Downtown Austin Wedding

Friday, December 20th, 2024

At the end of November, Brian and I packed all our gear into travel bags, ensuring we had everything we needed for our destination wedding. With excitement building, we set off for Austin, Texas, to attend a wedding that promised to be unforgettable. As we left behind the chilly Michigan climate, complete with swirling snow flurries, we looked forward to a warm and sunny escape. The wedding and reception took place at the Hotel Zaza in the heart of the city; this lavish hotel was the perfect backdrop for this downtown Austin wedding.

In our conversations with Allie and Jackson, we learned how much they loved the city of Austin and considered it their home. Allie, a native of Michigan, and Jackson, who hails from Nebraska, built their lives together in Austin. Understanding the city’s significance in their daily lives, Brian and I decided to explore Austin ourselves. With our walking shoes on, we eagerly set out to immerse ourselves in the local culture.

We wandered through the streets, taking pictures of the stunning architecture that contrasted modern buildings with charming historical ones. Colorful murals adorned the walls, reflecting the city’s vibrant creative spirit, and we made a note of these locations to revisit on their wedding day.

Close up of diamond ring on a tennis ball.
Dress hanging in hotel on modern artwork with black, white and grey coloring.

Allie started her day in the hotel suite with her sister and best friends while Jackson prepared for the day with his father and friends. Allie’s attention to detail was impressive; she included personalized stationery and signage featuring a drawing of downtown Austin, along with monogrammed tennis balls, symbolizing how she and Jackson first met. She honestly thought of everything!

Bride embraces with mother on wedding in hotel lobby in downtown Austin, Texas.
Close up of mothers hands as she zips up bridal dress
Sister of bride helps bride with earrings in hotel lobby in downtown Austin.
Bride puts on wedding shoes in front of floor length mirror for downtown Austin wedding.
Bride's family takes a portrait in hotel lobby with gold mirrors behind them in Austin, Texas.
Groom gets ready for wedding day in front of library shelves full of books.
Wedding portrait of Groom in black tux in front of brightly colored books.
Family portrait of groom and his parents in hotel lobby in front of gold mirrors.

Allie had planned a lovely surprise reveal with her friends. Her girlfriends were thrilled for her and adored her final bridal look. We captured their joyful moment before heading outside for Allie and Jackson’s first look.

Bride sneak peek with bridesmaids as they stand with their eyes covered wearing black dresses.
Bridesmaids see bride for first time in downtown Austin wedding.
Bridesmaids embrace with bride on wedding day in front of gold mirrors.
Bride walks towards groom outside in downtown Austin wedding.
Groom awaits bride's arrival for their first look during their downtown Austin wedding.
Bride and grooms first look in downtown Austin wedding.
Grooms first look at bride in downtown Austin wedding
Groom admires bride during their first look in downtown Austin.
Bride and groom kiss during their first look on patio porch in downtown Austin.

Their first look was truly special! Despite the wind blowing around them—thanks, Mother Nature, lol—they were fully present and excited as they finally laid eyes on each other. After that, we explored the city, capturing beautiful portraits of Allie and Jackson in the place they love.

Bride and groom run in front of mural in downtown Austin
Bride and groom hold hands in front of mural before downtown Austin wedding
Bride and groom embrace with a forehead kiss in front of mosaic tiles in downtown Austin.
Bride and groom hold hands in front of pillars of city building in downtown Austin
Bride holds on to groom in downtown Austin
Bride and groom look into each others eyes in downtown Austin wedding
Groom whispers in brides ear in downtown Austin
Portrait of bride and groom who embrace with focus on diamond ring
Bride and groom embrace in Austin in front of glass building with black pains
Bride and groom portrait in downtown Austin
Bridal party in downtown Austin wedding
Bridal party walking photo of group in downtown Austin wedding
Bride and groom walk to their vehicle as bride looks at camera and groom holds her dress

After spending some time in the city, we returned to Hotel Zaza for the ceremony and reception. Jackson and Allie’s family and friends traveled from near and far to celebrate their special day. Not a single seat was left open during the ceremony, where we were treated to their love story, beautifully narrated by Jackson’s tennis coach, who officiated the heartfelt event. The ceremony included it all: laughter, an exchange of rings, and a mixing of coffee grounds.

City signage during downtown Austin wedding
Groom walks down the aisle with mother and father in black attire
Bride and father walk down the aisle in downtown Austin wedding
Groom accepts bride at the end of the aisle with father
Bride and groom hold hands at end of the aisle in downtown Austin wedding
Photo of brides parents during downtown Austin wedding
Bride and groom down the aisle with candlelight at Hotel Zaza
Bridesmaids bouquets during wedding reception at hotel Zaza
Parents of groom during wedding ceremony
Bride and groom with room of guests during downtown Austin wedding
Bride and groom exchange of rings during downtown Austin wedding
Bride and groom kiss at end of aisle
Bride and groom hold hands and walk down the aisle
Bride and groom kiss halfway down the aisle during downtown Austin wedding
Parent family photo
Portrait of bride and groom at end of aisle

After the beautiful ceremony, they were eager to kick off their celebration! They made a spectacular grand entrance, their smiles radiating as they stepped into the reception, greeted by the cheers and applause of their family and friends. Heartfelt speeches from loved ones followed, each word filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories, bringing both smiles and a few happy tears.

Bride and groom enter their reception hand in hand at Hotel Zaza
Father of bride speech through the bride and grooms vantage point
Bride and groom reaction to speech during hotel Zaza wedding
Father of bride speech photo through candlelight
Bride and groom with Champagne glasses watch and listern to speeches during reception
Best man speech with microphone during wedding reception at Hotel Zaza
Best man speech from bride and groom's perspective during downtown Austin wedding
Bride and grooms reaction to wedding speeches during downtown Austin wedding
Champagne glasses clink during speeches at downtown Austin wedding
Bride and groom laugh during sister's speech on wedding day
Bride cries during speech at reception
Bride and groom look at each other through candles during reception
Bride and groom toast during speeches at Hotel Zaza
Bride radiates a beautiful smile during grooms speech to her
Bride and groom kiss after groom's speech to her during their reception
Bride and grooms first dance at Hotel Zaza in downtown Austin
Bride and groom embrace during first dance during downtown Austin wedding
Bride and groom first dance with a dip and kiss during downtown Austin wedding
Bride and groom first dance at Hotel Zaza

As the evening progressed, the dance floor beckoned, transforming this downtown Austin wedding into a lively celebration where guests of all ages let loose and danced the night away in a joyous celebration of love and unity.

Full dance floor at Hotel Zaza reception
Bride and groom take a shot on the dance floor at Hotel Zaza
Bride and groom smile face to face on dance floor
Bride and groom dance face to face on a full dance floor at Hotel Zaza

Jackson and Allie’s day was unforgettable and filled with love; truly, it marks a beautiful beginning for these two! Thank you once again for allowing us to share in your special day.

Wedding Planner: Truly Together Event Co.

Venue: Hotel Zaza

Florist: Stems

Baker: Classy Cakes by Lori

Entertainment: DJ Brian Weber

Stationer + Signage: Maddie Laidig Designs

Beauty: Harper and Olive Salon

Coffee: Creature Coffee