Carmen Collins and Bryce Bogle first met at The University of Texas at Austin and hit it off right away. “We remained friends throughout college and started dating about nine years after we first met,” Carmen says. At that point, they knew it was meant to be; and when they got engaged a year later, Carmen knew just where to turn. “I actually interned with Emily Leach of Bird Dog Wedding all throughout college and worked with her for a few years as a wedding planner after I graduated,” Carmen says. “We’ve remained close friends over the years, so it was really a full-circle moment to plan my wedding with her help.”
They honed in on a vibrant vision. “Our wedding aesthetic was inspired by the 1960s with a Texas twist,” the bride says. “We were inspired by Slim Aarons’s Palm Springs poolside photography series and Herb Alpert’s vibrant record album covers. We wanted to host a wedding that felt fun, colorful, welcoming, sophisticated, and full of unexpected details.” It started with the stationery suite; Cheree Berry Paper & Design was one of the first vendors the couple booked. “We wanted a traditional and timeless stationery set that still felt fun and fresh. The gals at Cheree Berry created two custom patterns that we used throughout the day: a floral print inspired by Liberty London’s ditsy florals and a charm print full of illustrations that sum up Bryce and me as a couple.” The charm print was splashed throughout the decor and even blown up to cover the dance floor.
Finding a dress that fit the vibe proved challenging; Carmen tried on many she liked, but none seemed to be the one. “I went back through my Instagram saves and realized I kept saving one dress over and over again—Monique Lhuillier’s Sofia gown from her Spring 2018 collection,” Carmen shares. “Because it was an older style, Monique’s team only had one sample left, and it was in Singapore. They had it shipped to Casa de Novia in Houston for me to try on, and I immediately knew it was the one!” Carmen worked with the Monique Lhuillier team to create a custom lace topper for her church ceremony that could be removed for the reception. To accessorize, she chose Loeffler Randall’s Dahlia gold pleated bow heels and Van Cleef & Arpels vintage Alhambra earrings with a clover shape that nodded to her grandmother’s Irish heritage.
“My makeup artist, Makenzi Laine, and I were inspired by Sofia Richie Grainge’s wedding beauty look,” Carmen adds. “I’ve always loved a slicked-back bun, and, for makeup, we chose a warm and peachy palette that felt fresh and timeless.”
On September 16, 2023, Carmen and Bryce exchanged vows in a traditional Catholic ceremony at Saint Mary’s, a historic Austin cathedral built in 1884. “After the wedding, we all headed back to Hotel Ella for cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing; our cocktail hour took place on the front lawn and porch, with the hotel’s gorgeous Greek Revival architecture as the backdrop,” Carmen says. Bartenders served up spicy margaritas and espresso martinis, plus Paddington Palomas inspired by the couple’s dog and Cherry Limeades in honor of their favorite fast-food drink.
All the while, Kelsey and Talon Sjostrom of Ruét Photo were capturing everything on Super 8 video. “Having a wedding video was so important to me,” Carmen says. “We wanted something that felt vintage, timeless, and homemade, so we opted for Super 8. Kelsey and Talon created a work of art that we will treasure forever.”
While a jazz trio played on the porch, Clementine Botanical Art was transforming the interior reception space with colorful florals and patterned design details, including linens and rentals from BBJ La Tavola, Perch Decor, Premiere Events, Marquee Rentals, Bee Lavish Rentals, and Luxe Event Decor.
Guests sat down for a gourmet meal of filet mignon and mushroom pappardelle—with some Texas influence, like sides of hatch chili mac and cheese. Carmen’s dad gave a tear-jerking toast, then the bride changed into her Cult Gaia party dress. “We chose a nine-piece live band, Love & Happiness, that had everyone on the dance floor,” the bride remembers. “When it comes to dancing at weddings, none of our friends are shy, so the dance floor was packed all night! We had light-up cowboy hats and foam sticks that also made great photo booth props.” The trumpets even blared during their first dance to a fitting tune, Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass’s “This Guy’s In Love With You.”
