Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Real Weddings
  4. Wedding Styles
  5. Seasonal Weddings
  6. Spring Weddings
  7. A Romantic, Italian-Inspired Wedding in Texas
Martha Stewart Weddings

A Romantic, Italian-Inspired Wedding in Texas

By Shira Savada
Skip gallery slides
Pin
charla jesse wedding couple outdoors
Credit: Apryl Ann Photography

The alfresco setting honored the couple's European proposal trip.

Start Slideshow

1 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
charla jesse wedding couple outdoors
Credit: Apryl Ann Photography

Charla Storey and Jesse Anderson met in 8th grade when they were just 13. He was a new student and started dating her best friend, so they hung in the same circle but weren't close. When Jesse finished college, he moved back to Dallas, where Charla had a room for rent. After some persuasion, he became her roommate, then slowly her best friend, and then things got awkward when he presented the idea of taking things further. They went on their first official date—meeting in the living room and at the end of the night, he walked her to her bedroom door—and the romance blossomed. "It has been pretty amazing to fall in love with your best friend," says Charla (a fine art photographer) of her relationship with Jesse (who works in medical equipment).

Though they'd known each other for 20 years, they were a couple for seven when they booked a trip to Europe with just about a month's notice. They went with their son and on the first day (in Paris), posed for a family photoshoot. At the end of the session, with the Eiffel Tower in the background, Jesse popped the question. They continued on their adventures in France and Italy as soon-to-be husband and wife.

On May 18, 2017, the Texas twosome got hitched at Villa Del Lago in Austin. The Italian-style venue "makes you feel like you're on the other side of the world," according to the bride, so the pair had a wedding that felt like a destination celebration without leaving their state. In total, 85 guests joined them for the European-inspired nuptials that played up the trip they had taken months prior.

Birds of a Feather helped incorporate the bride's favorite Southwestern colors into the plan for the big day, and The Southern Table's flowers added a romantic touch. But it was all of the time spent with family and friends that the couple note as the most special part.

Watch Charla and Jesse's wedding film by Splendor Films.

1 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Invitation Suite

charla jesse wedding blue stationery
Credit: Apryl Ann Photography

The stationery combined hand calligraphy and typography, with a design that celebrated negative space. Charla loved the deckled edges and sketch of the venue that Southern Fried Paper incorporated into the suite.

2 of 22

3 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

So Chic

charla jesse wedding bride and groom on path
Credit: Apryl Ann Photography

Charla originally wanted a wedding dress with flowing fabric. On a business trip to New York City, Charla's friends surprised her with an appointment at Kleinfeld Bridal, where a consultant told her she would end up in a fit and flare gown—and he was right. After much resistance, she tried one on. Back home in Texas, Charla was at another dress appointment, this time at a&bé bridal. As someone who works in the industry, she follows the bridal market shows and the dresses that launch each season. She had seen one she loved but didn't think it would be in production by the time she needed to pick her gown. But she spotted the "Sasha" by Made with Love Bridal on a hanger and instantly gave it a go (trying it on over her clothes as she was about to leave the store), and knew it was the one. The laser-cut lace with a tan underlay and illusion neckline made her feel elegant, classic, and beautiful, but still like herself. She plans on altering it to be cocktail length so she can wear it to anniversary dinners for years to come.

Jesse sported a dark blue velvet jacket, black pants, a blue-and-white floral tie, and crisp white shirt. "I absolutely love my suit for our day," he says of his custom ensemble by Oak Hill. "We wanted something custom, that fit the way a tailored suit is supposed to fit, feel, and look. Being a bigger guy, it was just a better option for us to buy. We knew on the day there would be no surprises and all would fit right."

3 of 22

Advertisement

4 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Well Heeled

charla jesse wedding brides shoes
Credit: Apryl Ann Photography

"While we were on the trip we got engaged on, I tried on this pair of Valentino shoes and immediately knew I was making my first wedding purchase," says the bride of these rockstud pumps. "Jesse even snapped a photo of me happily walking with them through the streets of Florence."

4 of 22

5 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Rings

charla jesse wedding rings
Credit: Apryl Ann Photography
21 Unique Engagement Rings You'll Love

Jesse designed an engagement ring with Megan Thorne, but proposed with a wedding band by the designer—presenting it with a sketch of what he wanted to give her. This way, she could pick out the cut of the diamond. Charla loved the drawing and went with the piece exactly as it had been imagined. Jesse actually popped the question with a band that had broken in half during the trip, but Charla loved it anyway. "Nothing Jesse and I do is partially easy and finding joy in a moment without material things was refreshing," she explains.

The rose-gold pieces were tucked inside a vintage box in the perfect shade of blue for the day.

5 of 22

6 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Bridal Bouquet

charla jesse wedding bouquet
Credit: Apryl Ann Photography

The bride's favorite golden tones were highlighted through the wedding flowers, and the hues complemented the otherwise rose and blue color palette. Maxine Owens of The Southern Table crafted this bouquet using a variety of different roses, ranunculus, hellebores, peonies, heuchera leaves, sweet pea, spirea, oak leaf hydrangea, and golden bougainvillea. The loose arrangement was held together with long streamers of hand-dyed taupe silk ribbon.

6 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Puppy Love

charla jesse wedding dogs
Credit: Apryl Ann Photography

The couple's boxers were dressed for the occasion—with Brutus in an ascot and Lucy wearing a floral wreath—and joined the couple for a few photos before heading home.

7 of 22

8 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Bridesmaids

bridesmaids bride black dresses
Credit: Apryl Ann Photography
Chic Black Bridesmaid Dresses

The bridal party was more nontraditional than most. Charla asked her ladies to wear black dresses and Jesse asked his guys to sport black suits. Some of them got ready with the bride and groom, but Charla and Jesse mainly wanted to keep it easy for everyone without too much required.

8 of 22

9 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Ceremony Spot

charla jesse wedding ceremony outdoor site
Credit: Apryl Ann Photography

The ceremony was set on the overlook with views of Lake Travis in the distance. The Southern Table created an Italian-inspired environment with arrangements of golden bougainvillea, several varieties of roses, peonies, and some other flora. The displayed framed the couple while still keeping the scenery visible. "The asymmetrical, potted backdrop was built to accent the couple, with climbing floral at the base transitioning into greenery native to Texas at the top," says Maxine.

9 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Becoming Husband and Wife

charla jesse wedding ceremony with officiant
Credit: Apryl Ann Photography
13 Ways to Personalize Your Wedding Ceremony

Since Charla and Jesse were best friends before they started dating, they thought it was perfect to walk down the aisle to "You're My Best Friend" by Queen—sung acoustically and performed on a ukulele.

The ceremony was personalized by officiant Rocky Garza, who sat down with the couple a few times before the wedding to better understand their likes, loves, and their story. On the big day, he covered parts of their past, the good times and the life struggles, and how they got to where they are today. Charla and Jesse opted not to hear what Rocky had put together until the actual service, trusting that he would say all the right things. "We got to be surprised and fully in the moment with our guests," says the bride. "It was really amazing to hear the things he decided were important, and we have quotes from the ceremony that we will never forget."

10 of 22

11 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Special Surprise

charla jesse wedding bride with son
Credit: Apryl Ann Photography

The couple told their son, Seth, that they intended to have him join Rocky in praying for them at the conclusion of the service, but when he came up he just started praying for them alone. "It was so unexpected and amazing," Charla says. "His words were so beautiful and we were all moved." Jesse notes the moment as the most meaningful and memorable part of the day.

At the reception, there was another surprise during the reception—when Seth took to the mic to deliver a speech.

11 of 22

12 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Little Ladies

charla jesse wedding flower girls
Credit: Apryl Ann Photography
The Best-Dressed Flower Girls from Real Weddings

Charla's friend's daughters wore gold-accented dresses as the flower girls. Later, they showcased their dance moves at the reception.

12 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Find Your Seat

charla jesse wedding escort cards
Credit: Apryl Ann Photography
25 Ideas for the Prettiest Calligraphed Escort Cards

After enjoying cocktail hour in the pavilion with Italian charcuterie, passed appetizers, signature drinks (French 75s and Old Fashioneds), local beer, and acoustic music, it was time for dinner.

Escort cards were pinned to a linen-covered board tucked under an arch that guests passed by on their way to eat. Florals dressed up the wooden stand that held it in place.

13 of 22

14 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Escort Cards

charla jesse wedding escort cards detail
Credit: Apryl Ann Photography

Each guest's name was calligraphed with white ink onto vellum and affixed to blue cards with a wax seal.

14 of 22

15 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

One Long Reception Table

charla jesse wedding outdoor banquet table
Credit: Apryl Ann Photography
42 Stunning Banquet Tables for Your Reception

One big table was set so that it felt like everyone had gathered for a family dinner or Thanksgiving meal. "Not only did it feel like the holidays, but it also had that intimate, Italian, alfresco feel," Charla says of the setup and the family-style menu.

As for what went atop the table, Charla has long been a big fan of velvet and, after getting engaged, she saw that La Tavola Fine Linen had launched a collection of tablecloths in the material and knew she had to have them. Rose-colored linens covered the tables, with ochre-hued napkins placed on each plate.

15 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Centerpieces

charla jesse wedding table and centerpiece
Credit: Apryl Ann Photography

Asymmetrical floral arrangements in oval-shaped marble vases by The Southern Table were spread out between black taper candles (which added a slight masculine feel to the mix). Blooms spilled out of the vessels onto the tablecloths to leave room for the family-style platters. Claire de Lune peonies and golden and taupe roses were the focus.

16 of 22

17 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

On the Menu

charla jesse wedding menu
Credit: Apryl Ann Photography
33 Pretty and Unexpected Wedding Menu Ideas

The menu matched the invitation design and was sealed with velum and a wax seal to mimic the escort cards. Guests enjoyed a mista salad, chicken picatta, and penne Bolognese, paired with housemade focaccia.

17 of 22

18 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Wedding Cake

charla jesse wedding cake with blue detail
Credit: Apryl Ann Photography

Layered Bakeshop created the wedding cake. "They make the best red velvet I have ever tasted and it's Jesse's favorite," says Charla. The design focused on two strong tiers—one with carved fondant to give a stone texture and Old-World feel, and another with painted tile-like patterns in shades of soft grays and blues.

18 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

More Sweets!

charla jesse wedding desserts
Credit: Apryl Ann Photography
39 Amazing Dessert Tables from Real Weddings

A spread of the couple's favorite Italian- and French-inspired desserts included eclairs, tartlets, and canolis. Charla is a sugar addict and could not wait to get her hands on all of the goodies!

19 of 22

20 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The First Dance

charla jesse wedding couple first dance
Credit: Apryl Ann Photography
70 First Dance Songs from Real Weddings

Charla changed into the "Frida" dress by Catherine Deane so she could dance (and show off her wedding shoes) and pulled her hair back before joining her husband for their first dance as newlyweds. They chose TV Carpio's cover of the Beatles' "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" from the movie Across the Universe. The song played a pivotal part in the pair's relationship—going back to when they were just friends driving in a car and they started singing it. Jesse grabbed Charla's hand while they sang and that was the beginning of them discussing their feelings for one another in a deeper way.

In lieu of a father-daughter dance, Charla took a spin with her son and uncle to one of her late dad's favorite tunes: Patsy Cline's "Walkin' After Midnight." And Jesse and his mom danced to "Mama" by BJ Thomas—a song his mother chose because it was the first one that came to mind and one she felt was written for Jesse.

20 of 22

21 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Sparkling Ending

charla jesse wedding sparkler send-off
Credit: Apryl Ann Photography
Amazing Fireworks and Sparklers from Real Weddings

The sparkler send-off was a special way to end the night. "It was great to see family and friends cheering for my new wife and I," says Jesse. "I was pretty emotional. And our venue made it even more perfect with the lake breeze and light reflecting on the water."

Guests were sent home with kettle corn and cheddar-flavored popcorn from Jesse's father and step-mother's popcorn company.

21 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sources

charla jesse wedding couple on balcony
Credit: Apryl Ann Photography

Photography, Apryl Ann Photography

Location, Villa Del Lago

Event planning, Birds of a Feather  

Catering, Mandola's Italian Kitchen

Flowers, The Southern Table

Videography, Splendor Films

Officiant, Rocky Garza

Stationery, Southern Fried Paper

Calligraphy, Pretty Post Calligraphy; Blue Eye Brown Eye (invitation)

Cake, Layered Bakeshop

Music, Noah Galaviz; DJ Jason Esquire

Rentals, La Tavola Fine Linen; Loot Rentals

Bride's gown, Made with Love Bridal from a&bé bridal shop

Bride's reception dress, Catherine Deane

Bride's accessories, Megan Thorne rings; Valentino shoes

Hair and makeup, Beauty and the Blush Artistry

Hair change for reception, Natalia Issa (reception hair change)

Groom's attire, Oak Hill

Valet, Texas Valet

22 of 22

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Shira Savada

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • A Musical Festival and a Green Couch Inspired This Couple's Whimsical Garden Wedding in California
    • 9 Wedding Trends You'll See Everywhere in 2023, According to Wedding Planners and Event Designers
    • 7 Wedding Dress and Accessory Trends Every Bride-to-Be Needs to Know About in 2023
    • Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 22
    2 of 22 The Invitation Suite
    3 of 22 So Chic
    4 of 22 Well Heeled
    5 of 22 The Rings
    6 of 22 The Bridal Bouquet
    7 of 22 Puppy Love
    8 of 22 The Bridesmaids
    9 of 22 The Ceremony Spot
    10 of 22 Becoming Husband and Wife
    11 of 22 A Special Surprise
    12 of 22 Little Ladies
    13 of 22 Find Your Seat
    14 of 22 The Escort Cards
    15 of 22 One Long Reception Table
    16 of 22 The Centerpieces
    17 of 22 On the Menu
    18 of 22 The Wedding Cake
    19 of 22 More Sweets!
    20 of 22 The First Dance
    21 of 22 A Sparkling Ending
    22 of 22 Sources

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    A Romantic, Italian-Inspired Wedding in Texas
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.