Most couples choose a familiar city for their wedding…one of their hometowns, the place where they met or fell in love, or a favorite vacation destination, for example. I think there’s something so fun about the alternate route Teresa and Jeff took though! They purposefully chose to be married in a city that neither of them had ever been to before. Together, they got to create totally new memories during their wedding weekend in a place that will now always be special to them. It just so happens that the city they chose is my personal favorite city in the South (Austin, Texas–home of my alma mater!), so I knew I was going to love their stylish wedding! Teresa rocked a Carolina Herrera that looked stunning against the Hill Country backdrop, and the blue watercolor details they incorporated throughout their day (with the help of Bird Dog Wedding) were gorgeous and unique.
Big hugs to our Blue Ribbon Vendor Kristen Kilpatrick for sharing this beautiful day with us!
Tell us about finding your wedding dress. I found my dress on the very first shopping trip I went on! Shortly after getting engaged, I went with one of my bridesmaids, just to see what was out there, but definitely not expecting to find anything. Surprise surprise, I found the most gorgeous Carolina Herrera dress that was everything I wanted! I bought the dress that day and didn’t look back!
We were originally not going to do a first look, but after receiving some good advice from our photographer, we ended up doing it and we were so happy we did! Most people say they do one to cut down on photos after the ceremony, but for us, it was all about calming nerves. Not seeing someone that you see every day for a whole day, especially on such an exciting day, is a little unnerving. Being able to see Jeff a few minutes before the whirlwind of the wedding day was truly special!
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? Being among all of our closest family and friends while getting married to my best friend and love of my life!
What made you choose your ceremony and reception venues? Did they have any special significance to you? For us, it was more about the city in which we decided to get married. Our first time going to Austin was actually for wedding planning. We wanted to get married in a city that had no memories, so everything about that city would remind us of this new start to our life, and it was such a great decision! We were able to explore a new city as wedding planners and now as newlyweds!
Describe your wedding flowers. Organized mess. Valerie, our florist, did such an exceptional job capturing our vision. We wanted asymmetrical bouquets that were intentional, greenery that looked like it was growing off of our candelabras, and a head table structure that was the focal point of the reception hall. Primarily white florals paired with greenery created a beautiful complement to the blues in the rest of the design.
Our first dance was to a remake of Jack Johnson’s “Better Together.” The lyrics of the song are beautiful and really describe our relationship. We both feel better when we’re together, and having each other makes life so much more fun!
How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. A few cubicles seemed like a world away when we met working long hours at UBS in NYC. I was the serious one in the office and Jeff was, well, not as serious. In other words, Jeff was a distraction–an unwanted distraction. It took some time, but he finally convinced ne to give him a chance and I quickly realized he was the one! Okay, not really, but I did let him take me out.. baby steps. A few weeks passed and we both remember saying the same thing to our respective best buds. Jeff to Kevin: “I think I like Teresa.” Teresa to Raquel: “I think I like Jeff.” More than seven years later, we are more in love than ever and practically inseparable. Every day we spend together is an adventure, and we’ve enjoyed every second of it.
Tell us all about the proposal! Thinking back, I still remember how cold it was that day! It may have been the coldest day in February, and literally no one was outside. Given the weather, we spent most of our day inside until about 4 P.M., when Jeff suggested we go buy a new collar for our sweet little pup, Tucker. A little surprised by the suggestion, but willing to venture outside, I started pulling on as much winter gear as possible! I remember Jeff suggesting I wear my nice boots instead of Uggs and that I probably didn’t need a hat because it wasn’t THAT cold, so I obliged without thinking too much about it. (Once outside, I definitely wished I had my hat!) We walked to Washington Square Park, which is one of our favorite places to take Tucker, and before I knew it, Jeff was down on one knee, ring in hand! I remember nodding as fast as possible and smiling ear to ear. Little did I know, his clothing suggestions were because he had hired a hidden photographer to capture the moment! After lots of phone calls with family and friends, we went out to a delicious dinner at our favorite spot, Colicchio & Sons. It was a day I will remember forever!
When did y’all get married? April 29, 2016
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 125
Describe your wedding cake or dessert. Funfetti with extra sprinkles! Funfetti sparks such an emotional feeling for everyone; we really wanted our wedding cake to make people feel like a kid again!
What advice do you have for folks currently planning a wedding? Have fun! The wedding planning process is just as much a part of the journey as the proposal and wedding day. Make memories along the way and do it as a team!
What’s next for you as a couple? What memories are you looking forward to making together? After living in Manhattan for almost ten years, we made the move to Brooklyn and are enjoying every second of our calmer surroundings. We can’t wait to eventually start a family together! We said it in our vows, but every day really is an adventure and we’re both so lucky to have each other to experience it with!
Photographer: Kristen Kilpatrick Photography | Videographer: Candlelight Films | Planner: Emily of Bird Dog Wedding | Venue: Ma Maison | Florist: Davy Gray | Wedding Cake: Classic Cakes by Lori | Caterer: Pink Avocado | Rentals: Premiere Events | Lighting and DJ: Ross Phillips via Look No Further Entertainment | Linens: La Tavola Linen | Paper Products: Grain & Dot | Bride’s Gown: “Jiselle” by Carolina Herrera | Bride’s Jewelry: Ascot Diamonds | Hair Stylist: Danann Patrick of Mint Salon | Makeup Artist: Avery Allen | Bride’s Shoes: Oscar de la Renta | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Groom’s Attire: Suit Supply | Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux | Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Terra Vista Strings
Kristen Kilpatrick is a delightful member of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory, and The Black Tux is a wonderful Southern Weddings sponsor!
We loved T&J’s wedding! They had such a lovely design that transformed Ma Maison!