Photo: Ashley Garmon Photographers
When Taralah and John started planning their May 5, 2015, wedding in Austin, Texas, they knew they wanted a venue that would highlight the spring season. “We fell in love with Laguna Gloria, the gorgeous gardens and the lush flowers,” says Taralah. In keeping with the season, they nixed a color palette in favor of featuring all the blooms they could that were in-season, from garden roses to peonies and everything in between. “Our vision was to have long hardwood tables, string lights, gold accents, and people drinking Moscow Mules in copper mugs under the stars. The outcome was everything we’d imagined and more!” says the bride.
This soft, romantic garden wedding will leave you itching to get out into nature — take a peek at the photos by Ashley Garmon Photographers!
Photo: Ashley Garmon Photographers
The couple’s invitation suite featured modern calligraphy, natural-edged paper, and an illustration of the venue (which they also used as their guest book on the wedding day). The combination of gold and charcoal was relaxed and modern.
Taralah had an emotional wedding dress-shopping experience: “My maid of honor cried when I put on the very first dress!” she says. She ended up choosing a lace mermaid gown from Ines Di Santo, with a sweetheart neckline and a low back. “It was exactly what I’d always described as my dream dress,” says the bride. John wore a navy blue suit with a black bow tie and camel-colored wingtips. The groom also wore the gift his bride gave him on their wedding morning, monogrammed cufflinks.
Taralah’s bouquet featured soft pink and white hues, combining roses, and peonies for lots of fullness and texture. And since the couple wanted their day to be brimming with beautiful blooms, bridesmaids’ bouquets were made up of garden roses, ranunculus, and lilacs.
“We did a first look before the ceremony so we could have a few moments alone and exchange gifts,” says Taralah. “We loved having that private time, as well as the chance to take all of our pictures before the ceremony — everyone’s hair and makeup was fresh!”
Her bridesmaids wore charcoal-hued Amsale gowns with either strappy or one-shoulder necklines, while the groomsmen all wore navy blue to match the groom. The one thing that didn’t match? Their collection of eclectic socks!
Photo: Ashley Garmon Photographers
“We actually had cocktail hour start before the ceremony,” says Taralah. “We wanted everyone to feel like they were coming to a really fun party, so we served Moscow Mules for guests to sip as we came down the aisle.”
The ceremony took place overlooking the venue’s pond, with an altar draped in white fabric and greenery serving as the backdrop. “We didn’t want to take away from the natural beauty,” Taralah explains. Instead of writing their own vows, they worked with the bride’s childhood pastor to tweak the traditional vows to ensure those words felt more like them.
Guests’ escort cards were tied with charcoal ribbon to a fence covered in ivy. Long wooden tables were covered with gathered ivory linens and sprawling centerpieces in wooden boxes.
Gold-brushed chargers and gold calligraphy on the menus tied together the ornate details, while combinations of seasonal blooms, including peonies, garden roses, Queen Anne’s lace, and ranunculus, were light and natural. At the sweetheart table, a lace tablecloth was topped with votive candles and a lighter ivory-hued arrangement.
The pair’s three-tiered wedding cake featured a gold-frosted center tier and a cascade of white peonies.
Photo: Ashley Garmon Photographers
After taking a spin with John to “Easy” by Lionel Richie and Willie Nelson, Taralah danced with her dad to “Baby Blue” by George Strait. “I cried through the whole thing,” she remembers. And even after the stress and hard work, every moment was worth it. “To see all the planning come to life is so surreal. It’s an amazing feeling!”
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Laguna Gloria || Wedding Planner: The Nouveau Romantics || Bride’s Wedding Dress: Ines Di Santo || Shoes: Stuart Weitzman || Jewelry: Alexis Bittar || Hair: NSalon Austin || Makeup: Nisa Nicole || Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale || Groom & Groomsmen’s Attire: Michael Kors || Music: Barton Springs; Greenbelt DJ || Catering: Kurant Events || Cake: Sweet Treets Bakery || Rentals: Loot Vintage Rentals; Premiere Events; Marquee Event Group || Photographer: Ashley Garmon Photographers
Can’t get enough of this beautiful wedding? Then travel to Austin for another couple’s gorgeous celebration in the video below.