Rhode Island Castle Hill Inn /// To the Moon and Back /// Kristel + Austin, the intro

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"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.  The night of the rehearsal dinner, as their guests gathered on the edge of the ocean where Castle Hill Inn sits nestled on the hills, they watched the sunset, cheered on the traditional clambake reveal, and listened to the story of Austin and Kristel.

Sometimes, the story of how a couple meets is just an introduction to the story of how they learned to love one another.   These love birds have been pursuing one another's hearts for the past 6 years, and their wedding weekend was truly a celebration of their joy.  Every detail was a reflection of their love: home-made banners featuring hand-drawn cards from Kristel's students to signature Newport-themed cocktails (the "dark and stormy").  Even Kristel's toenail polish was "clambake red!" :)

Enjoy this introduction to their full film, which is in the works as we speak:

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/101669150[/vimeo] musical soundtrack by: Monako Davis and licensed through The Music Bed

Rather than have the wedding in one of their hometowns, Kristel and Austin decided to plane their event in a location where the guests'  sole focus for could be spending time together to celebrate.  The city of Newport, Rhode Island is a coastal town with plenty to keep one entertained.  There's a bustling downtown area with some of Kristel & Austin's favorite coffee shops and seafood spots.  One could also explore Bellevue Avenue and tour any of the mansions seen there.

michelle rago destination wedding rhode island stone kelly event photo 25 michelle rago destination wedding rhode island stone kelly event photo 27 michelle rago destination wedding rhode island stone kelly event photo 32 michelle rago destination wedding rhode island stone kelly event photo 33Both the rehearsal dinner and reception were held at Castle Hill Inn, which faces the sunset.  At the rehearsal dinner, Michelle Rago's powerhouse team (affectionately called #teamrago) had set up the lawn with stunning buffets of treats, adirondack chairs, outdoor lounges, and a s'mores station for later in the night.  A wandering minstrel from Vali Entertainment softly crooned as the families dug into a delicious lobster dinner under the twinkling strands of lights strung from the large oak trees.

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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.  michelle rago destination wedding rhode island stone kelly event photo 96

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

Rustic Wedding at The Orchard || #becomingabeneski || Tyler + David, the full film

stefanie miles event ft worth rustic wedding photo 25When Tyler and David met in middle school, they probably never imagined that their once a month, adult-chaperoned dates to the mall would end up here almost a decade later--with a crowd of doting grandparents, family and friends all speaking words of tribute to their steadfastness and to the maturity of their love.   Even David's brother remarked that the real reason their friends "set them up" together was because they both happened to be short (which neither of them are now).

Because it's not how you start in a relationship--it's how you grow.

As you watch their film, we hope you enjoy the emotional speech given by Tyler's father, the nostalgic, romantic design created by planner Stefanie Miles, and Tyler & David's seriously sweet first look before the ceremony.

wedding video package memory tin[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/98161328[/vimeo] Musical Soundtrack: Instrumental version of  "The Last Piece of Pecan Pie" by Josh Woodward, licensed through Creative Commons "Forever Like That" by Ben Rector,  licensed through The Music Bed "Best Day of Your Life" by Katie Herzig, licensed through The Music Bed

stefanie miles event ft worth rustic wedding photo 02Warm and gentle, the sun filtered through the leaves of the wild oaks scattered throughout the lawn of the Orchard in Azle, TX as David waited to see Tyler for the first time.   When he finally saw her, he hugged his bride so tightly and whispered into her ear, "I'm gonna kiss all your makeup off!"

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stefanie miles event ft worth rustic wedding photo 07stefanie miles event ft worth rustic wedding photo 01Father of the bride dancing with his daughter.

stefanie miles event ft worth rustic wedding photo 03 stefanie miles event ft worth rustic wedding photo 09We simply love this gorgeous "Just Married" sign for the back of their classic getaway car, a 1941 Packard.  The typography style has a very 1940s or 1950s illustrative feel to it.

stefanie miles event ft worth rustic wedding photo 14The bridesmaids all wore blushing tints of pinks and greens in cocktail length dresses for this garden-themed outdoor wedding.

stefanie miles event ft worth rustic wedding photo 15All kinds of mint lemonades and refreshing drinks were available to drink as guests gathered for the ceremony on the lawn.

stefanie miles event ft worth rustic wedding photo 19 stefanie miles event ft worth rustic wedding photo 20This hesitant little ring bearer stole everyone's hearts with this move!  Don't fret, all this tiny gentleman needed was a guiding hand, and he happily walked down the rest of the aisle.

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stefanie miles event ft worth rustic wedding photo 38 stefanie miles event ft worth rustic wedding photo 30One of the highlights of the evening was a very rambunctious toast from the bridesmaids. Their hip-hop styled speech was set to the tune of the "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" and told the love story from beginning to end: from the awkward moment Tyler and David met in middle school all the way to David's proposal at the beach! The girls also boldly busted some crazy dance moves that had the crowd roaring!

stefanie miles event ft worth rustic wedding photo 36WEDDING VENDORS: Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Orchard 100 Orchard Ln, Azle, TX 76020 (817) 270-4555 Event Planning + Design:  Stefanie Miles Videographer:  Mason Jar Films Photographer: Ryan Ray Photography Floral: Bows & Arrows Cakes: Cakewalk Late Night Desserts: Melt Ice Creams Catering: Tastefully Yours Officiant: Drew Sherman Rentals: Posh Couture Rentals, Classic Event Rentals, Suite 206 Rentals Lounge/décor: AFR Furniture Rentals Styling: Perch Decor Linens: La Tavola and BBJ Linens Ceremony music: Vocalist Heidi Roush Reception Entertainment: Colby with Astounding Sounds Additional Team: Dovetail Logistics Getaway car: 1941 Packard provided by My Vintage Limo Illustration, Lettering & Calligraphy: Julie Song Ink on Etsy Hair & Makeup: Amy Clarke

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We've been featured! Rustic Lake-side Wedding || Once In A Lifetime

[pix_dropcap]W[/pix_dropcap]hat an honor!  An online German bridal magazine (similar to Style Me Pretty) has featured Kellye & Dustin's wedding video & story as an example of true romance.  Who could argue with that when they see that these childhood sweethearts exchanged personalized vows like these?

"I promise to kiss you

first thing each morning,

and last thing each evening,

so long as we both shall live."

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romantische hochzeit in texas hochzeitvideos rustikale gartendeko 2

Click here to see the perfect rustic wedding photos that Genya from Vue Photography took at the event.  The famed Tara Wilson (who has been featured on morning shows like the TODAY show and manymore!) of Tara Wilson Events coordinated and designed this backyard soirée.

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romantische hochzeit in texas hochzeitvideos rustikale gartendeko

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Private Home

Event Design, Styling & Coordination: Tara Wilson & Lee Anne Jackson of Tara Wilson Events

Photographer: Vue Photography Catering: Sissy's Southern Kitchen

Florist: Branching Out

Reception Band: The Good Nights

Cake: Cake Walk Bake Shop

paper goods: Blue Eye Brown Eye

Bride's Dress: Monique Lhuillier

Bride's Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Possum Kingdom Lake || Once In A Lifetime || Kellye + Dustin; the full film

The story of Kellye and Dustin is absolutely precious.  They've known each other their entire lives, and grew up near each other as next-door neighbors.  When we witnessed their wedding day, we walked away with certain stories echoing in our minds:  this is a family and a couple that truly delights in showing affection toward each other, and that is what we tried to capture in this film. 

"I promise to kiss you

first thing each morning,

and last thing each evening,

so long as we both shall live."

From the relaxed atmosphere with dogs roaming around to the luscious cocktails and food spread, Dustin & Kellye's day was full of fun stories, smiling conversations, and sassy dancing late into the night.  We'll never forget Kellye's expressive kindness to everyone that she saw, or the way she choked up during their (incredibly) unique vows.  

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Tara Wilson modern rustic possum kingdom wedding video photos 07
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Tara Wilson modern rustic possum kingdom wedding video photos 03

If you haven't read our introduction to Dustin & Kellye, read about their modern eclectic backyard wedding here.   Also, click here to see the perfect rustic wedding photos that Genya from Vue Photography took at the event.  Genya and her husband are a photography team duo, and they were such a treat to work alongside.  They're based in Atlanta, Georgia, so we enjoyed their southern charm.

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Tara Wilson modern rustic possum kingdom wedding video photos 14
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Tara Wilson modern rustic possum kingdom wedding video photos 22
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Tara Wilson modern rustic possum kingdom wedding video photos 24
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Tara Wilson modern rustic possum kingdom wedding video photos 28
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Tara Wilson modern rustic possum kingdom wedding video photos 31
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Tara Wilson modern rustic possum kingdom wedding video photos 39

Austin-based band The Good Nights really helped to set the tone for the film with their performances of their original tunes (they also have a band called The Roosevelts, and two of the songs in Kellye & Dustin's film are going to be on their new album this next year).  So, you are getting the sneak peek here!

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Tara Wilson modern rustic possum kingdom wedding video photos 10

The famed Tara Wilson (who has been featured on morning shows like the TODAY show and manymore!) of Tara Wilson Events coordinated and designed this backyard soirée--complete with an indoor furniture lounge set up out doors, reversed magnolia leaf garlands, and a large grey & white striped background for the dance floor. Guests were also treated to jalapeno cocktails, chicken-fried steak, and fried okra strips from Sissy's Southern Kitchen.  

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Tara Wilson modern rustic possum kingdom wedding video photos 42
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Tara Wilson modern rustic possum kingdom wedding video photos 40
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Tara Wilson modern rustic possum kingdom wedding video photos 44
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Tara Wilson modern rustic possum kingdom wedding video photos 46
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Tara Wilson modern rustic possum kingdom wedding video photos 59
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Tara Wilson modern rustic possum kingdom wedding video photos 73

Perhaps our favorite part of the film is the moment at the end where Kellye tears up during the speeches and suddenly exclaims, "it doesn't get any better than this!"

We agree, and we wish Kellye and Dustin many, many more years of love, happiness, and lots of dogs, too. 

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Private Home

Event Design, Styling & Coordination: Tara Wilson & Lee Anne Jackson of Tara Wilson Events

Photographer: Vue Photography Catering: Sissy's Southern Kitchen

Florist: Branching Out

Reception Band: The Good Nights

Cake: Cake Walk Bake Shop

paper goods: Blue Eye Brown Eye

Bride's Dress: Monique Lhuillier

Bride's Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Houston Backyard Wedding || Never Too Late To Live Happily Ever After || MaryEllen + Rob, the full film

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houston backyard wedding29

The romance!  The dogs!  The Art!  Get ready for a sweet film. Rob waited a long time to find MaryEllen--in fact, he gave his bride a ring on the wedding day with a diamond for each decade that he waited for her. Between Rob's sweet romantic gestures, MaryEllen's stunning beauty, their flower girls' antics, and the ways they incorporated their love for art and for their dogs into their wedding day, their story is sure to make you smile.

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wedding video package memory tin

When we arrived at MaryEllen's Crown Plaza hotel room, photographer Taylor Lord was also just arriving to document the day.  We've worked with Taylor before, and she's always great to work alongside.  Edric's crew from Vanity Lounge was already in the midst of styling MaryEllen's hair and makeup.  Her flower girls scampered about like little fairies, bringing delight with each sparkle in their eye and each grin.  Meanwhile, at the house, the bartenders, chef, and waitstaff were already prepping a food course that just to describe will make your mouth water--including bite size smoked sausage with spiced poached apple, potato truffle waffle duck confit, tomato water shooters with buffalo mozzarella and basil foam, bacon wrapped jalapeño, and quail with sweet potato hash (and that's not even half of the hors d' oeuvres list).  Mouth watering yet?  

The dessert table towered with a variety of cookies and cakes, including cookies designed to look like Gracie and Barcley, the furry pups that are owned by MaryEllen & Rob.  As the flower girls marveled at the dog-shaped cookies, adult guests were able to enjoy signature cocktail drinks named after Gracie and Barcley. 

Seated on wooden pews in the backyard, friends and family gathered together all dressed in cream and buttery soft hues to celebrate the happiness of the bride and groom.

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houston backyard wedding21
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houston backyard wedding36

Gracie and Barcley looking dapper and sitting patiently for portraits after the wedding.

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This white wedding cake by 'Who Made the Cake' has frills for days, and peonies to match.

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houston backyard wedding27
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houston backyard wedding26

 Custom water-color style script signage by Houston creative studio Papellerie beckoned guests to leave their mark on the large oil painting being created at the wedding reception. The bride commissioned the groom's favorite artist (Taft McWhorter) to create an oil painting on site at the wedding, and it was an awesome surprise gift for the groom.

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houston backyard wedding18
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houston backyard wedding16

The bride and groom have already collected several pieces of Taft McWhorter's abstract work, including a large typographical style painting with the lyrics to one of their favorite songs by Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors.  It seemed to make perfect sense to us that we had to license that particular song for  MaryEllen & Rob's wedding film once we saw what a beautiful vision its lyrics were casting for their home.  (P.S. Fun Fact about our crew: both Jones and Kourtney Amelia got to participate in the filming of Drew Holcomb's music video for "The Wine We Drink" in Jan 2012 through a workshop with The Music Bed.  We love that band!)    The lyrics say:

If I had a great big mansion

I'd rather live in a shot gun shack with you

If I drove a red ferrari

I'd rather ride in an oldsmobile with you

If I won a million dollars

I'd give it away to spend more time with you

If I had a million lovers

I would trade 'em all for just one more night with you

With you I can be myself

With you I don't have to be somebody else

It's like putting on my favorite pair of shoes

I like to be me when I'm with you

Their officiant told the couple during the ceremony:  "The bible says, 'you saw me before I was born, every day of my life was recorded in your book, every moment was laid out before a single day has passed."  The ceremony is over in a few moments, but what really matters is the lifetime that you're going to spend together."  

We couldn't agree more!  Congratulations to MaryEllen & Rob, and thank you for choosing us to create an heirloom artwork to help you remember each moment of your very special day for a lifetime.

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houston backyard wedding34

Venue: Private Houston Home

Coordination:   Paul Pritzen with Keely Thorne Events

Photographer:  Taylor Lord

Caterer:  The Forest Club

Baker:  Who Made The Cake

Florist & Stylist:  Events In Bloom

Stationery & Signage:  Papellerie

Supply:  Aztec Events & Tents

Rentals:  Swift + Company

Valet:  First Impressions Valet

Pianist: Hank Taylor

String Quartet: Chamber Music Unlimited

Oil Artist: Taft McWhorter

Caricature Art:  Satirical Effect Caricature Co. 

Soundtrack:

"Nirvana"  by Chris Zabriskie chriszabriskie.com

Licensed by CC-BY-3.0

"I Like To Be With Me When I'm With You"  by Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors

Used through licensing by The Music Bed  themusicbed.com