There is nothing more magical or romantic than a Chateau Bellevue engagement session. Okay, that may not true. Add this couple and a bottle of wine and it’s utter perfection.

Lovebirds

On a hot summer night in June of 2016, “we met at what was then The Blackheart, a bar on Rainey Street. Megan was in Austin on vacation. Sam was out with some friends. The two groups started chatting and drinking Old Fashions together. Our friends were hitting it off, so we decided to continue hanging out for the rest of the night.”

At the end of the night, Megan gave Sam her number, then went back home to San Diego. The two continued to keep in touch when Sam invited her to visit just two weeks later. This visit lead to 3-1/2 years of a long-distance relationship, with many flights to and from San Diego and Austin. That is until Sam convinced Megan to solidify their future together, and move to Austin in 2020.

And now the lovebirds are getting married at this beautiful hidden gem in downtown Austin next Spring.

Chateau Bellevue Engagement Session

It was so fun getting to know Megan and Sam and I am so thrilled to photograph their wedding!! Scroll for some of my favorites from their Chateau Bellevue engagement session in the meantime!

A Little History Lesson (just in case you were wondering)

Didn’t know about this venue in downtown Austin? Me neither, despite having walked and driven past it a plethora of times!

Here’s the low-down on this stunning venue:

“Built in 1874, Chateau Bellevue has French Romanesque arches, beautiful courtyard grounds, a ballroom, ornate hand-carved woodwork and stunning stained glass windows.”

“It has been the headquarters of the Austin Woman’s Club since 1929.”

“The mansion was built by Harvey and Catherine North in 1874. The Norths were newcomers to Austin when construction began.”

“Before coming to Austin, Harvey North was a merchant in New Orleans. He took his family on long visits to Europe, giving credence to the idea that Bellevue’s castle imagery evoked European castles.”

“Catherine North sold the mansion to Augusta Gaines and William Pendleton in 1881.”

“In 1892, Major Ira Evans bought Bellevue Place and turned the home into a castle, with the help of noted Texas architect, Alfred Giles. Giles extended the home toward the west with a series of limestone arches. He fortified the rooftops with crenelations and added a side entrance of exquisitely carved limestone,” making it what it is today.”