IN THE STARS

IN THE STARS

by | Feb 28, 2024 | Weddings 2024, Spring/Summer 24

Zöe Legate Dobson And Connor Eaton Howden Wed

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Jenny DeMarco

Sometimes, a couple is destined to be together. It’s written in the stars, one might say. That was the case for Zöe Dobson and Connor Howden. The two have known each other all their lives, growing up in the same neighborhood in Austin and frequently seeing one another due to the friendship between their parents. These childhood friends went to elementary and high school together before they gave romance a go in their junior year of high school. The duo was initially drawn together due to their similar interests and understanding of their unique sense of humor.

The two dated for two years when college beckoned. They parted ways as they went to separate universities in different states. After two years apart, “We both realized during our junior year of college that we were each other’s person,” mused Zöe. “We have been together ever since and are still best friends today.” Upon completing college, Zöe returned home to Austin to continue their romance. After dating for several more years, the bride-to-be was in for the happiest surprise of her life. “Connor had my friends organize a girl’s happy hour on the patio at The Four Seasons in Austin,” Zöe happily recalls. “They got me to walk down to Lady Bird Lake for pictures where Connor was waiting. He rented a boat for us and proposed at sunset, overlooking the city’s skyline where we both grew up just as stars started appearing in the evening sky..”

The couple was engaged for 13 months before their wedding at The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin. There, on a picture-perfect spring day, the couple exchanged their vows in an outdoor ceremony underneath The Star of Texas on the newly opened promenade outside the museum. The bride looked stunning in her Ramona Keveza wedding dress as her father escorted her down the aisle with an elegant mix of white, light blue, and peach flowers designed by Remi + Gold. Zöe’s brother, Jack, wedded the couple in front of 350 invited friends and family members.

The reception, held inside the atrium of The Bullock Museum, was beautifully executed by Lexie Perez of 787 Events. The duo opted for open seating where guests could sit and dine at their leisure in a fun mix of square, round, and high-top tables, all featuring Lucite chairs. During the reception, guests were treated to a custom margarita bar, a five-tier all-white wedding cake, and late-night chicken and biscuits. The couple departed with the help of family and friends who stood on either side of the couple, holding sparklers and cheering them on a clear, starry night.

As for their favorite part of the day, the bride and groom agreed it was being with their friends and family who had been with them through their entire 10-year journey. “To have all of our best friends from growing up together, college, and adulthood was so special,” they remarked. “It was so special and fun to connect all of our favorite people in one room.”

Zöe, the daughter of Diana and Casey Dobson of Austin, is a graduate of Washington and Lee University and an investment banker at Focus Strategies. Connor, the son of Jenna and Robert Howden, also of Austin, is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin and works in commercial real estate for Kairoi Residential. The couple reside in Austin, where they enjoy exploring the city’s vibrant food scene, boating on Lake Austin, and attending University of Texas football games.

SEALED WITH A KISS

SEALED WITH A KISS

by | Feb 28, 2024 | Weddings 2024, Spring/Summer 24

Tiffany Larkam and Will Caldwell Exchange Vows

By Lance Avery Morgan Photography by Lacy + Lee

When the minister asked the bride and groom to kiss at the end of their ceremony, it was their first kiss. Ever. They had saved such a special moment for the big day. Tiffany Larkam, daughter of Kristi and Charles Larkam II of Austin, and Will Caldwell, son of Vicki and Gerald Caldwell of Dallas, married each other in a gorgeous ceremony at Hyde Park Baptist Church in Austin, where their parents had married 32 years ago. Having met at church through mutual friends and after dating for one year, they had an engagement of eight months.

Like many, the proposal was unique and started with a ruse to detract attention. The groom’s mother had a pivotal role in the plan. She called the couple on their way to a family gathering and asked if they could stop by their church first since she had forgotten something and requested that they pick it up. “We walked into the foyer of the church where there was a sparkling chandelier turned on, music was playing, and there were candles and flowers,” recounted the bride. “I said, ‘Oh, it looks like there is a ceremony going on…we should go the other way,’ to which Will responded, ‘Yes, there is a ceremony… Tiffany, today is the day.’” She continued, “He was down on one knee popping the question. I was so surprised and thrilled.”

Plans were made for the ceremony’s festivities ahead. The rehearsal dinner at Westwood Country Club kicked off the weekend of nuptial activities. For the exchange of vows, the bride was stunning in a Geraldine Mikado ballgown, featuring Spanish lace detailing along that bodice that created a sheer and lace effect along the length of arms. Customized button detailing added to the entire length of the royal train. In her hair, she wore flowers that were embellished from her mother’s veil.

She was escorted down the aisle by her father to the groom’s favorite hymn, Come Thou Fount. The couple’s mothers and grandmothers walked down the aisle to As the Deer, which was also in the wedding ceremony of the bride’s parents years ago. The three worship songs were The Goodness of God, I Love You, Lord, and We Exalt Thee by vocalists Pastor Randy Davenport, Pastor Cassidy Wilkinson, and Kaitlyn Davis, with accompaniment by piano and Barton Strings.

Pastor Earl McClellan of Shoreline City Church in Dallas was the officiant, and he made jokes that entertained the guests and brought tons of laughter during the ceremony. The bride and groom also took Communion led by the bride’s uncle, Pastor John Larkam. At the beginning of the ceremony, a candle was lit close to where the bride stood, by the bride’s family in memory of Tiffany’s late sister, Alexandra Larkam. Scripture was read by Annie Grace Weeden, the bride’s late sister’s dearest friend.

Tiffany’s Matrons of Honor were Emma Abernathy and Katlyn Campbell, while Redeate Seife served as Maid of Honor. The additional Bridesmaids serving her were Ansley Braden, Kelley Brown, Mollie Chinnery, Molly Dunaway, Avery Godwin, Emily Harrison, Catherine Larkam, Chelsea Mount, Sydnee Nichols, Andy Vazquez, and Hailey Whatley, along with Walker Brown and Caleb Walker as Ring Bearers. In the House Party were Mary Claire Bass, Cori Camp, Kalle Davis, Fields Dunston, Ashley Harrison, Kaitlin Kimbrell, Stephanie Larkam, Kristen Walker, and Naomi Walker. The flower girls were Grace Brown, Charlotte Larkam, and Alyssa Walker. The groom was attended by 14 groomsmen, including his father, who served as his Best Man: Dany Anchia, Christian Avila, Tom Brandt, Drew Brown, Jacob Cardenas, Marcos Celis, Troy Dixon, Charlie Gibson, Damian Juarez, Charles Larkam III, Daniel Poku, Natt Rataphan, and Holden Royals.

After the worship and music-filled ceremony, the 420 guests enjoyed dinner and dancing at the Driskill Hotel. The color theme for the entire affair was white, light pink, and periwinkle blue, which Barbara Shorts at Verve Events planned, while Westbank Florist created the floral décor. Alba Artisan Bakery made the bride’s and groom’s cakes. “Our spirited band, Matchmaker, joyfully led our guests to the exit of the Driskill by playing Oh When the Saints Go Marching In,” mused Tiffany. “We made our grand exit as our guests threw flower petals in celebration of our brand new marriage union. It was a day to remember. We felt like royalty.”

The bride, who graduated from Baylor University is employed by WeWork, while the groom, who graduated from Dallas Baptist University, works for Guidestone Financial Services. They reside in Dallas and spent their sunny beach honeymoon in Antigua.

 

 

 

ROAD TO ROMANCE

ROAD TO ROMANCE

by | Feb 28, 2024 | Weddings 2024, Spring/Summer 24

Elle Moody And Jimmy Gray Wed

By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Matt Lankes

 

Life’s various paths to love are fascinating. During the holiday season of 2017, Elle Moody was making a familiar holiday trek back from New York City to her hometown of Austin to spend the holidays with her family. On this particular year, she arrived just in time for her mother’s annual Christmas party. Elle was thrilled to be home catching up with friends at the party when her mother, Shannon, approached her. She whispered in Elle’s ear, “There is a cute boy in the kitchen. Go introduce yourself.”

That cute boy turned out to be Jimmy Gray. Also, a native Austinite, Jimmy had every intention of staying home the night of the party, yet his friends convinced him to join them in various holiday festivities that included what turned out to be one life-changing party stop. Elle introduced herself to Jimmy, and they immediately hit it off, initially bonding over their tales of growing up in Austin, as well as their mutual love of family. Elle enjoyed Jimmy’s compassion and sense of humor, while Jimmy appreciated Elle’s laid-back nature and loyalty to her friends.

The new romance continued for the rest of the holiday season until Elle had to return to New York. Jimmy promised to stay in touch, which resulted in a long-distance relationship where the two frequently made treks between Austin and New York. After a few years of dating long-distance, Jimmy moved to New York City for Elle, where the romance grew, and Jimmy knew the time was right to pop the question.

Elle thought they were en route to an intimate dinner for two when Jimmy invited his unsuspecting bride-to-be to join him in the backyard. Then, as singer Bonnie Raitt’s Thank You played in the background, Jimmy got down on one knee and asked Elle to marry him. After enthusiastically saying yes, they were joined by a group of friends for a surprise party. After the party ended, they continued the fun dancing the night away in New York City into the wee hours of the following morning.

The bride and groom-to-be selected the ranch of a close family friend as their wedding venue surrounded by those who meant most to the couple. The couple created a day filled with special touches that reflected the simple, beautiful nature of their love. The ceremony was held outdoors under an oak tree, which the bride had played under as a child. The tree featured sunflowers hanging from branches for additional ambiance. The bride, stunning in a classic, long-sleeved dress with a pearl-encrusted veil designed by Suzanne Neville, walked down the aisle as On the Nature of Daylight by Max Richter was played on a violin. The couple was married by their best friend and officiant, Jay Krishnan, whose moving speech about their love brought tears to the 175 friends and family members in attendance.

The reception was held under a tent with beautiful floral decor hanging from the ceiling that continued the relaxed wedding theme. The couple created a fun experience for their guests, who found their seats via various photos of the couple’s beloved Labradoodle, Eddie. The crowd was served dinner that featured handmade interior Mexican cuisine perfectly paired with the mezcal and specialty margaritas created especially for the occasion.

After dinner and initial dances, the rest of their loved ones joined the newly married couple on the dance floor to the tunes of DJ Mel. C-Boys in Austin was the destination for the after-party where the bride changed into a pink sequin dress designed by Jonathan Simkhai, and the fun continued well into the night, capping off a fun road to romance.

Elle, daughter of Ross Moody and Shannon Moody of Austin, is a graduate of Rice University and earned her master’s degree from New York University. She spent 10 years working in New York at a global cultural communications agency and is now the Senior Vice President of The Moody Foundation. Jimmy, son of Jim and Patty Gray, also of Austin, is a graduate of Auburn University and a Corporate Account Executive at Hubspot. The couple and their dog, Eddie, recently returned to Austin from New York for the bride’s new professional role.

A WEDDING SURPRISE

A WEDDING SURPRISE

by | Jun 27, 2019 | 2019 July Aug, Feature Five

Amber Scanio and Al Koehler Marry In Austin

By Rob Giardinelli
Photography by Sarah Doliver and Ben Porter

Amber Scanio and Al Koehler were recently married in a surprise ceremony at the Tarrytown, West Austin home of Chico and Wendy Korth. Amber, a native of Keller, Texas and a University of Texas at Austin alumna and Al, a native of Houston and a Texas A&M alumnus, first met at a birthday party the groom hosted at his home in 2016.

After a two year courtship, in the summer of 2018 while vacationing in London, the couple became engaged at their favorite spot in the city, a private club in the Mayfair section of England’s capital. “As we were about to walk out to meet some friends for dinner, Al told me to wait a second because he had to ask me something,” muses the bride, Amber Scanio Koehler. “My heart skipped a beat. I knew what was about to happen.” She went on to say, “Right there in our cozy room, Al got down on one knee, grabbed my hands and told me he’s known that he wanted to spend forever with me from the very beginning. When he asked me if I would marry him, tears were already streaming down my face. I shouted yes.”

Seven months after their engagement, the couple invited 250 of their family and closest friends to an engagement party at the Korth residence. As partygoers arrived on a picture perfect, crisp late winter evening, some eagle-eyed revelers noticed a stunning Sperry Tent in the back yard that was visible from the street. It left some to wonder if something bigger might be in store beyond what was already supposed to be a very special night.

At the beginning of the evening, the happy couple effortlessly and graciously played the role of party hosts but then  they sneaked away for a “costume change”. While preparing to get ready for their nuptials, a funny thing happened: the zipper of Amber’s engagement party dress became stuck. “I only had a couple of minutes to change into my wedding gown. Instead of panicking, my best friends’ were quick to pull out the scissors to cut the party dress off. We couldn’t risk messing up my hair and makeup,” Amber recalled.

Shortly before the bride and groom were to walk down the aisle, guests were asked to gather in the tent in the back yard. As they walked in, against the backdrop of a Flamenco guitarist, the attendees were dazzled by the white David Kurio-designed floral decor inside and knew the evening was about to get much more special. Chico Korth addressed the audience from the altar and after asking guests to put their phones away for a few moments, let them know they were indeed about to attend a wedding. Al and Amber made a grand entrance into the tent where the bride glowed in a Nicole Miller dress from Unbridaled with a pearl and beaded broach perfectly placed in her hair. Then, the officiate of the ceremony, John Scott, asked friends and family in attendance, “Will you love, support and protect Al and Amber through their lives together?” before the couple whispered their vows in an intimate way so that only they could hear themselves.

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Following the ceremony, guests ventured to the main house for the cake cutting. The multi-tiered cake, in keeping with the white and crème color scheme of the wedding, was polka-dotted with beautiful, intricate ivory pearls and cream colored roses with rose sugar flowers and a floral base covering the bottom tier. After the cake cutting, the happy guests sipped on the couple’s two signature cocktails, Watermelon Martinis and Moscow Mules, while enjoying passed appetizers, as well as burgers and fries courtesy of P-Terry’s.

As the couple departed from the reception, they were showered with fresh, white rose petals by cheering onlookers. The bride and groom then invited guests to board luxury coaches for the after party at the home of Joe and Kirstin Ross, located close by  the wedding venue, where the fun continued for the euphoric guests well into the wee hours of the morning.

The couple, who have a mutual love for travel, plan on a globe-trotting, four-continent trilogy of belated honeymoon trips that will take place over several months. The couple jetted off to Amsterdam and Croatia in May, and after returning to Austin, they left for Europe on a romantic Italian getaway to Positano and Venice in July. Their third honeymoon will be a month-long trip in August and September that will include stops in New Zealand, Vietnam, the Maldives, Kenya, and Istanbul with a final stop in the city where the groom proposed, London.

They reside in Austin where Amber works in marketing, while Al is the founder of Royalty Clearinghouse, an oil and gas acquisition company.

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