A Romantic, Urban Wedding in Austin, TX

Afton Dean and Travers Pinkerton met while on an overseas mission trip during college. "We became really good friends that summer, and then eventually started dating once we returned back to the states," says Afton. After two years of dating, Travers completely surprised Afton when he proposed at a party. "I had zero idea it was happening that day," Afton recalls, "I was fooled into thinking it was his sister's birthday celebration, so I was fully convinced that it was definitely not a day for him to propose." Travers suggested the two of them go down for a walk by a nearby lake. With a photographer hiding nearby, and all of their friends and family waiting inside the house, he popped the question. The surprised bride said yes and the pair returned to the house where everyone then celebrated the engagement.

After five months of planning, and the help of Mayhar Designs, Afton and Travers wed on January 23, 2016, and celebrated with 325 guests at Brazos Hall in Austin. Loving the funkiness of the Texas city, the repurposed warehouse provided the intimate and unique feeling they wanted, complete with wood and brick finishes and rich textures. "For us, this was a destination wedding, as neither of us are actually from Austin," says Afton. "We love it so much, we stuck around and now call it home!"

Whitney Farnsworth Calligraphy & Design created the couple's elegant, off-white stationery suite using gold metallic ink and a hand-drawn wreath.  

"I had an idea of what I wanted in a wedding dress, but I had no idea how quickly I would fall in love with one," says the bride. "In fact, I didn't pick it out, I actually looked right over it. When one of my sisters grabbed the dress and suggested I try it on, I didn't even think twice." Afton's Martina Liana satin dress was the timeless and elegant look she wanted. She wore Badgley Mischka shoes and earrings from BHLDN, and completed her look with her grandmother's fur stole. Travers wore a black-collared, navy tuxedo from Bonobos with a black bow tie.

Travers purchased Afton's cushion-cut engagement ring from William Noble Rare Jewels, and the duo later returned to select their wedding bands.

Sprout Floral and Event Design created the Afton's romantic bridal bouquet using textured greenery, roses, and ranunculus.

Afton had eleven bridesmaids, who all wore long, flowing gowns from Azazie.

Whitney Farnsworth Calligraphy & Design also created the calligraphed ceremony programs. The service was held at The Central Christian Church in downtown Austin.

Afton and her father proceeded down the aisle to "Trumpet Voluntary" by Jeremiah Clarke. "Walking down the aisle was my favorite part of the day," she says. "There was so much emotion and excitement in that moment, knowing I was about to commit all of who I was to this man for the rest of my life. I'll never forget it." As for Travers, he feels the same, saying "it was sheer joy for me watching my stunning bride approach me at the altar."

The pair exchanged traditional vows and then recessed to "Water Music Hornpipe" by George Frideric Handel. Following the ceremony, guests headed to Brazos Hall for the cocktail hour and reception.

Following cocktail hour, guests headed down to the lower part of Brazos Hall, where lights and greenery were hung overhead from the wooden beams of the room.

Mayhar Designs used warm mauve, rose gold, and blush colors juxtaposed against rich mustards and gold metallic accents to decorate tables. Guests sat on wooden chairs at both long and circular tables covered with cream linens, which were topped with florals and candles.

Sprout Floral and Event Design's centerpieces used roses, astrantia, and berries, and were accented with fresh fruit atop the textured table linens.

The new Mr. and Mrs. danced to "Heaven's Knife" by Josh Garrels for their first dance. "The reception was just a huge party, and our amazing band, Sauce the Band, had everyone on the dance floor," recalls Afton.

At one point in the night, the couple got pulled onto the stage by the band and joined in, singing part of "Can't Feel My Face" by The Weeknd.

The father of the groom even ended up doing a drum solo at the reception.

Sweet Treets Bakery created the newlywed's five-tiered, stucco-textured cake, which alternated between vanilla and red velvet flavors. Adorning the confection were figs, blackberries, and gold-leafed pears.

Travers got a cake of his own—a chocolate, 3D T-Rex pouring coffee, which was inspired by Dinosaur Coffee in Los Angeles. "Choosing my ridiculous groom's cake added an off-beat, fun element to the reception, and gave the bakery a chance to flex their muscles," says Travers. 

Gilded cake pops in a variety of flavors from Sweet Treets Bakery were on hand for late-night enjoyment. "We love coffee and had one of our favorite local shops, Houndstooth Coffee, serving some late night drip and espresso," says Afton of other offerings during the reception.  

"The sparklers were a perfect way to end the night, and made it feel even more magical," says the bride of their send off.

The pair drove off in a 1959 Jaguar Mark IX Saloon at the end of the night, and set off for their honeymoon the next day to Nicaragua and Panama City. "My husband really likes surprises, so he thought it would be fun to keep the location of our trip a complete surprise for me," says Afton, "I'm so glad he did, it was amazing week!"

Photography, Kayla Barker Fine Art Photography

Location, Brazos Hall

Event planning, Melanie McKinley of Mayhar Designs

Catering, Pink Avocado Catering

Flowers, Sprout Floral and Event Design

Videography, Candlelight Films

Stationery and Calligraphy, Whitney Farnsworth Calligraphy & Design

Cake, Sweet Treets Bakery

Music, Sauce the Band

Rentals, Sweet Sunday Events; Marquee Event Group; Premiere Events

Bride's gown, Martina Liana

Bride's accessories, Badgley Mischka (shoes); BHLDN (earrings)

Hair and Makeup, Makenzi Laine

Bridesmaids' dresses, Azazie

Groom's suit and accessories, Bonobos

Lighting, Ilios Lighting

Transportation, Austin Elegant