Heir to grocery empire ties the knot in a sculpture garden

We met at Barton Springs in Austin! Some friends had been trying to set us up for years, but then we met by chance, swimming one day. Everything about our union felt encouraged and supported by everyone around us and the universe. Our children blended together as if they had been together the whole time. It has been so special.

Tucked in amongst the modern works in the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden, in an intimate, heartfelt ceremony, one of Texas’s most prestigious families grew by one. Howard E. Butt IV (of the HEB Grocery Store Empire) married the love of his life, Shaelyn. The two met in recovery and now dedicate their lives to helping others on their own recovery journeys. With a hanging floral installation by The Flowered Blue and modern wooden chairs, the understated ceremony was impeccably designed by Events by Leslie and allowed the natural beauty of the garden to shine through.

I used to take the kids to UMLAUF when they were younger, and we would talk about all the statues. We drove by one day before we were engaged, and I said, “I want to get married there.” Howard loved it when we toured! How could you not? It’s relaxed and elegant all at the same time.

Shaelyn graced the aisle in a flowing ivory silk gown with a trailing scarf in lieu of a traditional veil. After the ceremony, guests continued on into a covered space in the garden where serpent tables draped in gauzy linens with mauve, champagne, and ivory floral centerpieces awaited.