1. Real Weddings

An Intimate Courtyard Wedding at Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin, Texas

Lauren Block (29 and a hairstylist) and Michael Toia (29 and a manager) didn’t know what to expect on their wedding day—it was a complete surprise! Th

Lauren Block (29 and a hairstylist) and Michael Toia (29 and a manager) didn’t know what to expect on their wedding day—it was a complete surprise! They let their friends, Katie and Elyse of Bellwether Design, plan and design the whole day with only a few hints throughout the process, and it turned out to be the best decision. “What bride gets to walk into her wedding, zero stress of planning, and be as surprised as the guests?” Lauren says. “I ended up with my dream wedding.” The quaint courtyard at Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin, Texas, was perfect for their intimate celebration, with an upper terrace for dinner in between their ceremony and reception. Bellwether Design did way more than just plan the wedding: They created the wild, undone flower arrangements and greenery, provided edgy furniture, and even included lots of candles, textiles, agates, geodes and original paintings to create a sophisticated, modern atmosphere. With only 26 guests, Lauren and Michael wanted their reception to feel like an after-dinner cocktail party, so everyone spent the evening listening to relaxed music, sipping cocktails, chatting and laughing together. See the gorgeous details, captured by Matthew Moore Photography (with Katie Moore of Bellwether Design), below.

Lauren’s hand-tied bouquet had a wild, undone feel with a palette of deep purples and plums mixed with pale greenery. The arrangement included chrysanthemums, tulips, astrantia, scabiosa, Queen Anne’s lace and eucalyptus.
A custom cobalt blue painting by the mother of Katie from Bellwether Design provided the backdrop for paper goods throughout the wedding, including the dinner and bar menus. The painting was also on display in the glass and wood bar at the reception.
Barbie, the mother of Katie Moore at Bellwether Design, created these massive custom paintings for the backdrop of Lauren and Michael's courtyard wedding ceremony. Ghost chairs for their 26 guests provided an uninterrupted view of the space.
Pale blue agates and geodes with wild, undone floral arrangements in deep plums, purples and greens framed the custom-painted ceremony backdrop.
Lauren and Michael said “I do” with five massive original paintings layered in front of a huge oak tree as their backdrop. Their guests sat in ghost chairs, which gave the courtyard ceremony site at Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin, Texas, an uninterrupted modern aesthetic.
Lauren and Michael’s wedding party was a one-man show—featuring their adorable son, Jackson. He dressed up in a little suit for the occasion.
This glass and wood bar, filled with whimsical, wild floral arrangements, agates, geodes and miscellaneous glam decor, added to the edgy, sophisticated vibe at the reception.
These eclectic, mismatched cocktail glasses with gold details tied in the modern glam vibe of the courtyard decor.
The courtyard at Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin, Texas, was covered in modern lounge furniture with bistro lights, candles and eclectic decor to create a cozy, outdoor space for Lauren and Michael’s 26 guests to mingle and relax.
Bellwether Design made a custom geometric table runner for the family-style dining table at Lauren and Michael’s wedding dinner. Bold floral arrangements in eclectic clear and gold vessels contrasted the neutral place settings at Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin, Texas.
Whimsical flowers in red and pink hues, milky pastel votives and a collection of brass candleholders with black taper candles popped against the blue geometric table runner. Each place setting had a round wicker charger with gold flatware and a custom blue cobalt menu.
Custom Blue Geometric Table Runner
Modern Amaranthus Floral Centerpiece With Votives
Custom Cobalt Blue Painted Menu
For the reception, more eclectic lounge furniture and bistro lights transformed the courtyard ceremony space for a laid-back, intimate setting.
Bohemian Strapless Champagne Wedding Dress
Modern Chic Lounge Furniture
Eclectic Modern Cocktail Table Centerpiece
Milky Glass Bottle Amaranthus Centerpiece
Down Bridal Hairstyle With Bold Lip Makeup