January is always the month where I take the time to plan for the year ahead and to reflect on my weddings from the previous year. January of 2023 was such a special month where I was was able to finally go back to the Gladys Porter Zoo. Not as my third grader self, but as a pastry chef set to deliver one of my favorite designs to such a kind and wonderful couple. I'm beyond grateful to share some of the highlights captured by the talented and discerning eye of Anahi and her team from Anahi Weddings, and I hope the sweet feeling of nostalgia that I felt as a Valley native reaches everyone else who takes at these moments from Johanna and Jimmy's big day!
The Wedding Details
Elegance was a consistent theme that ran throughout Johanna and Jimmy's wedding day and it began with timeless stationary and was carried through to classic pearls. These soft details were cherish with family under the watchful... yet sleepy eyes of two of the sweetest dogs you'll ever meet.
The Reception Details
The styling of Gladys Porter Zoo was undertaken by the talented eyes of Clara over at Social Situations based out of the Harlingen, Texas area. Bold greens and white played perfectly off of one another to create a warm and aromatic atmosphere on this sunny day in January. From the twinkling lights along the surface of the indoor palms to the soft flicker of candle lights atop each table, nature and elegance were at the forefront of this wedding.
The Cakes
"Simple elegance, mixed with Old Hollywood." Those were the words Johanna used to describe her wedding and I was IMMEDIATELY on board. Johanna and Jimmy fully embraced their theme down to the bold touches of gold leaf on their wedding cake. Southern Roots Flower Market provided fresh white roses, Baby's Breath, and greenery that rounded out the design of their four-tier wedding cake.
Jimmy's surprise Groom's cake was based off of the iconic Ben Nevis mountain in Scotland. Johanna shared the sweetest story about their engagement and the importance of the mountain played in the event, so it was the upmost importance to capture all of the details to stay true to their beautiful shared memory.
Johanna and Jimmy's wedding cake flavor was our floral Elderflower Cake paired with Lemon Curd and French Buttercream and masked with a deep emerald fondant. Jimmy's Groom's cake was an Italian Cream Cake filled with a Vanilla Bean Pastry Cream and Italian Meringue Buttercream and masked with hand-painted fondant.
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Johanna and Jimmy, I can't thank you two enough for having such a clear wedding vision and for creating such a chic and nostalgic atmosphere for all of us vendors and guest alike! It was a wonderful experience to play a small part in your big day!
The Team
Photography: @anahiweddings
Venue: @gladysporterzoo
Wedding Coordinator + Planner: @socialsituations
Cake Floral: @southernroots_market@southernrootsflowermarket Wedding Cake: @irissreetbakery
Ready for more?
If these photos have you smiling too, feel free to check out some more real weddings!
xox Michelle
