This sweet couple and their families have a special place in my heart. We started working on their wedding 13 months before the wedding date and helped with every step, starting with finding the perfect venue for their desired “woodland goddess” feel. Our worlds were turned upside down when COVID triggered the government to prohibit Louisiana travel to Texas, then prohibited Austin weddings completely. Add in to the mix a hurricane and limited flexibility due to the groom’s residency, we faced a reschedule and possible complete cancellation or reschedule to a 3rd date - it was hurdle after hurdle. As event planners, we excel at expecting the unexpected and trouble-shooting every obstacle with grace and swift efficiency. But COVID. This sweet family was heart-broken and my heart broke with them, as we shared tears over the phone - I’ve never felt so helpless to help a client! But after a lot of tears and reworked plans, and negotiations with the amazing vendor team who worked so hard to navigate the constantly-evolving event plans, we threw an amazing, well-deserved celebration that ended up being our first #COVIDwedding. Mallary and Ryan’s love and happiness was just what we all needed. Their celebration brought us joy and hope, and it’s such a privilege to revisit it with you through these images - I know you’ll agree that their joy is contagious.

The NOLA natives decided to make Austin their wedding destination and selected one of our favorites, Camp Lucy in Dripping Springs. Camp Lucy is great for destination weddings since it has resort amenities such as rooms, cabins, a restaurant, fire pits, alpacas, and a beautiful pool, plus it’s hidden in the hill country and can provide peace, quiet, and golden hour photos like no other.

However, these two wanted their guests to see all of Austin, so they had rooms at the Fairmont Austin downtown and held lots of events for their guests and wedding party during their weekend. They had daytime pool lounging and then nighttime drinks at the Fairmont, hung out at the local favorite Barton Springs Pool, lunch at Iron Works BBQ, and watched (and smelled) the bats on the South Congress bridge. That was just Wednesday and Thursday!! Friday saw a bridal luncheon at the South Congress Hotel with drag queens as performers, and wrapped with a rehearsal dinner at Colorado Lease with Southern Flair food, and sweet and savory treats from Taco Sweets.

The ceremony was held at Sacred Oaks under a canopy of greenery accented by candles and beautiful white blooms from Stems Floral. Guests were serenaded by Ibison Guitar Duo as family and wedding party made their entrance, ending with three of the most adorable flower girls ever, the couple’s grandmothers!! A violinist joined in as Mallary entered on the arm of her father, and she joined Ryan under the arch of hanging candles, roses, and greenery before being announced as husband and wife!

The happy couple was off for bell ringing and golden hour photos, and it was clear this new husband was smitten, carrying his wife in the hill country sunset. They then met up with their closest 22 friends for wedding party photos and a fun game of flip cup before enjoying some time alone for their own private dining. The guests were very well taken care of while all this was happening, with delicious passed hors d’oeuvres from Whim Hospitality and three bars PLUS a rolling whiskey cart to keep them hydrated in the summer heat.

And this party was just getting started! Guests came inside to hanging greenery and beautiful lighting, plus four themed dinner stations (BBQ, American, Cajun, & Asian, YUM)! Spacecraft Entertainment had the dancing covered and there was a live painter to truly capture these once in a lifetime moments. For anyone that wanted to enjoy the beautiful clear night sky there was a Star Guide, and in addition to the traditional cake cutting, the bride invited 11 of her single friends to participate in the New Orleans cake pull. Remember when I mentioned this being a celebration, well, when I said there was dancing, I really meant it. They danced, and danced some more!!

The Austin Knights Brass Band wrapped up the evening leading the guests outside with another NOLA tradition, the always fun Second Line Parade, for some surprises from Big Dog Pyro. The happy couple went off in style with a fireworks show and a departure STANDING in a beautiful white jeep with sparkler fountains leading the path. The joy on their faces was everything we all needed to remind us that love will get us through it all!

Congrats Dr & Mrs Wolfe!!

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