Maya and Chris got married this July at Hummingbird House in Austin, and it was such a fun day!! This was a Sunday wedding, and while it ended at 9pm, there was still tons of dancing and celebrating packed in. These two are so stinking gorgeous, and more importantly, incredibly sweet and wholesome. But seriously, Maya just radiates. The day included a first look and private vow reading, along with a few other fun and unique elements that I really loved. The event was well planned and well thought out, and I’m so glad I was the one chosen to capture it! Congratulations to Chris and Maya on their lovely wedding and marriage!!

Groom’s First Look with Mom

We’re all familiar with having the bride have a first look with her father, but how about a groom getting to have a first look with his mom?! I don’t have this often, but it should totally become normal! I’m a mom of a cute ass son, and I love the idea of having a moment like this with him when he gets married. So sweet.

Groomsman First Look Prank

Chris and Maya did ALL of the first looks, including the “first look with a groomsman dressed up in a wedding dress” prank. Maybe not the most politically correct first look and wedding prank, but it definitely always gets a laugh. It also helps calm some nerves for when the REAL bride comes out.

Private Vow Readings

My absolute favorite wedding “trend” right now is the private vow readings after the bride and groom’s first look. It’s SO special to be able to say your vows to each other without the pressure of public speaking. You don’t have to worry if you get extra emotional, and you don’t have the jitters from being in front of everyone. I absolutely love this trend and recommend it to any couple that chooses to do a first look. During the ceremony, couples sometimes decide to repeat the vows again in front of their guests, or sometimes they just say the standard vows with the officiant. Either way, OBSESSED with private vow readings!!

Last Minute Floral Changes!

I can’t remember exactly what happened, but basically Chris and Maya went to look at the florals they ordered with their planned florist, and there was a problem. The colors weren’t at all what they were expecting, unfortunately. They scrambled to find someone to do the bouquet she envisioned and oh my GOSH, this was one of the prettiest bunch of florals I’ve ever seen! Huge credit to Twin Flames Events for coming through with these amazing last minute florals!

Cell Phone Photo Moment

Another thing I’ve been loving lately is the cell phone break for guests. At the beginning of the ceremony, the officiant announces that guests need to put away their phones. But first, they’re allowed a few moments to take a nice photo of the couple. These keeps the cell phones out of my photos, but gives guests some time to capture their own. It’s a great compromise and lets guests know their photos are appreciated, too!

TREE PLANTING UNITY CEREMONY

This was so cute!! I’ve seen lots of different unity ceremonies added in, but I really enjoyed this one. Maya and Chris added soil and watered a plant together during their wedding. I thought this was great because it’s something that’s going to be a visible reminder of their wedding at their new home. They also had guests add notes to it during the reception (photo down below).

Reception Shoes

I am ALL ABOUT the trend of comfortable wedding footwear, but Maya and Chris took it one step further with these super awesome custom Nikes! They had both of their last names written across the back, and had them made in opposite colors.

Gorgeous Garden Spaces at Hummingbird House

This was my first time shooting at Hummingbird House, and it is such a beautiful venue!! I was very pleasantly surprised at how many different lush spaces there were. This wedding took place in July, in Texas. While most venues do turn a little bit brown from the heat, Hummingbird House was lush and beautiful and green even in the Summer. I actually shot another wedding here a month later, in the middle of a drought, and it was STILL this beautiful. Oh, and the tented reception space stayed nice and cool.

Private Garter Removal

One more thing Maya and Chris did that I love is a private garter removal! Doing the sexy lap dance and silly or sexy garter removal is great for some couples and weddings, but for some couples, it can be uncomfortable. I LOVE this alternative!! I won’t show the photos (even though they’re super cute), but it’s such a cute little moment. And an opportunity for the two of you to sneak away. Love the private garter removal <3

Shout out to Danny with Hummingbird House!

Shout out to Danny, co-owner of Hummingbird House, for keeping the day running smoothly! I love a coordinator who makes things look totally effortless and stress-free. The day went perfectly, and a huge part of that is always going to be the one coordinating things!

Congratulations, Maya and Chris, for your beautiful wedding at Hummingbird House!!

Wishing these two the very best ever!