For those of you that want to forgo all things traditional — today we’re taking a peek at Alyssa + Mikey’s eclectic, travel-inspired wedding! They had no interest in a wedding party, place cards, assigned seats, or any of the traditional wedding elements we typically see. Instead, they envisioned guests mingling and dining at communal tables beneath canvas teepees, wandering from station to station and bar to bar, and relaxing the night away on plush lounges under twinkling lights. Sounds like quite the party, right? Just you wait!
When it came to planning the wedding, they deeply cared about creating a day that spoke to who they are as a couple. A large majority of the guests were flying in from New York City and Martha’s Vineyard, and A+M wanted to create a day that would be entirely different from the formal affairs the guests were used to. Working with Lindsey Farrell of Highland Avenue Events, they decided from the start that the celebration would be a roaming garden party full of artistic elements, modern plants, and all things Austin.
Prepare to be in serious awe, thanks to the incredible snaps by Nichols Photographers!
The groom is known for his expert skills in graphic design over at Vine Island, so naturally he crafted one artsy invitation suite!
The Florals
As a nod to the bride’s landscape architecture career, the bouquet, beautifully crafted by Bricolage, was designed to have the architectural elements of clean lines mixed with organic touches and pops of color. We dig that it seems island-inspired, while sort of reminiscent of the desert, especially with the touch of pampas grass.
How lovely is her Vera Wang dress embellished with delicate florals?!
Alyssa shares: To us, the wedding was a celebration in the joining of our family and friends, and we wanted to create a space that promoted intermingling and walking around. Florals, food and lighting were really the biggest items for us. We found the Greenhouse at Driftwood somewhat by accident, and it was the first and only venue we looked at because we fell in love immediately.
The Ceremony Space
Lined with patterned rugs, palm fronds and tons of pampas grass — this aisle + ceremony space incorporate the couple’s love of the desert, traveling, and artistic designs.
We’ve got a *thing* for pampas grass! You too? Check out this list of 21 Unique Ways to Include Pampas Grass in Your Décor!
Processional: Blackbird (by The Beatles) performed by the groom’s sister, Lily James
Recessional: Original song written and performed by the groom’s cousin, Willy Mason
First Dance: Sure Thing by Miguel
Because what better time to take a selfie than right after your vows?! Too cute!!
Um… no words. Other than HOLY MOLY HOW CUTE IS THIS? Flower-adorned burros roamed the property serving beer from their woven baskets.
Enjoy the process and a wedding planner is beyond worth it! Trust yourself and your vision, don’t get too many opinions on things from friends and family because you will be completely confused. Most importantly, have fun — there aren’t many moments in life that compare.
The Lounge + Cocktail Hour
As we are both in the design field, we wanted the space to feel like an art piece in itself. We had lots and lots of ideas on how we wanted it to feel, and Lindsey of Highland Avenue Events was able to take those ideas and make a cohesive look.
The space was decked out with uber cool lounge pieces from Birch and Brass, that really meshed with the bride + groom’s relaxed + modern boho style.
The save the date that Mikey designed was transformed into a cornhole set, so guests could enjoy lawn games into the night.
The Reception Tent
And then… there was the COOLEST reception tent we’ve ever seen!
Carousel
Carousel
The idea was to have a roaming garden party, full of different stations (like the lawn games + lounge outside). To pull off the look, the tent was filled with artistic elements, modern plants, and all things reminiscent of Austin.
Alyssa even crafted this brushstroke cake herself!
The best advice we received before the wedding was to stay by each other’s side during the reception; it is a day that goes by so fast and it is easy to be torn in many directions. Staying together makes it so special and sometimes makes time feel like it’s standing still.
Both our most memorable moment was a dance we shared during cocktail hour. We had a surf rock band, The Avocados, and they were playing a beautiful slow song, Santo + Johnny's "Sleepwalking," that we couldn’t resist dancing to. Everyone was either at the bar or enjoying the food and it felt like we were the only two people for a few minutes.
How crazy cool was that?! Congratulations, Alyssa + Mikey!
photography: Nichols Photographers // venue name: Greenhouse at Driftwood, Driftwood, Texas, USA // event design: Highland Avenue Events // planning: Highland Avenue Events // florals: Bricolage // wedding dress: Vera Wang // makeup artist: Lavish Beauty // paper goods: Vine Island (Groom's company) // calligraphy: Boarding School Collective // catering: Royal Fig // cake: by the Bride // furniture rentals: Indie House Events // music: The Avocados // lighting: Intelligent Lighting Design // dj: Look No Further Entertainment // beer burros: Hill Country Events // vintage bar: The Cosmo Camper // ice cream truck: Lick Honest Ice Creams // coffee truck: Lucky Lab // furniture + rentals: Birch and Brass // furniture rentals: Loot Rentals
That’s a pretty epic wedding !
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Gorgeous – excellent work!