Something Pretty

Dress Envy

Lisa — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:56:56 +0000

I’ve always loved Ivy and Aster for their darling, swiss-dotted Sweet Pea gown alone. I can’t believe it took me till now to fall in love with the rest of their beautiful options, like the one below. It’s definitely a new favorite!

I love the classic silhouette and fabric combined with that sweet ruffle on the neckline. Check out the rest of this gorgeous mountain farmhouse wedding, photographed by Steve Steinhardt, on Style Me Pretty, as well as this beautiful bride’s blog, A Thousand Threads!

Love, Lisa

The post Dress Envy appeared first on Something Pretty.

Spring Gatsby

Lisa — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:00:57 +0000

Thank you so much to everyone who sent graduation congratulations over the weekend! I’m so proud to have graduated from UT, and it was such a journey in every way getting to that point. Now it’s on to the next chapter, but not before a few weeks off to process the fact that I’m done with college, spend lots of time with my family, and do a few of my favorite summer activities. I’m already chipping away at my summer reading list, starting with re-reading The Great Gatsby, since I’ve been holding off on seeing the movie till then. I read most of it sitting in my hammock yesterday and will be finishing it up at the pool today! With all of that gorgeous 1920′s inspiration in mind, I put together today’s inspiration board. I wanted something a little less art deco and a little more romantic, and a color palette of deep red, soft pink, black, and gold brought it together just the way I wanted.

{Invitation suite: Emma J Design| Bouquet: Vicki Grafton Photography| Chalkboard sign: Heather Saunders Photography via Molly Jacques Illustration| Gatsby-inspired dresses: Jenny Packham| Cake: Sweet & Saucy Shop| Pear nectar and thyme mimosas: Sarah Culver via The Glitter Guide | Just Married sign: Max Wanger via 100 Layer Cake| Black sequin linen: Bryan Leahy Photography via Style Me Pretty}

Love, Lisa

The post Spring Gatsby appeared first on Something Pretty.

Austin Venues: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Lisa — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:00:28 +0000

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.

{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

The post Austin Venues: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center appeared first on Something Pretty.

Austin Venues: The Barr Mansion

Lisa — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:00:21 +0000

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.

{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

The post Austin Venues: The Barr Mansion appeared first on Something Pretty.

Austin Venues: The Driskill

Lisa — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:00:24 +0000

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!

{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

The post Austin Venues: The Driskill appeared first on Something Pretty.

Austin Venues: Palm Door

Lisa — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:00:32 +0000

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.

{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

The post Austin Venues: Palm Door appeared first on Something Pretty.

Austin Venues: Mercury Hall

Lisa — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:00:20 +0000

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!

{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

The post Austin Venues: Mercury Hall appeared first on Something Pretty.

Austin Weddings

Lisa — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:05:42 +0000

Sorry for the lack of posts this week! After traveling on Tuesday, I came down with a fever and was resting up all day yesterday–not fun. I think I’m starting to feel better now though, so continuing on with Austin posts after Monday’s stunning wedding, I wanted to share a little recap of past Austin-area weddings I’ve featured. They are definitely some of my favorites!

The vintage plates and furniture were my favorites details at this Vintage Barr Mansion Wedding, photographed by Caroline + Ben.

The French Legation Museum was the perfect backdrop for this sweet couple’s French-Inspired Garden Wedding, photographed by Jessica Monnich Photography.

This Charming DIY Wedding was full of the prettiest handmade details, including the cutest bunting flags ever! Photographed by Nessa K Photography.

One of Austin’s best qualities is its proximity to the Texas Hill Country–it combines country beauty with the convenience of Austin vendors within easy driving distance. This Vintage Texas Hill Country wedding did just that, and as you can see from the pictures by Caroline Joy Photography, it turned out beautifully.

And finally, Monday’s dreamy Classic Black Tie Wedding, complete with a gorgeous Vera Wang, some of the grandest venues in Austin, and stunning photography by The Nichols.

Do you have a favorite?

Love, Lisa

The post Austin Weddings appeared first on Something Pretty.

Classic Black Tie Austin Wedding

Lisa — Mon, 06 May 2013 11:00:48 +0000

Thrilled is an understatement when it comes to describing how I feel about posting today’s wedding. As I mentioned Friday, the next two weeks are dedicated to celebrating Austin, coinciding with my last two weeks of living in this amazing city. To kick it all off, I’m sharing my all-time favorite Austin wedding. Not only was the ceremony held at my favorite church in the city, the reception at the incredibly gorgeous Driskill Hotel was a black tie dream come true, the bride’s dress was breathtaking, and every sweet moment and detail was captured by my favorite Austin photographers–The Nichols. I have been following their work for years and am so honored to be sharing some of it today!

{Vendors: Photography: The Nichols| Ceremony venue: St. Mary’s Cathedral| Reception venue: The Driskill| Coordinator: Lauren Carrillo of Something to Celebrate| Bride’s dress: Vera Wang| Hair and makeup: Milk and Honey Salon| Florals: Last Petal| Table numbers: BHLDN| Band: Blind Date}

Thank you so much to The Nichols for the honor of sharing this truly gorgeous Austin wedding!

Love, Lisa

The post Classic Black Tie Austin Wedding appeared first on Something Pretty.

To Be Inspired

Lisa — Fri, 03 May 2013 11:00:11 +0000

For this week’s To Be Inspired post, I want to share the inspiration behind one of my favorite details at my birthday party. The champagne bar was one of the last things I set up, and when I finished, it didn’t look quite complete. I went back to my original inspiration board, and the picture that jumped out at me was the one below, with the framed gold heart, from a styled shoot I featured a few months ago. I combined this idea with the jaw-dropping glittery heart behind the dessert table at 100 Layer Cake blogger Amanda’s recent wedding to come up with the perfect finishing touch for the bar. All I did was cut a heart shape out of some gold glitter wrapping paper I had in my craft box from Paper Source, leftover from two Christmases ago and tape it to the wall. It took less than two minutes and is now hanging on the back of my bedroom door!

{Top: nbarrett photography via Something Pretty, bottom: Max Wanger via 100 Layer Cake}

On a personal note, today is my last day of classes!! I can hardly believe school is really done, and now that my cap and gown are hanging in my closet, it’s starting to feel more real than ever. The next two weeks on Something Pretty are going to be all about Austin as I soak in the end of my time in this incredible city. Have a great weekend!

Love, Lisa

The post To Be Inspired appeared first on Something Pretty.