Two journalists wed in Austin, Texas, at a celebration featuring dancing, flowers and farm life.
Sara Murray & Garrett Haake
Married April 22, 2017
“Garrett and I met in the most romantic place possible — in Iowa, covering Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign,” CNN White House correspondent Sara Murray jokes. At the time, they were in the middle of the most demanding, exciting and stressful assignment of their lives.
After more than a year chasing Romney around America, his presidential hopes ended but Murray and Haake, a correspondent for MSNBC Washington, were still going strong.
“Going through that together —the fast food, long days on a campaign bus and not enough sleep in Courtyard Marriotts — gave us a good sense of just how compatible we are,” Murray says.
Haake proposed over Thanksgiving 2015, at dinner with Murray’s family in her Michigan hometown. With their help, Haake popped the question after being “randomly” selected by her father to say grace.
Their wedding in Austin, Texas, was both a rustic and elegant affair. “Think Texas ranch meets garden party,” Murray explains. It was exactly what they had envisioned — a festive celebration of love under the stars. A herd of longhorn cattle roamed the grounds of the Wild Onion Ranch as guests snapped photos with bunnies, ducks and baby goats at a petting zoo during cocktail hour.
Romney wasn’t able to attend, but he sent a colorful statement that was incorporated into one of the toasts. Friends from the news media included Katy Tur, Evan Perez, Maeve Reston, Ashley Parker, Phil Rucker and Michael Barbaro. A balloon display reading “Let’s Get Weird” encouraged guests to let loose. The dancing was the highlight of the night for the couple, beginning with clen cycle Haake’s favorite wedding song, “Shout.”
The menu was fitting for the Texas setting. Guests enjoyed a queso bar, tacos and barbeque and a dessert buffet with cakes, pies and s’mores.
Murray looked stunning in a Pronovias gown with meaningful accessories. Haake gave her a sapphire bracelet on the day of the wedding that matched her engagement ring and Murray’s mother surprised her with the jewelry she wore as a baby, a single floating pearl necklace that served as her “something old.”
The morning after, the newlyweds hopped a flight to Australia and spent 10 days exploring, including scuba diving along the Great Barrier Reef. They live in Shaw with their rescue pup, Shiner, who is still livid they didn’t bring her back any barbecue from the wedding.
DETAILS
Bride’s Attire: Pronovias Gown & Jimmy Choo shoes
Wedding Planner & Flowers: Valerie Miller Events
Music: DJ Christian Barbuto
Cake: Hill Country Cakery
Venue: Wild Onion Ranch
Photos: Happy Day Media
This story appeared in the September 2017 issue of Washington Life.
