How did you choose your venues: River Bend Church and Austin Country Club
I have always had my eye on the Smith Family Chapel at Riverbend. Ever since I lived in Austin, I dreamed of getting married in that chapel. It was beautiful, intimate, and a true depiction of the love that we have. It didn’t need a ton of decor because it was simply beautiful on its own. We chose Austin Country Club because it gave us a good vibe the minute we stepped in to see the space. It fit my vision and it seemed to flow with the Chapel and it was of course, convenient for our guests.
Describe your decor and how you chose it?
I wanted a timeless, classic, elegant and intimate decor. I wanted to be able to look back at my pictures and not be able to tell what year I got married. I chose simple white floral with orchids, peonies, and roses with candelabras and a ton of candles. I told my wedding coordinator that I wanted candles everywhere. I love candles! Of course, she took my vision and made it a more than perfect reality.
Tell me about your attire – who designed your dress and where did you buy it?
My dress was a beautiful lace, sweetheart neckline, fit and soft flare made my Casablanca Couture. It was a beautiful light champagne lining with ivory lace detail over the lining with a stunning jeweled belt that shimmered at every movement. It created a beautiful contrast that was a unique, but still classy and beautiful. I bought it from Geri at Alexia Gavela. I had the best experience wedding dress shopping and this was the first dress he put in my dressing room. He totally understood exactly what I pictured myself in.
What shoes did you choose and what jewelry did you wear?
I decided to splurge on my shoes and buy my first pair of Jimmy Choos! I bought a pair of strappy gold Jimmy Choos that I know I can wear in the future. Because I had a beautiful belt, I bought some sparkly layered teardrop diamond earrings and left out a necklace. The earrings and belt were enough to shine!
Who designed the bridesmaids dresses?
Because we went with a timeless, elegant look and feel, my bridesmaid’s dresses were classic black. They were made by The Dessy Group and it was a strapless, fitted, sweetheart neckline dress. They were perfect and all my bridesmaids looked beautiful!
And your groom – tell me about his look – who was his suit designer? Any other significant accessories?
Oh, he looked so handsome! He had a custom tuxedo made by Tom James and it was classic black with a white shirt and classic bow tie. He wanted the tux to be traditional but trim fitting. He went the sleek route with the pocket square and left out the cumber bun and no boutonniere. He wanted to channel his inner James Bond.
Why did you choose me, Jenny, to be your wedding photographer?
Jenny was recommended by my wedding coordinator. When I went to interview Jenny, she totally understood the importance of the classic and timeless feel to me, and her work just seemed to fit perfectly with what I wanted my wedding pictures to look like. I know I can look back years from now and the images will still be beautiful and classic. We also connected personality wise as she was very easy to get along with and made me feel like it was all about me!
What was one of your favorite moments from your wedding day?
Wow, I had so many! It was truly the most perfect day from start to finish. From spending the day with my girls, to seeing my husband down the aisle, the PERFECT ceremony performed by my Pastor from growing up, taking our vows, to our intimate time together in our ballroom by ourselves before our guests came in, to our first dance, to celebrating and dancing the night away with our families and friends… It was beyond perfect. I am not sure I have one favorite moment because it was ALL incredible.
What was your favorite image from your wedding day?
Another one I can’t decide on because I loved them all. There is one picture from our ceremony that was captured when we were lighting our unity candle that is so special. I love all the ones from the golf course and then our first dance. I also loved our intimate pictures where we are sitting at our head table before the guests were allowed into the ballroom.
Did any of your other vendors go above and beyond for you?
I feel like we had the best vendors and that was all due to our wedding coordinator, Gina Whittington! She made the process so easy and simple and we just loved every single one of our vendors. From the photographer, videographer, hair and makeup ladies to the lighting vendor and florist, cake, etc. We just had an outstanding experience with all of them! Gina is the best!
Do you have any tips to share with other couples?
The advice I would have is to make the day what you want it to be and always remember the foundation of the day. You are starting your story and your chapter together. Don’t get caught up in the details, but enjoy the process and make it everything you want it to be, while also remembering that it is all about the two of you!
Special thanks to:
Event Coordinator and Designer: The Whitt Experience, Gina Whittington
Ceremony venue: Smith Family Chapel
Reception venue: Austin Country Club
Cake: Simon Lee