Lance Avery Morgan
From A Mountaintop Proposal In The Peruvian Andes To A Strobe-Lit Hora Loca Under The Oaks, The Wedding Week Blended Tradition, Creativity & Unstoppable Dance-Floor Energy Into One Unforgettable Celebration
By Lance Avery Morgan Photography by Inbal Sivan
In a city that prides itself on originality, Kelli Corcoran, the daughter of Kim Greene and Brian Corcoran, and Jonathan Spindel, the son of Monika and Dr. Enrique Spindel, delivered a wedding week that felt entirely, unmistakably their own; deeply rooted in tradition, joyfully modern in spirit, and powered by the kind of dance floor energy Austin has come to expect from its most creative citizens.
From Advertising To The Andes
The couple met while working in Austin’s advertising industry… a fitting beginning for two people who traffic in ideas and imagination. Kelli, a Denton native and graduate of Texas State University, now works at GSD&M advertising agency. Jonathan, born and raised in Austin and a Wesleyan University graduate, is a marketer and writer. Reflecting on their first impressions, Jonathan shares, “I was immediately drawn to how deeply Kelli cares for the people around her. She’s incredibly creative and expressive, but what stands out most is her compassion and open-mindedness.”
Kelli recalls her own early admiration just as clearly. “Jonathan’s confidence and individuality really struck me,” she says. “But what sealed it for me was his loving relationship with his family. That told me everything about who he is.”
After eight years together, Jonathan orchestrated a proposal worthy of their adventurous spirit. In April 2024, while hiking the Inca Trail through the Peruvian Andes, he surprised Kelli with a mountaintop proposal after two days of trekking. “We were literally above the clouds,” Kelli remembers. “I had no idea it was coming. It felt surreal, like the world had paused just for us.”
Jonathan adds, “There’s something about earning a view together. It felt symbolic of our relationship: hard work, awe, and then this beautiful moment at the top.”
They were engaged for 19 months before marrying.
A Week Of Celebration
The festivities unfolded as a joyful marathon across the city. Out-of-town guests were welcomed with cocktails at La Condesa, followed by a Halloween costume Shabbat dinner at Fresa’s South First. “We loved the idea of blending reverence with playfulness,” Kelli says. “Where else do you get custom kippot with bats and jack-o’-lanterns?”
Saturday morning brought an Aufruf at Congregation Agudas Achim, grounding the weekend in tradition and family. “Having that spiritual moment before the big celebration meant so much,” Jonathan shares. “It centered everything.”
On Sunday afternoon, guests gathered at The Vineyards at Chappel Lodge in Austin, where wedding planner Jamie Cano of A Timeless Soirée transformed the venue into a romantic garden party dream, accented by bright colors and lush arrangements from Jo.An Florals. The cake was designed by the bride and created by Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop in Austin.
Before the outdoor ceremony, family and close friends witnessed the signing of the ketubah. Then, beneath a chuppah framed by century-old oaks, Rabbi Neil Blumofe officiated as the couple exchanged vows.
Kelli walked down the aisle in a gown by Jenny Yoo, complemented by custom diamond earrings. “I wanted something timeless but still me,” she says. “Elegant, but ready to dance later.”
When Jonathan broke the ceremonial glass, cheers of “Mazel Tov!” rang out from the attendees. “In that moment,” Jonathan reflects, “I felt the full weight and joy of our families coming together with my parents, Monika and Enrique, and Kelli’s parents, Kim and Brian. It was overwhelming in the best way.”
The Wedding Party
Standing beside the bride were her attendants: Adison Adams, Angela Carrillo, Corey Hill, Wade McKinney, Walker Patter, Chanelle Quezada, and Kelly Skiles.
Jonathan’s best man was his younger brother, Abraham Spindel, and his groomsmen were: Patrick Cline, CJ Corcoran, Kyle Corcoran, David McDonald, Arash Saeedi, Kapil Saxena, and Isaac Silverman.
“It meant everything to have our siblings up there with us,” Kelli says. “It didn’t feel like ‘his side’ and ‘my side.’ It just felt like ours.”
From Garden Party To Dance Floor Fever
Dinner for the 230 guests was a buffet by La Pera Catering, but once formalities concluded, the evening shifted into high gear.
The newlyweds made their entrance with a lively first dance to “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” setting the tone for what was to come.
Then came the outfit change. Kelli traded her gown and heels for a sequined go-go dress and white Nikes. “That was the signal,” she laughs. “It was time.”
Andrew Thaggard, known as DJ Boom of Profound Sounds, took over from there, spinning Latin American favorites in tribute to Jonathan’s heritage. “Music is such a huge part of my family,” Jonathan says. “I wanted the dance floor to feel like home.”
It did more than that. It erupted.
Guests lifted the couple high during the Hora, encircled in a whirl of color and sound. The peak came during a full-blown Hora Loca, complete with glow sticks and flashing lights. “Seeing everyone, from college friends to grandparents, dancing together was unreal,” Kelli recalls. “That’s what we wanted: joy without inhibition.”
The After-Party & Beyond
The celebration spilled into downtown Austin, ending with an impromptu pizza gathering at The LINE Austin. “It was the perfect, unplanned finale,” Jonathan says. “Just us and our people, decompressing after the best day of our lives.”
For their honeymoon, the couple embarked on a whirlwind tour of Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Fujikawaguchiko, immersing themselves in the art, cuisine, and culture of the Asian destination. In Austin, where the couple resides, they continue to share their passions for tennis, cooking, music, and the arts.
Looking back, Jonathan reflects, “The most special part wasn’t any single detail; it was seeing every chapter of our lives represented in one place.” Kelli agrees. “We felt so held by our community,” she says. “It wasn’t just a wedding. It was the most joyful expression of who we are and how we love.”
And in true Austin (and Texas) fashion, it was heartfelt, high-energy, and entirely unforgettable.
