Urban Real Wedding with Rich Tones

From Melanie of Mayhar Designs: "From the very first meeting, initially with Afton and then with Afton and Travers together, it was very clear that their wedding day would be one to remember. Individually, they exude grace, kindness and a great passion for life. Together, they stand unified in their character, compassion, humility, love for their faith, and tangible respect and love for each other. Both Aggies, they initially connected over the uniqueness of their names and would go on to work alongside each other at A & M University’s Campus Crusade for Christ. The five quick months we spent together were a true joy.

As we jumped head first into the planning and design process, we knew that we needed a reception space that could accommodate the estimated 300 person guest count. We quickly decided on the rich warehouse atmosphere of Austin’s Brazos Hall. We loved the warmth and character of the space and hoped to create and event that felt intimate and inviting, with careful attention to beautiful details. It was very important to Afton that the overall design of the wedding presented a natural and simple aesthetic with elements that were ultimately graceful and elegant, and also communicated a nod to timeless tradition. She wanted a palette that was unexpected and unique. To Travers, it was ultimately important to have incredible food, great coffee and a fabulous band. We started with the design and worked to bring in moments and pieces that would honor Afton and Travers’ relationship and the relationships that they shared with family members and loved ones.

With the help of so many amazingly talented vendors we hope that we created a day that brought joy to everyone, and spotlighted a few special details....Houndstooth, a favorite coffee bar, camping out in the back corner; a dear friend and colleague performing the marriage ceremony; the groom’s dad joining the band for a drum set at the end of the evening, and all the while, a large 4’ tall tyrannosaurus rex groom’s cake standing atop the dessert table, reminding us all of that time Jurassic Park made an unexpected cameo at the wedding reception we were attending.

In one favorite moment from the day, a couple of hours prior to the ceremony, the shuttle bus pulled up to the church to drop Travers off for his first look with Afton. As he stepped off of the bus alone, I met him on the corner, waiting to escort him to see his bride for the first time. He looked at me with the most sincere expression of joy and let me know that this was by far “the most perfect day.” It was one of the sweetest moments I have ever had in my job. This day was filled with overflowing love and joy and I am so thankful to have been a part."

Photography, Kayla Barker | Location, Brazos Hall | Event planning & Design, Melanie McKinley of Mayhar Designs | Catering, Pink Avocado Catering | Flowers, Sprout Floral and Event Design | Videography, Candlelight Films | Stationery and Calligraphy, Whitney Farnsworth Calligraphy & Design | Cake, Sweet Treets Bakery | Music, Sauce the Band | Rentals, Sweet Sunday Events; Marquee Event Group; Premiere Events | Bride's gown, Martina Liana | Bride's Shoes, Badgley Mischka Earrings BHLDN | Hair and Makeup, Makenzi Laine | Bridesmaids' dresses, Azazie | Groom's suit and accessories, Bonobos | Lighting, Ilios Lighting | Transportation, Austin Elegant