead shark spotted near shore, but the article I read was about Florida. Cooper said that I stumped him when I told him that, so he was scrambling to get the ins and outs of his story to make me still believe him. As we were driving to dinner he asked if we could stop into Smith Cove. We get out of the car and I noticed that there were tons of swimmers and snorkelers. We were walking around the beach at Smith Cove and Cooper tells me that he wants to get a closer look and walk out on the limestone coral rocks to better see the water. He takes off and turns around and notices that I am still on the beach. He asked me to follow him and I told him I could not walk on the rocks because I had wedge shoes on and I would break my ankle! He tried to convince me, but I am rather stubborn. When I noticed his frustration by him talking between his teeth I took my shoes off and walked out on the sharp rocks. We stood over the water looking for this shark, I turned to look back at the beach and when I turned back to Cooper, he was on one knee!"

Lindsey + Cooper,

We truly loved getting to know you and hearing about all your amazing adventures! The love you have for one another as well as the friendships you share with all those present was apparent and such a magical thing to capture on film. You’ve truly found your one fish in the sea!

love,

The Mason Jar Team

Ceremony + Reception Venue: Lost Mission  || @lostmission Event Planner: Amber Ehrlich  || @keepers_interiors Photographer: Benjamin Garrett Photography  || @benjamingarrett Florist: Sam Ehrlich  || @keepers_interiors Caterer: Don Strange  || @donstrangeoftx DJ: Bach Sound Productions 

South Congress Hotel /// Hindu Fusion Wedding /// Shonu + Julio, the extended Heirloom Film

“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing

There is a field. I’ll meet you there.

When the soul lies down in that grass

The world is too full to talk about.”

-Rumi

Gina Whittington, the talented designer and planner behind The Whitt Experience, called us early last year and informed us that she had a client that looking for something special for their wedding film. Shonu and Julio are a sweet, funny, and community-focused couple that met and fell in love along the course of a campaign trail. Because they had so many people coming in from all over the world, they didn't want their wedding film to feel like a music video--they wanted it to truly reflect the personalities and interactions they would share with family and friends over the course of the weekend. We crafted this custom, extended length wedding video for them - focusing on documentary style moments that highlight the joy, the goofiness, and the sweet moments celebrated in the finest locations in Austin's arts district. With events at Hotel Saint Cecilia, Sway, and South Congress Hotel, the Austin vibe was just as strong as the couple's devotion to their South Indian and Mexican heritages.

Friday evening, the families gathered for the Sangeet at Shonu and Julio’s favorite local restaurant - Sway. As guests arrived, they were greeted by beautiful visuals of greenery draped across low hanging chandeliers presiding over large family style tables. They were served an exquisite array of appetizers and foods, including pineapple miange, satay grilled eggplant, and tom aha gai. Dinner included green curry with tofu, pad thai jay, miso sweet mash, and charred asparagus with harissa. The night was full of many delightful moments, heartfelt speeches from the Bride’s relatives and a surprise dance performance in honor of Shonu and Julio.

The wedding day was cheery and bright, and as cars busily bustled by past the South Congress Hotel, Julio, accompanied by his baraat (wedding party), arrived to the ceremony on a scooter for the traditional Milni. Greeted by the bride’s “sisters,” Shonu’s dearest friends and female cousins escorted Julio carrying pots on their heads and Julio’s family was greeted ceremoniously by Shonu’s family. The Hindu ceremony was often conducted in the sacred language of Sanskrit (along with English), linking Shonu and Julio to one another and reinforcing their connection to their families, ancestors, friends, nature, the planets, and the creative forces of the universe. The ritual stage (Mandap) represents the universe, and Shonu and Julio's was designed with beautiful white drawn curtains laced with a garland filled with vibrant purple, blue, and fuchsia flowers. During the Mala Vinimaya, Shonu and Julio exchanged garlands as a form of deep and mutual respect.

Mayor John Destefano (at whose campaign the couple met) gave a moving welcome to the gathering, and later that evening, he treated the crowd to a hilarious toast that recounted the political and romantic journey of the couple.  Their Hindu ceremony was conducted both in the sacred language of Sanskrit and English for the attending crowd. The Mandap was decorated with beautiful garlands and stood tall throughout the entire evening - a reminder of the ceremony that linked Shonu and Julio to one another.

As guests entered the reception, they walked through a psychedelic video wall that featuring Julio’s spirit animal, a wolf. The groom’s cake was that of a large snake, based off of a traditional South American artifact that Julio had seen - and connected with - in a museum on his travels. Guests heard more beautiful speeches from the couple’s family, and our favorite highlight of the evening was watching Shonu and Julio cheerfully dance to “Me and Julio down by the school yard” in front of their family and friends.

Witnessing such pure moments of joy, love, and celebration in the lives of others is one of the biggest perks of this job, and we are privileged to be reminded weekly of the best parts of humanity.

Shonu and Julio,

Your family's delight at your union is so apparent as they speak of you with respect and with joy.  We hope you always continue to enjoy life's journey together, and we join the Mayor in wishing you a life of love for forever and 100 years.

Xoxo,

The Mason Jar Team

Event Planner + Designer:  The Whitt Experience @thewhittexperience Photographer: Q Weddings @qweddingsphotography Kurant Events  @kurantevents Wedding Venue:  South Congress Hotel @southcongresshotel Sangeet Venue: Sway @swaythai Mendhi and brunch venue:  Hotel St. Cecilia @hotelsaintcecilia DJ Chino Casino @scullytime Band: Sauce  @wearesauce Bakery:  The Cake Plate  @cakeplateaustin Photo Booth: Capture Photo Booth  @thecapturephotobooth Late night desserts:  Voodoo Donuts  @voodoodoughnutaustin Lighting: Ilios @ilios_lighting Henna artists:  Nisha Henna Arts Rentals:  Loot Rentals BBJ Linens Premiere Marquee Birch and Brass Flowers:  Margot Blair Florals

Southwest School of Art /// #Behreningdownthehouse /// Caroline + Brandon - the Locket

"Rainbows, unicorns and bubblies." That’s how the officiant described the feeling at Caroline and Brandon’s wedding, and we couldn’t agree more. There’s a special time of day just before sunset that cinematographers and photographers call “golden hour." It isn’t really an hour, and depending on the time of year, it can be as few as 15 minutes. At this wedding, it seemed to last for hours—the daylight shimmering through the historic windows of the Southwest School of Art cast a golden glow across Caroline and Brandon entire day. We hope you enjoy their wedding film, and may it fill you with the joy of rainbows, unicorns, and bubblies. :)

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/164262167[/vimeo]

Caroline describes Brandon as strong, loyal, optimistic, and kind, and Brandon told us that Caroline is spiritual, compassionate and intentional. They love spending time together outdoors — especially hiking the Austin greenbelt! Caroline told us that she was looking forward to the holiness of the wedding ceremony and the FUN she would share with family and friends at the reception.

As Caroline and her bridesmaids arrived at the Southwest School of Art, their voices echoed with excitement over the sounds of the Riverwalk just below. When they walked in to see Caroline's dress for the first time, their awe filled the bridal room. Caroline received a heartfelt note from her groom, and after putting on her wedding dress, her grandmother presented her with family heirlooms: a garter and bible that she had carried in her own wedding.

Caroline and Brandon shared their first look in the courtyard, and afterwards they chatted eagerly enjoying the beauty of the day. Brandon said the weather was just what they had prayed for and Caroline agreed, saying that it was indeed perfect.

The ceremony featured beautiful performances of some of Caroline and Brandon’s favorite songs, including Phil Wickham’s “You’re Beautiful.” We were so happy to be able to license this particular song for their wedding film, along with the song that Caroline and Brandon chose for their first dance: “Forever Like That” by Ben Rector.

The celebration ended on a high note that truly embraced the festive spirit of San Antonio — Intensity Entertainment kept the dance floor hopping as guests shook maracas and donned flower crowns and sombreros. As the couple made their grand exit through a tunnel of friends throwing confetti, they drove away in a historic baby blue and white 1957 Chevy Bellaire.

The Proposal: How did it happen?

Caroline told us: "Brandon surprised me by taking me to our favorite date spot in San Antonio at the Pearl on Sunday August 23rd. He had a table set up with pictures of us and flowers. I was so surprised! I had my hair in a messy bun and converse on with a dress that didn't match- Brandon said when he first saw how I was dressed, he knew I didn't know he was about to propose :) My sister and my 2 best friends were waiting around the corner, and our close family/friends surprised me back at my house. It was a very special and intimate day! It was simple and sweet, just like Brandon. He wanted it to be about US, and not about the pomp and circumstance. We will cherish that day forever!”

Venue: Southwest School of Art  @southwestschoolofart Planner: Robin Waters with Wedding Planners Inc  Photographer: David Sixt Flowers: Trinity Flowers  @trinityflowers_ Bride's wedding Dress: Julian Gold @juliangoldsa Catering: Anne Marie’s Catering  @annemariescatering

The Bayou Club /// #ToHaveAndToHastings /// Kellie + Harry - the Memory Tin

One can find inspiration in many different ways - the melody heard on the radio, the art on the side of a coffeeshop, or in Kellie and Harry’s beautiful love story. Having met at a summer camp just after high school, Kellie and Harry have been sharing one another’s life for 7 years. Kellie is energetic, happy, and she has "moves-that-kill” on the dance floor. When we asked Harry what drew him to her, he mentioned that not only is she the most fun person to be with, but he admires her work ethic and how she cares for others through her job as an ER trauma nurse. Kellie told us that Harry is positive, loving, and enthusiastic—especially about golf and Texas A&M football! Spending the day filming their wedding at the stunning Church of St. John the Divine and Bayou Club, it was evident that this love story would be one to remember.

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/175288031[/vimeo]

They started their day off with a heartfelt letter exchange that brought smiles to both of their faces. Such a thoughtful way to begin the most important day of their lives! Kellie also shared a sweet “first look” moment with her dad in front of the church’s angular floral front doors. The ceremony venue was chosen because it is Harry’s childhood church home where his family remains closely connected. Kellie’s bridesmaids wore dresses in a beautiful royal blue (with the smart addition of pockets!), and Harry’s groomsmen wore embroidered southwestern style suspenders hidden under their formal tuxedo jackets.

The stunning reception at the Houston Bayou Club, draped in blues and blush golds, was a lively and raucous occasion: rife with crazy dance moves from the wedding party and even Kellie herself! Since they are avid A&M fans (as well as alumni) the night wouldn’t have been complete without a rendition of the Aggie War Song performed by guests and members of Kellie’s sorority — Chi-O.

The fun of the party seemed to just fly by, with late night snacks and fun sunglasses and beaded headbands for everyone on the dance floor. As the last song from Professor D soared through the air, guests celebrated with confetti sticks that showered the dance floor in a beautiful shower of color. As guests made their way outside for the send-off, they were handed game-day towels.  The couple left the Bayou Club through a tunnel of waving Aggie towels and a golf cart decorated in beautiful script signage.

The Proposal Harry proposed to Kellie around 1am on December 18th, 2014. Harry wanted to surprise Kellie, so he showed up to the ER in a tuxedo and popped the question in the SHOCK TRAUMA ROOM! He even brought their dog, Shiner, to the Hospital (wearing a bowtie, of course!) to be a part of the proposal. After all the excitement, Kellie still had to go back to work for the remaining two hours of her shift, but was on cloud 9 and 100% surprised! She thought that it was absolutely perfect in every way!

Kellie and Harry, We cannot express to you how honored we feel to have been able to share your special day. The visible love between you, as well as the love your family and friends have for y'all is truly astounding and inspiring. We hope that your marriage is all that you dream it will be and that you continue dancing and laughing your way through life.

Oh, and Gig ‘Em Aggies!

all our best,

The Mason Jar Team

Event Planner & Designer: Belle of the Ball @belleevents Ceremony Venue: St. John the Divine Episcopal Church 2450 River Oaks Blvd Houston, TX 77019 Reception Venue: The Bayou Club 8550 Memorial Dr. Houston, TX 77024 Wedding Photographer: Kelli Elizabeth Photography  @kellidurhamphoto Florist: Blooming Gallery @bloominggallery Bakery: Who Made the Cake  @whomadethecake_nadinemoon  Susie’s Cakes Event Entertainment: Professor D @professordband Makeup: Jentry Kelly   @jentrykelleycosmetics Hair: Blush & Co.  @blushandco Transportation: AFC Transportation  Rentals: Brightstar:  Mike’s Dance Floors Aztec USA

Cypress Falls Event Center /// Forever Young /// Jaime + Ryan, the Locket

Wading barefoot in a creek while wearing your wedding dress...buckets and buckets of Shiner...watching a waterfall as you say your wedding vows...cap guns and sparklers as you exit your reception... this, my friends, is what a Texas wedding is all about.  But perhaps the best part of all is the sincerity between this bride and groom as they look into each other's eyes.  Jaime and Ryan had a sweet, family-focused wedding at Cypress Falls Event Center in Wimberley, Texas.  Between the string lights and the Texas night sky, the evening sparkled with memories of their courtship in Chicago, and the laughter that brought this couple together.

Enjoy their film!

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/149436103[/vimeo]

Venue:  Cypress Falls Event Center / 1 Woodcreek Cir Suite #A, Wimberley, TX 78676 Coordinator: Lynnsey Hastie of CFEC Photographer: Lauren Reynolds Photography Caterer: Linda's Fine Foods Restaurant & Catering Florist: Robin Carpenter DJ:  Fred Bishop