Stephen and Sarabeth met 11 years ago as high school sweethearts. After building a life together for 11 years, they were both ready for their I Do. Both from Austin, Texas Stephen proposed under the iconic Christmas Tree at Zilker Park and plans of a hometown wedding set into action.
Sarabeth loves old Hollywood and the décor of the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel. The couple also wanted to merge in a pop of “Palm Springs.” Considering all these things they opted for the ever so stylish South Congress Hotel in Austin, Texas. An ideal spot for their old Hollywood style with Beverly Hills Hotel decor and a sprinkle of Palm Springs wedding.
The bride opted for two long-time confidants, Elsie Event Co. and Elizabeth Denny Photography, to plan and photograph her ever so stylish wedding day. Read on to take in all the details and don’t miss the wedding cake adorned with tropical florals. It’s a must-see.
The Wedding Invitation Suite
The wedding suite included the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel stripes with other elements including the couples’ beloved pets hand-drawn and designed by local artist, Claire Ferguson.
Getting Wedding Ready
After a seamless planning process, the wedding day quickly arrived. With sunny skies and perfect weather, hair and makeup were off to a start in one of South Congress Hotel infamous suites.
Beloved hair and makeup artists Donna Bruns and Aili Hudson of Mirror Mirror jumped into action prepping the bridal party to the nines. It finally came time to slip on the bride’s favorite Stuart Weitzman heels along with a stunning Peter Langner gown and veil. The couple opted for classic black and white wedding party attire and the bride’s high-set statement veil inspired by Priscilla Presley was a must from the start!
Wedding Ceremony
Guests gathered for the ceremony in the outdoor courtyard at the hotel and were met with a tent by Whim Hospitality, later turned into a lounge and bar area. Classics played by Terra Vista Strings set the tone for the start of the evening. Little Yellow Flower Design incorporated planters of pampas grass and protea along with the most gorgeous desert-inspired floral arch.
Wedding officiated by the
groom’s grandmother
The couple’s dog, Bandit served as best-man along with his sister and brother and the bride’s entrance from the top of the Otoko stairs left guests speechless. As a nod to the groom’s heritage, their ceremony featuring traditional Mexican wedding elements was officiated by the groom’s grandmother. Each team of Padrinos and Padrinas showed their support for the couple offering arras matrimoniales and el lazo and by the end of the ceremony, these long-time lovebirds were so happy to be married.
The Wedding Reception
The reception invited guests into a sneak peek of Sarabeth’s design vision along with a fabulous dinner, delicious cake and a dance party to remember. Design elements inspired by the Beverly Hills hotel were larger than life banana leaves, all shades of pinks and greens, a pop of tropical elements.
Even Elvis Presley made an appearance as the couple’s sign in turned coffee table book! You can see the coffee table book above.
Late Night Milkshakes
An installation above the dance floor kept the tropical feel going as guests danced the night away and the retro cover band ‘Love & Happiness’ staged in front of a velvet curtain backdrop for added vintage flair.
Late-night milkshakes and fries were added to the menu as a nod to the 1950’s/60’s Americana treats. A must-have photo booth by Oh Happy Day also kept guests wildly entertained throughout the entire evening.
Budget Breakdown
The couple was kind enough to share their budget breakdown. Please note that prices vary as time goes on. This is to give you a general idea of what a wedding like this might cost you.
Planner: $5,000
Venue: $30,000
Stationer:3,000T
Tent & Rental: $8,000
Floral:$10,000
Band: $7,000
String Quartet: $1,000
Photo Booth: $1,000
Hair & Makeup: $2,000
Gown & Accessories: $10,000
Gifts & Extras: $1,000
