Kindred Oaks Wedding: Payge and Pablo

This Kindred Oaks wedding was filled with white flowers, eucalyptus, navy blue, and the most beautiful souls!

Kindred Oaks

Kindred Oaks “sits up on a bluff overlooking a beautiful reservoir, guests can see the Austin city lights twinkling in the distance.  The Texas-style estate has over 3,100 square feet of open spaces that include private Bride’s and Groom’s dressing rooms and three full baths, in addition to 5 additional outdoor bathrooms.” Kindred Oaks has such a luxurious Southern charm about it. And it’s no wonder why Payge and Pablo fell in love with it.

Payge and Pablo

After photographing their engagement session, I could just tell this was going to be a classy and laid-back Kindred Oaks wedding. And, it was just that!

I walked in to the ladies getting ready in the bridal suite. There was sushi and other healthy snacks on the tables, and the Bridal Beauty team were working their magic. The girls continued to get ready; meanwhile, I got to work on photographing details and behind-the-scenes …

Pictured below are some of Payge’s details. Note the dog necklace pictured below. Her mom had the necklace made using Payge’s dog’s ashes so her dog could walk her down the aisle. Being a furbaby mama, this touched my heart (and brought a tear to my eye)!

Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer

A handwritten note on a handkerchief from Payge’s mom to her:

Robes that were custom designed and created by the mother of the bride:

Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer

And before we knew it, it was time for Payge and Pablo’s first look!

Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer

After spending a few intimate moments with Pablo, Payge had a first look with her father, which had them both in tears.

Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer

P+P’s Wedding Ceremony

After the first looks, family and wedding party portraits, and pictures of just Payge and Pablo, most of their nerves were calmed and they were ready to walk down the aisle! But first, they went into hiding while their guests arrived.

Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer

With golden hour approaching, Pablo kicked off the ceremony:

Followed by the most epic flower-man entrance (with a pouch filled with petals and all the dance moves):

Here comes the bride:

Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer

With their first kiss shared as husband and wife, they are officially married!

Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer

While their family and friends enjoyed cocktail hour, we got to spend a little bit more time with the couple (and these views!).

Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer

Kindred Oaks Wedding Reception

Give me all the details!

Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer

Although Payge and Pablo’s dogs didn’t make it to the wedding itself, they still made an appearance! How cute are Loki and Tucker as cake toppers??

Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer

The newlyweds share their first dance together under the stars and Kindred Oak’s cute chandeliers:

Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer

Followed by Pablos’ dance with his mother, where they broke out a few fun dance moves!

Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer
Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer

After the heartwarming and tear-jerking speeches, the music began and the party commenced!

Kindred Oaks Wedding | ATX Photographer

Thank you to this beautiful couple for trusting me to capture their sweet memories! And congratulations on your marriage and future together!!

Kindred Oaks Wedding Vendors:

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Kindred Oaks ♥ Officiant: Forever Vows ♥ Hair and Makeup: Bridal Beauty ♥ Photographer: Sweet Memories Photography ♥ Videographer: New Road Productions ♥ Florals: ZuZu’s Petals ♥ Catering: Courtney’s Catering ♥ Cake Designer: The Coffee Cakery ♥ DJ: Colleen Yantis

Branding Photoshoot with Ginna

Ginna, a visibility coach+consultant for Stylishly Branded, knows the importance of branding. And I am so honored to be partaking in our 4th one together!

I love how Ginna describes personal branding:

“Personal branding is based on the exact same concept. We’re presenting ourselves to the world (whether it’s on our website, on our social media, or over Zoom) exactly as we are.

…Showcasing our values….

…Telling our story….

**And my personal favorite**

…Letting our personality (quirks and all) run free…

And letting the right kind of energy and right kind of people flow towards us as a result.”

About Ginna and Stylishly Branded

As she says,

“Personal branding is exactly that….P E R S O N A L.

This means, when it comes to brand marketing, your strategy should follow suit.

When you work with Ginna and her team, you collaborate to co-create a fail-safe and tailor-made strategy for you and your business that:

  • Allows you to show up online as the BEST, most confident version of yourself
  • Gets your message and story across authentically and powerfully
  • Puts your name in the right people’s mouths!

Not only that, they provide you with all the resources you need to have a full social media marketing artillery!”

So what exactly does Ginna do?

She “empowers female entrepreneurs to successfully align themselves with their brand, increase their visibility, profitability and influence to their perfect audience so that they develop, define and refine their personal brand while using social media marketing strategies that influence, connect and convert to make a profitable impact in their business.”

Branding Photos

During our session together, we wanted to do just as the above says. Ginna truly believes in being her authentic self, showing off her personality, quirks, values, and telling her story as a coach and consultant. Being an entrepreneur herself, she knows the importance of visibility and branding photos.

When we were brainstorming about this session, I asked her to describe her brand. She used these three words:

“Bold. Unapologetic. Fun.”

Her job was to pick out outfits and props. Mine was to figure out location. But, honestly, I had a location already in mind when I heard her branding words:

Seminole Hard Rock Casino and Hotel.

You can’t go much more bold, unapologetic, and fun than there. Not to mention, every spot at this hotel is Instagram/photo-worthy!

Once we had everything solidified, we began our session together and it might just be my favorite branding session with Ginna to date!

Personal branding is based on the exact same concept. We’re presenting ourselves to the world (whether it’s on our website, on our social media, or over Zoom) exactly as we are
Personal branding is based on the exact same concept. We’re presenting ourselves to the world (whether it’s on our website, on our social media, or over Zoom) exactly as we are
Personal branding is based on the exact same concept. We’re presenting ourselves to the world (whether it’s on our website, on our social media, or over Zoom) exactly as we are
Personal branding is based on the exact same concept. We’re presenting ourselves to the world (whether it’s on our website, on our social media, or over Zoom) exactly as we are
Personal branding is based on the exact same concept. We’re presenting ourselves to the world (whether it’s on our website, on our social media, or over Zoom) exactly as we are
Personal branding is based on the exact same concept. We’re presenting ourselves to the world (whether it’s on our website, on our social media, or over Zoom) exactly as we are
Personal branding is based on the exact same concept. We’re presenting ourselves to the world (whether it’s on our website, on our social media, or over Zoom) exactly as we are
Personal branding is based on the exact same concept. We’re presenting ourselves to the world (whether it’s on our website, on our social media, or over Zoom) exactly as we are
Personal branding is based on the exact same concept. We’re presenting ourselves to the world (whether it’s on our website, on our social media, or over Zoom) exactly as we are
Personal branding is based on the exact same concept. We’re presenting ourselves to the world (whether it’s on our website, on our social media, or over Zoom) exactly as we are

So if you’re looking to increase your visibility and to show up authentically and unapologetically, reach out to Ginna for a consultation!

And if you’re looking for a branding session, reach out to me and let’s talk details!

Great Gatsby Wedding: Nikki and Dustin

Is there anything more glamorous than a Great Gatsby wedding? Classy black and white, touches of gold, adorned with art deco-inspired decor. Exactly what this bride and groom envisioned. And after months of planning and talking about it, it was amazing to see their vision come to life exactly as they pictured it!

Great Gatsby Wedding

When you think Great Gatsby, you picture a little luxury, a little elegant, and a whole lot of fabulous! It involves “a combination of the 1920s polished style, classy New Year’s Eve-related decor, and a touch of glamorous whimsy that only Jay Gatsby himself can conjure up.” There is a lot of black and white. And let’s not forget gold, sequins, and jewel tones.

I don’t think Nikki and Dustin could have planned it better. From start to finish, their wedding was everything they described. Not to mention, filled with all the aspects of a wedding: pure love, happiness, and an epic party!

Getting Ready

Great Gatsby Wedding at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.
Great Gatsby Wedding at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.

Nikki’s first look with her girls had them all in tears with huge smiles:

Great Gatsby Wedding at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.

But the tears didn’t stop with the ladies. Next up: Nikki’s brothers and her father:

Great Gatsby Wedding at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.

Meanwhile, Dustin gets ready for his first look with his bride.

Great Gatsby Wedding at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.

The time is now. Nikki heads down the stairs to greet her groom:

Great Gatsby Wedding at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.
Great Gatsby Wedding at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.

Both of them tried to act tough, but they could only hide their tears for so long …

Great Gatsby Wedding at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.

From first looks to formal photos, it all just flowed so smoothly.

Great Gatsby Wedding at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.
Great Gatsby Wedding at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.
Great Gatsby Wedding at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.
Great Gatsby Wedding at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.
Great Gatsby Wedding at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.
Great Gatsby Wedding at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.
Great Gatsby Wedding at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.

Let the Ceremony Begin

How gorgeous is this setup?

Great Gatsby Wedding at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.
Great Gatsby Wedding at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.
Great Gatsby Wedding at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.

After their quick 10-minute ceremony, Nikki and Dustin say their “I do’s” and they’re finally married!

Great Gatsby Wedding at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.
Great Gatsby Wedding at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.

Hello, Gatsby!

Wow! Just wow! From the feathers and sequin linens to the gold chairs and candle holders, this room screams Great Gatsby wedding!

Great Gatsby Wedding at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.

The couple finally got a chance to have their reception reveal and to say they were in awe is an understatement. They were blown away!

After their introductions as husband and wife, they went straight into their first dance:

Great Gatsby Wedding at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.

Followed by the father-daughter dance.

Mother-son dance:

And ending formal dances with dances with her two brothers.

Wedding cakes aren’t just there to look pretty …

Great Gatsby Wedding at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.
Great Gatsby Wedding at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.

Formalities are finished. It’s time to partayyyyyyyyyyyyy!

Great Gatsby Wedding at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.

Nikki and Dustin surprised their guests with a Hora Loca and robots to dance with them on the dance floor. There were also fog machines and LED wands. Definitely an epic party!

Great Gatsby Wedding at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale.

Great Gatsby Wedding Dream Team:

Wedding Planner: Lourdes Milian Productions ♥ Ceremony and Reception Venue: Bahia Mar ♥ Photographer: Sweet Memories Photography ♥ Videographer: Cutting Desk Productions ♥ Florals: Unforgettable Floral Designs ♥ Cake Designer: Edible Creations ♥ Wedding Dress Boutique: Happy Bride ♥ Wedding Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero ♥ DJ: Sound Events DJ ♥ Hora Loca: Power Parties

Austin Capitol Family Session with the Dallmers

The Dallmers’ Austin Capitol family session was as beautiful as it was fun! Originally from France, these three moved to Austin in 2019. And, after the calm of moving three years later, the boys finally got what they’ve been wanting: a puppy! To celebrate their relatively new move, home, and puppy, they took updated photos at the Austin Capitol.

Austin Capitol Family Session

Lisa and her twin boys showed up on site with their rambunctious and loving puppy, Roxy. They were so excited to show her off!

And don’t be deceived. Roxy looks calm and photo-ready, but it took quite a bit of manipulating (and some help from the nanny) to get these photos! The rest of the crew (aka the humans) were easy!

Austin Capitol Family Session | ATX Photographer
Austin Capitol Family Session | ATX Photographer

If you have boys, or children in general, or have worked with children, you know they have a ton of energy. So in between shots, I let them do them. In this case, roll each other up in a blanket like a burrito!

Austin Capitol Family Session | ATX Photographer
Austin Capitol Family Session | ATX Photographer
Austin Capitol Family Session | ATX Photographer
Austin Capitol Family Session | ATX Photographer
Austin Capitol Family Session | ATX Photographer

Back when the boys were younger (and a lot smaller), they had professional photos taken in the exact same pose as below. Lisa wanted to recreate that image to compare with the past photos.

Austin Capitol Family Session | ATX Photographer

The twins were apprehensive about holding their mom’s hands. Even though they think they’re too old to do so, you’re never too old to hold your parents’ hands!

Austin Capitol Family Session | ATX Photographer

Okay, I am obsessed with this lighting …. can every session have this light, please?!

Austin Capitol Family Session | ATX Photographer
Austin Capitol Family Session | ATX Photographer

It was such a pleasure meeting and photographing this adorable family!

Looking to update your family photos? Reach out!! We can brainstorm on when and where!

Chateau Bellevue Wedding: Tiffany and Mat

Tiffany and Mat’s Chateau Bellevue wedding was exactly what the couple wanted: an intimate celebration followed by an epic party!

The Couple

Tiffany and Mat met seven years ago. His cousin married one of Tiffany’s good friends. At that wedding, Tiffany and Mat danced together and Mat later asked Tiffany for her number. Shortly after, they moved in together. Then two years later, they moved from Chicago to Austin.

During a recent family photo shoot, Mat got down on one knee and asked Tiffany to marry him. And now they’re ready to tie the knot at their Chateau Bellevue wedding.

Happy Wedding Day

Because most of Tiffany and Mat’s friends and family are from out of town, they chose Chateau Bellevue for its location. They wanted their friends and family to not only be able to celebrate their wedding day with them, but also to see downtown Austin as well.

The day has finally come. Tiffany and Mat got ready at their own places and headed over to the venue separately.

At Chateau Bellevue, Tiffany’s two sisters and mother helped her get into her grandmother’s original wedding gown.

Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer

Hairspray was constantly sprayed onto the gown to try to keep the lace from falling apart.

Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer

When Tiffany’s grandmother arrived onsite, she helped the bride finish getting ready in her wedding dress.

To Have and To Hold …

Family and friends gather to watch Tiffany and Mat say their vows.

Mat literally jumped from behind the doors and into the ceremony site, in true Mat-style.

Moments later, the doors swung open and Tiffany stepped out. She took a moment to take it all in. With a huge smile on her face, she ran to the end of the aisle to meet her groom.

Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer
Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer
Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer
Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer
Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer

And they’re officially married!

One request that Tiffany made was to capture a huge group picture of everyone at the wedding:

Followed by family portraits:

Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer

Couples’ Portraits around Chateau Bellevue

After Tiffany changed into her reception gown, we walked around the venue for their portraits.

Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer
Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer

I love Chateau Bellevue so much. Not only for its history, but because of all of its backdrops. There isn’t one spot that isn’t beautiful!

Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer
Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer
Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer
Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer
Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer
Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer
Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer
Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer
Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer
Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer

The moon peeked out for a little photo opp:

Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer
Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer

Introducing the New Mr. and Mrs.

The moment these two have been waiting for … their party!

Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer
Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer
Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer
Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer

For the last hour, everyone was given headphones for the silent disco. With these headphones, they could choose from three different stations and rock out to their own party. Or join another group with the same station/headphone color as you!

Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer
Chateau Bellevue Wedding | ATX wedding photographer

Congratulations, Tiffany and Mat! Thank you so much for allowing me to celebrate with you and capture all your sweet (and epically fun) memories!

Tiffany and Mat’s Wedding Vendors:

Wedding Planner: Brittany Ralston ♥ Ceremony and Reception Venue: Chateau Bellevue ♥ Hair and Makeup Artist: Blushd Beauty ♥ Photographer: Sweet Memories Photography ♥ Catering: Chateau Bellevue ♥ DJ and Silent Disco: Your Silent Disco