Austin, Texas Laguna Gloria Engagement
Being a photographer has allowed me to see and record some of life's most precious moments. Taking Luke and Janelle's engagement photos at Austin's Laguna Gloria was one of the highlights of my career.
If you and your significant other seek a breathtaking place to document your love story, go no further than this contemporary art museum. Laguna Gloria's 12 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, sculptures, and Mediterranean-style architecture make it a perfect spot for engagement and wedding photos. The venue's charm is enhanced by the scenic views of Lake Austin, making it the ideal setting for capturing memorable moments.
Luke and Janelle's engagement shoot was scheduled for a warm summer evening. The couple was excited about their session, and we all met at Laguna Gloria to begin the photo shoot. As a photographer, one of my primary goals is to have my subjects appear relaxed and natural throughout our sessions. We discussed the couple's background during our conversation, from how they first met to what they wanted to accomplish with the photo shoot.
We started the photo shoot in the garden area, where the sun shone, and the greenery provided the perfect natural backdrop for some stunning photos. The couple's joy and love for each other were evident in every shot, and I knew this would be a fantastic photo shoot. We took a few candid photos, which captured the couple's love and laughter.
Next, we moved to the courtyard area, where the Mediterranean-style architecture and the grandeur of the building created an elegant backdrop for some more formal portraits. The couple's outfits were carefully chosen, and they looked stunning against the stone walls and grand pillars. I used natural light to create a soft and romantic feel to the photos, which gave them a timeless quality.
As the day turned into dusk, we headed to the lake to capture some shots with the water and the sky as a backdrop. The sunset colors provided the perfect romantic ambiance for some truly breathtaking photos.
Throughout the photo shoot, I used a mix of candid and posed shots to capture Luke and Janelle's love story. We also took advantage of the venue's surroundings, capturing shots of the rose garden, the Italian villa, and the modern sculptures. I made sure to capture the little moments that make their relationship unique, like how they looked at each other or held hands. Every moment was precious, and I wanted to capture it all.
As the photo shoot ended, I was confident we had captured some stunning photos that Luke and Janelle would cherish for years. Laguna Gloria provided the perfect backdrop for their engagement photos, and I was honored to have been a part of their love story.
Engagement photo shoots are a great way for couples to capture their love story naturally and authentically. These photos can be used for save-the-date cards, wedding invitations, or even as a keepsake to look back on in years to come. Laguna Gloria's romantic setting, elegant architecture, and stunning views provide the perfect backdrop for capturing timeless memories.
As with every couple I snap pictures with, my intention during my time with Luke and Janelle was to immortalize the essence of their love for one another via photographs. One of my greatest aspirations is to capture and store away these unforgettable experiences forever.
Laguna Gloria in Austin, Texas, is the best place to do so because it is beautiful and romantic. This underutilized gem is the perfect spot to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Mueller Park Engagement Photos in Austin, TX
About Mueller Lake Park:
Centrally located at the heart of the lively Mueller neighborhood, Mueller Lake Park is the perfect location for your future engagement session. The park offers beautiful green vistas that are complimented by concrete structures and public art throughout the park. The scenic Mueller Lake is another perfect backdrop for your pictures, which enhances your session with beautiful waterfront photos. The variety of vistas in Mueller Lake Park and its accessible location make this venue ideal for couples that want a no-frills, easily accessible, and free venue that still has natural beauty to spare.
What to know before your sessions at Mueller Park:
Arriving at Mueller Park:
Just off the I-35, Mueller Lake Park is located between Aldrich Street and Zach Scott Street after turning off Airport Boulevard. For parking, the main options are the Lake Park Parking Lot, the McBee District Garage, and metered street parking. The Lake Park Parking Lot is free and located on Simond Avenue next to the park itself. The McBee garage is on 1826 McBee St and charges $1 per hour. Validation is available from the retailers on Aldrich Street. Lastly, you can find metered parking all throughout the park’s perimeter. You can pay for these on the Park Me App or on the physical parking meters.
Clothes:
For your engagement session, you should wear what makes you feel most comfortable and authentically yourself. This can vary greatly from person to person, but a few guiding principles are: try to avoid dressing in heavily patterned clothing as it often clashes with other patterns; if your session is during the hot summer months, consider wearing clothes with more breathable fabrics that hang off your body and won’t collect sweat; lastly, make sure to wear clothes that make you feel beautiful and confident, no matter what direction that takes you.
Ideal Times and Weather:
If you are not a fan of Austin’s suffocating summer heat, try to avoid the months of May through September. During these months temperatures will regularly be around 100°, making the glaring sun and heat a real impediment for the session. If you still want your pictures taken during these months, scheduling the session before 10 am or after 7 pm will ensure the heat is at its minimum. After September there is not much to worry about since Austin keeps fairly temperate year-round. Other than planning around the high summer temperatures, try to avoid scheduling your session on weekend days where Mueller Lake Park is full of families and other groups trying to take their pictures taken. This might result in some inescapable visual clutter in the photos as well as possible delays in the session.
What to do in the area:
The vibrant Mueller area is full of shops, activities, and attractions for you and your significant other to
enjoy before or after the session.
Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller:
Every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm, the Texas Farmers' Market at Mueller is open at 2006 Philomena St. Austin, TX 78723. Lauded as “the Best Austin Farmer’s Market 8 years in a row” by Austin’s Chronicle, over 120 vendors frequent this farmer’s market and supply some of the freshest and tastiest produce available in the area. Considering how many Austinites flock in droves to the farmer’s market, I highly recommend planning your session on a Sunday so you too can enjoy what the market has to offer. Some of my personal favorites include: CTRUS fresh lemonade stand, Gardener’s Feast organic masa tamales, and Yapa empanadas.
Mueller Lake Park Itself:
Aside from the pictures we’ll take in the park, there is much to entertain yourself with in the area. For active couples, there is a loop trail around the lake that can be extended onto a three-mile trail if you go South and explore the Butterfly Garden and Southeast Greenway. More information can be found here:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/texas/mueller-lake-southeast-greenway.
Throughout Mueller Lake Park and the extended trail mentioned above, you will find plenty of public art and sculptures that showcase the artistic spirit of Austin. Lastly, the park also has an open-air amphitheater and stage where many social events such as “Movies in The Park” are held.
Shops and Stores:
If you wish to leave the park but still explore a little of the Mueller area, leave the park through the free parking lot on Simond Avenue and discover what the shops of Mueller have to offer. If you have kids, the Thinkery is an interactive children’s museum with science exhibits and play spaces perfect for children of all ages. For coffee and dessert lovers, Halcyon Coffee and Lady Quackenbush’s Cakery offer a great one-two punch of delicious pastries and addictive coffee—all centrally located and overlooking the park. Lick Honest Ice Creams can cool you off after the brutal Austin heat. And BD Riley’s Irish Pub can take the edge off after a long day of posing. If you want to make a day of it, Alamo Drafthouse’s Mueller location is a block from the park and offers a full-service movie theater experience with cocktails and food brough to your seat.
Intimate Spring Elopement in Washington
A beautiful intimate elopement in Washington at the Madison Fall Trails in Port Angeles, Washington!
A soft breeze and the fresh Spring air surround Amber and Chris on one of the most special days of their lives.
Getting Ready and The First Look
When Amber and Chris first inquired with me, I knew that we would be a perfect fit. As some of you may know, I am currently based in Arizona but I am in LOVE with travel. Something about exploring new places, learning different ways of life and broadening my own horizon brings me such joy. For Amber and Chris, when they said they were wanting to elope in Washington, I packed my bags and made my way to capture their love story.
After finishing getting ready, Amber and Chris opted to do a first look. Something about first looks makes my heart flutter and it really brings me joy witnessing two lovers reactions. A first look is the perfect opportunity for you and you partner to have some intimacy and be more intentional on your wedding day. Being intentional to me means doing something because it means something special to you, rather than doing it just to “do it”. Whether you’re having a large wedding or a small elopement, it’s an opportunity to recollect and connect with your partner moments before you say “I do”. As you can see from the photos, we can easily say that this first look was an ABSOLUTE success! Both Amber and Chris were grinning ear to ear and you could tell how special this moment was for them.
Intimate Spring Elopement in Washington
After their first look, it was then time for the ceremony. They chose to have the ceremony at the Madison Falls Trail in Port Angeles, WA. The ceremony itself was in the middle of this field filled with daisies. To say I was speechless would be a complete understatement. Accompanied by their amazing officiant and adorable pup, the ceremony turned Amber and Chris’ dream into a reality. I also couldn’t help but be mesmerized by how beautiful Amber looked in her dress from Lovely Bride. It flowed so beautifully on her and it was almost as if the dress was made for her. After saying their vows and “I do’s”, two were officially newlyweds! It’s at this point where you start to think “we finally did it!” and reality sets in. Enjoy these moments because they are so precious.
Once the ceremony was done, it was time for some portraits. Of courser we had to utilize the beautiful greenery while we had the chance, so we took a few photos within the field of daisies. As we move inward towards the forest and followed the trail, we made it to the main attraction.. Madison Falls. It was a scene straight out of a fairytale! The waterfall in the background omitted this refreshing scent of nature which was exactly what we were going for. Close to the Airbnb where Amber and Chris got ready is a gorgeous lake surrounded by mountains so naturally we had to capture this picturesque moment for them.
As I say with most of my couples after any wedding, it was so incredibly beautiful. I am forever grateful for my job and so excited for what is to come for Amber and Chris in the future. Congratulations A+C - cheers!!!
Signs Eloping is for You!
Now some of you may be thinking, this looks beautiful and all but how do I know if this is right for me? How do I know that having an elopement is the right choice. The number one thing you should remember, is that your wedding is all about YOU. It can be easy to be influenced by those you care about and the “norm” but do whatever you feel comfortable. You want your wedding day to encompass everything that you value and love, whatever that may be.
With that being said however, there is a few things you can take into account when deciding to elope. Some of these being:
You’re looking for a more cost effective option - elopements can be a great way for you & your partner to save money while still being able to celebrate your love!
You want more intimacy - elopements are known to be much more intimate and intentional. You don’t have to worry about all the hustle & bustle of planning a large wedding so you can focus more of your time & energy in your partner.
You want to travel/explore - elopements are the ultimate excuse to pack up your bags and travel somewhere new! Explore a new place with your partner, get married and even possibly honeymoon - all in one location!
You’re non-traditional - while elopements have grown to be much more common (especially during pandemic/post-pandemic times), they still can be seen as outside the “norm” of a traditional wedding. If you are someone who wants to break away from the tradition and do something fun, exciting and different for this next chapter of your life, well… elopements might be right up your alley!
Whatever you may choose to do, remember that it isn’t about the fancy dresses and details or the large venues with glimmering chandeliers with hundreds of guests. It’s a celebration of you and your partner coming together as one and THAT is what matters most.
Oh and if you loved this Intimate Spring Elopement in Washington, then you’re going to love this Miami Elopement at the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens!
Looking to book the wedding of your dreams?
Intimate In-Home Engagement Session
Join Jade and Martin in their beautiful in-home engagement session!
There is something about in-home sessions that truly have my heart. Something about being invited into someones home, their sacred space, for me to capture the true essence of who they are really makes my heart soar. For Jade and Martin, I felt completely honored to capture such sweet moments that really showcased who they are and celebrated these two. We even were joined by their four legged pal, which I am ALWAYS down for.
Intimate In-Home Engagement Session
For this lovely in-home session, Jade and Martin really wanted something intimate and cozy. We grabbed some coffee mugs, their favorite record player and just hung out in the living and honestly, that’s all you need sometimes. One of the important things to remember is that you don’t need anything fancy to create lasting memories. In fact, this is why I love in-home sessions so much.
Many people may think of a photoshoot and instantly think that they need this big destination location. Do something special for a special occasion. When in fact, that something special could be within the four walls of your very own home. There is something so special about in-home sessions because it gives you the freedom to be 100% authentically you. You enter into your own sacred space that you have created, a space that is completely yours. Surrounded by your favorite things, pets, decor, etc… it showcases your personality. Not only that, but there is something so intimate and vulnerable when you have an in-home session. This space that you’ve created together, the life that you’re living together gives realness to your images. It makes them that much more raw & real, which I love.
So if you’re someone who is has been debating to have an in-home session, but was never sure if it was the right move… well now is the time!
Psst… also, if you loved this Intimate In-Home Engagement Session w/ Jade and Martin, then you’re going to LOVE this Sunset Place Engagement Session!
Intimate Desert Mountain Wedding
When in doubt… get married in the desert!
Unlike your traditional wedding venue, these two lovers decided to gather their friends and family for their wedding in the Arizona desert.
Intimate Desert Mountain Wedding
While planning their wedding in the middle of the pandemic, Chelsea and Reece decided that an intimate wedding surrounded by loved ones was the best move. Since we ARE in Arizona, one of the best places for something unique and open would of course be the desert. To be fair, we are surrounded by a LOT of it. Chelsea and Reece had their wedding at Cloth & Flame. Cloth & Flame’s main goal is to make sure that everyone’s vision for their wedding day comes to life. They make sure to work with their couples so that they get the wedding of their dreams, which is exactly what happened with C+R.
As Chelsea put the finishing touches on her wedding day look, Reece and his groomsmen were polishing up and awaiting the time for the first look. Chelsea was wearing this gorgeous Justin Alexander dress that looked absolutely amazing on her. It truly fit her like a glove! Chelsea and Reece opted in for a first look, which I always love when my couples do. It gives some alone time to the couple and a bit more intimacy before heading to the ceremony. The sun was grazing their skin so effortlessly and perfect that of course we took advantage of taking a few wedding portraits before heading to the ceremony.
Their intimate ceremony was touching and beautiful, especially with the gorgeous views of the Superstition Mountains behind them. As they said their vows and “i do’s” and leaned in for their first kiss as husband and wife, the crowd cheered. By crowd I completely mean the few of us witnessing this divine moment…LOL!
Desert Mountain Wedding Reception
After the ceremony, the table settings and decor were being placed for the reception! As sunset hit, I snuck away with the newlyweds to capture some amazing sunset portraits. While many may look at this as “overused”, golden hour can never and will never get old. At least in my eyes *wink*. Nighttime approached us and the twinkling string lights that floated above our heads gleamed like the stars. Surrounded by friends and family, love and lots of laughter, we enjoyed every minute of it until it was over. Congratulations to Chelsea and Reece for giving me the honor to capture such sweet moments on your special day!
If you loved this Intimate Desert Wedding at the Superstition Mountains then you’re going to love this New Jersey Wedding at the Molly Pitcher Inn.
Psst… looking for vendor info? Scroll to the bottom of this blog!
Vendors:
Photography: Zarza Photography
Dress Designer & Shop: Justin Alexander & Brilliant Bridal
Groom Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Florist: Kristin Bonngard
Hair: Ellie Mulqueen
Makeup: Allie Laree Beauty
Ceremony & Reception Site: Cloth & Flame - Superstition Mountains
Miami Elopement at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
The most beautiful elopement at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in Miami, Florida surrounded by ten acres of gardens and beautiful shoreline.
Traveling has always been something that I enjoyed. You get to experience the thrill of exploring new places, learning about history and looking at the beauty that is our world. As a traveling wedding photographer, I am able to combine both of my passions of photography + travel and capture beautiful memories for couples that I serve, not to mention that Miami is my beloved hometown.
Miami Elopement at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
These two lovebirds decided to elope in one of the most beautiful locations in Miami, the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. Surrounded by ten acres of garden and views of the shoreline, this beautiful museum is the ultimate wedding location. It encompasses Miami’s beauty, history and culture all within this beautiful historic landmark. A must see for anybody in Miami, but especially for those looking for wedding portraits!
What to know before your session at Vizcaya:
Arriving at Vizcaya
Located on 3251 South Miami Avenue Miami, FL 33129, Vizcaya Gardens is easily reached by both car and public transportation (although miami public transit is not great). If couples plan to arrive their car, Vizcaya staff will direct them to one of their two parking lots on either side of South Miami Avenue. Both parking lots offer free parking. If you wish to take public transportation, take Miami-Dade’s Metrorail to the conveniently named “Vizcaya Station”.
Permits
For elopements, the first step in securing at your session at Vizcaya Museums and Gardens is reserving a daytime photo permit. Photo permits are required for any situations involving a photographer and subject(s) posing for pictures in Vizcaya without exception. Base photography permit start at $250 a day plus tax on weekdays and $350 a day plus tax during weekends. This pass allows for photography access during Vizcaya’s normal hours of operation, typically 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. This pass does not provide access to the Main House nor priority over other visitors touring Vizcaya.
The Premium Sunrise Permit allows for “nearly private” access to the gardens during 7:00 am to 9:30 am for $450 plus tax. Not only does this pass guarantee a beautiful sunrise for your pictures, but it ensures the session will run efficiently without wasting time to work around Vizcaya’s usual large crowds. For couples that want to take pictures within Vizcaya’s breath-taking Main House, a $750 plus tax Indoor Permit pass will be required. This permit also allows clients to take their pictures during the 7:00 am to 9:30 am sunrise period.
Lastly, all photography permits are subject to the rules found here: https://vizcaya.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Photo-Permit-Rules-10.13.21.pdf.
For regular photo permits, clients can start the reservation process here.
Ideal Times, Weather, and Clothes:
Miami’s extreme humidity and high temperatures during the summer are infamous, therefore taking pictures at Vizcaya during the summer days is a recipe for disaster. If you want your clothes to not be drenched in sweat, consider booking in the early morning and in the fall, winter, and early spring. The humidity and temperatures will almost always be high, so be conscious of this when planning your wardrobe. Light, flowy fabrics that hang off your body are a great rule of thumb to follow for picking your outfits. Also, consider bringing extra outfits if your session falls on a particularly balmy day. Other than the heat, the only other variable remaining for your session is the rain. Being on the coast, Miami has very erratic precipitation patterns. This can mean that one second the skies are clear, but the next, rain is coming down harder and faster than you have ever seen. Because of this, always pack an umbrella or rain coat for the rain and be assured that we will work around the rain (and maybe even incorporate it) so it does not ruin your shoot.
Looking for a wedding photographer for Vizcaya? lets get started!
Sara and Chris were naturals when it came to being in front of the camera. They soaked up every second that they were there and truly flowed perfectly together. We explored the entire property, making sure to capture the stunning gardens and greenery that we were engulfed in. Sara was wearing a beautiful off the shoulder dress paired with a stunning white bouquet from Nery’s Flowers. Her hair was done by @jeremybhair and makeup was done by @_MakeupByHazel to create a timeless and elegant look. After a bit of exploring, we found ourselves at these stone steps. It was at these stone steps that we decided it be a good time for some celebratory champagne. Which by the way, I am NOT opposed to taking a few celebratory shots on your special day. It can help loosen you up and help with those wedding day jitters you may experiencing!
What are Elopements?
Sara and Chris were the ultimate power couple and I am so honored to have been there to capture such special moments for them. Even though it was just the two of them, it was still just as magical as any big wedding. Elopements are the perfect option for anyone looking for something small and intimate, maybe with a few family members or just you and your partner. Elopements can take place on the top of the mountain to on a boat in the middle of the ocean to the middle of an enchanted forest. The choice is all yours! The main reason couples choose to elope is because they want something more intimate with their partner. Planning a big wedding can get pretty hectic and some couples would rather enjoy the moment than worry about planning a big wedding. It also could be a good alternative to those looking for a much more cost effective option. Elopements were once looked at as “untraditional”, and is now becoming more normalized which I love! Your wedding day is all about you and you should do whatever you feel comfortable with and no one else. That’s why I am always willing to travel wherever you want to go for your wedding day, because I want everyone’s version of a fairytale wedding to come true.
Congratulations Sara + Chris and thank you again for letting be apart of something so special :)
Oh and if you loved this Miami Elopement at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, then you’re going to love this New Jersey Wedding at The Molly Pitcher Inn.
Psst… for wedding vendors, scroll to the bottom of this blog!
Photography: Zarza Photography
Florist: Nery’s Flowers
Bridal Makeup: @_MakeupByHazel
Bridal Hair: @jeremybhair
Ceremony Site: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Getting married in Vizacaya? I’d love to be your photographer <3
Fill out the form for more info
New Jersey Wedding at The Molly Pitcher Inn
Here is a tale of two lovers coming together to live their happily ever after…
Okay, while this may not be straight out of a fairytale it might as well be! While I am based in Arizona, my heart lies with traveling, so for Diana & Aiden I hopped on plane to the East Coast to the fun state of New Jersey. From the beautiful first look location (btw you’re going to FREAK when you see it), to the amazing rooftop ceremony, it really was… what’s the word? Magical.
The Love Story
Aidan and Diana met while playing kickball in Nashville, TN. He was finishing med school while she was practicing as an Occupational Therapist at an inpatient rehab facility. She immediately was drawn to his physical appearance and his great sense of humor. He was drawn to her good laugh, long legs and strong female aura. After their first date they found out Aiden grew up living one block away from Diana’s aunt and uncle. From then on, it was like one continuous small world connection after another and it was like all the stars were aligning. They began traveling the country and going on adventures together one hike and camp after the other where they grew closer and deeper in love. After traveling all around with each other, Aiden proposed in August 2019 with Diana’s dog present, champagne, candles, roses and rose peddles all over their home and asked Diana to marry him. He was so overwhelmed with happiness and love he forget to take out the ring and she was crying so I hard that she could barely breathe and never noticed the ring was still in his pocket! Such a cute and romantic love story and well… I bet you can guess what her answer was *wink wink*.
The First Look
We of course started off with both the bride and groom getting ready. As Diana put on her dress and veil, smiles, tears and lots of love filled the room. After Aiden put on his cufflinks and suit, it was officially time for the first look. Now here is where I said you may freak when you see the first look location. Diana and Aiden decided on their first look spot at The Twin Lights in Highland, New Jersey. The area in which this beautiful structure sits on, overlooks the New York bay and whose hills sit on some of the highest points on the eastern seaboard of the US. This historic landmark holds so much history, depth and character and was perfect for the 1950’s classic look that Diana & Aiden were going for.
If you’re ever feeling those wedding day jitters, a first look is a perfect solution! A first look gives you the opportunity to see your partner before the ceremony. You are able to exchange private vows and have some alone time for just the two of you, which trust me… with all the hustle & bustle of a wedding, you’re going to want this! If you are still looking for a bit of surprise and anticipation for your wedding day, but don’t want to do a full blown first look, a great option would be a first touch. Similar to a first look, a first touch gives the couple an opportunity to still have an element of surprise of seeing each other for the first time during the ceremony but can ease your nerves. First touches can be by a corner of meeting walls or alongside a tree while you both hold hands. This is also a great alternative for anyone looking to add in some intimacy on their wedding day.
After their first look, this is where they chose to exchange their private and intimate vows. There was laughs, smiles and of course… a few tears may have been shed. This is an amazing opportunity for anyone who thinks to themselves “how am I supposed to get in front of friends/family and say these things?” - here is your solution!
Ceremony & Reception at The Molly Pitcher Inn
After the first look, we made our way over to the ceremony at The Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank, New Jersey. The marina just outside of its windows and beautiful elegant charm, this was a no brainer when it came to D+A choosing their wedding venue. The decor was just as beautiful filled with a lot of greenery and white flowers, it was just perfect.
Next was the reception, where of course THAT’S where the fun broke out. Diana and Aiden had their first dance as husband and wife to the beautiful “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley. A classic song but so incredibly fitting. First dances were over and everyone took to the dance floor and was absolutely killing it! This wedding was an absolute fun one and I am so grateful and honored to have captured such special moments for Diana and Aiden. Congratulations D+A!!
If you loved this New Jersey Wedding at The Molly Pitcher Inn, then you’re going to love this Coral Gables Vintage Engagement Session!
Pssst… looking for wedding vendors? Scroll to the bottom of this blog!
Photography: Zarza Photography
Ceremony & Reception Site: The Molly Pitcher Inn
Dress Designer/Shop: Alexandra Grecco & Dress Theory
Groom Attire & Shop: Ike Behar & The Tuxedo Club
Florist: Sunset Florist - Lynda
Bridal Hair: Michelle Elise Artistry
Bridal Makeup: Make Me Up Eva
Cake: Palermo’s Bakery- Leigh Ann
DJ/Music: Sounds 2 Go - Jason
