Austin Wedding: Old Hollywood Glamour Meets Palm Springs Chic at South Congress

Tropical wedding invitation and stationary layout with natural details

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.

Elegant white Stuart Weitzman wedding heels on lace Elegant wedding ring with flower and fern on pink cloth

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.

Wedding invitation with rings, earrings, and a fern on pink cloth

Bridesmaids celebrating with champagne in matching leaf pajamas

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!

South Congress Hotel sign on a white wall with shadows A bride in a strapless white wedding dress getting ready

Bride and bridesmaids smile posing at a wedding ceremony

Smiling groom adjusting tie and jacket on his wedding day Elegant wedding boutonniere on a groom's dark suit

Bride and groom walking away in a wedding dress

Groom smiles seeing his bride at their wedding ceremony Beautiful bride and groom embrace on their wedding day

Bride holding a bouquet of pink peonies on her wedding day

Elegant floral arrangement at a wedding arch entrance Elegant floral arrangement with exotic protea flowers and pampas grass

Wedding arch decorated with eucalyptus, protea and paps grass

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.

Woman in elegant attire stands by a floral arch, wedding ceremony

Smiling bride walking down the aisle with a bouquet, veil Joyful groom and bride laugh on wedding day celebration

Romantic wedding kiss in the city with dress and veil blowing

A black and white photo of an Elvis Presley book on a table Bride and groom pose with their dog on wedding day, black and white

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.

Elegant wedding seating chart with pink floral design

Elegant event space with round tables and golden chairs ready Elegant wedding reception decor with gold chairs and flower centerpieces

Tropical floral arrangement with monstera leaf table number 5

Elegant wedding reception hall with floral decorations Elegant table setting with fresh green leaves centerpiece

Elegant wedding cake decorated with flowers and anthuriums

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.

Couple dances at wedding under lush floral decorations Chocolate milkshake with fries, a delicious treat on a white table

Happy couple running through sparklers at their wedding exit

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

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