Caroline Colom Vasquez is an artist, designer and stylist living in Austin, Texas. She is the creative founder of Paloma’s Nest, and is known for her modern interpretations of traditions and heirlooms, such as the Ring Bearer Bowl™, which was introduced here on Etsy in 2007. For the Etsy Blog, Caroline offers advice on how to style your own wedding photo shoot and tips on how to help your photographer achieve the look you’ve dreamed of.
I jumped at the chance to collaborate with artist Kristy Rice on an editorial wedding shoot inspired by the original Man in Black, Mr. Johnny Cash. Kristy and I share a love of delicate details, heartfelt expressions, and paying homage to history. Produced for Volume 3 of Southern Weddings Magazine, the theme of the event was “A Little Bit Country and A Little Bit Rock n’ Roll,” with a lot of handmade, down-home style added for good measure!
So how can you create the setting for an engagement or portrait shoot of your own and achieve the photos you’re hoping for? Gather inspiration from the things that mean the most to you. Kristy and I are drawn to heirlooms and antiques. For us that often means bringing in family photos as props or borrowing a favorite chair from a grandmother. Maybe for you it’s the first love note your partner sent to you or their scrawled phone number on a napkin from when you met.

For our editorial wedding shoot, the setting was the Salt Lick BBQ, a location known for its scenic vistas and amazing food. Nestled in the rolling hills of Central Texas, amidst mile after mile of pecan trees and prickly pear cactus, you find the city of Austin. Dubbed by many as the Live Music Capital of the World, it’s not just a title, but a lifestyle.

In Austin, heirlooms and antiques sing in harmony with fresh and innovative ideas, just as they do in this wedding. Origami favor boxes were folded from vintage sheet music and filled with black licorice coins and Necco waffers, tied with a black string and presented on a vintage silver tray.

A family style meal was served at embellished picnic tables set with vintage Fiestaware and mercury glass serving pieces. A watercolor table runner, hand-painted by Momental Designs, spans the center of the table. Black cushions were made for the bench tops and lined with hand-stamped cloth bags from Paloma’s Nest, which act as place cards and flatware holders. Floral designer Brooke Howsley of Pollen Floral Art tucked petite arrangements into vintage melamine cups and saucers to complement a lush centerpiece with trailing vines.


Classic Southern details are made new with the bride’s dress, made by designer Jessica Audey. A Paloma’s Nest Ring Bearer Bowl was custom crafted using text from a classic hymn.

The hand-painted invitation suite from Momental Designs included vintage hymnal books reinvented as menus. Fan programs were created using tarnished spoons as handles. Homemade pies and tartlets from The Saucy Tart took the place of a wedding cake.

Pick up a copy of Southern Weddings Magazine or visit their site to see additional images of this styled photo shoot.
Whether you’re a bride to be, or just love seeing what’s new in unique handmade and vintage finds for weddings, RSVP for Etsy’s new Weddings email.
Are you planning a handmade wedding anytime soon? Share in the comments below!
188 comments
Sign in to add your ownRoseyFinch says:
So beautiful! Great ideas!
1 year ago
yourhappilyeverafter says:
Just Beautiful!
1 year ago
whichgoose says:
Love it! Very "Johnny Cash and June Carter!"
1 year ago
RedorGrayArt says:
so very special..all so lovely
1 year ago
paramountvintage says:
love the hair!
1 year ago
AvianInspirations says:
gorgeous and fun!
1 year ago
mousesong says:
Wow! I have always promised myself if I ever had a real wedding I'd make it as Southern as possible. To quote a friend planning her own wedding, "we'll be drinking tea out of mason jars and dancing barefoot." Just my style :) This entire article is gorgeous. I love every little detail--and how beautiful are those tarts? Wow again!
1 year ago
TipsyTimeMachine says:
Very charming!
1 year ago
Nana84 says:
Beautiful, I miss my Texas home :(, Ill be back again someday :)
1 year ago
choisette says:
now that's a wedding dress. what a doll.
1 year ago
junkyardglitter says:
How adorable are you!?! You two look like Elvis and Priscilla! Congrats!
1 year ago
lovelygifts says:
So nice!
1 year ago
HandPaintedPetals says:
Lovely! Great combination of history and personal touches -- Austin is a great place that's home to some awesome artists; so glad to be here!
1 year ago
GrayDesign says:
Love it!
1 year ago
twoinspireyou says:
Absolutely beautiful...southern style:)
1 year ago
FeltShmelt says:
Awesome photos, and I love Paloma's Nest! Thank you for the inspiration, and those mini pies are adorable!!
1 year ago
birdie1 says:
All completely charming!
1 year ago
expressyourself says:
Beautiful!
1 year ago
Ladykonnyaku says:
Not getting hitched anytime soon, but this is a genuinely cute idea for any party, really!
1 year ago
genisepark says:
I just love it. Beautiful romantic and original down home. Congratulations.
1 year ago
ALovelyThingHappened says:
so wonderful. my cowerker and i are awe-ing over this right now!
1 year ago
DevineCollectible says:
So real, so nice! peace, DevineCollectible
1 year ago
OfTheFountain says:
Lovely! I always love reading about nontraditional wedding approaches! :) Of The Fountain has a little feature in Southern Weddings V3 as well...custom luggage tags are perfect for weddings...just saying...
1 year ago
Colettesboutique says:
What a beautiful wedding. Just love the dress.
1 year ago
polkadotmagpie says:
Congrats! Her 2010 doves are amazing.
1 year ago
PersonalizedGiftsbyJ says:
I love this. This is reaaly a cute idea.
1 year ago
thelostfound says:
love it. great article-- fab pictures!
1 year ago
LuttrellStudio says:
So fun! I love the whole shoot.... from Caroline's ring bowl, to the bride's hair, to the cute cut out in the pie crust! Awesome details!
1 year ago
310jewelry says:
so cute! I love the blue under the dress too! gorgeous!
1 year ago
momental says:
Yay!! So excited to share our work with the etsy community! Great team, great times!
1 year ago
BambuEarth says:
This is seriously so inspirational. :) Thanks for sharing a beautiful handmade wedding. ♥
1 year ago
MegansMenagerie says:
Beautiful!!! Congrats! =)
1 year ago
SewnNatural says:
such a beautiful wedding - thank you very much for sharing this story, these pieces and the fabulous photos!
1 year ago
palomasnest says:
Thanks everyone for your sweet comments! This was a wonderful project to work on and we are thrilled to share it, and all of the handmade details, with you all here on Etsy. xo Caroline
1 year ago
chasedreams says:
so lovely
1 year ago
Hammermann says:
Great tips, beautiful pictures!
1 year ago
Tias says:
As a wedding photographer I can only say I would give my kidney to be able to shoot a wedding as cool as this one. Love it!
1 year ago
perebags says:
So much fun!! Congrats!!!
1 year ago
KettleConfections says:
Great inspirational wedding finds! The ring bearer bowls look so elegant.
1 year ago
TulleMeAboutIt says:
Oh, I love her outfit! Beautiful!
1 year ago
MarlaJDesigns says:
Beautiful! Makes me think of Elvis and Priscilla.
1 year ago
NovemberRoseAtelier says:
So adorable!
1 year ago
felicitycrew says:
Very inspiring. And beautiful finds even for those who are already married!
1 year ago
WildMountainWreaths says:
Very Beautiful! & ~Congrats!~
1 year ago
SparklePaw says:
Gorgeous! Love it.
1 year ago
ArtisticIntentions says:
Oh my goodness!! That is soooooo sweet!! Love it!!!
1 year ago
bedouin says:
too cute ~ looks like everyone is having a great time!
1 year ago
rozzie says:
what fun!! as well as what a gorgeous, young, sexy bride!
1 year ago
thecraftpantry says:
love everything about it! Congrats!
1 year ago
AZCreativeStudio says:
Beautiful wedding! Congratulations!!
1 year ago
upintheairsomewhere says:
OMG. Those bite sized pies are calling my name!
1 year ago
vintagegrove says:
Amazing article and what a GREAT source of inspiration! Caroline, my sister-in-law ordered one of your ringer bearer bowls for her wedding last month and it was one of the most special handmade pieces in attendance that day. Thank you!
1 year ago
odiliafu says:
Congrats! What a beautiful wedding!
1 year ago
VelveteenHabbit says:
i love johnny cash-the original and the joaquin phoenix version--his daughter roseann cash is plenty southern style too-you two young lovers are so beautiful in all your pictures!!! sweet romantic real!!
1 year ago
OneClayBead says:
This was such a joyful read and it's a treat to know more about the iconic Palomasnest creator.
1 year ago
beachglassshop says:
lovely!
1 year ago
hoganfe says:
I love handmade weddings & this is a terrific example!
1 year ago
maggiemaevintage says:
absolutely adoreable couple....perfect touches for an amazing wedding. Best wishes!
1 year ago
agatsijoias says:
I never knew that a handmade wedding could be so unique and full of special details that you cannot find anywhere else!!! Uh,handmade weddings, defenitly something to consider in the future!! http://www.agatsijoias.etsy.com http://www.agatsijewelryline.com
1 year ago
Pattyzprettyz says:
very talented! love it!
1 year ago
DamaUSA says:
very pretty. :)
1 year ago
rosebankave says:
LOVE LOVE LOVE IT....
1 year ago
MelroseFields says:
So sweet!
1 year ago
TheSpotlessLoop says:
Super inspiring! :) Love the last photo!
1 year ago
dkshopgirl says:
Beautiful touches for your wedding. Congratulations :-)
1 year ago
KnockKnocking says:
This is perfection and at The Salt Lick? Could not be cuter I think.
1 year ago
thriftyAustin says:
The Salt Lick...YUM! You're making my mouth water. Please Etsy, keep more stuff coming from the Austin area. We may not be as big as some cities, but we have so much to offer other Etsians!
1 year ago
TropicalGarden says:
Special, creative & impressive wedding! Congratulations!!
1 year ago
SwankTownCouture says:
Absolutely beautiful!
1 year ago
dreamyvintage says:
Aww... love it! especially how you decorated the table, adorable :)
1 year ago
ohhhlulu says:
Beautiful wedding, great inspiration for my upcoming wedding! Thank you so much!
1 year ago
songbirdandtwig says:
Love the Southern twists in this wedding! Beautiful!
1 year ago
YourBeeswax says:
Very special, Congratulations!
1 year ago
polishedtwo says:
What a wonderful article! Of course, I'm partial -- I love Austin, Johnny Cash, pearl snap shirts, and I had my own wedding rehearsal dinner at The Salt Lick.
1 year ago
greeneyezdesignz says:
So beautiful and relaxing! Gives me ideas for an anniversary party! How about some peach cobbler with Blue Bell ice cream?
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
I love these unique weddings! Great article and a job well done! Congrats to the bride and groom!
1 year ago
chanyeevon says:
Inspiring wedding :D It feel more intimate and memorable especially both of you planned all these together: sourcing handmade items and collecting those wonderful vintage treasures! Very beautiful :D
1 year ago
rarebirdboutique says:
I had one in September and was trying to see how I could be featured on here especially since I have huge long list of Etsy shops I used for my reception. Please see my blog for details: http://handonhip.wordpress.com/2010/10/05/and-the-etsy-credit-goes-to/ I hope to hear back so I can be featured as well and all the shops can get some recognition. Thank you, Melanie
1 year ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
Such great ideas and gorgeous photos!
1 year ago
RootsJewelry says:
Love!!!
1 year ago
myvintagecrush says:
Love. love. love! So adorable!
1 year ago
percivalroad says:
gorgeous!!! congrats to you both!!
1 year ago
PomLove says:
this is so adorable... from beginning to end, love love love!
1 year ago
heavenlyhair says:
So Unique!
1 year ago
IvorySilk says:
So different...and real. I love the photos..everything! slightly jealous :P
1 year ago
KLBVintageWares says:
I love Texas, I love Austin, and I LOVE this wedding! Thanks for the inspiration.
1 year ago
hankietankie says:
congratulations!!! gorgeous couple & wedding! those tarts don't look bad wither...lovely photos, great style! xox
1 year ago
CustomDogBandanas says:
Beautiful wedding, fellow Texan! Btw, I remember how great your shop is and my mom loved the dish to hold her rings. Congrats!
1 year ago
paperholiday says:
Super cute, congrats!
1 year ago
jungledread says:
Now that's a wedding! Love the style
1 year ago
Vdingy says:
Love it!!!
1 year ago
mosquitoh7 says:
Odd, I see that a few people in the comments don't realize that this is just a Photo Shoot, not a real wedding-- the couple pictured are not an actual bride and groom. Congratulations are in order for the beautiful scenes set by the artists/photographers, not the "gorgeous couple and wedding". The pictures are beautiful, however, on that I can agree!
1 year ago
MaggieHavenBoutique says:
wow this took my breath away !
1 year ago
PickledTink says:
What great ideas! this is just the inspiration I needed for my wedding. I will work in an Australian twist for mine. Thank you very much to the Author Caroline and Jesse Ryan Photography for sharing :)
1 year ago
sineminugur says:
Great!
1 year ago
timandmichelle says:
whilst I was reading this my saucepan caught alight and now the house stinks of molten something..... Wish I could get married all over again and plagerise all these wonderful ideas
1 year ago
HeartstringsByJanice says:
Amazing. Very creative and original!
1 year ago
Hollycrowuk says:
Love the flowers in the blue tea cup... all very effortless and pretty
1 year ago
KikiLaRu says:
Wow, amazing! Handmade weddings are the best.
1 year ago
ALittleDot says:
so sweet ^_^
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
So cute! I love the look of these photos just that little bit rock and roll!
1 year ago
KarensLoom says:
So sweet!!! Love it.
1 year ago
quirkybeauty says:
What an adorable couple. I love her profile. Looks like they had such a lovely wedding.
1 year ago
ByronMorrisArt says:
Great idea!
1 year ago
jarg0n says:
Absolutely beautiful, very very romantic and lovely photographs x
1 year ago
SweetMoonlightShop says:
they are adorable! i just love her hair and make up. actually, i love it all. great job with this one!
1 year ago
Laurasbox says:
Lovelly.
1 year ago
SimpleTraditions says:
Wow, so beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
1 year ago
EverybodyElse says:
Oh my, what a lovely looking wedding. Doesn't hurt that the bride and groom are beautiful too ;)
1 year ago
laralewis says:
Oh my gosh--gorgeous!! I adore the bride's beautiful gown with the blue petticoat!
1 year ago
Gynx says:
That's so cute! As a southern girl I love this!
1 year ago
ikabags says:
What a beautiful wedding !
1 year ago
SongFashions says:
I'm glad you featured a fellow Austinite. She captured the true essence of Austin, "A Little Bit Country and A Little Bit Rock n’ Roll." How perfect!
1 year ago
HannahsTreasures says:
Charming
1 year ago
jammerjewelry says:
Wonderfully Done!
1 year ago
BingoBox says:
Beautiful - Congrats & Cheers !!
1 year ago
littleredmercantile says:
now that would be a perfect wedding :)
1 year ago
dadadreams says:
Great photos! I live in Houston now, but I got married in Austin.
1 year ago
nowonder says:
So So Beautiful! This looks like it was such a fun event!
1 year ago
helenapuck says:
Music sheet pinwheels! What a wonderful idea for a wedding favors.
1 year ago
kathryncole says:
Beautiful!
1 year ago
PearlsAndPosies says:
Weddings like this are far more special and memorable that a classic church wedding. Not to mention that it would be more fun!
1 year ago
Fiftyleven says:
I love this! My wedding was heavily inspired by Southern Weddings magazine, particularly Brooke and Thor's wedding... which had a little bit more of a Nashville theme. I still check out the website from time to time though I was married a year and a half ago.
1 year ago
Fiftyleven says:
Hmmm... looks like their wedding is no longer featured under Real Weddings... still so many wonderful ones to check out!
1 year ago
michaelangela says:
Ok, I think muy husband and I will have to renew our vows because I want another wedding!
1 year ago
WoolnFelt says:
This is my favorite wedding addition yet!!! makes me want to do it all over again!!!
1 year ago
TheCottageCheese says:
What a beautiful (and fun!) wedding. Love the idea of the "family style" dinner, and the bride's dress with her turquoise petticoat is just too perfect :-)
1 year ago
bib4brides says:
You are so very talented. Thanks for sharing
1 year ago
worksofwhimsy says:
Not a real wedding, just a photo shoot? Pretty stuff, but i prefer to read about real weddings of real Etsians.
1 year ago
carlossantiago says:
very cute! i love a good wedding.
1 year ago
Jusadreamin says:
WOW, AWSOME, what a wedding THANKS FOR SHARING.
1 year ago
grimmandgrete says:
Gosh, what is it about his hairstyle that makes me go weak in the knees? Lol!
1 year ago
GracefullyGirly says:
Love it to pieces! Love the Johnny Cash inspiration and beautiful handmade touches. I love to see the photo inspirations even if it's not a real wedding. Still inspiring!
1 year ago
rosi3 says:
Bringing back the romance.
1 year ago
bfyvintage says:
Wow! I'm a little late but thanks for including me! This is a great post....it helps that I'm from the south too:)
1 year ago
ldh13 says:
All of my sterling silver pearl stud earrings are buy 3 get 1 free from now until Christmas Day 2010! Just mention the offer when you check out, and I will throw in a 4th pair, at no cost to you! This is a great deal for holiday gifts! My 4 mm and 6 mm pearl stud earrings are just $9 each, so for $27 you can get 3 pairs! I have red and green boxes I can package them in as well. Or, if you prefer I also have royal blue, light blue, purple, pink, black and tan boxes! Your choice. :) earrings are here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ldh13?section_id=6480446 My shop is here: www.boldrocksjewelry.com
1 year ago
ldh13 says:
All of my sterling silver pearl stud earrings are buy 3 get 1 free from now until Christmas Day 2010! Just mention the offer when you check out, and I will throw in a 4th pair, at no cost to you! This is a great deal for holiday gifts! My 4 mm and 6 mm pearl stud earrings are just $9 each, so for $27 you can get 3 pairs! I have red and green boxes I can package them in as well. Or, if you prefer I also have royal blue, light blue, purple, pink, black and tan boxes! Your choice. :) earrings are here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ldh13?section_id=6480446 My shop is here: www.boldrocksjewelry.com Thanks! Lauren
1 year ago
twirliewhirlies says:
How cute is that bride? VERY!
1 year ago
pommesfrites says:
just love that sheet music book with the menu! A gorgeous wedding. Go Austin!
1 year ago
arsniccandy says:
I loooove the bright blue petticoat under the dress. Pure exquisitness:)
1 year ago
ezliving says:
very beautiful wedding!Thank you for sharing1
1 year ago
Evajune says:
I love the pictures. Your wedding is stunning.
1 year ago
havalazar says:
Wonderful! So very nice!
1 year ago
CarlottArt says:
wonderful idea!
1 year ago
luxe says:
gorgeous!
1 year ago
bib4brides says:
Wonderfully creative!
1 year ago
TigerlilyandClover says:
Makes me want to get married all over again! (almost!)
1 year ago
PaperPicker says:
did anyone mention how much you two look like elvis and priscilla presley? aside from all that, the wedding looked so romantic and cozy.
1 year ago
BeansAndButterflies says:
I love the post and I LOVE the short dress. If you are looking for a nice anniversary band, you can check out a great store that I buy all my jewelry from: http://www.zoara.com. They have really great prices, and I know the head jeweler personally. He's a sweetheart and really knows his stuff!!!!
1 year ago
JoyMerrymanPaperie says:
Creative and beautiful. I love how eclectic pieces come together to tell a story.
1 year ago
WoodenHive says:
I wish I could do a wedding "do over" So many great ideas and beautiful items!!! Thank you so much for including my personalized vintage silver plated spoons!! http://www.etsy.com/listing/59308616/vintage-silverware-personalized-spoon www.woodenhive.etsy.com
1 year ago
FloweryDeer says:
Beautiful.
1 year ago
tatimaia says:
I am actually planning a handmade wedding, in a couple of years. I am married already (5 years), but my hubby and I didn't have a wedding celebration. And, we're not religious, so, we want something specially made for us, in our way. We're even thinking about divorcing and marry again, but... I think this part is a bit complicated. This is something we have to think about. A simple and handmade party would be perfect! Hugs and greetings from Brazil, Tati
1 year ago
momosoho says:
That was a groovy wedding story!!! I love the pick up truck shot ...reminds me of home...Ohio!! Peace, MoMo
1 year ago
bubbleswithlub says:
Wow this is gorgeous! Im in love with that black and white photo of them in the car!
1 year ago
tiffanisaxtondesigns says:
Oh my goodness, well who wouldn't want to go to this wedding? It's warm, personal and finger-lickin' fun! Every single detail counts, and I could kick myself for not having a tea length dress with a colorful petticoat! As always, I love, love, love what Paloma's Nest offers. Just lovely!
1 year ago
kathyjohnson3 says:
Who says weddings have to cost a fortune? Great article!!
1 year ago
HoneyBScrapbooks says:
Love, Love, Love it!! Beautiful photos and a perfect mixture of country and rock & roll.
1 year ago
sparklehorselace says:
just the most perfect way to spend your perfect day - i heart this
1 year ago
GalleonGal says:
Vintage Vehicles, SMooth Clean cut yet, Blue sey charm of the blues guitar, Duck tail style take a musical inspired pathway with a southern twist in my mint julep on traditional wedding, beautiful romantic dress
1 year ago
CaniGlula says:
Beautiful.....So nice,and enjoy the wedding life.........!
1 year ago
dabbledesigns says:
LOVE the brides dress and the cup centerpieces. So very unique!!
1 year ago
avintagebride says:
cute bridal dress love the pies too!
1 year ago
doingitherself says:
I LOVE the Johnny Cash theme - and her veil is just too cute!
1 year ago
SpackleTheGap says:
so inspired to add some of this to my own wedding in the spring! LOVE IT!!!
1 year ago
kittybblove says:
utterly inspiring! The handmade elements really *make* the photoshoot come alive- otherwise it would look contrived. I want to do my own photoshoot now!
1 year ago
vintagerenewal says:
These two are adorable!!!! Thanks for sharing. :-)
1 year ago
TheCakeStandBoutique says:
Oh my gosh LOVE the blue in her dress!
1 year ago
JulietLove says:
Everything is amazing and so creative! Beautiful <3
1 year ago
JulietLove says:
So creative! Beautiful wedding <3
1 year ago
MaggiesbridalShop says:
Fantastic wedding! Love this cute couple!
1 year ago
pattyclova says:
oh i love their wedding theme! His hair reminds me of the one my husband had on our wedding day... I Just LOVE it so much, i'm asking him to bring back that same hair every anniversary http://hearttypat.wordpress.com
1 year ago
innamorataitaly says:
I LOVE this wedding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1 year ago
SweetDishnDarling says:
just perfect :)
1 year ago
AntiqueKeyPhoto says:
love it!
1 year ago
PrettyLonesome says:
The retro Elvis theme is too cute! Handmade weddings are certainly a unique spin on the traditional. As a part of making your handmade wedding truly special and one of a kind, please view custom handbag ad bridal clutch designs from Pretty Lonesome Purse & Accessories! http://www.prettylonesome.com
1 year ago
Debbiemacs says:
Beautiful !! What a special touch you put on everything. Love the southern theme.
1 year ago
jrcastillo says:
I love it! :) You two are gorgeous and even more so together!
1 year ago
ElegantPartyBoutique says:
Thanks for share all the great ideas and pics.
1 year ago
chauhie says:
I LOVE this wedding!!!!! So much fun! The bride is gorgeous!
1 year ago
avintagebride says:
Beautiful collection and theme....
1 year ago
windrosie says:
lovely! what a romantic dress and such a beautiful bride! Congrats to.. Elvis and Priscilla? :)
1 year ago
LILIWCOUTURE says:
One of the cutest and very romantic!!!
1 year ago
Elena Rakhuba from WoodStories says:
So beautiful and romantic! Awesome!
46 days ago
Sandra from CoutureWeddingHankie says:
♥ ♥ LOVE IT! ♥ ♥ The mini pies are adorable! ♥ ♥ ♥
46 days ago
Doris Price from MyPricelessCreations says:
So very lovely and downhome Texas! LOVE the use of a lovely floral arrangement in of all things Melamine! Original for sure and thanks for sharing.
46 days ago
Lisa Brown from OHONEFINEDAY says:
Wow..what an Amazing wedding and beautiful keepsake photos!
46 days ago
riwa furman from furmanaite says:
That is soooooo sweet!! Love it!!!
45 days ago