If there was ever a perfect example of a “yin to my yang”, it is Brittany and Peter, and it was such a joy to be part of their day. Brittany is 100% emotion, loves some dramatic flair, and just wants to have a great time. Peter is her grounding force, bringing her back to the daily grind, but still always making sure she is having a great time. The love they share can be seen across the room, and it was just what we needed in the middle of a pandemic.
With COVID still around, they knew they couldn’t have the big celebration they wanted, but they were SO ready to be married. With just a little over a month to spare, they called us to help with an intimate celebration at Hotel Saint Cecilia. It was the perfect choice for their celebration with tons of character for Brittany’s large personality and the ability to have everyone all in one place, so they could spend the entire weekend with their friends and family.
The guys spent the weekend in Suite 1, with its prime location right at the entrance to the property and right next to the ceremony and cocktail location. While the ladies spent the weekend just around the corner in Suite 4, where the wedding dinner would take place. Having all the space of Suite 4 was a huge plus for Brittany and her ladies. With four bridesmaids, two moms, and two grandmothers all getting ready together, they were able to spread out (inside and outside in the beautiful late November temperatures) and always find a nice comfy chair as well. That was very important for Brittany, as her grandmother Evelyn, was the guest of honor. During all of the planning, Evelyn was always considered and at times was given more priority than the bride herself. She is the most important person in Brittany’s life, and she wanted the day to be enjoyable for them both.
The team at Jessica Roop Beauty came prepared with every item necessary to make the ladies look gorgeous and they did a great job. Brittany looked every part the beautiful bride, but her sister stole the show a *tiny* bit with gold glitter in the part of her bright red hair and braids!
Once everyone was dressed and beautiful, it was finally time to get started, and Brittany was ready for her photo shoot. As mentioned before, this bride has quite the personality and wanted her pictures to capture that fun.
Rob with Rob August Photography was up to the challenge, and Hotel Saint Cecilia was a great help with its countless fun, funky, and unique spots. Gypsy Floral made beautiful bouquets with burgundy, blush, and ivory roses accented with ranunculus, blue thistle, astilbe, viburnum berries, and eucalyptus, which looked great against the navy blue of the guys and the bridesmaids. Brittany did a touching first look with her father, before everyone gathered for family and wedding party photos on the iconic striped patio of the hotel. It was a family affair, so there was lots of kissing, and hugging, and of course, some dramatic flair from Brittany.
The time finally came for the “i dos” on the hotel lawn. The guests were serenaded by a string quartet from Terra Vista Strings as the wedding party made their way along the winding path around the lawn. Channeling her dramatic flair, she took inspiration from “Crazy, Rich, Asians” and selected “Can’t Help Falling In Love” for the ceremony music. Once everyone was in place, and after a long pause to keep Peter on his toes, Brittany finally got to walk down the aisle to the man of her dreams.
Guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the terrace as Brittany and Peter got their very own little photo shoot. And no wedding at Hotel Saint Cecilia is complete without photos at the SOUL sign at the pool!
The lawn of Suite 4 was transformed during the ceremony & cocktail hour and ready for dinner under the stars. Tables were set with white linens, gold and brass candlesticks, warm fall florals, and Hotel Saint Cecilia’s red chairs. Guests were able to choose their entree in advance, and each place setting had a custom made menu serving as a place card. The semi-naked cake from Sweet Treets Bakery had a place of honor on the patio, where the lights reflected on the windows.
After cocktail hour, guests took their seat in anticipation for the entrance of the new Mr & Mrs. Reggio and then enjoyed a delicious dinner of roasted chicken or beef tenderloin. Brittany couldn’t wait to start dancing but was getting frustrated with her wedding gown, and asked us to cut off the bottom of her gown. Yes, you read that correctly, she asked us to CUT HER DRESS! In 15 years of wedding planning it was a first, but we are here for you, so Melanie got some scissors and got to cutting the under-layer ONLY.
Once the “tailoring” was done, Brittany went back outside for a quick dancing test drive, and then the toasts began. With such a small and intimate crowd, the toasts were able to be long and touching, and very emotional. While everyone was crying, the tears kept flowing with the first dance and parent dances, but then it was time to have some fun! Brittany made sure to have “You Are My Sunshine” play so she could share a special dance with her guest of honor, Grandma Evelyn.
With the sun down, the hotel becomes even moodier, and Brittany and Peter just had to sneak away for more photos, especially of her wedding boots!
The night had to eventually come to an end with Brittany & Peter running through a sparkler send-off and sneaking back behind their guests (who were busy playing Harry Potter with their sparklers) to their honeymoon suite right on property.
Here’s to forever Brittany & Peter!!
Cast of Austin Wedding Vendors
Photography: Rob August Photography
Venue & Caterer: Hotel Saint Cecilia
Floral: Gypsy Floral
Ceremony Musicians: Terra Vista Strings
Cake: Sweet Treets Bakery
Beauty: Jessica Roop Beauty
Hotel & Rehearsal Dinner: Hotel Magdalena
