As both Morgan and Patrick grew up in Austin, Texas, they were bound to meet and thankfully did. Despite going to different high schools, the couple was introduced by a mutual friend through Camp Longhorn, and they ended up both attending The University of Texas at Austin. “It was really special getting to share our college experience together,” smiles Morgan. “He was in charge of Bevo [the longhorn-steer live mascot], and I was cheer captain, so we both got to be on the field during game days. These are some of my favorite memories!” 

Since the pair dated for eight years before they got engaged, they were grateful to build a very solid foundation before Patrick proposed and Morgan said “yes.” “He is my best friend!” confirms the bride. When planning their special day, the location choice was easy: Austin, Texas, where they both grew up, met, went to college, and ultimately fell in love. With a large guest list of 500, a gorgeous church and nearby country club were the perfect sites for the nuptials showcasing a color palette of light pink and a summertime orange, as a nod to their Texas roots. 

“My favorite wedding-day details were the flowers and how they evolved through the night!” muses Morgan of the design progression. “At the ceremony, there were strictly white arrangements; the reception was neutral with blush pink flowers; and for the after-party, we brought in orange. As the flowers got more fun, so did our guests!” Thanks to a team of talented wedding professionals, the elegant hometown wedding day came to life beautifully. 

Choosing not to do a first look, the moment Morgan and Patrick saw one another at the church was extra special. “Seeing each other for the first time walking down the aisle was so fun and gave me butterflies in the best kind of way!” smiles the bride. Her groom cites when he first saw Morgan as his favorite of the day. “It was a moment I’ll never forget,” Patrick smiles. 

The bride was gorgeous in a strapless ball gown showcasing romantic floral appliqués as she started her procession with her stepdad, then met her father halfway down the aisle so he could give her away at the altar. “It was such a perfect way to honor both of them,” attests the bride.

“My favorite wedding-day details were the flowers and how they evolved through the night!”

When loved ones arrived at the country club for the reception, they enjoyed an alfresco cocktail hour featuring three signature cocktails and a sit-down dinner on the manicured lawn. Tablescapes were strewn with textured linens in the palest of pink and adorned with lush arrangements of blooms in the same feminine hues. Twinkling lights overhead created a romantic ambience, and stylish lounge areas created a laid-back, yet sophisticated vibe for the celebration. 

“My favorite design detail was having two dance floors,” affirms the bride. Their first dance to “Who I Am” by Wade Bowen took place on the smaller, “more elegant” dance floor. “It was perfect!” Morgan adds. When guests made their way inside for slices of red-velvet cake dyed blush – “we are coining the term ‘blush velvet,’” she smiles – and dancing, they were met with bolder décor in darker hues with orange additions. “Our party dance floor didn’t open until 10PM!” explains Morgan of the orange-and-white checkerboard dance floor beneath hundreds of balloons. “[It] gave off the vibe of getting the party started… It was so fun!” 

To keep everyone energized into the night, loved ones enjoyed late-night snacks including beef sliders and curly fries, plus water shots to stay hydrated on the dance floor and espresso martinis to keep the party going. Before the day came to an end, the couple shared a special last dance to “Cowboy Take Me Away” by The Dixie Chicks. 

“It was so special to have a private moment together to process everything that just happened, but still in the middle of all the décor… The band came up to us afterwards and were all crying because they said it was so sweet! Highly recommend a last dance!” urges the bride, adding her advice for couples: “Take in every moment! It really does go by in a blink.”

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