Dew drops glistened on the tree branches forming a wooded canopy over hundreds of loved ones. More than 200 friends and family gathered to witness the beautiful couple get married. The bride’s stunning Vera Wang gown popped surrounded by blush pink bridesmaid gowns, black and white tuxedos and spring colored floral arrangements. The scent of fresh rain filled the air, and the sun peeked through the trees just in time to illuminate the bride and groom for their first kiss as husband and wife.
Anneka and Hooman met on a blind date in February 2012. Their personalities meshed perfectly. About a year and a half after that first date, Hooman was ready to pop the question. They hadn’t looked at rings, so Anneka was completely surprised! He knew the timing was perfect because New York is so beautiful in the fall. In October 2013, everything seemed normal to Anneka as they walked to a restaurant for dinner. They were almost to Central Park when Hooman stopped and pulled a gorgeous ring from his pocket. In front of the century old classic Plaza Hotel, he got on bended knee and asked for Anneka’s hand in marriage. She excitedly said “yes!” as he slipped the ring on her finger. It was so romantic in front of the castle-like exterior of the famous hotel. It was the picture of elegance just like their wedding would be. The couple celebrated that weekend with a trip to Paris.
Although Anneka had been browsing wedding blogs before she got engaged, she knew she needed some professional planning help. She and her mother are both busy professionals, and she knew planning the wedding remotely from New York wouldn’t be easy! That’s when she called Becky Brock of Brock + Co. Events. “Becky and her team immediately ‘clicked’ with us. They understood our vision exactly and executed it even more perfectly than I hoped! I can’t say enough good things about Becky. She and her team made our planning process and wedding an absolute dream.”
With Becky’s help, Anneka began the search for venues in Austin. She spent hours browsing websites and magazines and loved soft color palettes and settings with natural beauty. She saw The Wild Onion Ranch and told her mom right away that’s where she wanted to get married. The vision for the wedding was Napa-inspired, “very romantic and elegant with a combination of indoor and outdoor elements.” At the center of all the elegance would be Anneka’s timeless Vera Wang gown she bought after many shopping trips.
The year of wedding planning seemed to fly by, and November arrived. The festivities began with a prayer ceremony in Dallas before everyone convened in the Texas capital. The day of the wedding was filled with memorable moments with friends and family. Anneka got her hair and makeup done with her bridesmaids at The W Hotel in downtown Austin. Before the late afternoon ceremony, the couple did a “first look” and took most of their wedding party pictures, so it wouldn’t take away from their time with guests. The scenery was both elegant and Austin, Texas, charming with an old farm truck filled with pumpkins and flowers at the entrance.
At half past four on November 15, 2014, 225 friends and family filled the rows of wooden chairs on the lawn of The Wild Onion Ranch. A few held clear umbrellas over them as the last sprinkling of rain fell. Sixteen attendants stood at the front with an anxious Hooman ready to see his bride. Escorted down the aisle by her father, Anneka wore an ivory sweetheart strapless fit and flare gown by Vera Wang. She wore her dark hair swept up in a long, dreamy tulle veil. Her dress looked beautiful with its train flowing down the steps of the pavilion crowned with garden roses in cream, pale pink, peach, and yellow. The ceremony was filled with traditions including readings by loved ones. The union concluded when the officiant pronounced the couple husband and wife, and Hooman kissed his bride.
The reception was kicked off with a lively cocktail hour and decadent hors d’oeuvres. Because of the unexpected cold weather, the tables and chairs were moved inside under tents. The newlyweds surprised everyone with a fabulous choreographed dance – they’d taken dance lessons for weeks! Then, Anneka danced a memorable waltz and Texas two-step with her dad. One of the favorite moments of the night for the bride and groom was dinner, when so many people gave heartfelt speeches. With flutes of champagne in hand, everyone laughed, cheered, and even shed a few tears toasting the couple after fantastic stories and words of advice. To keep everyone on the dance floor, the couple had both a DJ and a country band playing great southern tunes. The cocktails were also being filled and enjoyed at the pomegranate/mango/lime margarita bar, which was a huge hit! Luckily, everyone would be able to easily recharge the next morning with the to-go brunch boxes filled with orange juice and baked goods. Anneka and Hooman enjoyed one-on-one time with their guests inside the glowing ballroom as well as outside by the Caribbean blue pool glistening from the lighted trees. For a reception so glamorous, a big exit was in store. The newlyweds promenaded out between two lines of cheering loved ones holding sparklers. Through the glow, Anneka and Hooman made their way to the white vintage car waiting to take them back to the after-party at The W Hotel. The groom, his bowtie undone, and the bride, still stunning with her creamy bouquet in hand, had tied the knot. The pictures capturing the night would be the perfect storybook beginning for the elegant, timeless romance that had begun years before.
Brides of Austin Featured Vendors
accommodations / W AUSTIN
rentals, tent / MARQUEE EVENT GROUP
wedding planner, favors / BROCK + CO. EVENTS
other local vendors: 2 Dine 4 Fine Catering • Polkadots Cupcake Factory • La Tavola Fine Linen • Townsley Designs • Hill Country Strings • The Good Nights • DJ Frank Delour • Wendee Sawran Petals & Decor • Laura Wyrtzen • Denise Vasquez • The Wild Onion Ranch • Transportation Consultants • Love Bird Wedding Films • Meldeen • Caroline Studios • Bella Bridesmaids • Austin Weddings Unlimited • FILO Productions • Texas Disposal Systems • SWOOP Events • Kenny’s Coffee • Anibella Ink & Paper • Wally’s Menswear
