Two used books led to brand new love—who would’ve known?
What began as a normal day was the day Kelsey and Talon’s paths would cross forever. Kelsey was meeting a friend at a coffee shop when in walked Talon. As Talon casually stopped by to say hi to Kelsey’s friend, also a mutual friend of his, the next step would become history… little did their friend realize that this introduction was one that would last a lifetime—Talon, meet your future wife.
The coffee shop evening led to Kelsey and Talon’s first date at a half-price bookstore, where they explored both the bookshelves and the amazing, instant connection they had.
“We were just trying to find the weirdest books we could,” says Kelsey. “We ended up finding two of these really old, vintage books that were a pair, and we bought them thinking, ‘Oh, we can use this as a memento of meeting each other!’”
Those two books now sit on their shelf at home—what a memento indeed.
From that date forward, Kelsey and Talon’s relationship only grew with each day. Both were photographers and art lovers who found joy in all-things-art and the simple pleasures of life—hiking, building furniture, board games, and photography.
So when a photography gig came up to shoot a wedding in London, Kelsey and Talon jumped on it. Yet Talon packed one extra surprise in his bag… an engagement ring.
After finishing photographing the wedding, the couple made a quick trip to Paris to soak up the sights in a whirlwind of a day. This was where the big question would be asked—all Talon needed was the perfect moment.
“Unfortunately, throughout the whole day, it was crowded,” says Talon. Each time he was considering proposing, a crowd of tourists or a bustling group would kill the romantic moment.
So by 10:30 p.m., Talon knew he would have to get creative to make this happen. After suggesting a trip to snag some gelato and one last glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, the plan was in play and the two were in route. As they stood watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle, Talon handed Kelsey a handwritten note—while reading it, her eyes paused on the last line and the words sunk in… he just asked her to marry him.
Kelsey turned around and saw Talon on one knee, holding her dream engagement ring. With Paris in the background and finally a moment where the two were alone, this couple began their journey to the altar. Proposal in Paris? Check.
Wedding plans ensued, and the two set out to create a wedding that would truly be a reflection of themselves. Although the two loved the mountains, they knew it would not be possible for all of their family and friends to make it to a destination wedding. So, what better solution than to bring the mountains to Texas?
“We really wanted to bring as much of the mountains back to Texas as we could,” says Kelsey. “We thought our color palette should just be based on the mountains—so we pulled in colors from the sunrises and the sunsets into the flowers and used a base of greens, golds, bronzes, and some really deep blues to symbolize the sky.”
So the theme was set—the colors, textures and “feel” of the mountains, all combined to transport guests from Texas to the beauty of the Rockies.
Guests arrived to the outdoor ceremony and were immediately immersed in nature. The greens of the trees met the texture of the grass to form a canopy of color and texture from the start. Wooden benches were set on each side to create an aisle, drawing the eye to the center focal piece of the altar: a huge, expansive oak tree that shot upward and extended outward, creating the perfect backdrop for “I do.”
Surrounding the altar was a variety of what appeared to be wild flowers and grasses, enclosing where the bride and groom would exchange vows. The floral clusters appeared to have sprouted there naturally—simply stunning, awaiting Kelsey and Talon.
The ceremony began, the air fresh from that morning’s rain and filled with excited anticipation. Kelsey’s grandpa and Talon took their place at the altar, and then the moment arrived—here came the bride.
In an off-the-shoulder dress, the bride approached the groom, radiating beauty. A beaded belt hugged her waist, complimenting the dress’s texture as it gently flowed to the ground. Circling her head was a thin, flower crown, bringing greens and soft color to the bride’s look, mirroring the outdoor theme. Beauty at its finest walking toward the one she loved.
As her grandpa officiated the ceremony, time seemed to stand still. The vows were exchanged, the “I do’s” said, and the engaged became newly weds as they exited the aisle, showered with hand-cut confetti thrown by their family and friends.
Guests moved to the reception area to sit under café lights that were strung above the reception, casting a faint, warm glow below. Green wreaths and the couple’s initials were hung on a neighboring wall of a building, metal touching greenery to create a personalized, beautiful contrast.
The tables abounded in life and color—stunning yellows and purples and muted pinks burst from the floral arrangements, mixed with sprigs of various greenery, creating a feel of wild yet beautiful life before one’s eyes.
Blue table runners stretched down the tables, topped with colorful glassware and each place setting marked with stones, personalized with every guest’s name in striking calligraphy.
In the background, a couple sang “folksy” love songs, creating an ambiance dripping with warmth and romance. As guests sipped on colorful, custom-made mocktails, even more delicious was on its way.
Burgers and fries from a local food truck provided guests with a variety of sliders and sides like fried macaroni-and-cheese balls and tasty, hand-cut fries. Mini pies and delicious wedding cake awaited guests, adding the finishing touch to the local, Austin cuisine.
Dinner led to dancing as everyone flocked to dance, moving under the stars as their laughter blended with the music. Time flew and the evening drew to a close, leaving Kelsey and Talon with one final step—their first exit as Mr. and Mrs. Sjostrom.
As guests cheered, Kelsey and Talon ran under a canopy of sparklers, leaving behind “bride” and “groom” to embrace their new titles of husband and wife. The two left to adventure on their honeymoon in Europe, where their journey to the altar had begun not too long ago. From the shelves of a bookstore to the streets of Rome—now that’s what you call a journey to remember.
Brides of Austin Featured Vendors
cakes / GREEN LILY BAKERY
decor/rentals / BIRCH & BRASS
florals / CLEMENTINE BOTANICAL ART
invitations / ARCHER & OLIVE
other local vendors: Jen Rios Weddings • Montesino Ranch • She + Him Bartending • Serendipity Bridal • The Southern Table • Joel VanZ Outdoor Wedding Films • Beauty & The Blush Artistry • Lonesome Doves • Hand Helds ATX • Eliza Page • Love Is A Big Deal
Other Local Vendors:
Clementine Botanical Art, Green Lily Bakery, Birch & Brass Vintage Rentals, Archer And Olive
