An Intimate Wedding at Hot Wells San Antonio

Quiet elegance, curated details, and the kind of love that doesn’t need a spotlight

Ashley and AJ’s wedding day was effortlessly cool in the most heartfelt way. Every detail was carefully curated to reflect them. From their morning in the most beautifully-styled Airbnb and their ceremony at the Hot Wells in San Antonio to their intimate dinner party at their favorite Mexican restaurant, this day felt like a celebration in the truest sense.

They didn’t want to feel posed. They didn’t want to be the center of attention every second. They just wanted to be. And that made their photos feel all the more meaningful.

The Hot Wells Ruins in San Antonio, TX

 Ashley and AJ were drawn to the Hot Wells in San Antonio for its unique, historic charm. It’s not your typical wedding venue, but that’s exactly why it fit them so well.

Tucked beside the old baths and near the San Antonio Missions, the space is full of stunning architecture that feels like you stepped into another time. There’s even a spot where you can take a soak in the sulphuric baths at Camp Hot Wells.

For their ceremony, they didn’t need a stage or spotlight. The ruins spoke for themselves. Every photo taken there feels intimate and grounded, full of character without needing anything extra.

My Favorite Part of Their Day: Getting Ready in a Dreamy, Curated Airbnb

Before the ceremony, Ashley and AJ got ready in one of the most jaw-dropping Airbnbs I’ve ever stepped into—an old Spanish-style home near Hot Wells, styled to the nines. When they arrived that weekend, Ashley FaceTimed me immediately to show it off. That’s how excited she was.

The space was full of curated corners, tiled archways, and soft, lived-in light. And because they chose not to get ready in a hotel room, the whole morning felt relaxed and personal. Ashley got ready with just her girls while AJ had his own quiet space. 

One of the things I’m most proud of with this wedding is choosing not to use flash for these moments—even though we had overcast skies and the house was pretty dark. Ashley and AJ didn’t want anything stiff or artificial. They wanted to feel present, not perform. So I leaned into the grain, the shadows, the mood of the space, and trusted it would tell their story best. And it did. The photos from that morning feel honest, and I adore them so much. I lived in the moment as much as they did and so the photos reflected that in the most beautiful way. Like something you’d tuck into a vintage album and pass down one day.

Their Ceremony Among the Ruins

There was no traditional wedding party—just Ashley and AJ surrounded by their closest loved ones who were there to witness the moment with them. During the ceremony, AJ delivered one of the most heartfelt, beautifully written vows I’ve ever heard. 

Then there was the setting of the ruins: every remaining stone wall made not only a stunning backdrop, but added a reverence and sacredness to the moment.

Hot Wells San Antonio Wedding Portraits

After the ceremony, we wandered through Hot Wells Ruins for portraits, letting the setting, the light, and the moment do most of the work.

Ashley and AJ’s energy is best described as quiet elegance. They wanted to be in their day, fully present with each other, while the photos happened around them. So that’s how we approached it. Gentle direction when needed, but never anything stiff or overly composed. Just softness, stillness, story.

Just the quiet kind of love that speaks volumes.

An Intimate San Antonio Wedding Reception at Their Favorite Mexican Restaurant

Instead of a big venue, Ashley and AJ chose a local restaurant they love for their reception—warm, cozy, and intimate. The florist did a beautiful job styling the tables for dinner, with thoughtful touches that tied it all together. They also had the sweetest nod to all their grandparents by displaying their old wedding photos and notecards with their “how they met” stories…

It wasn’t a big dance party. There were first dances, yes—but most of the evening was about sharing a meal with the people they love. A mariachi band played as they arrived, filling the space with joyful energy and adding that unmistakable San Antonio flair. There was time to talk. To laugh. To take photos with each table. To be present. It felt more like a dinner party than a reception—which I love.

Texts From Ashley

Searching for a San Antonio Wedding Photographer or a unique venue like Hot Wells Ruins?

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s less about spectacle and more about intention, and if you’re looking for a photographer who will live in the moment with you and help you feel fully seen without ever putting on a show—I’d love to be part of your day!

Wedding Vendors

• Ceremony Venue: Hot Wells Ruins | Intimate San Antonio Wedding Venue
• Getting Ready Space: San Antonio Airbnb
• Photographer: Leah Thomason Photography | San Antonio Wedding Photographer
• Videographer: Wild Abby Photos
• Wedding Planners: Flour Bloom Events & Wolf Weddings | San Antonio Wedding Planners
• Florist: Bloom & Stem |San Antonio Wedding Florist
• Hair and Makeup: Viva La Glam | San Antonio Hair and Makeup Artists
• Cake: Flour Bloom Events | San Antonio Wedding Cakes