Meet Stephanie Taylor of Peacock Blu-- Stunning Wedding Jewelry, Locally Crafted

Last weekend at a party, I ran into my friend Stephanie Taylor. I was telling her about my life as a wedding officiant and she was telling me about her life as a jewelry designer. I took a look at images of her Tree of Life pendants and immediately declared to Warren that I want the silver and turquoise one for Valentine’s Day. Stephanie and I also talked about how the trees make exquisite wedding jewelry—for bride or bridesmaids or both.

I get a lot of inquiries from couples who tell me they want a uniquely Austin wedding and I know exactly what they mean. I recommend excellent restaurants for their out-of-town guests, points of interest to visit, and even sometimes—as I did for a couple planning an elopement—a list of cool, secret Austin spots to consider as the place to marry. (It helps that I am the self-appointed Number One Austin Cheerleader, and also that I used to write a travel blog for JetBlue all about Austin. Seriously, I know LOTS of Austin secrets—just ask me.)

 Now I’m tossing out this latest Austin wedding idea…yes, you can pick a unique Austin venue, get married beneath a magnificent live oak tree, and have photos of all that, and your wedding party in fancy dresses, tuxes and cowgirl and cowboy boots. Well why not also have a piece of Austin wearable art to commemorate the occasion, created by an actual Austin artist?

After the party, I sent Stephanie an email and asked for more details about her jewelry—how she came to be a designer, what goes into the process, and how you can reach her. Her answers are below. You can check out her Peacock Blu Etsy Shop here.  And see some of her commissioned, custom work at her Peacock Blu Facebook Page.

  

Spike: How’d you get started? What’s your process?

Stephanie: In 2010 I took a very basic cabachon wrapping class at a local bead shop and then discovered all the jewlery-making tutorials online. One of the tutorials I found was how to make a tree pendant with wire, but in the clip, her method (in hindsight) was quite clunky, and the end result looked a bit cartoon-y and child-like. I continued making trees and refining my process - modeling them after the live oaks in Austin - until the pendants began to look much more lifelike and, after so many repetitions, quite durable and beautifully made. I'm learning and honing my craft every time I pick up my tools and start making a new piece.

 Spike: Looking at your Tree of Life pendants, I immediately felt something like… familiarity and comfort. I just love trees—real live trees, and artistic representation of trees. So tell me more about your trees.

Stephanie: My Tree of Life pendants resonate with many people from a variety of religious backgrounds. The Tree of Life is a symbol that can be found in every major religion, and is a strong symbol representing our extended families and ancestors. For many, it's a symbol and reminder that we are all connected, related to one another in this massive family called the human race. I wear my Tree of Life pendants to help me remember that even the jackass on the highway who just cut me off is also my brother, and so I strive to find compassion for him, and for everyone else around me.

My clients love to order Tree of Life pendants with birthstones for their mothers and wives to give to them on mother's day, and for their wives and girlfriends for birthdays, anniversaries, and Valentine's Day. They also make fabulous bridesmaids gifts - sometimes the bride wants a Tree pendant for each bridesmaid in stones that coordinate with their dresses. Other clients order a tree for each bridesmaid in that bridesmaid's birthstone. Either way, it's an incredible gift, and a touching symbol. It's also a beautiful gift for families who are combining, or blending their families in marriage.

Spike: What else would you like us to know about your work?

I make quite a bit of custom work that you'll never see on Etsy, however, I share those designs with the public on my Peacock Blu Creations Facebook page:  

Hello 2013! We Are Off to a Great Start!

Well my first wedding of 2013 was beyond magnificent. It was a teeny-tiny affair, at a venue I just love-- The Inn at Wild Rose Hall. The couple, high school sweethearts, were totally chill and totally focused on each other and getting hitched. As it should be! And most all of the dozen attendees read something meaningful about marriage and commitment. The readings ran the gamut but every one was terrific-- the father of the bride gave a particularly moving speech. Bride and groom read super heartfelt personal vows and, not that it's a competition, but when the groom gave a detailed analogy between the '85-86 Boston Celtics and how his new wife makes him feel-- let's just say those were some of the most amazing, creative vows I've ever heard. Congratulations, y'all. Thank you so much for the honor. What a great way to start the year. And then it was on to....

Wedding Number Two for 2103 was at Chapel Dulcinea, which I like to call my office since I perform so very many ceremonies out there. This wedding, at sunset, was brrrrrrrrr super chilly-- 47 degrees but felt like 40 with the windchill. Not my coldest wedding actually-- my third coldest. The coldest was 39 degrees. Weather-- it's always something to consider in Texas, right? But if you're planning an evening, outdoor winter wedding in the Hill Country, you might let your guests know that it is perfectly acceptable to bring blankets. This couple helped warm up the event with a muy caliente mariachi band-- Mariachi Relampago, directed by Adolph Ortiz. OMG-- I LOVE MARIACHIS! And these guys were fantastic. Great singers, a big band, and really cheerful. I want to have them at my next birthday party. Heck, I want to just have a party so they'll come and play at my house.

Gearing up for the busy season now which seems a bit far away but I know it's not. Since January 1st I must've received at least forty requests to perform weddings. All those holiday engagements I guess. Looks like March/April/May are going to be super busy. Can't wait.

Want to book me for your wedding? Check out details at Custom Hitches Weddings. Thanks!

Great Ideas, Happy Reunions, and a New to Me VenueE

Every year I go to a tiny island off the coast of Maine. This year, while I was there, I ran into one of my 2010 couples! I love it.

Well, after spending a good bit of my summer traveling east, then way north (hello, Canada!) then west, then back east again, I have returned and am shifting into super high-gear for October Wedding Season. Actually, the excitement began this past weekend-- I had the pleasure of uniting three couples in marriage on Saturday. 

The forecast on Friday night was calling for about a 500% chance of rain on Saturday and that leads me to my first great idea. Always have a contingency plan. All three of the couples I worked with had a shelter option, and those roofs sure came in handy. Another great idea is, if it rains a) don't be bummed out because RAIN IS A PRICELESS COMMODITY and a STUNNING BLESSING especially these days and b) be sure you have umbrellas. Pretty simple, right? But easy to forget. 

Nothing says True Love like well-timed mosquito spray. 

Congratulations

All the rain we've had this year has fostered a lot of super aggressive mosquito activity. So while you're putting out fans on the chairs, or little bottles of bubbles or pouches of petals to be thrown, also consider having mosquito repellant handy. Your guests will be so grateful. And don't forget to apply some to yourselves-- trust me, it is so distracting during a ceremony to be swarmed by skeeters.

Ceres Park Ranch!

Chillin' before the wedding. 

Congratulations!

The new-to-me venue I worked this weekend is Ceres Park Ranch. It's on Fitzhugh Road, right off of 290 just before you get to Drippin'. Very cool western feel and the folks who run it are super nice.

Also chilling before the wedding. 

A roof is a wonderful thing in the rainy season.

 Another great idea-- I know a lot of couples like to not see each other until the actual ceremony. And that's cool, an idea that has its own merits and is steeped in tradition. On the other hand, you might just go ahead and see each other beforehand. You can reassure each other, get a first look, and maybe let go of any pre-game anxiety.

Here's an even better idea-- immediately after the ceremony, "run away" together for ten minutes. Hide out inside the venue, or down a path somewhere. Tell the photographer to beat it. Just the two of you. Some alone time. Enjoy the adrenaline rush. Enjoy a quiet moment together because the rest of the night is going to be a blur. A happy blur, but a blur nonetheless. You want to remember the event, and a few alone minutes together is a good way to accomplish that.

One of my bride's this weekend also did something so cool I think ALL of you should try it. She opted to stay overnight by herself at the venue. (She got married at a venue that features sleeping accommodations). That's right-- no big "party with the girls," no Til-2 am. Rehearsal Dinner (they did have a dinner, but she retired early). She wanted to take the time to just be alone and, I suppose, think about the big, exciting milestone awaiting her. I just thought that was so terrific.

Frankly I think the umbrella added an extra fun touch.

Congratulations!

And so, congratulations to all y'all who got hitched this past weekend. And to those of you on my October calendar-- Hooray! We are going to have a blast.

Small Weddings-- Trending?

Some backyards are bigger than others, no?

Twice this month, The New Yorks Times ran articles about how some couples are going for smaller weddings these days to save money. The first article was about eloping, with just the officiant and photographer for witnesses. The second article focused on backyard weddings.

I admit I have a special place in my heart for backyard weddings. That doesn't mean I don't enjoy the big weddings I perform at fancy venues that offer all the bells and whistles and then some. I'm happy to dress up and step up for those occasions and I love seeing how couples pull out all the stops. I was just talking to my sister about her daughter/my niece's wedding in South Jersey and that was a BIG one. They had a blast getting ready for it and the whole thing was worth it-- my sister says it was everything her daughter ever dreamed of, and as it turns out my niece is one of those young women who imagined her wedding day from an early age.

Bridesmaids and groomsmen at the big backyard wedding I did recently.

I certainly work with some couples who put months, a year and sometimes even more time into planning giant events. But I also work with lots of couples who work on a shorter deadline, and are flexible with everything from decorations to venue to time of ceremony. They don't exactly make it up as they go along (well, a few do) but these couples are so laid back they're okay if details change along the way. Not surprisingly, many of these couples are the same ones who go for backyard weddings, doing the catering themselves or inviting guests to bring potluck dishes.

Backyard weddings are a great way to go if you want to save some money, involve the family, and hold your event in a place you can visit again and again And this being Texas, some backyards are bigger (way bigger) that venues specifically designed for weddings. Toward that end, I recently performed a ceremony on a ranch overlooking Pedernales State Park. It was private property and technically the backyard of the bride's uncle. But dang, what a backyard it was.

If you're considering a backyard wedding and want some details of events I've done like this, just ask me. And ask about my special rate for small backyard weddings (fewer than 30 guests).

Unsolicited Advice-- Book Now!

When I meet with prospective clients, I like to emphasize that I try hard not to issue unsolicited advice. I then usually wind up offering at least a few bits of unsolicited advice over the course of the conversation. Okay then, I guess I still need to practice.

The reason I try to bite my tongue unless asked is that I think a lot of couples get hit with tons of advice from well-meaning but overzealous friends and family members. It can feel like too much, and in some cases it can feel like downright pressure is being exerted. You know, it's YOUR wedding, so you should, as the old BK commercial went, Have it Your Way.

That said, since I'm in this business, I've amassed an awful lot of helpful information over the course of performing 300+ weddings and commitment ceremonies. I know some really great vendors and musicians. I know the inside scoop on PA systems and what you'll need. I know shortcuts. I know how to run interference in tricky family situations. So I offer, as an added extra (which I do not charge for) to field questions that come up, make references, and show up a little early to just be an extra pair of hands the day of. Sometimes, I go crazy and really get involved-- like driving dogs home after the ceremony so they don't get overwhelmed at the reception.

Today, I have a few bits of unsolicited advice-- yours to take or leave. If you are getting married in April or October 2013, HIRE YOUR PROFESSIONALS NOW. This is not a ploy for me to get business. My April is nearly booked full (though I have a few openings) and October is getting there. Also, with global warming wreaking havoc on the weather, I find that these days more couples are looking at March and November (used to be that April and October were the "June of Texas," since June can be pretty warm). I think I've had about 15 requests for October 6th. I perform up to four weddings per day (though most often three is my max) and even still, that means I had to turn away nearly a dozen couples.

Another thing-- consider the heat. Seriously. I am totally down with doing outdoor weddings in summer, I do them all the time. And I'm pretty sure you can save a bit of money booking venues in the dead of summer. But if you're going to ask your guests to endure the heat, especially if they are from out of town, it's a very good idea to have water set up beforehand, water they can take to their seats. Fans aren't a bad idea either. I did a wedding the night it hit 109 degrees-- honestly, it was pretty nuts. You might also consider keeping the ceremony short so you can all get into the A/C quicker.

Okay, enough with the advice. For now. But if you do have a question you'd like me to answer here, just shoot me an email.

Let the Busy Season Begin!

Last weekend I "only" had two ceremonies, but those two ceremonies were the lead-in to one of the busiest times of the year for Austin weddings. (October is another super busy month). In addition to two weddings, I also had six potential-client meetings. And this coming weekend, I've got FIVE ceremonies, four of them on Saturday. Woo-hoo, we are off to the races. I'll keep updating as I waltz my way through about twenty April weddings. Meanwhile, a little bit about last weekend.

Wedding #1 was Friday evening, at Laguna Gloria. There was not one non-perfect element-- the weather more than cooperated, at least one peacock decided to show off his full plumage, the bride and groom were smashing and palpably in love. And this particular wedding gathering was very small-- fewer than three dozen guests-- so they had one very long table set up outside where everyone could dine together. I felt like I was on some old estate in Italy-- Laguna Gloria definitely has that effect. Small weddings seem to be really taking hold these days-- a couple of days after I performed this ceremony I read an article in the New York Times about the teeny tiny trend.

Friday's bride, resplendent in an organic, hemp wedding dress. 

Our groom stands patiently as his boutonniere is affixed.

What a stunning table.  

The wedding gazebo at Laguna Gloria. 

Barton Strings played. This trio is part of a larger group of ten musicians that make up Barton Strings. This particular configuration includes members of the wonderful Tosca. Oh what lovely music they make.  

Just Married!

The peacock approves!

The view at Vintage Villas.

My second wedding of the weekend was out at the spectacular Vintage Villas, where I've done a million ceremonies. So beautiful out there, and it's nice to see that the lake is starting to fill up a bit. This wedding was a Persian wedding. Well, actually, I performed the American portion of the evening, and a family friend did the Persian portion later on. If you've never been to a Persian wedding, let me tell you, the set up is really something, with every element you see pictured below carefully selected to symbolize all the important parts of marriage.

I loved all the rich purple accents.

Congratulations!

SXSW! St. Pat's! First Day of Spring! Weddings That Fall on Holidays...

Since I last checked in, I've done three weddings all of which fell on special occasions. I mean, occasions special for reasons beyond being a wedding day. There was a couple in for SXSW. Here they are, heading to the Chapel (Dulcinea) of Love. 

Then, on St. Patty's Day, it was out to the Hill Country to the wonderful Memory Lane Event Center in Dripping! Thalia Morgan and her crew run a tight but also laid back ship out there and it is always a pleasure when I'm invited to perform a ceremony at their venue. As you can see from the men's attire, no, the date choice was not a coincidence. These folks went full on green:

They even had a bagpiper-- Hylton Cruickshank-- who is magnificent. I was grateful he played Amazing Grace BEFORE the ceremony, not during it, because that song, done on bagpipes, always makes me bawl my eyes out. Hylton's website is AustinBagpiper.com -- you can find out more about him and his availability there. 

And then, on the first day of Spring, I performed a small wedding out at Chapel Dulcinea. The night before the storm in town and in the Hill Country was so wild that the couple (and me, too) wondered if it would be raining for the ceremony and, more importantly, if the road would be closed. Well the road was open, we got there, and I am not making this up-- the sun came out for the wedding. Then it clouded over again making for a really dramatic skyline.