melissa + pete


When I had to say goodbye to Melissa and Pete at their Sunday brunch, I cried. In the middle of Chupacabra on 6th Street.  OK, it’s embarrassing to admit that online, but I adore this couple.

Melissa and Pete’s ceremony took place at St. Mary’s Cathedral in downtown Austin, which is one of the most beautiful churches you will ever see.  So grand, so stunning. Melissa looked amazing.  Since they live in New Jersey, throughout the planning, they shipped me various things for the wedding – one of the things shipped to me beforehand was her dress, so I had taken a sneak peek while it hung in my closet and knew it was beautiful, but seeing it on her? No comparison. With her gorgeous cathedral-length lace-trimmed veil, perfect hair and make up, and a hot pair of Jimmy Choos, she was the picture of the perfect bride.

After their ceremony, they headed to South Congress with Jake Holt to take photos around town.  When you see the pictures below, you’ll see just why I relish every chance I can get to work with Jake.  The photos are perfect.  Some of my favorite pictures from the day are from this break between ceremony and reception.  They’re fun, they’re Austin, and they really capture Melissa and Pete’s personalities.

The reception was held at the Allan House downtown with the couple’s personal touches all over the venue.  Their escort card display at the entry to the House was Manzanita Trees held in place in mercury glass vases with connected cords and all their guest names running across held by clothespins. Also inside the house, they had a candy bar set up with everyone’s favorites (the Swedish fish went really quickly!) in apothecary jars. As you headed into the next room, you saw a delicious display of cupcakes (on a cupcake stand they decorated themselves!).  Which brings us to my favorite detail at this wedding – their cake toppers.  A description can’t really do it justice, but until you get to the photos, let me just tell you this… she is the donut to his coffee.   Since the reception was catered by Salt Lick, the couple provided bibs for every guest. Also on every table were beautiful centerpieces designed and created by Melissa’s aunt who runs A Design By Melody, her floral company, in Atlanta.

After dinner, the dance floor got started.  It was a bit of a chilly night once the sun was all the way gone, but no one felt it because they were all dancing SO much! Joel with Greenbelt DJ did a perfect job of getting everyone moving.  Final detail? Melissa and Pete bought a pair of metallic-rimmed sunglasses for every guest!

After their sparkler exit, they headed to Fado. Since so many had traveled for the wedding, they took advantage of having all their favorite people in one place and kept the party going.

Which brings us back to Chupacabra and the Sunday brunch.  Saying goodbye was hard for a few reasons – first, working with them never once felt like work because it was so much fun.  Second, since they don’t live in Austin, it wouldn’t be easy to just get together for drinks.  And last, because everything had been just so perfect.  Seems like an odd reason to tear up, but I couldn’t have imagined a more beautiful, fun, amazing day for two beautiful, fun, amazing people.

You can see Melissa and Pete’s wedding video by Waterloo Films here: http://www.waterloofilms.com/melissapete.html

Photos by Jake Holt Photography

 

Comments

One Response to “melissa + pete”
  1. Melissa says:

    You’re so sweet! I cried, too. I cried at the drop of the hat all week, but I was genuinely distraught at having to say goodbye to you! XOXO Thanks for being the most amazing wedding coordinator and unexpected friend ever!

Leave A Comment