I hope you’re all sitting down for this blog post, my friends. Because it’s a complete visual overload of gorgeous details, sweet Southern traditions and some of the most beautiful photographs I’ve been lucky enough to add into my portfolio thus far in my career. But first a little back story. And stick with me because it’s good.

Back in 2011 I received an email from one sweet Southern belle who was not yet engaged but interested in working with me to plan her wedding when the time came. I questioned her seriousness and found it a bit odd to be reaching out to a planner pre-engagement, but I loved this girl’s tenacity and sense of humor so we kept in touch for an entire year. In late 2012 when finally her beau popped the question and the duo became officially engaged, our working relationship became official and with that, Sara and I started to not only plan and design her perfect wedding day, but we built a really special bond and friendship with one another. We fell in stride so effortlessly and time after time again I was reminded why I do what I do. As a gal who has lived in as many places as I can count on almost both hands, Sara had her pick of planners and designers nationwide. And to know she picked me to help serve her and Austin; well it’s incredibly humbling and brings me tremendous joy.

Sara and Austin were married on September 20th, 2014 exactly three years from the original date that Sara first emailed me. Set against the magical backdrop of Vista West Ranch y’all, in the heart of Dripping Springs, Texas and decked out from ceremony to send off in Kate Spade girliness and a whole load of sparkle, this wedding even exceeded my expectations once the final taillight was lit and the final dahlia placed into that beauty of an arch. The whole day, actually the whole three-year journey with Sara and Austin, was the stuff dreams are made of and well, I just have to say thank you. To Sara and Austin. Thank you for letting me be a tiny part of the bigger picture which is now happily ever after for you two as a family.

The beautiful photographs were taken by our dear friends Shay and Drew of Love, The Nelsons. Simply put; they are one of a kind. Enjoy some of my absolute favorites from this special celebration! Oh! And you may have caught this wedding over on Southern Weddings where it was featured in November. It was very exciting to see such this wedding grace the pages of a publication both the bride and I so admire. Check it out here.

Sara’s weakness is anything Kate Spade (my kind of girl) so naturally she wore these glittered peep toes.

The florals! For a wedding with 80 people there were a TON of florals. I loved every second of it.

Sara’s bridal bouquet took me a good two hours to make. Andrew was on hand with me that night working on some smaller arrangements while I tried to make it perfect and I was on a mission to do just that. To name a few blooms used: peach, blush, and magenta garden roses, white, blush and orange ranunculus, varieties of dahlias, pink veronica, white lysmachia, orange parrot tulips, pink spray roses, boxwood greens and my favorite, jasmine vine. It was all wrapped up with of course, a black and white striped grosgrain bow. I wish I could show you the video I took of Sara seeing her bouquet for the first time. It’s a mood lifter on bad days :)

Did I mention the beautiful bride has really beautiful friends too?

Remember how I mentioned a lot of my couple’s have bulldogs? Here’s Rumpy the ring bearer :)

The portraits Shay and Drew captured are seriously stunning. It was hard to pick my faves for this post.

And my favorite from the entire day is this:

You can read more about Sara and Austin’s love story, their engagement, advice on wedding planning and many of the decisions behind their big day, over here. Just five seconds into reading Sara’s words and you’ll see why both I and her husband Austin love her so. And a big thank you to all of the amazing vendors who made this event possible. Planning and designing weddings cross country can be a bit tricky but time and time again I’m blown away by kind and gracious colleague and vendors. To happily ever after and beyond :)

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Photography: Love, The Nelsons / Planning, florals and design: Hey Gorgeous Events / Venue: Vista West Ranch / Wedding cake: Classic Cakes by Lori / Caterer: PoK-e-Jo’s / Rentals: Premiere Events, Loot Vintage Rentals, Whim Event Rentals / DJ: Complete / Paper Products: Lemon + Lavender / Calligraphy: Laura Hooper Calligraphy / Bride’s Gown: ‘Sorento’ by Ines Di Santo / Bride’s Veil: Sara Gabriel / Bride’s Sash: Venust Bridal Design / Bride’s Bracelet and Shoes: Kate Spade /Bride’s Garter: Fallen Star Couture / Bride’s Earrings: Nicole Miller via Rent the Runway / Hair Stylist: Mindy Fuller / Makeup Artist: Makenzi Lane / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: LulaKate / Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse / Bridesmaids’ Monogrammed Shirts: Crystal Faye / Bouquet Ribbons: Oatmeal Lace Design / Linens: La Tavola Linen/ Flower Girl Tutu: Tutu Girl / Dog’s Bow Tie: Mia’s Closet / Wedding Cake: Classic Cakes by Lori