Escondido Horseshoe Bay || #JustHooked || Kailey + Travis, the full film

Driving out to Horseshoe Bay, the developments around the city of Austin begin to fade away to untouched hill country densely covered in trees and low shrubs. There, amidst the deer and the armadillos, the sleepy retreat of Horseshoe Bay emerges as the road rises to meet the lake.   It was in this beautiful hidden garden area of Texas that Kailey and Travis chose to spend their wedding weekend with family and friends.   Pulling away from distractions, focusing on the ones they loved dearly, they gathered at Escondido, which is spanish for "hidden," where they could share their hearts and their love in a joyous celebration.  Enjoy their full film:

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/105481475[/vimeo]

Soundtrack licensed through The Music Bed "Oh My My" by Act As If "Love On The Run" by Kerry Muzzey "Little Bit" by Perrin Lamb "Celeste" by Les Enfants "Just You" by Amy Stroup "Still Here" by Kerry Muzzey

Kailey wore her sister's wedding veil for the ceremony. The classic getaway car belongs to Kailey's grandfather and was outfitted with a special backplate for the occasion that read "Just Hooked!"

We owe a big thank you to many people -- to Kailey and Travis for allowing us to create this heirloom film for them, to Kailey's father for allowing us to film him while he worked on something as important as his wedding speech, to Kailey's mother for telling us where he had hidden himself to write the speech, to Cristen Meehan and the entire design team and vendors who worked with Kennedy Weddings for creating such a gorgeous setting.  Lastly, we want to thank Kailey and Travis' family and friends for opening your hearts and letting your joy overflow--these are the moments and images that will stand as testimony to the beauty of Kailey and Travis' love --not just through our film, but through your love and support toward them as they journey through the rest of their days together.  We wish you all much joy and many great games of golf.

Ceremony & Reception Venue: 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

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

Escondido Golf and Lake Club | "High Expectations" - Lindsay + Steven, the full film

If I could sum up Lindsey and Steven's wedding video in one word, that word would be "adoration."  Every moment is filled with meaningful facial expressions and stories that show how much this group adores each other.   Those moments of sincerity--as Lindsay's mom talks about picking out her dress, as her father gives a speech expressing hope, and as Steven beams with smiles during the first dance--those moments are filled with pure love.

wedding video package heirloom

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Not many of our films have cameo appearances made by a dinosaur.  In fact, only this one does.  Apparently, one of the bridesmaid's young daughters was a little distraught to not be along for the day with her mother, and so the entire group of bridesmaids were consoling her by taking her plastic toy dinosaur on an adventure, and texting pictures back all day long.  Like the gnome in the movie Amelie, P. Rex had quite an adventure at Lindsay and Steven's event, but you'll have to watch the film to find out what he was up to before the wedding.

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Steven's family and friends had quite an adventure themselves, too.  Traveling all the way from Canada, many of them experienced Texas for the first time, and I'm glad that Austin and the hill country where Escondido rests was their first taste of Texas. Escondido is gorgeous, in rain or sunshine, and we definitely had both on the wedding day! 

Lindsay wore a stunning beaded lace wedding gown with a scalloped edging, and her cathedral length veil had lace trim as well.  Her 'something old' and 'something borrowed' was the same item--a gorgeous bracelet that her father had given to her mother.  

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As the party carried into the night, fresh cigars were being hand-rolled right there on site next to a toasty fire pit on the back porch.  Guests who weren't dancing out on the dance floor set up on the golf green could relax in the rocking chairs surrounding the fire.

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While their wedding cake was very classical, with tiers of white scrollwork and blue ribbon, Lindsay & Steven also had a pretty unique groom's cake.  It was topped by two little elephants leaning back and enjoying margaritas in a tropical paradise.  Well, let's be honest, what little elephant wouldn't enjoy living on an island made of of chocolate-covered strawberries?

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The song we selected to end their film is definitely a favorite of mine--called "Fly On" by Humming House, it reminds me of Mumford and Sons with its soaring melody, folksy instrumentation, driving drum beat, and echoing chorus of singers that gives the song a bigger feel.  The father of the bride ended his toast by talking about all of the people that would be there to support Lindsay and Steven, and I felt like this song both reflected that community of hopeful people, and it also fit the style of their first dance during the wedding reception.

Lastly, It was only fitting that a wedding day filled with showtunes, panoramic views of the hill country, dinosaurs, live string players, and rocking out under the stars would end with a bang--specifically, fireworks! As Lindsay and Steven drove their getaway golf cart through a sea of friends holding sparklers, Lindsay's dad had one last surprise set up for them--the driveway was lined with pyrotechnics that made everyone ooh and ahh.  What a great way to end a party, and to start a new family!  Congrats to Lindsay and Steven!

-kourtney amelia

Event Design & Coordination:

DFW Events

Reception:

Escondido Golf And Lake Club

Chargers:

POSH Couture Rentals

Officiant: Father Ruben Patino

Musicians:

Dallas String Quartet

Soloist: Addison Myrick (who also happens to be a local ATX photographer)

Photographer:

Jennifer Lindberg Weddings

Videographer: Mason Jar Films

Band:

Suede Austin

Florist:

Petal Pushers

Lighting:

Groove Labs

Cakes:

The Cake Plate

Hair and Make-up:

Rae Cosmetics

Cigar Roller:

BOBALU CIGAR COMPANY

Whiskey Tasting:

Rebecca Creek Whiskey

Music by Humming House 

Licensed through The Music Bed

Escondido Golf & Lake Club | "My Loving Arms Are For You" - Lindsay & Steven, the preview

Lindsay is an avid athlete and award-winning UT Longhorn swimmer--and Steven, her aggie husband, brought many Canadians from his side of the wedding party down to Texas.  The bride told us that they love to spend time on the lake, go bowling, and running together. 

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Lindsay also described herself as traditional and told us that Steven is laid back.  After attending their wedding, we can tell this is totally true about them. Everything from the location, decor, and the activities at their wedding reflected this dichotomy between them--including their sweet passion.  You can see from the footage of their first dance that although Steven claims to be shy, he doesn't hold back the smiles when it comes to looking into the eyes of his bride.

Jones and I happily packed up our gear to head out to Lindsay & Steven's wedding at the gorgeous Escondido Golf and Lake Club.  It's been almost a year since we filmed Sidni & Jay's wedding there, and just over six months since filming Laura and Marcus. (Both of those weddings still make me cry when I watch them!)

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We were so excited to be teaming up with the folks at DFW Events and Petal Pushers for this event--The ladies at DFW Events know how to keep a party alive and they're so organized and friendly.  Also, Petal pushers always stuns us with their heady, romantic displays that should be considered more art than arrangement.

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The day started out bright and full of sunshine with 0% chance of rain.  Zero.  Although that changed as soon as the ceremony began, the ceremony continued under a light shower.  As Lindsay's dad gave her away to her groom, Steven, he whispered, "she's spent all this time in the water, so why not now?"  They laughed, and although the clouds hovered nearby, the rain couldn't keep the happy spirit of this family down.   After the ceremony, cocktail hour was held on the back balcony of the Club house, and the Dallas String Quartet continued performing while the food was being laid out onto the buffet.  A cute little guest entertained everyone around him while pretending to be the conductor of the quartet--even the violinists were cracking grins.

dallas string quartet horseshoe bay wedding video pic

escondido catering

 Quail was a meat option....Quail! Yum!

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Steven and Lindsay danced their first dance to a song by a Texas band--Green River Ordinance--called "Dancing Shoes."  There's a lyric in the song that says:

Forget about all the things that

We can't make right

Put on a little Emmyloo

And we'll dance into the night

Singing, hold my loving arms

My loving arms are for you

All we need is time, honey

all we need is time

And they did dance into the night.   The band Suede from Austin entertained the crowd of Canadians and Americans late into the night, ending with a powerful rendition of "God Bless Texas" and "Don't Stop Believin" 

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The officiant  (Father Ruben Patino) began the ceremony with a description of why marriage is sacred, and how Lindsay and Steven's marriage is supposed to be a reflection of love that guides those who witness it toward having more love in their own lives.  Lindsay and Steven, thank you for the reminder that no matter how plans go "all you need is time."  Time with friends, with family, and forever with each other.

-kourtney amelia

Reception:

Escondido Golf And Lake Club

Chargers:

POSH Couture Rentals

Officiant: Father Ruben Patino

Musicians:

Dallas String Quartet

Soloist: Addison Myrick (who also happens to be a local ATX photographer)

Photographer:

Jennifer Lindberg Weddings

Videographer: Mason Jar Films

Band:

Suede Austin

Florist:

Petal Pushers

Lighting:

Groove Labs

Cakes:

The Cake Plate

Hair and Make-up:

Rae Cosmetics

Cigar Roller:

BOBALU CIGAR COMPANY

Whiskey Tasting:

Rebecca Creek Whiskey

Music by Humming House

Licensed through The Music Bed

Escondido /// You Have My Heart For The Rest Of Our Lives /// Laura + Marcus, the full Heirloom film

Marcus and Laura travelled from the Dallas area to the hill country of Austin for their wedding celebration. If you haven't seen our first post about their wedding, you're welcome to check out here.  Marcus' older brother performed the ceremony, and he told Laura that she should know how much she was loved by Marcus--as a golf enthusiast, it was a big sacrifice to miss the tournament that was happening that weekend.  We could tell he wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else, though--as soon as Marcus saw Laura, he was enraptured with her from the start.

Laura had a neat little surprise for Marcus, though--Check out this groom's cake!

escondido groom cake golf sport

Can we just say this is the cutest use of cake balls that we've ever seen?  Nice work!

One of their dear friends sang in the ceremony, and it seemed to be a fitting way to begin their film.  Their day began very quiet and reserved as the rain came down outside--and the amazing team at DFW events and Escondido Golf Club were on the spot with a rain plan to sheild the reception under a tent and bring the ceremony indoors.  The indoor location for the ceremony was no let-down, though--it was a cathedral style room with a large fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out across the green landscape--so plenty of outdoor light still fell on the family as they gathered to watch Marcus and Laura say 'I do.'

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The party cranked up afterwards with Top, a band from DFW. The family put out a super cute sign encouraging girls to ditch their high heels for flip flops and have a good time.   The glow-sticks came out about 10 o'clock, and some very creative guests created some crazy glow-hats like we've never seen before.

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"You have my heart for the rest of our lives"

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Editor's note:

One of my favorite moments in this film comes as Laura was getting ready.  Marcus had written her a note, and he agreed to read it out loud for us to add as a voice-over narration for the moments where Laura prepared to walk down the aisle.  I also used the narration to finish the film.  While I love using officiant narration for our films, I think that using the voice of the bride and groom resonates so strongly in the story.  It is my hope that when Laura and Marcus sit together watching this film as they grow older that they would continue to not only reflect on the love they shared that day while hearing each other's voice, but that they would continue to be encouraged and strengthened to love each other with confidence and purpose as they move forward.  I want Laura and Marcus to see the faces of the people who have loved them so well--parents, siblings, friends--and be refreshed as they remember being loved with such kindness by so many people.   I also want their children to grow up watching this film and hearing how fiercely and tenderly their father spoke about his love for their mother, and for that example of love to be passed down for generations as they share this story with their kids and grandkids.   That's one of the reasons I love filmmaking--photographs are meant to be studied in-depth and at length, but films can help you re-live not just the sights, but also the sounds of these important moments.

I can't forget to mention that the slo-mo of Laura and Marcus running through their line of friends during the sparkler exit has me in tears every time I watch it, especially when Laura hugs her bridesmaid & then Marcus hugs his father-in-law and you can see him mouthing the words "thank you."

-Kourtney Amelia

Visit Escondido:

9090 Farm to Market 2147

Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657

(830) 598-6311

Event Planning and Design: DFW Events Ceremony and Reception: Escondido Photography: Taylor Lord Makeup: Rochelle Rae Reception Entertainment: Top Floral: Petal Pushers Lighting: FILO Bride's Cake: Cocoa Paloma Desserts Groom's Cake: Creme de la Cookie Linens: BBJ Rentals: Outback Rentals Ceremony Sound: Groove Labs Cocktail Musician: Danny Shoemaker Transportation: R&R Limousine and Bus