Real Wedding {Victoria + Jared}

I'm very excited to announce that Bird Dog Wedding is now featuring *real local weddings*! This has been a dream of mine for some time. Luckily, there are tons of wonderful, talented vendors and awesome, creative weddings to showcase in the Austin area. I'll also feature some feedback from the bride on their oh-so-special day. So let's get started...

Couple: Victoria + Jared

Wedding Style: intimate, sweet, romantic, garden

--------------------------------------------------------------------

- favorite part of planning -
Since my husband and I live in Maryland, a huge perk of planning a wedding in Austin was getting to see my family in Texas more often. We had so much fun searching for the perfect venue and brainstorming what we wanted our wedding day to be like.

- favorite detail - 

All of the flowers, done by Erin at Rosehip Flora, were simply fabulous! I did not get enough time to enjoy them the day of the wedding, and I wish I could have spent hours just gazing at them. I also loved the old family wedding photos that my mom and aunt collected, to display during the reception.

- most memorable wedding day moment - 

After much discussion, we decided to do a 'first look' photo shoot before the ceremony, so that we could have more time to spend with our guests during the reception. I'll never forget the look of pure joy on Jared's face when he turned to see me that first time. Many of our friends and family were spying on us, so they were able to share in that special moment as well.

- favorite DIY project -

I'm quite proud of the program fans that I designed, printed, and assembled myself! The back of the program I designed to look like a succulent. The fans came in handy during the reception dance party, when everyone was hot and sweaty. I also loved the mini succulent plants that we put together for our escort cards and favors. 

- favorite reception song - 

For our cake cutting song, we played "Sweet Tooth" by David Rawlings Machine. The lyrics are perfect and adorable for cutting cake, and we got a kick out of playing something that was special just to us.

{CONGRATULATIONS}

- final advice to planning brides - 

Make your wedding day whatever you want it to be, even if it's something not traditional. Also, be kind to yourself and don't take on too many projects in the days or weeks right before the wedding. It's okay to not accomplish everything on your DIY list!

--------------------------------------------------------------------

{VENDORS}

.....

photography: Mary Sledd Photography

.....

venue / catering / cake: Green Pastures

.....

florist: Rosehip Flora

.....

make-up / hair: Haute Facade

.....

officiant: Sarah de la Fuente

.....

strings: Divisi Strings

.....

DJ: Joel - Greenbelt DJ

Details {White and Yellow}

White and golden yellow with a little mid-century flair. Yes, please!

{Bouts, Seating Chart, Leaf Garland, Ice Cream Bowls, Flower Garland, Ribbon Programs, Bow-tie Napkin}

Give a Little Somethin'

All this Black Friday madness has reaffirmed my love for online shopping. Wait in traffic another day and order the special ladies in your life something from the Internets.

If you feel like getting out and about to shop, don't forget today is Small Business Saturday so try to support local and small businesses in your area. I will be hitting up the Austin Citywide Garage Sale and the Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Market to do my part - hope to see you there!

{Bracelets, Print, Scarf, Belt, Wrapping, Pyrex, Spatulas, Earrings}

Top Five Friday

Hope everyone had a wonderful Turkey Day! Mine was filled with fun, family, and delicious food...oh yeah, and football. Here is a little eye candy while you're relaxing and hopefully not doing much of anything.

{1} Lisa + Alex - Style Me Pretty

This wedding is a fairy tale - one with tons of amazing, DIY details. Magical.

{Marianne Taylor Photography}


{2} Sam + Wade - 100 Layer Cake

Southern tradition meets whimsy. I like.

{Simply Bloom Photography}

{3} Summer + Paul - Ruffled

Summer's from Taiwan and Paul's from Ireland and they met in Amsterdam - international storybook wedding - swoon.

{Magda Lukas + Brosnan Photographic}

{4} Janine + Craig - Style Me Pretty

Folks - this is your typical BDW style - streamers, bright/bold color, pattern, flowers, and all around loveliness and fun! 

{Nancy Ray Photography}

{5} Jessa + Bryan - The Nichols Blog

I love the whole fall feel of this wedding. Not to mention an amazing color palette. But with styling from The Nouveau Romantics, who could expect anything less? Beautiful!

{The Nichols}