Location recommendations

First on the list; deciding the look and feel for the perfect setting for your bridal session. Are you looking for something rustic, surrounded by nature and open pastures? Maybe somewhere outdoors with beautiful stone staircases and bridges? Or maybe you’d prefer a more classic indoor setting? The possibilities for locations are endless! Here are some of my favorite venues (and some hidden gems) I’ve found that might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Locations

01. Festival Hill - Round Top

The stunning Edythe Bates Old Chapel was built in 1883 and moved to Festival Hill in 1994 and is a great location for an intimate bridal setting.

02. Henkel Hall - Round Top

A sweet, charming, and historic chapel tucked away in a grove of century live oak trees. 

03. Belle Oaks Inn - Gonzales

The gardens and grounds at Belle Oaks Inn make for a beautiful backdrop that provides a picture-perfect setting for a true Southern Belle.

04. Zedler Mill - Luling

One of my absolute favorites! If you love a rustic feel then this is the perfect place for you!

05. The Harrison Room - Flatonia

Built in 1881, this former dry goods and clothing store is the framework for this rustic yet modern stone building you see today.

06. Las Brisas Farm - Fayetteville

This Hill Country hideaway is where rustic meets sophistication and has a stunning farmhouse and courtyard, and the cutest remodeled cottages.

07. Laguna Gloria - Austin

Sitting on the shores of Lake Austin, this former Austin Museum of Art is now a contemporary setting for a one-of-a-kind shoot, both indoors and out.

08. Your wedding venue!

09. Already have a spot picked out? I can’t wait to see and hear all about it!

When in doubt!?

Being from this region, I’ve photographed so many amazing bridal sessions on family and friend’s properties. Reach out to your circle and see if anyone will let you use their property for our shoot!

Search the Google!

Do a quick search for specific venues that match what you’re looking for. And don’t worry if we need to travel a bit too — I want all of your bridal session dreams to come true!

Location fees.

Keep in mind that a lot of venue locations require a fee to photograph and will provide us with a time frame for the actual session.

Here are a couple of prime tips to help you plan!

Schedule accordingly!

Schedule your bridal session at least 4–5 weeks in advance to allow plenty of time get your prints for your reception. As soon as your dress fittings and alterations are done, let’s get a date locked in on the calendar!

Hair & makeup appointments

Bridal sessions are a great time to test out your hair and makeup. Be sure to schedule your hair and makeup appointment with some extra wiggle room added in, just in case your appointment goes over. Sometimes hair and makeup takes longer than expected, which can cause our photo session to run late and risk losing valuable time and daylight.

Bring your bouquet!

Bridal sessions also provide a great opportunity to test out your bouquet design. Contact your florist and let them know you’ll be taking bridal portraits. They’ll be able to make you a bouquet that will match the one you will have on your wedding day!

Sheets are your best friend!

Don’t panic about getting your dress dirty during our bridal session; bring a white sheet to stand or sit on! But make sure it’s white so it will blend in with your dress.

Bring the essentials!

Depending on the location we’re shooting at and the time of year it is, you may get a bit sweaty and need a makeup touch-up! Bring a microfiber face cloth just in case it’s hot out and whatever makeup you’ll be wearing so we can do any last minute touch-ups. 

Stay hydrated!

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Especially if your session is in the hotter months! It’s easy to overheat in your dress, so bring plenty of water and we will take as many breaks as you need! A couple of snacks wouldn’t hurt either. We all love a good snack break!