A Journey of a Lifetime Begins Deep in the Heart of Texas
Part of why we really love taking a very personable approach to helping people plan their wedding music is we get to be inspired by their story. Kenda and Clai's is one that it teaches us about how love and commitment can withstand the test of time and distance. We hope their story is inspiring for you!
Kenda and Clai met on their high school debate team in South East Texas. They pursued their love of debate through college, competing nationally. After college and law school in North Carolina, Clai moved to Dallas to pursue his career, while Kenda moved to DC to pursue her masters at Georgetown University and begin her career in international development. Eventually, Clai's career took him to London. Coincidentally, Kenda passed through London for a book launch, after writing a few chapters in a book. They met up again and started dating within 24 hours.
"If it's meant to be, it is possible."
After they started dating, Kenda's was relocated for work to Ghana and the two of them carried on a long distance relationship for nearly a year. This really showed their commitment for each other as they made time and travelled to see each other at least once every 6 weeks. In between their visits, they sent very long emails back and forth as it was sometimes tough to connect on the phone. In 2010, Kenda moved to London, to start a doctoral program and live closer to Clai. They eventually moved in together, she completed her degree, and, 5 years after the re-encounter in London, they became engaged.
After living and traveling abroad, Kenda and Clai encountered many beautiful and picturesque possibilities for a wedding venue, so our question to them was "Why Dripping Springs, TX?"
After a chuckle, Kenda explained that she had always dreamed of an outdoor wedding in a wide open space. She also said that because they both met in Texas and still have family here, they wanted to get married in Texas and the Austin area seemed a perfect choice for hosting people coming from around the world, as there is a little bit of everything. After shopping around Austin and not finding any venue to provide picturesque outdoor scenery, without traffic, street noise, or other urban distractions, Kenda and Clai fell in love with Ma Maison in Dripping Springs. They decided on a perfect balance: a weekend of fun Austin traditions (Esther’s Follies, BBQ, live music at Cedar Street, and so on) and the ceremony and reception in the beautiful Texas hill country.
The weather on September 27 couldn't have been better with a temperature in the upper 70s and not a cloud in the sky. Everyone had an amazing day!
Their advice for couples planning their wedding from abroad:
1. Don't let family and friends be your only source of information about your planning. Hire a wedding planner or a day of coordinator. It makes a real difference.
2. Collaboration counts. Choose high quality, well reviewed vendors who have worked together and previously at your venue. It helps naturally pull the moving pieces together.
3. Interview potential vendors via Skype or videoconferencing to ensure that their creativity and contributions will fit with the plans that you have for your wedding.
4. Stay in touch. Set up periodic consultations via Skype to develop a personal relationship with your vendors.
5. Make time for one or both of you to visit the location if you can. Visual ideas will fall into place more easily and it’ll be easier to plan your quick alone moments for the day of.
Congratulations to Kenda and Clai! We wish you all the best in all of your future endeavors, and a long and happy marriage. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story with us!
A special thanks to the following vendors for helping them have an unbelievable day:
Ceremony Music: Terra Vista Strings
Wedding Planners: Ann Paty and Alicia Parker
DJ: Greenbelt DJ- Anthony Conforti
Photographer: Mill Photography- Tyler Schmitt
Officiant: Let's Do It- Sarah Reed