Wedding, Family, & Engagement Photography Blog

Woodbine Mansion Wedding: 50 Shades of Pink

06.07.21

This Woodbine Mansion wedding styled shoot was a dream. I know when most people hear about ‘pink weddings,’ they think of Barbie or Pepto-Bismol. So when Kelsie from the Groovy Wedding Co. and I started discussing this “50 Shades of Pink” wedding, we had one goal in mind: to make it classy and a wedding that is to die for! A wedding couples would actually want to have.

Location

Choosing a venue is always tough. There are so many beautiful places in Austin. However, picking one that’s a good fit for our “50 Shades of Pink” styled shoot proved to be challenging. We wanted something soft, elegant, and classy. Also, one that doesn’t clash with pink!

We lucked out because Woodbine Mansion has it all! Not only does it have magical magnolia trees, lush grounds, and neoclassical details, but also the most ornate chandeliers, mirrors, and staircase!

Located in charming downtown Round Rock, it is the perfect venue! And so our plans for our Woodbine Mansion wedding styled shoot was set.

Fun, Classy, and Unique

One of the main purposes of styled shoots is to show couples different ways to envision their wedding. Vendors put their heads together to come up with unique things to include that make a wedding special and unforgettable.

For example, our Woodbine Mansion wedding styled shoot included a cotton candy bar, featuring homemade lychee cotton candy and edible toppings. We also included a frosé bar because, well, we all love frosé all day! And both of these little details go a long way! Not only are they yummy, but guests will be talking about them years after the wedding!

Little details make up a big story, from jewelry and stationery to signature drinks and the venue itself! I could go on and on listing all the little details that Kelsie thought of (i.e. a charcuterie board with pink gummies, personalized jean jacket, the cake that had details that resembled cotton candy, etc.) … it was magical!

The Groovy Wedding Co.

You may recognize Kelsie from our branding session together, so if you want to know more about her and her company, check out my earlier blog post.

She is the mind, soul, and designer behind our “50 Shades of Pink” styled shoot. Every detail and vendor you see in these photos were brought to life because of her!

Not only is Woodbine Mansion gorgeous with its magical magnolia trees, lush grounds, and neoclassical details, but it has the most ornate chandeliers, mirrors, and staircase! — Our shoot couldn’t have been timed more perfectly. Woodbine Mansion only has about two weeks when their wisteria grows and showers their property with a pop of purple.

Fine Day Press and Fail Jewelry are two exceptional vendors we used and this flat lay shows off their talent!

Love this personalize jean jacket by Heart to Home Calligraphy

Celebrations Bridal and Prom allowed us to use their beautiful gown.

Another stunner from Heart to Home Calligraphy with flowers by Lavender and Lily Floral.

The frose bar is something special and unique that couples and their guests would love at their wedding!

Consider having a signature drink at your wedding, and a cotton candy bar!

This personalized charcuterie board was exceptionally yummy.

I love how Cakes Couture incorporated cotton candy texture throughout their cake.

All the little details that make a wedding special.

I love this tablescape that's pretty in pink, simple, and impactful.

This Woodbine Mansion wedding has it all, both the tablescape and the backdrop!

Who doesn't love a good frose with cotton candy on a hot, summer day in Austin, Texas? — I don’t know about you, but I love cotton candy drinks!

Mellisa was a beautiful bride! — Mellisa makes the most beautiful bride!

Just look at the gorgeous staircase, florals, wedding gown, and chandeliers!

Lavender and Lily floral did a superb job on the wedding flowers.

This room at Woodbine Mansion is a stunner!

Accessories are all that matter and these pink shoes are to die for!

The bride getting ready for the ceremony.

The back of this wedding dress is beautiful and the staircase at Woodbine Mansion was made to display it!

Although we couldn't find a pink car, we liked the pop of red! — Although we couldn’t find a classy, pink car, we loved the pop of red that ATX Classic Cars provided.

There is no better getaway car! — How beautiful is the 1971 Buick GS?

ATX classic cars has a good collection of cars for any event.

Our Woodbine Mansion wedding couldn't have been more perfect.

Mariposa Lane Events provided the custom and homemade cotton candy.

I love how this playful detail added to our shoot. — The cotton candy added a touch of playfulness to this styled shoot.

Strolling, enjoying Woodbine Mansion in Round Rock.

Trying to figure out where to open their rose.

And so our Woodbine Mansion wedding ends with petals and a dramatic kiss!

Bride’s Hair: Styles by V ♥ Bride’s Makeup: Riev Beauty ♥ Bridal Boutique: Celebrations Bridal and Prom ♥ Wedding Planner: the Groovy Wedding Co. ♥ Frosé Bar: Blush Bar ♥ Florals: Lavender and Lily Floral ♥ Wedding Venue: Woodbine Mansion ♥ Photographer: Sweet Memories Photography ♥ Videographer: Huckleberry Wedding Films ♥ Creative Catering: Mariposa Lane Events ♥ Cake: Cakes Couture ♥ Car: ATX Classic Cars ♥ Stationery: Fine Day Press ♥ Jewelry: Fail Jewelry ♥ Rentals: Premier Events ♥ Calligraphy: Heart to Home Calligraphy ♥ Models: Mellisa and Adam

A Zilker Park Engagement Session: Megan and Jameson

05.28.21

Megan and Jameson are a fun-loving, goofy, and adventurous couple who love nature and their city. So what’s more perfect than a Zilker Park engagement session? It has both nature and city views that are to die for!

First Encounter

These two first met in 2018. Jameson was out with friends on West Sixth Street when he ran into Megan and her mom. They all spent the entire night drinking and dancing together. Before he left, Jameson got Megan’s number and asked her on a date. In her words, “a really beautiful first date” and she has “loved him more and more every day.”

Engagement Session Representation

After speaking with the couple, I learned a lot about who they are. They love to travel, work out, play board games and poker, camp, hike, play volleyball, and watch “Psych” and “The Office.”

Learning this information helped us decide where to do their pre-wedding photos. Their Zilker Park engagement session couldn’t have been a better representation of who they are as individuals and as a couple. Especially so when they asked for their session to consist of “fun, laughing, flirty photos with a couple of romantic ones.” I would say it was a success!

We mixed both fun and flirty, and super romantic photos during their engagement session.

This Zilker Park engagement session was beautiful, especially with all that gorgeous light coming in!

Because what's more romantic than dancing at Zilker Park?

These two are such naturals in front of the camera

Although I prefer natural shots, the look-at-the-camera ones are just as perfect!

I love that they played with each other and just had so much fun.

They were just talking but I couldn't pass up the moment to capture it.

Downtown Austin is just so charming and the perfect backdrop!

Couldn't resist capturing that golden light, even if there is traffic in the background.

This is one of their favorite positions to be in so we had to incorporate it!

Walking down the pedestrian walkway in downtown Austin.

I love the shots where the guy kisses her hand. Very traditional and old-fashioned and sweet!

Channeled my inner creative side and did a long exposure!

Cheers to November

I cannot wait to celebrate their big day in November!! Cheers to just six months (but a lifetime full of happiness, laughter, and adventures)!!

A Whispering Oaks Estate Wedding

05.24.21

This Whispering Oaks Estate wedding was utter perfection! And another fun and special wedding to second shoot for with Photos by MKay!

Kathleen and Blaine have waited years to finally say “I do.” Now that the day is finally here, they couldn’t have asked for a better day. Sun shining through the trees, slight wind blowing, and surrounded by their family and friends, these two are united as one.

Whispering Oaks Estate Wedding

This quiet and secluded Estate sits on 50+ acres of beautiful ranch land nestled in the Texas Hill Country. And is the perfect venue for any wedding, especially Kathleen and Blaine’s!

Little Love Notes

Snipits from Kathleen and Blaine’s love notes to each other (that had us all tearing up):

Kathleen: “You are my person. You make me happier than I have ever been … I can’t wait to spend forever with you. Let’s do it, I’m ready!”

Blaine: “Kath, we’ve been together for so long and been through so much together. It’s just so special to be here with our family and best friends, and I’m so excited for our future. I love you so much.”

Second Photographer Opportunity

It is always a joy being Amanda‘s second photographer. Not only is she talented and fun, but she gives me the flexibility of being creative. Plus, it’s also a great opportunity to photograph at venues I’ve never been to before.

As always, all photos you see are taken and edited by me for Photos by MKay:

This wedding venue is charming and beautiful!

Kathleen's beautiful wedding dress hanging.

Detail shots of their wedding vow books.

Kathleen about to get into her wedding gown.

There's nothing sweeter than a mother-son moment!

First looks with dad are always emotional!

Had to get a few shots from outside of the house because the views are just beautiful!

There's just something magical about this place ...

Kathleen had bought sentimental and personal gifts for her parents as a 'thank you.'

Even though they had just had their first look, Blaine still couldn’t hold his tears back. Not only had they both been waiting what felt like an eternity to get married, but she was so elegant and beautiful walking down the aisle…

The wedding ceremony consisted of a lot of laughter and a lot of tears!

Blaine had Kathleen crying during his wedding vows.

They put the wine in a box with love notes to open up on their anniversary.

Walking down the aisle as a married couple!

Signature drinks are always a hit at weddings!

The end of their first dance as husband and wife.

Saying a quick 'thank you' to all of their friends and family.

Time for toasts, starting with Kathleen's sister.

The best man had everyone laughing during his toasts.

The dads had their turn at toasting their kids.

It was a messy cake-cutting but they made it through and sealed it with a kiss.

Such sweet moments between Kathleen and Blaine!

A candid shot of them walking through Whispering Oaks.

Always make extra time for these portraits ... it's a beautiful moment

A little pick-me-up during their portrait session.

Wedding exits are always unique and fun!

I always love a grand exit … especially when bubbles are involved!

Their wedding ends with a grand bubble exit!

Wedding Venue: Whispering Oaks Estate ♥ Coordinator: A Bride a Day Weddings ♥ Primary Photographer: Photos by MKay ♥ Second Photographer (all photos in blog taken by): Sweet Memories Photography ♥ Videographer: Huckleberry Wedding Films ♥ Officiant: I Pronounce You ♥ Cake: Cakes Rock ♥ Florals: Wild Bunches Floral ♥ DJ: Spark the Night Entertainment

Bluebonnet Engagement Session: Shawna and Brandon

05.17.21

After receiving an inquiry to do a Bluebonnet engagement session earlier this year, I realized that it is a thing here. I’m not from Texas, nor have I lived here long, but one thing I found out is that Bluebonnet season is huge and one of the busiest times for photographers!

Welcome to Texas

Originally from south Florida (small world, right?!), Shawna and Brandon are planning their wedding in Maui in the Fall. However, since they currently call Austin their home, they really wanted to do a Bluebonnet engagement session at Muleshoe Bend Park.

Of course I had to do a little scouting and research because I am naive. I had no clue that Bluebonnets are the state flower or that Bluebonnet season is a huge deal!

About the Couple

A fun-loving and silly couple, Shawna and Brandon met at 16 and 17 years old in high school and have been together ever since. They are obsessed with their dog, Zoe, and prefer hanging out with her at home rather than going out. So, of course, Zoe had to be in the photos. And if you know me, you know that I am always excited to have a fur-baby in my photos!

This Bluebonnet engagement session was adorable with Shawna, Brandon, and their furbaby!

How cute is the custom sign that Shawna had made for Zoe:

Zoe was the perfect model with her custom sign!

Romance between S+B in the field of Bluebonnets.

This Bluebonnet engagement session was absolutely sweet and romantic!

Zoe was a bit camera shy; however, with some coaxing and me making some crazy sounds (think howling, cat noises, barks, and whistling), she gave me some great head tilts and puppy faces!

Zoe can't wait for her humans to be married. Until then, she'll be a part of the save-the-date Bluebonnet engagement session.

My first Bluebonnet engagement session and I love it!

This Bluebonnet engagement session is for their save-the-dates.

Muleshoe Bend Park is found in Austin, Texas and is a perfect spot for a Bluebonnet engagement session.

Bluebonnet engagement session | Austin, Texas

I love detail shots showing off the ring.

This series of shots crack me up. I told Brandon to tell a joke. It not only resulted in getting Shawna to laugh, but he ended up laughing so hard that he cried!

This fun-loving couple was so much fun to photograph!

Definitely my favorite shot out of all of the photos I took!

These two are getting married in Hawaii in November but needed photos for their save-the-dates!

Allowing Zoe to run around the field was the highlight of her humans' session!

Congratulations

I’m so thrilled to have had a chance to meet Zoe and this beautiful couple. Wishing you both the most amazing Maui wedding and an even more wonderful journey together as a married couple! Congratulations, Shawna and Brandon (and Zoe)!!!

Bob Wentz Park: the Gillis Family (Part II)

05.12.21

Remember the Gillis family? Well, they’re back and with their eldest son! And this time we enjoyed the scenery of Bob Wentz park.

This beautiful park is surrounded by the Lake Travis and is family-friendly with its parks, BBQs, and beaches. It’s an awesome spot with all the views of hills, water, and tons of land!

Family of 5

Last time I spent the day with the Gillis family, they were down one person. Their eldest son, Toler, attends school in North Carolina and was unable to make the first session. Luckily, when Brandi rescheduled this one, he was able to it. I don’t know if he considered it lucky … like most of us, he’s camera-shy. But, he quickly became accustomed to being in front of the camera and, like the rest of his family, was super photogenic!

Harry and Charlie, already used to me, had fun at Bob Wentz park. They were playing in the sand, picking bluebonnets, and running around. I can’t get over their cute outfits – they’re like little grown men!

And of course, Brandi and Luke were beautiful and amazing at wrangling the boys and making sure all were focused and ready for fun photos!

I don't know how she does it with a husband and three boys, but she does it well! Bob Wentz Park | Austin, Texas

What a beautiful family and we couldn't have asked for a better day at Bob Wentz Park!

Walking along the beaches of Bob Wentz park is not an easy task but this family sure made it look easy!

Such a handsome family and Bob Wentz park was the perfect location for their family photos!

Updating family photos is often overlooked but so important! Brandi wanted a different spot than last time and chose Bob Wentz park!

Loving the vibes at Bob Wentz park in Austin, Texas.

Bob Wentz Park in Austin, Texas | Family Photographer.

The golden light as the sun was setting over Bob Wentz Park was beautiful. We had a bit of wind but it was still perfect!

Picking bluebonnets from Bob Wentz Park for his mom and to take home to his girlfriend! — Picking bluebonnets for his mom (and to take to his girlfriend!)

The cutest married couple ever! — The cutest couple ever!

Family Photos

Scheduling and planning a family session is never easy. It can be stressful and “too much!” However, it is so important to document your life! And, if you have children, you want to make sure you’re documenting theirs as well. They grow up quicker than you can imagine (or so I’ve been told since I don’t have any of my own). If you’re trying to plan a family session but don’t know where to start, let me know! I’m happy to give tips and help you, whether it’s by choosing the right outfits, location, time, or how to bribe your children or furbabies haha! You can also check out this link for “Tips and Tricks for a Successful Family Session.”

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