The first wedding here was on August 14, 2010 between Robin Bagley and Andrew Logan.  Due to the Texas summer heat, the couple opted for an early morning ceremony under the trees.  The lawn was lush and green, and was converted to a croquet field following the ceremony.

photo by Jenny DeMarco

photo by Jenny DeMarco

After the ceremony, the reception was held in the main pavilion with an incredible brunch feast including:

Eggs Benedict on Homemade Biscuits
Artichoke, Bacon, and Brie Quiche
Crème Brulee French Toast
Tomato Caprese Salad

We also created several unique touches to display foods, like an elaborate Cheese and Antipasti display, and a tower of Handmade Cinnamon Buns on sticks.  At the bar the couple had custom fresh Mimosas and Bloody Marys with our housemade pickled vegetables.

photo by Jenny DeMarco

photo by Jenny DeMarco

photo by Jenny DeMarco

photo by Jenny DeMarco

photo by Jenny DeMarco

photo by Jenny DeMarco

photo by Jenny DeMarco

photo by Jenny DeMarco

For more information on Camp Lucy visit their website at www.camplucy.com. Thanks to Jenny DeMarco for all of the gorgeous pictures!

Vendors:
Catering – Royal Fig Catering
Coordination – Alicia Anderson, Love Punk Events
Floral – Love Punk Events
Rentals – Dripping Springs Party Rental
Photography - Jenny DeMarco Photography
Cake – Nothing Bundt Cakes
Music - Continental Graffiti

Royal Fig has been fortunate to serve and coordinate many outdoors weddings in the past year, and we’ve learned a few rules.  But I did a little research to see if what we learned were sort of universal truths in the wedding industry.  Turns out they are!  I came across this incredible article by Nina Callaway at About.com that really sums it up well.  I cannot think of a better list of Top-10 Outdoor Wedding Tips than this!  Enjoy!

1)    Make your guests comfortable. Think about what the weather will likely be at the time of day and month of the year of your outdoor wedding. Sunny and hot? Don’t leave your guests uncomfortably melting – have your ushers give guests ice-cold bottles of water as they are seated. Consider printing your wedding program on a fan so that guests may cool themselves. Don’t forget to have plenty of sunscreen on hand as well. For a very warm location, look into renting large electric fans (don’t forget a generator) and/or a tent to shade the sun’s rays. If it will be cold and damp, make sure you tell guests that so they can wear extra layers. A simple xeroxed insert will do. You might want to have lap blankets on hand, or rent portable heaters.

2)    Have a backup plan. What will you do if it rains? The ideal outdoor wedding location has an indoor location waiting just in case. Many brides and grooms opt to have their ceremony outside and reception inside. In a pinch, the tables can be scooted to the back of the room during the ceremony. A tent is another option, but only for light to moderate rain storms. A heavy rain will soak the ground underneath, leaving guests with soggy and muddy shoes. Make sure any tent you rent is sturdy so it won’t flip over, and that it has thick and weighted sides.  We love to recommend Premiere Tents and Events for all of your tenting needs!

Chance of rain? Opt for a tent!

Same goes for our mobile kitchen

3)    Plan for Wind.  Many outdoor weddings suffer from windy conditions. Avoid light fabrics like chiffons and china silks in your dress and the bridesmaid dresses. Tell your hairstylist that you’ll be having an outdoor wedding so she/he can plan a style that won’t leave you looking like Cousin It!  Men in the wedding party should use pomade or other styling product.  Again, tell your guests in a printed insert so that they can plan accordingly. And of course, make sure your tent will stand up to gusting winds or find an indoor backup plan.

We know a thing or two about windy wedding conditions! Always have back up linen clips and shims to level your tables.

4)    Can everybody hear? When you picture your dream wedding at the beach, you’re probably not hearing the roaring of the waves, the rushing wind, or the local kids running and screaming around you. Look into renting a sound system with clip mikes for the couple and officiant. Your DJ or band may be able to easily arrange this for you.

Memory Lane Event Center has a great set up for ceremony musicians!

5)    Decorations. One of the bonuses of an outdoor wedding is the natural beauty around you, lessening your need to decorate. But you still need to do some work. Visit the site a week before your wedding to make sure the grass is mowed, the ground raked, and the flowers have bloomed. If your wedding is at a public park, you may want to ask the bridal party or friends to do this the morning of your ceremony. If it’s been an especially cold season, you may need to supplement the flowers with some potted bulbs from a florist. Other decorations you may want to consider include an arch or trellis to focus the ceremony and frame the couple as they say their vows; strings of lights or lanterns in the trees; luminarias; torches; or farolitas.

These Chinese lanterns added a nice punch to the natural landscape

Vista West Ranch provides a perfect backdrop for an outdoor ceremony. Floral by Petal Pushers and coordination by Lizze Belle Events

Another great shot from a wedding we catered at Vista West Ranch. Photography by the Nichols. Click the picture for more pictures from this beautiful rustic wedding.

6)    Make things tasty outside.  Does your caterer have experience planning an outdoor wedding menu? Make sure they’re planning things that will keep well outdoors in the heat. Avoid things like mayonnaise salads or dishes which must be served cold.

7)    Don’t leave your guests parched.  Since alcohol is dehydrating, consider serving a variety of lemonades, teas and punches. Be sure to have plenty of ice and water around as well. For a fancy cocktail, why not serve a classic mint julep or a mojito? The mint will refresh and cool your guests.  Check out our beverage menu for a list of options!

Ice-Cold, refreshing margaritas to greet guests as they arrive! We prepared 350 of these cocktails for guests at a corporate party we catered at the Mexican American Cultural Center.

We made a prickly pear margarita to match the bride's dress!

Guests helped themselves to this outdoor drink station before the ceremony started. It kept everyone cool! Our fresh squeezed lemonades even come in a variety of seasonal flavors.

8)    Those pesky flying things.  Be sure to put out citronella candles or a bug zapper so that your guests won’t spend the whole ceremony swatting at the air.

9)    Here comes the sun.  Consider timing your outdoor wedding for sunset where your guests will see you take your vows surrounded by the warm glow of the sun. Those having a daytime outdoor wedding should orient the ceremony so that the sun will be on guests’ backs rather than in their eyes.

The sun was really shining on this day at Zilker Clubhouse! The ceremony was held inside while the sun went down.

10)    Permits.  Don’t forget to contact your city parks department or other local government to get a permit for an outdoor wedding. Be sure to ask about rules concerning trash removal, candle or torch lighting, and pre-wedding photography.

This short list of do’s and don’ts can really save your outdoor wedding and make it picture-perfect, just like you imagined.

Appetizer
Truffle Popcorn

Dinner
Whole Pig Roast
Pig Ear Salad
Homemade Charcuterie (Pork Tenderloin Terrine, Pate, Smoked Kielbasa, and Head Cheese were the favorites!)
Seared Pork Belly with a Banyuls Vinegar Gastrique
Braised Kale with Tails and Trotters
Dr. Pepper Glazed Ham
Homemade Brats and Boudin Blanc
Green Chili Mac and Cheese
Pineapple Jicama Slaw
Summer Succotash
Black Bean and Goat Cheese Tamale with Ancho Paint (for the vegetarians)
Texas Toast

In addition to the unique menu, the couple had a rockin 80′s band, Radio Star, numerous specialty cocktails made by our bartenders such as Bacon Margaritas, and the two guests dressed as the characters from Dumb and Dumber.  We just loved working with this couple and hope our paths cross again soon!  Also, a big kudos to Cortney and her team from BZ Events for their work on the coordination!

Check out the pictures on Ben Godkin’s blog!

photos by Tommy Erwin

Blue Channel Jazz

We should've taken a nice picture before we demolished the cheese plate! But it was THAT GOOD!

The broad selection of beers on tap.

First of all, we’d like to extend a big congratulations to Patrica Tyler, our raffle winner!  Also, thank you to The Dig Pub for hosting our drawing.

We had a great night at The Dig!  Blue Channel was performing for the first time with their new pianist and the combo sounded great!  Leslie Erwin on lead vocals brought the audience back into the 1930′s with her gorgeous voice!  We are so thrilled to have them performing at the Supper Club.

We also just love going up to The Dig Pub (www.thedigpub.com).  Todd, the owner of the pub, has the most unique craft beer selection I’ve seen in a long time.  The wines and cheeses are also amazing, especially the Leitz Dragonstone Reisling paired with the Laura Chenel Chevre.  The atmosphere is relaxed and staff treat you like they’ve known you forever.  It’s really great.

If you are still interested in attending the Supper Club we only have 10 SEATS LEFT!  Here are the details:

“Vintage Elegance”
Supper Club at the Allan House

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

7:00pm

5 Courses with wine and drink pairings

feature live jazz music by Blue Channel Jazz Band

$69

Appetizer:  Grilled Figs with Panchetta and Goat Cheese
Salad:  Crab and Blueberry Salad with Fried Egg
3rd Course:  Seared Pork Belly with Hen of the Woods Mushrooms
4th Course:  Halibut with Broad Bean Puree and Beets
Dessert:  Peach Melba Gallette with Creme Fraiche Ice Cream

Tickets must be bought in advance and can be purchased online at www.royalfig.com/supper-club. Tickets are nonrefundable if canceled within 72 hours of the event.

“Vintage Elegance”
Supper Club at the Allan House

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

7:00pm

Appetizer:  Grilled Figs with Panchetta and Goat Cheese
Salad:  Crab and Blueberry Salad with Fried Egg
3rd Course:  Seared Pork Belly with Hen of the Woods Mushrooms
4th Course:  Halibut with Broad Bean Puree and Beets
Dessert:  Peach Melba Gallette with Creme Fraiche Ice Cream

Wine and signature drink pairings included!

$69