Wedding, Family, & Engagement Photography Blog

Austin Winery Wedding: Stephanie and Connor

01.23.23

This Austin winery wedding, celebrating two authentically amazing souls, is everything! Not only was the weather absolutely perfect, but so was the couple, their wedding party, family and friends, and wedding venues!

About the Couple

Connor: “a very big, loving, goofy” man.

Stephanie: “a bit more reserved and quiet” resulting in Connor bringing out her fun side, and her bringing out his responsible side.

A very balanced couple!

“When we first started dating, we went on a lot of Pokemon Go dates. Now we do almost everything together. We run/workout together, watch TV, play games on the Switch, shop, hike, and explore together. Concerts are big with us, too.”

How it Began …

“Having met in high school, we weren’t really friends at that time. However, we met back up after college in 2015 at the Firefly Music Festival through mutual friends. We hit is off and dated long distance for a few months before Stephanie moved closer to Connor. Picture ‘New Girl.’ That’s how we lived for an entire year, with Stephanie, Connor, and his three guy roommates.”

She Said Yes!

Although they designed the ring together, Stephanie wasn’t sure when Connor would propose. It happened on their last night in NYC. After a long day of packing, they booked a nice room with a terrace. After unwinding with some whiskey on the rooftop, Connor popped the question. Ten hours later, the newly engaged couple boarded a flight with their cats and moved to Colorado.

Austin Winery Wedding Ceremony

The day has finally come for Stephanie and Connor to get married! And we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day!

Let’s start at the beginning with a few detail photos:

Never underestimate the power of the smallest details …

Austin Winery Wedding | Dripping Springs Photographer

This Austin winery wedding, celebrating two authentically amazing souls, is everything! | Dripping Springs Wedding Photographer

These girls were so laid back. When I walked in, they were all just calmly sitting around the house, some having their hair and makeup done, others just chatting about the day to come. It’s a rare sight to see the ladies (and the bride’s dad) this calm on a wedding day!

Beautiful gown, cute boots, and epically cool socks!

If you know me, you know that I’m a fur and feather baby fan. So when I saw these two cuties walking around the property, I had to get their portraits!

Fly Rides to the rescue to transport everyone to and from each venue:

Once at the ceremony location, the two headed out for their first look:

I.am.obsessed! How beautiful are Stephanie and Connor?!

Need witnesses to your wedding? Solaro Estate Winery has you covered! Meet their cows:

Someone is feeling good … 😂😂😂

Ceremony Time

Stephanie gifted her gals with these beautiful bracelets. This shot reminds me of Captain Planet!

And down the aisle they go!

The flower girl and guys made the best grand entrance with their cool fanny packs, and had everyone laughing. I’m loving this new trend of asking close adult friends to be their flower gang!

Can we take a moment to appreciate Amy from Eclipse Event Co. working behind the scenes? She and her team are the absolute best! Looking for a planner and/or designer for your day? I highy recommend them!!

But back to the wedding:

Seriously, this Austin winery wedding ceremony set-up is ah-mazing!

Oh yeah … loving the fist-pumps exchanged by the fathers:

Sunset photos? Yes, please! Especially with those colors 😍

Mercer Dance Hall Reception

After Stephanie and Connor said their “I do’s,” they headed over to Mercer Dance Hall for their reception:

The newlyweds wedding cake was made by the bride’s Nana, a tradition in their family. And what a beautiful job she did!

The cake-topper is everything and such a fun touch to represent Stephanie and Connor’s personalities!

Connor couldn’t wait to get into the cake!

Luckily, Stephanie got there just in time to help cut the cake before Connor could start without her 😆

But nothing could stop him from face-planting the plate, inhaling the piece of cake they cut together 😂

**Don’t worry. He saved her a small bite and made sure to share before they headed out to the dance floor! Now that is true love!**

Toasts:

And now, it’s time to partayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!

Just like that, the celebration ends and the newlyweds are off to live their married lives. Congratulations to the happy couple and best wishes on all the love and journeys you’ll have together!

The Best of the Best Wedding Vendors:

Wedding Planner: Eclipse Event Co. ♥ Ceremony Venue: Solaro Estate Winery ♥ Reception Venue: Mercer Dance Hall ♥ Wedding Dress Boutique: D’anneli Bridal Salon ♥ Wedding Dress Designer: All Who Wander ♥ Hair and Makeup Artist: Lux Beauty and Bridal ♥ Officiant: The Knot Tyer ♥ Photographer: Sweet Memories Photography ♥ Florals: Joslyn and June Floral Studio ♥ Catering: Root Cellar Catering Co. ♥ DJ: ATX DJ ♥ Wedding Cake: the bride’s Nana ♥ Rentals: Premiere Rentals ♥ Transportation: Fly Rides ♥ Invitations: Minted

Vista West Ranch Wedding: Kaitlyn and Chris

01.17.23

Weddings are always so special, but this Vista West Ranch wedding really captured my heart. From our first phone meeting, it was obvious these two are my kind of people. With their love of cats, traveling, ghost-hunting, and nerdy jokes, how could I not feel that we were meant to celebrate their wedding day together?!

Kaitlyn and Chris

“We met at the Archaeological Institute of America in 2018. Although we are both archaeologists and were both presenting papers at the conference, we actually met through his brother. I have been friends with his brother and his brother’s wife for years. I was going to a brewery with them during the conference and Chris ended up coming along. As we got to talking, things just clicked! From there, we just kept in touch and made trips out to see each other. We’ve been long distance since day one.”

She Said Yes!

While visiting the historic cemetery of Virginia City, near Reno, Chris proposed. Pretty appropriate location considering their job careers! Following the proposal, they celebrated by staying in a haunted hotel (like I said, my kind of people!).

Although the proposal itself was a surprise, they designed the ring together. It contains a diamond from Kaitlyn’s mom’s wedding ring and is the perfect design for Kaitlyn’s personality.

Vista West Ranch Wedding

It’s finally the day for this adventurous, fun, laid-back, ghost-chasing, Xena the Warrior Princess-loving couple to get married! And at the venue of their dreams!

The custom ring the two designed together, consisting of Kaitlyn’s mom’s diamond from her own wedding ring:

Following the ceremony, Kaityn and Chris FaceTime’d Chris’ grandmother who wasn’t able to physically be there on their wedding day.

These two are big high-fivers so we had to make sure to incorporate many high-fives into their wedding day!

With Vista West Ranch being located in Dripping Springs, you know you’re going to get gorgeous views …

Unfortunately, one of their cats passed away prior to Kaitlyn and Chris being married. But they were able to honor him by incorporating an artistic piece of him in their decor:

In case you missed it, we took Kaitlyn’s bridal portraits at the Grand Lady. Her mom fell in love with all of the photos and couldn’t pick just one to display at the wedding. So she put together a whole table of Kaitlyn’s bridal pictures:

How cool is this cake by Cakes Rock! They did such an amazing (and delicious) job incorporating Kaitlyn’s job as a biological anthropologist and Chris’ as an archaeologist.

Instead of tossing a bouquet and garter, the newlyweds opted to throw stuffed cats. I love the originality!!! And what’s more appropriate for the two cat-lovers than to include cats into their wedding?!

Of course, the venue itself has a few cats wandering around. We had the opportunity to play with one during our night shots:

Congratulations to this beautiful couple! Thank you for choosing me to celebrate your big day with you, for sharing your caramel apple ciders with me (post-wedding, of course), and have an amazing time finally living in the same place together!!!

Vista West Ranch Wedding Vendors:

Wedding Planner: Susan Money ♥ Ceremony and Reception Venue: Vista West Ranch ♥ Wedding Dress Boutique: Blush Bridal Boutique ♥ Hair and Makeup Artist: Weddings by Celissa Rae ♥ Photographer: Sweet Memories Photography ♥ Videographer: Huckleberry Wedding Films ♥ Florals: Kathy Hollingsworth ♥ Catering: Pig Pen BBQ/I Do BBQ ♥ DJ: Premiere Entertainment ♥ Wedding Cake: Cakes Rock!

Bridal Portraits at the Grand Lady

01.09.23

Kaitlyn’s bridal portraits at the Grand Lady are nothing short of gorgeous! I mean, how could they not be? With this beautiful bride-to-be, an amazing gown that fits her to the T, and the perfect venue and weather = utter perfection!

Bridal Portraits

I love that bridals are making a comeback. Many years ago, my stepmom had hers done. Although, that was when they were done in-studio, with a plain backdrop, and were a bit more stiff and traditional. But now, they’re coming back in a modern way! And I am here for it!

Kaitlyn, the Bride-to-Be

This bride-to-be wanted to do her bridals somewhere other than her wedding venue to give a different look and feel. And having a beautiful indoor space was crucial because her session scheduled during the middle of our hottest month.

I recommended the Grand Lady as one of my favorite venues. Kaityn loved its vibe and interior and exterior spaces. And just like that, we had a venue!

The Grand Lady

Never been to the Grand Lady? You’re missing out!

“This historic-mansion-turned-wedding-venue is set on nearly 20 acres of Texas land. The Grand Lady’s ornamental woodwork and stained-glass windows have been maintained and updated with fidelity to the original vision, while the furnishings embrace modern style and function. By doing this, they blend the old and modern worlds into a fresh experience for discerning couples and guests as they celebrate the beginning of their story together.”

Interested in booking your session or wedding here? I highly recommend it! Follow this link to learn more and reach out: grandladyaustin.com

Bridal Portraits at the Grand Lady

Now, how beautiful is this bride-to-be?! I can honestly say that I am obsessed with her portraits!

Who else is totally getting some “Romeo and Juliet” vibes here?

Kaitlyn wanted to show off her awesome wedding day boots:

Bridal portraits at the Grand Lady | Austin Photographer

And, as a nice little change, she brought along some skeleton sneakers. These are the perfect personal touch to represent what she does for a living (forensic anthropologist) and bring her fun personality to the session.

Stay tuned for Kaitlyn and Chris’ wedding photos!!!

Portraits at the Driskill Hotel Austin

01.04.23

These portraits at the Driskill Hotel Austin are so special. Not only because it is for a dear friend of mine, but because it’s her birthday celebration, and a celebration of beauty, life, and confidence! More about that …

Morgan’s Birthday at the Driskill

“I’m a multi passionate entrepreneur who specializes in creating warm, loving, safe & comfortable spaces for celebrating special events (Rambling Rose Ranch) and in creating a relaxed safe container for mind, body & soul in social settings (Classy Confidante).

My goal for the session was two-fold:

To treat myself, and to have images for my developing social coaching & consulting agency.

The session was part of my “happy birthday” gift to myself. I booked two nights in a balcony suite at The Driskill Hotel Austin. I spent my 18^th birthday there so why not do it again, 36 years later?!”

Driskill Hotel Austin Photos

“Part of the birthday gift to myself was a full day of professional makeup with Cody from Makeup ATX and hair with Alissa Shores. Followed by my awesome branding photo shoot with Naomi.

I had a dear friend long ago who said he saw an elegance to me. While I didn’t see it then, I definitely saw elegance mixed with my heart centered nature in my photos from the shoot.

The shoot itself was so much fun. Being a Capricorn, I struggle to get out of my head and just have fun. Naomi was a huge help with that. She was so encouraging, and her joyful spirit made it much easier to relax. So much so the time just flew by.

To say it was the best birthday ever is an understatement. Being pampered and then seeing yourself through the “eyes” of a professional photographer is something I believe everyone should do at least once in their lives. It’s a way to step outside of the societal view glasses we look at ourselves through to see the real you in all your magnificent unique beauty.”

Classy Confidante

“I wanted to play with my sensual, playful femininity. I have a heart for helping heal the masculine heart. Just as women have believed so many lies about their value, so have many men.

In order to heal our society, both the masculine and the feminine need to come back together as a cohesive whole of creation. This is my small part of helping towards that goal.”

Branding portraits | Austin Photographer

Portraits at the Driskill Hotel Austin | Austin Photographer

Arlo Wedding: Christina and Rene

10.06.22

C+R’s Arlo wedding was an absolute dream to be a part of! Their pink, red, and iridescent colors were as vibrant and beautiful as their love.

About the Happy Couple

This silly and fun-loving couple love to watch shows and movies together. When they’re not at home, they are traveling or going to music concerts. They have an “unconditional love that has allowed us both to be our authentic selves.” With their sweet furbaby, Ava, they are the perfect family.

During our engagement session together, it was clear it was going to be an amazing celebration. Their love and caring personalities are just a joy to be around, not to mention to photograph.

Arlo Wedding

It has finally arrived – Christina and Rene’s wedding day! A gorgeous day (although a little on the hot side but not nearly as bad as it can be in Texas on a summer day) with fluffy clouds and blue sky.

With all the ladies calmly getting ready in the lounge, and the boys in the cottage, I got to work on some detail shots:

How awesome are these hot pink shoes?! I.am.obsessed!

Rene surprised his bride with a gorgeous bracelet from Helzberg and a sweet love letter:

Christina’s first look with her ladies:

Meanwhile, in the cottage …

St. Catherine of Siena

Because Christina and Rene are Catholic, they opted for a traditional Catholic ceremony at the beautiful St. Catherine of Siena.

Sweet little tender moments between Christina and Rene. I love that he would sneak little kisses on Christina’s hands or forehead throughout the ceremony and the day.

And they’re officially husband and wife!!

Family and Formal Portraits

Party Time!

Post-ceremony, Christina, Rene, and their family and friends head back to the Arlo for more photos, cocktail hour, and their reception.

All the details and planning with the couple and Scarlet Rose Events really paid off. There were beautiful touches of red, pink, and iridescent throughout the venue. What I loved most was how they their own loves and personalities into the decor. For example, their love for going to music concerts was reflected in their guest “book,” which was a record. I mean, how cool is that?!

Their adorable Ava was featured during cocktail hour as part of their signage for their signature drinks (middle row, far right photo):

And their reception room was breathtaking! The Arlo is such an amazing and grand venue. Not only does it have all the views of hill country, but it is a blank canvas that can be transformed into whatever your heart desires. All the colors just pop inside this room!

The custom seating chart by the talented Scarlet Rose Events was magical and had the couple over the moon!

Being introduced as husband and wife:

And dancing their first dance to “Lover” by Taylor Swift.

Special Dances:

Blessings and Toasts:

The anniversary dance:

And my favorite time of day … spending some intimate moments with the bride and groom!

Let the party commence!

Have you seen the Arlo at night? This venue is beautiful no matter what time of day, but my favorite is at twilight with the vibrant blues!

Christina and Rene thanked their family and friends for celebrating and supporting them and their love. And then proceeded to thank their vendors, which was unexpected and so sweet!

This cake by Sweet Treets and adorned with Eden’s Echo Floral Design was picture-perfect! And, yes, tasted as good as it looked and smelled!!

What’s a last dance without a little Dirty Dancing?! The movie, that is! “I’ve Had the Time of My Life” came on and people were flying everywhere …. literally!

A sweet moment between the bride and her father:

It’s Time to Say Goodnight

And hello to forever as the new Mr. and Mrs. Caceres!!!

Congratulations, Christina and Rene!! Wishing you two the most amazing life together, filled with continued support, love, patience, and the most spectacular adventures!!!

The Arlo Wedding Dream Team:

Wedding Designer and Planner: Scarlet Rose Events ♥ Ceremony Venue: St Catherine of Siena ♥ Reception Venue: The Arlo ♥ Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander ♥ Wedding Dress Boutique: Signature Bridal Salon ♥ Hair and Makeup Artist: Lux Beauty and Bridal ♥ Photographer: Sweet Memories Photography ♥ Floral Company: Eden’s Echo Floral Design ♥ Catering: Royal Fig Catering ♥ DJ: Premier Entertainment Group ♥ Wedding Cake: Sweet Treets Bakery ♥ Cold Sparks: Big Dog Pyro

« Older posts Newer posts »

Austin Winery Wedding: Stephanie and Connor

About the Couple

How it Began …

She Said Yes!

Austin Winery Wedding Ceremony

Ceremony Time

Mercer Dance Hall Reception

The Best of the Best Wedding Vendors:

Vista West Ranch Wedding: Kaitlyn and Chris

Kaitlyn and Chris

She Said Yes!

Vista West Ranch Wedding

Vista West Ranch Wedding Vendors:

Bridal Portraits at the Grand Lady

Bridal Portraits

Kaitlyn, the Bride-to-Be

The Grand Lady

Bridal Portraits at the Grand Lady

Portraits at the Driskill Hotel Austin

Morgan’s Birthday at the Driskill

Driskill Hotel Austin Photos

Classy Confidante

Arlo Wedding: Christina and Rene

About the Happy Couple

Arlo Wedding

St. Catherine of Siena

Party Time!

It’s Time to Say Goodnight

The Arlo Wedding Dream Team:

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