The Lodge At Bridal Veil Falls // The Newly-Webbs // Maddi and Dalton, the Locket

“Have a happy life and share your happiness with others. Happiness is difficult to give away and it keeps coming back to you”

These hallowed words were memorialized by Maddi’s late grandfather and revisited by her brother on the happiest day of her life. These words are ones that we all can live by each and everyday of our own lives.

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With the quiet murmur of a waterfall and surrounded by their family and friends, Maddi and Dalton said “I do” on May 20th at the Lodge at Bridal Veil Falls. The venue, located in Spring Branch, is a natural retreat deep in Texas Hill Country. Will captivating waterfalls and spectacular views, Maddi and Dalton couldn’t have chosen a more perfect location for their wedding.

Her stunning dress was a work of art as it hung in a mirrored room and completely breathtaking once Maddi put it on. Her bridesmaids chanted her name and cheered when they finally saw her for the first time!

Their love of their two dogs was apparent as they both made an appearance - as a cake topper! Since they love being outdoors and spending time with their pups, it only made sense.

Maddi, Dalton, and their guests were tearing up the dance floor well into the evening.  The bride and groom left their sweet celebration by charging through a sea of sparklers!

The Proposal: Maddi told us:  "A typical weekday, we decided to have a date night. We took the dogs to a lake nearby and had a picnic. After munching a bit and drinking some wine, we got up to throw the ball for the dogs. He started getting all mushy, saying a bunch of sweet things. I immediately got awkward, feeling like I need to say a bunch of sweet things (I may have interrupted him a bit to get in a few niceties). But then he got down on one knee. He was disappointed (but not surprised) that I responded by putting my hands on my hips in an "are you joking?" manner instead of doing the typical hands cover the mouth in shock move. Disclaimer, he has definitely joked about proposing before! Anyhoo, I realized he was for real, so of course I said yes. We hug and kiss, then I heard screaming from behind some far away bushes. He enlisted Kayla Patterson and a couple other close friends to stake us out and take pictures of the whole thing. They came running over with the camera and some champagne. It was pretty awesome!"

Maddi + Dalton, Thank you for allowing us to share your day with you! The laughter and jovial nature of all your friends and family was a heartwarming experience and one that we’ll never forget!

Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Lodge at Bridal Veil Falls || @thelodgeatbridalveilfalls_tx Coordinator – Kali Measures || @kindleandgather Photographer: West Vita Florist: HEB San Marcos ||  @heb Caterer: Hanson’s Hill Country Catering DJ: Future Sounds || @futuresoundsdj Hair & Make Up: Prim and Powder ||  @primandpowder

Red Corral Ranch /// #kissinlogs /// Jessie + Taylor, the full film

What we truly love about Jess and Taylor is the way they appreciate sweet, intimate moments - quality time spent together going to the dog park with their pups and simply catching up with one another on the couch at the end of the day. They spent time on little details for the wedding day as well, from handmade road signs directing guests to different locations to the lovingly handwritten letters that they wrote to their wedding party.

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/174827211[/vimeo]

You’re as sweet as Tennessee Whiskey.

When asked about musical preferences and genres they would like represented in their final film, Jessica and Taylor didn’t hesitate in their response: anything similar to Chris Stapleton. A musician known for his deep voice and highly relatable songs referencing the simple things in life like whiskey and love, we can see why Jess and Taylor enjoy his music so much. For their edit, we chose music by Matt McCloskey and Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors. Drew Holcomb is a well known Nashville artist who often sings duets with his beautiful wife, Ellie Holcomb. Their style is lilting, simple, and pure country.

Red Corral Ranch in Wimberley is like an oasis in the desert - filled with rolling hills, lush greenery, spectacular views, and twinkling lights that would make the night sky jealous. It was here that Jess and Taylor chose to say “I do” amongst their closest family and friends.

The sunset filled ceremony was punctuated with a visit by some local peacocks who only squawked at some pretty perfectly timed moments—as if they were cheering in agreement with Jess and Taylor being announced husband and wife! Afterwards, guests gathered at the big red barn to eat dinner. They were surprised to find they had to compete against other tables of guests and sing for their supper—in order to be released to the buffet, they had to serenade the bride and groom with a song about love. Their fun songs and animated performances only served to prove that Jess and Taylor are surrounded by a whole cloud of joyous friends who reflect their own humor and love for life.

Jessica and Taylor,

We hope your film helps you re-live these moments with joy and delight, and that the memory of this moment when you shared your vows will continue to stir your affections and strengthen you for all of your future days together.

love,

the Mason Jar Team

Ceremony/Reception: Red Corral Ranch ||  || @redcorral Planner: Westcott Weddings ||  || @westcottweddings Photographer: Mint Photography ||  || @lovemintphotography Florist: Bristol Lane ||  ||@bristollane Caterer: Gourmet Gals || || @gourmetgalscatering Ceremony Music: Better Halves || Tables/Chairs: Premiere ||  || @premiereeventsaustin Napkins: Marquee ||  || @marqueeatx Vintage Rentals: Loot Vintage Rentals ||  || @lootvintage Makeup: LoLa ||  || @lolabeautyatx DJ: Altared Weddings ||  || @altared_weddings Cake: Sweet Treats ||  || @sweettreetsbakery

Canyonwood Ridge Wedding /// No Words To Describe /// Carolina + Mark, the Locket

Perfection is all around us, but there are few (if any) things more perfect than a Hill Country sunset. The way the light changes creating a beautiful watercolored masterpiece as the sun sinks below the horizon is a truly picturesque moment only made better when sharing a frame with two stunning newlyweds. We were lucky enough to capture this moment (and many others!) at Carolina and Mark’s Hill Country wedding.

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Set deep in Dripping Springs, Texas’ very own wedding capital, Canyonwood Ridge is a unique presence with its sprawling grounds and unequivocal scenic backdrops sure to make any filmmaker smile. With a couple like Carolina and Mark (who say that traveling is one of their favorite things to do together), we can see why they decided on their venue! They spent the morning prepping at Omni Barton Creek where Carolina was able to surprise Mark with a gift: a gorgeous new watch that he was able to wear for their big day.

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groom gift - watch

Carolina looked stunning in her mermaid style gown that featured intricate detailing on the long sleeves and illusion-style back. Each detail of their day was carefully and thoughtfully planned, from the flowers at the ceremony to their beautifully choreographed first dance to Celine Dion’s “The Power of Love.” Mark even had his very own groom’s cake representing his love for the New England Patriots!

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The party continued on into the night after rousing speeches from several loved ones including one from Mark’s brother, Matthew, who teased him for choosing to get married on the day after his birthday.

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Carolina + Mark, We couldn’t have imagined a more beautiful day for two beautiful people. The laughter and merriment enjoyed by all of your friends and family is a tribute to the love they have for y’all and the love that you have for one another. You both glow as brightly as a Texas sunset. We wish you all the best and more!

Prep Venue: Omni Barton Creek  || @omnibartoncreek Ceremony Venue: St. Theresa Catholic Church  || Reception Venue: Canyonwood Ridge  || @canyonwoodridge Event Planner: Heavenly Day Events - Hailey Nichols  || @heavenlydayevents Photographer: Joseph West  || @josephwest Florist: Sixpence Floral  || @sixpencefloral Caterer: Crave Catering  || @cravecateringtx Band: The Vintage 15  || @thevintage15 DJ: Greenbelt DJ  || @greenbeltdj Rentals: Marquee Rents  || @marqueeatx Cake: Lovebirds Sweets  || @lovebirdssweets Transportation: Transportation Consultants  ||@transportationconsultants

South Congress Hotel /// Hindu Fusion Wedding /// Shonu + Julio, the extended Heirloom Film

“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing

There is a field. I’ll meet you there.

When the soul lies down in that grass

The world is too full to talk about.”

-Rumi

Gina Whittington, the talented designer and planner behind The Whitt Experience, called us early last year and informed us that she had a client that looking for something special for their wedding film. Shonu and Julio are a sweet, funny, and community-focused couple that met and fell in love along the course of a campaign trail. Because they had so many people coming in from all over the world, they didn't want their wedding film to feel like a music video--they wanted it to truly reflect the personalities and interactions they would share with family and friends over the course of the weekend. We crafted this custom, extended length wedding video for them - focusing on documentary style moments that highlight the joy, the goofiness, and the sweet moments celebrated in the finest locations in Austin's arts district. With events at Hotel Saint Cecilia, Sway, and South Congress Hotel, the Austin vibe was just as strong as the couple's devotion to their South Indian and Mexican heritages.

Friday evening, the families gathered for the Sangeet at Shonu and Julio’s favorite local restaurant - Sway. As guests arrived, they were greeted by beautiful visuals of greenery draped across low hanging chandeliers presiding over large family style tables. They were served an exquisite array of appetizers and foods, including pineapple miange, satay grilled eggplant, and tom aha gai. Dinner included green curry with tofu, pad thai jay, miso sweet mash, and charred asparagus with harissa. The night was full of many delightful moments, heartfelt speeches from the Bride’s relatives and a surprise dance performance in honor of Shonu and Julio.

The wedding day was cheery and bright, and as cars busily bustled by past the South Congress Hotel, Julio, accompanied by his baraat (wedding party), arrived to the ceremony on a scooter for the traditional Milni. Greeted by the bride’s “sisters,” Shonu’s dearest friends and female cousins escorted Julio carrying pots on their heads and Julio’s family was greeted ceremoniously by Shonu’s family. The Hindu ceremony was often conducted in the sacred language of Sanskrit (along with English), linking Shonu and Julio to one another and reinforcing their connection to their families, ancestors, friends, nature, the planets, and the creative forces of the universe. The ritual stage (Mandap) represents the universe, and Shonu and Julio's was designed with beautiful white drawn curtains laced with a garland filled with vibrant purple, blue, and fuchsia flowers. During the Mala Vinimaya, Shonu and Julio exchanged garlands as a form of deep and mutual respect.

Mayor John Destefano (at whose campaign the couple met) gave a moving welcome to the gathering, and later that evening, he treated the crowd to a hilarious toast that recounted the political and romantic journey of the couple.  Their Hindu ceremony was conducted both in the sacred language of Sanskrit and English for the attending crowd. The Mandap was decorated with beautiful garlands and stood tall throughout the entire evening - a reminder of the ceremony that linked Shonu and Julio to one another.

As guests entered the reception, they walked through a psychedelic video wall that featuring Julio’s spirit animal, a wolf. The groom’s cake was that of a large snake, based off of a traditional South American artifact that Julio had seen - and connected with - in a museum on his travels. Guests heard more beautiful speeches from the couple’s family, and our favorite highlight of the evening was watching Shonu and Julio cheerfully dance to “Me and Julio down by the school yard” in front of their family and friends.

Witnessing such pure moments of joy, love, and celebration in the lives of others is one of the biggest perks of this job, and we are privileged to be reminded weekly of the best parts of humanity.

Shonu and Julio,

Your family's delight at your union is so apparent as they speak of you with respect and with joy.  We hope you always continue to enjoy life's journey together, and we join the Mayor in wishing you a life of love for forever and 100 years.

Xoxo,

The Mason Jar Team

Event Planner + Designer:  The Whitt Experience @thewhittexperience Photographer: Q Weddings @qweddingsphotography Kurant Events  @kurantevents Wedding Venue:  South Congress Hotel @southcongresshotel Sangeet Venue: Sway @swaythai Mendhi and brunch venue:  Hotel St. Cecilia @hotelsaintcecilia DJ Chino Casino @scullytime Band: Sauce  @wearesauce Bakery:  The Cake Plate  @cakeplateaustin Photo Booth: Capture Photo Booth  @thecapturephotobooth Late night desserts:  Voodoo Donuts  @voodoodoughnutaustin Lighting: Ilios @ilios_lighting Henna artists:  Nisha Henna Arts Rentals:  Loot Rentals BBJ Linens Premiere Marquee Birch and Brass Flowers:  Margot Blair Florals

Southwest School of Art /// #Behreningdownthehouse /// Caroline + Brandon - the Locket

"Rainbows, unicorns and bubblies." That’s how the officiant described the feeling at Caroline and Brandon’s wedding, and we couldn’t agree more. There’s a special time of day just before sunset that cinematographers and photographers call “golden hour." It isn’t really an hour, and depending on the time of year, it can be as few as 15 minutes. At this wedding, it seemed to last for hours—the daylight shimmering through the historic windows of the Southwest School of Art cast a golden glow across Caroline and Brandon entire day. We hope you enjoy their wedding film, and may it fill you with the joy of rainbows, unicorns, and bubblies. :)

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/164262167[/vimeo]

Caroline describes Brandon as strong, loyal, optimistic, and kind, and Brandon told us that Caroline is spiritual, compassionate and intentional. They love spending time together outdoors — especially hiking the Austin greenbelt! Caroline told us that she was looking forward to the holiness of the wedding ceremony and the FUN she would share with family and friends at the reception.

As Caroline and her bridesmaids arrived at the Southwest School of Art, their voices echoed with excitement over the sounds of the Riverwalk just below. When they walked in to see Caroline's dress for the first time, their awe filled the bridal room. Caroline received a heartfelt note from her groom, and after putting on her wedding dress, her grandmother presented her with family heirlooms: a garter and bible that she had carried in her own wedding.

Caroline and Brandon shared their first look in the courtyard, and afterwards they chatted eagerly enjoying the beauty of the day. Brandon said the weather was just what they had prayed for and Caroline agreed, saying that it was indeed perfect.

The ceremony featured beautiful performances of some of Caroline and Brandon’s favorite songs, including Phil Wickham’s “You’re Beautiful.” We were so happy to be able to license this particular song for their wedding film, along with the song that Caroline and Brandon chose for their first dance: “Forever Like That” by Ben Rector.

The celebration ended on a high note that truly embraced the festive spirit of San Antonio — Intensity Entertainment kept the dance floor hopping as guests shook maracas and donned flower crowns and sombreros. As the couple made their grand exit through a tunnel of friends throwing confetti, they drove away in a historic baby blue and white 1957 Chevy Bellaire.

The Proposal: How did it happen?

Caroline told us: "Brandon surprised me by taking me to our favorite date spot in San Antonio at the Pearl on Sunday August 23rd. He had a table set up with pictures of us and flowers. I was so surprised! I had my hair in a messy bun and converse on with a dress that didn't match- Brandon said when he first saw how I was dressed, he knew I didn't know he was about to propose :) My sister and my 2 best friends were waiting around the corner, and our close family/friends surprised me back at my house. It was a very special and intimate day! It was simple and sweet, just like Brandon. He wanted it to be about US, and not about the pomp and circumstance. We will cherish that day forever!”

Venue: Southwest School of Art  @southwestschoolofart Planner: Robin Waters with Wedding Planners Inc  Photographer: David Sixt Flowers: Trinity Flowers  @trinityflowers_ Bride's wedding Dress: Julian Gold @juliangoldsa Catering: Anne Marie’s Catering  @annemariescatering