This was the perfect day! Victoria and Jonathan had a few unexpected roller coasters thrown at them during the planning process (which included a venue change and the beginning of Covid) and they absolutely deserved a perfect day. Sunset Ranch ultimately ended up being just the right fit for them and their team was such a breath of fresh air; they are such lovely folks to work with and the space is gorgeous!
Pulling together Victoria’s vision and coming up with the mood board was so much fun. She loved getting into the details- notice her perfectly coordinated maids getting ready outfits- all the way down to their socks! I also discovered that she shares my affinity for pillows and tea towels (even at the dismay of our husbands). Ha!
Lori Blythe Photography did such an amazing job (as usual) with these photos and even hand painted the blue styling board to photograph the details. I really love when a photographer can photograph the details well! Reiley and Rose Floral brought the best of the best and added the blue larkspur flowers (those blue stalk type flowers) to the ceremony arrangements at the last minute. They coordinated so perfectly with the sky and the dresses and brought it all together!
So rarely are the ceremony pictures my favorite from a wedding, but its not hard to believe at Sunset Ranch’s beautiful site. It was picturesque. We couldn’t have asked for better weather; the cloud cover made the temperature comfortable and the photos amazing. The blue hues in the dresses and the flowers just highlighted the blues in the water fountain and the landscape. Sometimes it comes together not only envisioned, but EVEN better. This was one of those times!
Hands down my favorite shot of the wedding is the photo above with the flower petals. This shot is one of Lori’s signature shots and is so unique and priceless!
We did a cocktail style reception inspired by Jonathan’s New Orleans heritage. Victoria envisioned styled lounge areas with unique furniture pieces and Bee Lavish Vintage Rentals had everything we needed to bring her vision to life. She hand picked the pillows and all of the beautiful candles.
I love cocktail style receptions. It’s like having a dreamy house party. It reminds me of the parties you see in the movies of the 1950’s where people are eating and dancing and someone is playing the piano. When cigarettes and champagne saucers were stylish. Anyone else know what I’m talking about here? Think Breakfast and Tiffany’s and White Christmas. Also, the food is so fun for cocktail style events. Cartewheels brought their A-game with Shrimp and Grits and Chicken and Waffles stations- YUM.
Another fun detail was that this wedding was on 3.14 – PI Day! Victoria is a teacher so we had to geek out on this one, just a little bit. We served mini pies at dessert and as the late night snack (Sophie’s Bakery).
The neon light was kind of a last minute addition. We had the perfect spot for it at Sunset Ranch and with a great name like “Bacon†it was just so fun!
The band was unbelievable. Matchmaker always brings down the house and they were no disappointment this time. We ended the night with a New Orlean’s style 2nd line out to the romantic car brought by Circle J Vintage Cars. It really was a perfect night!
Thanks to all of the vendors that helped Victoria’s dream come to life!
Venue:Â Sunset RanchÂ
Planning & Design: Emily Burgess with Hill Country Bride
Photography:Â Lori Blythe Photography
Videographer: Gamm Films
Florals:Â Reiley & Rose
Cake: Sophie’s Bakery
Transportation: Fredericksburg TrolleysÂ
Vintage Car: Circle J Ranch Vintage CarsÂ
Table Linen:Â La Tavola Linen
Vintage Rentals:Â Bee Lavish Vintage Rentals
Stage Rental: Whim Hospitality
Band:Â Matchmaker
(2)Its white. Need I say more folks. A perfect blank slate with ship lap details, beautiful chandeliers, bistro lights over a patio, and a built in bar. Can I get an “AMEN†from the wedding photographers out there that have been shooting in dark venues for years and years? Brides, your pictures of your reception are going to be awesome.
(3)The chairs. It’s a small detail, I know. But as a wedding planner, I pay attention to these things. You don’t have to pay a rental company to deliver stylish chairs for your wedding- they are included! No more mahogany chivari or folding fruitwood, folks. I know you have seen styled shoots on Pinterest with these chairs and thought “ha! As If. Who can afford chairs like that at their wedding?†You my dear. You. Their price point is competitive with other venues in the area, but their stylistic value is much higher.
(4)Lodging on site featuring the same great stylish details. Just a short walk away from the reception site, down the beautifully terraced path next to the rippling waterfall. You never thought landscaping could be so impressive, did you?
(5) Just a few miles from Fredericksburg. Close to shopping, restaurants, Enchanted Rock and wineries for your guests to enjoy, but far enough out that they can experience the peace and serenity of the Hill Country.
4)Logistics. They provide tables and chairs and pretty furniture, you get the property mostly to yourself for the weekend, and the guests can leave the reception and walk back to their rooms or some close by hotels, or to a local dive bar for late night shenanigans.
