In this artfully imagined eventscape, the creative team behind one of Austin, Texas’ most cutting-edge event planning companies, Eclipse Event Co., gave the watercolor wedding trend a punchy twist that’s more pop than pastel. “When watercolors show up in weddings, they’re typically done in a neutral or delicate palette, so we went with jewel-toned watercolors for a bolder, more eye-catching look,” says Lauren Chumbley, co-founder of Eclipse Event Co.
Using a prism of gemmy hues—ruby, emerald, sapphire, turquoise, amethyst, and aquamarine—as well as textured metallics, such as hammered copper and brushed gold, the designers created a brightly inviting brunch wedding scene, complete with a colorful mimosa bar and hand-painted doughnut holes.
Fittingly, the shoot was set in the Blanton Museum of Art’s Rapoport Atrium, a lofty event space that has been transformed by Brooklyn-based artist Teresita Fernández into an immersive installation called Stacked Waters, which consists of custom-cast acrylic that bathes the walls in bands of blue, gradating as they go up, with wavy, swirling patterns suggestive of undulating water.
Styled Shoots
Local stationer Scripted Ever After created a splattered watercolor invitation with a glittered backing. The reply card was tied with a gossamery metallic mesh ribbon.
Bridal consignment boutique Second Summer Bride provided a striking feathered frock featuring a pleated bodice and a plumed skirt hand-dyed to create a purple ombré effect.
A boozy brunch calls for mimosas, and Kitsch Event Styling delivered with a bright mimosa bar offering up chilled champagne, carafes of cold-pressed juices, and fresh fruit for mixing and muddling.
Disch Events’ eye-popping floral arrangements boasted an eclectic batch of botanical gems. This color-blocked centerpiece consisted of crimson-colored king proteas; ruffly white and rubied peonies; lime-green spider mums; gilded branches; and coppered succulents.
Topped with a flare of fuchsia flowers, Simply Delicious’ cake formed the focal point of the dessert table. With its painterly strokes of aquatic blues, the base tier mimicked the watery work of art behind it. The four-tiered creation was flanked by goodies from Crumbs Gourmet Cookies, which stuck to clean lines and minimalist styling with its array of stark white sweets, smattered here and there with pops of color. On offer were powdered doughnut holes painted with edible watercolors; dip-dyed marshmallows; white chocolate–covered Oreos decorated with edible copper filigrees; and an assortment of freshly baked cookies.
The Blanton Museum of Art’s Rapoport Atrium is a dramatic space with a soaring ceiling and saw-toothed skylights. It is, in itself, a work of art on exhibit, with its walls wrapped in an iridescent installation created by public artist Teresita Fernández. Designed to create the illusion of being submerged in a swimming pool, the dynamic piece possesses the reflective quality of water. Mirroring the natural light that streams through the many skylights, it makes the space seem moody on cloudy days and bright on sunny ones.
The bridal bouquet included peonies, roses, foxgloves, ranunculi, bougainvillea, and eucalyptus.
The bridesmaids sparkled like gems in mismatched jewel-toned dresses from Posh Boutique.
“The stylists and artists behind All Dolled Up ATX worked their magic with hair and makeup, letting each bridesmaid showcase her own personal style,” Lauren says. “Hairdos ranged from fun, twisted braids to loose, romantic curls.”
Marquee Event Group, which rents out event essentials and also creates custom pieces, including linens and furniture, provided the contemporary acrylic cake stand and a sequined bronze tablecloth that added a touch of glam.
The polychromatic scene was perfectly captured by Lindsey Green of Ryan Green Photography. Lauren Berger of Lauren Maria Films also documented the event with a behind-the-scenes reel (below) that shows what goes into bringing such an artistic production to life.
