Austin & Ashlyn – Mission Trails Wedding

What an amazing day! Ashlyn and Austin’s wedding at the Mission Trails Visitor Center was so much fun! Not only did Zack, Angelica, and I thoroughly enjoy ourselves, but we were ahead of schedule the entire day and it was really one of the more relaxing weddings we have been a part of. I think that was due to several reasons, mostly the fact that Ashlyn is incredibly organized and conscientious. I also believe that Ashlyn and Austin have surrounded themselves with amazing people! Their parents, siblings, friends, and other family members made sure they were well taken care of throughout the day.

There were so many things about this wedding that reminded us of our daughter Mackenzie’s wedding last June. The fact that friends and family were intricately involved in making this a special day felt so familiar. So many people demonstrated their love for Ashlyn and Austin by serving and supporting them in the planning process, making sure this day was incredibly special, and that it ran as smoothly as possible. Everywhere we turned throughout the day their were gracious, loving smiles from those who were setting up, guiding guests, the guests themselves, the vendors, and the bridal party. The only ones missing were the couple’s two dogs, but they were there in spirit! They did join us in their engagement session and they were adorable! Check out their session!

Another way that this wedding reminded us of our daughter’s wedding was the brides’ relationship with her parents. As a mother I have loved watching the relationship between Zack and Mackenzie grow over the years and when Mackenzie got married, that relationship was beautifully on display. The same was true for Tim and Ashlyn. Their father-daughter sneak peek, walk down the aisle, first dance, and Tim’s toast were all so heartwarming and special. Their close relationship was obviously special to both of them and so evident to everyone in attendance.

During those father-daughter times, I especially liked to watch Ashlyn’s mother, Bonnie, because the look on her face reminded me so much of how I felt during our time last June. It is so hard to see your babies grow up but it is so incredibly rewarding to see them happy and to know that they are loved and beginning a new and exciting journey. Watching our daughters with their dads was so symbolic for both of us. Knowing they were leaving one man who has loved them since birth and watching them walk into the arms of a husband who has just promised to love them until only death would part them has been so rewarding.

I must say, mom’s really get the short end of the stick at their daughter’s wedding. Dad’s get a first look, they walk their daughter’s down the aisle, they get to dance with them, and then they often give a toast. In my opinion, that’s just not fair. However, we mother’s do get a special moment at the beginning of the day. We get to help our beatufiul girls get prepared and to make sure they feel loved and celebrated. Bonnie did a spectucular job making sure the preparations were perfect and that Ashlyn was ready for her big day. When Zack and I arrived in the morning, the girls were perfectly on time, well fed, organized, and relaxed. That is saying something!

As Bonnie helped Ashlyn into her wedding gown and fastened the back of the dress, I couldn’t help but get emotional for both she and myself. To have daughters we are so proud of and whom we love so deeply is truly a gift. It’s so difficult to let go and to let them live their own lives, but nothing makes a mom more secure than knowing her child has turned into a phenomenal adult. By the look in Bonnie’s eyes as she and Ashlyn exchanged looks, giggles, and embraces, it was so obvious that Bonnie knows what all the rest of us know as well…Ashlyn truly is a spectacular individual!

The last thing that brought memories of our own family wedding back during this day was that the bride’s parents’ friends were very prevelent and supportive. So many of amazing people had known the birde since she was a child and it seemed as if they even saw her as their own. They were truly family and not just friends and their joy in seeing her find the love of her life was so evident.

I find it so spectacular when there is a mature presence supporting a bride and groom and creating a community for them where there are strong marriages to be emmulated. This special aspect is so comforting and I know that Ashlyn and Austin’s marriage will be just that much stronger and deeper because of the people they have surrounded themselves with. It is not hard to see why they have so many amazing people who love them . These two are truly a lovely couple. Kind, generous, quick to laugh, patient, confident, and thoughtful. Ashlyn and Austin, Zack and I are so grateful we could be a part of this day at Mission Trails and to celebrate with you. It was truly an honor to love and serve you.

Photographers | Nicole Reyes Photography, Angelica Angerstein Photography

Venue | Mission Trails Visitor Center

Flowers | Ashley Dominguez

Desserts | Molto Dolce

Catering | Bekker’s Catering

Band | Marcia Forman Band

Bridesmaid’s Attire | Birdy Grey

Groom’s Attire | Men’s Warehouse

Bride’s Attire | David’s Bridal

Favors – FavorsTexas Sheet Cake cookies | baked by the Bride – Bettercream Baked Goods

Invitations | The Knot

Calligraphy Sign | Ha Luong (@handwrittenbyha)

Hair | Jalisa McCarvel

Makeup | Monique Schwab