The Grand Lady is one of those Austin venues that gives couples the best of both worlds: a historic white mansion surrounded by gardens and oak trees, and a sleek, modern reception hall just steps away. Julia and Evan embraced every bit of it for their September wedding, pairing the estate’s timeless charm with bright orange and golden florals, soft ivory draping, and so much heart. From the very beginning, Julia told us she wanted their day to feel romantic and classy, and it was exactly that, from the first quiet moments of the morning to the very last wave goodbye.

A ROMANTIC + CLASSY VISION

When Julia and Evan first shared their vision with us, a few words kept coming up: romantic, intimate, and classy. Julia came prepared with a Pinterest board full of inspiration and an open invitation for our team to bring ideas of our own, and it was such a joy to watch it all come to life. For these two, the day was all about the emotion behind it.

GETTING READY

The day started in The Grand Lady’s bright, airy bridal suite, where Julia’s details were set out and waiting: an orange and sage invitation suite, pearl-embellished heels, her favorite Jo Malone fragrance, and her rings tucked among zinnias and dahlias. The women closest to her helped her into her gown and fastened her veil, and there were so many sweet, quiet moments between the laughs in front of the mirror. Across the property, Evan got ready at his own pace, buttoning up his uniform and adding the final touches before the day really began.

DRESSED TO THE NINES

Julia’s gown was a showstopper, with a fitted strapless silhouette, delicate lace detailing, and a long cathedral veil that swept down The Grand Lady’s staircase in the most dreamy way. Evan looked every bit the part in his Army dress uniform, crisp and classic and such a meaningful choice for the day. Together, they were absolutely timeless.

A HEARTFELT FIRST LOOK

Before seeing Evan, Julia shared a first look with two of the most important men in her life: her dad and her brother. Her dad’s reaction said everything, and the hug that followed is one of our favorite moments of the whole day. Julia and Evan chose to save their own first look for the aisle, and we’re so glad they did.

THE CEREMONY

Julia and Evan said “I do” on The Grand Lady’s garden lawn beneath towering oaks, with an aisle lined in overflowing arrangements of orange, gold, and white blooms from Grand Lady Floral. A violinist played as guests found their seats, many of them shading themselves with white parasols in the Texas sun, and Julia made her way down the aisle with her dad by her side, giving Evan his very first glimpse of his bride. Short & Sweet Weddings led a ceremony that was warm, heartfelt, and full of emotion, from happy tears in the front rows to the biggest smiles as the two were pronounced husband and wife. Their recessional was pure joy, with Julia’s bouquet raised high in celebration!

COCKTAIL HOUR + GOLDEN HOUR IN THE GARDENS

While guests sipped cocktails from Peak Bev and mingled on the patio, Julia and Evan slipped away to The Grand Lady’s gardens for their portraits. Julia had dreamed of romantic, intimate, Pinterest-worthy photos, and the gardens delivered: rows of zinnias and marigolds glowing in the golden hour light, with plenty of quiet moments, soft kisses, and one very dreamy veil shot in between.

A SOFT, DRAPED RECEPTION AT THE GRAND LADY

Inside, The Grand Lady’s modern reception hall was transformed with billowing ivory draping across the ceiling, lace-textured linens, rattan chargers, gold candlesticks, and wooden cross-back chairs. Rentals and decor from Premiere Events and Southern Sparkle Events brought the whole room together, while Grand Lady Floral carried the orange and golden palette into every centerpiece. Guests were welcomed by a floral-framed mirror sign and seating chart, and personal touches like framed family photos and custom stationery and favors from By Hands With Me made the space feel completely theirs. Austin Catering served dinner and a classic white wedding cake, Samba Sweets added even more sweet treats, and Plan On It Events & Design kept every detail running smoothly all day long.

FIRST DANCES & A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

Julia and Evan made their grand entrance to a cheering crowd, then shared a sweet first dance before the parent dances had everyone reaching for tissues. After heartfelt toasts from their loved ones, the two cut their cake and poured a sparkling champagne tower together. Once Premier Austin DJs opened up the dance floor, it stayed packed all night, with big dips, breakdancing, and parents who danced like nobody was watching! The night ended with a golden streamer send-off, and Julia and Evan waved goodbye from a vintage getaway car from Baby Blue Drives For You.

Julia and Evan’s wedding was everything they hoped for: romantic, classy, and surrounded by the people who love them most. We’re so honored they trusted us to tell their story, and we can’t wait for them to relive it all over again!

If you’re planning a Grand Lady wedding of your own, or you’re searching for an Austin wedding photographer and videographer to tell your story, we’d love to hear from you!

VENDORS

Wedding Day Venue

THE GRAND LADY

Wedding Planning + Design

PLAN ON IT EVENTS & DESIGN

Florist

GRAND LADY FLORAL

Photography + Videography

CARHART PHOTOGRAPHY

Catering + Cake

AUSTIN CATERING

Desserts

SAMBA SWEETS

Bar

PEAK BEV

DJ

PREMIER AUSTIN DJS

Rentals

PREMIERE EVENTS

Rentals + Decor

SOUTHERN SPARKLE EVENTS

Hair + Makeup

BLUSH N BANGS

Transportation

BABY BLUE DRIVES FOR YOU

Officiant

SHORT & SWEET WEDDINGS

Stationery + Favors

BY HANDS WITH ME