A Modern Garden-Inspired Wedding at the Museum of Natural Science in Houston, Texas

Although they love them, Elly Austin (31 and an attorney) and Jason Vecchio (31 and a sales account executive) kept the dinos at their venue from stealing the spotlight with ethereal fabrics, overflowing blooms and glam metallic accents.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science has always had a very special place in Elly’s heart. Her grandfather was a geologist, and he really cemented her interest in all things prehistoric, geologic and scientific. “Although I don’t have a career that is even remotely science based, I still go there on a regular basis,” she says. “The first thing I did after Jason proposed was lock down a date!”

Twenty-four round crystal chandeliers dangled over the couple in the ceremony space.

Jason added a quirky touch to his dark slate-blue suit: dinosaur socks. But his really playful moment came with the groom’s cake, a four-tiered confection inspired by the Cincinnati Reds baseball team, where Jason pitched before retiring from professional sports. 

Guests toured the museum with docents during the cocktail hour, including the Hall of Texas Wildlife, before munching on freshly shucked oysters, ceviche, cinnamon cake and late night bites like truffle fries. They even took home a sweet treat: Jordan almonds to signify good luck to the newlyweds.

Elly ditched her custom lace bolero for dinner and dancing.