Austin, Texas is always looking for creative ways to “keep Austin weird”. DNA Events believes that in weddings, keeping Austin weird translates to distinction, elegance, and uniqueness. These attributes are show-cased in our latest creative theme. When Antebellum Oaks (formerly La Paloma Events Center) asked for a design theme that would wow the industry, DNA Events had a great one waiting in the wings. Part I of this two-part blog is all about this new theme and the end result. Part 2 will be about the research, and making of the event. We can’t wait to see where the talented wedding professionals in our market take this concept! Let’s get started with Part I, the newest wedding theme in the Austin market, “Steampunk and Pearls”!
The fantasy time period of Steampunk is anchored in sci-fi, and innovative industrial advancement but aesthetically was born of neo-Victorianism. So we have softened up this fantasy theme by embellishing it with pearls and layered textiles while highlighting romance with the clocks, timepieces, walking canes and more.
Victorian inspired bride with steampunk cane and layers of pearls, on authentic vintage sofa. This is one of photos from the style shoot. Provided by Jai Mayhew and styled by Edith Henry. Sofa provided by BeeLavish Vintage Rentals.
The Decor:
First and foremost we want to continue to find ways to incorporate authentic vintage furnishings and decor into themes in our market. (Our market here in Austin contains an abundance of great sources for both authentic vintage pieces, and the manufactured vintique pieces.) We had a fabulous time with Antebellum Oaks’ “go to” lady from BeeLavish Vintage Rentals. They provided the perfect pieces of authentic vintage furniture and even provided a refurbished carriage from the 1800s. They were also responsible for the accent props and embelishment accessory pieces scattered throughout. We love their commitment to authenticity! Another source for our themed furnishings was the main house at Antebellum Oaks!
Authentic 1800s Carriage from BeeLavish Vintage Rental, costumes and authentic accessories from Amelia’s Retro Vogue and Lucy in Disguise.
Our primary source for tabletop, linens, and event rentals is always Premiere Party Central. For this event we chose three complimenting linens and a mixture of “vintique” china to be the foundation of our event decor. This linen look can be done with monochromatic blending of metallics, such as matte silvers, and taupe satins too! We chose the contrast of silver overlays on top of brushed sand base linens for the perfect aesthetic in the photos. When making decor and design decisions, you should always consider how the choices will translate into photography. Don’t forget, your evening comes to an end but your marriage and your photos last for generations.
Vintique china, “cotillion dinner plate”, “vanessa gold” and “vanessa platinum” accent plates, “gotham” flatware, all courtesy of Antebellum Oaks’ exclusive rental provider, Premiere Party Central
Brushed sand matte satin based cloth, lace silver sequins overlay accented with crimson verona napkins and cocktail table linens
The decor wouldn’t be complete without the talented floral designers! All of our florists provided unique twists on their interpretation of steampunk and pearl florals. We were very pleased with the final product. The various styles helped in the layering of the entire vision.
Antebellum Oaks preferred florists
Once the decor is complete, all that is left is the embellishing of it. For a Steampunk and Pearls wedding, you have plenty of room to be creative. A true themed design includes every little detail! (Our embellishing talent lies in the hands of the venue itself and the vintage partner…the owner poured hours of hands-on work into every detail of the decor!)
For reserved tables consider decorative slate boards or glass plates with table numbers
Vintage sign in table with hand made embellishments
Antique clock escort cards
Thank you Diana! We bought the basic poms and then mixed hand-made poms for our theme into our “photo-op” area for our guests.
Dripping pearl chandlier
Easy-to-make wedding flags placed in themed bottles
Vintage suitcases and props to be used as dessert display
The Food and Entertainment:
Your theme should always include your menu. A very special thank you goes to our caterers, Dagar’s Catering and Crave Catering for the fabulous themed menu. The beef-tip sliders (from Crave) and the mini chicken-pot-pies (from Dagar’s) were the favorites of the night. Our signature drink was a Steaming Earl Grey Martini of course! The hospitality crew from DNA Events / Dagar’s Catering (wait staff, servers, bartenders) were flawless in execution and charming throughout the evening.
SimonLee Bakery presented a perfect vintage cake display and delicious mini deserts. The mini-pies were a perfect match for this theme and event! Thank you Simon Lee Bakery!
Incredible Food
We believe that weddings today should include creative entertainment. In brainstorming with our venue we opted for hot air balloons, fire dancers, a live photo shoot and interactive photo station that were customized to our event.
Hot air balloon
Sunset is a prime time for your fire dancers to begin
Enterainment should be woven throughout your wedding or event.
And while we’re turning up the heat, check out these images from our live photo shoot taking place during the event. Huge kudos to Edie Henry and her team on capturing the essence of our style and theme. If you are throwing a “themed wedding reception”, consider a creative team for styling and photographing your guests throughout the wedding in various staged areas.
~Special Note to the Reader: Jai Mayhew does not shoot traditional weddings. Style shoots, creative photography, and potentially your special photos for your future spouse? Yes, and extremely well! For style credits, hair, and make-up for brides see the vendor credits at the end of this blog.~
We recommend brides consider a styled photo shoot as the perfect gift for their groom on their wedding night.
“Remember the night we got married?”
“Honey, do you remember the poms the girls and I made for our wedding? Didn’t think so.”
As added entertainment, invite your guests to dress in the theme of your event. Because not all small children can be the flower girl or ring bearer, ask them to dress in themed outfits and have them hand out programs or favors, etc. Our boys (GM of DNA Events’ own twin sons) stood at the entrance of our event and handed out adorable printed fans to each of our guests.
Guests can have fun with the theme too!
There was simply too much to put into one blog…we didn’t get to the all the details so we promise there will be a part two. Please don’t forget to visit our fabulous photographers who provided these fantastic images. Until next time……
Congrats team DNA Events, and a special thank you to Antebellum Oaks!
Left to Right: Lydia Smith (GM and “Steampunk and Pearls” Visionary), Kathryn Albarado (Co-Owner of DNA Events), Alissa Hale (Assistant Event Planner and who assisted in producing this blog, great job girl!), and Candace Barnes (Sr. Event Planner)
The incredible team at Antebellum Oaks! Left to Right: Diana Guerro (Owner), Frank Albarado (Venue Booking Manager), Autum Morgan (Marketing)
For more on “Steampunk and Pearls” please visit our Pinterest and Facebook pages.
Thank You For Coming!
(Note: We found a wonderful Steampunk wedding that was designed by Tricia Fontaine of Santa Barbara, California on pinterest and fell in love. It was the only other Steampunk wedding we could find. Kudos to Ms. Fontaine and the vendors that helped bring their bride and grooms’ vision to life.)
Venue and Embellishments: Antebellum Oaks Venue
Concept and Design, Staffing and Hopitality: DNA Events
Linen and Tabletop Rentals: Premiere Party Central / Premiere Tents and Events
Antique Rentals, Props and Event Styling: Bee Lavish Vintage Rental
Graphic Design, Printed Fans: Dragonfly Designs
Catering: Crave Catering and Dagar’s Catering
Floral: Blooms – Westlake, Flora Fetish, and Wild Bunches
Photography: Credited within the blog content
Baker: Simon Lee Bakery
Style-Shoot Credits:
Sylist: Edith “Edie” Henry
Photographer: Jai Mayhew
Make-up Artist: Kelsey James, A Dab of Rouge
Hair Sculptor: Nancy Rankin, Waterstone Salon and Spa
Freelance Model: Hattie Watson
Accessories: IronWorkz
Necklace: Shallottlily
Ring: Leighelana
