THE BRIDE AND GROOM

maggie

Proudly hailing from Philly, Maggie traded in the hustle and bustle of her beloved Northeast for a laid-back place where cowboy boots are appropriate for all occasions, queso is ubiquitous, and the best beers are local. She's passionate about the arts, has worked in museums since she was 18, and her first love will always be Bruce Springsteen.

T.J.

Born and raised in Hawaii before moving to the St. Louis suburbs for high school and Washington D.C. for college, T.J. has been a cinephile his entire life. The University of Texas's MFA Screenwriting program brought T.J. to Austin, its Tex-Mex, outstanding theaters, and film industry kept him there. He loves live music, dad jokes, and embarrassing Maggie.

Photos

ENGAGEMENT

Photos by the lovely Paige Newton

2010 to 2017

TRAVEL

GETTING HERE

Our wedding ceremony and reception are being held in two central Austin locations about 25 minutes from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. ABIA is a mid-size international airport serviced by every major airline. Uber, Lyft, Fasten, RideAustin, Super Shuttle, and taxis are all available at the airport.

GETTING AROUND TOWN

Austin has limited public transportation. Ride sharing is our recommendation if you're coming from out of town.

We have Uber, Lyft, Fasten, and our favorite, RideAustin (they're local, non-profit, and round up for charity) available for easy and affordable ride share options. The airport also has most major rental car agencies if you prefer to rent a car during your stay.

The schedule and routes of the minimal public transportation options (one metrorail line and city buses) can be found at www.capmetro.org

GETTING TO THE WEDDING

The ceremony site Laguna Gloria is about 10 minutes Northwest of downtown, right off the 35th St exit of Loop 1 ("MoPac") or down 38th St (which becomes 35th St) from main thoroughfares Guadalupe St. or North Lamar. There's ample free parking on-site.

The reception site Malverde is in downtown Austin, near the intersection of W 2nd St and Guadalupe, two blocks from the Colorado River. We recommend ride-sharing if you're drinking and to avoid the need to park. There is an AMLI garage around the corner at 2nd and San Antonio or various lots nearby for $10-$20 parking.

ACCOMODATIONS

AIRBNB

Airbnbs are a great and affordable way for you to experience some of Austin's best (and "weirdest") neighborhoods! Anything within a few miles of downtown should be good, but we recommend South Congress, Clarksville, or East Downtown neighborhoods.

hotels

There are many great hotels in the downtown area in a wide range of price points. We are not offering a hotel block but here are a few recommendations in the area of the reception.

The W

The Driskill Hotel

Hotel Indigo

AUSTIN MOTEL

THINGS TO DO

zilker park

Austin’s centrally located Zilker Park spans 350 acres just south of downtown and offers more attractions than you could possibly tackle in a single day. If it's warm enough, take a dip in the famous Barton Springs or rent a kayak (or a swan boat!). If the water looks a little chilly, enjoy a stroll on the scenic Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail, which is easily accessible from the downtown area. 

stroll south congress

South Congress, from about Barton Springs to Elizabeth Street, is one of Austin’s most popular and ecelectic spots for live music, dining, and unique shopping. Must-see shops include Uncommon Objects, Allen's Boots, Lucy In Disguise, and Tesoros Trading Company. Start your day with an Iced Turbo and a breakfast taco at Jo's and end with a frosé at Hotel San Jose's hidden courtyard bar.

RAINEY STREET

Renovated houses turned into bungalow bars reign supreme on this increasingly popular tucked-away street just minutes from our reception. Day or night, you’ll find relaxed Austinites strolling from bar to food trailer to bar again, often with their dogs in tow looking for a kicked back sip and a bite.

hamilton pool

A gorgeous, historic natural pool created when the dome of an underground river collapsed due to massive erosion thousands of years ago. The pool is located about 20 miles west of Austin off Highway 71. The preserve features hundreds of acres of protected natural habitat featuring a jade green pool into which a 50-foot waterfall flows. A fun day trip for those seeking some nature during their visit, but reservations are strongly recommended. While not technically in the immediate area, take a five minute detour on the way home and enjoy beers/wine/cider at Jester King Brewery.

MT. BONNELL

The highest point in Austin, this park alongside Lake Austin offers a vista for spectacular views of the city, Colorado River, rolling hills, and the homes of Austin's celebs at its base. It requires a short hike or climbing some steep stairs, but it's likely your best photo opportunity and is less than a 5 minute drive from our ceremony site.

cinemA

It's no big secret that we love movies, and Austin has some wonderful places to enjoy them!
The Alamo Drafthouse offers dinner, drinks, movies and events, all under one roof. Continually ranked the best movie theater in America, we are always impressed with their creative programming and inventive film-inspired food and cocktails. 
The Violet Crown cinema is just a block down from our reception site and shows a great variety of indie, documentary, & foreign films. The theaters are intimate, but we highly recommend trying to grab a comfy armchair in the front row when you reserve your seats. While they do offer food and drinks, be sure to order from the bar before your movie starts as they do not offer in-theater service like the Alamo.

CHICKEN SH*T BINGO*

Exactly what it sounds like. This is fun, but strange Austin tradition takes place every Sunday starting at 4pm. The large crowd spills out of the tiny dive bar into the parking lot, so we recommend bringing lawn chairs as the outdoor seating is very limited. Bring small bills and keep an eye on the hostess, she'll sit down randomly and announce that tickets are up for sale and everyone rushes to get in line. Tickets are $2 and and the cash goes to the lucky winner. The bride's family (plus T.J) celebrated Easter here two years ago, and Margie (who swears she never wins anything) won!

Find tips and history here and here.

Be warned, the only food available for purchase are small bags of chips behind the bar, and complimentary, serve-yourself chili dogs, so we snuck in our own snacks and it didn't seem to be a problem. There are a number of great restaurants in the immediate area, including Bonhomie, Peached Tortilla, and Lucy’s Fried Chicken.

*new addition

EAT

trudy's

Inexpensive tex-mex with three locations. The reason we live here.
Order queso especial, a stuffed avocado, and a Mexican martini.

uchiko

Intimate, Japanese farmhouse dining, once named the best sushi restaurant in the country by some reputable culinary magazine. Get there early for one of the best happy hours in Austin.
We insist you try the brussels sprouts and at least one of their desserts.

gordoughs

Gourmet, sinfully delicious fried-to-order donuts served out of an airstream trailer. If you're brave, visit their Public House for savory donut options like donut burgers and chicken fried steak.
The "naughty & nice" is simple cinnamon and sugar perfection.

elizabeth street cafe

Surely the most charming Vietnamese/French restaurant that ever was. Located just South of downtown on South first, they serve everything from perfect french macaroons to killer banh mi.
Their large batch punches are great. Also, Breakfast Pho!

bangers

Another Rainey street favorite with 100+ beers on tap and an endless menu of creative, house made sausages. Set in a beautiful beer garden, you can't miss their Sunday brunch with a live New Orleans jazz band that plays everything from traditional songs to Britney Spears covers.
Unusual combos like South Texas Antelope Merguez or duck, bacon, and fig sausage in port and honey are great . Maggie swears by the Veggie BLT sausage and the Snickers Ice Cream jar.

MICKLETHWAITE BBQ

East side barbecue trailer serving brisket, ribs, sandwiches & the best BBQ sides in the city. This is one of T.J.'s favorites that, unlike the more famous Franklin's, doesn't involve getting up at 6am to stand in line for.
Get the brisket, trust us.

licha's cantina

Set in a cute and funky Eastside cottage, Licha's cantina serves modern takes on a authentic central Mexican food.
You can't go wrong with the tlacoyos or champiqueso, but we recommend being brave and trying something new!

swift's attic

A funky, but stylish downtown restaurant serving inventive and whimsical American dishes. 
The menu changes daily so we can't recommend anything specific, but if you can go with a big group we suggest ordering a bunch of small plates and sharing!

The great taco debate (torchy's tacos v. tacodeli)

Most Austinites are deeply loyal to one famous, local taco chain.
We happen to love both, even if the taco gods do strike us down.
Each of these places serves its own purpose; for fresh and flavorful ingredients and custom breakfast tacos head to Tacodeli. For unique, gluttonous tacos smothered in queso and poblano ranch, check out Torchy's.
Tacodeli must tries include the Heather, the Otto, and the famous La Dona salsa.
The queso at Torchy's is arguably the best in town, while the Fried Avocado is fantastic as is the Democrat (Obama's fave!) They also have a pretty great secret menu, check it out here.

easy tiger

Freshly baked breads and a creekside beer garden, could you ask for anymore? Located at the end of the famous "Dirty Sixth", Easy Tiger offers a much appreciated reprise from the chaos of the downtown party scene.  
Order their pretzel with beer cheese or anything with their famous baguette.

chuy's

Visit the original location of the growing national chain. Located just outside of Zilker Park, this Austin institution serves affordable and flavorful tex-mex in a funky, colorful atmosphere.
They make an excellent Chile Relleno and Maggie's favorite sauce is Boom-Boom.  Don't forget to ask for their Creamy Jalapeno sauce with your chips and salsa. 

eddie v's

Fancy seafood and steak restaurant downtown with a fantastic happy hour in their jazzy cocktail lounge.
We've celebrated many birthdays and anniversaries here. 
Don't miss the Tuna Tartare or the Lobster Bisque.

fonda san miguel

Sophisticated takes on traditional, interior Mexican cuisine served in a colorful, hacienda-style space. 
Their Sunday buffet brunch is legendary. This OG Austin institution has been open for forty years.
Just a stone's throw away from our place, this is one of our favorite happy hour spots.
Order the Queso Flameado for a tableside flambee performance and we think their guacamole is the best in town.

FAREGROUND FOOD HALL*

This brand new addition to the Austin culinary scene is right in the heart of downtown and an awesome opportunity to sample some of the best Austin restaurants all under one roof in a seriously beautiful space. You can find tips and a comprehensive guide here.

HULA HUT*

This was Maggie’s first official gig for her first few years in Austin and it definitely deserves a spot on this list. This place is as kitschy/touristy as it gets, but most of the food is actually pretty decent, the drinks are strong, and the view from the pier can’t be beat. This place will be very busy on a sunny spring day, so arrive early or plan on enjoying a frozen, tropical drink and indulging in the serve yourself chips and salsa on the deck while waiting for a table. 
Maggie’s favorites include the Salmon Tacos and the Texas Nachos, T.J. loves the Mexonesian Shrimp Flautas and the Hawaiian Fajitas, and they both agree that the Tres Leches is the best in town. And if we are being honest... steer clear of the Burger, the Macadamia Crusted Mahi Mahi, and the Veggie Tubular Taco.

*new addition

drink

craft pride

A Rainey Street institution serving only Texas Craft beers poured by very knowledgeable, but not at all snotty, barkeeps. 
Come hungry and order the best pizza in the city from the VIA 313 trailer out back.

small victory

Tucked away in a parking garage, this small, speakeasy style bar serves delicious craft cocktails and a surprisingly excellent cheese and charcuterie plate.
If you're with a group try the Philadelphia Fish House Punch.

peche

French comfort foods & craft cocktails (many with absinthe) delivered in a New Orleans-esque space.
They make a stellar New York Sour, or you can tell the bartender what you like and they'll whip up something special just for you.

whisler'S

Great cocktail spot on the Eastside with extensive outdoor seating and talented bartenders. Also home to Thai Kun,  a member of the famed East Side King family. 
If you like mezcal, head upstairs to the secret Mezcalería Tobalá.

the driskill bar

Built in 1886, The Driskill Bar is the definition of Texas opulence, and lovely spot to grab a cocktail and a snack.
One of our favorite spots to bring out of state visitors.
T.J. loves the Sage Advice and the Batini has been named the official cocktail of Austin.

jester kinG

The beautiful scenery and top-notch beers make Jester King more than worth the drive outside of Austin. They're known for their farmhouse-style ales and sours, but they have a great bottle list and some fantastic ciders and wines.
They have craft beer options to suit any taste and their cider and wine selection is impressive and unique.

Registry