Planning: Ashley Nicole Affair Venue/Catering/Desserts: Bishop's Lodge Photography: Ashley Shaw Florist: Fleur Affair DJ: MQ Party Cake: Sweet Butter Baking Hair/MUA: Something Ginger Rentals: Colorado Party Rentals Favors: Santa Fe Olive Oil Transportation: Devine Executive Transportation

Featured on Wed Society | Austin Planning + Photo Booth: Ashley Nicole Affair Venue/Catering: Hyatt Lost Pines Photography: Emily Anne Boone Videography: ILC Films Florist: Fleur Affair Co. DJ: Exodus Sound Co. Cake: Capital City Bakery Hair/MUA: Lux Beauty and Bridal Rentals: Premiere Events TX

Planning: @ ashleynicoleaffair / Ashleynicoleaffair.com Venue/Catering:@ hyattregencytamaya / Hyatt Regency Tamaya Photography: @mollymorganphotography / Molly Morgan Photography Florist:@ albuquerquefloristweddings / Albuquerque Florist DJ: @ cutmastermusic / Cutmaster Music Hair/MUA: @ makeitjacque / Jacqueline Chavez Draping: @ encore_global / Encore Global Glam Booth: @ ashleynicoleaffair / Ashleynicoleaffair.com

Featured on Wed Society | Austin Full Service Planning: Ashley Nicole Affair Venue: Bella Oaks Venue Photography: April Mae Creative Florist: Fleur Affair DJ/Band: Hype Rhythm Catering/Bar: Royal Fig Catering Cake/Dessert: Nothing Bundt Cakes Hair/MUA: Bonita Brides Rentals: Marquee Event Rentals Lighting: Uptown Event Rentals Transportation: Around Austin Mini Donkeys: Ears with Beers

Last week, Ashley Nicole Affair got to chat with Drew Davis for a Q&A with one of Austin’s biggest wedding bands - Moontower Entertainment . Having a band perform at your wedding is such a show stopper! It is a trendy and incredible way to spice up your big day and get everyone on the dance floor!  Q: Tell us a little about Moontower Entertainment . What services does your company provide?  A: My husband Amos started Matchmaker Band in 2009. Within a year of dating, we started two more party bands; Love & Happiness Band and PDA Band , and we launched Moontower Entertainment at the same time. Fast forward to 2024, and we now have five of the state's top party bands. We have since added a live band karaoke experience called Moontower Radio and a country/classic rock/pop band called Gone To Texas Band. We also book hundreds of other musical acts and artists of all genres and sizes.  Q: How far in advance should wedding couples ideally book your services?  A: In peak seasons (Spring and Fall), we recommend our couples try to get to us 9-12 months in advance to secure their Saturdays. However, in slower seasons (July, August, January and parts of February), we can usually still book something really quality with shorter notice.   Q: What genres and styles of music does Moontower Entertainment specialize in?  A: Between our five party bands that we perform in, own, and manage, we really have pretty much everything covered with the exception of international styles of music. However, all of our bands come with a full service DJ for the breaks, so we are usually able to curate playlists that serve those needs and still create special moments. Any band, any budget, any occasion is our motto, and we mean it! Q: Can couples request specific songs or genres for their event? Do you offer a customizable playlist? A: Yes! When a client books one of our in-house party bands, we have our song lists available on each website. We typically ask our couples to send us 10-15 of their must-play favorites off of that list and 10-15 of their absolutely do-not-play bottom choices. We then custom build every single set based on these preferences.  Q: Can couples request certain songs for their first dance and other special moments or is there a DJ service for specific songs?  A: Yes and yes! Anything on our song list is fair game for the band to do live for first dances, parent dances, private dances, and any other special moments . We have also learned hundreds of songs that aren't on our list because we just don't do them very often and/or specialize in them. So we are always happy to look in our archives and see if we have learned the song before and can do it at no cost! Q: Do you provide emcee services? A: Absolutely! We like to think of ourselves as the "party captains." Professional emcee services are included with each Moontower band. We are there for every important moment, big or small, to help make it extra special.  Q: How long are your performance sets? Do you provide background music during breaks or is there a DJ service included? A: Our standard package is 3 x 1hr sets within a 4hr window. DJed breaks and emcee services are included. In 2024, we are actually launching two new packages. The second tier will be our "rager package" which is a 3hr continuous dance party. And our 3rd tier is called "the ultimate," which includes a 1hr live band dinner set and a 3hr continuous dance set within a 4.5hr window.  Q: What is your contingency plan in case of equipment failure or unforeseen circumstances? Do you have backup musicians available in case a band member is unable to perform? A: We are such a large and insulated company now that we are usually able to find a very quick resolution. Because we have such a large talent pool, we are usually able to handle last minute personnel sub-outs for emergencies and illnesses with a very comparable substitute musician. Our singers have also been with us for years, so in the unfortunate emergency circumstance when a singer is out, the client's custom set-list never suffers and we never skip a beat (literally)!  Q: Can you share any highlights, client testimonials, or memorable experiences from past weddings?  A: There are literally too many to count! Just this past weekend, we had one band with the bride and groom crowd surfing during "Mr. Brightside," we had another band with a family soul train during "Dancing Queen," we had another band where the bride sang all of "Man, I Feel Like A Woman" with the band impromptu, and we had another Moontower band with the father of the bride surprising his daughter and playing saxophone with us. This is literally every weekend with us. Our job is about providing excellent music with the top talent in the state, BUT it's even more about being memory-makers. The majority of memories (in our biased opinion) are made on the dance floor, and our bands are trained to facilitate as many of those memories as possible.  Photography: Kaitlin Rodgers | Emily Boone

Your wedding day is a culmination of dreams, love, and celebration—a day you want to be nothing short of magical! As you plan each detail , from the flowers to the menu, one aspect that can truly enhance the ambiance and create unforgettable moments is incorporating a dance floor. Whether you’re in favor of a live band or a DJ , let's explore how this addition can elevate your wedding experience to new heights. Fosters Celebration and Connection: A wedding is a joyous occasion that brings together loved ones from near and far. A dance floor serves as the focal point of celebration, where guests can come together to revel in the happiness of the moment. It provides an opportunity for family and friends to connect, let loose, and create unforgettable memories as they dance the night away. Creates a Vibrant Atmosphere: Adding a dance floor instantly elevates the atmosphere, infusing your wedding with energy, excitement, and undeniable charm. Whether it's an intimate gathering or a grand affair, the dance floor sets the stage for an unforgettable celebration. Encourages Participation and Fun: Let's face it, everyone loves to dance from time to time! A well designed dance floor invites guests of all ages and backgrounds to partake in a night of dancing. Whether they're grooving to the latest hits or swaying to timeless classics, the dance floor is a place where joy takes center stage. It's the perfect opportunity for guests to let their hair down and embrace the spirit of celebration. Highlights Special Moments: From the couple's first dance to the father-daughter dance and everything in between, the dance floor is where special moments come to life. It's a stage for love, laughter, and heartfelt connections. It is a place where emotions run high and memories are made. Each twirl, dip, and spin on the dance floor becomes a chapter in your love story, etched forever in the hearts of those who attend your wedding celebration. Adds Entertainment Value: Let's not forget the entertainment factor! A wedding with a dance floor offers endless possibilities for fun and entertainment. Whether you opt for a live band or a DJ spinning your favorite tunes, the dance floor becomes the ultimate playground for musical entertainment. It's where guests can showcase their best dance moves, request their favorite songs, and hone in on the magic of the moment. Adding a dance floor to your wedding is a decision that can truly elevate the experience for you, your spouse, and your guests. It fosters celebration and connection, creates a vibrant atmosphere, encourages participation and fun, highlights special moments, and adds entertainment value to your special day. So, as you plan your wedding, don't forget to carve out space for a dance floor. It's not only where the magic happens, but it’s also where memories that will last a lifetime are made. Photography: Caitlin Rose Photo | Stonehouse Photography | Sarah Tribett | Cloud Craft Studios

Full Service Planning: @ashleynicoleaffair / Ashley Nicole Affair Venue: @theverandasa / The Veranda  Photography: @lightasgold / Light as Gold  Florist: @fleuraffairco / Fleur Affair  DJ/Band: @djdavidatx   Catering/Bar: @spiceoflifesa / Spice of Life Catering  Cake: @nothingbundtcakes  / Nothing Bundt Cakes Hair/MUA: @veilartistry_   / Veil Artistry Glam Booth: @ashleynicoleaffair / Ashley Nicole Affair Content Creator: @everaftercontent

Planning: Ashley Nicole Affair Photography & Videography: PhotoHouse Films Ceremony Venue: Saint Mary Cathedral Reception Venue & Catering: Hotel Zaza Florist: Bouquets of Austin Cake: Sweet Treets Bakery Hair/MUA: Bethany Elyse DJ: Premier Entertainment Group Photo Booth: Oh Happy Day Booth

As your wedding plans unfold, one of the most beautiful elements to consider is adding floral decor. Flowers have the ability to not only increase the aesthetic appeal of your wedding day, but they are also heavily rooted in symbolism of love and new beginnings. There is no denying that breathtaking floral arrangements can transform your wedding day into a unique and beautiful masterpiece, but one question that may remain is, “How much do they cost?” The price of florals for a wedding can differ due to various reasons such as seasonal availability, years of experience, vendor reputation, economic factors, trends, labor intensity, and local market supply and demand. Our team of wedding planners reached out to florists in the Austin area wedding industry and have compiled the average cost based on their information submitted. Altar: Ceremony Photographer: Brooke Taelor / Florist: Lovelily | Photographer: Madison Katlin / Florist: The Flower Girl | Photographer: Neva Michelle Photography / Florist: White's Floral | Photographer: Geoff Nguyen / Florist: Good Seed Floral | Photographer: A. Mosely / Florist: Fleur Affair | Photographer: April Mae Creative / Florist: Bouquets of Austin A ceremony with an altar and arrangements on every row (10 rows = 20 aisle arrangements) you can expect to spend $5,000. For just the altar and back of aisle arrangements, the average cost starts at $3,000 for a lush ceremony design that is heavy in flowers and light in filler (greenery, baby's breath, etc.) Bouquets: Bridal/Bridesmaids Photographer: A. Mosley / Florist: Fleur Affai r | Photographer: Brooke Taelo r / Florist: Lovelily | Photographer: Madison Katlin / Florist: The Flower Girl For a fairly standard, smaller bridesmaid posey bouquet with dainty and textural blooms, the average cost can start at $90 per bouquet. A larger, hand-tied bridal bouquet can start at $150-$175. For a luxury, larger bridal bouquet that incorporates poppies, peonies, dahlias, or other high-cost florals, the average cost starts at $325 depending on the season, availability, complexity of design and more. Centerpieces: Bud Vases Photographer: Brooke Taelor / Florist: Lovelily The cost of bud vases varies depending on the type of blooms wanted. Flowers such as dahlias or delphinium have a higher wholesale cost which can altar the overall cost. The average range is between $20-$40 for single stem bud vases, and a trio of bud vases ranges from $50-$70. Centerpiece: Arrangements A high column arrangement with readily available flowers, like hydrangeas + greenery costs starts around $200, with an average of $250. Want to upgrade to include premium flowers like peonies or orchids? You can expect pricing to start at a minimum of $250 depending on the season and availability of the flowers of your choice. Photography: Caitlin Rose / Florist: Wild Bunches Installations: Greenery on Tents & Chandeliers Photography: Madison Katlin / Florist: The Flower Girl | Photographer: Ann Mark Photography / Florist: Blumen Floral Greenery on light fixtures/chandeliers depends on the size and how lush you are wanting. With real greenery to be loosely fixed to a structure on site, the cost starts around $700. For a double tiered chandelier that is 8 feet on top and 6 feet on the bottom, with only greenery, you can anticipate pricing to start at $1,000 per chandelier due to the labor required and the cost of florals. For reception tent greenery, the cost can range from $900-$1700 depending on the measurements of the tent, smilax costs, and labor fee. You also can upgrade to add flowers, but the cost will increase depending on the flowers you want! Greenery Installations: IE: Staircase The average cost of greenery on a staircase depends on the length, fullness of the design desired and depends if it's just greenery or if you also want to include flowers. At minimum, you can expect pricing to start at $500 and continue to go up depending on the final design/vision. Photographer: Moodyography / Florist: Good Seed Floral Featured Venues in Photos: Barr Mansion | Villa Antonia | The Addison Grove | Mattie's at Green Pastures | Preserve at Canyon Lake | Vintage Villas What type of flower arrangements are you wanting for your big day?! We are always adding to our blog and would love to update it with any questions you may have to help set the expectation for your wedding day floral design! For more updates, or inquiries about pricing/budget, email hello@ashleynicoleaffair.com to subscribe to our blog!

In the midst of wedding planning, which can include the flurry of decisions and details, there exists a moment of peace and sheer elegance—a Bridal Session . Often overlooked yet profoundly significant, this pre-wedding photoshoot is all about the bride! It is a celebration of her grace, beauty, and excitement of the big day ahead. What is a Bridal Session? A Bridal Session is a dedicated photography session where the bride poses for pictures in her wedding attire, capturing timeless portraits before the hustle and bustle of the wedding day. Typically held weeks or months before the wedding, it offers a tranquil environment for the bride to glow in the radiance of her gown and gives her an opportunity to have a stress-free photography session! Reasons to Embrace a Bridal Session: 1. Timeless Portraits: Imagine yourself in a gorgeous setting, dressed in your breathtaking wedding gown, surrounded by an aura of anticipation and excitement. A bridal session allows for unhurried moments to capture the essence of your bridal elegance. This allows for timeless portraits that will be cherished for a lifetime. 2. Trial Run: A bridal session serves as a trial run for your wedding day look . It offers an opportunity to assess every detail of your ensemble—from the fit of your gown to the intricacy of your hair and makeup —ensuring that you radiate confidence and poise when the big day arrives. A great tip we always give brides is to conveniently schedule your hair and make-up trial, if hiring a professional, on the same day as your bridal portraits. This will allow you to already see how everything looks professionally photographed before you even walk down the aisle! 3. Endless Creativity: Freed from the constraints of wedding day timelines, bridal sessions encourage endless creativity. Whether it's exploring unique locations, experimenting with different poses, or incorporating meaningful props, you have the liberty to create a personalized experience that reflects your style and vision. 4. Relaxed Atmosphere: Amidst the whirlwind of wedding preparations, a bridal session provides a relaxing retreat—a moment of calmness before the festivities unfold. It allows you to bask in the joy of being a bride, surrounded by loved ones or in the company of just your photographer. Your pictures will look incredible while in a relaxed atmosphere, and it adds to the excitement of your wedding day. 5. Legacy of Love : Beyond the wedding day itself, bridal session portraits become a legacy of love—a testament to the journey traveled upon, the promises exchanged, and the dreams that have unfolded. They are beautiful keepsakes that you can forever cherish, reflect upon, and even pass down to many generations. Your beauty and grace surrounding your wedding day is priceless, and what better way to remember it than by partaking in a bridal session?! Embrace this timeless tradition, and let your radiance shine in portraits that capture the essence of your love story. Take a moment to relax and breathe in the whirlwind of planning your wedding and plan a bridal session. Go to some of your favorite spots and locations with your photographer and revel in your beauty because you deserve it! Photography: Photo House Films | Monica Danielle Photo | Caitlin Rose Photo | Dani Quiroz | Moodyography | Main Squeeze Photography

Full Service Planning: @ashleynicoleaffair Venue: @thepreserveatcanyonlake Photography: Moodyography Videography: @grumbofilms Florist: @reileyandrose DJ: @thepremieraustindjs Musician: @terravistastrings Catering: @royalfigcatering Cake/Dessert: @royalfigcatering | @nothingbundtcakes Hair/MUA: @adoremakeupsalon Rentals: @premiereeventstx Officiant: @officiallyoaks Ice Sculpture: @signature_ice_sculptures Marquee Letters: @alphalitaustin Photo Booth: @photovibez_booth

Start with Reflection Begin by reflecting on your relationship. Think about what makes your partner special and what your relationship means to you. Consider the moments that have defined your journey together, the qualities you admire in each other, and the dreams you share for the future. Jot down these thoughts and memories as they come to you. This reflection will provide a solid foundation for your vows and ensure they come from the heart. Set the Tone Decide on the tone you want for your vows. Do you want them to be romantic, humorous, serious, or a mix of all three? The tone should reflect your personality and the nature of your relationship. Discuss with your partner to ensure your vows complement each other in style and length. Consistency in tone can add to the cohesiveness and impact of your vows. Structure Your Vows Having a clear structure can help you organize your thoughts and ensure your vows flow smoothly. A common structure includes an opening statement, personal anecdotes, promises to your partner, and a closing statement. Here’s a simple outline to get you started: Opening Statement: Begin with a heartfelt declaration of love and commitment. Personal Anecdotes: Share a few meaningful memories or stories that highlight your relationship. Promises: Make specific promises to your partner. These can be serious commitments, like supporting each other through thick and thin, or lighter, personal promises, like always making their favorite breakfast. Closing Statement: End with a final expression of love and anticipation for your future together. Be Authentic Authenticity is key to writing meaningful vows . Speak from the heart and be true to yourself. Don’t worry about using poetic language or grandiose statements if that’s not your style. Your partner will appreciate vows that are genuine and reflective of your true feelings. Use your own voice and words that feel natural to you. Practice and Edit Once you’ve written your vows, read them out loud several times. This will help you gauge the flow and emotional impact. Make any necessary edits to ensure clarity and conciseness. Practicing also helps you become comfortable with delivering your vows during the ceremony. However, avoid memorizing them word-for-word to keep the delivery spontaneous and heartfelt. Writing your wedding vows is a beautiful opportunity to express your love and commitment in a deeply personal way. By reflecting on your relationship, setting the right tone, structuring your vows, being authentic, and practicing, you can create vows that will resonate with your partner and make your wedding ceremony even more special. Remember, the most important thing is to speak from the heart and enjoy this precious moment. Photography: Light as Gold Main Squeeze Photography Cloud Craft Studios