The Wedding of Courtney and Adam

Laguna Gloria

March 14, 2009

Courtney and Adam tied the knot on Saturday, March 14^th. Their “wedding weekend in the Hamptons meets an English tea garden” certainly came to fruition. This includes the weather. The Texas weather was again unpredictable and what was a gorgeous spring week turned into a chilly London weekend. But that didn’t defer the celebration. Courtney and Adam had a tear jerking ceremony at Holy Word Lutheran Church and celebrated their nuptials at the AMOA – Laguna Gloria.

The tent was decorated with varying shades of ivory and pale green flowers, crisp ivory satin linens and beautiful accent chairs. The cake was gorgeous and accented with lush hydrangeas between each layer. The Motown inspired band rocked the entire night as they kept the dance floor packed with people. The bride and groom also had a tremendous surprise when the bride’s father joined the band in the percussion section. Wow, he was awesome – “Ride Sally Ride” – Thank you Courtney and Adam for sharing a night that will never be forgotten.

Photos coming soon!

The Wedding of Rachel and Greg

Flat Creek Estate

March 14, 2009

I’m sitting here at my laptop tasked with drafting a blog entry for Rachel and Greg’s wedding, and I’m at a loss for words. It’s hard to know where to start because this was a very special event for so many reasons. First, Soirée was incredibly fortunate to be a part of such a special event. Rachel is our rental/tent rep at Marquee and we were honored when she asked us to help her coordinate and design her wedding. Not only that, but Rachel and Greg are two great people, and I’m honored to call them friends.

We had some weather challenges – after a week of beautiful early Spring temps during the first week of March, we had a sudden wet and winter-y cold front come in out of nowhere. We lucked out and the wet weather dried up before Saturday, but it was still very chilly for this outdoor vintage vineyard wedding.

But – did I mention my bride is the Marquee sales rep? All I had to do was snap my fingers and Marquee came to the rescue! Heaters, tent walls . . . you name it, they had it. We also had a roaring fire in the pavilion, which not only gave us some warmth, but added a beautiful romantic glow to the ceremony.

Rachel’s “vintage vineyard” vision became a stunning reality with incredibly colorful and lush florals and a tent that was to die for. I remember – during set-up – I couldn’t stop crying because there was just so much love in the room for Rachel. Everyone wanted it to be just perfect for our Rachel. “Above and beyond” was not a task, but rather a genuine desire from everyone involved. It was truly amazing to be a part of such a special day.

Rachel and Greg had a huge focus on food and wine, and as you’ll see from some of the beautiful food shots below – it was an unending feast – from the cocktail hour grill station – featuring grilled pizzas, to the unbelievable plated duet entrée of Butter Fish and Steak, to the knockout butter yellow cake.

Finally, may I just mention how absolutely stunning and perfect Rachel was? She embodied elegance and grace. And Greg was pretty dashing himself! Love you guys!!!

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Lindberg Weddings

The Wedding of Kelly and Seth

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

March 7, 2009

With champagne in hand, guests took their place at the standing ceremony in the Butterfly Gardens awaiting their first glimpse of the bride. As Kelly made her way down the aisle to “Claire de Lune” by Claude Debussy, the last rays of sun highlighted the layers of her creme dress and as the two exchanged vows, the sun dipped past the horizon as candles illuminated the ceremony.

Wineberry Bengaline and Navy Kensington linens adorned the tables at the reception in the Courtyard. Pops of dark and light purple and green flowers and succulents in dark wood platters and wooden boxes made up the centerpieces. Guests dined on upscale, southern comfort foods, including sweet marinated ribs, macaroni and cheese with a bread crumb crust, sauteed asparagus, and sweet potato fries.

The party was just beginning as the crowd made their way into the dimly lit, lounge-style Gallery for some cake and dancing. And, we all got a surprise when Kelly mushed cake all over Seth’s face!

The evening was full of excitement and love from friends and family who had been anticipating this day. Congrats, Kelly and Seth!

Photos courtesy of SMS Photography

The Wedding of Lauren and Jordan

Laguna Gloria

January 24^th, 2009

GRAND SLAM!!!!

Lauren and Jordan’s wedding was a Home Run. The bases were loaded and an arctic blast stormed in during our Indian summer. On Friday, it was 75 degrees and on Saturday it barely made it to 40. But there was no stopping this party. Lauren and Jordan (who – in case you haven’t figured it out – is a professional baseball player!) enjoyed all of their guilty pleasures including: sushi, true 80’s rock music, s’mores, baseball and Superman…uh yeah…Superman. Look at him – he’s Clark Kent in the flesh (without the glasses).

Lauren and Jordan selected an amazing color palette of rich fall tones, olive/fern greens, deep reds and subtle hues of amber. Lauren and Jordan shared their vows right at sunset – the timing couldn’t have been any more perfect for them. The dance floor under the tent was packed – everyone was singing along and the hands were raised in the air. They partied into the night to the sounds of The Police, Aerosmith, Tears for Fears, Journey and many, many more.

Thanks to this very special (and gorgeous!) couple for inviting me to be a part of this very special day. I’ll never forget it.

Photos courtesy of Studio 563

The Wedding of Michelle and Thon

Laguna Gloria

December 28, 2008

Michelle and Thon were married December 28, 2008 at Laguna Gloria’s Temple of Love. The intimate lagoon-side ceremony was adorned with white potted plants, rose petals and beautiful hand-made cushions from the bride’s mother. The strings and trumpet greeted guests as they made their way down the tree-lined corridor among nature and twinkling hanging lights.

The reception came alive with amazing ballads from the string quartet, pink azalea trees and white bird cage décor. This subtle garden theme was carried out with elegant birds on the programs as well as individualized charms weaved into the bridesmaids bouquets. The bride herself had the most amazing dress and turquoise to-die-for Manolo Blahniks.

The bride and groom were so calm and their were able to enjoy their special day with such ease. That evening, their love was truly inspiring and contagious.

Photos courtesy of Heather Mabry of Eclectic Images

The Wedding of Ali and Eric

Laguna Gloria

November 22, 2008

This well traveled couple wanted to tie in their worldly experiences with some of their favorite Texas comforts to create their perfect day.

Their color palette was amazing hues of raspberry, marigold and grass colors . . . the perfect blend with Laguna Gloria’s natural background.

The menu included Southern comfort foods, Southwestern and a touch of Bali…what an amazing combination! The evening was a hit and the couple were obviously so in love!

Photos courtesy of a' la Vie Photography by Pam Hults

The Wedding of Erin and Jorge

Austin Museum of Art- Laguna Gloria

November 16, 2008

Erin and Jorge were married in the Four Seasons Garden just after sunset amidst a stunning backdrop of twinkling candlelight. Guests looked on as the two exchanged their vows. The bride glowed in an amazing teal green dress, and Erin’s chosen jewel toned colors, complete with peacock feather accent, highlighted the joy and warmth of the evening.

The Latin jazz band kept guests entertained during the reception as guests dined on a menu which included Spanish Paella, Lobster with Avocado Butter and Rosemary Pork Loin, all topped off with the groom’s signature margaritas. Instead of a traditional wedding cake, the bride and groom celebrated with decadent petit fours, and later all guests were treated to gourmet coffees and treats from the Chocolate Cup.

Erin and Jorge’s vision created a truly charming and romantic evening which was fun for all. In fact, I overheard one young partygoer, their niece, say she wished they could do this every Sunday!

Photos courtesy of Red Fly Photography

The Wedding of Meghan and Grover

St. Theresa's Catholic Church and Austin Country Club

November 15, 2008

Oh how I love Meghan and Grover!!! They were a super fun, high energy couple that always had surprises up their sleeves. Their ceremony was so romantic and reception was rockin’ until way after midnight! The Austin Country Club was filled with great music from Memphis Train Revue, amazing floral and lighting décor. And to top things off, they offered their guests a full sized Martini Ice Bar!

Photos coming soon!

The Wedding of Susan and Scott

Star Hill Ranch

November 8, 2008

Susan and Scott are two very creative people and they also have creative friends! Two of their friends wrote a mock children’s book that told the story of how Susan and Scott's love came to be- an actual book with pictures. It was read aloud during their ceremony and there wasn't a dry eye in the house!

My favorite detail of this wedding was their menu – everything was "mini". Served to their guests were mini tacos, pizzas, and hamburgers to name a few. Even dessert was mini! Instead of the traditional wedding cake, they had mini petit fours designed as mini wedding cakes.

This was truly a wedding to remember!

Photos courtesy of Beverly Demafiles Photography