The contrast of the deep reds against the natural background of greens and blues makes for quite a dramatic scene. The designer was able to show the diversity of the chameleon-like chapel which is perfect for an array of design possibilities.

This simple yet dramatic cake shows the contrast of the environment with natural flowers, a white wood grained center tier (mirroring the D6 chapel) & deep reds of the table settings.

Venue: D6 Retreat // Photographers: C Wright Photography / Kortney Boyett Photography / Marni Wishart Photography / Mercedes Morgan Photography / Uche Photography // Planner: Classy & Sassy Chics Events // Cake: Get Caked // Bride Gown: Renegade Custom // Tux: Xedo // Calligraphy: Camel & Birdie // Florist: Bark & Beam // Jewelry: Chloe & Isabel // Linens: Chic Linens by CC // Tables: The Gathering Table // Vintage Rentals: Classy & Sassy Chics Events / Sisters Vintage Party // Models: Sonja Liane / Kim Watson / Jennifer Ekoki / Minhaj Baig / Chris Banks / Josh Sweet

 

 {The Idea:} Festival Chic in an Open Air Chapel with 360 degree views of the Texas Hill Country

There was excitement in the air when the day finally arrived. It was a beautiful September day in the Texas Hill Country. We had a cast of exceptional local vendors that had been planning this day for months. Jennifer Ashford, wedding coordinator with Altar Ego Weddings performed her magic with a carefully coordinated schedule to catch just the right light at each of our photo shoot spots on the D6 Retreat property. While the "bride", Kiersten Shivers, headed off to get hair and make-up done by the beyond talented Dash with Lavish Beauty, we began the transformation of the natural canvas of D6 Retreat into a unique modern festival masterpiece.

Dash, with Lavish Beauty, transformed model Kiersten Shivers into a bride fit for a rustic bohemian wedding with ribbon twisting braids, baby's breath, and natural makeup tones. That perfect dress? It was provided by Melange Bridal.

Before we knew it, the natural beauty of D6 Retreat had been enhanced by the softness of the eye catching floral arrangements crafted by Sweetwater Stems.

The views of the tall flowing floral arrangements against the rolling hills took our breath away! The pop of the purples and texture variations in the arrangements were almost fairytale like in this magical setting.

All of the spectacular details of the day were captured effortlessly by the very talented Jessica of Jessica Frey Photography.

The transformation of D6 would not have been possible without the vision of Molli from 10th Collection Rentals. It was a perfectly balanced "marriage" between light and dark elements alongside soft and hard design throughout the ceremony and reception space. Black tapered candles flicker under the warm glow of the Texas sunset offset by bright florals and green rolling hilltops.

Talk about making a splash! The cocktail lounge area set up poolside was one of distinct elegance. Throw in a bottle of our favorite local Single Malt Whiskey by Swift Distillery and it was time to kick our feet up and enjoy the sunset views!

Floating cakes anyone? What's more festive than several pounds of delicious art hanging from a rustic metal & cedar pergola? Christy with Cakes Rock took this celebration to a whole different level (pun intended) with her three beautifully crafted cakes featuring gold lace and dangling crystals with hammered metallic accents. Christy is the true meaning of the word artist!

Upon sunset and at the completion of the photo shoot we all gathered around the center table at D6 and shared stories for hours as we sipped our Swift Whiskey and enjoyed dinner beneath the star filled sky.
Friends, adventure and the great outdoors...that's what D6 Retreat is all about!
Book your next magical event at www.d6retreat.com.

A couple of behind the scene moments...

Where:12700 Hill Country Blvd., Ste S-100, Bee Cave, Texas 78738
Website: www.chisosgrill.com
Topic: Restaurant, Drinking, Bar, Date Night, Family Friendly
Menu: Online
Enjoyed by ages: 0-99
Distance from D6 Retreat: 11 miles (17.7 km), 16 minutes
Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM Daily

Chisos Grill is located in Bee Cave, approximately 16 minutes or 11 miles (17.7 km) from D6 Retreat. While not technically in Dripping Springs we had such a wonderful Mother's Day lunch here that I couldn't help but write a blog post about our experience!

My husband & I have food allergies but we were able to find many delicious options on the menu. We both settled on the wedge salad with bacon & grilled shrimp topped with a bacon vinaigrette dressing that was out-of-this-world! We could not believe how amazing this salad was & although, I hate to admit it, I still daydream about that salad & the most delicious dressing I've ever put in my mouth. The shrimp were large & in charge & grilled to perfection. They sliced the wedge into manageable bites before it arrived at our table & was as fresh as if they'd grown it on a rooftop garden. I forgot to get a photo of it because we both inhaled it!

Where: 16604 Fitzhugh Road, Dripping Springs, TX
Website: www.treatyoakdistilling.com
Topic: Restaurant, Drinking, Playing, Shopping, Date Night, Family Friendly
Menu: Online
Enjoyed by ages: 0-99
Distance from D6 Retreat: 5.3 miles (8.5 km), 8 minutes
Hours: Friday 3-9, Saturday 12-9, Sunday 12-6

The Treat Oak Ranch is a fun & carefree hang out that my 10 month old enjoyed as much as grandma did! We went on a Sunday when they had a special menu of $12 Fried Chicken (gluten free salad option). The kids played on a giant tree slide while we waited in the modern & rustic barn/dining hall for our food. Here is a video reviewing our experience along with some photos of all the fun we had. This adorable ranch was dripping with charm & certainly gets the D6 Stamp of Approval!

Even baby Emma was excited about this place & the water cup was a great toy!

The boys made a B line for the tree slide! We arrived at noon on Sunday & were the second customers but as we were leaving around 1:30 the place was really starting to fill up!

There were so many activities that the kids didn't want to leave. We could have stayed another two hours! The eatery had beautiful modern sofas amidst the rustic backdrop of a wooden barn with metal ceilings and concrete floors. Situated throughout the barn was a swing & giant chess set the kids gravitated towards. There were also big screen tvs for sports lovers.

The food is prepared in a food truck behind the distillery. It's very fresh and delicious! The kids loved the chicken and baby Emma ate all the mashed potatoes. Grandma fell in love with the secret recipe honey mustard dressing! My 5 year old started shoveling the spinach in his mouth & I was shocked because he never eats spinach!

After a nice meal Grandma decided to partake in the $5 tasting in the gift shop and tasting room next to the restaurant. She fell in love with the bourbon whiskey served by a very knowledgeable & wonderful lady named Alice. Alice is the owner's mother & as friendly as can be. We really enjoyed chatting with her until the tasting bar filled up with guests ready for their own sip! We purchased our hats and local honey from the gift shop and headed out!

Griffin, 5, says he likes the mashed potatoes and the swing. Brady, 8, says he loves the salad & playground...and "it is so fun here!"

Our souvenir hat. $14.

That's all from The Treaty Oak Ranch! We'd love to hear about your adventures at Treaty Oak in the comments below!