Fashion and beauty influencer Emily Herren and Lee Travis first met at a Fourth of July party in Houston. Austin-based Lee happened to be in town, and after connecting with Emily, he drove back down the next weekend to take her on a date.
After two years together, Lee surprised Emily with a proposal at Zilker Park. She thought her friends were taking her out to dinner to celebrate her birthday, but they made a detour to the park. “I saw a big ‘MARRY ME’ sign in the distance and thought, ‘Aw someone is getting engaged!’ As I walked closer, I saw Lee and realized it was me!” Emily exclaims.
The Commodore Perry Estate in Austin opened the weekend of their engagement, so the couple thought it was fate to choose the chic hotel as their wedding venue. To help bring their dream vision to life, the two hired Katy Priesler of Keely Thorne Events and John Cain Photography captured every moment.
For her ceremony, Emily wanted her dress to be more on the traditional side and found a beautiful lace gown by Monique Lhuillier. On the day-of, the bride got ready with a makeup artist from Etoilly Artistry and a hair stylist from The Lovely Hair Class. She completed her look with her mother’s diamond studs and a diamond necklace from David Gardner’s Jewelers.
The reception called for a dress that was a bit more fun. The bride met Nardos in Dallas and instantly fell in love with the designer and her work. Together, they designed a strapless gown with a dramatic back and two looks for Emily’s maids of honor. Bridesmaids complemented the blushing bride in black dresses from Bella Bridesmaids.
On October 2, 2021, bad weather was forecasted, so the ceremony was moved into the chapel. “I am so happy we made that decision because I can’t imagine the ceremony any other way,” Emily shares. “Todd Events turned the space into the most beautiful chapel I have ever seen.”
After the couple’s pups and the bride walked down the aisle, one of Emily and Lee’s good friends officiated the personal service. “If I had to choose one word to describe how I felt on my wedding day, it would be ‘thankful,’” the bride recalls.
Once the two were announced as husband and wife, the reception began under the Sandone Productions clear-top tent, filled with twinkle lights and romantic florals. Powerhouse: Next Generation provided entertainment and kept everyone dancing all night. The newlyweds had their first dance to “Forever After All” by Luke Combs” and cut their tiered cake by The Cake Plate.
At one point during the party, Lee ended up on stage for a song, followed by a casual crowd surf, which was, of course, a highlight of the night. “At the very end of the reception, everyone went outside to line up for the exit, but Lee and I stayed behind for a private last dance,” Emily remembers. “I loved those moments with him and being able to soak in everything that just happened.”
