When Paige’s cousin invited her to a fraternity party at the University of Texas, Paige didn’t realize the event would be life changing. As the duo mingled with friends, Paige started talking with a friendly, cute guy in the group. Paige and Kyle’s story had officially begun.
To ease the first-date jitters, Paige and Kyle went on a double date with Paige’s cousin and her boyfriend. Paige, who attended Texas Christian University, grew up in Austin so the couple spent time together when she returned home to watch Kyle’s football games at UT.
Early on, the couple knew they had something special. Traveling to and from one another’s hometowns, Paige and Kyle got acquainted with each other’s families and enjoyed date nights and then family trips. Things got easier for the couple when Paige graduated from TCU and moved back to Austin, but the long distance resumed when Kyle moved to Louisiana. By then, Kyle realized Paige was the one for him and began planning a memorable international proposal.
Over the years, Paige and Kyle grew close with Paige’s sister and her husband. When they moved to London, Paige couldn’t wait to visit. Paige and Kyle planned a summer trip to London with Paige’s mom and her husband. On the second night of their trip, the group planned to have a nice dinner out. When they got to the restaurant, the couple discovered the guest list had crumbled to just the two of them. The pair was already dressed to the nines and decided to have a nice, private dinner.
After dinner, the couple walked to the nearby London Eye, a historic Ferris wheel. Paige was surprised when an employee escorted them to the front of the line. Climbing into the pod, she spotted champagne and chocolate but did not suspect anything. As the couple reached the peak of the ride in their private pod, Kyle got down on one knee and proposed with a dazzling ring. Paige excitedly said yes as other London Eye riders applauded and cheered for the newly engaged pair.
On the ride down, Paige realized the center diamond came from her great-grandmother’s wedding ring; Kyle had received it when he asked her father for permission to ask for her hand in marriage. With elated hearts, the couple exited the ride only to find Paige’s family waiting for them to celebrate their engagement. Paige was extremely happy to be engaged and loved how Kyle integrated one of her favorite places into their love story.
On the plane ride back across the pond, the wedding concept began falling into place. Luckily, Paige had loved her sister’s wedding and all the vendors who helped make it happen. The top priority for Paige and Kyle’s nuptials was securing a date that worked for the professional vendors and the perfect venue.
Everything soon fell into place for a lively spring wedding. Paige adores the renowned, historic feeling The Driskill Hotel evokes and knew it would be the perfect place for their reception. After the venue was booked, the bride-to-be quickly touched base with planner Keely Thorne of Keely Thorne Events who had worked with Paige’s sister.
Not long after the couple was engaged, Paige’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. All the planning revolved around her mother’s availability between treatments. Planning the wedding during this difficult time was a silver lining for the mother and daughter, and brought the two even closer. The family is relieved that her mother is now cancer-free and healthy.
To find the perfect dress, Paige, her mother and grandmother traveled to Houston. Paige was completely surprised when her sister flew in from London to surprise her for the momentous occasion. At the second boutique, Ivory Bridal Atelier, Paige’s grandmother slipped a dress into the lineup without Paige knowing. Unbeknownst to her, the stunning Rivini gown her grandmother selected turned out to be the perfect dress.
Waking up on the morning of their wedding, Paige and Kyle were full of emotion and surrounded by loved ones. Paige started her day with a lovely bridal brunch, and relished the time with family and friends. Kyle admits he was a little anxious the day of their nuptials. He and his groomsmen and ushers began their day with old-fashioned shaves at Finley’s Barber Shop.
The couple’s nerves disappeared when it came time for the first look. Both were so excited to see the other, along with their beloved golden retriever, Ladie, who joined them. As Paige walked up behind Kyle, she felt as though she couldn’t get to him fast enough. When Kyle saw his bride for the first time, he was mesmerized.
The groom got to admire his bride even more during their ceremony at First United Methodist Church as Paige’s father escorted her down the aisle with the sun setting behind them. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour at The Driskill while the newlyweds ate a private dinner. The couple appreciated being able to spend time alone together to gush about their ceremony.
Walking into the reception at The Driskill, the couple was overcome with the romantic spring scene full of fragrant flowers. Dramatic centerpieces sat atop all the tables, comprised of assortments of pink and white flowers. Life-sized portraits of the couple framed with florals were on display throughout the room as well as an enormous cake surrounded by an arch made of flowers encased by columns covered in flowers. The gorgeous confection created by 1886 Café & Bakery was modeled after the bride’s stunning gown.
After taking in the scene before them, the couple had their first dance to Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud.” The couple then mingled around the room greeting guests, taking pictures and, of course, taking several dance floor breaks. Guests enjoyed dancing to music of all genres by Jessie’s Girls of Atlanta, and were able to indulge in a delicious grilled cheese station and cigar bar. An Austin staple, Amy’s Ice Cream, was also there as a special treat. Throughout the evening, talented artist Hannah Lee painted the reception scene on a canvas. It’s a unique piece the couple will treasure for a lifetime.
Paige and Kyle danced a final dance alone on the dance floor as their guests assembled to see them off. To play up the rivalry between the couple’s alma maters, guests waved purple and orange metallic pompoms as Paige and Kyle made their way through the tunnel to a 1957 Bel Air Chevrolet convertible. The newlyweds then jetted to Bora Bora for a relaxing honeymoon. The pair cherishes the special time spent together at the resort and on the beach.
Paige and Kyle are now enjoying married life in Lafayette, Louisiana. After spending so many years of traveling to see the other, they find comfort knowing they are actually living together in the same town, a goal they worked to achieve throughout their dating relationship. The Mr. and Mrs. spend their days with their beloved Ladie making their house a home, the painting from their wedding hanging in their dining room as a constant, treasured reminder of the beginning to a fruitful life.
Other Local Vendors:
The Menagerie, Ilios Lighting, Amy's Ice Creams
