Wedding, Family, & Engagement Photography Blog

Austin Bachelorette Party

09.27.22

Austin is one of the hottest spots for vacations, weddings, and, yup, bachelor and bachelorette parties! So it’s no surprise that it’s the spot that Grace and her girls decided to celebrate her Austin Bachelorette party.

This October bride is getting married in New York. But before that, she is enjoying a long weekend in ATX with her ladies. A weekend spent on a boat on Lake Travis, riding in a Pub Crawler, belting out some karaoke, and touring the city of Austin. Not to mention, a session with me!

A Morning Well Spent

Grace’s Austin bachelorette party session started at their Airbnb in Beecave. This convenient location is only 20 minutes from downtown Austin, and has all the views! So it’s no wonder why this bride-to-be wanted to document some of their time in this dream rental:

Austin Bachelorette Party | Austin Photographer

Although this rental property was beautiful, let’s be honest … Grace and her ladies didn’t come all this way to be stuck in a home!

After a few photos inside the house, we ventured on. Downtown Austin, here we come:

Because what’s a celebration without popping some bottles?!

Congratulations to this bride-to-be! Wishing you the most amazing wedding day and an abundance of lifelong love!!

Planning your Austin bachelorette party?

Here are some of my top recommendations for while you’re out and about. I picked a variety of places and activities depending on your personality and style:

My Favorite Restaurants and Bars:

Places with the Best Views:

The Oasis
Grizzelda’s
P6
Azul rooftop bar and lounge
Mount Bonnell (no food but fun hike and beautiful views)

Things to Do:

Visit all the unique murals Austin has to offer
All-you-can-play old school arcade games, pinball, and others at Cidercade
Ride a mechanical bull, play duckpin bowling, or billiards at Bull and Bowl
Hike Bull Creek, the Green Belt, and McKinney Falls
Swim in a natural artisian spring at Jacob’s Well
Hang out and drink at Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery
Play with goats and drink cider at Jester King Brewery
Wineries all throughout Wimberley, Driftwood, and Dripping Springs
Party on a boat with Just for Fun
Kayak or paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake for some of the best views of the city
Go retro and ride one of these on the lake
Embrace the country and go line dancing

Reach out and let’s schedule your session and plan the most epic Austin bachelor/ette party together!

Austin Boudoir Photographer

09.21.22

You all know me as a wedding photographer, but did you know that I’m also an Austin boudoir photographer? In fact, my full-wedding day package is now all-inclusive. This means not only do you get full wedding day coverage, but it includes an engagement session, as well as bridal portrait and boudoir sessions!

But …

Don’t think you have to book me for your wedding to book a boudoir session. I offer these year-round and absolutely love doing them. Why?

Well, because I believe the best thing you can and will ever do for yourself is a boudoir session.

The Truth of the Matter Is …

We never give ourselves the credit we truly deserve. Despite how we might perceive ourselves, we are strong and beautiful. These sessions are such an amazing way to prove to ourselves just how gorgeous and worthy we are. Not to mention the amount of work we take to make ourselves look, but even more, FEEL good!

Another question and issue I often hear is about age and body type. There is no right or wrong age, body type, etc. All ages, all body types, all situations are beautiful! Do not let anyone, especially yourself, ever tell you otherwise.

And boudoir sessions aren’t just gifts for your partners, although I’m sure they’d love to be gifted with these photos. Do it for yourself! Take time out for some “me” time. Get pampered, buy or wear something that makes you feel beautiful. Let’s put on those heels and have some fun! It’s a chance to feel empowered, and to see yourself in a whole new light.

Austin Boudoir Photographer

As an Austin boudoir photographer, my goal is to help you realize how amazing you are and to bring out all your inner and outer beauty. I want you to feel comfortable and just have fun.

I had the pleasure of spending the day with four beautiful ladies at the lovely Grand Lady. First of all, let me say, that this venue is gorgeous! And provides so many different rooms and backdrops for any type of session.

**Sidenote, when booking your session with me, I will give recommendations on locations depending on what you’re envisioning. A lot of my clients choose to do the sessions in the comfort of their own home. Some prefer to go for a more outdoorsy look, while others prefer a more boho or modern look and feel. Depending on what you’re looking for and wanting, I can help you achieve that!**

Not only did we have the most perfect venue, but the very best of the best glamour squad: Riev Beauty and Styles by V (LV Beauty). They have been a part of most of my personal sessions as well as quite a few of my styled shoots. I know and love them, and knew they would be the perfect ladies for the job. And I was right! Just look how gorgeous the below women are:

Rebekah

Austin boudoir photographer | Austin Texas

Being a violinist, she brought hers to pose with. I always welcome props to any session, and the more personal, the better!

Because the Grand Lady is private and isolated, we were even able to take advantage of the beautiful lighting on the balcony:

Lena

Chrissy

Dani

Tips for Prepping for Your Boudoir Session

Immediately After Booking:

Find or get two outfits you’re comfortable wearing. I recommend a matching lingerie set and maybe one button-down looser/bigger shirt (like your significant other’s) or a robe. If you need help choosing, let me know! Make sure the outfits make you feel beautiful and confident!

2. Pick out at least one pair of heels. Black is classic and the most popular choice. We can also go barefoot but it’ll require a lot of pointing your toes (we love that lean, elegant look!)

3. If you want props, I welcome them! Some of the most popular ones are long necklaces (like pearls or a simple long drop necklace), a furry/shaggy blanket, black knee-high stockings, etc.

The Week of:

1. Hydrate!

2. Stay away from salty food and alcohol, and anything that might cause you to feel bloated.

3. Pick out music you’d like to listen to and we can play it during our session.

4. If you’re going to tan, get a manicure and/or pedicure, etc., I recommend doing it the week-of instead of last minute.

The Day Before:

1. Set aside all outfits and shoes so they’re on hand and ready to wear. I recommend keeping them on hangers and steaming them ahead of time so no wrinkles are noticeable.

2. Get a good night’s rest (8 hours is recommended, but you know your body best).

The Day Of:

1. Wear LOOSE clothing the day of your session so you don’t have bra, panty, socks, and/or yoga/jean pants-lines!

2. Eat something light (filling but nothing that makes you feel bloated or gross) and bring water and snacks with you!

3. Wear clear, spray, or no deodorant (we don’t want that clumpy, white under the armpits).

4. Most important: be you!

5. Relax and let’s have fun!

Cedar Park Family Session: the Price Family

09.13.22

This Cedar Park family session might look a little familiar to you. The Price family has had so many life-changing events: moving to Texas, having their first son, to buying their first home in their new state. This is our third session together at the same spot, Brushy Creek Lake Park (because when you find the perfect location, why change it?).

The Price Family

I have had the pleasure of meeting this beautiful family when they first moved from California. Having the chance to watch them settle into their Texas lives has been such a blessing. And I cannot believe how quickly these four continue to grow!!

Cedar Park Family Session

As the sun was rising, we began our session by the water. Natalie (mom) has always wanted their photos taken here but in our past sessions, the lighting was never optimal. However, this time we were able to include it as one of our locations within the park. **That’s what I love so much about Brushy Creek Lake Park, there are a plethora of amazing spots to take photos!**

With the golden light, perfect weather, and most everyone in good spirits, we were able to get some of the cutest photos. Below are my faves:

Cedar Park family session | Austin Texas Photographer

Brenna, the young lady in the floral shirt and red headband, has never been a fan of being in front of the camera. I believe that between that and it being so early in the morning, she was not having it. But that’s okay! It happens more often than not.

While most parents get stressed, Brenna’s were easy-going and flexible. We focused on individual shots with the kids and allowed her to have some ‘me’ time. Eventually she came around and we got some amazingly natural laughter and smiles from her:

The girls spotted fish who kept jumping out of the water:

So we took the opportunity to take photos of just the parents. I love that it’s a priority of theirs … it’s tough to focus on you two and your relationship with the chaos of life and children, but these two have always made sure to grab a few photos of them by themselves.

And that’s a wrap!

Until next time …

Chateau Bellevue Engagement Session: Megan and Sam

09.07.22

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.”

Austin Engagement Session: Christina and Rene

09.01.22

Christina and Rene’s Austin engagement session was a blast! And who knew that it would all stem from a random trip to Las Vegas with mutual friends?!

Meet-Cute

Anyone else obsessed with the movie, The Holiday? If so, or if you’re familiar with movie/tv lingo, you might recognize the above title “meet-cute.” If not, this simply means, “a charming first encounter between two characters that leads to the development of a romantic relationship between them.”

In Christina and Rene’s case, their meet-cute was at an airport. They were with mutual friends, about to board a flight to Las Vegas, when they were introduced. Needless to say, there were sparks …

Will You Marry Me?

This beautiful couple’s love came to a full circle when …

They made another trip to Last Vegas. Rene had a surprise waiting for Christina in their hotel room: a trail of rose petals leading to their bed. On the bed, the petals spelled out, “will you marry me?” It was such a sweet and romantic gesture and definitely caught Christina by surprise. But there was no hesitation. The answer was “YES!”

Austin Engagement Session

With only two months until their wedding day, we squeezed in their Austin engagement session. I had known that these two were my kind of couple based on our initial consultation but when I saw Christina walk up wearing a bright pink shirt, it was definitely meant to be! I love anything bright and bold!!

And the rest of the session just flowed. We had so much fun walking around the Long Center and we couldn’t have asked for a better day. It was a bit on the hot side, being June and all, but they were just having fun being together! I couldn’t have asked for anything more.

And just how amazing are these two: