You CAN still have a small elopement and have it feel like an elegant soiree! Phil and Danielle had a 19 guest wedding at a private residence in Texas which felt like the most elegant party! Filled with lush florals and bright colors, it was such a perfect celebration for them!
How/when/where did you first meet?
We met while we were in high school, Danielle was going into sophmore year, Phil was going into junior year. We went to separate high schools though (20 minutes apart in the suburbs of Chicago). Danielle was on a traveling volleyball team and one of her teammates had a party and that’s when she met Phil. This was back in 2008.
How/when/where did the proposal happen?
Phil popped the question two days before their 11 years anniversary. Phil and Danielle grabbed a drink at a bar near Millenium Park. Phil mentioned he had dinner plans at 6:00pm and they were just having a drink before heading over. Phil and Danielle walked through Lurie Garden and little did Danielle realize, he was about to ask Danielle to marry him. Danielle was very distracted by the symphony playing classical music at the amplitheatre just across the park. So when he turned down a random path that led no where, Danielle’s heart sank and realized it was about to happen. Phil hired a photographer to capture it all, then they went to a 22 course dinner at Smyth to celebrate!
What was the vision for your wedding, the style/color/scheme? How many guests?
Danielle wanted a very colorful “spring” elopement (wedding got pushed to 2022 due to Covid) in an outdoor location in a warm-weather state. There was a total of 19 guests who were invited to the elopement which consisted of immediate family, spouses and their wedding party.
Why did you choose your wedding venue?
Phil and Danielle eloped on a private property in Texas, one that made them feel that they were in Europe because it was impossible to elope in Europe due to Covid. They really wanted a house that had a pool so they could have a casual pool party Friday afternoon. They also wanted to make sure the property had an overhang in case it rained, becasue May is the raniest month for Texas so a backup plan was required. Luckily, it did not rain though!
Describe the ceremony, what made it unique/special
The ceremony overlooked the pool and lake, given the house was sitting high in the hills of Lake Travis. There was mimosas as guests entered. Danielle and Phil wanted to leave the ceremony stress-free for everyone else so they did not have anyone walk down the aisle besides Phil (and mom) and Danielle (and dad). No one stood up, but instead just watched the ceremony happen. Phil’s vows were very sentimental and deep, whereas Danielle added in some jokes to lighten up the mood. The vows were pretty different which was fun to balance each other out.
Describe the reception!
Right after the ceremony, everyone (including the bride/groom) changed into poolside attire. Lunch was served immediately, then some guests got in the water, some played mini golf, some played croquet, and overall just relaxed. A few hours later, the “reception” was just a dinner at one long table in the same location as the ceremony. The dinner was a 5 course tasting menu from a fabulous private chef in Austin.
Describe the flowers used for floral arrangements!
Danielle talked with the florist, Tiffany from Ida Mayes Floristry, and told her she wanted a ton of texture in the flowers, ranging from stark white (no ivory/off-white) to pinks/oranges/yellows and everything in between. Danielle loves seeing contrast as well, so some arrangments were all white flowers, and some added in color.
Did you do favors?
Every guest got a little ‘hangover kit’ that had advil, Emergen-C, seltzer water, some candy and a customized koozie for the pool.
Photographer: Rachael Osborn
Wedding Planner: Ohana Events
Video: Hunter Floyd Films
Florist: Ida Mayes Floristry
Bridal Designer and Gown: Chosen by KHYA
Rentals: Loot Rentals
Stationery: Ashley Frye Studio
Jewelry: Imperial Jewelers + Mejuri
Shoes: Loeffler Randall
Catering and Cake: Gather and Forge
Tabletops: Premiere Events
Rentals: BBJ Linen
Venue: Private Estate
Hair Stylist: Lux Beauty and Bridal, Kelley
Makeup Artist: Lux Beauty and Bridal, Gabi
Tux: The Black Tux
Delivery Team: Firefighter Event Delivery
