Carla Adauto, program coordinator for AARP in Austin, met Robert Early, an employee relations manager in San Antonio on a blind date. Their first date was at the Gristmill in Gruene, which was half way between Austin and San Antonio. They maintained their long-distance relationship for a year and one-half.

Carla was 38 years old, had never married with no children. Robert was divorced and had no children either. The two were just perfect for each other. Robert proposed in December 2006 on the veranda at the Mansion at Judges’ Hill in Austin. The engagement ring was his grandmother’s wedding ring. The beautiful antique suited Carla perfectly.

They wanted an April 2007 wedding. “Why wait?” says Carla. The only problem was that it only left them five months to plan a wedding, “What a challenge! She said. One of Carla’s jobs is event planning, so she naturally wanted to plan her own wedding. “As part of the planning, I knew I would be working with professionals, so I went with their recommendations and never looked back,” Said Carla. Carla didn’t actually have a theme, or particular colors for the wedding, but that too was her plan. She just wanted a warm, elegant feeling…a potpourri of things that would show who Robert and Carla were as a couple. They wanted a simple, elegant afternoon ceremony. Since Robert had proposed at the Mansion at Judges’ Hill, they decided to hold the ceremony and reception there. The bed and breakfast feel of the Mansion was the intimate setting they were looking for, right in the heart of Austin.

Carla said that Robert had a big part in the planning. Of course, their planning session took place over the phone during the week. As a former chef, Robert selected the menu and chose the look of their wedding cakes. Simon Lee Bakery did a phenomenal job on their cakes which included a tower of petite fours and a groom’s cake which featured a huge white chocolate golf ball filled with chocolate mousse placed on a layer cake of green icing. Even the wedding favors were golf tees with a cover that read “Carla and Bob fore-ever.” Carla said, “Robert has a little passion for golf, and I put him in charge of the favors.” “They were a hit!”

The ceremony took place at 11:30 am, outside in the courtyard under the trellis, while Hyde Park Strings played in the background before, during and after the ceremony. They both could not seem to stop smiling and incredibly enough; Carla was not nervous or stressed. Carla laughs, “I was so thrilled to see my best friends and family in the audience.” They chose not to have a large wedding court. Carla’s sister was the maid of honor and Robert’s dad was his best man. However, Carla had to have her godson, Anthony, as her ring bearer or ring “barrier” as he called it, and her best friend’s daughter, Isabella, as her flower girl.

Robert and Carla entered the ballroom of the Mansion accompanied by Hyde Park Strings. Their small but intimate wedding of 90 or so people allowed them the chance to visit each table, posing for pictures and giving hugs. Sterling Affairs Judges’ Hill Catering catered the luncheon buffet. Towards the end of the reception, Carla’s extended family stood up and serenaded them as part of the “sending off of the bride and groom,” which was a Mexican serenade; and family tradition for newly married couples. “The entire evening was amazing!” says Carla.

Carla and Robert were anxious to move to their new home in New Braunfels right away, so they postponed their honeymoon for a while. They are hoping to make a return trip to Cabo San Lucas for their official honeymoon, but for right now they are enjoying New Braunfels, and living together in the same city. The newlyweds still commute from New Braunfels to their jobs in Austin and San Antonio. Finally, their long-distance love is together forever!

Austin Resources

Bride’s Gown:
Belle Saison Bridal

Tuxedos:
Men’s Warehouse, Calvin Klien Collection

Wedding Cake:
Simon Lee Bakery

Caterer:
Sterling Affairs Judges’ Hill Catering

Ceremony & Reception:
Mansion at Judges’ Hill

Minister:
Rev. James Connor

Music:
Hyde Park Strings

Photographer:
Lisa Shepard of Aimage

Rehearsal Dinner:
Sterling Affairs Judges’ Hill

Catering:
The Mansion parlor was the site of the hors d’ oeuvres party and family and friends were able to sit out on the wrap around porch of the Mansion.

Salon:
Lecia Harkins

Florist:
Casa Verde Florists