Chinoiserie-Inspired Wedding at Omni Barton Creek

This chinoiserie-inspired wedding at Omni Barton Creek brought together all the elements of a classic affair with vibrant pops of color and personalized touches. With the help of their planning team, Austin’s incomparable WHITT ROSS, the couple didn’t overlook a single detail in planning their dream celebration. I felt honored to be there and capture it all.

Madison and Marshall met in November 2016 in Downtown Houston during a night out with friends. In a stroke of fate, Marshall’s roommates knew Madison from college. The two spent the rest of the evening in conversation with each other. After that, it wasn’t long until they fell in love!

A Picturesque Proposal

After three and a half years with Madison and a move to Philadelphia to pursue his MBA at Wharton, Marshall decided it was time to pop the question. He purchased a ring, booked flights for their family members to join them in Philadelphia, and chose the perfect location to propose. But COVID had other plans! In March 2020, the city of Philadelphia effectively shut down, stranding Madison’s engagement ring at the jeweler’s shop. Without knowing how long the pandemic would last, Marshall postponed the proposal for a time when family could be present.

However, Marshall was determined to carry out his plans five months later. He proposed on a rooftop overlooking panoramic views of Downtown Philadelphia. Shortly after Madison said “YES!” she was shocked to learn that their parents and close friends were waiting around the corner to celebrate!

Planning a Chinoiserie-Inspired Wedding

Choosing a city and a venue was the first decision the newly engaged couple made, and they quickly settled on getting married in Austin at Omni Barton Creek. Madison, an Austin native, felt drawn to the elevated feel of the venue, which also boasts views of the Hill Country. Meanwhile, Marshall, an avid golfer, was thrilled to be getting married at a golf resort.

The planning process was detail-oriented, as the couple sought unique ways to personalize their wedding. A cherry blossom motif, representing the couple’s travels to Japan and their time together in Philadelphia, wove throughout the wedding design, from the stationary to the cake. The intricately decorated confection also replicated the lacework on the bride’s Monique Lhuillier gown.

The bride’s favorite colors, blue and fuchsia, informed the wedding design. While Madison opted to keep the ceremony space classic with romantic white florals, she wanted to bring the reception space to life with color! Blue chinoiserie pots, vintage China plates, and fuchsia orchids were the focal points of the design. The bride and her mother always envisioned planning a blue and white chinoiserie wedding, so the planning process felt extra special.

Madison and Marshall also incorporated their beloved dog, Penny, into their special day by creating “Penny’s Corner Bar” at their reception. A Penny-themed specialty cocktail, napkins, drink stirrers, and koozies added adorable personalized touches. Madison even surprised her groom with a life-size Penny cake, which was a hit with the guests.

Fall Wedding at Omni Barton Creek

Madison and Marshall wed on a sunny October day with their closest friends and family present. The day began with mimosas in the bridal suite and a round of golf for the groomsmen to settle any pre-ceremony nerves!

The bride walked down the aisle to a string quartet version of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley. The couple exchanged personal vows under a beautiful oak tree overlooking the Austin Hill Country. Moreover, the occasion was made even more meaningful by the couple’s choice of officiant: a close family friend of the bride who has known her since childhood.

After the ceremony, guests flocked to cocktail hour, where they snacked on mini lobster rolls, quail poppers, and shrimp cocktail. Specialty cocktails selected by the bride and groom—a French 75 for her and an old fashion for him—washed everything down.

Following a romantic candle-lit dinner, a live band kicked up the energy and had guests dancing the night away! The evening concluded with a private last dance for the bride and groom as the band sang their first dance song, “Your Song” by Elton John. Then, the happy couple made their grand exit in a vintage 1963 Bentley surrounded by fireworks!

The design of this chinoiserie-inspired wedding was dreamy, and Omni Barton Creek made the perfect setting. Madison and Marshall make the sweetest couple, and I can’t wait to see where their future takes them. Are you in the market for an Austin wedding photographer? I would love to connect with you and your partner and hear your plans for your special day. Reach out today!