A European-Inspired Wedding at The Garey House in Georgetown, Texas

I love it when a couple comes to me with a vision. Nicole and Colby wanted a timeless Texas wedding with refreshing spring colors to brighten the autumnal day. And the Garey House in Georgetown, Texas, was the perfect venue for them. Nicole and Colby fell in love with the romantic, European atmosphere of this Tuscan-inspired venue. We spent the day wandering through the many arches, doorways, and gardens around the property. 

I first connected with Nicole and Colby at a friend’s wedding, where Nicole was a bridesmaid. They loved the easy way I directed the day and wanted that same calm energy for their own celebration. I got to know them during their engagement session at Laguna Gloria (where Nicole’s parents got married, how cute is that?). And I was so honored to document their wedding at the Garey House!

Getting Ready, First Look, and Portraits around the Garey House

One of my favorite aspects of the Garey House is the spacious, well-lit rooms for the couple to get ready in. Nicole and her bridesmaids spent a leisurely morning in the wood-paneled bridal suite. Meanwhile, Colby and his groomsmen donned matching cowboy hats and struck fun poses in front of the camera. Colby was just as excited for pictures as Nicole was, and put a lot of energy into matching his details with his brother and father. You could feel the excitement in the air as both the bridesmaids and groomsmen supported their friends on the most important day of their lives! 

Nicole and Colby met in the courtyard for their first look. In an intimate little corner of the property, they exchanged private vows that had the entire media team in tears. I’m so happy they took these moments to themselves to truly soak in the joy and excitement of their wedding day. We got portraits of just the bride and groom, and with their two dogs, of course! Including their pets was a must for Nicole and Colby, and I was more than happy to accommodate them. Wedding photography is about what’s most important to you. If that means including your dogs, I will find a way to make it happen!! 

After taking individual portraits, we gathered their families and the wedding party to take group photos. Nicole, Colby, and I had discussed their timeline well in advance to make sure there was plenty of time for all of the pictures they wanted. With a combination of individual portraits, posed group shots, and candids, their photos captured the feeling of their day: a calm, grounded excitement that carried through the entire celebration. 

Ceremony and Portraits Around The Grounds

The Garey House has so many beautiful spaces for a ceremony, and Nicole and Colby chose to have theirs outdoors, beneath the marble and wood pergola. Their dogs walked down the aisle first, making everyone smile. And then Nicole entered, and the energy turned electric. She walked the aisle lined with white flower petals with her father and mother, and Colby could hardly contain his joy. The guests cheered as loudly as they could when Colby and Nicole were finally pronounced husband and wife! 

After the ceremony, we took some more portraits while the guests headed to the cocktail hour. I loved how relaxed and intentional the timeline was. Nicole and Colby never felt rushed or pressured because we had scheduled plenty of time for them to rest and be present! This made the photos feel so much more relaxed, and even gave us a chance to take impromptu shots that we thought of on the spot! Even Colby contributed some ideas that turned out to be some of my favorite photos of the day.  

Reception on the Event Lawn 

The couple rejoined their guests for the cocktail hour before we transitioned to the reception. If I haven’t yet waxed poetic about what a gorgeous day we had, let me do that now! Seriously, the weather was perfect. Nicole and Colby wanted to capture the old-world feeling of being outside at night. Since they held the reception on the Event Lawn of the Garey House, we got to watch the moon rise and stars fill the sky. The moonlit reception was romantic, elegant, and so much fun. The wedding party truly brought the energy to the dance floor, and the night was filled with music and laughter—and more than a few cowboy hats! Nicole changed halfway through the party to a little white dress that showed off her cowboy boots. The party raged all night, until Nicole and Colby shared a private last dance while guests prepared for their bubble exit!  

Texas Wedding Photographer 

Nicole and Colby were so intentional about their wedding day. They left space for moments to unfold naturally while structuring time for the things that were important to them. This approach allowed me to work my magic. I know how to suggest organic poses, and when to slip into the background to capture candids. I’m never intimidated by a long shot list. And I always encourage open communication through the entire planning process, so I know exactly what each couple needs. 

Leah was absolutely amazing to work with! She made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera, and all of the photos turned out beautifully. On the wedding day, she went above and beyond and made sure we got everything we wanted. Thank you, Leah! – Nicole & Colby

If you’re like Nicole and Colby and want to prioritize your photography while still staying present, I would love to talk to you! Or, if photography is the thing you are least looking forward to, I know how to create an easy atmosphere that lets you forget the camera is even there. I build my photography around you and your needs, so every couple feels fully seen on their wedding day. Explore my wedding photography services to learn more, or contact me to start planning your day!

Vendors: 

Venue: The Garey House 

Photographer: Leah Thomason Photography

Videographer: JC Film Group  

Flowers: Posh Petals 

Planner: Blue Moon Events Texas 

Hair: Mission Stylehouse

Makeup: MDH Beauty 

Caterer: Mandola’s Italian Kitchen 

DJ: DJ Brian Weber