Throughout the years as an Austin wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know some truly amazing couples and Eden & Avery are no exception. Their wedding at the stunning Morgan Creek Barn in Dripping Springs was filled with everything that makes a wedding day so special: celebrating their special love their way, all while surrounded by the people who matter most.
With the barn exteriors painted an edgy black, this Dripping Springs venue offers a modern twist on the classic barn wedding with a subtle Hill Country feel. The venue boasts well-lit and spacious getting-ready spaces for both wedding parties, providing the perfect relaxed start to the day.
The ceremony barn is a standout feature with its white-washed paneled walls and a stunning nine-panel floor-to-ceiling window wall that floods the space with natural light. The venue is also all-inclusive, meaning they take care of everything from the tables, chairs, linens, china, catering, bartending, and even providing a curated vendor list.
Getting ready can always be a bit chaotic, but Morgan Creek Barn really makes it a chill experience. Eden and her wedding party got ready in the white-walled suite, complete with all the airy bright light.
It was the perfect backdrop to all the sweet moments between her, her wedding crew and her mom.
Avery and the groomsmen got ready in the other getting-ready suite – complete with a large-screen TV and a foosball table. After they finished getting ready, we all headed to the ceremony barn to take their groomsmen and groom photos. Watching their camaraderie and excitement for the big day was so much fun.
First looks aren’t just for the couple – so Eden had a first look with her wedding party in the ceremony barn. Since the getting ready suites are in the same building, it was the perfect spot for her to have her first looks. Once her wedding party had seen her in her dress for the first time, it was time for a first look with someone extra special to her, her son. Expanding first looks to family and friends is a new wedding trend I genuinely love, and their sweet reactions are everything.
Finally, Eden & Avery met each other outside, having their first touch around a corner of the reception barn. Whether my couples choose to have a private vow exchange, first look or a first touch before the ceremony, these moments are always some of my favorites as well. It’s a special way to give the couple a chance to be together before the ceremony starts and calm any nerves or stress that may have built up throughout the morning. It’s the perfect way to ground them back into the moment and the love they share.
Eden made sure to honor her and Avery’s loved ones who had passed away with a thoughtfully arranged memorial table. The table was adorned with candles, pictures, and personal trinkets that belonged to each person. They even included some of their favorite foods, like pan dulce, to make the presence of their spirits felt throughout the celebration. Memorial tables are always so important to the couples that do them, and my post “8 Wedding Detail Photos You Don’t Want to Miss” includes more heartfelt ways to honor the people who can’t be with you on your special day.
Eden & Avery said I do in the breathtaking chapel-esque ceremony barn, with a modern circle flower arch adorned with a vine of white flowers. One of the fun twists they incorporated into the ceremony was their “flower man,” who had a vibe all his own before Eden made her entrance.
I love that Eden & Avery did a first touch, because it made the moment of her walking down the aisle all the more emotional for them. I also LOVE that Eden walked herself down the aisle.
After the ceremony, we took a moment to take family portraits in the ceremony barn. Eden and Avery prioritized spending time with their loved ones, so we made sure the portraits were short and sweet while grabbing all the shots that meant the most to them.
The cocktail hour took place in the lovely paved patio space between the ceremony and reception barns. It was a relaxed, modern affair where they were able to mingle with their guests before the reception kicked off.
Eden and Avery’s wedding portraits around the grounds of Morgan Creek Barn were simply stunning. We took advantage of the venue’s natural yet contemporary charm – and I love the way Avery’s white tux popped against the dark barn exteriors.
I always make sure these portraits serve as a little breather for my couples before they rejoin their guests. So Eden and Avery got to wander the grounds together and soak in the moment just a little longer.
No matter who my couples are, it’s important for me to make sure they never feel like they’re being held captive for photos. And this was especially important for Eden and Avery who wanted to get back to the most important part of their day – celebrating with their people.
Once we finished taking their portraits, Eden and Avery had a playful grand entrance with their wedding party followed by their own epic handshake.
After the toasts, the first dances began. Eden is super close with her mom, and I’m always a sucker for a sweet mother-daughter first dance.
After dinner and the cake cutting, the most anticipated part of the night began: the dance party. Like so many of my couples, the party is everyone’s favorite. It’s the moment when everybody lets loose, embraces the joy of the occasion and dances the night away with the people they love.
To cap off the night, Eden and Avery had a grand exit with streamer poppers. It was a hilarious and joyous moment as they got caught in the web of streamers, laughing and celebrating with their guests for one last moment. It was the perfect end to a beautiful day.
Their relaxed, modern approach was truly the best vibe. And as an Austin wedding photographer, it’s days like these that remind me why I love what I do.
As a photographer based in the Texas Hill Country, I’m dedicated to making your love feel seen and celebrated with timeless, modern photography. I’d love to learn more about your big day! Get in touch here.
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Photographing weddings and portraits in Kerrville, Fredericksburg, Boerne, Austin, San Antonio, and the surrounding Texas Hill Country.
209-206-1755