Bohemian French Inspired Wedding: Tahni + Joseph

Wow, you guys, wait until you see the amazing photos of Tahni + Joseph’s wedding! The wedding took place at Oak Tree Manor in Spring, TX. Tahni + Joseph infused so much of their relationship into the wedding and it turned out so uniquely them. This wedding is also special to me since Tahni read Green Wedding Shoes throughout her planning stages – thanks Tahni! Tahni was sweet enough to provide some details into their day also. :) And I need to thank the talented Clayton Austin for letting me share his stunning photos with everyone.  And now for the photos…

bridesmaids dresses hanging boutonnieres

bride with flower headpiece statue

From Tahni, I painted the image on my invitations and had “art prints” printed with the wedding details on the back. I really wanted to create something beautiful, and extremely personal, with the hope that people wouldn’t throw away the invitations.

I know birds are pretty big right now, but my husband actually learned a lot of ornithology (the study of birds) from his father. So I wanted to use birds in some way to represent both my husband and the freedom that birds often convey. We used birdcages filled with flowers instead of bridal bouquets in addition to other bird details throughout. The flowers were actually done by a friend of the family and my step-mom. They worked endlessly to pull of all the birdcages, centerpieces, my bouquet, the boutonnieres, and many other flower details.

French vintage wedding inspiration

vintage wedding photos bohemian

Theme/inspiration of the day?
Oh so much inspiration! I owe a lot to the fantastic beauty of the oak tree and the artistry of the French. My husband and I studied French in college and it’s magic is found in all the intricacies of our wedding. We are cafe lovers and incorporated a coffee bar. I bought a French desk and incorporated French into many of the other details. All but a few of the centerpieces were French tea boxes and I chose to use dried flowers instead of fresh, as inspired by the dried flowers in many French country homes. Lavender has always represented hope for me, so that was a starting point for the flowers as well.  As a visual artist, I got really carried away by painting reserved signs for the tables, along with other signs throughout, and art to go on a wall a friend built.

My main goal was to combine artistry, France, and bohemianism as I planned out all the details.

outdoor wedding under oak tree

wedding ceremony oak tree

wedding couple field of lavender

I got my dress at The Princess Bridal in Old Town Spring, TX. They worked with me a lot to take one dress that had a good idea and have the manufacturer’s change it a lot to get the exact look that I wanted.

bride and groom field of lavender

bride and groom stove field

Our photographer, Clayton Austin, is so incredible to work with. Not only is he extremely creative, but he is fun to be around and also really kind. I loved working with him and working together to bring wonderful ideas to fruition. Out of everything, I have to say that Clayton was our number one catch and we couldn’t be happier with his work and with him as a person. We are so grateful for him.  I am moved by the beauty that he is able to capture.

bride groom oven field of lavender

bride groom oven field of lavender

wedding lavender oven whimsical

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

It is so hard to choose a favorite memory. I actually remember the entire day, it wasn't a blur like people say it is. But perhaps my favorite parts of the day were when our parents and the wedding party surrounded us and prayed for us at the beginning of our ceremony and then when my maid of honor and I did a choreographed dance after the other "first dances."

I think the photo below is my favorite – how magical! – from Jen

bride and groom in tree

bohemian french wedding reception decor

vintage french wedding decorations

vintage postcards colored glass wedding decorations

The catering was done by a family friend. George Carameros who owns Don Patron in downtown Houston is the most generous man and makes amazing food! We got so many compliments on his work.

butterfly flower vases painted wedding decor

french desk and vases wedding reception decor

wedding coffee bar

wedding cake with pink flowers

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

My advice is to make your wedding you. I think what makes a wedding beautiful is representing things that are lasting and full of beautiful truth. I gave it everything I had and I am so happy with how beautiful I thought it was and how much people told me they loved it.

Congrats to Tahni + Joseph! You can see more photos from their wedding here on Clayton’s blog. Clayton is based in San Antonio, Texas, but available for travel worldwide.

**This wedding was also chosen as one of our top weddings from 2010! **

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