I am so excited to feature an incredible couple this week. Jenn and Ricky are so near and dear to my heart! I had the privilege of photographing their proposal, engagement session, and their wedding at The Ma Maison in Austin, Texas! Read on for their wedding vibes, special wedding moments, and a couple of tips…

The Story

Ricky found me online to be their proposal photographer in 2017. My area code caught his eye, it matched his soon to be fiance’s – both of us are from northeast PA! When I met them in person on the day of their proposal, there was an instant connection. They booked me for their engagement session and wedding shortly after.

When I flew out for their engagement session in Texas, I was fortunate enough to attend Jenn & Ricky’s bridal shower, which helped me get to know them and their family and friends. I also had the opportunity to spend some quality time together, just as longtime friends would do after a time apart. I mentioned it earlier, but Jenn and Ricky are truly incredible. They included me in every single event that related to their wedding. When we walked around the wedding venue together, I was so excited for them not just as their wedding photographer, but also as a friend.

One notable moment was when Jenn showed me two venues she was deciding between and asked me which one I would rather photograph. As a wedding photographer, I felt so honored that a bride would trust me with choosing her venue! I can look at a venue and see different backdrops, lighting options, and potential problems. Most brides choose venues based on how the venue made them feel, but Jenn knew that the pictures from the wedding day were just as important.

The Ma Maison Wedding Vibes

Jenn and Ricky’s wedding took place in Dripping Springs near Austin, Texas at The Ma Maison. I flew out mid-week to check out Austin (hey, Austin, I love you!) and attend their rehearsal dinner on Friday night. Although we were all told that there was never rain in April, we were met with the unfortunate random 100% rain and thunderstorm forecast. It was dark, gloomy, and a bride and wedding photographer’s worst nightmare. But right when we thought all hope was lost, we were blessed with a three-hour window of clear skies just as the first look began!

Ricky is a graphic designer and he skillfully incorporated his art into the wedding. He created their logo, which included their initials. He did handmade sketches of each iconic part of the day, including the doors for the ceremony, a symbol for the rehearsal dinner, and another symbol for the cathedral. Jenn and Ricky chose an invitation suite letterpressed on handmade paper and it was breathtaking!

Jenn and Ricky love wine, I mean really LOVE wine! They also incorporated this as a subtle detail into the wedding. Each reception table had a wine crate, and each crate is from one of their favorite vineyards around the country. I adored being their wedding photographer just to capture all the amazing touches they brought to their special day.

I could not have asked for a better team to work with as a wedding photographer. Quianna Marie Photography and one of my east coast assistants, Kirstin, assisted me. The videographers who we worked with, The Brothers Martens, made it clear that the client was the priority, which made us work together seamlessly. It was a perfect Ma Maison wedding.

Future Brides

Three things come to mind that made this such an incredible experience for both myself as a wedding photographer and my couples:

Trust

Jenn & Ricky trusted me with everything from the wedding venue to their timeline. Their ceremony began at 6:30 P.M., which is typically later than usual for other ceremonies, but I created their timeline so that we could have everything photographed prior to their ceremony. If they had gone with an alternate timeline, we would have had to do six hours of photos in one! And by the way, did I mention there was 100% chance of rain? And it was during our “picture time”–thank goodness for back up plans!

Connection

The way that Jenn and Ricky involved me in all of the important events leading up to the wedding really helped me connect with them and get to know them better. Before the wedding day even began, I knew so many critical details. I knew their families, I understood their relationship dynamic, and I knew all of the important people in their life to photograph.

Communication

Jenn was quick to let me know not only what their decisions were, but why they made them. She explained that she loved The Ma Maison because of their Blue Bonnets that bloomed in April and their amazing Antique French cathedral in the front yard. Jenn told me she would have a surprise first dance with her mom and how special her first look was with her mom. Lastly, she made sure to communicate which moments she was looking forward to so that I faithfully captured them as her wedding photographer.

I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to fly out to Austin and participate in each of Jenn and Ricky’s lovely moments as their wedding photographer. I truly hope I can work with more couples like them, and since I have a newfound love for Austin. Hey, Austin brides!

Vendors

• Venue: The Ma Maison
• Bridal Dress: Marisa
• Ceremony Music: Terra Vista Strings
• Reception Music: Signature Eventx Entertainment
• Flowers: Petal Pushers
• Cake: Sweet Treets Bakery
• Invitations: Custom design by groom / print and paper by Farmette Press & Paper
• Rentals: Unique Design & Events (drapes)
• Wedding Coordinator: Vintage & Lace Weddings
• Videographer: The Brothers Martens
  
  

Planning an Austin, Texas wedding? Contact me here! Can’t wait to meet!