Andy and Zach are one of those couples that remind you just how special it is to fall in love. Their easy chemistry and overflowing joy made photographing their wedding at the San Antonio Botanical Garden an absolute delight! The couple lives in Ohio, but Andy is originally from San Antonio, so having their wedding here just felt right. They even took a few trips out while planning their wedding, allowing us to have their engagement session at the gardens as well!
The San Antonio Botanical Garden is a 38-acre living museum nestled in the heart of the city, home to diverse gardens, winding trails, and stunning architecture including the iconic Lucile Halsell Conservatory. From the romantic Wisteria Arbor to the lush formal gardens and the elegant Betty Kelso Center, it offers some of the most naturally beautiful wedding settings in San Antonio – no extra decoration required.
An Intimate Ceremony at the San Antonio Botanical Garden
The morning of her wedding, Andy got ready with her friends and family. The entire morning was full of laughter and happy tears. Once she was dressed, we snuck out to a private section of the gardens for Andy and Zach’s first look. I was grinning from ear to ear the whole time. Zach twirled Andy around, getting a good look at her gorgeous, high-neck lace dress. We took time before the ceremony to capture portraits in the courtyard, letting Andy and Zach soak in the fact that they were finally getting married!
There are no rules when it comes to your wedding. You can make your ceremony and reception anything you want. Andy and Zach chose to keep their ceremony intimate, with just their families. They were married in the Wisteria Arbor, framed by bold floral arrangements with orange and maroon blooms that matched Andy’s bouquet. While the San Antonio Botanical Garden has no shortage of gorgeous locations, the Wisteria Arbor was the perfect backdrop for this close-knit ceremony.
One of the couple’s close friends performed the ceremony while their guests passed their rings around to saturate them with prayers and loving energy. Andy and Zach wrote their own vows, which made everyone laugh and cry in equal measure. We took family portraits on the grassy lawn before I whisked Andy and Zach away for couple’s portraits. We wandered all over the gardens, taking advantage of the diverse foliage and October sunshine.
Andy & Zach’s Electric Reception in the Betty Kelso Center
Remember that part about your wedding having no rules? Andy and Zach wanted a simple, intimate ceremony. They also wanted an unforgettable party. And they got exactly what they wanted! Extended family and friends joined them for dinner and dancing in the Betty Kelso Center.
I am still obsessing over all the fun personal details the couple included in their wedding reception. They shared their love of Lego date nights with their guests by including a Lego project. When it was fully assembled, it presented a Lego version of a photo from the night Zach proposed! They were also so intentional about including their parents in the evening. Andy and her dad danced to the YMCA, and Zach surprised his mom by bringing his baby blanket to the dance floor, recreating a dance from when he was a kid! It was these little (or not so little) details that made their wedding at the San Antonio Botanical Garden so special.
After dinner, I once again stole the couple away to get some portraits in the golden light. But I didn’t keep them too long, ensuring they were back in time to cut the cake and open the dance floor! Andy changed into a gorgeous fit and flare dress with a pair of sneakers—the same dress she wore for her engagement shoot at the gardens! This freed her up to get down on the dance floor with her friends. The party roared all night, up until we sent guests outside to prepare for the grand entrance. This gave Andy and Zach a private last dance before their streamer exit!
San Antonio Wedding Photographer
I love nothing more than seeing all the ways couples personalize their wedding! No matter how untraditional your wedding vision is, I will be cheering you on and finding ways to make it happen! Andy and Zach’s wedding at the San Antonio Botanical Garden is just one example of how you can customize your wedding to fit your personal style.
Looking for a San Antonio wedding photographer who will support your crazy ideas? I would love to work with you! Explore my wedding photography services and reach out to start planning the best day ever.
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Photography: Leah Thomason Photography
