You can really feel the fun and good time flavor of this wedding. This wedding has a perfect mix of celebration and personalization. And how many brides do you know who would enter their reception to the song, “I Like Big Butts?” Here’s more about Danna and Shane’s happy day.
Danna & Shane | June 27th,2009 | Austin, Texas
How he proposed
It was New Year’s Eve 2007, and Shane took me to one of my favorite restaurants and got the most amazing bottle of champagne for us. After our incredible dinner he took me to a famous bridge in Austin to watch fireworks. After he laid out a blanket and served up drinks for us to enjoy while watching the fireworks, I thought this was just going to be the most incredible New Years Eve kiss ever…but he had so much more in mind. Right at midnight he got down on one knee and proposed. I was so surprised. I thought I had done all of my detective work and that he was going to propose the following week on our vacation. I was wrong and so glad I was. It was such an amazing moment.
The ceremony
We were married at Bethany Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas. The church is absolutely beautiful so we decided to keep the décor minimal and went with an altar full of candles and a few beautiful floral arrangements. We wanted a simple yet elegant look, and all the candles helped. Of course, what made the ceremony so great was that we were surrounded by our family and closest friends.
The reception
For the reception we wanted it to be a party no one would ever forget. The wedding party danced into the reception venue as each pair was introduced. Shane and I entered dancing to Sir Mix- a- lot’s “I Like Big Butts” (Inside giggle…the first night Shane and I met, he sang this to me at a Karaoke bar)
We also incorporated our German heritage by having a huge the Grand March, which was absolutely amazing.
And of course, someone had to pull a prank! Long story short… Shane’s uncle dressed up as a woman. Overall the theme of our reception was love, laughter, and family.
The moment Danna will never forget
Our first dance was absolutely amazing. It was right after the Grand March so we encircled by our family and friends it was such a surreal moment.
The wedding theme
We initially intended that the entire day would follow our “simple but elegant theme.” The ceremony definitely fit that mold. However, as time went by, we decided that we wanted the reception to be all about our guests having a good time. We started the party with a very high-energy entrance to set the tone. We had a buffet style meal to ensure our guests had plenty of food (We are a family that loves to eat!) We also incorporated fun traditions and great music to keep the party going.
One of the special moments was our exit from the reception…we left in the exact same car that my parents used to exit their wedding reception almost 35 years earlier!
What was it about your wedding dress that made the “the one”
My mother was with me when I selected my dress. We had actually selected another dress at another store and visited this store merely to keep the pre-arranged appointment. This dress was the first one I tried on, and I knew immediately it was the one. It was almost as if all the things that I ever dreamed of in a wedding dress came to together the moment I put it on. The deal was sealed when I walked out to show my mom…she literally “gasped” when she saw it.
Advice for other brides
Don’t let the stress take away the magic. If the stress does get a little edgy, just remember. The day is about the marriage, not just about the wedding! All the small details are fun but the thing everyone will remember is how happy the two of you are.
