This wedding felt so special from the very start.

A few months ago, while planning a trip out west, I mentioned that I was hoping to connect with some couples to shoot while I was there. Since I’m based in Austin, I couldn’t believe it when Lucinda, who also lives here, reached out to say she and her fiancé Matthew would be in Yosemite at the same time. It was meant to be!

I met Lucinda and Matthew in the mountains of Yosemite for their engagement session in the fall. The views were breathtaking, the light was perfect, and the way they were with each other made everything come alive. We talked about their wedding plans a little, but nothing was set in stone yet. By the end of the session I felt like I had made two new friends, and it reminded me how grateful I am for my job, that I get to travel, meet amazing people, and capture moments that matter.

Not long after, they emailed me. They had booked a venue and wanted me to photograph their wedding. I checked my calendar, saw I was free, and I was SO excited!

Before the wedding, I got to do a bridal session with Lucinda, her sister, and her mom. First in their traditional tea ceremony dresses, then in her wedding gown. It was such a sweet time together and the perfect way to slow down and get those portraits without rushing on the wedding day.

Their wedding took place at the beautiful Woodbine Mansion just north of Austin. From the start, everything felt easy and full of love. Their planner kept things running so smoothly, and the whole vibe of the day was calm and joyful.

Lucinda and Matthew began the day with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony in The Library, a beautifully styled room inside the mansion. Lucinda’s mom planned a good bit of the ceremony, and the space was perfect for such an intimate moment with their closest family. The contrast and colors in that room were stunning, and you could feel the meaning behind every detail. Everyone was crying, and honestly I was tearing up like crazy. You could just feel how deeply loved and supported they are.

After sharing lunch with their family, Lucinda and Matthew got ready for their larger ceremony. They shared a quiet first look in front of the white pillars before we headed to the West Lawn for the ceremony under the trellis. Lucinda’s dad walked her down the aisle, a moment full of love and meaning. Matthew’s cousin officiated the wedding. The setting was elegant and romantic, tucked under trees with light spilling through, making the whole ceremony feel intimate and heartfelt.

After their ceremony, they stepped into the Sun Room for a little private moment with appetizers, just the two of them. Matthew’s cousin came up again to sign the marriage license. It’s such a meaningful thing to have someone close to you involved in these moments. It was a peaceful pause before joining the rest of the celebration.

The reception was held in the tented area behind the mansion, and it was full of energy and joy. There were heartfelt toasts, sweet first dances, cake cutting, and then a packed dance floor. Also, there were unplanned speeches, which are sometimes the best ever. Everyone was laughing when Matthew’s dad gave an unplanned speech at the beginning of the reception.

During the reception, we slipped away for a few minutes to capture some sunset couples photos, something I always recommend because they’re quick but often end up being some of the favorites. We caught them running toward the mansion, wrapped up under the veil, and celebrating together. The photos have that perfect just married feeling, they look so happy and completely in love.

They truly ended the night surrounded by all their favorite people, dancing and laughing and soaking it all in.

Lucinda and Matthew, from the mountains of Yosemite to your wedding day in Austin, it’s been such a gift to be part of your story. Thank you for trusting me to capture these memories.

If you’re planning your wedding and want photos that feel natural and full of heart, I’d love to hear your story. Reach out through my contact form and let’s talk about what matters most to you.