Driftwood

Thao -N- John / An Austin Wedding at the Hummingbird House by Melanie Grizzel

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from Thao and John:

I suppose it was about the time I realized my wedding would be less of a Grace Kelly affair, and something a bit closer to My Big Fat Greek Wedding, when I started to really enjoy my day.  All the little, silly details start to blur into a vaseline lens view, and you realize all the things important.  That's when I was not only excited to marry my lifetime lover, but when I fell in love with my friends and family all over again.  My fondest memories of my wedding are seeing my friends and family gather in full force to help fold napkins while singing railroad songs, drive newly make-up'd bridal parties in un-air-conditioned minivans, aunts (well, one in particular) charging into the changing room just because she deserved to be there, uncles with cameras wielded more boisterously than the most seasoned paparazzi, cousins who were supposed to be guests instead transform into freelance wedding coordinators.  That's when you realize how much love surrounds you, that people you love so much are so willing to sacrifice time and distance away from their busy lives, Mother's day and birthdays put on hold, just to be with you and help you, to celebrate you and the love of your life.  And then, of course, there's my husband.  Who stood at the end of the aisle, crying like a newborn babe.  That was my absolute favorite part of the wedding--seeing that one person you want to be with most on this Earth, wanting the very same thing.  It brings me to tears again just thinking of our wonderful vows.  There were butterflies.  Not like in Disney movies, but real live butterflies floating in the air as we uttered lifelong promises to each other in front of those friends and family we hold dearly.  The wedding day was a blur, but the bits and pieces that I keep are some of the most valuable I have, and I will treasure them for as long as we both shall live.  

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Thao says:

Oh how do I count the ways?! Mel can do no wrong in my eyes.  While still awaiting my wedding pictures, I have NO RESERVATIONS about recommending her over and over and over again (and in fact, already spread her gospel amongst my newly engaged friends).  Why?  Because she is talent incarnate.  And a lot of fun.  But her talent and fun are only icing on a massive, moist cake of professionalism.  Her work is absolutely incredible--our engagement pictures were fun, unique, and vibrant with life and love.  She was flexible, yet inspired throughout, and took our ideas and made it her own.  I LOVED our engagement pictures and the three wedding shots I've seen--especially because I was a bit camera-shy with some self-doubt.  She made it all go away with a few camera flashes, and has the uncanny ability of seeing (and capturing) the beauty in anyone, regardless of how long she's known you.  She's willing to try new ideas and methods, yet experienced enough to know what looks best.  She is reliable, timely and responsive.  She guides without being overbearing--hell, she even talked me down during my one bridezilla moment when the family was pulling me here and there during family photo time in a cathedral veil under the Texan sun (think Hatfields and McCoys, except both factions come from my side of the family).  She is truly a gem--while everyone else makes you feel like you're just another bride-cog in the wedding-machine, Mel actually made me feel beautiful on the most important day to feel beautiful.  And for that memory and keepsake?  I'm forever grateful...

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Wedding Venue, Coordination, Catering and Cake – Nichole Rogerson - Hummingbird House / WeddingPhotography – She-N-He Photography and Design / Catering - Bittersweet/ Laura Eliel / DJ - Strat Kat DJ / Hair and Make-up – Little Orchard Salon / Cellist – Keith Nguyen / Violinist - Thomas Macgregor / Flowers – Gala Gals / Wedding Cake - Erin's Cakes / Officiant – Gibran Mancus / Babysitting - Fairy Godsitters

Austin original, husband and wife wedding photography team based in Central Tx. We specialize in documentary style wedding photography for couples who seek a unique, colorful and timeless look for their wedding photos. With experience in Advertising and Editorial Photography and Design we bring a unique perspective to Wedding PhotographyBridal PhotographyEngagement Photography, and Boudoir Photography as well as Custom Wedding Invitation Design. If you’re looking for the bold, fearless and the Best Wedding Photographer in Austin Tx, you found the right team! Available for destination wedding photography worldwide.

 

Sam -N- Evan / Pecan Grove at the Salt Lick / Driftwood, Tx Wedding Photography by Melanie Grizzel

Venue – Pecan Grove at the Salt Lick /Coordinator – Heather Sorenson at Vintage and Lace / Photographer – She-N-He Photography and Design  / Invitation - She-N-He Photography and Design / Floral – Petals Ink / Catering – Cake – Salt Lick  / Officiant -  Rabbi Monty Eliasov  / Make-up – Maris Malone Calderon / Band - Hotcakes / Wedding Cake and Chocolates - wedding favors - Tumbador Chocolate

She-N-He Austin Wedding Photography and Design specializes in making your day…YOURS. We capture your wedding just the way you see it. We’re a husband and wife team with backgrounds in Graphic Design/Art Direction and Commercial/Editorial Photography respectively. We bring to you a unique perspective that is romantic, modern and timeless and 15 years experience shooting all over the world. Call us and tell us all about your big day. We’re listening. 512-351-9314. We also service San Antonio, Dallas, New York City, and any and all remote destination locations.

Elizabeth -N- Kenneth / San Marcos Engagement Photographer by Melanie Grizzel

Elizabeth and Kenneth both came to San Marcos for school, met, fell in love and never left. We met up in San Marcos for their spring engagement session and hit a few of their favorite spots.

Elizabeth and Kenneth

San Marcos, Tx Engagement Photography

 

She-N-He Austin Wedding Photography and Design specializes in making your day…YOURS. We capture your wedding just the way you see it. We’re a husband and wife team with backgrounds in Graphic Design/Art Direction and Commercial/Editorial Photography respectively. We bring to you a unique perspective that is romantic, modern and timeless and 15 years experience shooting all over the world. Call us and tell us all about your big day. We’re listening. 512-351-9314. We also service San Antonio, Dallas, New York City, and any and all remote destination locations.

Open House Stonehouse Villa / With She-N-He / Austin wedding photographer by Melanie Grizzel

Contemporary Art-themed open house? AND a movie on the lawn (Father of the Bride) after hours? Yes, please! Come out and enjoy Crave, The Peached Tortilla, and wine from Duchman Family Winery. Its going to be an unforgettable event with a few new twists.  She-N-He, Arthouse Floral, Modish, and Whim are all working together to marry the art and wedding worlds together for one night only and its going to be a blast for all, so come on out to Driftwood and make a statement!

Stonehouse Villa is sleek, sexy, and modern. The answer for today's brides who are looking for what's next. We've got it!

Come join us 6-8 on Thursday at Stonehouse Villa 15110 FM 150, Driftwood, Texas 78619 and if you're feeling squirrely, stick around for the movie outdoors: Father of the Bride. But don't sit next to me, I'll be quoting it from start to finish.

She-N-He Austin Wedding Photography and Design specializes in making your day…YOURS. We capture your wedding just the way you see it. We’re a husband and wife team with backgrounds in Graphic Design/Art Direction and Commercial/Editorial Photography respectively. We bring to you a unique perspective that is romantic, modern and timeless and 15 years experience shooting all over the world. Call us and tell us all about your big day. We’re listening. 512-351-9314. We also service San Antonio, Dallas, New York City, and any and all remote destination locations.

Eli -N- Ben / Chapel Dulcinea and Tuscan Hall wedding / Austin Wedding Photographer by Melanie Grizzel

I know quite a lot about Eli and Ben now. We have become quite close in our short time together, and I'll miss them when Ben accepts his job and the pair move off to greener pasture. Eli knew from the first few moments she met Ben that he was her blank, he was even dating her girlfriend and she brazenly reported on a fateful trip to the ladies that night that Ben would be her husband some day. Even during the ceremony Eli placed the ring on Ben's finger and made the sound of a locking chain. I've never seen a pain more completely enamored. They are perfect.

They held their ceremony at Chapel Dulcinea, arguably the most beautiful setting in all of Austin, they moved quickly to Tuscan Hall for dinner, cocktails, cake cutting and a little dancing.

Chapel Dulcinea Wedding - Tuscan Hall Reception

Location: Chapel Dulcinea - Tuscan Hall / Photographer: She-N-He Photography and Design / Photobooth: She-N-He / Catering: Catering with a Twist

She-N-He Austin Wedding Photography and Design specializes in making your day…YOURS. We capture your wedding just the way you see it. We’re a husband and wife team with backgrounds in Graphic Design/Art Direction and Commercial/Editorial Photography respectively. We bring to you a unique perspective that is romantic, modern and timeless and 15 years experience shooting all over the world. Call us and tell us all about your big day. We’re listening. 512-351-9314. We also service San Antonio, Dallas, New York City, and any and all remote destination locations.

Lauren -N- Kevin / Chapel Dulcinea and Stonehouse Villa Wedding / Driftwood Wedding Photographer by Melanie Grizzel

       Lauren and Kevin married at Chapel Dulcinea under the most perfect conditions ever, a little windy with beautiful blue skies. Their reception was held at Stonehouse Villa in beautiful Driftwood, Tx. They had some of the most amazing small touches that came together beautifully with Heather from Vintage&Lace at the helm. Lauren designed her bridesmaids dresses and had them custom made. Stems devised and orchestrated a gorgeous display of flowers in pale colors with touches of tea party silver and crystal and also elements of the outside with succulents and tree stumps. Guests noshed on tea sandwiches and scones from The Steeping Room and shared pints of mead and stout from the home brewing operations of both Lauren's and Kevin's Dads, and Michelle's Patisserie delivered my most favorite cake to date, built to Lauren's exact specifications - perfection.
From Lauren:
       My Matron of Honor, Valery Hitt designed and sewed my wedding dress, train, sash embellishment, and hair adornments. She put a lot of time and love into everything that she did for my wedding and I really think that it all turned out beautifully. She is a dear dear person and immensely talented.
       The bridesmaids dresses were designed by me (after some unfruitful searching for off-the-rack styles). They were patterned and sewn by Austin Bridal and Formal. They turned out beautifully and have already accomplished their goal of being worn beyond the wedding!
       Terra Vista Strings met every request that I sent to them. So I got Final Fantasy VII music for my bridal processional and Concerning Hobbits for the wedding recessional. And then they played my Final Fantasy music again!!! It was awesome!
       The song that Kevin and I danced to at the wedding was from a show called Pushing Daisies that we watched together when we first started dating. It is super cute and I think it will always remind us of when we first fell in love with each other.
My Maid of Honor Sarah Nelson drove all the way up from Houston almost every weekend for a few months to teach us a dance for it. We think that we ended up doing a passable job of it on the day of the wedding.
       The song that I danced to with my father was called Arirang which is a very very very old Korean folk song. It was one of the few Korean songs that my dad remembered my mom singing when they were younger.
       I purchased my husband's ring from a jeweler named Johan Rust on Etsy. The center band of the ring is a seamless meteorite. Kevin is studying Astro-Engineering at UT and has always loved Outer Space so I had an engraving put on the inside of the ring that reads: Sic Itur Ad Astra 3113 It means "Thus you shall go to the stars." And the "3113" is the date of our wedding. I'm giving him a leg-up for anniversaries :)
       The necklace that my husband gave to me on the day of the wedding has special significance to me. I was enamored with it at the jewelry shop and wanted very much to wear it on the day of my wedding. Kevin went behind my back and purchased it shortly afterwards. He gave it to my bridesmaid Elizabeth Boyd for safekeeping. And then he got everybody to lie to me for over half a year (including the wonderful shop owners at Franzetti's) about the disappearance of the necklace and prospective availability of another one.So I am very glad that everyone lied to me :p as it increased my delight on the day of my wedding. The large gem in the center of the star is a sapphire which was my only something blue on the day of the wedding. It will forever be a symbol of my husband's love and of the wondrous love and goodness of the people around me who aided him in giving me such a beautiful surprise.
       My wedding ring was designed and made by McCoy Jewelcraft. Kevin's mother was a friend and client of theirs and they remembered her when Kevin and I came to have my ring made. They were very kind and helpful to us. They suggested that we bring in gold from broken or unused jewelry to help with the price of the ring. So my ring has gold from Kevin's class ring, my mom's old jewelry, gold and diamonds from my dad's second wedding ring (he and my  mom remarried each other), and gold most generously given from my lovely friend Elizabeth. The ring guard was the ring guard from my mom's first wedding ring. It was fixed and resized by McCoy's.  When we ordered my ring and turned in the gold for it, I told McCoy's that I trusted them to make a beautiful ring and left happily with no idea of what it was going to look like. When Kevin proposed to me that Christmas, he presented me with a ring beyond my imagination. It is beautiful and unlike any other.
       The dollhouse was a project that Kevin and I started for the wedding. I thought that a dollhouse would be appropriate since we were asking for house money to put in savings in lieu of other gifts. We bought a $30 kit from Hobby Lobby and thought that it would be easy. I helped to paint the house and then Kevin did pretty much everything else and the project took on a life of its own. His original degree is in theater set design so I suppose it makes sense. He built a plot of land for it to sit on and put together all of the small details that made it charming. It was project that I thought would not last beyond a couple of weeks and it turned into a several month long adventure in arts and crafts.
It was a labor of love.

Location – Stonehouse Villa / Wedding Coordinator – Vintage&Lace Heather Sorensen / Photography – She-N-He Photography and Design / Catering – The Steeping Room / Ceremony Music – Terra Vista Strings / Flowers – Stems / Cakes – Michelle’s Patisserie / Groom's Pies - Tiny Pies / Officiant – Larry Todd / Hair/Make-up – Erica Gray / Make-up - Christy Edlin / Hair (bride and bridesmaids) - Belle's Ball 

She-N-He Austin Wedding Photography and Design specializes in making your day…YOURS. We capture your wedding just the way you see it. We’re a husband and wife team with backgrounds in Graphic Design/Art Direction and Commercial/Editorial Photography respectively. We bring to you a unique perspective that is romantic, modern and timeless and 15 years experience shooting all over the world. Call us and tell us all about your big day. We’re listening. 512-351-9314. We also service San Antonio, Dallas, New York City, and any and all remote destination locations.

Christine -N- Don / Stonehouse Villa Wedding / Driftwood Wedding Photography by Melanie Grizzel

Christine -N- Don

Absolutely sublime wedding at the Stonehouse Villa. The weather was a little unseasonably chilly, but it didn't stop this crew from dancing all night long. Stonehouse Villa is a fairly newish venue in Driftwood, it offers beautiful sweeping views of the Texas Hill Country landscape. The interior, formerly a furniture design studio, is an intimate and sophisticated canvas.  The couple used the space perfectly with a minimal touch of flowers and table runners, totally my style ;) The flowers and some vegetables from Central Market were variations of green and white. A single center piece in the middle of a grey tweed table runner from Premier Party Central was intoxicatingly beautiful! Pink Avocado provided a delightful meal complete with butternut squash lasagna (truth be told it was my first experience with it, YUM! I found a recipe and made it myself a few days later). It was the perfect menu for a surprisingly chilly evening.

Christine and Don met in a church group and quickly found they were perfect for each other. Don has quirky sense humor and Christine with her warm heart is the perfect yang to his ying. Enamored I tell you. Congratulations you guys I am excited to follow your life together.

Caterer: Pink Avocado
Wedding Cake: Walton's
Hair: Tracie Downing - trixella@yahoo.com
Make-up: HLK Designs - hlkdesigns@gmail.com
She-N-He Austin Wedding Photography and Design specializes in making your day…YOURS. We capture your wedding just the way you see it. We’re a husband and wife team with backgrounds in Graphic Design/Art Direction and Commercial/Editorial Photography respectively. We bring to you a unique perspective that is romantic, modern and timeless and 15 years experience shooting all over the world. Call us and tell us all about your big day. We’re listening. 512-351-9314. We also service San Antonio, Dallas, New York City, and any and all remote destination locations.

Anna -N- Rohan - Sneak Peek! - Austin Wedding Photographer by Melanie Grizzel

Austin Wedding ExtravaganzaAnna -N- Rohan's wedding at  Thurman Mansion, flowers are from Wow Factor Design. Anna wanted to have a destination wedding because the sheer number of folks who would come to a local wedding would have left them penny-less. They chose Austin and Rohan chose BBQ, good man ;) Austin Wedding Guide

Wedding at Thurman MansionShe-N-He

Austin Wedding Photography and Design

Tracy -N- Jim Married! - Austin Wedding Photography by Melanie Grizzel

Bride and Groom Portrait Austin Tracy likes purple...alot. She even sewed a bit purple tool into you dress' under carriage. The is one of the happiest people I've met and certainly THE kissiest. That is the kissiest family I have ever met and I am pretty kissy. There is SO much love floating out there in that family, it's not hard to grab some bits here and there. I'm glad I know you. Thanks for having us.

Have an exceedingly happy life together!

---mel

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She-N-He

Austin Wedding Photography and Design

 

Flower: Petal Pushers DJ:  Altared Weddings Strings: Serenade Quartet Photobooth: Max Photography Cakes: Stardust Pastry Catering: Trattoria Lisina Get away car: Antique Limousines of Austin Location: Duchman Family Winery Rings: Shafftel Diamonds

8.31.10 Carly -N- Chad Austin Wedding Photographer by Melanie Grizzel

Finally my first real post in the age or Wordpress, let me know if you have any problems with it. Remember, please, leave comments, I love em' I met Carly -N- Chad a little over a year ago. Carly was a little disenfranchised with wedding photography. Shall we say, at the end of her rope. Luckily we changed her mind and followed both she and Chad through their entire engagement. We did an engagement session and later added a bridal session. We have had a wonderful run together. I'm gonna miss them. I want them to have babies right away so we can photograph those gorgeous babies, in due time. They're getitng their lives started now doing important things to change the world. I'm excited for their futures. Austin Wedding Photographer Austin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding PhotographerAustin Wedding Photographer Austin Wedding PhotographyAustin Wedding Photographer

Caterer - Trattoria Lisina Ceremony + Reception Site - Mandola Estate Winery Videographer & DJ - Altared Wedding Productions Wedding Musicians - the band Adelynn Cake - Groom's Cakes - Mandola's Italian Market Wedding Favors - "Thanks to All, We had a Ball!" cake balls by Julie Shussler of Juleen's Flowers - Love Punk Events Hair Stylist - Tammie Garza Make-Up Artist - Maris Malone-Calderon Makeup Artists; artist: Maggie Bosworth Wedding Dress - Casablanca gown purchased at Alexia Gavela Wedding Shoes -  Toms Venue Rentals - Mancino Iron WorksDripping Springs Party Rentals

4.28.10 Christy + Kai Married! by Melanie Grizzel

Christy and Kai threw an intimate wedding in their barn in Driftwood. They had plenty of time to create the perfect setting for their big day. Molding and forming a little day by day, I remember a conversation with Christy just a week before the wedding and she was rushing to get back to painting the barn. All their hard work paid off, the room was impeccable. They incorporated small details to marry their families. For example, Christy gathered wedding pictures from both her and Kai's family and tied them to rope and hung them through-out. They were a huge hit, all night guests made their way to the pictures to find themselves and family members. I have spoken with brides recently who were interested in using photographs for decor, you could consider this personal touch. 
Congratulations to you both we wish you all the best.
as always you can see more images on facebook.
Thanks for looking.
---mel





She-N-He
Austin Wedding Photography and Design

11.7.09 Stacy + Rocky Married! by Melanie Grizzel

Stacy + Rocky were married in Driftwood at the beginning of November. We met them back in the spring and we all just fell in love. They are so stinking cute, they have all of these wonderful(and not so wonderful) inside jokes and you can see just how much they enjoy each other in the images. I was honored to capture their wedding for them.
All the best to the both of you, and you families.
As always, you can find more images on facebook.
---mel






She-N-He 

Austin Wedding Photography and Design