Justine's Secret House | Austin Wedding Photographer
Walking up to Barton Springs pool, the morning of Sydney & Chandler’s wedding- I knew it was going to be a good day. They had festivities planned at Justine’s Secret House for their wedding day, but wanted to start the morning with a cold plunge in the iconic Austin pool. This is a very special place to them as a regular part of their ATX lifestyle, so they invited their family & wedding party to meet them there, and everyone jumped in together. The whole atmosphere was brimming with joy and anticipation. I could immediately tell, I was in for an amazing wedding day.
Sydney got ready at the Frances Modern Inn, which was such a beautiful setting. Her childhood friend did her make-up (and everyone admired her friend's impeccable make-up skills), while her closest friends got ready too. There is something so amazing about watching an intentional, peaceful wedding day unfold. Every moment has meaning. Time slows down. I love documenting it all. Sydney was such a beautiful bride too. With her silk wedding slip dress and floral statement necklace. It fit her personality perfectly. I was privileged enough to be friends with Sydney in college, so it was really special to me to document her big day.
The couple spent the last few minutes before their ceremony doing a “first look” outside Justine’s Secret House, where we snapped some portraits of the two of them on their wedding day.
As an Austin wedding photographer who focuses on documentary style, I wanted to get a mix of traditional portraits and observatory moments between the two of them. The excitement and joy was palpable, as they prepared to walk down the aisle. They had a small gathering of their closest people for the ceremony. Their best friends officiated for them. And then after officially becoming newlyweds, Sydney and Chandler took a tequila shot! They had saved this tequila shot for years, knowing they wanted to take it at their wedding. So unbelievably special. See what I mean about intentional? Gosh, I love these two!
Their reception was no different. A twinkling evening under the stars. Eating dinner and laughing with their friends. Dancing the night away. Books are really important to them, so they surprised their guests and had books picked out for each individual guest and gave them handwritten letters. Everyone was amazed that they pulled off this really intimate, special day. Honestly?? It felt like Christmas. Everyone was kind and excited. It was truly a one of a kind wedding day.
If you’re an Austin bride, looking for an intimate and lovely venue, 10/10 recommend Justine’s Secret House. Make sure you scroll to the bottom of the post to take in the whole day.
