Almost 15 years after meeting as kids at a sleepover camp on Cedar Creek Lake, Elliot Jackson proposed to Riley Harmon at the same lake house where they first met. “Elliot totally surprised me because my sister was getting married only a month after we got engaged, so I had no idea it was coming!” smiles Riley. After the surprise proposal, the newly affianced pair went back to the house to share the news with both of their families – “and little did I know that 30 of our closest friends were inside waiting to surprise me,” adds Riley. “We had the best night of our lives!”

When planning the Austin nuptials, the bride leaned on her sister, mom, “and of course the best wedding planner Mary [Wright Shah],” adds the bride. The Diamond Affairs Weddings and Special Events team worked hard to help the entire day run smoothly, as well as honor the couple’s goal to have a fun and laid-back celebration that fit their personalities. “[They] executed everything so beautifully,” smiles the bride.

The ceremony was held outside amongst the trees, and guests found their seats at wooden vineyard-style chairs. The pair’s dog Otis walked down the grassy aisle lined with garden-inspired flower arrangements and candles in geometric vases and lanterns. To honor their shared faith, the couple exchanged vows in a Jewish ceremony beneath a chuppah embellished with fresh greenery and hundreds of blooms in peach and coral tones.

“We wanted everyone to be in black-tie dresses and tuxes, but nothing about the wedding was too formal.”

The reception space featured colorful florals including ranunculuses and dahlias in shades of pink, blue, and yellow arranged in an organic, flowing design atop raw wooden tables. Ambient candlelight added a romantic touch to the evening once the sun went down, as did string lights that gave the celebration a formal garden-party feel. A tented lounge area featuring tufted velvet furniture in bold hues and layered rugs beneath more bistro lights and rattan chandeliers continued to complement the vision of a casual-meets-formal aesthetic.

“We wanted everyone to be in black-tie dresses and tuxes, but nothing about the wedding was too formal,” shares Riley. “We wanted everyone to be comfortable and enjoy the night… and most importantly dance and party!” To allow the evening to flow, guests enjoyed Southern comfort food as well as walking food stations, slices of a tasty confection, and s’mores that provided a myriad of unique dining experiences for loved ones. Shares the bride: “It was absolutely the most magical night!”