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It Was Love!
By Jean Hailey
Photography By Focal Point Photographics
Brad and Brittany met during high school, but never ventured out of close friend territory. They went on to separate universities, Brad in Alabama and Brittany in Texas, but still spoke frequently. Then, one Christmas break while spending the holidays with their families, romance blossomed and from then on they were inseparable. While they were apart at school, Brad sent Brittany flowers, wonderful gifts and sweet notes. He completely won over her heart and made her feel truly loved. Brad moved back to Texas after college to continue his education, and their romance grew into something more serious.
“It was love,” said Brittany.
In November, Brad invited Brittany to come along on a business function to San Antonio. Brittany assumed that Brad had a birthday surprise planned a little early, and hoped that he was going to present her with a new puppy. She was wrong! They stayed in an old-world Spanish-style hotel surrounded by beautiful scenery. Brad suggested having dinner on a riverboat “privately.” Brittany had her doubts about obtaining a private boat, but sure enough, when they arrived at the river there was a boat, covered in hundreds of rose petals, candles, beautiful ivory linens and a staff of two, eagerly awaiting their arrival.
“I was in complete shock and could not stop smiling,” said Brittany. The gorgeous riverboat set sail down the River Walk canal, and the happy couple was served a wonderful five-course dinner. After the amazing riverboat ride, the couple walked under the twinkling San Antonio stars. Brad then proposed.
“I could not have been more excited and was grinning ear to ear,” said Brittany.
Brad explained that they had gotten engaged on “Marriage Island,” a beautiful location designed for a romantic experience along the River Walk.
Brad and Brittany planned for a spring wedding. May is a beautiful time of the year in Texas, and they wanted an indoor/outdoor wedding event. Brittany’s mom played a key role in helping plan the wedding. She attended every appointment with Brittany and helped decide every detail. During a trunk show at Serendipity Bridal, Brittany tried on the “Barcelona” design by Amsale and immediately fell in love with the gown. She purchased all additional accessories from Serendipity
as well.
Brittany and Brad chose The Vineyard at Florence in Florence, Texas, for the venue. They loved the vineyard/Tuscany-inspired theme of the venue and the timeless, romantic appeal it projected.
“It was the perfect location for family and friends to come together with that destination wedding feel,” Brittany said.
Brittany and her mother wanted the day of the wedding to be relaxing and stress-free. They hired Nancy Hoffmann-Allison of Allison’s Events to coordinate the wedding rehearsal and the day of the wedding.
“Nancy told us to leave the stress to her and to enjoy every minute of my big day,” said Brittany. “That’s exactly what I did! All of the vendors worked so well together and helped to make our wedding day the most beautiful and most memorable day of our lives.”
As guests arrived, they were handed a custom-monogrammed program detailing the wedding ceremony. Steven Chung of Temple Bible Church performed a traditional wedding service for the couple.
“It was beautifully done and incredibly moving,” said Brittany. The wedding ceremony took place outdoors under an adorned pergola facing the vineyard. The pergola was draped with white fabrics, clusters of hydrangea, ivory roses and matte satin linens. Divisi Strings played soft, romantic music throughout the ceremony for an intimate, romantic mood that set just the right tone for the intimate nuptials. At the ceremony’s end, guests were invited to attend a cocktail hour for hors d’oeuvres, drinks and the musical sounds of The Grooves. After Brittany and Brad were formally introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Wentz, the reception began.
The reception featured 25 round tables draped in custom matte satin eggplant-colored linens partnered with mahogany-stained chiavari chairs. Throughout the event, custom lighting enhanced the intimacy of the affair. Soft candlelight also added a romantic glow. A buffet meal was served featuring many tantalizing choices.
“Triple Seven Catering did a wonderful job of providing our guests with a delectable meal with flavorful touches,” said Brittany.
Judy at Simon Lee Bakery created an elegant, elaborate wedding cake. The detailed cake featured the couple’s monogram on the top tier. The groom’s cake was made to look like a wooden crate containing two wine bottles, fitting for the Tuscany-inspired wedding.
“The wedding cake was beautiful and tasted incredible,” said Brittany. “Judy did an amazing job on both the cakes!”
Once the guests had enjoyed the meal portion of the reception, the dancing began. Following all of the “special dances,” the couple and their guests danced the night away. It was important to the newlyweds that all of their guests, old and young, enjoy the musical entertainment. They wanted everyone to feel encouraged to dance all evening, and The Grooves did a great job of keeping everyone on the dance floor all night. An ice sculpture with Brad and Brittany’s monogram served as a centerpiece in the room where the dancing took place.
Each guest received a custom monogrammed and dated petal cone to toss as Brad and Brittany made their exit. They departed in a black Cadillac XLR convertible courtesy of Brad’s father that had been airbrushed with quotes such as, “I got the girl,” “She said yes,” and of course, “Just married!” “It was a wonderful ending to the most amazing night of our lives,” sighed Brittany.
The happy couple spent their wedding night at an Italian villa called the Villa Botticelli located on the vineyard property, and left for a honeymoon in the Bahamas the following morning. Brittany and Brad will always treasure their intimate Tuscany wedding day memories.
Austin Resources
Bridal gown:
Serendipity Bridal
Ceremony unity candle and bridal accessories:
Serendipity Bridal
Bridesmaids’ and flower girl attire:
Serendipity Bridal
Wedding cake and groom’s cake:
Simon Lee Bakery
Caterer:
Triple Seven Catering
Venue and GAC:
The Vineyard at Florence
Groomsmen and ring bearer attire:
Al’s Formal Wear
Wedding invitations:
Focal Point Photographics
Lighting:
Big Medicine Sound and Lighting
Officiate:
Pastor Steven Chung of Temple Bible Church
Ceremony music:
Divisi Strings
Reception music:
The Grooves
Photographer:
Focal Point Photographics
Ice sculpture:
Amazing Ice Designs
Florist:
Creative Innovations
Event coordinator:
Nancy Hoffmann-Allison of Allison’s Events
Specialty printing and wedding day accessories:
Paperdoodles
Toasting goblets, cake knife and server sets:
Nuptial Necessities
Rehearsal dinner venue:
Johnny’s Steaks and Barbeque
Rentals, tents and linens:
Premiere Tents and Events
Makeup:
Ana Bazon of Beauty Mark Agency
Hair:
Sass Salon and Spa
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