A Spring Wedding at Vuka Austin
Mallory (she/her) and Bri (she/her) first met on a dating app in Austin, and their journey has been filled with adventure ever since. From Mallory’s surprise proposal at a lighthouse in Peru to Bri’s thoughtful follow-up proposal at home in Austin. Their spring wedding at Vuka Austin was all about bringing their community together – with a cozy family-style dinner, a lively dance floor, and even a coffee cart that kept the party buzzing.
How did you and Bri meet, and what sparked your connection?
We met in 2018 through the queer dating app Her, right here in Austin, Texas. Our first date was at a mezcal bar, and Bri brought her disabled German Shepherd puppy to our second date over breakfast tacos – it was love at first sight! We became inseparable pretty quickly, bonding over a shared sense of humor, values, and a love for community.
We enjoyed adventures together, like a camping trip to Big Bend National Park. Over time, we built a home together in Austin surrounded by our chosen family​.
What led you to choose Vuka Austin as your wedding venue?
We started looking for venues in Austin at the beginning of 2023, aiming for a spring 2024 wedding. As soon as we toured Vuka in Bouldin Creek, we knew it was the perfect place. We loved the indoor/outdoor feel and the overall Austin vibe. The live oak tree in the backyard was a dream, and the venue’s flexibility in allowing us to bring in our own vendors was a huge plus​.
How did you both propose to each other, and what made each moment special?
I proposed to Bri during a trip to Peru in September 2022. Initially, I planned to propose during our four-day trek to Machu Picchu, but altitude sickness and food poisoning threw a wrench in those plans.
Instead, I found a beautiful spot near a lighthouse in Lima and arranged a surprise photographer to capture the moment.
Bri proposed back in Austin a month later, during a dinner with friends. She surprised me with a visit from my sister, who flew in from NYC. It was the perfect way to celebrate our engagement​.
How did you handle wedding planning as a team?
Bri, a project manager in tech, was an amazing planner with a keen eye for design. She took charge of most of the planning, and we made all the big decisions together. We hired Courtney Marino from Satin Wedding Co., a queer wedding coordinator, who was instrumental in understanding our vision and guiding us through the process​.
What special touches did you include on your wedding day?
We wanted to make the day personal and fun. We had a coffee cart, which was a luxury but added a unique touch that reflected our love for coffee.
We opted for a family-style dinner catered by La Pera Austin to encourage connection, and our playlist featured everything from Brandi Carlile to ABBA and Beyoncé, thanks to Dart Collective.
Our afterparty, organized by a friend, was the cherry on top! It was truly a night of joy and celebration​.
Any advice for couples planning a wedding in Austin?
Start planning early! Austin is a popular city, so securing venues and vendors well in advance is crucial. We found that having an 18-month engagement gave us plenty of time to plan without feeling rushed.
Also, be realistic with your budget and add a little padding for unexpected expenses. Prioritizing what truly matters, like your venue or menu, can make the planning process more manageable​.
Photography by Stephanie Rogers Photography
Cake Maker Sugar Mama’s Bake Shop
Caterer La Pera Austin
Caterer Luna Espresso
DJ Dart Collective
Dress Boutique Second Summer Bride
Dress Designer Jenny Yoo
Engagement Rings The Ring Austin & Avant Garde Jewelers
Florist Whole Foods Market
Hair Jose Luis Salon – Abel Salazar & Jose Luis Salon – Sarah Contey
Make Up Jose Luis Salon – Sarah Contey & Jose Luis Salon – Tanya Ortega
Venue Vuka
Wedding Rings Avant Garde Jewelers & Blue Nile