1. Real Weddings

A Formal, Gatsby-Themed Wedding at W Austin Hotel Austin, Texas

Shortly after relocating to Austin from New York City, Jacqueline Dull (28 and in sales) threw a Super Bowl party at her condo to meet new people and

Shortly after relocating to Austin from New York City, Jacqueline Dull (28 and in sales) threw a Super Bowl party at her condo to meet new people and make friends in her new city. Michael Reynolds (29 and an accounts manager) showed up and, after minimal interactions, confessed to Jacqueline’s friend that he wanted to be with a girl like Jacqueline. One month later, they arranged a boat outing with mutual friends, and Jacqueline and Michael have been together ever since. One and a half years later, under the guise of the winter holidays, Michael surprised Jacqueline with a getaway to a resort in Castroville, Texas. Following a trip to the spa, the couple returned to their hotel room where Michael had set up a Christmas tree with presents, virtual fireplace, candles and Frank Sinatra singing through the speakers. Michael proposed, Jacqueline said yes. Later that evening, a car took the couple to Le Chat Noir, where the owners, chefs and patrons awaited with champagne and cheering. Jacqueline is from California and Michael is from Minnesota, so they decided to have their wedding in Austin so their loved ones could experience the city they call home. “Our main goal for our wedding was for our guests to dance all night, eat well and have a blast,” says the bride. The W Austin Hotel was the perfect stage for the formal atmosphere the couple wanted to create. “We planned the whole weekend to be centered downtown so people could easily walk from their hotel to each venue,” says Jacqueline. The wedding was black tie, inspired by 1920s elegance with bohemian Gatsby flair, accomplished with a color palette of wine, gold, blush and black.

Jacqueline wore a Pronovias dress with feathers in the bust to tie in the Gatsby theme.
Pronovias Wedding Dress with Feathered Bodice in Austin, Texas
Jacqueline carried an asymmetrical bouquet of burgundy dahlias, scabiosa, white peonies, heart garden roses, white roses, burgundy celosia and gold leaves.
Classic Black Groom's Tuxedo at W Austin Hotel
Black Tie Bride and Groom at W Austin Hotel
Jewel-Toned Wine Bill Levkoff Bridesmaid Dresses
Jewel-Toned Wine and White Bridesmaid Bouquet
Jacqueline and Michael’s wedding was black tie for a classic and timeless style.
Gold Linen Draped Chuppah at W Hotel Austin
The W Austin was the perfect stage for the formal atmosphere the couple wanted to create. “We planned the whole weekend to be centered downtown so people could easily walk from their hotel to each venue,” says Jacqueline.
Gold-Dipped White Feather Escort Cards
The couple’s florist, Exquisite Petals, was able to interpret their design concept of Great Gatsby, bohemian, asymmetrical and romantic. The tall table floral arrangements featured striking displays of wine, fuschia, white and gold flowers such as dahlias, hydrangea and roses.
Formal Black and Gold Dining Tables with Jewel-Toned Flowers
The couple surprised their guests with a nine-piece band that rocked the house. “My side of the family is also Persian, so at the end of the first dance, the DJ had a record scratch into a traditional Persian wedding dance song that got both sides of the family on the dance floor!” says Jacqueline.
Dancing the Hora at W Austin Hotel
The wedding cake featured California and Minnesota cake toppers to represent Jacqueline and Michael’s home states.
Mr. & Mrs. Chairs at W Austin Hotel
The couple sent their guests home with hot sauce made locally in Austin, which recently won a hot sauce of the year award.
“We wanted an event where our guests could have fun and be transported back in time to dust off their tuxedos and evening gowns and enjoy some glitz and glamor,” says Jacqueline.