1. Austin Venues: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

    May 17, 2013

    The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is beloved around Austin as a botanical garden, but it is also one of the most striking wedding venues in the city. The sandstone buildings, dramatic archways and use of light limestone, all inspired by architecture from around Texas, creating a distinct atmosphere that can’t be found anywhere else. In the gallery, where events are held, high ceilings, hardwood floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows are versatile enough to accommodate any wedding style, though more formal weddings are an especially good fit for the elegant space. The botanical gardens surrounding the venue are full of seasonal flowers year round (especially striking in October), and the property hosts huge oak trees that are over a century old—both beautiful backgrounds for photographs. They are also a sustainable facility, keeping with the mission of the botanical garden, and they work with other vendors to come up with environmentally-friendly strategies for events.

    Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center | Lissa Anglin Photography{Lissa Anglin Photography via Style Me Pretty}

    I love it because: The rustic stone walls and sleek hardwood floors provide beautiful, versatile, neutral backdrops that will complement any color palette or décor style.

    Perfect place for: An elegant wedding for a nature-loving couple who wants to highlight their Austin, Texas location.

    Capacity: 200

    Cost: Ranges from $2,000 to $4,500 depending on day of the week and time of year, plus $600 non-refundable booking fee

    What’s included: Facility usage

    Hope you have all enjoyed getting a glance at my favorite venues in this amazing city. I have truly loved my time in Austin and will definitely always cherish it! Today is my graduation day from the University of Texas and I am so excited that the day is finally here. Cheers to the next adventure and hook ‘em! :)

    Love, Lisa

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  2. Austin Venues: The Barr Mansion

    May 16, 2013

    The Barr Mansion is a statement venue. The mint green Victorian mansion, which houses the dressing rooms, photographs beautifully and the glass walls of the ballroom are nothing short of striking when lit up during a nighttime reception.  The seven-acre property books only one event a day, so clients can enjoy full use of the facilities. Thanks to the variety of settings, clients can make their wedding experience their own and customize it to any style. Couples may choose to hold a ceremony in the gardens, with the namesake Barr Mansion in the background, or they may want to deck out the ballroom in string lights for a dramatic evening ceremony. The versatility truly caters to a huge variety of styles.

    The Barr Mansion is also the nation’s first certified organic events facility. They use locally grown, organic food in all of their seasonal menus, which can be adjusted through a “star” rating system. Their signature style is “modern comfort food” and they draw inspiration from cultures across the world. A few spring dishes on their menu include Miso Orange Marinated Pressed Tofu, Wood-Fired Baked Gulf Black Drum and Moroccan Spiced Pork Tenderloin.

    Barr Mansion | Caroline + Ben Photography{Caroline+Ben Photography via Something Pretty}

    I love it because: The menu is extremely customizable and every part of the venue, from the mansion to the ballroom to the gardens, is incredibly photogenic.

    Recommended for: A charming, vintage-inspired wedding for a foodie couple.

    Capacity: Can accommodate 50-600

    Cost: Ranges from an appetizer buffet for 25 guests with “12 star” food at $6,753 to $30,952 for a buffet meal for 400 with “20 star” food. Price increases as the rating of the food goes up (with additional stars). Reception prices for Saturday weddings in April, May and October increase by 5 percent.

    Love, Lisa

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  3. Austin Venues: The Driskill

    May 15, 2013

    Everyone in Austin could probably recognize the dreamy Driskill Hotel. Located in the heart of downtown, the historic hotel is one of my favorite buildings in the city, not to mention one of my favorite wedding venues. The Driskill was built in 1886 in the Romanesque architecture style, which makes an absolutely gorgeous photo backdrop. The inside of the building is equally striking with its sweeping staircases, tall ceilings and period décor. The Driskill staff describe their atmosphere as “relaxed elegance,” which I think is the perfect description—the hotel has all of the benefits of a classic, grand hotel, without losing the charm and character that makes it such an Austin landmark. For a formal wedding in particular, I can think of no better venue in the city!

    Classic Black Tie Austin Wedding | The Nichols{The Nichols via Something Pretty}

    I love it because: The building is breathtaking and the food options they offer are abundant.

    Recommended for: A classic couple aiming to throw a large, elegant wedding at a historic venue.

    Capacity: Up to 1,000 guests

    Cost: Minimum $6,500 for The Citadel including minimum food and beverage requirements, to minimum $23,500 for The Mezzanine including minimum food and beverage requirements

    What’s included: Complete food and beverage services, wedding cakes, tables, chairs, white linens, china, silverware, glassware, personalized menu cards, silver cake plateaus, crystal toasting flutes, cake knife & server sets, dance floors, staging and set-up and tear-down of your event. Votive candles are provided for the tables, and if no centerpieces are arranged, white roses are available. All of these services are available as part of your wedding package.

    Love, Lisa

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  4. Austin Venues: Palm Door

    May 14, 2013

    Palm Door was one of the first Austin venues I discovered, and I fell in love with it right away when I read about their “liberal décor policy.” The hardwood floors, white walls, vaulted ceilings and abundance of windows provide the perfect blank canvas for brides and grooms to go to town decorating their event in whatever style they would like. It is one of the few venues I’ve come across that allows small nails in the walls, and the white ceiling beams make it easy to drape and hang things like fabric, bunting, lights and poms. The downtown location is incredibly convenient for guests, who can walk to hotels and restaurants easily, and since there is no curfew at the venue, they can accommodate late-night receptions. They also have a beautiful patio in the back that overlooks Waller Creek—a great backdrop for pictures. Pink Avocado Catering serves as Palm Door’s in-house caterer (though outside caterers can be brought in for a fee), and their main goal is making your culinary vision a reality. This means if you have your heart set on something as specific as classic American comfort foods with an elegant twist, they can create something perfect for you.

    Palm Door | Eclectic Images Photography{Eclectic Images Photography via Style Me Pretty}

    I love it because: You can truly use your imagination and make the space your own.

    Recommended for: Creative couples with tons of décor ideas and a specific vision for what kind of food they want.

    Capacity: 150

    Cost: Varies from $1,400 on off-season (January, February, June, July, August) weekdays to $3,600 for high-season (March, April, May, September, October, November) Saturdays

    What’s included: 10 hours block of time, on-site venue coordinator, use of the bridal suite, furniture for up to 150 people (15-60″ rounds, 7 cocktail tables & 150 fruitwood folding chairs)

    Love, Lisa

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  5. Austin Venues: Mercury Hall

    May 13, 2013

    I’m so proud to have spent the last two years in Austin, one of the reasons being that Austin has really made a name for itself in the wedding industry. Along with some of the most creative vendors around, we also an absolutely incredible selection of venues. Over the next week,  I’ll be spotlighting my top five picks, explaining what I love about them and listing the logistical information a couple would need to know to make an informed venue selection. First up, Mercury Hall!

    Mercury Hall | Nessa K Photography{Nessa K Photography via Something Pretty}

    Mercury Hall may be the epitome of an Austin-vibe venue. Originally built in 1904 as a church in Mercury, Texas and moved to Austin in 1997, Mercury Hall boasts a Hill Country feel with the convenience of its location in South Austin. The tree-lined courtyard is a perfect space for a ceremony or al fresco cocktail hour, especially during the spring and fall, when Austin’s weather is near perfect. The inside of the hall features white walls, stained glass windows, and hardwood floors, which provide a beautiful backdrop for a reception. Since the interior features are so pretty already, couples can get away with doing very little decorating, but the neutrality of the space also allows for lots of creativity and color if desired. Mercury Hall has considerable flexibility regarding working with vendors, and has an extensive preferred vendor list featuring some of Austin’s most sought-after wedding professionals, so couples can easily customize every detail to make their specific vision come to life.

    I love it because: The delicate stained glass windows and whitewashed walls make it one of the most charming, recognizable venues in the country.

    Perfect place for: A romantic, whimsical wedding for a laid-back couple.

    Capacity: 250 for hall and patio; 150 for hall only

    Cost: Ranges from $750 for a weekday five-hour event to $4,500 for a Saturday ten-hour event during April, May or October

    What’s included: Full facility usage, on site manager, one-hour rehearsal on day prior to event; tables and chairs can be rented for an additional $250 fee

    Love, Lisa

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