There’s so much beauty to be found in unlikely places.
“We were really inspired by the beauty of untamed yards—messy, overgrown grasses, sprouting weeds, dried florals—that we would see during our walks with our dogs,” say bride Alex + groom Mike of the vision for their wedding’s design. “And we wanted to contrast that with the more modern, clean lines that we are drawn to in our personal design aesthetics.”
Historic Austin, Texas venue The Allan House provided the versatile outdoor space that Alex + Mike and planners from 36th Street Events filled with tons of drapery and wild, earthy florals to create what photographer Caroline of Caroline’s Collective calls “a beautiful harmony of intentionality and flow.”
We really can’t wait to show you the super-creative bridesmaid florals and the way Alex + Mike struck such a perfect balance of organic and structured design.
Let’s get into it!
We are loving the fusion of earth tones and modern typeface in these invitations from The Letterist.
Florist Davy Gray was behind the day’s carefully curated floral details like this all-white monochrome bridal bouquet.
Alex’s stunning wavy down do and soft smoky glam makeup look were created by Makenzi Laine.
Alex never had the super-hyped fairytale “yes” moment when she was wedding dress shopping. It was simple: when she tried on the “Frances” gown by Vera Wang at Casa de Novia in Houston, she felt like it suited her, and she saw her own personal style reflected in its mix of femininity and quasi-menswear details. And that’s all she needed to know! Photographer Caroline absolutely nailed it when she said: “Alex’s dress was a stunning ode to modern minimalism, with architectural structure that was balanced by the flow of statement sleeves.”
A Unique Take on Bridesmaid Flowers
This might be one of the most inventive takes on a bridesmaid bouquet that we have EVER seen! They totally capture that wild, overgrown vibe!
“I wanted something different from traditional bridesmaids’ bouquets and for it to lean a little more editorial,” says bride Alex of these amazing floral appliques, “but these individualized pieces were EVERYTHING.”
Check out our lists of rose gold bridesmaid dresses, black bridesmaid dresses, terracotta bridesmaid dresses, and sage green bridesmaid dresses to recreate Alex’s earthy, elevated bridal party color palette!
How sharp does Mike look rocking his Tom Ford tux!
The First Look
First look smiles? Priceless.
The Ceremony
The striking black guest seating by Loot Rentals and the dramatic drapery by Strong Events filled this tented outdoor space with curated, editorial vibes.
“The rocks and bricks subtly incorporated into the ground pieces and reception table arrangements gave life to the abandoned yard concept in the most chic way,” say Alex + Mike, “and the delicate stems that strayed away from the frame of the arrangements were so special.”
So into the muted, earthy color scheme!
Our Musical Choices Processional: "Dreams" by The Cranberries
Recessional: "One Kiss" by Dua Lipa
First Dance: "Moon River" by Frank Ocean
How romantic are the string lights on that massive tree branch!? Love that the tree was included in the tented event space!
Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding The ceremony was more poignant than imagined, and we both were completely immersed in the moment. Honestly, from the moment the music started playing tears were flowing. After already sharing our lives together for so long, I don't know if we expected to feel the gravity of that moment, but committing to each other in front of a room of people who love us individually and together was amazing.
Saying "hi" to everyone after the ceremony during the cocktail hour was a total rush of joy and endorphins, and it is a feeling we will never forget. This was the first time we were able to see and talk to many of our guests, and we were just overwhelmed with emotion, i.e. so much happy sobbing.
There was a moment after the main course had been served when the sun was setting and a breeze started moving through the tent where we were able to just take in all the details that came together for this day shared with so many special people in our lives.
The Reception
All of this gorgeous modern, minimalist signage was created by Lettered by Valerie.
BBJ La Tavola outfitted the reception tables with their muted neutral linens
Alex + Mike filled the centerpieces with coffee table books from their own collection to introduce a modern living room feel.
We can’t get enough of the sleek and contemporary dinnerware and glassware that Table Manners provided.
The way Alex + Mike worked books into their decor reminds us of this whimsical, literary wedding in wine country that used different authors as table numbers.
Snag a set of ribbed votive candles from CB2 to bring some of Alex + Mike’s design ideas to life on your own table.
And don’t forget the black taper candles!!
Also, not only does Contigo Catering’s food look delicious, but the plating is gorgeous!
How precious are these cotton candy hearts from ShimmerShotz that were used as cocktail garnishes!?
Can you think of anything classier than monogrammed ice?
Spec’s provided the celebration’s libations.
Our Advice To Those Planning Now Prior to the wedding, a dear friend of ours and soothing Meditation and Wellbeing Coach, Lara Grant, offered us a 21 Day Wedding Wellness Program and one of the tools that proved especially helpful for us was to practice visualizing our wedding day from the moment we woke up to the end of the day. It really helped shift our focus from the details of an event to celebrating a day of love with each other and many of the people we love that we don't often have the opportunity to bring together. We were both really present on the wedding day and truly had the most wonderful time because we went into the day focused on each other.
Once the wedding weekend arrived, we tried to prioritize quiet moments together, like walking home from our rehearsal dinner past the bar where we met or starting the wedding day with a sunrise jog and coffee together before we went our separate ways to get ready. These are memories that we will hold right up there next to the wedding, so we would definitely recommend carving out grounding time surrounding the wedding.
After Party!
Best way to close out an epic evening? Burgers and fries, of course!! P. Terry’s Burger Stand provided Alex + Mike’s guests with after-party snacks.
Alex tried about nine different after party dresses before she found the “Katie” Ruched Mini Dress from Khaite. As soon as she tried it on she knew that her search was over. We love those puffed sleeves and the fact that she paired it with a cute white lacy lingerie moment!
Best part about a “til Death do us part” neon sign like Alex + Mike’s? It makes a super cool piece of home decor that will always remind you of your big day!
Congratulations, Alex + Mike! Your overgrown Austin wedding was the perfect fusion of wilderness and style. All the very best from GWS!
photography: Caroline's Collective // venue name: The Allan House, Austin, TX, United States // planning: 36th Street Events // florals: Davy Gray // wedding dress: Vera Wang and Khaite // wedding dress boutique: Casa de Novia Bridal // hair stylist: Makenzi Laine // makeup artist: Makenzi Laine // groom attire: Tom Ford // paper goods: The Letterist // catering: Contigo Catering // tabletop rentals: Table Manners // furniture rentals: Loot Rentals // linen rentals: BBJ La Tavola // specialty rentals: Premiere Events // music: DJ Nixx // lighting: Altared Weddings // cocktails: Spec's // cotton candy hearts: ShimmerShotz // favors: Herbots Design // draping + chandeliers: Strong Events // day of signage: Lettered by Valerie // burgers: P. Terry's Burger Stand
This is truly an inspiring description of Alex and Mike’s wedding! The combination of wild, untamed nature with modern minimalism seems incredibly original and appealing. It appears that the couple has a unique sense of taste and an understanding of aesthetics, which is reflected in every detail of their wedding.
The most enchanting aspect is undoubtedly the wedding photography, capturing the contrasts between the wild flora and clean lines beautifully. Photographer Caroline from Caroline’s Collective truly captured the spirit of this special day.
The idea for the bridesmaids’ bouquets and floral appliques also appears to be incredibly original and goes beyond traditional norms. It’s wonderful that the couple decided to break away from conventions and create something truly unique.
The entire setting seems magical, especially during the sunset when the light illuminated all the details. It must have been an unforgettable moment, both for the couple and their guests.
Of course, one should not forget about the details, such as table decorations or monogrammed ice cream – these are the elements that make each wedding special.
The couple’s advice for future couples planning their weddings is also valuable. Focusing on moments spent together and consciously experiencing the wedding day are essential aspects that help maintain peace and enjoy every moment.
Overall, it seems like an extraordinary and inspiring wedding that perfectly reflected the couple’s style and personality. Congratulations to Alex and Mike for creating such a unique and beautiful celebration!