OH Austin! Such fond memories. Seriously, one of the coolest cities EVER. So laid back and pretty. Much like today’s wedding. Micah and Brittany’s Austin indie wedding is sheer perfection. Thanks to Shan Renee’s gorgeous photography and some serious style on the part of the bride and groom, today’s wedding is a pure cheer-me-up wedding LOADED with DIY ideas.  Here’s Brittany with some details about her wedding:

Micah and I met while rock climbing at a local rock gym when we lived in Lubbock, Texas. He was the cute guy with the (at the time) mohawk. We got to talking and started climbing together regularly, and found out all sorts of things we had in common. We figured out we went to same church, our families lived 15 minutes apart from each other, yet we met 400 miles away. We went to rival high schools, both worked in pediatrics (him a nurse, myself an Occupational Therapist) knew a lot of the same friends, yet had never met until then. We dated for 8 months, and then he proposed while on a white water rafting trip on the Snake River in Idaho. My mom is a white water rafting guide and we hopped on a trip last minute. Little did I know that the biggest thrill of the trip wouldn’t be the class 4 rapids! I was in my last year of my Master’s program, and we decided to plan it for the week after graduation. The next seven months were a complete whirlwind of decorations, vendors, school projects, and moving preparations. Oh, did I not mention that I thought it was a completely sane idea to move across the state (to Austin, TX) 3 weeks before the wedding?

We both wanted something unique, something that represented our respect for the past, my love for patterns and color, and his love for the Southwest. At one point, Micah commented on our wedding colors being “just paisley” as he saw me bring in more fabrics and patterned card stock. I love all things vintage, feminine, and lovely, and if I could, I would decorate my entire home (and closet) in Anthropologie! At this time in our lives, so many friends are getting married and graduating college/grad school, and we just saw a lot of the same. Lots of tradition, very… much the same. I figured, well, we met in a non traditional way and his proposal was not only unexpected, but definitely not on bended knee, that we needed something a little left of center to represent our path to choosing to be together forever. I love a casual, thrown together look and wanted a fun, memorable wedding that represented our tastes. So we chose wildflowers, a variety of milk glass and antique bottles and jars to place them in, and a fun menu of Mexican food for everyone to enjoy. So for months, I hunted through thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales and other people’s junk for the little treasures to decorate our special day!

Venue- Lost Mission | Photography- Captured Photography by Shan Renee in Dallas, TX | Videographer- The Wedding Theater in Austin, TX | Catering- All Occasions of Texas in San Antonio, TX | Coordinator- Wedding Warriors in Wimberley, TX | Florist- WOW Factor in Wimberley, TX | Cupcakes- Kami Besson | Dress- Allure Couture from Belle Saison Bridal in Austin, TX | Hair & Makeup- Done by Bride | Rings- J, Keith’s Jewelers in Lubbock, TX | Bridesmaid’s Dresses- Adrianna Pappell | Groom’s/Groomsmen- Jos. A Bank | Stationery- Wedding Paper Divas (custom color order) | Guest book/poster- Masha D’yans

I had to force myself not to make a “Houston we have a problem” joke. This is far from a problem. Today’s indie engagement is more of a solution than anything else. You see ,directly in front of me, outside my window, particles of snow are falling feverishly from the sky. I’m cold. But these photos are making me warm. Natalie and Trey’s love is keeping me cozy. You see it right? Young love. They’ve got it. We love it. And Sarah Ainsworth captured it perfectly. LOVE her style of photography. Heads up, Houston lovers. She’s a wonderful wedding photographer! Here’s her take on today’s session:
Natalie and Trey will be getting married at the Sycamore Heights B&B and will follow their ceremony with a reception at the Heights Theatre in downtown Houston. We thought it was fitting to start their engagement session in the Heights to capture some of the downtown elements that make Houston so unique. We explored the streets of the Heights and the cute little vintage shops along the way. We wrapped up the session at the Menil Collection downtown where there were lovely trees and minimalistic walls and architecture. Natalie and Trey were so natural in front of the camera and really evoked a young love vibe that is so evident in the images.

Photography: Sarah Ainsworth Photography

I have the pleasure to be alongside some industry peers at Maroma Resort this week in Mexico. Aside from enjoying the immensely gorgeous grounds and scenery, we’ve been discussing some of the elements involved in our favorite weddings. By and large, laughter and camaraderie between the bride and groom themselves, and also their guests has been a popular topic. For me, featuring a wedding with smiles, hugs and genuine good times is so important. So when Ivy Wedding submitted this STUNNING Dallas day after shoot which showcased vintage styling, but also a fun side to our bride and groom, I was hooked.  Mihi and Simon show that style and light heartedness can go hand and hand.  And with Ivy Weddings behind the lens, the result is effortlessly beautiful.

Some details from Matt and Ivy from Ivy Weddings: Mihi and Simon came to us to photograph their wedding and a vintage themed Day After session. One of the fun and unique things about this Day After session was that it actually took place before the wedding, and was done more like a “first look”, and a bridal session, all rolled into one. We love that our bride and groom came up with this idea on their own- once Mihi had been serenaded by Simon on his guitar, and they had laughed over monopoly, much of the wedding day jitters and pressure were gone before the day arrived!

It was such a treat to work with Mihi and bring to life her dreams of a vintage themed shoot! We talked about locations, and props, and finally settled on Dallas Heritage Village- a quaint and vintage look into the beginnings of the city of Dallas. Both Simon and Mihi have great style and a love for vintage things and monopoly (Simon’s favorite!), so we loved being able to tie in a little of all the things that are special to them on their session.

Photographer: Ivy Weddings |  Venue: Dallas Heritage Village |  Bride’s Dress: Watters |  Bride’s Shoes: Steve Madden |  Bride’s Flowers: Bride  |  Bride Hair & Makeup: Julie Park
Groom’s suit: Sarar

Guess whaaaat? Tis Friday! And I’m busting my rear end so I can go play this afternoon! Are you? The weekend is so close I can smell it! So without further adieu, I will leave you with some romantic engagement inspiration. Steve and Jennifer are taking the leap! And their engagement photos by Civic Photos are just so sweet that I had to send us off into the weekend with them.  Barett from Civic Photos has a few lines about this great shoot:

Steve & Jennifer wanted to have a natural session in which they were doing the things they normally do as a couple. Things like sitting in the country, embracing and looking fashionable. Their engagement session started by going to their favorite fishing spot as a couple. After that they wanted to explore a vintage warehouse in Old Galveston. Then they wanted to look like “fish-out-of-water” by being totally elegant at some railroad tracks. Finally they enjoyed a romantic walk on the beach and created totally memorable and loving scenes under the famous Murdoch’s of Galveston. It was a completely amazing engagement session.

Do you like it? I REALLY do. The cream wedding dress. No, this isn’t ivory, it’s a deep cream. It’s a coffee single cream. And it’s so pretty. Stevie and Trevor’s wedding took place in Luling, just on the outskirts of Austin. I love Austin with all of me. It’s an AMAZING place to visit. And I’m grateful for Purus Wedding Studios and the way they’ve captured the Texan landscape. So goregous!

Photographer: Purus Wedding Studios | Reception Venue: Hillview Ranch | Dress Store: Alfred Angelo