Where to host your wedding is something that is always evolving; from elopements, intimate ceremonies, and last minute backyard nuptials are happening NOW more than ever before. Pivoting from your original plans leaves a lot of lingering questions, and the number one question we are getting is - now what do I wear? The good news is that there are no rules - wear the same wedding dress for your small ceremony and wear it again in a year for your big reception! If that isn't your style and you're looking to save the glamor and surprise, we have compiled a curated list of ready to wear pieces that can arrive in a tighter time frame. TAILORED TO PERFECTION This structured dress with sequin embellishments is a standout look for any size ceremony. We recommend pairing with colored pumps and a birdcage veil for a vintage twist on this look. SHORT AND SOPHISTICATED Don't you love a traditional lace bodice with a modern twist? Make way on the dance floor because you’ll be dancing ALL night in this short flirty dress. We recommend opting for a low wavy ponytail and delicate hoop earrings to blend the classic and fun elements of this dress. CLASSIC SILHOUETTE ​If you’re going for a timeless look, this dress is it! It can be styled so many ways and fits everything from a church ceremony to a backyard bash. We recommend pairing with dainty jewelry and literally ANY hairstyle - seriously this dress is versatile and looks great with an updo or a big Hollywood waves. UNDERSTATED ROYALTY Imagine this.. you could take Meghan Markle’s reception look and make it entirely your own.! The high neck halter and cut out back are incredible details that make this dress anything BUT simple. Be sure to choose a hairstyle that lets the back of the dress really shine and we also recommend to keep it simple + top it off with stud earrings. ELEVATED SLIP DRESS This slip dress is a showstopper! What makes it SUCH a sophisticated look? It's the unique neckline, back draping, and side slit! Try styling this with relaxed waves and natural dewy makeup to finish off this sleek look. FIERCE JUMPSUIT This beautiful asymmetric jumpsuit screams classic, yet comfortable. You are able to dress a jumpsuit up or down, as much as you want! This outfit also doubles as a rehearsal dinner look! Make it your own with a belt and a slicked back bun and/or take advantage of the hem of the pants to show off a beautiful strappy heel. FLOWING ROMANCE​ This stunning dress can be used in so many different settings. One thing we can promise is that you will get MORE than one use out of it + you have the opportunity to make it look unique every time! Style it with sandals and a loose messy braid for a beachy elopement – or mix it up with a chunky heel and gold bangle bracelets for a more eclectic look. SLEEK STRAPLESS ​This fitted strapless gown exudes Hollywood glamour. The best part about it is the prominent neckline. Not only would this make a good ceremony dress, but it is perfect for date nights, your rehearsal dinner, and even a fancy night out during your bachelorette party! You can skip a statement necklace and focus on a pair of drop earrings instead and top off the whole look with a bold sexy lip color. BEAUTIFUL BOHO It’s all about the details on this bohemian inspired dress; the high neck, cut out back, and delicate floral trim are just a few things that make it look so romantic and dreamy. Enhance the vibe of this dress by styling it with colorful dangling earrings or a wide brimmed hat – the length is also perfect for showing off a cool pair of white leather ankle boots. ​ Can you say effortless elegance! This gown is super flattering, romantic, and gives off ultimate bridal vibes. You will feel sexy, but comfortable. This maxi can double as your bridal shower ensemble or even a perfect fit to wear to a waterside bachelorette dinner! Lean into the ethereal style with romantic waves and a floral headband.TIERED MAXI ACCESSORIES​ ​Now that you’ve picked your perfect dress, don’t forget to customize the look with beautiful accessories. Here’s a few items that are SURE to make you really stand out on the big day! ANKLE BOOTS TECOVA NORDSTROM STATEMENT EARRINGS​ SOCIALITE MIGNONNE GAVIGAN CUSTOM JACKETS TRENDY HAT ACCENT HAIRPINS​ PEARL HEADBAND We wanted to remind you that you can still dress up your plan B, look and feel just as sexy and shower yourself with the attention that you deserve. Show us your look for your intimate ceremony or elopement and let us know where you got it! Tag us on insta, @ashleynicoleaffair!

Planning: Ashley Nicole Affair Photography: Samantha Elizabeth Creative Venue: Hudson Bend Ranch Catering/Bar: The Peached Tortilla Catering Cake/Dessert: HEB Florist: Mother of the Bride Hair/MUA: Blushd Beauty TX Dress: Blue Bridal Austin DJ: Spacecraft Entertainment Lounge: Bee Lavish Vintage Rentals: Premiere Events

Planning your wedding is an exciting journey, and finding the perfect rehearsal venue is a crucial step in creating unforgettable memories. There are obviously a ton of places in and around Austin but we’ve chosen a few we love and we know you will too! Looking for more options? Check out this blog post with a list of a ton of great options in the Austin Area! Rose Haven Bakery & Event Venue Rose Haven is a new venue owned by Christy Seguin, owner of Cakes ROCK!!! We absolutely love working with Christy and we know you will love her too! Rose Haven is located just outside of Austin off of Highway 290 but is still super convenient to get to. This 1860s historical building is a wonderful spot for a rehearsal dinner. Contact them for their capacity and other details!! Asante Lodging and Events Asante is a great option for couples who are looking to have a smaller, intimate rehearsal dinner. They are located in Dripping Springs on 15 acres where you can view native and African game, stroll through their butterfly garden or stargaze by one of their outdoor fire pits. They also offer lodging for up to 34 people. Check out this unique venue here! Railyard Bar and Grill This restaurant is located a little further South in San Marcos, TX. If you’re looking for a laid back option with delicious food, this is your place! There are also plenty of things to do in San Marcos so you can make a day out of it with your rehearsal dinner guests. Check them out here! Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille Looking for something upscale with food everyone is sure to love? Look no further than Perry’s. They have 2 locations, one in North Austin and one Downtown. You can even eat inside a historic bank vault at the Downtown location. They are one of the country's premier, award-winning steakhouses with locations across the country and are sure to impress your guests. They can accommodate up to 100 people. Contact them today to find out more!

As your wedding day starts to approach, more and more last minute & small items on your to-do list start coming to the head front. Did I book a nail appointment? What time do I need to pick up my family from the airport? Do I have my honeymoon bag packed? Have I written my vows? Do we need a rehearsal? You may be asking yourself whether or not a rehearsal is a requirement, or just a recommendation, or is it something we can or should skip all together? We are here to help and educate you, so that you can decide for yourself whether or not you want to plan on conducting a ceremony rehearsal for your wedding. What Is a Wedding Rehearsal? A wedding rehearsal is a run-through of the ceremony, usually conducted the day before. Your wedding planner/coordinator, or sometimes the officiant, will go over each aspect of the ceremony, from the processional (when everyone walks down the aisle) to the recessional (when everyone exits the ceremony). Those who are a part of the ceremony (family members, bridal party, flower girls/ring bearers, etc) will have an opportunity to practice lining up, walking and sitting/standing in their assigned positions, before the wedding day. Reasons to Have a Wedding Rehearsal The venue requires it This will most likely be the case if you are having a church ceremony as some religious ceremonies have a lot of traditions & moving parts and it’s important for all involved to know what to expect and when (including any readers, special music, bridal party, etc) You have a lot of kids involved If you’ve chosen to have kids be a part of your ceremony, having a rehearsal could be helpful for them. They may not have been to a wedding before, and even if they have, they probably haven’t been in one (or hey, they probably won’t even remember!). A practice run can help them know what’s expected and get them familiar with the location, the bridal party and with us You want to have one! If you love tradition and having a rehearsal is important to you, have one. If it gives you peace of mind to move forward with one, then do it. It is, after all, your wedding day and ultimately, it’s all about you! Who Should Attend a Wedding Rehearsal? There is no hard and fast rule who should be at the rehearsal, and it does depend on who’s doing what during your ceremony, but we recommend the bride & groom (obviously!) and anyone that’s involved in the ceremony itself (parents, wedding party, flower girls/ring bearers) in addition to any ushers or readers. Most times, the officiant and DJ/musicians do not attend your rehearsal. Don’t worry if not everyone can attend - as long as there’s a few people that can help pass along the information, you should be set. Advantages of Having a Wedding Rehearsal The greatest benefit of a wedding rehearsal is to relieve the couple and wedding party of as many nerves as possible. It can be a big help for the key players to know exactly how they need to proceed down the aisle, where they need to sit, when to stand and where they might read from. Also, keep in mind that the bridal parties probably haven’t seen the wedding venue before, so it can be reassuring for them to be familiar and ultimately, make the morning and last minute preparations much smoother, less anxious and more enjoyable. Rehearsals can also be a fun addition and if your family and friends haven’t had a chance to meet yet, make the introductions and start getting familiar with how the wedding day will go. Disadvantages of Having a Wedding Rehearsal You may be asking yourself, are there any disadvantages to holding a wedding rehearsal? Unless you have a particularly complex setup, formal rehearsals can actually be counterproductive. They lack the setup and atmosphere of the wedding day, access to the venue can be difficult and getting everyone together is often more of a headache than anything else. And in the days leading up to the wedding, time is at a premium. Reasons Not to Have a Wedding Rehearsal There's no rule that says you must have a wedding rehearsal. If your wedding is small, with few or no wedding attendants, and does not include any wedding traditions, customs, or special readings, then you can probably get away with not conducting a rehearsal. You’re having an outdoor or very simple ceremony Most outdoor wedding ceremonies aren’t complicated and are shorter than traditional church weddings. You’ll need to know the order you are walking down the aisle, where to stand during the ceremony and when to walk back out. That’s what you have a wedding coordinator for - to line everyone up, coordinate with your DJ, guests and officiant, and tell you exactly when to walk and where to stand. Viola! Everyone is prepared and no wedding rehearsal is necessary. Your venue is booked the day before This is going to be the case at almost any wedding venue unless you’re having a Thursday or maybe a Friday wedding. You can always work around this by doing the rehearsal a few days before or even the morning of your wedding. Again your wedding planner or on site coordinator will be able to run through the necessary details with you. You can even get them to run through them separately if you don’t want to see each other before the ceremony. Time is Money! You may just rather spend time with your out of town guests - just because you don’t have a rehearsal doesn’t mean you can’t still have the dinner rehearsal dinner. Plus, you’ll be running around getting everything ready for the next day (dropping off welcome bags, getting your mani & pedi, checking into the hotel), so forgoing a rehearsal, might be in your best interest. If you don’t need a rehearsal, take it off of your to do list. Plus, with Austin traffic and the price of gas, your wedding party attendees might be thanking you for saving them both time and money! Whether you decide to conduct a rehearsal or not, it’s important to be clear on things with your family members and bridal party such as where you want guests to sit (is it open seating, or bride on one side/groom on the other), where you want your family to sit (typically first rows on each side are reserved for immediate family), how you want the bridal party to proceed down the aisle (and in what order), and if you want a formal order at the end of the ceremony as guests leave. Your wedding coordinator will lead most other things, but there is no harm in giving your ‘team’ a written briefing on these points in the week or so before your wedding if a rehearsal is not taking place. We also like to reiterate what groomsmen should do with their hands while they stand alongside the groom (hands in their pockets? clasped together?) as well as the height at which the bride and bridesmaids should carry their bouquets in order to look good in photos (belly button). We will also confirm who will have the rings and your vows and where to go after you say “I Do”! All of these details are very important to ensure a flawless ceremony on the wedding day. Ideally, the concept of a wedding rehearsal is about attempting to deliver a seamless production on the wedding day, but let’s face it, practice sometimes doesn’t make it perfect. Some of the best and most heart-warming wedding ceremony moments are when little unplanned and funny things have happened and at the end of the day, that’s what will make your wedding day memorable, unique & perfect in its own way. Photography: Mikayla Cisneroz Photography | Moodyography | Feather & Twine | Brooke Taelor Photography

Rehearsal dinners have been taking place for about as long as weddings have been happening, but who says they have to take place at a restaurant? And who says they have be to be during dinner time? Your wedding weekend should be all about the two of you, your favorite people, your favorite activities, and your favorite foods + drinks. "Rehearsal dinners" are for meeting both families, making new friends, letting your mother-in-law do her thing, wearing a cocktail dress, getting the toasts or roasts out of the way, and hopefully calming some nerves before the big day. Here are some non-traditional, non-restaurant rehearsal dinner ideas that have our brides thinking outside of the box! CHOOSE A THEME ​There’s a variety of themed rehearsal dinner ideas you can host and it creates a unique and fun party for you and your guests. Host a Hawaiian luau and order a pig roast and some summer cocktails. It's easy to find some awesome floral button ups accompanied with cheap leis! How about a good old Hoe Down with some line-dancing, fake mustaches, cowboy hats, brisket, potatoes and moonshine? Yes, please! DINER EN BLANC We all know it’s frowned upon to wear white to a wedding, but how about encouraging all of your guests to wear white to your rehearsal dinner? It’s a unique way to bring everyone together and the photos turn out gorgeous. You can feel free to wear white as well, or change it up and show up in a different color to stand out! If everyone is wearing white, be a little more careful on what you offer on the food & beverage menu - you won’t want to wear red wine or tomato sauce. It will be a great practice run for the next day! SING THE NIGHT AWAY Do you consider you and your significant other to be more musically inclined than others? Or do you just want to test out your vocal cords? Consider a karaoke night; either at a karaoke bar, or at home! Rent a table at a piano bar and sing your heart out! Nothing brings new friends together and reunites family members than some throwback songs to Celine Dion or Backstreet Boys. This will surely create some memories and stories for years to come... plus it may help keep the microphone out of people's hands on the day of! PICNIC & PLAYGROUND When was the last time you grabbed a blanket, some cheese & crackers and a bottle or two of wine and headed to a local park for a classic picnic? Keep it classy and simple by bringing a childhood memory back to life by racing down some slides, pushing each other on some swings, or grabbing some loaves of bread and feeding some ducks. This classic activity is perfect for all ages and most every season here in Texas. ​ The best part about this is that you can include the kids in wedding activities, without having to invite them to the actual wedding day. Don't forget to bring your photographer to capture some beautiful memories as the sun sets! SHOW OFF YOUR CITY Texas is a hot spot for destination weddings, so why not treat your friends and families to a tour of the city? Whether its an Austin inspired scavenger hunt, a miniature bar crawl, museum tours, or floating down the river - there’s plenty of activities right here for everyone to participate in! You can have your lunch or dinner on a chartered boat on the lake, go on the infamous duck adventures, or space out at Zilker Park - with dogs invited, of course! BRUNCH Whether it’s brunch for dinner or hosting a rehearsal day brunch early in the day, who doesn’t love some chicken & waffles? Not to mention the biscuits & gravy, bottomless mimosas, bloody mary’s and coffee! Brunch is a well-rounded meal that can accommodate any size group, any age group range and will bring your guests together to meet & celebrate you two over everyone's favorite meal of the day. PICK A LOCATION WITH A STORY We all have those friends and family members that want to be involved in every aspect of your lives. We suggest you pick a rehearsal dinner location that has a story - whether it’s where you two met (at a college football game), or where you had your first date (paddle boarding at Lady Bird Lake) or where you got engaged (at a winery in Fredericksburg). Your wedding day will be filled with memories, but you can still relive those first memories and stories the day before your happily ever after.​ GAME NIGHT Are you and your significant other more on the competitive side? Hosting a game night rehearsal dinner could let you both release some stress and anxiety. Keep it casual by ordering some take out and sit around the table playing your favorite board games. You can bring both of your families together quicker by pairing everyone up for some awesome games like charades, pictionary or heads up. Whether you win or lose at the games, your rehearsal guests will love laughing and learning more about the couple before you say I do. COSTUME PARTY A creative rehearsal dinner idea would be to host your own costume party. Let’s be honest, most people have some sort of costume in the back of their closet that needs to be shown off again. Keeping with the wedding theme, you could encourage all of your guests to come with their plus one as a character couple - make it competitive and have a few prizes for the best dressed! Christmas in July or a costume party around Halloween time is always a fun excuse to do something different and let your hair loose that way! CREATE A KEEPSAKE Give your guests a memory that they can take with them - such as a cooking class, cigar rolling class, or get everyone together to make their own pizzas. Activities give friends and strangers a task to perform, and naturally small talk and relationships grow. At the end of their project, you can have some food to eat and some cigars to smoke or a keepsake from the activity you choose to celebrate your big wedding day eve! WHAT'S YOUR OUTSIDE OF THE BOX REHEARSAL PLAN? EMAIL US AND LET US KNOW HOW YOU ARE YOUR WEDDING DAY EVE A SPECIAL ONE! All photographs courtesy of Moodyography

You've found your dream wedding venue and booked it, now what?! You need another "venue" for your wedding weekend - the space to host the rehearsal dinner for your family & wedding party. To help you find the rehearsal dinner location that best fits your needs, we've compiled a list of restaurants, breweries, distilleries, etc. that could be potential rehearsal dinner spots for all different size parties & budgets. Organized by the area of Austin your wedding venue might be in, from downtown to Dripping Springs, here's where you can start your search for a rehearsal dinner location. Scroll to the area of Austin your wedding is in and click on the links to each restaurant/distillery/etc. to learn more info about each! We hope this helps you find the perfect place for your rehearsal dinner. DOWNTOWN Restaurants Cooper's BBQ Emmer & Rye Hula Hut La Condesa Juliet Italian Kitchen Perry's Clay Pit Uchi & Uchiko Walton's El Meson Loro Eberly Breweries/Bars Central District Brewing Co. The Roosevelt Room/The Eleanor Nightcap Hotels Fairmont Hotel Ella South Congress Hotel The Line The Driskill The Carpenter Hotel Other Capital Cruises​ The Cathedral EAST AUSTIN Restaurants Justine's (Secret House) Hillside Farmacy Launderette Tillery Il Brutto Buenos Aires Cafe Rosewood Breweries/Bars Central Machine Works Hi Sign Brewing Whisler's Lazarus Brewing Co.​​ BASTROP Restaurants Casa Chapala Neighbor's Kitchen & Yard Store House Market + Eatery NORTH AUSTIN Restaurants Perry's (The Domain) Fleming's (The Domain) Juliet Italian Kitchen (Arboretum) Punch Bowl Social (The Domain)​​ Hotels Lone Star Court (The Domain) ​Archer (The Domain) DRIPPING SPRINGS Restaurants The Switch BBQ Breweries, Distilleries & Wineries 12 Fox Deep Eddy Tasting Room Jester King Brewery Treaty Oak Distilling Co. Dripping Springs Vodka Bell Springs Winery Twisted X Brewing Co. Revolution Spirits Stinson Distilling & Winery​ Family Business Beer Co. Last Stand Brewing Acopon Brewing Co. Real Ale Brewing Suds Monkey Brewing Other "I Do" BBQ​ ROUND ROCK, PFLUGERVILLE & GEORGETOWN Restaurants Cork & Barrel (Round Rock) Wildfire (Georgetown) The Golden Rule (Georgetown) Salt Lick BBQ (Round Rock) Breweries/Bars Barrels & Amps (Georgetown)​ ​ Mesquite Creek Outfitters Hotels Kalahari Resorts (Round Rock) SOUTH AUSTIN Rose Haven Bakery & Events Venue Restaurants Jack Allen's (Oak Hill) Carve​ Indian Roller Bars/Breweries Cosmic Coffee & Beer South Austin Beer Garden Pinthouse Brewing Lustre Pearl Parlay House WIMBERLEY/DRIFTWOOD Restaurants Salt Lick BBQ Trattoria Lisina & Mandola Vineyards Breweries, Distilleries & Wineries Desert Door Distillery Vista Brewing Other Pecan Grove WESTLAKE Restaurants ​The County Line Las Palomas Sway NORTHWEST AUSTIN + CEDAR PARK Restaurants/Event Spaces Haute Spot (Cedar Park) Blue Corn Harvest (Cedar Park) Pappasitos

We created this list of some things you & your guests can do in and around Albuquerque during your wedding weekend! If you are a New Mexico bride/groom-to-be, feel free to cut + paste directly to your wedding website so your out of town guests can experience the best of the city while they aren't busy celebrating you! THINGS TO DO IN ABQ THE SANDIA PEAK AERIAL TRAMWAY "Rising from the hustle and bustle of Albuquerque, you ascend one of America’s most stunning urban peaks, reaching the 10,378-foot crest of the Sandia Mountains where an 11,000 square mile panoramic view awaits. " Your more active guests can hit the trails here, too! ABQ BIO PARK The ABQ Bio Park has a zoo, botanic garden, aquarium, and a "beach". This is a great place for guests with children to come visit, or just great for your nature loving friends! OLD TOWN "The historic heart of Albuquerque is Old Town Plaza, where the pace slows and pedestrians find refuge from fast traffic. Old Town's official beginning took place on April 23, 1706, when Francisco Cuervo y Valdés, the Spanish governor of New Mexico, certified the founding of the Villa de Alburquerque. Spain's Laws of the Indies, in effect at the time, required setting a plaza at the center of any villa. Centered around the plaza, Albuquerque's Old Town comprises about ten blocks of historic adobe buildings. On the north side of the plaza is the San Felipe de Neri Church, the oldest building in the city, built in 1793. More than 100 stores and galleries feature a wide variety of Southwestern artwork, including jewelry, sculpture, paintings, weaving and pottery. In addition, the Albuquerque Museum, New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, and Explora Science Center and Children's Museum are all located just to the east of Old Town, showcasing world-class exhibits." CASINOS Maybe your wedding guests can win big & put that money toward the honeymoon fund you have set up on your wedding website - you never know! Some popular casinos to visit in ABQ include: Sandia Isleta Route 66 BALLOON FIESTA The chances might be pretty high that your wedding is in October - given it's one of the most popular months for weddings with it's beautiful fall weather! Every October, the city hosts their annual Albuquerque International Balloon Festival - which includes colorful hot air balloons, live music, rodeos, and more. This could be an awesome experience for you and your guests (and make for some really cool photos!), but also should be something to keep in mind to make sure your guests book accommodations early to beat the tourists traveling in. This year's Fiesta is October 1st-9th. PETROGLYPHS "The Petroglyph National Monument protects one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, featuring designs and symbols carved onto volcanic rocks by Native Americans and Spanish settlers 400 to 700 years ago. These images are a valuable record of cultural expression and hold profound spiritual significance for contemporary Native Americans and for the descendants of the early Spanish settlers." EXPLORA Explora is an "innovative experiential learning center" located in Old Town - basically, it's a fun and educational place your guests can take their kids to while in town! NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science has 8 permanent exhibits, changing temporary exhibits, and a planetarium to enjoy! NOB HILL "Nob Hill is a vibrant district with eclectic shops, swanky dining and chic nightspots. Its Route 66 architecture and neon signs, combined with predominantly locally owned shops, galleries and restaurants, make Nob Hill a hip and fashionable area." UPTOWN ABQ Uptown features upscale shopping and chain restaurants - it's where any of your out-of-town guests can go if they forgot to pack a suit for the wedding! BETTY'S BATH The perfect place for your guests to get a massage the day after giving it their all on the dance floor! THINGS TO EAT SAWMILL MARKET Sawmill Market is located in the heart of the Sawmill District - which used to be the site of the American Lumber Company north of historic Old Town. It's a renovated warehouse with an urban, open concept and outdoor eating space full of local merchants - from tacos to BBQ to wine to ice cream - making it a trendy place that all of your different guests can find something they like to eat while experiencing local ABQ cuisine. DIONS Pizza, salad, & subs. And pro-tip: dip ALL of it in their ranch. FRONTIER & GOLDEN PRIDE Sister restaurants and ABQ classics. WECKS Who doesn't love a good breakfast?! THE RANGE If you know anything about New Mexico, then you probably know food is ALLLL about green chile. The Range featured a Green Chile Stew that is a must try, especially if your guests want to live like a local. PAPA FELIPE'S Home-cooked Mexican food - need we say more? GREEN JEANS FOOD PLACE "Albuquereque's original shipping container marketplace, Green Jeans Food Hall has something for everyone, featuring the Santa Fed Brewing Co. Taproom & twelve other local merchants." THINGS TO DRINK BREWERIES BOSQUE BREWING CO. MARBLE BREWERY LA CUMBRE THINGS TO DO OUTSIDE OF ABQ SANTA FE Loretto Chapel Staircase Snowboarding Meow Wolf The Santa Fe Opera Eat at The Pantry for breakfast Tinkertown Museum Ojo Caliente - natural hot springs TAOS Taos Rio Grande Gorge Bridge RED RIVER ANGEL FIRE Skiing SANTA ROSA Blue Hole BANDELIER NATIONAL MONUMENT KASHA-KATUWE TENT ROCKS NATIONAL MONUMENT DOWN SOUTH Carlsbad Caverns (bats!) Roswell (Area 51 AKA aliens!) White Sands National Park Photography: @mollymorganphotography

Ashley Nicole Affair / Austin Wedding Planners It’s actually hard to put into words how much love Natalie and Brad were surrounded with on their wedding day. They had all of Hotel Ella reserved for their wedding, their guests, and we would probably imagine that wasn’t even half of the people who were present. It goes to show you how loved a couple is when it takes over a minute to get them introduced into the reception because they are being stopped to hug, high five, and greet each guest as they walk in. Our favorite things about the night were their wedding were their florals & overall wedding color palette. It was great to see Shandee, from the Bloom Bar, before the ceremony as she was putting together their beautiful arrangements - and we had coordinated her wedding one week prior! Check it out here! It is undeniably obvious the love that Natalie and Brad have for each other. We watched the words come out of their mouth as they recited their vows and promise to love each other. We had no idea that the Monday after the wedding, their vows would already be tested as they got home and quickly found out that Brad had been diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma. When the newlyweds should have been on an airplane to Thailand, they had to change their plans and immediately start Brad on radiation, as well as chemotherapy in an attempt to destroy a baseball sized mass in his chest. From October to November, they had already emotionally endured more than an average couple would experience in a lifetime. Through the radiation and chemotherapy, they got through Thanksgiving and Christmas together, while also finally moving into their new forever home. Natalie is standing strong by Brad’s side, being his biggest cheerleader throughout his journey. He has already finished 18 treatments of radiation and is already mapping out the next treatment plan to beat cancer. You can follow their updates and provide them strength by visiting the blog Natalie updates frequently at: ​>> https://www.lovecherishinsicknessandinhealth.com/ Natalie and Brad’s love story is a simple reminder to enjoy your wedding, embrace the new memories being made, and presently live in the moment. We feel incredibly honored to have been a part of their perfect day and will continue to cheer for Team Brad! Venue: Hotel Ella | Photography: Captivating Weddings | Wedding Planner: Ashley Nicole Affair | Florist: The Bloom Bar | Hair + Makeup: Bonita Brides | Band: Royal Dukes Band | Cake: Sweet Treets Bakery | Desserts: Steel City Pops | Videography: Ladybird Studios

Planning: @ashleynicoleaffair⁠ Photography:⁠ @barefoottim⁠ Venue, Catering + Bar: @southcongresshotel⁠ Florist: @jordanflowersevent⁠ Hair/MUA: @luxbeautyandbridal⁠ DJ + Lighting: @thepremieraustindjs⁠ Rentals: @panaceacollective; @premiereeventstx; @lootrentals⁠ Guest Book: @afterthetone.co⁠

Featured on The Knot Planning: @ashleynicoleaffair⁠ Photography: @sarahkjphotography⁠ Venue: @southcongresshotel Florist: @blumenfloral⁠ Hair/MUA: @dolledbyv⁠ Catering, Bar + Cake: @southcongresshotel⁠ (@cafenoseatx)⁠ DJ: @gainesentertainment Musicians: @terravistastrings Videography: @wildrosephotostudio⁠ Dress: @bylillianwest (from @langsbridal)⁠ Photo Booth: @pixstertexas (@pixsterphotobooth)⁠ Signage: @greengirlatx

Photography: @moodyography | Planning: @ashleynicoleaffair | Ceremony Venue: @saintmaryc | Reception Venue, Catering & Bar: @southcongresshotel | Florist: @fleuraffairco | Hair/MUA: @katyreddellbeauty | DJ: @thepremieraustindjs | Transportation: @limosofaustin

CHECK OUT ALL OF OUR FEATURED TOURS! About the Historic Austin wedding venue and hotel; The Driskill , The Driskill Hotel... The Driskill Mezzanine (5,634 square feet) Spanning the second level of the hotel, the opulent Driskill Mezzanine boasts elegant décor mirroring the timeless lobby, lined with the same stunning, hand-painted columns and marble floors. Weddings hosted on The Driskill Mezzanine reserve exclusive use of the space, including The Mezzanine Foyer, The Driskill Ballroom, The Maximilian Room, Jim Hogg Parlor, Austin Room, Governor's Boardroom, two covered outdoor balconies, and five guestroom suites. Ceremony space is also included and is often hosted in The Driskill Ballroom or on The Mezzanine Foyer. The Driskill Ballroom This premier, unique venue once was home to the American National Bank of Austin and Austin’s first television and radio stations. Designed in a Victorian style, this room features a staircase, stained glass windows, and iron railings crafted from the bank’s original settings. An outdoor balcony offers an additional 1,276 square feet of space. Wedding ceremony is included in the Crystal Room complimentary. The Maximillian Room Spanning the second level of the hotel, the opulent Driskill Mezzanine boasts elegant décor mirroring the timeless lobby, lined with the same stunning, hand-painted columns and marble floors. Weddings hosted on The Driskill Mezzanine reserve exclusive use of the space, including The Mezzanine Foyer, The Driskill Ballroom, The Maximilian Room, Jim Hogg Parlor, Austin Room, Governor's Boardroom, two covered outdoor balconies, and five guestroom suites. Ceremony space is also included and is often hosted in The Driskill Ballroom or on The Mezzanine Foyer. The Crystal Room Spanning the second level of the hotel, the opulent Driskill Mezzanine boasts elegant décor mirroring the timeless lobby, lined with the same stunning, hand-painted columns and marble floors. Weddings hosted on The Driskill Mezzanine reserve exclusive use of the space, including The Mezzanine Foyer, The Driskill Ballroom, The Maximilian Room, Jim Hogg Parlor, Austin Room, Governor's Boardroom, two covered outdoor balconies, and five guestroom suites. Ceremony space is also included and is often hosted in The Driskill Ballroom or on The Mezzanine Foyer. The Victorian Room This premier, unique venue once was home to the American National Bank of Austin and Austin’s first television and radio stations. Designed in a Victorian style, this room features a staircase, stained glass windows, and iron railings crafted from the bank’s original settings. An outdoor balcony offers an additional 1,276 square feet of space. Wedding ceremony is included in the Crystal Room complimentary.