Father-of-the-Bride Themed Garden Wedding /// #TheHandsomeHowards /// Meredith + Anson, the full film

"Anson, you're one lucky guy"

Be prepared to be inspired by love. This magnolia-filled Southern garden wedding had more than enough laughter and love to fill up a landscape.  Over the course of the film, you'll discover why Anson is one lucky guy, how Meredith has 19 bridesmaids and even more treasured memories, and how a funny card with a picture of a bottle of tabasco sauce set their love story in motion. [vimeo]https://vimeo.com/117348990[/vimeo]

Soundtrack: "Love on the Run" by Kerry Muzzey ---licensing through Music Bed "Sweetness" by Dan Masquelier ---licensING through Creative Commons "It had to be You" by Frank Sinatra ---licensING through SongFreedom.com "Already There" by Josh Woodward ---licensING through Creative Commons "Opposites in Love" by The Speedbumps ---licensING through MusicBed.com "Mount Sol" by Afterlife Parade ---licensING through MusicBed.com "Diamond in a Coal Mine" by Holley Maher ---licensING through MusicBed.com "Tasting Sunshine" by The Rival ---licensING through MusicBed.com "In the Midst" by A New Normal --- licensING through MusicBed.com "How Sweet it Is to be Loved by You" by Marvin Gaye --- licensING through Songfreedom.com

The weekend began with a fantastic fall-themed rehearsal dinner at the Bay City Country Club. With deep roots in Texas, the father of the bride revealed that due to the wonderful people and enduring friendships that Matagorda County had provided to their family, he truly felt that "I wasn't born in Matagorda County, but I got here as quickly as I could."

 "He's a modern day version of John Wayne!"

On the day of the wedding, Anson and his groomsmen set out for a skeet shoot at Red Bluff Ranch.  Later, they dined on a hearty BBQ lunch at the ranch house, where Anson gifted each groomsman with custom monogrammed shotgun cases. Meanwhile, the ladies enjoyed a magnolia themed brunch with a live harpist playing classical music.  Each bridesmaid was presented with a pewter magnolia embossed tray, and Meredith was given a beautiful mirror-faceted box with letters from each friend, recounting her favorite memory with the bride.

Meredith's favorite movie growing up was "Father of the Bride," so naturally, she and her parents wanted to host Meredith's wedding in their family home! So, back at the bride's childhood home, Elizabeth Swift  and her fantastic crew from Swift + Company bustled in both the front and back gardens setting up every detail.  Magnolia leaf garlands stretched as far as the eye could see in all of the decor---from the circular bar that wrapped around Meredith's favorite live oak tree to the massive chandelier overhanging the acrylic dance floor that had been built just above the family swimming pool.

Later at the Bay City Country Club, Meredith shared a very sweet moment with her bridesmaids when she revealed her wedding dress to them for the first time---a couture dress inspired by her own design.

Something Borrowed, Something Blue

Special details and tokens were very important to Meredith and showcased in her bridal attire. She had a garter worn by many of her Kappa sorority sisters with each one's initials and wedding date embroidered around the edges in baby blue. Meredith also wore a 1945 British sixpence in her shoe that belonged to Anson's great grandfather, William Anson. He had moved from England to settle the Head of the River Ranch in Christoval, Texas, which is where Anson eventually proposed to Meredith.  Traditionally, a sixpence is a symbol that the couple will be blessed with love, happiness, and success.

 Oh, Happy Day!

Guests were greeted at cocktail hour during the wedding reception by the Choraleers and bountiful seafood buffets.  They mingled on the front lawn until the gates to the back gardens opened, and the Choraleers sang around them as they passed through the gates to the reception. The gorgeous cakes were positioned just inside the English manor house along with special photographs of the bride and groom.  Anson's cake was especially spectacular---a beautiful chocolate sculpture of his hunting dog, Gunner, in pursuit of quail perched on chocolate-sculpted trees.  Guests could treat themselves to a coffee bar while watching a slideshow of the newlyweds in their early years growing up with their familes.  Additionally, party attendees indulged in an enticing candy display featured in apothecary jars reminiscent of an old world pharmacy.  Outside, lavish buffets were positioned under each tent and along several garden pathways. Stockholm lanterns hung from the wild branches of live oak trees as they stretched toward the starry sky above, illuminating the festivities that ended a perfect day.

 Gratitude

Beyond every magical detail and meaningful moment, this is a story of gratitude:

Gratitude between friends for adventures shared at camp, boarding school, and college.

Gratitude between siblings for camaraderie and family tradition.

Gratitude between parents and children for a lifetime of love already lived.

Gratitude between a newly-married couple for adventures already had and for the lifetime to come.

Event Design & Production:   Elizabeth Copeland Swift, Swift + Company Event Planning:  Katy Priesler with Keely Thorne Events Photographer: Chris Bailey Videographer: Chris P. Jones & Kourtney Amelia Schopper, Mason Jar Films Artistic Director: Peter Duffney, Swift + Company Floral Design:  Wrey Wrest, Swift + Company Sanctuary and Bridal Floral Design: Yvonne Klein and Ester Gomez Caterer: Swift + Company Menu Coordinator:  Melissa Tramuto Fuentes, Swift + Company Bakery: Susie's Cakes Groom's cake: Finale by Glenna Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Bay City Country Club Rehearsal Dinner Entertainment: Lucky Strikes - Austin, TX Ceremony Venue:  First United Methodist Church Ceremony Performance: Divisi Strings Wedding Reception Venue: Private Estate Cocktail Entertainment: The Choraleers - Houston, TX Reception Entertainment Band: Simply Irresistible - Atlanta, GA Skeet Shooting Venue: Red Bluff Ranch Lighting: Lite Productions & Aztec Magnolia garlands: The Magnolia Company - Barberville, FL Transportation: Karr Transportation Getaway car: Jordan Limousine Dress: Casa De Novia Tuxes: Al's Formal Wear Watercolor "Save the Date" Artist: Inslee Haynes Fariss - New York, NY Calligrapher:  Maureen Vickery

Backyard Father-of-the-Bride Themed Wedding /// #TheHandsomeHowards /// Meredith + Anson, the intro

We have been excited to film this wedding ever since we met Meredith, the bride, in our offices on South Congress in Austin. On a golden afternoon, she sat on our couch with the sunlight in her hair and described to us what her wedding would be like in magical detail--dripping in magnolia garlands, filled with gratitude, and conducted in the place that she loved most--her childhood home. She told us about how special her parents and siblings are to her, and how much fun she and Anson, her groom, have while hunting--so much so, in fact, that the groom's cake was going to be a life-like chocolate-sculpted replica of Anson's hunting dog (Gunner!) going after some unsuspecting chocolate-carved quail. We couldn't wait to see the Marines' saber arch at the ceremony, the choraleers performing in front of her home at cocktail hour, or the boat-neck wedding dress which Meredith designed herself.  While at her rehearsal dinner, we learned during the speeches that her family even has their own vernacular:

fellowship:  (noun) a party, a gathering boppers:  (noun) a person of quality with whom anyone would love to spend time

Their wedding was most certainly a fellowship of boppers if ever we saw one!   Enjoy this introduction to their full film we are creating for them. This little sneak peek video we are sharing today is a highlight of Meredith's love for the movie 'Father of the Bride,' a feature of her own father's poetic story-telling, and a tribute to the future that #TheHandsomeHowards will share together.

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/108540656[/vimeo]

This gorgeous groom's cake was created by Finale by Glenna based in Houston.  Featuring a pointing hunting dog, it was surrounded by chocolate sculpted tree branches with quail perched all around.  The groomsmen were in such awe of the cake that they couldn't even fathom the idea of cutting into it!  Now, you know it's gorgeous if men are hesitant to take a knife to this cake. :)

The Proposal: "Our favorite thing to do together is hunting and spending time outdoors and drinking champagne! At Anson's Ranch in Christoval, Texas (The Head of the River Ranch), we were on a turkey hunt, and Anson slipped the ring into my glove!" --Meredith

Meredith also told us that she was most looking forward to showing her friends and family how wonderful Bay City is, and having the opportunity to give back to a town that has been so wonderful to her. She couldn't wait to see Anson in his Marine Uniform for the first time, and to show off her wedding dress to her friends since she designed it. She also couldn't wait to dance with all 19 of her bridesmaids to the amazing performances of Simply Irresistible Band, a party band so great that Meredith's family brought them to Texas all the way from Atlanta, Georgia!

Event Planning:  Katy Priesler with Keely Thorne Events Event Design & Production:   Elizabeth Copeland with Swift + Company Venue: Private Estate + First United Methodist Church Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Bay City Country Club Skeet Shooting Venue: Evan's Ranch Photographer: Chris Bailey Caterer: Swift + Company Events Bakery: Susie's Cakes Groom's cake: Finale by Glenna Band: Simply Irresistible Lighting: Lite Productions & Aztec Magnolia garlands: Magnolia Company Transportation: Karr Transportation Ceremony Performance: Divisi Strings Dress: Casa De Novia Tuxes: Al's Formal Wear

Lakeway Resort //// Let Love Grow //// Kate + Stephen, the full film

 "Let Love Grow"

When your favorite thing to do together is hang out at the lake, then Lakeway Resort is the perfect little spot to host a wedding celebration.  Looking out over the waters through walls made completely of glass, guests were treated to a panoramic view of the scenery even while indoors.  Kate, an easy going, organized, laid back bride, and Stephen, an outdoorsy, sweet, funny groom, were surrounded by doting grandparents and friends as they  danced their first dance in the Texas twilight.  Encouraging their guests to "let love grow," they gave away sweet little succulents as wedding favors. [vimeo]https://vimeo.com/103477535[/vimeo] 

The Proposal:

"Stephen proposed at a nice restaurant in Houston. We had been together for 4 years at the time, and he surprised me on a Thursday night when he took me to dinner downtown. He then drove me to the St. Regis hotel where both of our families were waiting. I had no clue they were all there!" --Kate, the bride One of our favorite moments from this wedding came when Stephen's eyes watered up with tears as he watched his beautiful bride walk down the aisle. The tables at Lakeway Resort were filled with beautiful family history pictures from other weddings in the family, and engagement pictures of Stephen and Kate. The groom's cake was a celebration of both Baylor University and University of Texas. The bride and groom incorporated other university traditions into their wedding, with their own "Dr. Pepper Hour," a Baylor tradition where the university serves free Dr. Pepper floats each week in their student union. Stephen and Kate had bottled Imperial Sugar Dr. Pepper there to mix with ice cream in Mason Jars. Yum! Wedding Planner: Samantha Rosenburg Wedding Photographer: Sarah Q Venue: Lakeway Resort 101 Lakeway Dr, Austin, TX 78734

Bullock State History Museum || #WhitParkedIt || Whitney + Parker, the full film

When Whitney met Parker, they were at a KA dance in college.  Parker asked Whitney to dance to "Fishin' in the Dark," and because he is an amazing swing dancer, not only was he surprised that she could keep up with him, but he found she was just as great of a dancer.   A few years later, Parker gave Whitney the same KA fraternity pin that his grandfather had used to pin his grandmother, and now, on their wedding day, they danced to "Fishin' in the Dark" for the first time as husband and wife.

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/103562408[/vimeo]

Arriving at the reception at the Bob Bullock Museum was like stepping into a peachy garden.  The front porch of the museum features a several story high copper star, and below that star was a bar and open seating under twinkling string lights.   Inside the foyer of the museum, guests were greeted by a towering cake by Simon Lee Bakery that proves that everything's bigger in Texas.  As a "homesick Texan" living in Nashville who is marrying a man from Georgia, this bride chose to incorporate all the things she loved about their state heritages in the wedding.  Desserts included peach macaroons and peach-filled empanadas, and there were even late night breakfast tacos!   Everyone agreed that the night was "Parker-perfect," a term the Gaston family has always used to describe how much they love to make sure things are all set up for those visits where Parker would travel to town while he and Whitney were dating.

Because Whitney comes from a house full of ladies, they have a family joke about "Roadkill" with Whitney's dad.  In addition to a groom's cake, they had a cake dedicated to the father of the bride that was a funny twist on the Steel Magnolias armadillo.

As they prepped for the day, the bride and all of the bridesmaids wore authentic, hand-embroidered dresses from San Antonio's famous downtown import market to celebrate the bride's family's San Antonio roots.   Whitney told us that she and her sisters basically "lived in these dresses during the summers" as she was growing up.

Whitney's dress featured a stunning monogram of her maiden initial and her married initial on each side of her dress.  Paired with Kate Spade ballet flats, Whitney's gown was perfectly designed for high-intensity dancing on the dance floor.   Whitney told us that she was looking forward to walking down the aisle in the church she grew up in and in the presence of people who have known her for years (shout out to her family's supper club!), but she was also looking forward to just dancing the night away with Parker.

Here's the proposal story from the bride:

"Parker just graduated from medical school this May (woohoo!), but back in September when we got engaged, Parker was in between orthopedic surgery rotations at various hospitals across the country. I always knew I wanted to marry Parker, but I didn't think a proposal was coming any time in the near future; so, we had never had a serious conversation about it.

Before starting his away rotation at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Parker came through Atlanta (where I was living) for the weekend. He told me that he wanted to take me to a special dinner before he was in Texas for the next month. He knew I was excited about the "Girl with a Pearl Earring" exhibit that was at the High Museum in Atlanta.    I have always loved art, and two summers before, I had dragged him through art museums all across Europe.  So, he called to tell me that his uncle had tickets to a private viewing of the exhibit that he couldn't use, and he had offered them to us.  His uncle had been on the board of the museum, so although this was a special treat, it didn't raise a red flag.

I got off late from work, and despite getting ready in 10 minutes, I was still late. Parker was visibly anxious (he has always hated being late and hates not fulfilling a commitment, in this situation, not making our allotted "window" of time at the museum that his uncle had given us), so again, this didn't raise a red flag.  When we arrived at the museum, a docent led us to the exhibit and Parker and I had the whole floor to ourselves.   He dragged me through the exhibit (skipping unbelievable Rembrandt paintings, etc.) but I attributed it to running so late.  When we got to the room with "The Girl with the Pearl Earring" I walked up to the painting to look at it more closely. I realized Parker wasn't standing next to me and turned around and he was on one knee. I was so shocked I could hardly say "yes" when Parker proposed.

After we left the museum we went to dinner at Capital Grill, where the hostess lead us to a private dining room, and both of our families were there to surprise me! I was surprised all over again and burst into tears!

It was so special that Parker proposed in such a beautiful place and that we had that private moment, but I also loved that my family was there; we are so close and I can't imagine not sharing those memories with them."  --Whitney

We're so thrilled and grateful to have had the opportunity to serve Whitney and Parker as their wedding videographers, and we look forward to what life has to offer to the two of them.  They are obviously people who bring a special presence and love to their community of family and friends.

Reception Venue: Bob Bullock State History Museum 1800 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701    (512) 936-4618 Ceremony Venue: Good Shepherd Episcopal Church 3201 Windsor Road  Austin, Texas 78703   512.476.3523 Event Planning + Design:  Brock + Co. Events – Becky Brock Videographer:  Mason Jar Films Photographer:  Jennifer Lindberg Weddings Floral: Westbank Flowers Lounge/décor:   Townsley Designs Lighting + AV:  FILO Rentals & Linens:  Marquee Ice sculpture:  Full Spectrum Ceremony music:  Hill Country Strings Ceremony soloist:  Julia Ward Cocktail hour Entertainment:  Mike Clifford Reception Band:   Pure Party Band Buses/ getaway car:  Transportation Consultants Surprise Fireworks:  Wolf Stuntworks

Bride's Shoes: Kate Spade Makeup: Face Kandy ATX Makeup: Christy Edlin Hair: Laura Wyrtzen + assistant

Barton Creek || #endlesssummers || Lauren + Michael, the full film

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"She will take your breath away." 

Although we have many favorite moments from Lauren and Michael's wedding video, one of our favorites came just before the ceremony began.   As family and friends began to gather under the gilded mahogany beams of Central Christian Church,  the father of the bride went to see his only daughter in her wedding dress for the first time.  His reaction was one of awe as he beheld Lauren, glamorous and radiant.   Her beauty and kindness seemed to fill the room with light. As everyone held their breath to see if he would cry, he managed to hold it in until after he had walked over and hugged her.  His eyes began to fill with happy tears as he gave her a wink of assurance.  Although it may seem so short, to us, that tiny wink communicates a  world of things - joy, approval, and a deep bond of love that is shared between father and daughter. He went to the groom immediately and told him  "I'm not prejudiced, but I'm telling you right now that she is stunning. She will take your breath away."

wedding video package memory tin

Soundtrack: "All Things Big And Small" by Sara Swenson "Soul Birds" by Ryan Taubert

Lauren's dad was not the only one to express so much joy on the wedding day --  happy tears were shed all around, and the dancing at the reception painted permanent smiles on our faces, it was so much fun.    Lauren & Michael were both so effusive in their displays of joy, and their tenderness toward each other and their families.  Tender and wild with joy, this wedding re-defines what it means to have a celebration.

The wedding day began for the groom at Omni Barton Creek Resort  with straight shaves provided by Shed Austin.  They were able to set up all the necessary accessories for a straight shave right there on site so that all the groomsmen could have a relaxing, clean cut grooming experience.

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Austin Central Christian Church is a historic location in Austin, and in addition to having some of the most beautiful architecture, it is also filled with some very adorable hand-painted landscapes.  I included this one from the groom's prep room in the edit because I think Wes Anderson would not have neglected to film it, either:

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Lauren wore a knock-out gorgeous cocktail ring custom-made by Erickson Beamon that matched her earrings, and her "Mara" gown by Vera Wang featured very sleek architectural detail on the bodice with an elegant, minimal peplum cut at the waist.  Combined with her sweeping up-do, you can see why her dad said she was "stunning!"  

Becky Brock & Henry Uribe's design team converted the rustic foyer of the Barton Creek Ballroom into a magical indoor boxwood garden, complete with white-washed taxidermy, gold & navy adornments, and a beautiful mix of mercury glass, preppy geometric patterns, golden antlers, and fun snacks.

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Lauren & Michael are true Austinites --- they love spending time trying new Austin cuisine, spending time with friends, and being outdoors.  The food at their wedding reception reflected all these themes in their relationship--each item on the menu and decor vignette was designed to communicate the story of their lives--with buffet tables dedicated to Lauren's family homestead, the 4L Ranch, a foodie buffet-heaven of their favorite date-night ATX foods, a buffet filled with Michael's family recipes, and a lemonade bar with custom fruit infusions.    They also had a lounge set up next to the ballroom with a coffee bar styled to look like Michael's favorite coffee house in Nashville, and a "sweet shoppe" that gave out several types of cookies that were all special family recipes.  Many guests were happy to see Mamaw's and Dede's special cookies there.

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The proposal story:

Lauren went to Hilton Head for a girls trip to celebrate her 30th birthday.  On the very last day, the girls took Lauren to a spa day, and as far as Lauren knew, the plan was to hang out with her friends for a bit at a bar on the beach before dropping off one of the ladies at the airport.  When they arrived at the beach, they walk down a path to this "bar." Little did Lauren know, but there wasn't a bar anywhere in the vicinity.  Being completely oblivious, she took her time to enjoy the scenery, snapping some photos of the water.

As she was taking these photos, she suddenly saw Michael standing on the beach about 200 yards away. Instantly bursting into tears, she walked to where Michael stood, he got on one knee, and proposed.

As we have gotten to know Lauren and Michael, we have discovered that every pure, magical moment in their lives is also accompanied by something completely hilarious---during the proposal, Michael's brother, James, was hiding in the bushes on the beach to take pictures, but he was IN FULL CAMO.  So great, right? Lauren's friends discreetly drifted away and headed back to the beach house to give Michael and Lauren some time to sit on the beach and take in the moment.  When Michael returned Lauren to the beach house, she was greeted with yet ANOTHER suprise-  her entire family and Michael's entire family were there to celebrate the engagement, and Michael had organized all of this in secret!  She was completely surprised.   They all celebrated at the house that evening and enjoyed the company of their newly combined family and a fantastic chef-catered dinner that Lauren's father arranged.

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Ceremony Venue:  Central Christian Church 1110 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701       (512) 476-6941 Reception Venue & Caterer:  Omni Resort - Barton Creek  Country Club 8212 Barton Club Dr, Austin, TX 78735   (512) 329-4000 Event Design & Coordinator: Brock & Co. - Becky Brock & Henry Uribe Wedding Photographer: Kathryn Krueger Florist: Westbank Flower Market Cake: Aunt Gale Ceremony Music: Hill Country Strings Reception Band: In10City Lounge/Decor: Townsley Designs Rentals: Marquee Rentals Buses: Transportation Consultants

Bride's Gown Designer: The "Mara" gown by Vera Wang Shaves: Chris & Michael from Shed Austin Makeup: Lauren from Rae Cosmetics Hair: Johna from Mirror Mirror All musical tracks licensed through The Music Bed