Hello? Are you still out there? Emily?……. I’m Here! You haven’t seen me in a while because life has been crazy! Crazy awesome, but still crazy. It has been a season of amazing clients, workshop styling, building a house and lots of other fun things I intend to fill you in on.  My website has been getting a serious overhaul while I’ve been away (take a look around!). I’m going to be putting blogging at the forefront of my site now and sharing my Hill Country Wedding expertise with the world. I’ll be talking about Hill Country Wedding venues, debuting the best of the best Hill Country Wedding vendors, sharing tips and stories that are relevant to you, Hill Country Brides. Hopefully you’ll hear from some other amazing and experienced vendors and walk away feeling a little more confident as you journey in planning your wedding! Keep coming back and sign up for our newsletter for updates!
One of the amazing things I got to do this past November was style a photography workshop working with some of the best vendors around! It was a great opportunity to show off my talent, learn from other amazing wedding people and PLAY! Styling for fun (PLAYING) is such a hugely important thing for me as a stylist. It’s the way I study, experiment and learn new ways that colors, textures, etc. work together. It was stressful (yeah, like lots of people are expecting me to be awesome) but invigorating. The workshop was called Cedar and Stone (you can check out my sneak peek of the mood boards and inspiration here) and was hosted by the talented Sarah Goss Photography and Al Gawlik Photography.
Our first shoot was at Montesino Ranch in Wimberley, Texas. Lovely little REAL FARM that happens to host weddings as well. They are legit. There are chickens, kittys and of course horses (scroll all the way to the bottom for those pretty photos). The owners are sweet as pie, and the property is just lovely! The models are a real couple, photographers actually, that performed so well and were really amazing to work with. The Black Tux (I highly forever recommend them) provided that snazzy groom outfit, and Serendipity Bridal in Austin (shop for your wedding dress here for sure) provided that stunning gown. Celissa Rae (hands down my favorite hairstylist and forever buddy) did the do’s and faces.
Gypsy Floral out of Austin (literally the most talented florist I have EVER worked with) did those amazing florals. Plus of the two gals that run it, one of them is named Emily, so we were meant to work together. He he. Bee Lavish provided the glassware and bistro chairs. The place cards and invitation suite were provided by Jenna at Paper and Posies, she did amazing job of matching the style and incorporating an organic element to the table. Kendra provided the jewels. Yeah, Kendra and I are kind of on a first name basis (totally kidding I’ve never met her, but I’m so sure we’d be friends!). La Tavola provided the pretty linen napkins from their Tuscany collection. Whim event rentals provided the pretty copper flatware. I picked up those wood chargers, copper candlesticks, and gray plates at World Market (not practical for a whole wedding, but maybe a head table display- we will talk about this in future posts).
Sarah Goss shot the photos for this post and my portfolio wouldn’t be the same without her. I am obsessed with the film images she shoots, but equally obsessed with her ability to make digital have the richness of film. She is hilarious and super easy to get along with, beyond talented and I’m pretty sure she is going to grow up to be some super famous photographer that I can’t work with anymore. Huge sad face.
Dum, da, da, dum…. Drumroll please… My favorite vendor and pride and joy of this shoot was PENDLETON ! Yes, Pendleton Woolen Mills, American made wool blankets graciously sponsored us and loaned us those amazing wool blankets for use on the table and snuggling. Everyone was super jealous of all the pretties and wanted to take the blankets home. We got socks from them for the gift bags, it was darling, really. If you aren’t familiar with Pendleton, stop reading and visit their website. Fall in love and return to thank me.
Anyway, it was just so much fun. All these amazing vendors… Can you see why it was amazing and stressful at the same time?? It was Featured on Green Wedding Shoes & Brides of Austin!
Well this is just one of the shoots that happened at the retreat. I’ll be sharing the other images in a later post. For now, eat up all the pretties and be INSPIRED! Outtakes below. The horse eating the beautiful flowers, and proof of the kitty cat. Y’all I’m your friend that grows up to be the crazy cat lady… Just so you know. 
