After having to postpone multiple times because of COVID, and Valerie and Michael ultimately canceled their dream destination wedding in Portugal twice (originally set in the small town of Moncarapacho where Valerie’s parents were married over 50 years ago), to host an intimate 60-person Woodbine Mansion wedding, just outside their current hometown: Austin, Texas.

As an experienced calligrapher in the Austin wedding industry, Valerie was intentional with her vendor selections and sought out talent that she knew she could trust to help execute her design vision. Although the design was heavily driven by Valerie’s vision, the team of vendors were equally invested in the success of the day, and therefore made the planning and day-of so incredibly seamless. From the month-of-planner to the photographer, everyone was also so helpful, kind and responsive, and helped pull off the wedding of Valerie’s dreams in less than 6 months. 

Because they weren’t able to get married in Portugal, and most of their family from Europe and Brazil weren’t able to make the wedding due to COVID restrictions, they wanted to weave in as many details as possible into their wedding day to honor their families’ heritage – you’ll see the fun touches throughout the photos, a hand-fabricated escort card wall, embroidered goods from Valerie’s mom, 

Michael and Valerie met in August of 2015 in Morristown, New Jersey, where they both worked for the same company and became fast friends – bonding over their love for new places, good eats, their adventurous spirits and common second language of Portuguese. Val knew early on that Michael was something special beyond friendship, but Michael took a bit of convincing. With an impending transfer abroad for work, Michael wasn’t looking for anything serious, but little did he know that Val could be very persistent once she set her mind to something. Despite his attempts to keep things friendly, Michael was smitten with Val, and her constant creative excuses to hang out together finally won him over.

They pushed through long distance, when Michael was eventually relocated to Shanghai for work, and spent hours on the phone – dreaming into the future, and planning their next adventure to see each other again. Distance was hard, but they knew that “Amor Vence Tudo.” Eventually, work brought Val back to her home state of Texas, where Michael joined soon after, and they started to build their life together with their beloved pup, Spartacus.

Creative Team:
Photo: Paige Vaughn Photo
Venue: Woodbine Mansion
Planner: KMW Events
Stylist: The Venue Studio
HMUA: Luna Beauty & Bridal
Calligraphy, Escort Display, Paper Goods: Lettered by Valerie
Letterpress: Shop Inviting
Invitation Design: Brooke Humble Designs
Florals: Austin Flower Co.
DJ: Texas Pro DJ
Catering: Crave Catering
Bridal Shop: Unbridaled
Bridal Gown: Chosen by KYHA
Earrings: A.B.Ellie
Accessories for Reception: Jennifer Behr
Signature Wedding Fabric: Monique Lhuillier for Pottery Barn
Rentals: Archive Rentals
Photo Booth: Vannagram & Co.
Alpaca: Texas Party Animals
Cocktail Hour Guitarist: Josh Klaus Music
Men’s Attire: Suit Supply
Shoes: Bella Belle
Engagement Ring: Avant Garde Jewelers
Cookies: Bake With Kait

Woodbine Mansion Wedding

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Paige Vaughn Photo is an Austin Wedding Photographer specializing in fun, romantic and vibrant wedding, engagement, couple and boudoir photography. Within the Central Texas area, we serve: downtown Austin, Dripping Springs, Georgetown, East Austin, Wimberley, New Braunfels, San Antonio, and Houston. She is available for destination weddings and engagement sessions! Contact her for more detailed pricing.