Real Bride Feature // Alexandra + Austin

bride and groom walking on boat dock

#luxereduxbride Alexandra had the most stunning, intimate outdoor wedding. 

Alexandra and Austin met in college. They began seriously dating their sophomore year + were engaged nearly 10 years later on Alexandra's birthday!

"My birthday is the day after Valentine's Day, so naturally, restaurants are always packed. He managed to get reservations, which included my family, at my favorite New Orleans themed restaurant. New Orleans has always been special to our relationship, as it was the location of our first vacation together. Creole food also became my favorite food to cook, and his favorite food to eat! It really was the perfect place to pick for my birthday! We were seated at our table and ordered drinks. Once our drinks came we just talked for awhile, and my whole family kept staring at me. My dad kept insisting I drink the martini I ordered. Once I picked up the glass I noticed an engagement ring connected to the stem. That's when Austin got down on one knee and proposed to me. The whole staff of the restaurant was in on it, and the entire restaurant began clapping and cheering. It was one of the most special moments of my life, in a place that represented some of my most cherished memories. I wouldn't have had it any other way!"

bride holding bridal bouquet

Nature has always been important to their relationship - Alexandra and Austin both love being outdoors. One of their bucket list goals as a couple is to visit every national park together, so it only made sense that they were married in one! Olympic National Park in Washington was the perfect location for their special day.

bride and groom wedding portraits 

Nature was not only an important element for their wedding location, but also for Alexandra's dress. She wore a stunning, fitted, lace detail gown by Watters.  

"I knew Indra by Watters was the dress for me as soon as I saw that magnificent train. The lace details perfectly encompassed the beauty of nature (leaves and flowers). It was the perfect dress to represent me, and also provided the perfect compliment to the beautiful location of our wedding." 

bride wearing Watters Indra wedding dress

 "I originally chose Luxe because I saw it had great reviews online, and my sister worked in the same shopping plaza as the Luxe Redux store in Cleveland. I worked in a bridal shop when I was in college, so I knew a little of what to expect; however, Danielle gave me the most amazing experience I could have asked for. My mom and sister came with me to try on dresses, and we were the only ones in the store. It was truly a very personalized experience, and Danielle really guided the process phenomenally. She had me try on something from every style to help narrow down what I liked, and it didn't take long for me to find my perfect dress!"

wedding reception details

Their wedding reception was very intimate, surrounded by family and close friends.

"Picking a favorite memory from our wedding day is extremely difficult, as I loved every single thing about that day. Everything seemed to go exactly as it should, and even the things that didn't never ruined a single moment of that day. If I had to pick one though, I would say that our reception was absolutely the most special memory from our wedding day. It was the first time that everyone from my immediate family, and his immediate family, were able to spend time together. We only had 14 guests, making our wedding and reception very intimate. We played games all evening, ate the most wonderful dinner, where everyone gave a toast, sat by a bonfire and made s'mores, listened and danced to music, and laughed and shared stories with one another. It was truly the best day of my life, and one that not only Austin and I will remember, but our families will forever too."

bride and groom dancing at wedding reception 

photography: Breeanna Lasher

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