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An Amazing Night
By Jean Hailey
Photography By Kim Francois Photography
Kim grew up in Austin, and Dan in St. Louis, Missouri, but they both moved to Atlanta, Georgia, for college to attend Emory University. They met at a formal event, Dan asked Kim to dance and they became friends. The next year, they lived in the same dorm, and they became even closer. Kim had a secret crush on Dan, and when she asked him to be her date for a sorority formal, he admitted that he had a crush on her too. They had a wonderful time at the formal and have been together ever since.
Kim fell in love with Dan for his sense of humor and his ability to make her laugh.
“He always sees the best in people, and of course I think he is a very handsome and smart guy,” said Kim. “I love the commitment he has shown me.”
In turn, Dan thinks that Kim is the most beautiful woman he has ever met, both inside and outside.
When it came time to talk about getting engaged, Kim had strong opinions about the style of ring that she wanted. Together she and Dan visited almost every jeweler in Austin. Dan decided to incorporate some of the diamonds from his great grandmother’s ring into a ring for Kim, and after many hours with the artistic jeweler at Benold’s, he had a final product he loved.
The couple had been dating for eight years when Dan asked Kim’s parents for their daughter’s hand in marriage. Her dad joked that it might be a little premature, and everyone had a good laugh. After a wonderful dinner at one of Kim and Dan’s favorite restaurants, Dan got down on one knee and asked Kim to marry him. She said yes.
The newly engaged couple wanted an elegant, sophisticated wedding reception, but they did not want a formal, sit-down, plated dinner. They also wanted their out-of-town family and friends to have a great first impression of Austin. For these and other reasons, they chose the Headliner’s Club for their wedding reception. The club commands spectacular 360-degree views of the city. Kim and Dan loved the venue and felt it was the perfect setting for their reception.
For the wedding ceremony, the couple chose the Headliner’s Club again, in the McBee room on the 20th floor. They wanted to be married at sunset in an intimate space in a small, private family ceremony.
After much research, Kim’s mom came up with a perfect wedding date. October 3 was a combination of many special and sentimental dates for Kim and Dan.
Kim wanted to use fall colors for her decor. Her favorite flowers are roses and orchids, and Keith Burnham at Westbank Flower Market created magnificent floral arrangements following her specifications. In silver containers he displayed a variety of roses in various shades of red, and orchids in cinnamon, cranberry and gold. He also designed bouquets and a boutonniere for her bridal attendants.
Kim had an unusual bridal party. A good male friend and colleague of Kim’s had joked with her that he would be her bridesman. Much to his surprise and everyone’s delight, she took him up on the offer.
“At first Dan’s groomsmen gave Jason a hard time, but that was replaced by a little jealousy as all the single women at the wedding wanted Jason’s attention,” laughed Kim.
On the day of Kim’s scheduled bridal portrait, it rained. However, Kim’s photographer, Kim Francois, worked her magic in spite of the weather. She took incredible photos inside Laguna Gloria, as planned, until the rain stopped, and then navigated Kim down to the slippery boat dock. When it began to sprinkle, Kim’s mom handed her a bright red umbrella, and voilà, she had Le Parapluie de Laguna! The talented, creative photographer captured the moment.
“The photos are real keepsakes,” said Kim.
During the unbelievable wedding reception, catered by the Headliner’sClub, Kim and Dan had their first dance to “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” by the Four Seasons, and true to the song, they couldn’t keep their eyes off of each other.
The same was true of Kim’s proud dad, Allan, who later danced with his daughter to “The Way You Look Tonight” and toasted the newlyweds.
After a night of fabulous food and drink, dancing to the music of The Fairmonts, and a reunion with friends and relatives from near and far, everyone gathered at the elevator for a red silk rose petal send-off for Kim and Dan. They left the Headliner’s Club for their white limo, which was parked outside the bank building on Sixth Street.
“This was an amazing night,” said Dan.
“We’ll cherish the memory of it forever,” added Kim.
Austin Resources
Venue:
Headliner’s Club
Reception:
Headliner’s Club
Caterer:
Headliner’s Club
Wedding dress:
Alexia Gavela Bridal
Bridesmaids’ dresses:
Melange Bridal
Groom’s tux:
Men’s Warehouse
Wedding cake:
Better Batter Bakery
Groom’s cake:
Better Batter Bakery
Photographer:
Kim Francois
Transportation:
Concord Limousine
Hair salon:
Dolce Salon
Makeup:
Rochelle Rae
Florist:
Westbank Flower Market
Music:
Ceremony – The Capital of Texas Brass Quintet; Reception – The Fairmonts
Officiants:
The Honorable Jan Breland and The Honorable Elisabeth Earle
Rehearsal dinner:
Etter-Harbin Alumni Center at the University of Texas with RK Group/Catering by Rosemary
Rentals:
BBJ Linen
Travel agent:
Accent Travel
Wedding rings:
Benold’s Jewelers
Mother-of-the-bride dress:
Coutures by Laura
Wedding programs:
Silver Papery
Wedding invitations:
William Arthur
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