Austin couple Charlotte English and Kyle Muennink first met through mutual friends while attending Texas A&M University, but it wasn’t until they both moved to Austin after college that they became close. English was at a backyard barbecue at Muennink’s house when he asked her out for the first time.
After dating for two years, Muennink sent English flowers at work on a Friday with a note to meet him for a lunch picnic at their favorite park, Red Bud Isle. English arrived at the park and walked to the end of the trail where she saw Muennink in a suit jacket — and down on one knee.
While the proposal was a private affair, another visitor to the park was conveniently taking photos of his wife nearby with his professional camera, and managed to snap some shots of their special moment.
Remembering the proposal, English says, “I was like this is amazing but it's the middle of the work day. Do I have to go back to work?”
Muennink told English that he got the go ahead from her manager for her to have the rest of the day off to celebrate, and later that evening they had dinner at Perla’s with their families.
Engaged for 11 months, English and Muennink both wanted a shorter engagement. English notes, “We were ready to get married and start a life together.”
English and Muennink were married at the Gage Hotel in Marathon, Texas on October 14, 2017 in a ceremony attended by 100 of their closest friends and family. Unable to find the perfect venue in Austin, the couple decided to take a road trip out to West Texas, during which they fell in love with the Gage Hotel.
“We immediately knew we wanted to get married there,” English says. “It was basically like having a mini destination wedding. They pretty much make it where as soon as you get there everything is handled so you don’t have to worry about anything.”
The wedding and reception took place in the gardens and courtyard of the hotel, and was full of pops of rich colors. English explains, “I feel like people are afraid of color in their weddings, and I wanted to have a very bright, colorful, fun celebration.”
The bridesmaids donned custom dresses, featuring high-waisted skirts made from blue and white Tommy Bahama fabric, while the groom and groomsmen had vibrant, multi-colored suspenders.
After the ceremony, which was officiated by English’s father, the couple hosted a happy hour in the garden area with a burro carrying beer and Topo Chico in its pack. Guests then moved to the reception area and dance court to enjoy a delicious Texas-themed dinner which included sugar-coated quail and beef tenderloin.
The band, which had driven in from Los Angeles, played hits with a folksy, acoustic twist, starting the dance party in no time. Guests enjoyed a late-night snack of donut holes before sending the couple off with a sparkler exit.
English and Muennink plan to visit the Gage Hotel every year to celebrate their anniversary.
Wedding planner: Michelle West at the Gage Hotel
Ceremony and reception: Gage Hotel
Invitation design: Dixie Design
Flowers: Gage Hotel
Catering: Gage Hotel
Cake: Gage Hotel
Bride’s Dress: Elizabeth Dye
Photographer: Lesley Villarreal Photography
Band: The Straytones
The couple found their perfect wedding spot during a trip to West Texas.
