Wedding | Madelyne & Patrick

Tell us a little about yourselves!

We met on a dating app—wild, we know. After months of back-and-forth texts, we finally met five years ago at Garage Bar in Austin, a dimly lit spot tucked inside a parking garage. Patrick couldn’t see who he was talking to, and Maddie couldn’t understand a word he said thanks to a very strong Irish accent.

Some might call it a questionable first date; we’d call it perfect. The night continued across the street, and the rest is history.

Why did you decide to get married where you did?

We wanted something familiar, spacious, scenic—and with very few rules or restrictions. After a lot of debating and half-serious research, we kept coming back to Maddie’s family home. It’s a place rooted in memory and generosity; her family are natural entertainers, so celebrating there felt instinctive rather than staged. The landscape did most of the work—open views, long summer evenings, room to wander—and it allowed the weekend to unfold organically, without the pressure of a traditional venue or a prescribed way of doing things.

How many guests did you have?

We planned for 120 and hosted about 200. Small towns will do that. Zero regrets—it was a great party.

What was your budget?

Our wedding budget was $30,000 for vendors, the welcome party, drinks, and attire, with additional investment directed toward permanent additions to the property—landscape improvements and a pool house—that would live on well beyond the day itself.

Tell us about your outfits.

I wanted something timeless but not traditional—comfortable, functional, and a little unexpected. I gravitated toward silver and loved the idea of a detachable skirt but couldn’t find a single piece that quite did it all. I ultimately layered a mini dress with a sheer skirt, which I removed for the reception so the look could evolve with the night. I accessorized with simple tulle fingerless gloves and a scarf.

Patrick approached his look with an emphasis on versatility and ease. He chose Suit Supply’s Havana suit for its sharp, modern silhouette and peak lapel, then grounded the tailoring with Tecovas boots—a subtle nod to Austin, where we met and now live. Vintage lapel pins and a considered mix of heirloom and contemporary jewelry added texture and personality, giving the look depth without feeling overly styled.

What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?

We wanted the day to feel like us, first and foremost. That meant prioritizing guest comfort and fun—great music and drinks, an open, beautiful setting, and just enough whimsy to keep things light and unpretentious.

Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?

Place mattered deeply to us. Maddie grew up on the neighboring farm, and the home was built by her family as a place to return to. We designed a winding floral aisle through perennial and wildflower gardens—planted by her dad—that led to a ceremony beneath the same tree that anchored so many childhood memories. From the start, we wanted the setting to read more like a private villa than a traditional wedding venue, so the landscape and architecture worked together. The pool house became both a functional shelter and a permanent extension of the property—something her parents had long envisioned and the wedding finally made possible.

Any tips for couples getting married?

If you can, host it at home—it’s deeply personal and worth the effort. Make it personal, make it comfortable, and hire help. Everything else will sort itself out. And remember: people care more about comfort and atmosphere than perfection.

Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?

Some of the most unforgettable moments came from people who weren’t technically vendors at all. Our neighbor and family friends at the Sutter Farm planted three acres of sunflowers that bloomed just days before the wedding—completely unplanned and absolutely show-stopping. Family friends also stepped in behind the scenes, helping pour drinks, reset spaces, and keep everything running smoothly throughout the weekend. Maddie’s parents worked tirelessly to transform their home into a true venue, pouring time, care, and intention into every detail. And then there was Pistol Pete, who closed out the night with a fireworks show that took the celebration from 'Wow' to 'Oh my God' in the best possible way.

Photographer: Mariah Jones Photo @mariahjonesphoto | Co-ordinator: Cherry Blossom Events

@cherrybevents | Flora: Sunborn Gardens @sunborngardens | Videographer: Sydney Clarson @sydney

clarson | Ceremony & Reception Location: Emerald Views, Bride’s Family Home | Celebrant: (Friend) Darragh Bonfil | Hire: Event Essentials @eventessentialsmadison | Hair: Nikki Brown Hair@nikkibrownhair | Catering & Beverages: Six Chips Catering @sixchips_catering_co | Entertainment:  Sound By Design

@soundbydesign | Dress: Jaxon James @jaxonjamescouturebridal | Mini Dress: Netta Ben Shabu @netta

benshabu.official | Skirt: Kyha Studios @kyhabride | Suit: Suit Supply @suitsupply | Engagement & Wedding Rings: (Custom) Locally made by Patty Klarer & (Band) Kimai @kimai_jewelry | Shoes: Aeyde 

@Aeyde & Tecovas @Tecovas | Other Jewellery: Hernan Herdez @hernan.herdez