Sarah and Brian met in a very unique way. They met online through Eharmony.com. Sarah was born and raised in Austin, and after graduating from Texas A&M University, moved to San Diego to pursue a career in Advertising/PR, then on to Garmisch, Germany to work for the Department of Defense. After eight years away from Austin, she was ready to come home. The biggest factor in coming home was being close to her mom. Her dad had passed away in 1997 and Sarah knew that her mom needed her, and she needed her mom as well. Sarah returned to Austin at 26, and after being a bridesmaid nine times, she realized that she didn’t have any single friends. With the encouragement of Sarah’s sister-in-law, she signed up for eHarmony. Brian on the other hand, was new to Austin and thought eHarmony would be a great way to meet new people. Sarah and Brian talked and emailed for almost a month before they met in person. Their first date was at an Austin Microbrewery downtown. They had a great time talking and laughing. Brian called Sarah the next night and asked her out again.

Sarah’s best birthday ever was when they planned to attend the Jewell Ball (a black tie event) on the weekend of Sarah’s birthday. They decided to make a weekend of it and checked into the Hilton downtown where the Ball was to be held. After finishing up her make-up, Sarah walked into their suite dressed and ready to go to the ball and there was Brian kneeling on one knee waiting for her. He asked her to marry him and she immediately said “Yes!” They had the pleasure of telling many new and old friends at the ball about their engagement that night. They danced the night away and celebrated with five hundred other attendees. “It felt like the biggest and best birthday and engagement party ever!” said Sarah.

Sarah was treated to a bachelorette party in Napa, California with nine girl friends from all over the world. Sarah had such a small family that friends have become more like family than friends. “It was so awesome having my friends from all stages of my life together at one time.” She said. They toured wineries, talked all night, had lots of laughs and indulged in many wonderful wines. “We all enjoyed a wonderful girls weekend in Northern California,” laughs Sarah.

The ceremony was held at the First Presbyterian Church of Austin, officiated by Rev. Sam Riccobene. Sarah walked down the aisle in her breathtaking wedding gown escorted by her older brother Sean Gregory. After the simple, but elegant ceremony, the reception began.

Many elements of their reception reflected their passions and personalities. They love food and wine, cook together and love to taste wines and tour wineries. Every year the couple tour Texas Hill Country wineries at least twice. Their food stations reflected their love for meat and travel. They served Hill Country wild game, wild boar, venison, quail, and of course brisket ribs and chicken. The wedding cake was a scrumptious Italian cream cake, and the groom’s cake was a giant Samuel Adam’s bottle. Brian is a beer enthusiast, and a home brewer, so his cake was a big hit with the guests. The band, the Newsboyz, came highly recommended from a friend, kept the party going into the late hours of the night. All ages were on the dance floor, from 2 years old to 88. They had friends and family from Switzerland, Canada, California, Missouri, New Jersey and other countries from all over the world. “It was a blast,” said Sarah.

The couple made their exit in a horse drawn carriage, toured the downtown area, and slowly made their way back to the Stephen F. Austin Yellow Rose Suite. When they arrived, they had a full meal from all of their stations, because they had been so excited and nervous at the reception that they had not had a chance to taste all the wonderful food. They had chocolate covered strawberries, champagne, fabulous food and talked and laughed about the best night of their lives that had been spent with one hundred fifty of their closest family and friends.

Austin Resources

Venue:
The First Presbyterian Church of Austin

Reception:
The Historic InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel

Flowers:
Petal Pushers

Cakes:
Michelle’s Patisserie

Reception Band:
The Newsboyz

Catering:
Stephen F. Austin Hotel

Photographer:
Victoria Hampton

Videographer:
Travis Knapp

Invitations/Save the Dates:
Alegra’s Invitations

Bridal Gown:
Belle Saison

Bridesmaids Attire:
Watters and Watters

Bride’s Make-up:
Adrienne Pitkin

Wedding Party Hair:
Lori at Bradz Salon

Rehearsal Dinner:
County Line on the Lake