Mexican-Inspired Austin Wedding: Katie + Heather

san jose wedding

Katie + Heather’s lighthearted + fun DIY wedding takes place at one of my fave venues, Mercury Hall in Austin, Texas! Even though they now reside in Brooklyn, Austin is where they fell for each other, so they knew it would be the perfect city to celebrate big! After a legal court ceremony in NYC, Katie + Heather headed to Texas for a handcrafted fête inspired by the unique Mexican influences that can be found around Austin. I love that they served fresh lime margaritas, gave Cholula as favors + had churros for dessert!

Thank you so much to the Nichols Photographers for the gorgeous photos + congratulations Katie + Heather!

kraft paper invitation

heart skull invitation

delicate bouquet

ruffle wedding dress

ruffle wedding dress

cameo bridal necklace

brides

brides

brides

brides

brides

papel picado ceremony

papel picado ceremony

papel picado ceremony

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

During our ceremony, our officiant and friend JB cracked a joke, and after 8 years together it was just natural that we lean in and kiss each other after a good laugh. JB stuck her hand between our faces and kept us from spoiling that first kiss after the ceremony, but we both knew it didn't matter. Even though everything else that night was a blur, that moment stuck with us.

papel picado ceremony

chalula favors

ribbon curtains


I really love how they incorporated so much of their personalities into the design + think so many of you can relate to what Katie said about being a DIY bride: It was hard for me to restrain myself from going overboard on budget and details. I’m an art director, and by habit tend to tweak things until I’m sick of seeing them. I crafted like a crazy woman, and Heather let me know when I was getting out of control. 

Speaking of out of control – how rad is that giant streamer curtain at their reception?!

kraft paper menu

magaritas

dessert bar

cards in suitcase

sparkler exit

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

From Heather: Take your time, it's a marathon. If you're crafting, it's a triathlon.

From Katie: Don't let other peoples' opinions cloud you. Everybody has different ideas about how they want their day to be. Remember that it's yours, and it's the most fun party you'll ever throw! And for the love of God, even if you're on a budget, get a good day-of coordinator. They are life and sanity savers. You enjoy the day instead of worrying about what, when and how.

photography: Nichols Photographers // venue name: Mercury Hall, Austin, Texas // event design: Bride with input from Gypsy Floral and Events // florals: Gypsy Floral and Events // wedding dress: BHLDN // bride's shoes: Jimmy Choo // hair stylist: Angela Parker of LucieMarie // makeup artist: Angela Parker of LucieMarie // paper goods: Bride // catering: Primizie // cake: Desserts by Bake Sale // music: Joel Giorgio of Greenbelt DJ // day-of-coordinator: Gypsy Floral and Events // hotel for getting ready: Hotel San Jose

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