Loading...

This Austin Black Tie Wedding Was a Spicy Margarita Brought to Life

May 9, 2025 | justine

How do you turn a love story built during emergency room shifts into an unforgettable destination wedding? For Alexa and Kole, the answer was simple: transport everyone to a “Cabo Discoteca” right in the heart of Texas. Their Prospect House wedding mixed black-tie style with tropical plants, desert touches, disco balls, and nonstop good vibes—a reflection of their friendship-turned-forever-love.

What We Love About This Austin Black Tie Wedding:

  • The couple’s inspiration: margaritas (the drink that started it all)
  • Booking their dream venue even before getting officially engaged
  • Their sentimental wine box ceremony with a bottle from a special memory in France
  • Fun extras like a live cigar roller, espresso bar, and quirky medical puns woven throughout
  • A surprise drag queen performance that set the party energy through the roof

Alexa and Kole were friends for years before their relationship turned romantic. Working side-by-side in emergency medicine during a pandemic brought challenges, but also comfort and a deep bond. Spontaneous day trips to Nantucket, random Thursday dinners, and post-overnight beach outings built their friendship into something more. At a costume party, where Kole dressed as an astronaut and spicy margaritas flowed, Alexa made the first move. They’ve been inseparable since. “We both sort of realized this was a forever thing fairly quickly. It felt like a deep love from the beginning, a best-friendship.”

They envisioned a “Cabo Discoteca” for their Austin black tie wedding—a Mexican disco party with a modern Texas and Marfa twist. The color palette stayed clean and modern. Black and white with unexpected pops of tropical greens, desert plants, and citrus. Prospect House, with its modern architecture and indoor-outdoor spaces, was the perfect backdrop. So much so that they booked it even before getting engaged!

Because 95% of their guests were traveling in, they quickly realized they needed a planner. After spotting Victoria of Amuse Event Co. on Instagram, they knew she was the one. “She helped us narrow our vision and source the perfect vendors.” When Hannah joined the team, everything just clicked.

Photography was a no-brainer. Ashlee Huff’s editorial, Vogue-style caught their eye. By a stroke of luck, Ashlee moved from NYC to Austin during planning. Videographer Wes Rait’s cinematic storytelling style fit perfectly too.

Out West ATX—a husband and wife DJ duo—brought unbelievable energy. Guests loved them so much, many left the night with their contact info. Forsythia Florals’ tropical, desert-inspired blooms transformed the venue into the perfect Marfa-meets-Mexico dream.

Setting the Tone With Pre-Wedding Events

The couple kicked off the weekend with a welcome party at Central Machine Works—a repurposed airplane hangar turned beer and craft cocktail bar. Guests were encouraged to pop across the street first for frozen margaritas at De Nada Cantina. Their intimate rehearsal dinner at Aba on South Congress featured a Greek mezze-style feast.

All guests stayed at The Line in downtown Austin, where they were greeted with custom Texas-themed tote bags filled with Alexa and Kole’s favorite candies, local treats, post-party survival kits, and handwritten notes.

Their Take on Modern Wedding Attire

Alexa worked with Bre Budryk of Bremelia Bridal on two custom looks: a sleek ceremony gown with clean lines, a high slit, and pearl detailing, plus a pearl-detailed mini dress for the reception. She paired both with Jimmy Choo pearl heels.

Her bridesmaids wore black tulle dresses with plunging necklines and tie-backs, choosing their own hairstyles and makeup to feel their best.

Kole wore a custom black tux from Suit Supply with velvet Del Toro loafers. His groomsmen wore their own custom tuxes, and his groomswoman stunned in a shirtless tux and Louboutins.

Leading up to the day, both Alexa and Kole followed a consistent regimen of medical-grade skincare, hydrafacials, and laser treatments. A plan Alexa designed herself as an aesthetic nurse practitioner!

A First Look Full of Nerves and Surprises

Though they debated it, Alexa and Kole ultimately chose a first look to maximize cocktail hour time. “Kole was composed,” Alexa said, “while I danced and twirled around him.” Immediately after, they exchanged gifts. Only to realize they had bought each other the exact same one: custom prints of matchboxes from meaningful dates.

Making the Ceremony Deeply Personal

Their ceremony included a wine box ritual, sealing a bottle of 2012 Dom Perignon. A nod to a memorable trip to the Moet Champagne house in France to open on their first anniversary.

Kole’s vows stole the show: “If your love was a drug, it’d be ketamine.” “I diagnose you as my wife, my partner in crime, my forever co-pilot. And I’m sorry to say, it’s terminal.”

Their officiant Dermot, a friend and fellow emergency medicine provider, beautifully wove their story into the ceremony.

After saying “I do,” the couple grabbed margaritas and shared a private moment to decompress and soak it all in.

Bringing Their Cabo Discoteca Vision to Life at Their Austin Black Tie Wedding

From the start, Alexa and Kole stayed aligned: photography, a top-notch party, amazing food, and a nonstop dance floor were non-negotiable. They made sure even the quieter moments stayed vibrant, with extras like a photo booth, a “Caffeine Bolus” espresso bar, and a live cigar roller.

They kicked off the reception with a champagne tower surrounded by their wedding party. During formal photos, the Out West dj played “Stick Season” by Noah Kahan, sparking a spontaneous group sing-along.

Prospect House became a personalized “Cabo Discoteca,” thanks to a custom neon sign, lush bud vase wall, medical-themed signage, and a wall of 50+ disco balls reflecting off the dance floor.

Mirror decals in the bathrooms flashed affirmations like “Pookie, your outfit is fire.” Medical jokes like “Rapid Sequence Inebriation” for the bar signage and “Caffeine Bolus” for the espresso bar brought smiles to everyone.

When the Reception Becomes a Show

One of the night’s biggest highlights? A surprise drag queen performance of Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” and Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club.”

Alexa’s sisters delivered a heartfelt custom song, while Kole’s friends gave a hilarious group toast—complete with shirtless tux jackets to match the groomswoman.

Later, they honored Alexa’s Portuguese heritage with traditional folk music, turning the dance floor into a full-on Portuguese folk dance.

Rather than sticking to a traditional father-daughter dance, they chose a “parents dance,” celebrating each parent individually.

Rolling With the Unexpected at Their Austin Black Tie Wedding

Despite a perfectly planned timeline, the night ran behind schedule. But thanks to their team, everything still flowed seamlessly. Their only regret? Not booking an extra hour at the venue!

If Alexa and Kole could give just a few pieces of advice to future couples planning an Austin black tie wedding, it would be:

  • Hire a full-service planner early
  • Start planning ahead of time
  • Choose vendors whose energy matches yours
  • Focus on creating a day that’s unapologetically you

Their spicy, sweet, and joy-filled Prospect House wedding proved one thing above all else: the best celebrations feel like a reflection of who you really are.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Ashlee Huff
Event Planning – Amuse Event Co.
Venue – Prospect House
Floral Design – Forsythia Florals
Catering – Peached Tortilla Catering
Cake – Sweet Treats Bakery
Officiant – Dermot Lahey
DJ – Out West ATX
Videography – Wes Raitt
Invitation Design – Truly Engaging
Makeup Artist – Joseph Mata
Hair Styling – Kaitlin at Lola Beauty ATX
Wedding Dress – Bremelia Bridal
Bridal Accessories – Jimmy Choo
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Lulu’s
Groom’s Apparel – Suit Supply
Groom’s Accessories – Del Toro
Rings – Ring Concierge + Holden Rings
Rentals – Loot Rentals + Premier Events
Transportation – Transportation Consultants
Signage- 26Pressed
Cigar Roller – Cigar Bella
Late Nite Snack – Whataburger
Espresso Cart – Luna Espresso
Disco Ball Installation – Pop & Drop ATX
Drag Show – Extragrams

 

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

A Playful Boho Wedding in Spain Complete With Pizza and a Tattoo Artist

Angela and Rafa’s wedding in Spain was anything but ordinary. With a countryside setting, pizza for dinner, and even a live tattoo artist during the open bar, they made sure their day was packed with fun, surprises, and personality. It was the kind of wedding where traditions took a backseat—and love, laughter, and spontaneity led the way.

The couple’s  love story started long before the wedding day. They had seen each other often through mutual friends and always felt a strong connection, but life took its time. When they were finally single at the same time, Angela made the first move. “I proposed that we meet up, just the two of us, to really get to know each other,” she shared. The spark was undeniable and years later, it was clear their big day had to be just as authentic and personal as their journey.

From the start, they knew they didn’t want a typical celebration. “We wanted a wedding of our own, something special that really represented us.” With the help of a close friend (who later launched Bloom Studio Córdoba thanks to this experience!), they planned a special day that was fresh, full of creativity, and entirely them.

What We Love About This Wedding in Spain:

  • A natural countryside venue that felt like a hidden paradise
  • A playful Lego-themed seating chart that doubled as colorful keepsakes
  • Guests getting real tattoos during the open bar
  • Earthy, soft-toned outfits that kept the day feeling relaxed and natural
  • Pizza served for dinner, proving formal meals are optional 

Featured Vendor:

Monika Zaldo

Where They Focused Their Budget (and Got Creative)

When it came to planning, Angela and Rafa focused their energy and their budget on the things that mattered most to them: flowers, photography, food, and music. “We knew those were the things we wanted to invest in to really make the day memorable.”

They chose their suppliers carefully to match their vision, including Junebug Vendor Monika Zaldo, whose beautiful, documentary-style photos captured every heartfelt and playful moment.

For many of the other details, they rolled up their sleeves and created them themselves. Like styling the sweets table, designing the open bar, and crafting the now-iconic Lego brick seating plan. Their hands-on approach made every part of the day feel even more meaningful.

Wedding Outfits That Felt Effortless, Not Overdone

Angela’s dress story was a little unexpected. “The concept of my dress was the complete opposite of what I wore. But when I saw myself in it, I knew it was the one. It really represented who I am.” Rafa kept it cool with a hat that gave his look the perfect laid-back touch.

They also asked guests to dress in earthy and pastel tones. And most importantly, to be comfortable. From the lace detailing on Angela’s gown to the relaxed, effortless style of the guests, everything about their wedding in Spain felt natural, true, and refreshingly unpretentious.

How Music Set the Mood for Their Wedding in Spain

Music was another important part of the day. Angela walked down the aisle to “The Wind” by Cat Stevens, while Rafa chose “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis. Their ceremony ended with a kiss as “Sweet Home Alabama” played in the background—a soundtrack that perfectly matched their playful energy.

Related: Ceremony Backdrops to Wow Your Guests

Letting Nature Be the Ultimate Backdrop

Choosing the venue for their wedding in Spain was all about finding a space that felt untouched and natural. “We wanted a truly natural space, surrounded by countryside, hidden away. A place where no matter where you looked, there was nothing to break the magic of the moment.”

The open fields, wild beauty, and simple charm allowed their boho-romantic vision to shine without distraction. Vibrant floral compositions added pops of color everywhere, giving the whole day a whimsical and joyful feel.

Unexpected Moments That Made Their Wedding In Spain Unforgettable

If you thought things couldn’t get more fun, think again: they had a live tattoo artist set up during the open bar! “It was the craziest thing ever,” Angela said. “There were people getting tattooed for the first time!”

Later, instead of a formal sit-down dinner, they surprised everyone with boxes of pizza delivered straight to the party. The relaxed dinner setup encouraged everyone to gather, laugh, dance, and keep the celebration going into the night.

Angela even changed into a second, more comfortable dress for the open bar festivities. And shared a sweet dance with her mom to “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, creating another unforgettable memory.

Keeping It Real: Their Best Wedding Day Tip

Looking back, Angela and Rafa wouldn’t change a thing. Their biggest tip? “Be true to your personalities and show on the day what brought you together as a couple.” After all, the most memorable weddings aren’t perfect—they’re real, personal, and full of heart. Just like theirs.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Monika Zaldo
Event Planning + Floral Design + Invitation Design – Bloom Studio Cordoba
Floral Design – Andalaflur
Venue – La Vieja Cigarra
Catering – Restaurante Regadera
DJ – Briam DelIn
Makeup Artist – Mila Sánchez
Hair Styling – Art3
Wedding Dress – Rosa Clará
Bridal Accessories – Calzados Calenda
Nightgown + Dressing Gown – Seren Collection
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Mango Capsule Bride
Bridesmaids’ Accesories – Joyas Swarovski
Groom’s Apparel + Shoes – Hippie Crew
Groom’s Hat – Fernandez y Roche
Rings – Joyería Suárez

 

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

Use This Wedding Flower Checklist to Incorporate Flowers Throughout Your Day

May 6, 2025 | justine

Image by AH Love Stories

Flowers play a big role in shaping the look and feel of your wedding day. They can tie your color palette together, bring character to blank spaces, and add a splash of natural beauty to photos. Whether you’re envisioning lush arrangements or just a few thoughtful accents, it’s helpful to know where florals can be used and how to get the most out of them.

This wedding flower checklist is organized into five sections, guiding you from getting ready to the last dance. Even if you’ve never worked with a florist before, you’ll find clear ideas, optional extras, and practical tips to help you plan your blooms with confidence.

Wedding Flower Checklist

Wedding Party Flowers

These are the flowers you and your wedding party will hold or wear. They appear in most of your portraits and throughout the ceremony, so consider how they coordinate with your overall wedding style.

  • Bridal bouquet – Your main floral statement. Choose blooms that reflect your personal style and work with your dress and color palette.
  • Bridesmaids’ bouquets – Can be smaller versions of your bouquet or feature complementary blooms for variety.
  • Boutonnieres – Small accents for the groom, groomsmen, fathers, and grandfathers; opt for hardy flowers that won’t wilt quickly.
  • Corsages – Worn on the wrist or pinned, often for mothers, grandmothers, or other honored guests.
  • Flower girl flowers – Petals to toss, a mini bouquet, or a floral crown for a playful touch.
  • Ring bearer flowers – A boutonniere or small floral accent for the youngest members of your party.
  • Hair florals – Fresh blooms or greenery for the bride or attendants, secured by a hairstylist on the day.

JB Tip: Finalize your wedding party count early. The number of bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages can be one of the biggest factors in your wedding flower checklist and budget.

Ceremony Florals

These flowers help frame your vows and create the backdrop for some of your most meaningful photos. Aim for arrangements that are easy to see from any seat while still keeping the focus on you.

  • Ceremony arch, chuppah, or backdrop – Frames you during vows and creates a focal point.
  • Grounded arrangements – Low, garden-style florals placed around the altar without blocking sightlines.
  • Aisle markers – Small floral or greenery accents at the end of each row of chairs.
  • Pew or chair flowers – Great for highlighting the first few rows or special family seating.
  • Entryway arrangements – Welcomes guests into the ceremony space.
  • Welcome sign florals – A small arrangement to tie your floral palette into your signage.

JB Tip: Ask your florist or planner about repurposing ceremony arrangements for your reception or cocktail hour. 

Cocktail Hour Florals

Cocktail hour is where guests mingle after the ceremony, often in a separate space. A few well-placed arrangements can keep the design flowing and make the area feel just as intentional as the rest of your day.

  • High-top table arrangements – Bud vases or small arrangements that don’t block conversation.
  • Bar florals – A fresh arrangement to make the drink station inviting.
  • Cocktail garnish station flowers – Edible flowers, herbs, or greenery to dress up drink displays.
  • Lounge seating flowers – Small arrangements for coffee or side tables in relaxed seating areas.
  • Welcome table or guestbook florals – Adds a decorative touch to interactive spots.

JB Tip: This is the easiest place to reuse ceremony flowers. Move aisle arrangements to high-top tables or place the altar florals near the bar for a cost-effective addition.

Image by  Ashley Spangler

Reception Florals

Reception flowers bring your color palette and style into the space where guests will spend the most time. From centerpieces to accent pieces, they help create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

  • Guest table centerpieces – The main floral decor for your dining space, from single stems to lush arrangements.
  • Sweetheart or head table flowers – More elaborate arrangements to set your table apart.
  • Table garlands or runners – Greenery or flowers running the length of rectangular tables.
  • Place setting florals – A single bloom, sprig of herbs, or greenery at each seat for a personal touch.
  • Lounge area flowers – Adds polish to relaxed seating areas.
  • Bar arrangement – A bold floral piece to make the bar a focal point.
  • Buffet or dessert table flowers – Adds color and style to your food displays.

JB Tip: If you’re using tall arrangements on guest tables, consider designs that sit high enough for guests to see and talk across the table comfortably.

Floral Finishing Touches

These smaller, unexpected details can make your wedding feel extra special. While not essential, they add charm and personality in ways guests will remember.

  • Cake flowers – Fresh or dried blooms on the cake or cake table; ensure they’re food-safe or placed with floral picks.
  • Restroom arrangements – A thoughtful touch that makes guests feel cared for.
  • Getaway car flowers – Garlands or mini bouquets tied to your exit vehicle.
  • Favors with floral accents – A sprig of lavender or a dried bloom tied to each gift.
  • Staircase or railing flowers – Adds drama in grand venues.
  • Photo booth backdrop – Makes for more memorable guest photos.
  • Signage flowers – Floral accents for seating charts, directional signs, or welcome boards.

JB Tip: Some of these details can work well as DIY projects. Picking up flowers the day before and arranging them yourself can be a budget-friendly option.

Think of this wedding flower checklist as a helpful starting point rather than a list you have to complete. Choose the flowers that feel most meaningful to you, then add details that fit your budget, venue, and style. 

Pro Tip: Pin this checklist for quick reference as you plan, or download the spreadsheet to keep everything organized. With a clear plan, your flowers can do more than decorate—they can bring a sense of continuity and intention to every part of your day.

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings