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Venue: Four Seasons Hotel | Wedding Planning: Ashley Nicole Affair | Photography: Ashley Garmon Photography | Florist: Bouquets of Austin | Makeup: Avery Allen Makeup | Drapery: Unique Designs & Events | Videography: ILC Films | Hair: Mint Beauty | DJ: Premier Entertainment Group | Dessert: Voodoo Doughnut

I can't even remember how long ago it was, but my favorite DJ in the biz, Brandon sent me a message connecting me to a random lead that he received. He had introduced me to Molly, who quickly we became my client, but most importantly we became fast friends. After talking once, she had booked our services & even my husband for photography, on top of the DJ... before even deciding on the venue for her September wedding. Sometime in between booking us and not booking the venue, Molly found out that her and Jake were expecting a baby. She had contacted me to tell me the news and we celebrated over the phone. We decided to let things sit for a few days and reconnect after her first doctor appointment about how we were going to fit a wedding into their lives. A week went by and when we reconnected she had informed me that since her appoint, she had miscarried. My heart broke immediately. Molly is the kind of girl that makes SO much lemonade out of lemons, you thrive off of her ability to turn a negative into a positive. Planning for their first baby one day and then having that taken away in an instant put their life & priorities into perspective. Their priorities shifted quickly and starting a family took precedence over planning the "big Austin wedding." Since Molly had never put the deposit on the venue, we began planning a small elopement so they could get back to their dream of starting a family together. From ideas of Arizona, to New Mexico, her and I became two balls of excitement going back and forth about a mountain elopement; we shared inspiration, Pinterest ideas, and finalized on the one day our schedules could align together. We decided on Wednesday, March 18th in SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO - that was the final destination. Within a week of deciding where, I had everyone's airfare, hotel, and rental cars booked. I searched tirelessly through hashtags on Instagram trying to find the perfect spot in the Santa Fe mountains for their ceremony. I contacted photographers I did not know, random brides from blogs, and every type of local vendor possible to see how I could fit them into Molly & Jake's big day. Before we knew it, we had the perfect venue to use for a "styled shoot" elopement, the sweetest officiant, a baker, and an even more amazing florist, Carol, with Amanda's Flowers. ​We had everything sent to New Mexico to prep each part of the elopement. Unfortunately, during the weekend before, we got news that the blanket she had been the most excited about got stolen in the mail. In truly Molly fashion, she rolled with the punches and continued to stay her optimistic self. Within hours of the news, I had an exact replica of the blanket being shipped and arriving the same day we arrive. Nothing can stop us now. With all of the recent bad news, also came the fast spreading outbreak of COVID-19. Somewhere between the Saturday, March 14th and Monday, the 16th everything was escalating quicker than we could have ever imagined. On Monday, we knew it wasn't good and we were leaving Tuesday for a Wednesday elopement We were all dead set on going. It must have all hit us when we checked into our Southwest and STILL got A boarding group. As the day progressed and social gatherings were discouraged, we saw schools, bars, restaurants, and all non-essential businesses begin closing all over the states. That afternoon it hit us... This wasn't a trip that we should take to jeopardize any of our immune systems and exposure to COVID-19. By Monday evening, it was called off, again. The flowers had been ordered, the cake had been made, all of the details were set in place, but we never got on the plane. Jake had emailed me to ask about a back up plan, Molly had text me, "Austin elopement?" ​WE ARE MAKING THIS HAPPEN this week, EVEN if the city is shutting down. On Tuesday, without much of a plan, I made Molly & Jake get the marriage license in Austin. Tuesday and Wednesday were a blur, as the counties were reducing social gathering from 250 people, to 50 people, to 10 people & I had to plan their elopement on Friday in midst of 30 of my other weddings postponing or cancelling. Come Thursday, the governor had a statewide announcement and in my head I was thinking, "if this comes down to less than 5 people at a social gathering, this will be one of my unluckiest chances I am taking!" Things just started clicking again towards the end of the week - I remembered that one of my weddings the week before had cancelled and I begged the owner to let us use the venue for a few hours. Less than 24 hours before the elopement, I text Jessica, the longest employee of Ashley Nicole Affair, to bake a cake from scratch for Molly since the grocery store's bakery was closed. We even went as far as to find food coloring, gold edible luster dust, and a few other supplies off of my neighborhood Facebook group. We combined all of our kitchen ingredients and Jessica accepted the challenge. In the middle of our baking challenge one of my longest friends from Austin, Kat, who also is in the wedding industry posted on a local wedding vendor page asking if anyone had any idea where she could donate a wedding's massive amount of florals from a postponed wedding. My dearest friend's bride could not have her wedding, but she had thousands of flowers that deserved a better home than a walk in cooler. On the same vendor page, I took a chance and asked if someone would be willing to donate their officiating services... from a safe and healthy distance. James Simmons, with Austin Area Weddings immediately came through like the knight in shining armor. On Friday, March 20th, I woke up without much of a plan and definite lack of a mountain backdrop. I met Kat at her venue bright and early with a cooler and filled it with just enough flowers to make Molly smile. We were going to attempt to build her a floral semi circle alter that she loved from Pinterest & had planned to do in Santa Fe. I packed my car with the most random rentals from my inventory and headed to the venue to stage the elopement. ​And if you have to know the last wrench thrown our way, PLEASE ask us about Friday's weather. Of course, it was a torrential downpour from morning to afternoon. If there was any question if we were still doing the damn thing, the answer was ABSOLUTELY. We had a list of what we envisioned to accomplish to surprise Molly & Jake when they got to their elopement: ↳ A local officiant ↳ A whole lot of random Ashley Nicole Affair decor rentals ↳ A cake, made from scratch ↳ A semi circle floral alter, with hundreds of donated flowers ↳ Her dream picnic scenario with a boho inspired blanket ↳ Her bouquet, which we had overnighted from Santa Fe to Austin​ On Friday, we pretended that we were florists. We pretended that we were high end event designers with a plan. We pretended that we were wedding cake bakers. We pretended that every time there was something bad thrown our way, that we would defeat it. We didn't have to pretend that love prevails. ​WE DID IT. My husband, John with Moodyography, photographed them all around Austin, which then resembled a ghost town with all of the recent restrictions. Afterwards, Molly & Jake showed up at 6:30 to their ceremony. We walked them through each part of the venue that we had designed, based off of her vision and got them married! Without further ado, we introduce you to the victorious elopement that COVID-19 could NOT stop & the best, rapidly evolving love story that we have ever been a part of. ​FINALLY, WE GET TO INTRODUCE TO YOU, MR. + MRS. BLICKHAN. And to my COVID-19 postponed and cancelled weddings, my heart aches for you. There is nothing that we want more than to execute your picture perfect, magical wedding. With the unexpected tragedy of a pandemic that has come our way, we want to be the comfort and light in your situation. We pride ourselves on being experts in chaos on wedding days. Now that everything is out of our control, wedding planners and vendors in the industry all feel helpless and completely defeated. All that we have coming into this world is health and love... and that's all we have when we leave this world. Right now, as long as your love stays strong, you continue to avoid situations that could compromise your health, we guarantee that your special day will be here before you know it. When social gatherings of more than ten are allowed, we are ready to come back and make every single one of our brides and grooms forget that COVID-19 even existed during their wedding planning process. In a world full of unexpected losses, unprecedented pandemics, be a Molly & Jake; a couple that let love lead their way when the times got tough. Peace, love, and hugs from six feet away, Ashley Venue: Hummingbird House | Wedding Planning and Florist: Ashley Nicole Affair | Photography: Moodyography | Hair: Brittany Ashlen | Makeup: Saxon Glam | Officiant: Austin Area Weddings

Featured on Wedding Wire Venue: Hummingbird House | Wedding Planning: Ashley Nicole Affair | Photography: Moodyography | Florist: Ashley Nicole Affair | Hair: Brittany Ashlen | Makeup: Saxon Glam | Officiant: Austin Area Weddings

Venue: Canyonwood Ridge | Photography: Two Fish Weddings | Wedding Planning: Ashley Nicole Affair | Florist: Merveille Floral Design | Catering: Pappas Catering + New Sitara | Hair + Makeup: Lavish Beauty | Desserts: Fancy Fluff | Photo Booth: Pixster Photo Booth | DJ: Karma DJs | Transportation: Austin Charter Services

Photography: A Sea of Love There are so many details that we admire when it comes to the big day! We absolutely love walking into the energy of a bridal suite, where the mimosas are flowing and we can almost always find the bridal party wearing some type of trending motif. We have collected a series of photos from a select few of our favorite weddings showcasing the outfits bridesmaids have worn while getting ready, to their dresses on the day of, and how those color palettes fit into the overall look with the groomsmen! Photography: Heidi Elyse Photography If there is one thing we can hope a bride to be takes from this collection of memories, it is that your dream wedding can be completely traditional or the furthest from it. Here are our favorite reminders! Photography: Dani Quiroz Photography Guys can stand on the bridesmaids side + girls can stand on the groomsmen side. Photography: Moodyography You don't have to match the color of your bridesmaids dresses to your flower choice or overall wedding color palette. Photography: Moodyography Don't feel like you have to follow a specific dress color or style according to the season. Photography: Neva Michelle Photography Besides robes, you can always go with pajamas, shirts or matching jean jackets. Jewelry, tumblers, or wine glasses are just as appreciated! Although it's a nice touch, don't feel obligated to individually customize everything you decide on for your gals. And don't forget, Black will always be classy + chic. The bridal party doesn't have to stand on the left side. Pick YOUR best side. Because, at the end of the day, your wedding is about you + your fiancé! Try not to stress about what everyone else is going to wear. Always follow your heart, trust your choices + just know that no matter what, your wedding day will be absolutely perfect.

​​In the age of COVID weddings, a lot of people are wondering what the big day will look like. Will people come? Will they dance? If they don't, what will they do? Weddings from six feet away doesn't mean the party has to stop! While maybe everyone won’t feel comfortable packing the dance floor, there are still so many unique ways to celebrate and keep the party going; masks or not. We put together a list of ideas to keep your guests thoroughly entertained and the energy high while still abiding by social distance guidelines. Live performances Fire spinners, hula hoop performers, belly dancers, and a typewriting poet are a guaranteed way to impress your guests. Is your reception kid friendly? Get a balloon artist or a magician. Circus themed? Bring in a juggler and spice it up with some fire. You can hire a caricature artist for the cocktail hour through the end of the reception! The possibilities are endless - try to really think about what fits your theme and don't forget to check with your venue about what’s allowed. A surprise firework show always leaves a lasting impression! Let your creative side run wild with ideas. Don't forget photo booths are NOT out of style - in fact, you can upgrade with Ashley Nicole Affair and add one to your package for a discounted rate! Local shoutouts - Big Dog Pyro, Circus Picnic, Typewriter Poet, Quick Draw Photo Booth ​Wine/beer/spirit tastings Calling all beer and wine connoisseurs, this is your time to shine! You can purchase flight tasting holders online or check with your catering/rental company to see if they have any in stock. Accompanying cards can be printed that list the beverages that you're featuring, Your guests can do the tastings at their tables and chat about their favorites. Bonus points for incorporating drinks with a personalized story attached - like a local beer from your hometown or the wine you had on your first date! This fun activity gives you the chance to tell your love story through flights of beer, wine, or even whiskey! ​Live music A great form of entertainment that never goes out of style is live music; ESPECIALLY in Austin! Even if you already have a DJ, you can still easily incorporate musical acts into the reception. Turn your wedding reception into a mini concert - you can start the ceremony with a solo performer - an acoustic guitarist or a piano player, upgrade to a duo for cocktail hour, a trio for dinner, and then let the DJ or band finish the remainder of the reception. Or you can set the bar really high and turn your reception into a piano bar post-diner. Guests will be able to enjoy from their seats, if they choose to or they can move around and dance. Local shoutouts - Josh Klaus acoustic guitar + vocalist, Mikaela Kahn vocalist + pianist, Sienna String Quartet ​Live screen printing Get in touch with a local printer and most of them can offer between 1-4 custom design options to bring on site. Guests can select from the art you specifically picked out and have the design printed on a t-shirt right in front of them! Not to mention, these will double as awesome wedding favors that guests can take home and use again. You can buy blank t-shirts for dirt cheap at jiffyshirts.com! ​Sweets, sweets, + even more sweets! Another delicious and entertaining activity is a customizable dessert station. There are several companies that do onsite dessert carts + assembly and you can inquire with your caterer! Create a custom menu with a dessert buffet option and let guests go through and pick their perfect sweet treat. This can take the place of a traditional cake or as another special addition. Between cupcakes, cotton candy, doughnuts, or ice-cream your guests will only remember leaving your reception full of deliciousness! ​Local shoutouts - The Cupcake Bar, Steel City Pops, Amy's Ice Creams, Banarchy, Churro Burro, Fancy Fluff ​Keep it FURRY + hydrated Your guests are never too old to enjoy the fluff brought in by a petting zoo. There are several beer burro companies that will have the cutest donkeys walking around your venue fully stocked with your favorite bottled beverages! Want to take it to the next level? Alpacas make great wedding guests... and we aren't kidding. There are petting zoos with goats, miniature ponies for kids, reptiles, micro-pigs, YOU NAME IT! Local shoutouts - Tiny Tails to You, Texas Party Animals, Ralph Fisher's Photo Animals, Fannie's Farm Friends, + Pecan Springs Ranch is a venue that offers on-site beer burros! ​S’mores Consider preassembling individually wrapped s’mores kits and set up fire pits around the venue or mini cast iron griddles for each table. This is a great way to gets your guests to spread out, but still allow them to mingle or remain seated. It is a great way to transition from dinner to the dessert portion of your reception, prior to cake cutting! COVID pro tip: there’s been great feedback on items being individually wrapped for maximum cleanliness; plus you can personalize each each kit with a cute tag with your guys name + date! Grand exits If you are doing a sparkler exit, keep it intimate with your wedding party + family to be extra cautious, but don't forget you can still socially distance an exit. Ashley Nicole Affair offers a fog or bubble machine with our rentals! You can still do things from a distance like rose petals, lavender seeds, or incorporate cold spark fountains with Big Dog Pyro as your getaway car drives off! Games The possibilities with interactive games are endless! You can rent cornhole boards from most event vendors or buy your own and customize it by painting them to match your wedding colors, favorite sports logo, or your initials. Other good options are bocce ball, ring toss, or a mini golf setup. If you want to get everyone involved, try a round of bingo, or have guests participate in a digital scavenger hunt capturing photos for each item they find. If you’re really trying to rage, incorporate some good old fashion drinking games into the mix with flip cup and beer pong stations. We've seen it all - INCLUDING rented arcade games like pinball and basketball machines! ​​Live art Hiring an artist to create something special right in front of your guests adds a new WOW factor to every aspect of the wedding. Let your creativity shine while picking out an artist that showcases something about you and your partner. You can have an artist draw individual caricatures, live painting of your scenic ceremony site, or personalized painted portraits that double as a wedding favor! Having a custom painted portrait is a beautiful piece of art to hang above your fireplace. ​Back in September, Jeanna told us she wanted something that no body would expect at a wedding. We convinced her that she needed a face painter during the reception.... and it was the BIGGEST hit. They truly had the best reception dance floor photos! Local shoutouts - Ericatures, Snap Chic Wedding Painting, Faces by Juliet ​Bring good energy + take advantage of the holiday If good vibes are your thing, use that as inspiration to keep your guests entertained. Hire a tarot card reader - don’t be scared, these can be positive and really fun. We had one at our HALLOWEDDING. If your venue only has October 31st open for a postponement, having a Halloween wedding is something that your guests will talk about forever. Enjoy your ceremony in your beautiful gown, while all of your guests get to dress up and then change during cocktail hour. Let's be honest - there's less talking with costumes and masks, anyways! It's a perfect excuse to social distance. ​Karaoke HEAR US OUT ON THIS ONE! Have you ever had a bad time at a karaoke bar? The answer is no. When sending out your invites, give them a clue by asking "what is YOUR karaoke song of choice?" or "what song gets you on the dance floor?" If you hired a DJ, ask them to emcee the karaoke hour and help keep the crowd hype. This can also work with a live band to back the vocals or it’s an easy DIY setup if you want to rent a karaoke machine. Local shoutouts - Brandon with Premier Entertainment is the best emcee we've ever met! ​Go glow stick crazy Glow stick foam batons, necklaces, bracelets, headbands, straws, you name it - you can definitely find it in glow stick form. While these aren’t necessarily new to wedding receptions, they can play an extra fun role during a socially distanced event. Guests might want to maintain their distance while on the dance floor, but with a sea of colors and glow in the dark accessories it will light up the whole room and can start at the dinner tables. Consider personalizing foam stick favors with your initials or wedding date to add an extra personal touch! They are also great for a grand exit option without having to get too close like sparklers! DON'T FORGET TO BRING NEW ELEMENTS THAT COMPANIES ARE OFFERING - LIVESTREAMS WITH DIGITAL DOWNLOADS OR PROJECTORS WITH IMAGES OF YOUR GUESTS THAT CAN'T ATTEND. LET YOUR CREATIVITY FLOW! LOVE IS NOT PAUSED. WHEN YOU CAN EMBRACE THE SWERVE IN THE ROAD, YOUR GUESTS WILL REMEMBER YOUR WEDDING TO BE ONE OF THE MOST FUN THINGS THAT HAS HAPPENED THIS QUARAN-TIME. DROP YOUR SOCIALLY DISTANCED WEDDING SUGGESTIONS BELOW IN OUR COMMENTS!

06/01/2020 If you know in your heart of hearts, that is the day that you wanted to be married we recommend having a small elopement ceremony on your original date, Eloping is NOT just some messy backup plan. This special day can still be just as romantic, intimate, and well-planned. If you’re choosing to go this route, your wedding vision still matters, and the details are what will make the day extra special. After your gorgeous elopement, you can look forward to celebrating on a grander scale for your one-year anniversary with ALL of your intended guests! COVID-19 has changed our lives so drastically and has affected the entire world that surrounds us. We want you to know that we are also devastated that it has the possibly changed your wedding plans. We are in an industry that depends and thrives on social interactions and gathering in groups. When you hurt, we hurt with you. ​If you’ve made the difficult decision to postpone your wedding, don’t worry you’re not alone. Now you might be wondering what happens next - how can you still celebrate the should-have-been big day, without any negative emotion? While considering all your options, think about what you and partner wanted to get out of this day in the first place. Postponing the original plan doesn’t mean you have to call the whole thing off and sit at home in your pajamas; although that's totally an option. If eloping isn't your thing and you are postponing the big day to have your larger-scaled vision, we still recommend celebrating your original wedding date! We understand these times are hard, plans can change drastically, but we recommend staying positive so you can always look back on positive memories. Just because the date changed does not mean that there isn't a reason to celebrate - a date is just a number and your love is going to be the same on that date AND the future date. We have come up with a new suggestions on how to celebrate the "what should have been" day! STAY IN ‣ ⁠A Picnic for Two ​Order takeout from your favorite restaurant or finally try that new spot you’ve had your eye on. Go all out - spring for the appetizers, dessert, and a bottle of wine. Bust out candles, your favorite flowers, and an awesome playlist to really set the tone. ‣ ⁠Treat Yourself ​Sometimes a little retail therapy IS the answer. Lift your spirits by treating yourself to something special off your registry that you were really looking forward to; or even better splurge on some upgraded jewelry to wear on the big day and start wearing the jewelry that you already purchased! ​‣ ⁠Small Get Together ​If it’s safe to gather with a few family members or friends, then head to the backyard for a mini soiree! Throw on a little white dress and enjoy a night of mingling with your nearest and dearest. ​ ‣ ⁠Indulge Your Sweet Tooth ​Just because there is not a ceremony does NOT mean there can’t be cake. Have your baker make a small version or your future wedding cake – it’s a fun way to get a look and taste at what the real thing will look like! ​ ‣ ⁠​Vow Sneak Peak ​Let your romantic side shine and write each other letters or “mini vows” to share in private, or write them together, seal them in an envelope, and put them away to read to reach other in front of everyone at the big celebration in a year. STEP OUT ‣ ⁠Romantic Road trip ​ Go ahead and book that yurt in Marfa or Wimberley, or that bed and breakfast in Fredericksburg. Spend the weekend wine tasting and zip lining. A quick weekend getaway is the perfect escape to unwind and relax, while redirecting your energy about the changes. It's a great way to keep it intimate and focus on experiencing things with just the two of you. ​‣ ⁠Private Dinner Check with your venue to see if they are currently offering hourly rental rates. You can also bring in a fancy dinner from your favorite restaurant, or check to see if there is a chef on-site that can cook something up for just the two of you. If there is not a chef, check if your venue has a restaurant on-site or nearby that they recommend. You can always make a reservation where your rehearsal dinner would have been and don't be afraid to ask if you can have a more intimate setting with your reservation. Take this time to reflect on what made you choose this location and area for your special day and take time to cheers to exciting beginnings! ​‣ ⁠Be Adventurous ​ Conquer a new activity that’s been sitting on your to-do list. Make a reservation at a local state park, or one of the city's top swimming holes with waterfalls. Hike to the top of that mountain or the highest point in the city, get a tattoo, go paddle boarding, or even sign up take a class together. We recommend something exciting to make new and positive memories on this date. ​‣ ⁠Photo Shoot ​ ​Book your photographer for a one hour session at your favorite spots around town, in front of your venue, or just at home being yourselves. Its a great confidence booster to get yourself ready and out to be photographed on the memorable day and you can always look back at these photos to remind you of your love story. We understand it can be hard to be positive planning a wedding during a time like this - trust us, we are struggling to. You have to remember that the love that you share is the center of your marriage. As long as you have each other, you will continue to go through the motions of life and sometimes you have to celebrate the downs, just as much as you celebrate the ups. Life is a rollercoaster, but you're not on it alone. Love is not cancelled; love doesn't have to be postponed. Make your original day and every day leading up to what your new idea of "the big day" special. No matter how you choose to celebrate, your love story is the greatest story that you will ever write. You have the ability to pick up the pen and start writing it.

​We have noticed one of the things couples dread about wedding planning comes down to the tiny details at the end; ultimately the seating chart + table assignments. Although you don't have to have assigned seats or tables, if you choose to do so we wanted to show you some ways that our former couples have been creative with the task! Why assigned tables? Assigning tables is a good way of intertwine your guests from both of your family and friends. When you assign tables you have the ability to group together your co-workers, his family with her family, elderly, or even children. Also, you can make sure that immediate family has the best view and that the grandparents are furthest away from the DJ speaker. You have the ability to control who gets to socialize during the reception and meet each other. Why assigned seats? A good reason to assign actual seats at your wedding reception would be for plated meals offered by your catering company. When everyone has a certain seat, it is more efficient to get their chicken or fish plate out to them with little to no error. We want our guests to remember that you can also assign seats to certain tables, instead of the whole wedding - for example, it's not a bad idea to assign seats to your wedding party at the head table or for your family/reserved tables! Don't get overwhelmed at the idea! It can be as simple as sending something into the local copy center or just scratching the whole idea and sticking with just reserved tables for the wedding party and immediate family! We hope this brings you ideas, guidance, and inspiration as you can see what our couples have done in the past! Don't forget a seating assignment is a great way to incorporate a wedding favor... from to-go succulents, to macaroons, to koozies we have never seen a disappointment!

Featured on June Bug Weddings / Ashley Nicole Affair / Austin Wedding Planners "No matter how open-minded, socially conscious, anti-racist I think I am, I still have old, learned hidden biases that I need to examine. It is my responsibility to check myself daily for my stereotypes, prejudice, and ultimately discrimination." Our choice to be quieter than usual has been used to reflect on everything going on in the world. Everybody has a choice and each decision we make will guide where we go from here. In the last few weeks we chose to listen, absorb and be empathetic in a lot of uncomfortable conversations. We are taking the time to educate ourselves, our loved ones, and our surrounding neighbors. We are doing what we can to get a better grasp of understanding on not only the present, but the past and the future and become more sensitive. Internal growth as a person, as well as a business never stops. Today is an important time for self reflection. We welcome any opportunity where we can evaluate our weaknesses. We have been thinking how we can come together to show where we stand and how we support racial equality in the wedding industry. WE WANT TO FIND, CELEBRATE + THANK A LOCAL HERO WITH A WEDDING OF THEIR DREAMS. To show you that we are continuing to listen, support and see you, we are asking for your help. We are getting ready to open up nominations for a person who has been busy advocating for change in their community. We are seeking someone who has been busy bringing awareness to diversity and we are wanting to find that person who is being an example of the change that we want to see in the world. We are looking for that passionate individual who has been fighting for the justice that we think is deserved. We are ready to do anything and everything we can to find our winner and thank them for leading by example and never giving up on what they stand for... and in return, we are going to give them a completely free wedding of their dreams. This individual does not need to be engaged, but we do ask that they wed in 2021, post-Corona. This individual also is NOT required to reside in Austin, TX, although the wedding will be held locally. Who are we? We are a group of vendors, coming together from all different walks of life in the wedding industry. We want justice, we want equality, we want healing, we want freedom, and we want to show our support for the #BlackLivesMatter movement. We will never stop listening. We want nothing in return. We are learning from this individual and are eager to see them in action in our community. We are donating our products and services for this local hero. We want to learn about their experiences, roles, and what they are doing now towards this movement. As we learn from them, we want to continue to promote love and diversity in the wedding industry. There is a reason that we choose to work in an industry where we constantly are surrounded by love. Contributing sponsors: Florist: Verbena Floral Design Planner: Ashley Nicole Affair Photography: LadyBird Studios Venue: The Union on Eighth Videography: Matthew Reid Films Pre-event: Bridal tans + pampering: Glow up Bride Hair/MUA: Silk + Glow Bridesmaids MUA: Makeup by Selena Bride Mother or MOH Hair/MUA: Bethany Elyse + Mandalin Collective Calligraphy: Amanda Reid Designs Engagement photography session: Moodyography Personalized items: To Have and to Hold Venue - rehearsal dinner: Vuka Austin Wedding bands: Benold's Jewelers Ceremony + cocktail hour: Boutonnieres - groomsmen: Mountain Laurel Floral Bridal bouquet + groom's boutineer: White’s Floral Design Furniture + lounge rentals Relic Rentals Cocktail linens: CV Linens Mobile photo booth: Vannagram & Co. Musicians: Sienna String Quartet Reception: Balloons: Starr of Texas Bartending services: Elevate Bartending Cake: Cakes Rock! DJ: Brandon Shabazz, Premier Entertainment Austin Getaway vehicle: Baby Blues Drives for You - 1957 Chevy Bel Air Photo Booth: Austin City Photo Booth Rentals: Marquee Event Rentals Post-event: Bubbly bar: Fizz Bubbly Bar Night of Air BnB: Casa Colibri - Lago Vista, TX Special effects: Big Dog Pyro NOMINATIONS OPEN SATURDAY, JUNE 27TH. Please help spread the word. More details and contest rules to follow. Please check back often while sharing. Help us find our inspiration and shining light during this time! WE ARE FINALIZING OUR SPONSORS! If you are a local Austin vendor and you want to donate your product or services, please email hello@ashleynicoleaffair.com by Thursday, June 25th.

We get it - you’ve reached the point in the wedding planning process where its FINALLY time to focus on your bachelorette party! Get ready to kick back, pop a bottle of bubbly, and have the PERFECT weekend with your girls. Planning a local party can have huge perks like affordable travel, lodging options on a budget, and in the age of COVID travel restrictions it may be the safest option to stay closer to home. You still can get yourself that bachelorette party your deserve. Whatever your initial reason for planning a local bachelorette party, get ready to have the time of your life! You can make your dream weekend a reality while still working around closures and new travel restrictions. Keeping it local applies to anywhere within a comfortable driving distance; while also opens up the possibilities for awesome Air BnB's. That's the best part of Texas - you can head to the lake for a rental with easy water access and a beachy vibe! Or you can take an hour drive to the hill country for a funky treehouse or cabin. If you want to keep it in the metro, there is always the option to pop on over to the nearest city for a penthouse view. If you’re planning to keep most of the activities at your rental location, make sure you opt for something with ample indoor or outdoor space. ​ You can always head to a winery with a view like Das Peach Haus in Fredericksburg that sits on a scenic body of water. Don't forget to pick up some goodies from the culinary store to use later in the weekend for a beautiful charcuterie board. ​ Book a waterfront property somewhere like Lake Austin or Canyon Lake, rent a boat for the day and let loose on the water. You can always add a fun theme for your girls to get into like neon, tie-dye, or challenge everyone to wear their best Coachella inspired bikinis. For the fitness junkies, sweat it out by booking a group class or a private instructor that can come to your rental. Do a spin class with a customized playlist, yoga, or turn it into a full-on dance party by hiring a choreographer to teach your group a fun routine. Have a private chef or catering company come to you and prepare a delicious meal for you and your girls! You can elevate it and add an extra special touch with beautiful place settings and personalized menus or name cards. Don't forget to create a signature cocktail for the evening in honor of the bride to really give her the full fine dining experience! If you’ve chosen a more remote location, take advantage of the nature around you for entertainment. Spend a day in a state park, visit a local swimming hole, or book a horseback riding expedition at a nearby ranch. Finish off the day with cute matching flannel pajamas and gather around a firepit for hot toddy’s and s’mores. Commit to a theme for the whole weekend and transport your bride to anywhere in the world. Create the vibe of a Cancun trip with colorful beachy décor, a mezcal/tequila tasting, and a fresh seafood dinner - or pretend you’re sitting in a café in Paris with a classy pastry brunch complete with macarons and champagne. BRIDE EXOTIC! Anybody remember Tiger King? Who doesn't want a tiger themed party with all of your cool cats and kittens? Don't forget to highlight your Bride Exotic so she is the star! Pamper your crew with a spa day or beauty services – many of which can come to you. Mobile nail salons, massages, or traveling makeup artists are perfect for a day of luxury and relaxation. This is also a great time to put those matching robes to good use! Check out the Priv app! If you want to spice things up, hire a boudoir photographer to do individual mini sessions. Have everyone bring 1-2 outfits, crank up the Beyoncé, and let your fun fierce side out! It’s a playful way to bond with your girlfriends and make everyone feel glamourous. We love bachelorette parties! Don't forget to send YOUR bachelorette party pics and ideas to us so we can feature them on our social media + blog! CHEERS!

Whether you’re pivoting after an unexpected postponement or you’re a newly engaged couple, one of the first details you’ll probably want to lock down is a date for your wedding! Wherever you are in your search, keep an open mind and be sure to research all of the available options. You may find yourself drawn to do something that you didn’t originally think would be for you; like scheduling a weekday wedding. If you’re still on the fence, here’s the real deal on why a weekday wedding might be the right fit for you! Photography by Heidi Elyse ​SAVINGS Budget is a huge factor in the wedding planning process, so you might be swayed to book a weekday wedding based on the savings alone. Most vendors will offer a pricing discount to book an event that takes place at an off-peak time. With the possibility to save big, you can allocate funds towards something that you really wanted- like a gourmet plated dinner, live band, full-service planner, or a cute lounge set up! Photography by Brooke Taelor AVAILABILITY ​ If you have your heart set on a sought-after vendor or venue, being open to a weekday wedding will give you more options for date availability. Popular vendors in your area may be booked up months in advance for Saturdays. Having flexibility in your wedding date can really free you up to get the things you wanted without competing for saturated weekend dates. ​Let's be honest, 2020 blended in with 2021 so give your favorite vendor the benefit of the doubt and inquire about their weekday schedule! ​DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT ​You can play into the timing and setting of your weekday wedding to create a unique experience. Try a happy hour reception with cocktails and small bites instead of serving a traditional seated meal. Or a brunch themed celebration for a mid-day affair, bring in a coffee bar with a barista to whip up café style drinks. Take advantage of the timing in the week and book out a venue that isn’t available on the weekends- for example, some popular restaurants won’t host private events on a busy Saturday but will happily host a wedding dinner on a Thursday. Photography by Moodyography TIMELINE Even if you’re planning your wedding on a shorter timeline, there doesn’t have to be any compromising on the key components! Look to a weekday wedding to open up more possibilities for a dream wedding in a tighter time frame. We always think about planning to the future, but we can literally plan a wedding in ten days. Entertain the idea of a wedding sooner than later! Instead of thinking of next year, think of the next few months! With COVID there are a lot of dates opening up for the rest of the year and you could score some pretty good discounts on a contract takeover. INTIMATE We have to be honest with you, not every guest will be able to attend a weekday wedding; this is one of the few downsides. Even if it’s a local event people may have work or other scheduling conflicts that don’t allow them to be present. For those needing to travel, there may be even greater obstacles when it comes to attending your mid-week nuptials, BUT don’t let that deter you! The positive news is that those who made the effort to celebrate you are truly there for you and provide a loving and intimate setting for you big day. There are now PLENTY of options to livestream your wedding so those who are unable to join can still feel present! Photography by Moodyography TRAVEL Speaking of travel, choosing a weekday date may reduce travel and accommodation costs for out of town guests. If it’s a destination wedding, you’ll also get the benefits of non-weekend travel rates and crowds! Tuesdays and Wednesdays are statistically the cheapest days of the week to fly so maybe everyone will be able to snag some great airline and lodging deals. Don't forget you can always get a courtesy room block during the week to help accommodate your guests! MEMORABLE Doing something different will set you apart, how will guests ever forget a Wednesday beach wedding or a Friday afternoon dance party? During these crazy times in the world, they truly will never forget when you invited them to your weekday wedding via livestream and sent them a cookie or piece of cake to eat while they watched! Whatever your reasons for choosing a weekday date, just have comfort in knowing that your guests will be thrilled that you included them in this special day and a date is JUST a date. Your marriage and wedding will be perfect any day of the week. Photography by Dani Quiroz

Photography: Two Pair Photography | Planning: Ashley Nicole Affair | Venue, Bar & Catering: Hotel Ella | Baker/Cake: Baked by Amy's | Hair/Makeup: Lola Beauty | Florals: Posey Floral & Event Design | DJ/Lighting: Altared Weddings | Musician: Castle Hills String Quartet | Rentals: Bee Lavish | Videography: Cloudcraft Studios | Photo Booth: Oh Happy Day | Signage: Design to Flourish