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

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- 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!

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{VENDORS}

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photography: Mary Sledd Photography

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venue / catering / cake: Green Pastures

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florist: Rosehip Flora

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make-up / hair: Haute Facade

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officiant: Sarah de la Fuente

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strings: Divisi Strings

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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}

Party {Pink, Purple, Orange, Yellow}

Lovely and fun. The rich purple and orange are perfect fall colors.

{Outdoor Seating, Flowers, Fringe, Serving Pieces, Ombre Cake, Paper, Fabric, Geode, Wink, Cups}

Board {Bright, Bold, and Fun}

A wedding inspired by this board just seems like it would be one big party. I would definitely like to attend this bash! Cheers!

{Bouquet, Heart Flags, Bunting, Necklace, Runner, Invitation, Pennant bouquets}

Bouquet {Fall}

Finally wrapped my head around that Thanksgiving is, indeed, happening next week. I usually like to bake up something fun and try a new recipe every year. Not sure what this year's dessert will be yet. Anyway, all this has got me in the mood for fall...so enjoy these delightful fall bouquets!

{Clockwise from left to right: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7}

Etsy Shoppin' {missibaba}

missibaba features some amazing custom leather bags, but, for wedding-planning purposes, I think their fabric bags are where it's at. Plus, the fabric line is named Bag O' Booty - enough said.

These pouches come in a variety of fun patterns and colors and the size is just right. Perfect for a bridesmaid gift at $20 a pop.

The tote is great for brides and bridesmaids - carry around your day-of supplies with ease and style. Also reasonably priced at $36. 

{All images courtesy of missibaba's Etsy shop}

Happy shopping!

Board {Warm Grey, Coral, and Peach}

I think this board is rather fitting for the rainy weather we're having in Austin today. Though this isn't sad, cool grey, but comforting, romantic, warm grey with touches of peach and coral. A beautiful palette for winter weddings and parties.

{Tablescape, Dresses, Notions, Bouquet, Cloud Light, Ring, New Yawk to Paree, Quilt, Cocktails}

Press {Emily + Matt}

Very exciting news today! My husband and I's wedding invitations, designed by the ultra-talented Lauren Cunningham of The Creative Parasol, were featured on none other than.....OH SO BEAUTIFUL PAPER! Those familiar with this blog can account for their featuring of the highest quality of work, so we are truly honored to have our paper goods featured. Check out the post here! Congratulations, Lauren - you so deserve this!

P.S. Folks planning - those of you who contract Bird Dog Wedding and The Creative Parasol for your wedding will receive 10% off both services! Do not miss out on this great deal! Let the collaborating begin!

{suite and save the date}

Board {Natural Wonder}

{Bowls, Stones, Bouquet, Textiles, Favor Bags, Wood Slice + Bags, Coasters, Painting, Boutonnieres} 

Top Five Friday

{1} Geneva + Scott - Green Wedding Shoes

Really? Can anyone go wrong with a 1920s-themed wedding? Well, yes, if  not styled properly. Geneva and Scott pulled it off with ease. Beautiful and fun!


{Wildflowers Photography}


{2} Kelly + Drew - 100 Layer Cake

This wedding is right up my alley. Bright colors and bold, fun details are my favorite. Good job, guys!


{W. Scott Chester}


{3} Haley + Ahmed - Style Me Pretty Texas

This wedding is so cute. And, the color palette is on point. Loves it! Plus, one of my favorite Austin photographers, Katherine O'Brien, snapped the fabulous pictures.



{Katherine O'Brien Photography}


{4}Aurelie + Sylvain - forget me knot weddings

Fun, sweet little details + pink peony bouquet = win!



{Elisabeth Perotin}


{5} Sarah + Kyle - grey likes weddings

Just your classic, romantic, sweet southern wedding. Swoon...


{Three Nails Photography}

Bouquet {Large with Pink Peonies}

I just love large, whimsical bouquets featuring one of my favorite flowers - the peony. Especially if the peonies are pink. And earning bonus points for coral peonies because that's what I had in my bouquet :).

Happy Thursday, everyone, and enjoy!

Clockwise from left to right {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7}

Sherbet

This palette works for all seasons - the soft tones makes for perfect wedding color. Enjoy!

{Cake, Dahlia, Balloons, Bouquet, Necklace}

{Guest Post} Entwined {2012}

Hey, y'all! I'm super excited to be guest posting on Entwined {2012}'s blog today! Go check out our post on superstar table layouts! With 5K voters and counting selecting a couple to win a FREE wedding weekend (estimated near 100K), Entwined is blowing up! Lucky for us, we get to design and coordinate the rehearsal dinner portion. Can't wait to meet the couple that wins.

VOTE NOW!


{Source}

Top Five Friday

New series on the blog! I'm going to start featuring my five favorite blogosphere weddings of the week in no particular order! Here we go:

{1} Elyzza + Michael - 100 Layer Cake

What's not to love about this colorful fiesta filled with fringe, fashion, and beautiful flowers? Looks like a blast, you guys!

{Ashley Rose Photography}


{2}Jessica + Ian - Ruffled Blog

I love their farmer's market inspiration - how clever and fresh (literally)! This couple also had tons of cute graphic design to help them carry their concept through - always a plus. Yum.


{Steep Street by Kelty}


{3}Kit + John - Sarah Q Photography

Houston wedding! Kit and John are super adorable and I just loved everything about this wedding including the oh-so-precious details that really made this day special. And the bouquet - love!


{Sarah Q Photography}


{4} Jamie + Dan - Southern Weddings Blog

This wedding was all about the outdoors - from the sweet wildflowers to one of the most beautiful ceremony areas I've ever seen. Pure beauty.


{Ulmer Studios}

{5} Alexis + Evan - Green Wedding Shoes

Have you ever seen lanterns this giant?! Plus, they had an amazing table layout - outside, super long tables, red/white gingham linens, test tube flower arrangements, and fun bulb strands. LOVE. IT.

{Sloan Photographers}

TGIF, y'all!