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

Barton Creek Resort Wedding //// Napa Elegance //// Samantha + Brennan, the intro

"To Truly Love and To Be Loved"

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/109892359[/vimeo]

"Tonight"  by Secret Nation musical track licensing provided by The Music Bed

It's hard to believe that there could be a better  way for two wine aficionados to celebrate their wedding than by sharing some of their favorite things with their favorite people.   Samantha & Brennan savored their wedding by transporting the elegance and intimacy of Napa to the comforts of the Texas Hill Country--with a lakeside ceremony that took place on an acrylic stage positioned just over the bride's parents' home's infinity pool, and a reception in a glass-walled cathedral at Barton Creek Resort.  Both locations offered stunning views of the lake and the hills, with all the intimacy of a private celebration.

The couple was given special box of wines that were each etched with the year they will open the wine in the future, and guests filled this box with encouragement notes and messages that were also dated for the future anniversary when they wanted Samantha and Brennan to read their letter.

Along with the stunning displays of roses, natural woods, and acrylics all impeccably designed by the talented team lead by Gina at The Whitt Experience, guests were treated to a whiskey bar, fine cigars, and a variety of wines all laid out for tasting at each individual place setting at the tables.   Their tablescapes included whitewashed chairs and ivory miramar linens coupled with mink sea sponge chargers, and the bridal party sat at 8' fruitwood farm tables with Monaco Jacquard napkins.

Samantha and Brennan left their wedding ceremony to a parade line of gold, glittery confetti.  We love the way it sparkled in the sunlight!  It was truly a joyous, festive party filled with smiles and deep laughter.

Samantha and Brennan,

We wish you all the best, and we can't wait to share your full-length film with you!

Love,

The Mason Jar Team

Reception Venue and Catering: Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa Austin 8212 Barton Club Dr, Austin, TX 78735    (512) 329-4000 Coordinator: Gina Whittington from The Whitt Experience Photographer:  Diana M. Lott Photography Floral: Wendee Sawran Reception Entertainment:  Matt Wilson Band, Reception DJ:  Penguin Entertainment, Ceremony Music:  Barton Strings Reception Rentals: Marquee Rents Decor:  Townsley Designs Ceremony Rentals: Whim Hospitality Ceremony Catering: Ben Petko Linens/Chargers: BBJ Linens

Makeup: Face Kandy ATX Hair Stylist: Hair Barr Transportation:  Transportation Consultants Lighting:  Ilios Lighting

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

Rhode Island Kay Chapel Wedding /// To the Moon and Back /// Kristel + Austin, the full film

"I love you to the moon and back"

Taken from the words of her favorite childhood book, Kristel and Austin felt that this phrase was the best theme for their wedding as a way to express to all of their friends and family the depths of their love.  Austin met Kristel while he was rooming with her twin brother in college.  While he quickly won her heart, their  love was tested through 6 years of long distance relating.  Throughout the wedding weekend, we heard their friends and family repeat a familiar theme as they spoke about Austin and Kristel-- what tied them together through that long journey of courtship was the strength of their love for each other and their love for making the lives of their friends and families better.   As Kristel's brother so poignantly said: finding love isn't like finding $20 on the ground--it takes a thousand acts of bravery and and a thousand victories over the course of time.

Now, that is worth celebrating.   Enjoy their full film below!

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/106278942[/vimeo] musical soundtrack licensed through The Music Bed or Creative Commons: "Devote" by Monako Davis "Border Blaster (Instrumental)" by Josh Woodward "Love You Strongly" by Amy Stroup "That Kid..." by Chris Zabriskie "Walk in Season" by Kelly Latimore

For this Texan filmmaker, traveling to Rhode Island in the middle of the flaming hot Texas summer was like a ticket to paradise--every blade of grass in Newport was the most vivid shade of green, bunnies roamed unafraid across the lawns of the mansions on Bellevue Avenue, and the quiet roar of the ocean  was so calming as the waves gently kissed the shore and yachts gracefully made their way in and out of the port each morning.  Newport is certainly a perfect location to gather for a celebration!

Both the rehearsal dinner and reception were held at Castle Hill Inn which faces the sunset.  On the wedding day, #teamrago (lead by Michelle Rago) were out early preparing the reception site, while Kristel and her bridesmaids prepped in an upstairs cottage overlooking both the reception lawn and the harbor.

With yellow and navy as the guiding colors, a gorgeous and very fragrant assortment of florals graced each table and surface--daisies, sunflowers, hydrangeas, and more!

Ringbearer and bridesmaid--joking around just before the ceremony.  The bridesmaids wore classic, navy tea-length a-line dresses with pearls and a beautiful variety of repurposed antique earrings.

The reception began on the lawn with fruit-infused specialty lemonade varieties and "dark and stormy" signature Newport cocktails.  Guests were able to play rounds of lawn games like corn hole and croquet, wander to a canopied cigar lounge, sit and listen to a string quartet, and watch the boats as they slid silently across the water.

Kristel and Austin,

Congratulations on this next step in your journey through life together.  You are truly beautiful people with an inspiring story, and we can't wait to see more of the wonderful things you bring to the world with the light of your love.  Here's to many thousands of victories in your future!

love, Mason Jar

Planning & Design: Michelle Rago Destinations Confections & Cake:  Marie Soliday Decor: Stone Kelly Events Music & Entertainers: Vali Entertainment Venue: Castle Hill Inn Wedding Photographer: Brian Dorsey Studios Transportation: Rockstar Limo Wedding Videographer: Mason Jar Films Hotel:  Hotel Viking

Barton Creek Resort Wedding /// That's a cake!?!?! /// Kathryn + Hunter, the preview

It's not very often that we start telling you about a couple by describing their cake, but when it comes to Kathryn and Hunter, who are both Aggies, huge fans of cake, and totally committed to wowing each other with surprises, well, then, the cake is almost as perfect a symbol of their relationship as the wedding rings! We've seen Aggie cakes before.  We've seen Field Cakes before.  ....but we've never seen a cake like this one.  It was so amazingly large and ornate that when Hunter, the groom, first saw it after the wedding ceremony, he exclaimed incredulously, "that's a cake!?!?!" This groom's cake was a perfect model of the new Kyle Field that is currently under construction, and it was so large that it filled up almost a whole wing of the Barton Creek Resort Ballroom, and the rest of the room was filled with wonder, awe, and of course, lots of laughter.  All of the Texas A&M fans in attendance beamed with pride when they saw it!

Enjoy Kathryn & Hunter's preview to their full wedding film:

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/104021088[/vimeo] "I love you, I do" by Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors; Licensed through The Music Bed

Barton Creek Resort, where the wedding was held, sits perfectly nestled on the edge of the capital city of Austin and the rolling hill country that lies to the west of this Texas metropolis. The suites have a lovely view of one of the greenest areas in Texas, and that's where Kathryn got ready with her bridesmaids and family on the wedding day.

The Proposal:

"On a Tuesday in December I decided I wanted to get my very own Christmas tree to have in my apartment where I lived alone. I expressed my interest to Hunter and he was a bit overly excited about this idea.  So, later that night we got a Christmas tree and I decorated it with gold and silver stars.  After placing what I thought was the final ornament, Hunter handed me a little stocking and said there was one more for me to hang. I glanced down at the stocking to see a brown box. Hunter took the box out of the stocking got down on one knee and asked me to marry him!" --Kathryn

Wedding Coordinator: Samantha Rosenberg Ceremony & Reception Venue: Barton Creek Country Club Band: Matchmaker Band Cake: Bride's Table Ceremony Musicians: Monte Vista Strings Favors: Tiff's Treats Florist: Westbank Flower Market Hair: Jen Hoover; Adore Salon Iron Cross Rental: Mancino Iron Rentals Makeup: Denise Vasquez Officiant: Mac Richard Photo Booth: Live Oak Photo Booth Rentals: Monarch Event Rentals Lighting/Stage/Drapery: Strong Events Transportation: Transportation Consultants Wedding Photographer: Jennifer Lindberg Wedding Videographer: Mason Jar Films