How did you choose your venues: Good Shepard and The Grove
I chose The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd because I grew up in the neighborhood had attended services there during high school and law school.
For my reception, I had some pretty specific boxes that I really wanted to check: 1) downtown/close to downtown, 2) unique, non-ballroom space, 3) a personal connection, 4) good food, 5) and a high guest capacity (300+) My father’s restaurant, The Grove, was the only place in town that checked all of those boxes! It was SUCH a great place to have a wedding reception. It turns out, the layout is perfect for a wedding – there were so many different places for guests to mingle, and I loved the mix of indoor and outdoor spaces.
Describe your decor and how you chose it?
We were lucky that our venue, The Grove, came already decorated! We decided to enhance the existing decor with flowers, greenery and soft candlelight, instead of trying to cover anything up. Westbank Flower Market did an amazing job with the flowers. We used most of the existing restaurant furniture (chairs, banquets, bars) and rented extra furniture, tablecloths, and a dance floor from Whim Hospitality.
Tell me about your attire – who designed your dress and where did you buy it?
My dress was designed by Carolina Herrera, and I purchased it at the Saks bridal salon in NYC!
What shoes did you choose and what jewelry did you wear?
I wore white Alexandre Birman Vicky heeled sandals – I knew I needed a chunky heel to dance in all night!
For jewelry, I chose pieces that all had special meaning to me. I wore my mom’s earrings, my grandmother’s watch, a bracelet given to me by my parents for my 30th birthday, and a gold family signet pinky ring that my grandmother gave to all of her grandchildren for their 18th birthdays.
Who designed the bridesmaids dresses?
I decided not have bridesmaids and just had my sister as my maid of honor! I For her dress, we wanted something that didn’t scream “bridesmaid.” The one-shoulder light purple Badgley Mischka dress she picked was perfect and looked so great on her.
And your groom – tell me about his look – who was his suit designer? Any other significant accessories?
Randy wore the tuxedo he already had – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! He paired it with vintage gold Tiffany knot cufflinks and studs that I gave him as a wedding present.
Why did you choose me, Jenny, to be your wedding photographer?
I had seen your photos from friends’ weddings and loved them! You did such a good job at capturing the small, unchoreographed moments.
What was one of your favorite moments from your wedding day?
Randy and I were able to sneak away for a few minutes during the reception to sit down and eat dinner in private. It was so nice to slow down for a few minutes and catch up with one another. Otherwise I may have missed out on the Frito pie!
The after-party at the Texas Chili Parlor (with everyone still in their black-tie attire) is a close second.
What was your favorite image from your wedding day?
So hard to choose! I really love the photo of Randy and I walking and looking at one another in the garden of Good Shepherd before the ceremony – I used it for our first Christmas card!
Did any of your other vendors go above and beyond for you?
My planner, Camille Ross of Elsie Events, was WONDERFUL! She was so communicative and easy to deal with. Tyler from Westbank Flower Market was also great – he really understood the “look” we were going for. Everyone loved our band, Memphis Soul, and raved about our carrot-cake from Quack’s Bakery!
Do you have any tips to share with other couples?
The reception moves so quickly! Take some time during it to pause and soak it all in!
A special thanks to the vendor team:
Wedding Planner: Elsie Event Co.
Ceremony: Good Shepherd Episcopal Church
Reception: The Grove Downtown
Florist: Westbank
Rentals: Whim
Ceremony Music: Gospel Stars
Reception Music: Memphis Soul
Cake: Lady Quackenbush
Cookies: Tiny Boxwoods
Hair& Makeup: Denise Vasquez & Propaganda
Transportation: Austin Charter