Weddings

This Austin Wedding Embraces the Whimsical with Bold Colors and Beer Burros

Carly and Austin’s wedding at The Grand Lady combined personal style, heartfelt details, and a little Texas charm

By Liz Harroun
Photos by Katie Knotts
July 14, 2025

Carly and Austin Roth-Eagle held a colorful wedding at The Grand Lady in Austin. (Photo by Katie Knotts)

When Carly Rudiger (now Carly Eagle) set out to plan her wedding to Austin Roth-Eagle, she had one clear vision: “I want it to be joyful, whimsical and colorful.” The result was a vibrant celebration at The Grand Lady, a stunning historic mansion and modern hall among 20 acres of oak trees in Manor, that perfectly captured the couple’s personality and their love for bringing people together.

Carly and Austin’s story began at Northeastern University during their freshman year at a Chance the Rapper concert. As the story goes, he saw her from across the room and knew they were meant to be together. Despite their instant connection, Carly admits she put Austin in “the friend zone” for a year and a half. Austin’s determination eventually paid off, a theme he referenced in his wedding vows with the opening line, “persistence pays off.” The couple began dating during Carly’s sophomore year and have been together for eight years.

On April 30, 2024, Austin proposed during their nightly dog walk around the nature preserve across from their house. While Carly was distracted by plans for a girls’ dinner that evening, Austin had orchestrated the perfect surprise. When she finally noticed the rose petals scattered at their favorite spot by the lake, she immediately started crying. Their closest friends jumped out from behind bushes to capture the moment, making it an intimate celebration that reflected their community-centered approach to love.

Carly & Austin wedding — The Eagles’ wedding featured donkeys with little saddles carrying drinks for guests. (Photo by Katie Knotts)

Blooms and burros

For the wedding venue, the couple chose The Grand Lady for its on-site flower garden, allowing them to use locally sourced, sustainable flowers, a priority for the gardening-enthusiast bride. The florals became the centerpiece of their celebration, with a stunning archway that required multiple revisions to achieve Carly’s whimsical vision. She also commissioned giant handmade paper flowers from local florist Flowerette Co. to create beautiful activations along the walking path between the ceremony site and cocktail hour.

Perhaps the most talked-about wedding detail was the beer burros — donkeys with little saddles carrying drinks for guests.

“That was the first question I asked every single venue. I was like, ‘Do you allow donkeys?'” Carly laughs. The inspiration came from her grandmother’s farm and her desire to embrace their Texas setting.

Carly and Austin's wedding invitation designed by Porkchop Screen Printing. (Photo by Katie Knotts)

Carly and Austin Eagle’s wedding invitation designed by Porkchop Screen Printing. (Photo by Katie Knotts)

Their floral-themed wedding cake was made by their friend Lauren Frances of Porkchop Screen Printing. (Photo by Katie Knotts)

Carly’s 1964 Chevy truck, inherited from her mother, was a centerpiece at the wedding. (Photo by Katie Knotts)

Giant handmade paper flowers made by local florist Flowerette Co. (Photo by Katie Knotts)

Custom art piece made by Phoebe Joynt. (Photo by Katie Knotts)

Creative touches and fun twists on tradition

The couple’s creativity extended to their wedding stationery, which they hand-screen-printed with the help of friend Lauren Frances (who also made the wedding cake!) at Porkchop Screen Printing in Austin. The result looks more like a bold, artsy poster than a traditional wedding invitation. They created 50 invitations using two different layers of ink, a time-intensive process that resulted in unique keepsakes for their guests. Carly chose the same bold colors for her bridesmaids’ dresses: bright pink and bright orange.

Carly parked her 1964 Chevy truck, inherited from her mother, who had owned it since college, as a heartfelt centerpiece on site. Carly restored the vehicle herself, reupholstering the seats and redoing the truck bed. The truck served as both transportation and a unique photo opportunity, complete with a custom floral installation.

Their ceremony broke convention in several ways. Austin’s father officiated, while both Carly’s brother and Austin’s sister gave speeches during the 30-minute ceremony rather than at the reception. Instead of a traditional bouquet toss, the couple opted for a volleyball toss, honoring their passion for Austin’s volleyball community. They walked down the aisle to an instrumental version of a Taylor Swift song and chose non-traditional music for the first dance songs, including one by Chance the Rapper — a nod to their first date.

Carly’s first look with her mother. (Photo by Katie Knotts)

Carly’s first look with her father. (Photo by Katie Knotts)

The bride with her bridesmaids and her dog Tex. (Photo by Katie Knotts)

Family, feathers and brotherly love

Her wedding dress held special meaning. Carly found it at the very first shop she visited with her grandmother, mother and aunt in Oregon. Though her grandma had been diagnosed with cancer and knew she wouldn’t make it to the wedding, she was thrilled to see Carly try on the dress. The week before the wedding, after her grandma had passed, Carly spotted a huge albino peacock with full tail feathers, a sign she believes was her grandmother’s presence.

Throughout the wedding day, Carly’s brother Billy Rudiger truly embodied the role of “Man of Honor.” Beyond giving a speech during the ceremony, he went above and beyond by constantly ensuring Carly stayed hydrated, holding a parasol for shade, positioning her near fans, carrying her train and veil and managing her dog, Tex.

The couple held a pool party at South Congress Hotel. (Photo by Katie Knotts)

Carly and Austin’s after party at South Congress Hotel’s pool. (Photo by Katie Knotts)

From cowboy boots to cannonballs

Festivities extended beyond the wedding day. The night before featured a cowboy-themed rehearsal dinner, followed by a walk down South Congress with their wedding party. The following day, they hosted a pool party at the South Congress Hotel, where everyone jumped in.

Looking back on their colorful, joyful celebration, Carly feels most proud of how the wedding brought together all the people they love while honoring the family members who couldn’t be there. It perfectly captured a couple who have always prioritized bringing joy and community together.