Glenn and Morgan first met in 1989 through a video dating service. Morgan, a single mom, took a chance on the dating service thinking that most men would run the other direction when they discovered that she had an 18-month-old daughter. But, Glenn Jackson turned out to be unlike “most men,” he knew exactly what to do with Morgan’s wounded heart. He became a true friend and waited patiently for their friendship to grow into love; and it did. They wanted to get married, but because of various different reasons at the time, they decided against a formal wedding and married at the Travis County Courthouse.

After being married for a year, Morgan realized that she had missed out on having the ceremony/reception, and the pictures to share with her children. Morgan and Glenn had hoped to renew their vows at their 10th wedding anniversary, but something always seemed to come up and the plans were postponed year after year. Fortunately, a business venture gave them the perfect opportunity to realize their dreams. Glenn and Morgan purchased The Wild Rose Hall and decided that after 18 years, it was time to fulfill their dreams of a wedding at their very own venue.

Morgan had started a floral design company, and as a result designed the flowers for her renewal wedding with the help of her daughters. Because Morgan is in the wedding industry, she had lots of opportunities to meet hundreds of fabulous vendors, so choosing the vendors for the ceremony was effortless. Morgan chose Better Batter Bakery to create her chocolate raspberry wedding cake, and an amazing banana pudding trifle for Glenn’s groom’s cake (pudding).

They had known for quite a while that it would not feel right for them to have a “traditional” ceremony with an officiant or pastor doing the presiding, so they chose to write their own vows and stand before their family and friends together, with their children as the wedding party. “The idea was somewhat scary to them all, but everyone was a good sport about it and went along with the totally off the wall plan,” laughs Glenn. “Our three daughters were the most beautiful bridesmaids and our son walked his mom down the aisle before joining me as my best man.” “Seeing Morgan in her beautiful dress being escorted down the aisle by our son was really such a joyful experience!” “ I will never forget it,” he said. The ceremony began with a prayer, thanking God for bringing them all together for this special occasion. The bride, groom and their children, stood together in front of everyone and recited their personal thoughts to each other about their love and their marriage, evoking laughter and tears from each other and all the guests. Afterward, they shared communion together, the bread and wine that meant so much to their faith. Glenn concluded the ceremony by reading a short poem called The Wedding Prayer, by Robert Louis Stevenson.

The reception was breathtaking. Morgan had envisioned an intimate way of setting up the veranda so that everyone could sit together at one long table. Friends and family all gathered around the table to talk and share their special time together. “It was wonderful to see everyone and spend time with them,” said Morgan. “The evening went by much too quickly and was so magical.” “It was like a dream you never want to end.” “Brides and grooms tell us things like that all the time,” she said. “Now I know what they mean.” “It was fun and wonderful and we are so glad we did it!”

Austin Resources

Venue:
The Inn At Wild Rose Hall

Florist:
Simply Abundant Blooms

Photographer:
Beloved Photographer

Cakes:
Better Batter Bakery

Wedding Gown:
David’s Bridal

Groom’s Tux:
Tuxedo Junction

Bridesmaid’s Dresses:
Dillard’s