Set against the backdrop of opulence and beauty, Stephanie and Mark tied the knot on a serene day in December. Two people so enamored with each other that their surroundings failed to compete with their extravagant love. They originally wanted to build a winery in time for the wedding but who has time to wait to construct a building when love is calling? So, setting up an exquisitely beautiful tent was the perfect alternative. Stephanie and Mark got married at Stephanie’s parents’ home; the ceremony was in the backyard overlooking Texas hill country and the reception was in a tent next to a small vineyard that is on their land.
Stephanie’s parents are actually planning on turning their gorgeous property into a wedding venue in the future with the proceeds being donated to a charity they’ve set up to battle a specific form of cancer that claimed the lives of a few of their beloved parents and grandparents.
The couple met at work where their offices were placed side by side. They didn’t start dating for a few years but once they did love was inevitable. Mark proposed at a winery after whisking Stephanie away to California wine country
The Wedding Details
Stephanie says that when looking for a wedding dress she wanted something that was simple but very “me” – and she found it perfectly in her Willowby dress. Her look was completed with her late grandmother’s ring. Stephanie told her bridesmaids to wear anything they wanted, so long as it was black and long. She wanted them to feel 100% comfortable and actually have something they’d wear again. She gifted each bridesmaid PJs and matching robes with their names embroidered on it.
The couple personalized the ceremony with programs that included random facts about each of them, special tributes to their parents and handwritten vows that they wrote to each other. They had an acoustic guitarist that played “November Rain” by GnR as Stephanie walked down the aisle and “Sweet Child O Mine” by GnR as they recessed out of the reception. Guns n Roses is Mark’s favorite band.
In addition to the unbelievable cascading arrangement over the main table, a “naked” cake with Mark’s mom’s buttercream frosting, and Salt Lick BBQ sauce and seasonings as wedding favors, the reception featured a surprise slideshow that Stephanie’s mother curated.
Advice for Future Coordinated Brides
Add all the personal touches, write your own vows (and even the entire ceremony!), and hire a wedding planner if you can! I would have drowned without Tracy Collins.
Vendor Collaboration
Favors and Gifts: Scripted Ever After // Other: Gracious Bridal // Invitation Designer: Twin Sisters Design // Paper Props: Twin Sisters Designs // Signage: The Creative Standard // Transportation: 4 Leaf Limo // Transportation: Roadrunner Charters // Photo Booth Equipment: Oh Happy Day Booth // Design and Decor: Birch and Brass // Band: The Rocket Brothers Band // Officiant: Richard Blass // Cake Designer: Sweet Treets Bakery // Linens and Coverings: Unique Design & Events // Photo Booth Equipment: Austin Event Lighting // Equipment Rentals: Mancino Iron Rental // Floral Designer: Flora Fetish // Linens and Coverings: Marquee Event Group // Cinema and Video: ATX Wedding Video // Makeup Artist: Houston Puryear Makeup Artistry // Hair Stylist: Miranda McGuire / /Other: Spec’s Liquor // Caterer: Salt Lick BBQ // Event Venue: Villa at Mazuelo Vineyards // Event Planner: Tracy Collins Events // Photographer: Nikk Nguyen Photo // Submitted via Two Bright Lights
