There Were Hydrangeas Galore at This White-and-Blue Wedding in Austin, Texas
There are many moments when we have to make our own decisions, but sometimes the universe makes our choices for us. For John Ammatuna and Brock Boudoin, it was the latter.
In June 2018, the soon-to-be-lovers were at a crossroads. Brock needed to decide if he should follow his dream of moving from Austin, Texas to New York City, while John, already a NYC dweller, wanted to be in a relationship, but was having trouble finding “the one.” This scenario was just what the universe needed to bring the two together. Once Brock took the leap and relocated, the two connected on a dating app three months later. Users were asked to choose between “Mr. Right” and “Mr. Right Now.” John and Brock both picked “Mr. Right” for one another's profiles, and the rest was history.
After building a life together for five years in NYC, the duo felt it was time to begin a chapter in Texas. It was in Austin where Brock got his master’s degree in professional accounting; the couple bought their first home; and Brock asked John to marry him on a quiet hiking trail on November 4, 2023.
The first thing John and Brock did during their two-year engagement was pick their wedding date. “We chose October 25, as our wedding date to honor John’s parents because the date falls exactly six months after their anniversary on April 25,” Brock says. Once that task was completed, the couple focused on what elements they wanted to incorporate in their wedding and the event’s vibe. “Our celebration was inspired by everything from classic films and historic weddings to moments in television and art, thoughtfully blended into a day that felt elegant, intentional and unmistakably our own,” he says.
Wondering how their wedding came to life? Well, it was mainly through the decor, color palette and flower design. Inspired by Daisy Buchanan’s introductory scene in the 2013 film, The Great Gatsby, John and Brock wanted to promote an ethereal atmosphere using sheer, flowing fabrics. “Layers of soft draping diffused the light throughout the space, instantly creating an airy, dreamlike ambiance,” the couple says. For the ceremony, exposed wood ceiling beams were adorned with white linens, which cascaded behind the altar as well. The reception area had drapery weaved through the chandeliers and delicately placed on the backs of chairs and along every wall.
The drapery theme was even incorporated into the grooms’ attire. “Choosing what we would wear on our wedding day was one of the most exciting parts of the planning process. Our vision was inspired by the Moschino fall 2019 menswear collection, which included ethereal draping and statement sashes that perfectly aligned with the romantic atmosphere we were creating,” the couple says. The love birds wore matching eggshell white suits and modern-and-chic baby blue sashes, which fit in perfectly with their wedding palette of various blues, creams and whites.
The wedding flowers exhibited the luxurious color scheme the most, with hydrangeas in white and blue hues. “Their significance comes from John’s family history since his beloved grandmother’s family is from the Azores, where hydrangeas grow wild. For generations, they have been a family favorite, so incorporating them throughout our day felt like a beautiful way to honor the past, while celebrating our future,” Brock says. The ceremony design focused primarily on white hydrangeas, which surrounded the couple in a semicircle as they said their vows. The reception was a totally different story. Tucked into the center of the head table was a lush hydrangea installation with white and blue blooms, complemented with candles to up the romantic factor.
There were other sentimental touches too, with one of their favorites being the reception table names. “Brock and I created the list together, pulling from places, family names and even pets that have shaped our lives. To bring those stories to our guests, everyone received a welcome package at check-in with their escort card and more. Each card included their table name and a short description of why the name mattered to us, giving guests a deeper glimpse into who we are as individuals and as a couple,” John explains.
Other personalized details throughout the wedding made the experience unforgettable, like the custom, vinyl dance floor designed by their stationer; the Versailles-inspired monogram used on everything from their cocktail napkins to their wedding shoes; and even a RuPaul’s Drag Race-style lip sync battle during the reception. But even though they loved everything about their celebration, the most meaningful moment for them was the vow exchange. “Our vows became a reflection of our entire journey, from the uncertainty of young love to the quiet, steady commitment we’d built over seven years together. The decor, the music and the celebration all paused so love, vulnerability and promise could take center stage. It was the truest expression of who we are,” John says.