zz Skylar & Cyrus: A Modern Wedding with Bold Color

In the era of Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok, there is a never-ending stream of wedding inspiration for engaged couples to sift through. There are literally thousands upon thousands of wedding ideas out there, from a modern wedding design to a boho, rustic, or classic one. Although all of these styles are extraordinarily beautiful, we’ve seen how the infinite possibilities can lead to decision fatigue and make wedding planning harder. That’s why we encourage you to lean into your own personal style, even if it breaks the mold. We here at The Bird & The Bear have been an Austin wedding photography and videography team for years, and we love seeing our couples’ unique styles and tastes, especially when they think outside the box! So let us be the first to embolden you and give you the reassurance you may need to do things your way at your wedding, even if it differs from the weddings you see on social media.

One of our beautiful couples, Skylar and Cyrus, achieved this with their modern wedding. They leaned into their personal affinity for bold colors and contemporary flair, mixing it up with their attire, timeline, and even their wedding date! We found through working with them that these fun details definitely align with their lighthearted and excitable personalities. The joy they felt throughout their modern wedding lit them up from within, making for radiant photos that are as vibrant as they are.

After viewing their modern wedding film and gallery in this post, we hope you’ll be inspired to also design a wedding that feels true to who you are. No matter what your personal wedding style is, we’re here to support you and capture every beautiful moment.

Austin Wedding Details

Skylar and Cyrus’ modern wedding took place at Austin’s South Congress Hotel, a boutique hotel set in the heart of downtown. We started the day shooting the laidback fun that Skylar and her attendants had while getting ready. As LUX Beauty & Bridal did Skylar’s hair and makeup, we captured detail shots of the couple’s aqua and blush invitation suite, surrounded by effervescent floral in fuchsia, tangerine, orchid, and peach. These details set the stage for this modern wedding day, as these hues were woven throughout their wedding design.

During this time, we also photographed Skylar in her sleek, cowl-necked wedding gown. Clean and crisp, her gown had spaghetti straps and buttons all down the back with the satin fabric pooling at her heels.

When her bridal look was complete, we did a first look with Skylar and her dad. In this special moment, Skylar’s dad greeted her with a smile and open arms. After a moment, his eyes pricked with tears, emotion breaking through.

Pre-Ceremony Happy Hour

When Skylar and Cyrus’ guests arrived to their modern wedding, a pre-ceremony happy hour began at the lobby bar. This was everyone’s first sign that Skylar and Cyrus were doing things differently for their big day! Friends and family got the chance to mix and mingle while enjoying light bites and drinks, provided by the hotel’s catering team. The happy couple themselves even joined in on the fun!

This didn’t mean that Skylar showed off her bridal look just yet though! For these welcome drinks, Skylar changed into a strapless white cocktail dress that had cascading tiers of ruffles. It exuded bridal vibes, but also a feeling of fun and carefreeness, which made it perfect for this happy hour.

Modern Wedding Ceremony at South Congress Hotel

Guests then transitioned into the hotel’s Event Space for Skylar and Cyrus’ modern wedding ceremony. There, they found a white, stone fireplace mantel from Loot Rentals set against a white brick wall. Bricolage Curated Florals set a lush floral arrangement on top of the mantel, bursting with fuchsia, magenta, orange, and blush blooms interspersed with wild natural greenery. A smaller version of this arrangement lay inside the mantel. Soft candlelight lit up this entire display, as the floral team scattered various hurricane candles across the altar, some on top of the mantel and some on wooden crates on the ground. They finished off the ceremony design with a bright red, tribal rug.

The emotions that shone through during this modern wedding ceremony were as raw and pure as it gets. Skylar was already tearing up as her father walked her down the aisle with heavenly harp music by Austin’s Harpist filling the air. It was also plain to see that Cyrus couldn’t believe his luck that he got to marry the love of his life. One of their good friends officiated the ceremony and had the privilege of pronouncing Skylar and Cyrus as husband and wife on that gorgeous, colorful day.

An Outdoor, Modern Wedding Reception

When the ceremony concluded, Skylar and Cyrus’ wedding planners, Heavenly Day Events, facilitated the chair flip. This meant that their team moved all the chairs from the ceremony to reuse them in the reception space. They also repurposed the ceremony candles and floral while guests snapped pictures at the Polaroid station and simply enjoyed each other’s company. The Heavenly Day team managed the chair flip feat in no time and that’s when they invited guests to sit down to dinner.

Held in the hotel’s outdoor Courtyard, this modern wedding reception featured long king’s tables, set with white linens and dusty blue gauze table runners. Bud vases with colorful floral stems lined the center of each table and acrylic painted table numbers showed guests where to sit. This couple also arranged a kids’ table with seagrass cushions and fun activities and games.

Skylar and Cyrus’ sweetheart table overlooked it all! It was a black pedestal table with a stormy blue runner and larger than life flowers in various shades of pink and orange. Two gold-lined accent chairs sat behind the table and a patterned rug lay at its feet.

A blue neon sign bearing the newlyweds’ initials greeted everyone upon arrival and a corresponding neon sign displayed their wedding hashtag, “#KeepSkyrusWeird.” After a wonderful dinner by the hotel, their team brought out a surprise dessert for Cyrus because it was not only his wedding day, but also his birthday! Everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to him as he blew out his candles, making this day that much more special.

Dart Collective then started the party back in the main Event Space, where Altared Weddings strung Edison bulb light strands across the ceiling. White paper lanterns also hung down over everyone’s heads, creating a dreamy atmosphere, accentuated by the bold pink uplights around the room. It was here that Skylar and Cyrus shared their first dance to “Time In A Bottle” by Jim Croce and where Skylar did a bouquet toss with a special bouquet made of lettuce leaves, another example of this bride’s creativity!

Skylar, Cyrus, and all their friends and family members made amazing memories on this modern wedding day, and we feel grateful and honored to have been a part of all the fun!

Cheers and congratulations to you, Skylar and Cyrus! Thank you for inviting us to be your Austin wedding photographer and videographer for your incredible modern wedding. It was our pleasure to get to know you and partake in all the fun! We wish you a lifetime of happiness and good fortune!

Let’s Capture Your Big Day!

The Bird & The Bear is a boutique, award-winning studio that offers both Austin wedding photography and videography! We are a one-stop full-service studio that loves to create beautiful photos and films of our couples – all with our signature, playful style.

We would love to capture all the candid, intimate, and fun moments of your special day, just as we did for Skylar and Cyrus. If you’re ready to check off both photo and video from your to-do list, reach out today and let’s make it happen!

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zz Nikki & Sam: A Multicultural Wedding at Highpointe Estate by an Indian Wedding Photographer

Since we are an Indian wedding photographer and videographer and have a soft spot for weddings, we understand that a wedding is just the first chapter in your adventure book. We know that a wedding doesn’t symbolize a destination, but rather, a mile marker, denoting the start of the next leg of your journey together as a couple. The beginning of your marriage is certainly worthy of all the pomp and circumstance you dream of because your nuptials symbolize the union of two people and two families. In some cases, a new marriage also represents the blending of two cultures, like it did for Nikki and Sam’s multicultural wedding at Highpointe Estate.

Their two-day Southeast Asian wedding linked Nikki and Sam in matrimony, but it also blended Nikki’s Indian heritage with Sam’s Western culture. The result was an awe-inspiring, multicultural wedding celebration filled with traditions both old and new. The love Nikki and Sam have for each other and their family, was evident from the haldi to the sangeet to the wedding day itself. Together with their seasoned Indian wedding planner, Cheryl with Glitzzy Events, they ensured that their guests were well taken care of and that they also had a blast!

In this post, you’ll step into the shoes of one of Nikki and Sam’s guests, as you discover the beauty and joy of their multicultural wedding at Highpointe Estate. You’ll smile at their delightful wedding color palette, marvel at the grandeur of their ceremony mandap, and dance alongside them from the baraat all the way until the end of their epic reception.

Without further ado, we present Nikki and Sam’s multicultural wedding!

The Haldi & Pelikutru (Pre-Wedding Tradition)

The day before Nikki and Sam’s multicultural wedding at Highpointe Estate, they held their haldi and pelikutru! These are very auspicious Indian wedding traditions that involve the bride and groom’s family members smearing turmeric on their faces. Its bright yellow hue symbolizes the cleansing and purification of the mind, body, and soul before the wedding.

Nikki and Sam’s haldi and pelikutru took place at the Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel . Sam donned a lovely shade of buttercup while Nikki was draped in tangerine and goldenrod for the occasion. During this ceremony, their closest family members and friends prayed over them and daubed their faces and feet with the haldi turmeric mixture. The backdrop for this ritual consisted of yellow and white fabric draping and hanging floral garlands. The combination of bright yellows and oranges was sunny enough to make anyone smile and complemented the haldi perfectly.

Everyone’s joy in this ceremony was infectious! Loved ones, young and old, got to partake in the fun, creating an atmosphere of excitement and enthusiasm. This energy came across in a beautifully authentic way in the final photos! Here at The Bird & The Bear , capturing every aspect of the day while blending into the background is our specialty. While we step forward to assist and guide you as needed, we never interfere with the special moments with your closest people.

The Sangeet (Music Night)

Later that night, Nikki and Sam held their sangeet, which is a high-energy night of traditional dances, upbeat music, and unadulterated fun! This sweet couple both wore peach attire with gold accents and this was the first time that Nikki really got to showcase her henna! As is tradition for Indian weddings, Nikki and her closest female family members and friends got henna done on their hands and arms in the most gorgeous and intricate patterns imaginable the night before. Henna by Neeti’s design work was simply stunning and we love how the henna truly popped in photos and on film!

The sangeet took place in one of the Sheraton’s ballrooms. Yara with Unique Design & Events completely transformed the space with an exquisite backdrop of orange, turquoise, and gold fabric draping. She then set an ivory couch with orange throw pillows and gold lanterns in varying heights in front of the backdrop, setting the perfect stage for Nikki and Sam to take the spotlight.

When the sangeet began, the caterer Biryani Pot served guests a delicious dinner of traditional Indian fare. Nikki and Sam themselves then kickstarted the party with a performance of their own to open the dance floor. Their amazing rhythm and choreography were second to none! It was particularly striking to see Nikki’s orange and peach dress twirl against their backdrop. It showed that they truly planned every last detail, from the hues of the backdrop to the same shades in Nikki and Sam’s attire.

The nearlyweds’ family and friends then took turns performing for them. As an experienced Indian wedding photographer and videographer, we have worked many sangeets and they always make us feel like we have the best jobs in the world! They are incredibly lighthearted, energetic, and entertaining, and that kind of vibe is contagious! We have just as good a time at sangeets as the guests do, and we like to think that shows in the way we photograph and video the event!

Setting the Stage at Highpointe Estate

Then, on a beautiful, sunny day at Highpointe Estate, it was Nikki and Sam’s wedding day! When our Indian wedding photography and videography team arrived that morning, we started capturing detail shots, including Nikki’s magnificent lavender and gold wedding sari, the ganesh, and of course, the mandap.

Monarch Event Rentals brought this couple’s wedding ceremony dreams to life by setting a glossy white stage with a golden, open-frame arch. They fastened the most beautiful, fluffy floral to the arch, so that the bright pink and orange blooms added an instant dose of happiness to the overall aesthetic. Their team also hung small, delicate florals as a backdrop, cascading down from the back of the arch. To complete the look, intricate gold ceremony chairs were set atop the stage, ready for Nikki, Sam, and the proceedings of the day.

Before the ceremony began, Nikki and Sam did a first look. As a more modern wedding event, a first look is not only a fun and private way to see one another for the first time that day, but it also greatly helps with logistics. Doing a first look allows us to get portraits done before the ceremony, so that you can spend more quality time with your loved ones post-ceremony. As a bonus, a first look is always so romantic! We’ve seen both brides and grooms tear up, read private vows, exchange gifts, share sweet nothings, and just generally revel in the emotional anticipation of their marriage. This certainly was the case for Nikki and Sam, as they wore the brightest smiles and shared the biggest hug when Sam turned around that morning.

Wedding day bliss was all over their faces and it was our pleasure getting to capture this authentic moment for this special couple.

The Baraat (Groom’s Entrance)

One of our favorite parts of being an Indian wedding photographer is getting to be part of the baraat! If you thought the sangeet was a fun dance party, just wait until you see Sam’s baraat, or his entrance to the wedding ceremony. A dhol player and Nachle DJ Entertainment made sure to crank up the Nadaswaram music for this extravaganza, filled with lively dancing, marching, and cheering. Sam’s friends hoisted him up on their shoulders, and colorful smoke bombs blew through the air as the parade made their way through the parking lot and up to the chapel’s entrance.

When they arrived, Nikki’s parents greeted Sam and formally welcomed him into their family. This signified that the wedding ceremony could officially commence!

A Multicultural Wedding Ceremony at Highpointe Estate

Every wedding ceremony is beautiful and special, but there is something especially sacred about a Southeast Asian wedding. The traditions within the ceremony are typically different from couple to couple, depending on which part of India they’re from. Nikki and Sam’s ceremony included a sanctified series of rituals, from the Kanyadaanam (giving away of the bride by her parents) to the Mangalya Dharanam (tying of the sacred thread and exchange of garlands) to the Talambralu (showering of rice). It was touching to see their family involved in the ceremony as well. Towards the end of the ceremony, Nikki and Sam accepted blessings from their parents and grandparents before the priest declared them husband and wife!

A Multicultural Wedding Reception at Highpointe Estate

After lunch served by Biryani Pot, Nikki had her hair and makeup touched up by Tansia Beauty & Bridal, and then she and her new husband both changed into their reception attire. For Nikki, that meant an ivory sari with aqua accents and for Sam, that meant a Western, navy blue suit. Before the evening reception began, we took sunset portraits around Highpointe Estate, and the light could not have been dreamier! It worked perfectly to enhance the beauty of the property and the newlyweds.

The night began with the guests arriving via chartered buses from Austin Charter Services for the cocktail hour, where Biryani Pot fried fresh appetizers onsite for everyone. Then, all the guests were invited into Highpointe Estate’s Gathering Room for the wedding reception. There, they found the dinner tables dressed in blush linens, turquoise napkins, gold chargers, and pink and orange floral centerpieces. Chandeliers and white fabric draping hung from the ceiling’s wooden beams, and pink uplights set the room aglow. Next to the sweetheart table stood the newlyweds’ 3-tiered wedding cake, complete with fresh pastel florals and a mini replica of their cat!

The reception kicked off with the introduction of the new Mr. and Mrs. and their closest family members. They shared their first dance together as well as with each of their parents. Speeches from both sets of parents, Sam’s best friends, and the newlyweds themselves were given before the dinner buffet opened. As Cheryl with Glitzzy Events and Nachle DJ Entertainment released each table, the guests would take pictures with Nikki and Sam, ensuring that they got to say hello to everyone.

The rest of the night was marked by open dancing and general merriment! Everyone enjoyed getting to let loose and celebrate, making the most of their time together. At the end of the night, everyone lined up outside with sparklers and Nikki and Sam made their grand exit by walking through the lights and their loved ones. It was so special to see them lock eyes with their people and each other, as they shared one last amazing moment together before their wedding came to a beautiful and perfect end.

Congratulations Nikki and Sam! We’re so glad to know you both and were honored to be your Indian wedding photographer and videographer. Thank you for entrusting us to capture the magic of your wedding weekend! Cheers to a lifetime of happiness!

Let’s Work Together!

The Bird & The Bear is a boutique, award-winning studio that offers Indian wedding photography and videography! We are a one-stop full-service studio that loves to create beautiful photos and films of our couples – all with our signature, playful style.

We would love to capture all the candid, intimate, and fun moments of your special day, just as we did for Nikki and Sam. If you’re ready to check off both photo and video from your to-do list, reach out today and let’s make it happen!

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zz Kelly & Connor: A Timeless, Dusty Blue Wedding at Villa Antonia

Here at The Bird & The Bear, we strive to strike the perfect balance between photographing the highlights of your wedding while also capturing every authentic emotion and special, candid moment in between. We have been a top Austin wedding photographer and videographer for years and we know that your wedding isn’t one long photo shoot. It’s an unabashed and unfiltered celebration of your love and the journey you took to get to the altar. That’s why we always aim to make the day revolve around you and your loved ones, not around the photos and video. We’re simply there to document all the love and beauty of the day!

This is exactly what we did for the beautiful, dusty blue wedding of Kelly and Connor at Villa Antonia. We had the great pleasure of photographing this special couple, from their engagement session all the way until they said “I do.” We view our couples as our friends, and with Kelly and Connor’s easygoing, upbeat personalities, it wasn’t hard to do!

We’re thrilled to share our favorite moments and images of their love story with you! In this post, you’ll discover the wonder of Villa Antonia, the timeless design details you can incorporate into your own wedding, and the beauty of Kelly and Connor’s love, forever captured in their wedding film and photos.

Special Moments Before the Wedding

We had a blast getting to know Kelly and Connor in the months leading up to the wedding and it only made us more excited for their dusty blue wedding day! When the big day finally arrived, the air was filled with tangible anticipation. We kicked off the day by capturing getting ready shots with Kelly and her 10 bridesmaids, all dressed in matching pajamas with feather trim. We then captured shots of Kelly and Connor’s gorgeous dusty blue wedding details, including their custom invitation suite and ring box.

On this dusty blue wedding day, Kelly’s mom helped her slip into a strapless white gown with a trumpet-style skirt. It was clean, sleek, and effortlessly elegant, just like her! We know that many mothers dream of helping their daughters get ready for their wedding, so we always intentionally build this moment into the photo and film timeline.

After Kelly was all dolled up, we did a first look with her bridesmaids. This is definitely one photo trend that we can get behind because it’s a chance to have a special moment with your closest friends. Plus, it never fails to produce the best authentic reactions!

Kelly also held a first look with her dad. Clutching her white bridal bouquet provided by Embellished Event Floral, she smiled brightly as her dad turned around and saw his little girl as a bride for the first time. It’s safe to say we were all holding back tears!

Getting Married at Villa Antonia

Kelly and Connor’s dusty blue wedding ceremony took place on Villa Antonia’s grand outdoor terrace. It overlooks the entire hill country, creating a breathtaking backdrop. Blue and white floral arrangements in gold fluted vases lined the aisle and similar arrangements topped two ivory stone pillars that framed the altar.

While the ceremony site couldn’t have been more beautiful, Connor only had eyes for Kelly when she walked down the aisle. Escorted by her dad, she was a vision with her cascading blonde waves and the colorful floral scarf wrapped around the stems of her bouquet. Including sentimental details, like Kelly’s scarf, in your wedding is a wonderful way to hold the loved ones who couldn’t be there close.

Kelly and Connor became husband and wife under the vast Texas sky that evening. When officiant Scott Davis pronounced them officially married, cheers pierced the air. They did it!

Wedding Photos at Villa Antonia

At the outdoor cocktail hour, the team at Drink Slingers served guests the newlyweds’ custom cocktails: spicy margaritas and ranch water. During this time, we shot family combinations, wedding party pictures, and newlywed portraits. We love making the most of all the natural scenery Villa Antonia has to offer, so we captured photos at the ceremony site with the hills in the background and on nearby stone terraces with the Italian architecture as a backdrop, among many others.

A Dusty Blue Wedding Reception

Kelly and Connor’s dusty blue wedding reception actually started before heading into the main reception space. It began with their first dance in the adjacent outdoor courtyard under the soft glow from the twinkle lights strung overhead. Surrounded by the Mediterranean-style architecture and the smiling faces of their friends and family, the new Mr. and Mrs. swayed in each other’s arms, drinking in the moment.

The father/daughter and mother/son dances followed suit and then, it was time to start the party! Kelly and Connor’s wedding planner and coordinator, Norma with Embellished Event Planning, ushered everyone into this dusty blue wedding reception space. There, they found guest tables dressed in white linens, soft aqua napkins, and blue and white floral centerpieces. A natural greenery garland ran down the center of the 35 person head table, interspersed with floating candles and floral arrangements perched atop open, gold frames. Kelly and Connor’s half-moon sweetheart table overlooked it all with blue and white floral, aglow with candlelight.

Courtney’s Catering served a delicious buffet dinner that was perfectly complemented by Whisk & Twirl’s wedding cake for dessert. Kelly and Connor chose a 4-tier blue and white cake, accented by fresh floral buds.

Afterwards, Texas Capital DJ got everyone on the dance floor for one epic party! Everyone donned sparkly cowboy hats and waved glow sticks in the air, dancing and jumping to express their excitement of the day.

When the festivities reluctantly wound down, the newlyweds shared one last private dance before taking the final walk at their wedding through their loved ones holding sparklers. After sharing one last dip kiss, they hopped into their getaway car provided by MS Luxury VIP Transportation and drove into the next chapter of their lives together.

Congratulations Kelly and Connor! Your dusty blue wedding at Villa Antonia was downright gorgeous, but nothing was more beautiful than witnessing your love for one another. We enjoyed getting to know you both immensely and wish you all the love and joy in the world!

Let’s Work Together!

We would love to capture all the candid, intimate, and fun moments of your special day, just as we did for Kelly and Connor. If you’re ready to check off both photo and video from your to-do list, reach out today and let’s make it happen!

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gg Gita & Soham: A Multiday, Southeast Asian Mae’s Ridge Wedding

We believe that the design and vibe of a wedding is undeniably reflective of the couple’s personalities and dynamic, so it’s no wonder that Gita and Soham’s multiday Mae’s Ridge wedding was high energy, joyous, and a true party! These two are nothing but fun, naturals in front of the camera, and have the most infectious smiles. Even though we were working the celebration as their Austin Indian wedding photographer and videographer, we felt like we were taking part in all the fun right alongside everyone!

We had the honor of forming a great relationship with Gita and Soham from the start when we shot their engagement photos. When they told us they wanted to capture their funny, goofy, authentic selves in the heart of downtown Austin, we knew this was the right couple for us. Not every couple would want to order pizza or shoot with a cupcake truck in the background as part of their engagement shoot, but Gita and Soham were nothing but themselves from the very beginning. They carried this spirit of authenticity throughout their entire wedding celebration from that point forward, from the mehndi to sangeet to ceremony to reception.

That’s what sets this Mae’s Ridge wedding apart for us. It wasn’t just the vibrant florals, amazing outfits or even the cool cars, but the personal details weaved throughout that made this multiday, Indian wedding truly one for the books.

Man feeding woman pizza in prep for their Maes Ridge wedding

Bride and groom ordering pizza in prep for their Maes Ridge wedding

Mehndi (Henna Party)

As an Austin Indian wedding photographer, we’ve seen a lot of incredible henna work, but we don’t always get to photograph the intricacies of the mehndi. We were thrilled when Gita asked us to capture hers and we were completely fascinated to watch Henna Arts work, as they applied the delicate and exquisite henna on Gita and her guests’ hands and feet.

For those unfamiliar with a mehndi, it is a henna party that takes place before the wedding festivities begin. It is usually a casual affair held at the bride or a family member’s house, and the bride and all the women closest to her come to get their henna done. The groom doesn’t typically participate in the mehndi, but Soham briefly did by getting Gita’s name inside a heart drawn on the back of one of his hands. A very sweet and special touch!

Bride's henna on arms at her Mae's Ridge wedding mehndi

Sangeet

The next day, Gita and Soham officially kicked off their wedding weekend with a sangeet. It was everything a sangeet should be and more with upbeat music, good food, and extraordinary dance performances by Gita and Soham’s friends and family.

We started the evening by getting great couple’s portraits around property. Gita and Soham wore royal blue outfits with metallic accents that reminded us of stars in the night sky. These colors contrasted nicely with the vivid colors they used in their event design. They hung green and yellow pompom strands over the dance floor, creating a sort of canopy, and some of the desserts they served were equally as bright, but no less delicious!

The dancing that night did not disappoint! Hands were in the air, skirts swished from left to right, and cheers and laughter echoed throughout the space. Gita and Soham had front row seats for the performances in the form of a hanging bench with turquoise pillows and a white, billowy canopy cover. We loved watching their faces light up with every dance number, as they watched their closest people dance for them to celebrate their new marriage.

Before the night was out, they also enjoyed some incredible food, including fried chicken sliders, mango lassi cheesecake, and even hand scooped ice cream. Between the food and the dancing, it was a perfect night, made only more perfect by the fact that Gita and Soham were getting married the next morning!

A Mae’s Ridge Wedding: Pre-Ceremony

Mae’s Ridge is a modern, farmhouse-style event venue in the hill country of Austin, Texas. They offer a few different ceremony sites and while Gita and Soham chose to have their ceremony at the Pavilion, we definitely took advantage of the rest of the sites by getting photos all around property.

Every Austin Indian wedding photographer knows that an Indian wedding day starts with a baraat (groom’s processional into the ceremony). Not only did Soham have a dhol player and mobile DJ provided by Desi Junction DJs for his, but he also rode in a cherry red convertible, which was decked out in sunny yellow garlands. Soham was the essence of cool in his sunglasses and hot rod, and he certainly had a good time dancing and partying up the path with his family and friends. He knew it was his moment and he completely rocked it!

A Mae’s Ridge Wedding: The Ceremony

Cheryl with Glitzzy Events was Gita and Soham’s wedding planner and her eye for design is truly unparalleled! The color palette for this Mae’s Ridge wedding was hot pink, red, blush, white, and gold, which was reflected in the wedding party’s colorful outfits and the striking floral that framed the mandap. These floral sprays by Merveile Events were works of art, as they cascaded down the sides of the wooden arch onto the white stage, where little gold thrones sat, waiting for the bride and groom. The only thing that made the mandap better was the sweeping view of Austin’s hill country in the background.

After the baraat, Gita’s mom greeted Soham as is tradition, and then he walked down the aisle to the ceremony. Gita and Soham wore Indian attire for the ceremony and they had a first look right at the mandap. Their family members held a tapestry in front of Soham and the mandap, and they only dropped it when it was time to reveal Gita in her stunning red and gold sari. The sparkle in their eyes and smiles said it all! Gita and Soham were actually one of our couples whose original wedding was affected by the pandemic, so while they had to wait a little longer than usual for their big day, getting to have a full celebration surrounded by their loved ones was absolutely worth the wait.

The ceremony was made that much sweeter by the journey this couple went on to get down the aisle, and in between each tradition, we caught them sneaking each other a quick smile or loving glance. We could tell that all their guests felt the love too since they wore smiles that were almost as joyful as the bride and groom’s!

A Mae’s Ridge Wedding: Cocktail Hour & Reception Details

Gita and Soham’s cocktail hour was held out on the lawn at Mae’s Ridge, where they brought in a pink and gold lounge furniture setup, tall cocktail tables, and a mobile champagne truck by Champagne Supply Co. The couple also sprinkled in many personal touches throughout the entire wedding’s design. A sign that said, “It’s worth the wait” greeted guests upon arrival, another sign outlining the couple’s relationship timeline was placed at the bar, and guests got to enjoy the bride and groom’s signature drinks from “Buddy’s Bar,” named after the couple’s furry friend.

Inside the Mae’s Ridge wedding reception space, there were a mix of round and rectangular tables, all dressed in white linens with gold chargers, red napkins, gold flatware, and floral arrangements in gold vases. Greenery hung from the chandeliers and the four-tier cake by Michelle’s Patisserie was a simple cream and light gold with the most beautiful of floral accents flowing down one side. But the sweetheart table was definitely the focal point! The table itself had a light pink linen and a magnificent floral arrangement sitting right in front of it. Behind the table was a hedge wall backdrop, complete with a matching floral spray along the top and a neon light sign that said, “I love you so much,” emulating Austin’s famous mural.

A Mae’s Ridge Wedding: The Party

For this Mae’s Ridge wedding reception, Gita and Soham changed into Western attire. Gita’s gown was white and flowy with little beads all over it and Soham’s tux was classic, black, and accented with a bow tie. Once they were all dolled up, we did a first look at a different ceremony site on property, right underneath a simple, golden archway. We then shot some amazing images of them and the wedding party in the hilly landscape of Mae’s Ridge.

Mr. and Mrs. Manari were then ready to take to the dance floor for their first dance! This was followed by toasts, parent dances, a speech given by the newlyweds, a delicious dinner, and the cake cutting. To compliment the cake, Gita and Soham also served their guests donuts by Little Lucy’s, which was an extra sweet treat for everyone!

At one point before the dance floor opened, we snuck away with the couple to get sunset and night portraits. Austin’s Best DJs had installed specialty marquee letter lights that spelled out “Soham & Gita,” so we definitely weren’t going to miss getting shots with that! We also shot some of the best photos of the wedding weekend that night with Mae’s Ridge’s gold, geometric backdrop illuminated by floating candles.

Bride and groom outdoors at a Maes Ridge wedding ceremony

By far though, our favorite part of the reception was when Gita changed into her fun, second dress and everyone hit the dance floor! Her dress was a short, white number with fringe hanging off it, so that with every turn she made, the dress swished right along with her! She even threw on a custom, pearl studded jean jacket with her name on the back. Along with her cream colored Keds, we would definitely say she was party-ready!

As an Austin Indian wedding photographer, we see a lot of good parties, but Gita and Soham’s certainly had the best dance moves! Nobody was shy about having a good time, as they danced all night, even busting out ribbon wands for everyone at one point.

When it was time for the grand exit, everyone took their wands and lined the outdoor path to the couple’s classic black getaway car, supplied by Austin Classic Limo. The cold sparklers were lit and Gita and Soham left the building, framed by these shooting stars. They were still jumping and dancing as they made their way to the car and with smiles as bright as the cold sparklers, they drove off into the night in each other’s arms.

Wedding rings in boxes at Maes Ridge wedding

Congratulations on a fun and beautiful wedding, Gita and Soham! If you couldn’t tell in this post, we had a blast as your Austin Indian wedding photographer and videographer. It was truly an honor to walk on your journey with you and we wish you all the love and happiness in the world!

Let’s Work Together!

We would love to capture all the candid, intimate, and fun moments of your special day, just as we did for Gita and Soham. If you’re ready to check off both photo and video from your to-do list, reach out today and let’s make it happen!

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tt Tara & Kirk: A Southeast Asian Lakeway Resort Wedding

There is nothing quite like a Southeast Asian wedding. Every time we have the honor of capturing one, we are in awe of the vibrant colors, upbeat dances, and the all-encompassing love that only comes by being surrounded by a true community of family and friends. Tara and Kirk chose to have a Lakeway Resort wedding and as soon as we heard about their plans for a dusty rose, blush, and mauve wedding right on the lake, we knew we wanted to be their Austin Indian wedding photographer and videographer! We were absolutely thrilled when they decided to book with us!

Tara and Kirk are as sweet as can be and they had the brightest smiles on their faces from the start of their sangeet to the end of the wedding reception. The two-day celebration consisted of the most wondrous décor, lakeside sunsets, delicious catering, and lots of dancing! This was quite possibly the most gorgeous wedding we’ve had the pleasure of capturing, so make sure to watch the videos and read to the end to soak up every detail!

A Lakeway Resort Wedding

Tara and Kirk’s wedding weekend was held at Lakeway Resort and Spa in Lakeway, Texas, which is situated about thirty minutes from downtown Austin. It is nestled right on the edge of Lake Travis and is famous for their panoramic lake views from every corner of property. The Vistas Ballroom is their main wedding space with its floor-to-ceiling glass window walls that offer a perfect view of the water for miles.

It’s always a treat for us to work here, especially in the summer, because we get to shoot a lakeside wedding while still being indoors in the air conditioning. Our brides love it too because they get to have a lake backdrop for the ceremony, but they don’t have to worry about the wind messing up their hair, bugs pestering them, or the Texas heat melting their makeup!

As if all that weren’t enough, the Lakeway Resort wedding space has an outdoor, wrap-around terrace, where they hold cocktail hours, and the end of that terrace is THE spot on property for sunset photos. Every time we work here, we just have to build in time for sunset shots with the couple on the terrace, and they always turn out to be the bride and groom’s favorite shots of the day!

An Austin Indian Wedding Photographer’s Dream

Throughout the celebration, we could tell that every décor detail was carefully and purposefully planned out to be both functional and visually striking. The name “Tara” in Hindi translates to “star,” so Tara and Kirk incorporated a star motif in the décor for all their events. Their wedding planner, Cheryl from Glitzzy Events, did a wonderful job subtly and elegantly infusing these stars in the event design, from the sangeet backdrop and welcome signs to the wedding cake and personalized dance floor. She is also a logistics queen, as every event throughout the weekend ran on time to the minute. If you’re looking for an Indian wedding planner, we highly recommend Cheryl and her team!

Yara with Unique Design and Events blew us all away with her handiwork as well. She completely draped the ceiling of the Vistas Ballroom in white, flowy fabric and installed crystal chandeliers for touches of sparkle. Bouquets of Austin completed the design by setting tall floral arrangements along the back of the mandap and short arrangements on both sides of the aisle that would all be later repurposed for the wedding reception.

The mandap itself was truly breathtaking with its white stage, gold seats, and fabric draping in various shades of pink. We loved how the fabric was gathered to create windows, so guests could still marvel at the lake behind the mandap. This also allowed plenty of natural light to illuminate the ceremony space, which made our job as an Austin Indian wedding photographer easy!

Sangeet

Tara and Kirk’s sangeet took place the night before the wedding in Lakeway Resort’s Rio Grande Ballroom. The color scheme for this event included deep purple and peacock blue with touches of gold and silver. The guest tables were dressed in multicolored linens and adorned with floating candles in wine glasses and fun pompom and bead strands. Tara wore an exquisite turquoise and silver sari that shimmered when it caught the light, and Kirk’s sherwani was yellow gold, truly making the pair the stars of the evening.

The sangeet kicked off with dinner provided by Biryani Pot and toasts from the couple’s family. If you’re not familiar with Indian weddings, think of a sangeet like an American rehearsal dinner, except with high energy music and tons of dancing! Our favorite part of any sangeet is when the dancing commences because that is truly when the party starts, and it doesn’t end until the next night after the wedding reception!

Tara and Kirk’s family and friends absolutely killed it on the dance floor, as they took turns performing traditional dances for the couple. DJ Nish kept the music pumping, and it was clear that everyone was overjoyed to be there to celebrate the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs.

The sangeet was made that much sweeter by Amy’s Ice Cream, who brought in their signature ice cream in a mobile cart for dessert. Henna Arts also set up a mehndi table for those who wanted to get henna on their hands in preparation for the wedding the next day. Overall, the sangeet was a hit with everyone jumping on the dance floor before the night was through. Talk about a great way to start your wedding weekend!

Bride and groom smiling at Lakeway Resort wedding sangeet

Baraat

The next morning, the wedding day festivities started with Tara and Kirk’s first look. As an Austin Indian wedding photographer, we always feel so honored to capture these most intimate of moments and we do our best to stay scarce while still getting the best shots, so as to give the couple as private a moment as possible.

After some couples’ portraits and family formals at the mandap, it was time for the baraat! This is the groom’s processional into the ceremony, complete with celebratory music and more dancing! It’s like a party and parade all in one with the groom and his side of the family dancing their hearts out. Many times, the groom will ride in on an exotic animal or in a fancy car, but Kirk choose to jump right in the fun by walking and dancing alongside his loved ones.

They had a dhol player and mobile DJ accompany the group, as they made their way from underneath the trees at the far side of the resort to the walkway that leads up to the Vistas Ballroom. When they arrived there, Tara’s mom greeted Kirk to welcome him into the family by applying the traditional tilak (ceremonial red dot) to his forehead and performing the aarti (traditional ritual of worship) to stave off evil and bless him.

Everyone then proceeded up the outdoor terrace and into the ceremony space, enjoying a quick mango lassi drink before they sat down. It was turning out to be a warm day, so the mango lassi was a refreshing treat after dancing in the sun!

Groom smiling and dancing at Lakeway Resort wedding baraat

A Lakeway Resort Wedding Ceremony

Then, it was time to get married! As far as Indian wedding ceremonies go, Tara and Kirk’s was on the shorter side, just one hour, but it still incorporated all the traditions and rituals that are significant to their culture. They began by giving each other the richest red and white floral garlands and then went on to pray, recite their vows, and exchange rings. What we love most about Indian weddings though is the inclusion of the bride and groom’s families in the ceremony. Both sets of parents and the wedding party sit on the mandap with the couple in order to pray with them, bless them, and participate in various rites throughout the ceremony. It’s incredibly sweet and humbling to watch, and the love emanating from the entire community is palpable from start to finish.

Bride and groom praying on mandap at Lakeway Resort wedding

Family gathering during Lakeway Resort wedding ceremony

Cocktail Hour

When the ceremony concluded, the guests headed outside onto the terrace for cocktail hour. Typically, a Lakeway Resort wedding in the Vistas Ballroom includes cocktail hour on the outdoor terrace and in the indoor lobby alone, but since this was actually going to be a two-hour cocktail hour, Tara and Kirk chose to also rent the Sunset room and patio. Located just a few steps from the Vistas, this was a smart choice to give guests more room to mix, mingle, and relax. It also gave the Jazz Daddies band the perfect place to play live music for everyone under the trees!

While the guests were eating, drinking, and being merry, our team captured some post-ceremony shots of the newlyweds and their families. We also started shooting what we could of the cocktail hour and reception décor. The rest of the vendor team was utilizing the two-hour cocktail hour to flip the Vistas Ballroom from ceremony to reception, which meant breaking down the mandap, reinstalling the backdrop to be behind the sweetheart table, setting up all the dinner tables, and resetting all the floral arrangements. This is why we always recommend only the best in the business for our clients because while two hours may sound like a lot of time, it can become a blur when you are moving and resetting that many elements.

A Lakeway Resort Wedding Reception

The team actually accomplished the flip of the Lakeway Resort wedding space in just an hour and a half, and we were grateful because that meant we had more time to shoot the reception décor details! The guest tables were swathed in white, sparkly linens, gold chargers, and little Ferrero Rocher chocolate favors. All the ceremony floral was repurposed to the reception tables, including the sweetheart table, and the coolest white dance floor was brought in with a gold star bearing the couple’s monogram. Last but not least, Austin Event Lighting set up two giant screens, one in each corner of the room, so that the evening’s formalities could be broadcasted for everyone to see. This reception was truly the dream of any Austin Indian wedding photographer and we had so much fun shooting every last detail!

For the reception, Tara, Kirk, and their loved ones changed into Western-style attire. Tara’s white gown was sleek with just the right amount of fluff and Kirk looked very dapper in his black tux. They hit the dance floor together to kick off the night and no two people looked happier. As the night progressed, toasts were given, the gold star cake made by Sweet Treets was cut, and dinner was served. We loved that before each table got dinner from the buffet, the guests first posed for a picture with Tara and Kirk up at the sweetheart table. This was such a great way to make sure that the couple got photos with all their friends and family!

While there had already been a lot of dancing throughout the weekend, nothing compared to the party that took place at the reception! Tara, Kirk, and all their guests really let loose and had a good time jumping, dancing, and living it up!

When the night was through, everyone lined the walkway outside for a sparker exit. Every Lakeway Resort wedding comes with a complimentary golf cart departure, and Tara and Kirk took full advantage of that by using the cart as their getaway car. They decorated it with a “Just Married” sign to give it their personal touch and when it was time, they rode off into the night with the biggest smiles on their faces.

Bride getting makeup done at Lakeway Resort wedding

Congrats, Tara and Kirk! We were overjoyed to have been your Austin Indian wedding photographer and videographer. We loved getting to celebrate right alongside you every step of the way, and we wish you nothing but the best in your future together!

Let’s Work Together!

We would love to capture all the candid, intimate, and fun moments of your special day, just as we did for Tara and Kirk. If you’re ready to check off both photo and video from your to-do list, reach out today and let’s make it happen!

Say Hello

Winfield Inn Wedding | Carisha & Jordan

Carisha and Jordan were married this November one amazing sunny afternoon at their Winfield Inn wedding in Kyle, TX. They traveled from California for their destination because Jordan used to live in Austin and this is where they met and fell in love! These two are pretty awesome, so we totally hope they move back some day!

Definitely click through to see a few more of our favorite photos!

Continue reading “Winfield Inn Wedding | Carisha & Jordan”

Austin Wedding Photography | Catholic Church | Rusti & Alex

Be sure to click and see more!

Continue reading “Austin Wedding Photography | Catholic Church | Rusti & Alex”

Elsie & JD | Austin Wedding Photography

Elsie & JD are just a couple of seriously beautiful people! They were married this July in one of the most gorgeous ceremonies we’ve ever been to.

Here are a few of my favorites from the day!

Continue reading “Elsie & JD | Austin Wedding Photography”

Kathy & Daniel | College Station Wedding Photography | Double Creek Crossing

Kathy & Daniel were married at Double Creek Crossing in College Station this July. Kathy’s whole life has had a running theme of sunflowers (her Dad gave her the nickname Sunflowers in their Indian Princess group and later they even moved to Sunflower Street)! When Daniel proposed, he knew he had to include them and somehow managed to get a ton of sunflowers in the middle of winter, filling Kathy’s soccer field with them for one epic proposal! It was only fitting their wedding be overflowing with them, too!

Here are a few of my favorite shots of the day, as well as their highlight video below it!

Continue reading “Kathy & Daniel | College Station Wedding Photography | Double Creek Crossing”

Niki & Bill | Houston Wedding Photography | Butler’s Courtyard

Niki & Bill are seriously cool people. The kind of people who have a giant boombox playing old school rap during bridal prep and who were lifted up like doing the horah without being Jewish.

I just love them! And we had a blast at their wedding! I wish we could post their full-length video here, because it cracks me up like none other!

Here are a few from the day!

Continue reading “Niki & Bill | Houston Wedding Photography | Butler’s Courtyard”

Michelle & Ali | Fort Worth Wedding Photography

Michelle & Ali had the most gorgeous wedding! Michelle is extremely talented with interior design, and her vintage-chic style just glowed throughout their wedding at Weston Gardens in Fort Worth. They wrote their own vows, and incredibly, both mentioned how she can’t stand his yellow socks! I teared up with absolute joy for them right then, because they’re clearly meant to be! We were so happy to spend their special day with them.

Check out a couple of my favorite photos from the day, and their highlight video below!

Their wedding was also featured on Style Me Pretty Texas!

Houston Wedding Photography | Tristyn & Philip

Tristyn & Philip are the sweetest couple! They were married at Tristyn’s parent’s beautiful home. With all the pink, feathers and the gorgeous field going on, I was in love!

We were so happy to be a part of their day, so check out a few of their photos and their highlight video!

Austin Wedding Photography | Katie & Drew

Katie & Drew were recently married in my hometown of Livingston, TX! Their wedding was awesome and Katie and her sister-in-law put so much thought and effort into making it all beautiful and fun. They DIY’d pennant banners, filled a building with light, and even covered the tables in white paper so everyone could draw all over it, adding to the bright, colorful ambiance! It all SO fit Katie’s fun, cute personality!

Here are a few of my favorites from the day, and their highlight video below it!

Austin Wedding Photography | Hacienda Del Lago | Christian & Loren

Christian has always been one of my favorite people. She grew up with us, and is one of my sister’s very best friends. I was so happy to hear she was getting married to the amazing Loren, and was even more excited to have the opportunity to photograph their wedding at Hacienda Del Lago here in Austin!

It was raining all day, but miraculously, the clouds separated just long enough to have a short & sweet ceremony in the yard, just like Christian wanted! And man, people seriously had a Blast!

Here’s a little preview, and their highlight video!

A bride lounges on an antique sofa at Hacienda Del Lago in Austin, Texas.

Houston Wedding Photography | Vintage Garden Tea Room | Andra & Chad

There is nothing better than having the opportunity to work with friends. I love this couple & was so excited to photograph their wedding! They are so joyful & creative, and their adorable wedding reflected them perfectly. Bryan came to shoot their highlight video, posted below as a sneak peek! My favorite part is the epic ending. Enjoy! 🙂

PS – I love when Bryan takes video from the backside as I’m shooting from the front! Note the booty grab at the end of the video I was totally oblivious to! lol Love them!