“A self-portrait of us as a couple.” That’s what Mollie + Alexandra set out to create when they began planning their modern, edgy Austin, Texas wedding day.
“As a non-traditional, LGBTQ+ couple, it was crucial to customize our wedding to represent who we are, not who we are ‘supposed to be,'” Alexandra says. “Whether that was dismissing certain traditions or emphasizing our love to have a good time, we didn’t hold back.”
So these two let go of some predictable wedding moments that didn’t serve them like speeches, bouquet tosses, and cake cutting and embraced experiences that felt true to their style and amped up the excitement of the day.
Cassie Crudo of Truly Together Event Co was on hand to make Mollie + Alexandra’s black-tie-meets-night-club dreams come true at the chic and central South Congress Hotel. The sleek and stylish black-and-white palette paired perfectly with both the simple unplugged ceremony and the energetic celebration that followed. Sparks sprayed after they said their “I do’s.” Rainbow glow sticks filled the crowded dance floor. And a drag performance by Ritzy Bitz was the ultimate surprise!
Thank goodness photographer Madison McWain was there to capture the celebrations as it unfolded so we can take a peek!!
Alexandra’s killer Stuart Weitzman pumps add so much sparkle. Shop the bridal collection here!
Mollie’s stunning white from Suit Supply is enhanced with unique details like her silver “love” necklace and the floral lapel piece full of orchids. About this creative use of flowers the couple says: “It gave Mollie the femininity she desired as a bride, while still honoring her preference to wear pants.”
If Mollie’s look has you thinking a bridal suit is the way to go, check out these ideas!
Alexandra’s sleek and versatile gown is the Antelope dress from Pronovias’ Eden Collection. Alexandra rocked the removable tulle overskirt for the ceremony and then switched silhouettes without it for the reception. Through her beautiful bouquet you can catch a peek of the “love” belt that echoed Mollie’s “love” necklace! Let’s just say we love the details!
The First Look
Sixpence Floral Design is responsible for the modern, minimalistic elegance of this completely white floral palette full of crisp orchids and huge white anthurium.
Hair + Makeup for both Mollie + Alexandra was the creation of Lux Beauty and Bridal. Check out that fabulous silver glitter stripe on Alexandra!! (Mollie had one, too!)
The flowers, though! Mollie’s floral lapel piece and Alexandra’s cascading bouquet are excellent on their own and EVEN BETTER when they’re side by side.
The way these beautiful brides pop surrounded by a wedding party all in black!!
A Contemporary Ceremony
Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding Despite our affinity for a lively atmosphere, our ceremony was priceless and powerful. I (Alexandra) will never forget intentionally soaking up the beaming faces of our loved ones as I descended the courtyard staircase, escorted by my dad, while a dear friend, Steph Cash, sang a special song upon our entrance to the museum-like setting. It’s surreal to remember my then soon-to-be wife’s face in awe of me, and hands that held mine from shaking. While our family and wedding party sat on the front row, one of our best friends solely stood with us as she officiated and shared our love story.
The most profound moment of the day was sharing our poignant vows that we vulnerably poured upon one another. Rain fell outside while it rolled from our eyes, in front of the undivided attention and support from our closest friends and family; we pronounced promises to love and choose one another for exactly who we are and who we are to become, together. To conclude, upon our first kiss, cold sparks sprayed as the crowd cheered and the upbeat music celebrated. It was nothing short of magical.
Our Musical Choices Processional: "Love You For a Long Time" by Maggie Rogers
Recessional: "Lasting Lover" by Sigala/James Arthur
First Dance: "Finally/Beautiful Stranger" by Halsey
Sparks literally flying!
Time to Party!!
We spy lyrics from the song that inspired the wedding’s “Electric Love” theme!!
Neon white and black acrylic signage by Scripted Ever After placed around the party made the whole celebration feel cohesive and immersive.
Mollie + Alexandra’s guests even got to take home some pieces of the fun like these table assignment keychain gifts. What’s not to love?! Alexandra says: “The night was designed to make everyone’s cheeks hurt from smiling too hard.”
Wanna set up your own seating chart inspired by Mollie + Alexandra’s? Check out these custom personalizable motel keychains!
Premiere Events brought the contemporary vibes with these transparent chairs and black-and-white place settings.
Digging these sexy spherical centerpieces? Mollie + Alexandra made them themselves!
The couple’s sweetheart table looking lush and lux wrapped in this all-white floral installation!
Our Advice To Those Planning Now Every single choice you make, should be for the couple’s joy. It’s easy to get sucked into pleasing others and keeping up with the traditions or trends, but the more authentic you and your partner are, the happier you’ll be.
Your vendors’ vibe check MATTERS (beyond their experience). Do your research, interview before booking…you’ll be spending your entire engagement interacting with them, as well as spending the bulk of your wedding day with them.
Prioritize your photographer, videographer, planner, and wedding venue manager. They will make or break your stress, and your DJ/Band will make your party. The rest is cream.
ALSO, two strategies that helped us:
1.) Organize with excel spreadsheets, a separate email account, and an interest-free credit card (this transparently organizes expenses and is a great budget tool)
2.) Plan better by setting a “date” time once a week to consistently collaborate and make progress on planning together. Wedding planning is a special opportunity to test your communication and team-working ability in your relationship. It can be exhausting, but remember this growth will be the foundation for your marriage.
Congrats, Mollie + Alexandra, on your “Electric Love!” All of us at GWS are so happy for you two!!
photography: Madison Katlin Photography // venue name: South Congress Hotel, Austin, Texas, USA // event design: Cassie Crudo of Truly Together Event Co // planning: Cassie Crudo of Truly Together Event Co // florals: Stella Embleton of Six Pence Florals // wedding dress boutique: Pronovias Eco Collection of Pronovias // bride's shoes: Stuart Weitzman // hair stylist: Lux Beauty and Bridal // makeup artist: Lux Beauty and Bridal // videography: Wes Raitt of Wes Raitt Cinema // catering: Cafe No Sè of South Congress Hotel // desserts: Stephen F. Frostin // tabletop rentals: Rentals by Premier Events // furniture rentals: Rentals by Premier Events // linen rentals: Rentals by Premier Events // music: Premier Entertainment Group/Blake Arambula // signage: Scripted Ever After
So much to take away from this wedding. The motel keychain idea for seating plans is genius!
I love it all.