Vista West Ranch

Ben and Maddie's Wedding

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

#FollowtheLiters through our love story: We met on a hot June day in 2018, thanks to two furry friends, Lucy and Winston. We hit it off and so did the pups. Ever since, it’s always been the four of us! Ben had just finished grad school at The University of Texas and Maddie had just finished her first year of teaching. We spent the whole summer going on dog dates and enjoying time with each other before going back to the "real world" the next fall. Ben is a CPA and Maddie is teaching Kindergarten, but life is still just as fun together. We love travelling, spending time with our friends and family, watching college football games (mostly LSU because they are way more fun to cheer on). Whatever we do, it’s better together. We have started jobs together, endured hardships that we supported each other through, and have had so many amazing memories together so far. We can’t for a lifetime of good days together! We have loved getting to know each other’s friends and family and are so excited to join all of you together, Last spring we were heartbroken to postpone the wedding, but all of our friends and family mean the world to us. We did not want to risk anyone's safety or health last May. Now that many of us have had the opportunity to get vaccinated and we are on the better side of this unexpected season of life, we are excited to celebrate our marriage with all of you!Get ready, it’s going to be LITERally the best day ever!Love,Ben and Maddie

Our Story

The day Ben proposed to Maddie was LITERally a dream! Ben whisked Maddie away to Fredericksburg, TX to tour some wineries as a last summer hoorah and to celebrate the fact that Maddie survived her first week teaching Kindergarten. They arrived at Grape Creek Winery and Vineyard where they went on a wine tour and sipped LOTS of delicious wine. They spent the day enjoying the beautiful hill country views and dreamy aroma of the grapes. When the tour was over, Ben told Maddie that they were going on an "exclusive" walking vineyard tour next. They met up with a very essential man to the plan named John, who led them through the vines. He proceeded to tell them that the other couples going on the tour were a little late and we would meet them at the edge of the vines. As they walked together into the vines, John had to take a phone call and left them alone. Suddenly, Ben took Maddie's arm and told her how much he loved her. He dropped down on one knee and asked her to marry him! The rest is history!... and also a mystery because they were both so nervous that they blacked out and cannot remember what else they said to each other while he was kneeling. The dining patio was crowded with an audience cheering and Maddie and Ben turned to look... there were so many people watching and clapping which made the newly engaged couple blush. Ben hired a photographer (he pulled out all the stops) that captured the whole thing. She came to their rescue by taking them around the grounds and away from the crowds to take some photos. Ben and Maddie celebrated at Grape Creek and then spent the rest of the day at Luckenbach and other small vineyards around listening to live music and soaking in the moment. It was a day that Ben and Maddie will truly never forget! The Texas Hill Country holds a special part of their hearts and history together. They are excited to share it with you on their wedding day!

The Proposal - Fredericksburg, TX

For accommodations, we know our guests are split between staying in the Hill Country for the weekend, and staying in downtown Austin. We want to give you recommendations for both! Many of you are coming from outside of Texas. If you want to make a weekend out of it, both Austin and Dripping Springs have a lot to experience. The choice is up to you! If you are spending the weekend in Dripping Springs, please check out the "Things to Do" page help you find some great things that you can experience while in the Texas Hill Country. Thanks for checking out our website and we can’t wait to celebrate with everyone! Love,Ben &amp; Maddie

Our downtown Austin recommendations are below! All locations are in the same area near downtown and are great if you are looking to explore Austin for the weekend. These are easy access to the venue! If staying downtown, expect a 35 minute drive Vista West Ranch. If interested in blocking a room, please contact Meredith Lilly at lilly.meredith@gmail.com Courtyard Marriott - Downtown JW Marriott - Downtown Hyatt Regency - Downtown

Courtyard by Marriott Austin Downtown/Convention Center

Dripping Springs is known as "Wedding Country" here in Texas. There are many Airbnb or Vrbo options in the area. If you would like a retreat or hotel instead, these are a few options.

Cute little Bed and Breakfast with a cozy cabin feel and Texas Hill Country Views.

Mt. Gainor Inn

Hill Country Casitas & Retreat Dripping Springs Specialty Lodging, Retreat & Event Venue

Lucky Arrow Retreat - Dripping Springs

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dripping Springs - Austin Area

Travel

Enjoy some craft brews, wine, ciders, and food! There is live music, goats, and lots of trails through the vineyard! This a great spot for the family! You can sit at picnic tables and listen to music while playing Corn Hole on the Farm. It is down the road from the Venue and a nice place to stop if coming in from Austin. The views are amazing!

Jester King -- Brewery, Kitchen, Farm & Event Hall

This pub and bier garten is right down the road from Vista West Ranch and would be a great place to grab a beer and catch up with friends before going to the ceremony together if you have some extra time! You can sip on a craft beer while, grab a bite to eat from the bakery or one of the featured food trucks, and explore this very cute and enchanting bier garten!

12 Fox Beer Co

Deep Eddy Vodka is one of the largest and most famous distilleries in Texas and is well known around the country. Sip on cocktails created at the cocktail bar, listen to live music, and sample vodka while you enjoy incredible the Texas Hill Country views.

Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room

Looking for something active to do outdoors? You have to visit Hamilton's Pool Preserve! You can take a short trail down to this natural watering hole! It is beautiful and one of the best kept secrets in Texas!

Hamilton Pool Preserve

Featured on Top Chef, this BBQ is one of the best in Texas! Salt Lick has won basically every award possible for their well famous brisket, pulled pork, sausage, sauces, and rubs. With Salt Lick Cellars next door, you can grab a bottle of wine or bucket of beers and sit outside while enjoying the views and tasty food! On weekends you might even catch some live music!

The Salt Lick BBQ

This great little winery is right down the road from Salt Lick! Do a wine tasting, enjoy the vineyard views, and relax after eating some great BBQ.

Duchman Family Winery

Treaty Oak Distilling

The Historic District has some fun and unique shopping! You can walk around Mercer Street and Old Fitzgerald Road to find some cute shops and places to get a bite to eat. Mazama Coffee Co. and Crepe Crazy are great choices!

Vintage Soul

The Barber Shop is actually a bar! It is known for supplying locally brewed beer, wine from vineyards in Dripping Springs, and lots of Live music. It is on Mercer Street, right in the heart of Dripping Springs Historic District.

Maddie & Ben