The summer wedding of Molly and William was a blending of two fun, lovely and intelligent young people. From the very first planning meeting, the bride had a well thought-out vision for her wedding décor palette including colorful springtime flowers, citrus and rosé, and a touch of Italy (the honeymoon destination). When it was determined that the reception would be held at the groom’s family’s home, Elizabeth Swift Copeland of Swift + Company was retained to work closely with the bride and the groom’s mother to conceptualize and produce a refined reception space for 350 guests with an “at home” familial vibe.
While it can be stressful and hugely time-consuming to host a large event at home, the immaculate grounds and interior spaces proved to be the perfect venue for a summer wedding in June in Houston, Texas. Copeland thoughtfully incorporated the antique-filled home’s decor and gardens with an 8,000 square foot tent and tabletop decor. Flowers including eremurus, agapanthus, delphinium, dahlias, hydrangea, garden and Juliet roses, viburnum, peonies, ranunculus, lemons, olive branches and moss made a dramatic impact. The tent entrance piece was a 17th C. stone well filled with over 500 white agapanthus flowers. Mirroring the floral palette, custom floral panels and mossy chandeliers designed by Swift + Company hung from the ceiling of the tent. Additionally, two pairs of Louis XIV glass doors were installed in the tent, along with wood flooring and clear walls.
Since the reception tent was attached to the great room of the home, the transition from the house to the tent was natural and welcoming, like walking into the next room of the house. The tent design epitomized spring gardens, color and celebration, and the custom acrylic dance floor was crowded all night while guests danced to the In10City band. The centrally located LeCou bar with grand floral trellis, large bowls of citrus and corks, topiaries, and custom paper goods was the pièce de résistance. An “MW” florescent monogram near the dance floor was the backdrop for many guest photos, and comfortable soft seating was installed throughout the tent.
Molly and William’s love of Texas and hunting was evident in the selection of the buffet menu which included Swift + Company’s signature Breast of Quail Wilson and Gulf Coast Crab Cakes. The grand buffet was installed in the climate-controlled loggia, and antique Anduze pots filled with small citrus trees and blue delphinium flowers highlighted the buffets. The summer wedding day coincided with National Rosé Day, and a grand rosé bar was stationed in the pool pavilion with magnums and bottles of French and American rosés. Wood-carved trophy heads rounded out the décor in the whiskey and cigar area, while garlands of lemons with lemon leaf adorned the pavilion façade.
The bride’s lemon cake was complimented with sliced lemons and feminine flourishes of olive sprigs. The groom’s chocolate cake’s design celebrated his love of baseball and sports.
Their last dance on a confetti-filled dance floor before they made their getaway to a grand Italian honeymoon.
VENDORS
Creative Design, Decor and Production – Swift + Company :: @swiftevents https://swiftevents.com/
Catering – Swift + Company :: @swiftevents https://swiftevents.com/
Flowers – Swift + Company :: @swiftevents https://swiftevents.com/
Band – In10City :: @in10cityband https://www.in10cityband.com/
Art, Invitations, Paper Goods – MESH by Alex :: @mesh_by_alex http://www.meshbyalex.com/
Calligraphy – Erin Modglin Art :: @erin.modglin.art https://www.erinmodglinart.com/
Wedding Coordinator – Alyssa Meeks Events :: @alyssameeksevents https://www.alyssameeks.com/
Photographer – JC2 Photography :: @jc2photo https://www.jc2photo.com/
Ceremony Music – Accent Chamber Music http://www.accentchambermusic.com/
Cakes – Susie’s Cakes and Confections :: @susies.cakes https://www.susiescakes.com/
Videography – Paradisus Dei
Transportation – Sam’s Limousines https://samslimousine.com/
Valet Parking – Sovereign Services, Inc. http://sovereignservices.com/
Getaway Car – Jordan Limousines :: @jordanlimousines https://www.jordanlimos.com/