Austin Ranch Wedding /// #StarksOfSomethingGreat /// Jessica + Alex, the Memory Tin

The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."

And now, Mason Jar - with a twist! This exciting wedding film is a slight departure from our classic laid-back and relaxed pace of filmmaking. When Jessica and Alex chose us to create their film, they challenged us to create a wedding film for them that would capture the fast-paced, pumped up excitement of their wedding day. Of course, discovering that the bride's favorite movie is Moulin Rouge was a joy for us to hear -- Baz Luhrmann is definitely one of our artistic influences! So although the pace of this film is more upbeat than some of our others, at its core, this is a story of two people who love each other fiercely, and that is what inspires us most. As Alex says in his personal vows to Jessica under the pergola at his father's ranch, “The gravity of this moment isn't lost on me." What else could we feel but inspired as we watch Jessica profess her love of her groom's creative mind...as we watch uncles stand in the cathedral aisle to honor the bride's deceased father…we watch Alex and his groomsmen joyfully serenade the bride during the reception?

See it for yourself -- but grab a tissue first!

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/147321222[/vimeo] Music by:  The Rival and Ryan Taubert;  licensed through MusicBed.com ranch wedding something to celebrate photo 06 ranch wedding something to celebrate photo 07As the bride got ready on her wedding day, the bridesmaids could see the sun rising over the Austin city skyline from their balcony. Jessica chose to wear a diamond necklace of her grandmother’s as well as carry her grandmother's bible down the aisle in addition to her bouquet. The bridal party was surrounded by beautiful children, including one sweet infant flower girl who slept as she was carried down the aisle during the ceremony!

ranch wedding something to celebrate photo 29downtown Austin wedding Saint Mary Cathedral photo 03 downtown Austin wedding Saint Mary Cathedral photo 04 downtown Austin wedding Saint Mary Cathedral photo 05 ranch wedding something to celebrate photo 30
The reception took place at the groom's family ranch. Guests played lawn games as they arrived and enjoyed live music while they mingled under string lights and a pine tree canopy. After portraits, the crowd gathered at a lakeside pergola to watch Jessica and Alex exchange beautiful personal vows. The party continued late into the night under a transparent tent allowing everyone to gaze at the stars and watch some surprise fireworks!
ranch wedding something to celebrate photo 01 ranch wedding something to celebrate photo 02 ranch wedding something to celebrate photo 05 ranch wedding something to celebrate photo 15 ranch wedding something to celebrate photo 17 ranch wedding something to celebrate photo 18 ranch wedding something to celebrate photo 19 ranch wedding something to celebrate photo 20 ranch wedding something to celebrate photo 21 ranch wedding something to celebrate photo 22 ranch wedding something to celebrate photo 25 ranch wedding something to celebrate photo 26 ranch wedding something to celebrate photo 27 ranch wedding something to celebrate photo 35

 The Proposal: How it happened.... "It happened on the 4th of July on the 4 year anniversary of when he first made a move (we were friends up to that point). I saw the ring box in his pocket and had to wait hours pretending not to be freaking out on the inside. 

Jessica and Alex, After creating your wedding video, we are amazed by the strength of your commitment -- both to one another and to your creative growth. Years from now as you sit down to watch this film, we hope that you are reminded of the foundation you set here in these places you treasure-- your church and your family land. We hope the memory of these moments will encourage you and guide you in your adventures together forevermore.

Truly, the Mason Jar Team

Coordinator: Something To Celebrate Jessica Moore  @something_to_celebrate
Venue: Private Estate
Caterer: Primizie @primiziecatering
Cake: Simon Lee Bakery @simonleebakery
Florist: Last Petal Floral Studio @lastpetalfloralstudio
Photographer: Jenny DeMarco Photography @jennydemarcoweddings
Videographer: Mason Jar Films
Recep/cocktail hr Music: Buzz & the Blue Cats 
Afterparty music: Altared Weddings  @altared_weddings
Lighting: ILIOS Lighting @ilios_lighting
Comfort Station: First Class Rentals
Cigar Roller: Bobalu Cigar Co.  @bobalucigars
Hair2: Adore Makeup Salon @adoremakeupsalon
Rentals/Tent: Marquee Event Group @marqueeatx

Rancho Mirando /// My Ray of Light /// Amy + Dallas, the Locket Film

rancho mirando rustic austin hillcountry wedding 01Amy and Dallas are the kind of people who immediately draw you into their world with their warmth and honesty.  Their lives are a model of the intensity of pursuit--from the way they live as entrepreneurs, to the way that they pursue one another.  When we showed up to film their wedding day, Dallas was working on finalizing several surprises for his bride.  From a surprise video to a surprise choreographed groomsmen dance, this groom took every opportunity to show his bride that he would never stop trying to bring delight to her life.   Their love is truly extravagant.

Here is their full length film we created for them.  To watch their sneak peek video we released just days after the wedding, scroll to the end of this post![vimeo]https://vimeo.com/148961667[/vimeo] "Through and Through" by The Royal Sons, licensed through MusicBed "Hopscotch" by Afterlife Parade, licensed through MusicBed "Forever Like That"  by Ben Rector, licensed through MusicBed "Sweetest Thing" by Benjamin Dunn, licensed through MusicBed

rancho mirando rustic austin hillcountry wedding 07
rancho mirando rustic austin hillcountry wedding 04
The wedding took place at Rancho Mirando, just under an hour's drive from Austin in the hill country surrounding the capitol.  The venue is truly a dream set among the paradise of the Texas hill country landscape.   It features rustic stonework, ivy-kissed walls and stunning mixture of xeriscaped cactus and formal European style gardens, including a lavender garden.  It was the perfect setting, even on an unusually wintery and grey day.  Amy's father said that she was his "ray of sunshine," and we like to think her bright smile is what kept any rain from falling on the couple.  Right before the ceremony, the sun peeked out for just a moment to shine on their sweet vows.
rancho mirando rustic austin hillcountry wedding 10 rose gold sequin bridesmaid dressWhen we asked how they like to spend time together, Amy and Dallas told us that they love to "eat good food and drink good wine with with good friends."  To reflect that, the couple shared a glass of mixed wines as a symbol of unity during their ceremony. rancho mirando rustic austin hillcountry wedding 14rancho mirando rustic austin hillcountry wedding 06 rancho mirando rustic austin hillcountry wedding 09rancho mirando rustic austin hillcountry wedding 11 rose gold sequin bridesmaid dress rancho mirando rustic austin hillcountry wedding 12 rose gold sequin bridesmaid dress rancho mirando rustic austin hillcountry wedding 13
 Amy and Dallas had both of their dogs at the wedding serving as flower girl and ring bearer.  Annabelle and Bo spent the morning running around so full of life!  They really seemed to be just as excited about the wedding day as everyone else.  Annabelle wore a pretty collar of pink roses, while Bo wore a tiny dog tuxedo.
rancho mirando rustic austin hillcountry wedding 03
The Proposal: How did it happen?
"Our 1 year anniversary, On Mt Bonnell, with one of our favorite musicians playing in the background. He surprised me afterward with close family and friends at our house, and with Cypress Grill cooking for everyone!"

rancho mirando rustic austin hillcountry wedding 02

We have so much more to share about this fantastic wedding--so you'll just have to stay tuned in December to see the whole movie!  We'll share the completed Locket wedding film with Amy and Dallas by December 19, and soon after on our blog.
xoxo,
The Mason Jar Team
View the sneak peek highlight video here:

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/146415610[/vimeo]

Cocktail hour/dinner music: Ryan Beaver  @ryanbeaver Music: Hill Country Strings Venue: Ranch Mirando @ranchomirando Music: Complete Photographer: Jenny DeMarco Photography @jennydemarcoweddings

Escondido Golf and Lake Club /// #YetiPearl2015 /// Ferrell + Jason, the Locket

Escondido-Papel-Picado-Paper-Lace-Wedding-by-Brock-and-Co-19.jpg

There’s so much to say about this colorful TexMex wedding set in the Austin hillcountry—the bride and groom were the life of the party, the dancing was out of this world—and the cocktail hour featured sombrero-clad beer burros— that’s right—we said that small donkeys wearing sombreros served the alcohol.

Escondido-Papel-Picado-Paper-Lace-Wedding-by-Brock-and-Co-13.jpg

Ferrell describes Jason as loyal, adventurous, and her soul mate. Jason said that he loves that Ferrell is funky, fun and sincere...and that three words are just not enough to describe her! They love to travel, watch football, cook, and listen to music. Because their favorite bands include Band of Horses and the National, we specifically tailored the soundtrack to their film to reflect the spirit and the style of those bands.

Escondido-Papel-Picado-Paper-Lace-Wedding-by-Brock-and-Co-11.jpg
Escondido-Papel-Picado-Paper-Lace-Wedding-by-Brock-and-Co-02.jpg
Escondido-Papel-Picado-Paper-Lace-Wedding-by-Brock-and-Co-01.jpg
Escondido-Papel-Picado-Paper-Lace-Wedding-by-Brock-and-Co-03.jpg
Escondido-Papel-Picado-Paper-Lace-Wedding-by-Brock-and-Co-04.jpg
Escondido-Papel-Picado-Paper-Lace-Wedding-by-Brock-and-Co-07.jpg
Escondido-Papel-Picado-Paper-Lace-Wedding-by-Brock-and-Co-08.jpg
Escondido-Papel-Picado-Paper-Lace-Wedding-by-Brock-and-Co-09.jpg
Escondido-Papel-Picado-Paper-Lace-Wedding-by-Brock-and-Co-10.jpg
Escondido-Papel-Picado-Paper-Lace-Wedding-by-Brock-and-Co-15.jpg

Known to their friends as the “yeti” and “the pearl,” these fun-loving Austinites chose to celebrate their wedding with a visual motif as bold as their joy. Much of Austin’s iconic look is filled with art, nature, and the bright colors of the Hispanic heritage of Texas. Guests were given maracas at the wedding ceremony and told to “shake responsibly.” The flowergirls wore traditional hand-embroidered sundresses from Mexico, and strands of paper-cut banners hung from every rooftop and tentpole.

Escondido-Papel-Picado-Paper-Lace-Wedding-by-Brock-and-Co-16.jpg
Escondido-Papel-Picado-Paper-Lace-Wedding-by-Brock-and-Co-17.jpg
Escondido-Papel-Picado-Paper-Lace-Wedding-by-Brock-and-Co-18.jpg
Esc

Esc

Escondido-Papel-Picado-Paper-Lace-Wedding-by-Brock-and-Co-25.jpg
Escondido-Papel-Picado-Paper-Lace-Wedding-by-Brock-and-Co-24.jpg

 The Proposal: How it happened....

Ferrell and Jason won us over immediately when they told us that one of their favorite traditions as a couple is the quiet time they share in the morning drinking coffee, making breakfast, and reading the news. Jason proposed on the morning of Christmas Eve while they were having coffee. As they told us the story of the proposal, they had us laughing as Jason described how excited and surprised Ferrell was as she looked at the ring. Finally he had to ask her again, “so is that a yes?” They spent the day with both sides of their family, drinking champagne and celebrating the exciting news.

Ferrell and Jason told us, “we are most looking forward to Getting married and sharing this special occasion with all of our friends and family that mean so much to us. They have all been on this crazy life journey with us and we just want to let our hair down and celebrate our love for each other and have an absolute blast!”

Ferrell and Jason, Your passionate joy is inspiring, and the way you treasure the small moments in life (like morning coffee time) is a beautiful picture of how marriage will take you on a journey full of big moments and small. We hope life brings you as much delight as you share in one another. Truly, The Mason Jar Team

Reception - Escondido
Rentals - Whim & Marquee (tent) @whimhospitality @marqueeatx
Floral - Wendee Sawran @eventdesigner
Photographer - Cory Ryan @coryryanphotography
Coordinator - Brock and Co. @brockandcoevents
Cake - Simon Lee @simonleebakery
Lighting - FILO

Houston Country Club /// #MrAndMrsMWendt /// Amber + Michael, the Locket

Houston Country Club Wedding Belle of the Ball15 Amber and Michael’s wedding day was perfect in every way. The oppressive heat of Texas summer had been replaced with warm afternoons and cool evening breezes. With a golden sun setting over the steeples of St. Martin’s Episcopal and blanketing the greens of Houston Country Club, guests gathered outside to enjoy a cocktail hour serenaded by Houston’s famous Choraleers.

As the party transitioned into the Country Club’s oval ballroom, guests were surrounded by pink and gold light glowing from candles and chandeliers. At the entrance, a beautiful floral archway stretched up to the ceiling. Michael’s uncle said a prayer to bless the dinner and encouraged guests to truly drink in the evening and savor each conversation among all those who adore Amber and Michael. We are so glad we could be there to capture that moment so that Amber and Michael can be reminded of the support and love shared by all who gathered there.

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/145423041[/vimeo]
Music by Frank Sinatra and Carl Carlton, licensed through SongFreedom.com
We first met with Amber to talk about her wedding many months ago. When we re-connected with her just before the wedding to go over each detail that was important to her, we were again reminded of what a sweet gift it is to document these celebrations. Her humor and excitement was evident as she described her grandmother’s heirloom jewelry that she would be wearing, the dresses created by Nardos Imam, and spending time with her family. When we asked if we should be watching for any surprises throughout the wedding day or unique activities, she informed us that her family would be singing a schnitzelbank. A schnitzelbank? In over 12 years of filming weddings, this was a new tradition for us! We were so excited. It is a german song similar to the 12 days of Christmas, and Amber informed us: “You’re supposed to grab a fresh drink before the singing gets started.” If you’ve never heard of this cute European tradition, you’ll have to check it out in the film.
Houston Country Club Wedding Belle of the Ball10 Houston Country Club Wedding Belle of the Ball12 Houston Country Club Wedding Belle of the Ball17 Houston Country Club Wedding Belle of the Ball29 Houston Country Club Wedding Belle of the Ball03 Houston Country Club Wedding Belle of the Ball23 Houston Country Club Wedding Belle of the Ball24 Nardos Imam designed and created all of the family's celebratory dresses – the bride’s wedding dress, her mother’s dress, and her grandmother’s dress - to perfection.   She attended the final bridal prep moments to make any final tailoring adjustments and ensure that the dresses were comfortable and that each ruffle and seam flowed correctly.  Each dress was truly a work of art; her commitment to detail and her kind spirit was a sweet addition to the afternoon. At the reception, Michael was excited to see the groom’s cake in the shape of an oil rig. Every moment was truly filled with delight as Amber and Michael looked at each detail in the ballroom.
Houston Country Club Wedding Belle of the Ball25 Houston Country Club Wedding Belle of the Ball26 Houston Country Club Wedding Belle of the Ball31 Houston Country Club Wedding Belle of the Ball22 The Proposal: How did it happen? Amber and Michael share a love for traveling, cooking, and outdoor activities, which was evident in everything from their wedding invitations to their proposal story. Both families gathered at the Mueller’s ranch in the Bandera, Texas hill country for Thanksgiving 2014. Michael and Amber went on a walk Thanksgiving morning. They strolled down to what is known as “Lover’s Leap”. “Lover’s Leap” is a beautiful body of water with a one-of-a-kind waterfall flowing into it, so named by an old Indian tale. This was where Michael proposed. Michael and Amber walked back to the house to find everyone was already to celebrate. What a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Amber and Michael, Thank you for allowing us to create this wedding keepsake for you. Your smiles were so radiant, and your continual laughter was a reminder of what a special day this was. We’ll never forget that schnitzelbank song! Truly, The Mason Jar Team

Church - St. Martin's Episcopal Church Pre-Ceremony Events - The Houstonian @thehoustonianhotel Reception - Houston Country Club http://www.houstoncc.com/ Coordinator - Belle of the Ball @belleevents Decor - Todd Events @toddevents Photographer - Chris Bailey Photography @chrisbaileyphoto Band - Grady Gaines & The Texas Upsetters  Cocktail Music - The Choraleers 

Brazos Hall /// TCU College Romance /// Sarah + Ryker, the full film

A Special Father-Daughter Moment

When Sarah joined her father, Jay, on the dance floor for their traditional father-daughter dance, they were serenaded by Sarah's maternal grandfather (Jay's father-in-law). This was not the first time Sarah's grandfather had sung at a wedding; he had also serenaded his daughter, Nancy, when she danced her first dance with Jay a generation earlier. On this night, Nancy stood on the edge of the dance floor and lovingly watched as Jay danced with Sarah, and the words of "Walk With You" by Edwin McCain floated through the chandeliers overhead.

I'll take this slow sweet walk with you You'll let go of my hand to say I do And he will discover just how blessed a life can be I know 'cause all those years ago your mom handed you to me."

As Sarah leaned her head on her dad's shoulder, she said to him, "I'm so glad we get to do this," and he said to her, "Look all around. Take it all in; it will be over in a second." So true.  We are so glad that we were able to film these beautiful moments so that you can look around and take it all in over and over again.

These are the kind of moments that give us #OneMoreReasonToBelieveInLove    Enjoy! [vimeo]https://vimeo.com/145561718[/vimeo] From their Texas style BBQ rehearsal dinner feast at County Line on 2222 to their Hill Country ceremony and downtown reception at Brazos Hall, this wedding was a sweet buffet of the tastes of Austin.

County-Line

austin brazos hall wedding photo from video 05austin brazos hall wedding photo from video 06austin brazos hall wedding photo from video 07austin brazos hall wedding photo from video 08austin brazos hall wedding photo from video 09We always love the moment a bride sees her father for the first time on the wedding day.  It is truly precious!  Jay later told Ryker that he could barely keep from crying when Sarah came up and tapped him on the shoulder.

austin brazos hall wedding photo from video 10Sarah and Ryker were the first ones to be married at this church--renovations had just finalized at 2am the night before!  The father of the bride commended Becky Brock, Kacy King, and the entire Brock + Co. crew for their expert communication with the construction team for making sure the church was finished on time.

austin brazos hall wedding photo from video 11austin brazos hall wedding photo from video 12austin brazos hall wedding photo from video 13austin brazos hall wedding photo from video 14austin brazos hall wedding photo from video 15austin brazos hall wedding photo from video 16Sarah + Ryker met at Texas Christian University (Go Horned Frogs!), and so the couple was quick to celebrate TCU at their wedding  any chance they had!  The groom wore a secret TCU shirt under his tuxedo, and because he competed as an athlete on the swim team, his groom's cake was the envy of any TCU pinterest board---a custom cake of a TCU horned frog with swimming goggles.  (Credit:  Sweet Treets Bakery) austin texas brazos hall wedding pic brock and co planner12

The Fairy-Tale Proposal in Venice:

After graduation from Texas Christian University, Sarah and Ryker both went with their families on a 10 day celebratory Mediterranean cruise to Spain, Greece, Turkey, and Italy, ending up in Venice. They were celebrating three graduations and milestone birthdays. Sarah had given up on Ryker proposing on this romantic trip. They told us, "We spent one extra night off the ship in Venice exploring the city. Ryker kept hinting at a gondola ride but Sarah thought they were extremely touristy and said she didn't want to go. She was totally surprised when on the family's walk to dinner Ryker's dad had arranged gondola rides "for the whole family."  The two of us went first, and so we went off through the canals of Venice with our gondolier singing to us in Italian (romantic cheese central). As we came out of the side canals into the Grand Canal and approached the Rialto Bridge (the 'bridge of love') Sarah saw both families with camera in hand standing at the top of the bridge. Just then, Ryker stands up and pulls the ring out of his jacket pocket and asked Sarah to marry him. As soon as she said yes and they kissed the entire bridge erupted into an Italian chant/song. It was absolutely breathtaking in so many ways! Sarah didn't care about the cheesy tourists anymore-she couldn't believe what a perfect proposal Ryker had waited so patiently to put together! Afterwards we celebrated alone at an Italian cafe drinking champagne before meeting our families for dinner on the grand canal. Seriously a fairy tale!" austin texas brazos hall wedding pic brock and co planner19Sarah+ Ryker, You truly have found something special in each other. We hope you always keep being silly, "snarf-snarf"-ing to your dog, and entertaining your families with your hilarity. Thank you for allowing us to capture these precious memories of what is really the beginning of your fairy-tale, with many more adventures to come. We wish you the best! xoxo, the Mason Jar Team

Ceremony // Westlake Hill Presbyterian - 7127 Bee Cave Road Austin // Venue // Brazos Hall – 204 E 4th St. Austin //  @brazoshall Event Coordinator // Brock + Co. Events // @brockandcoevents Photographer // Christina Carroll Photography //  @christinacarrollphoto Bride’s Cake // Sweet Treets Bakery //  @sweettreetsbakery Groom’s Cake // Polkadots Bakery //  @polkadotsatx Rentals // WHIM Event Rentals //  // @whimhospitality Band // Suede // Lighting // FILO // Ceremony Music // Hill Country Strings // Hair // Laura Wyrtzen Makeup // Denise Vasquez // Loungs,Bars,Stag Décor // Townsley Designs //  // @townsleydesigns Photobooth // SUM //  // @sumbooth Horse Drawn Carriage // Lisa Siciliani // Transportation // Transportation Consultants // Dance Floor // ATX Dance Floors // // Soundtrack Licensing // MusicBed Musical Artists Featured // Johnny Stimson // The Speedbumps // Afterlife Parade // Zachary David // The Quiet Company // Katie Herzig