Berkeley and Tad came to us looking for an intimate summer wedding at the Hotel St. Cecilia here in Austin, yet wanted to take that smaller guest list and dial up the impact of their wedding. I believe they used the phrases “Alice in Wonderland meets Cirque du Soleil” and there was mention of oversized stuffed white peacocks.

Needless to say, the normal status quo does not apply here.

That said, we took their descriptions and ideas and pulled together a dramatic and colorful palette, with touches of gilt and gold — but plenty of pink. [Berkeley is truly a pink girl.] It was to be a multi-course summertime feast fit for this LA-based couple, and the al fresco result was nothing short of spectacular! I truly enjoyed pushing ourselves out on a limb and really embracing a dramatic and whimsical inspiration, while playing homage to the St. Cecilia — which is almost a character in and of itself. We’ll post their incredible invitation suite soon, followed by the final pictures by Our Labor of Love.

row 1 {bridesmaid bouquet by Sharla Flock + photo by Docuvitae via Style Me Pretty, berry arrangement by Jessica Claire, reception table by Elizabeth Messina via Blush Events} row 2 {wedding dress by Leanne Marshall via Love Ardently, outdoor reception table from an unknown source, figs and berries by Thayer Allyson Gowdy, bridal bouquet by Flowerwild + photo by Jose Villa, cocktails from Martha Stewart Weddings magazine} row 3 {calligraphy by Jane Farr, wedding cake via Martha Stewart Weddings, ranunculus arrangement by Saipua, still life with peonies from the October 2007 issue of Architectural Digest via Brown Turtleneck Sweater}