Marion and Candice met during their first semester at Emory University School of Law. They were in the same small section, which means that they had all their classes together for the entire first year. They were friends almost from the very beginning of school, but their relationship began somewhat by chance.

They were randomly assigned to work on a project together and quickly realized that they were much better as a team that they were alone. They came from very different backgrounds; Marion grew up in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and spent his whole life in South Carolina until he went to law school, and Candice grew up in Montreal, Canada and moved to Austin as a teenager. Perhaps the most striking difference is their religious backgrounds; Marion is Methodist and Candice Jewish. “We both broke down so many barriers for the other,” said Candice. “Our differences attracted us to each other, but it is our common ground that has kept us together for almost 5 years now,” she said. Both Candice and Marion are close to their families and adore their siblings, and both families played prominent roles in their wedding.

“Our engagement was truly magical,” said Candice. They were in Montreal for her older sister’s wedding. The day after the wedding Marion and Candice went to dinner at this very quaint French restaurant in Old Montreal. They had the best seats in the house; a table for two in a window terrace over looking Old Montreal. “I thought it was such a perfect night for him to propose, but all throughout dinner he didn’t do it,” she said. “I was actually a little frustrated when we walked out of the restaurant, and almost walked past the horse-drawn carriage,” It was an enclosed carriage, just like Cinderella’s, then the driver said, “Mademoiselle,” and handed her a card. On one side it said, “Will you,” and the other side said, “marry me?” By now Marion was down on one knee. “He said that I never even looked at the ring, I just screamed” Of course! Of course!” laughs Candice. “I looked down and saw the most beautiful ring I had ever seen.” Marion designed it himself and it was absolutely perfect.” The newly engaged couple got into the carriage and the driver kept calling out to the crowds on the street, “She said yes!” “She said yes!” The people lined the streets literally clapped and cheered for them. “It was thrilling,” said Candice. The carriage took them back to the Ritz-Carlton where both of their families were waiting. They had champagne and a warm, wonderful toast given by Marion’s father. “It was truly perfect,” said Candice.

Planning a wedding from out of town is tricky, but not if you have a mother as incredibly dedicated, and devoted as Candice has. She tirelessly executed everything that Candice had dreamed for her big day. Marion and Candice made a couple of trips to Austin to do as much as they could. They visited the Oasis and decided that it was the perfect venue for their rehearsal dinner. They chose Barton Creek Country Club for their wedding venue. They knew that they wanted their guests to have a weekend getaway and Barton Creek had it all. Their guests played golf, went to the spa, and enjoyed the pool for a very relaxing mini-vacation. Because Marion and Candice are an inter-faith couple, they decided not to get married in a church or synagogue. They had a little trouble deciding where they would hold the ceremony. They eventually chose to have the ceremony in the beautiful atrium overlooking the hill country. Once they made that decision, choosing the other vendors seemed to come easily. They interviewed two photographers, but as soon as they met with Kim Francois, they were sold! They loved her work and the wonderful vibe she added to the entire planning process. The florist, Keith from Westbank Flowers created the most beautiful flowers ever seen at a wedding. “The bouquets were unbelievable!” says Candice.

“The wedding ceremony was probably the most unique aspect of our wedding,” said Candice. Reverend Susan Sager, crafted a ceremony to reflect the couples personalities, their relationship, and their distinct love. The ceremony incorporated aspects of Judaism and Christianity. One of Candice’s favorite memories from the ceremony was at the end of the service. Marion was going to step on a glass as is traditional in a Jewish ceremony, and missed. Everyone giggled and then he did it perfectly on the second try. “It was so endearing because it was truly symbolic of how we have both tried to partake in each other’s traditions,” said Candice.

The reception was an incredible party! The Barton Creek ballroom was transformed into a pink and platinum dreamland. The tables were adorned with large silver trumpet vases with vibrant pink flowers of every shade bubbling out. The party kicked off with a rowdy round of the hora. Marion and Candice were the first ones up in the chair. “It was so exciting to see all of our guests standing around celebrating us,” she said. The party was non-stop. Everyone danced all night. Candice and Marion’s dad decided to make a joint speech that turned out to be one of the most memorable moments of the night. As they were reciting the speech that Candice’s father had clearly written, Marion’s dad was reading dutifully from her dad’s script and anytime Marion’s dad would diverge slightly from the script, her dad would quickly direct him back. There was lots of laughter when he exclaimed “ VIOLA,” instead of “voila! “It became quite common for anyone that was there to exclaim “VIOLA!” at anytime during the celebrating. Candice could hardly bear for the night to end; it was just all too perfect. But the time for their departure seemed to arrive all too quickly, and they departed through a flurry of rose petals to ride away in a golf cart.

After a two-week honeymoon in Italy, soaking up the beauty of their surroundings, and an unexpected night in Paris, because of some travel mix-ups, the newlyweds will begin their new journey as a team.

Austin Resources

Wedding Consultant:
Caplan-Miller Events (Courtney Caplan)

Flowers:
Westbank Flowers

Rental Equipment:
Marquee Rentals

Table, Linens:
Tailored Tables

Invitations:
Gossip

Programs, Place Cards, Menu Cards, and Welcome Bags:
Pink Tulip

Wedding Dress and Bridesmaids Dresses:
Serendipity Bridal

Entertainment:
Emerald Entertainment

DJ:
Hollywood Sound

Quartet:
Arundel Ensemble

Officiant:
Susan Sager

Photography:
Kim Francois

Videographer:
Wild Parrot Video

Tuxedos:
Al’s Formal Wear

Calligraphy:
Glenna Garcia

Make-up and Hair:
Rochelle Rae

Lighting:
Ilios Lighting

Accessories:
Townsley Designs