Lindsay and Stuart’s South Congress Hotel wedding was full of wonderful moments. This couple had so many fun friends and family to make the day extra special. The South Congress Hotel was an amazing backdrop as well. It’s located in the heart of Austin, Texas’ South Congress area. The area is full of colorful murals and popular restaurants.
Stuart got ready at home, while Lindsay and her bridesmaids opted for The Line Hotel downtown. After the obligatory champagne toasts, the girls gave Lindsay an amazing joint gift. Then she headed downstairs for a father, daughter first look before heading to the venue.
Lindsay and Stuart had a joyous first look, and then we headed to the hotel pool for a few photos. The rest of the day was a whirlwind of laughter, happy tears, and dance moves. There was a few broken glasses but otherwise everything went according to plan! Anyway, that’s enough from me, here is the couple’s story straight from Lindsay’s mouth…
Lindsay and Stuart’s Love Story
We were set up by our friends! I’ve known Jessica since high school and her husband Danny since elementary school. When Danny started working with Stuart, Jess decided we would be perfect together. She threw two BBQs (since I couldn’t make the first one) in the hopes that we’d meet in person and hit it off, and she was right!
The South Congress Hotel
I built some backdrop installations for an event at the South Congress Hotel. So the hotel was already in the back of my mind. When we got engaged, we knew we wanted something different. All we saw in magazines were rustic barn venues. We were smitten with the gorgeous modern-industrial style. We also loved the lush greenery, and especially the big windows! Every design element felt so curated and special. We also loved its location on such an iconic Austin block. The views of the capital and the Congress Bridge were great for our family. They came into town from all over the United States and Canada.
The Wedding Style
We wanted our wedding style to feel modern yet classic and timeless. My Badgley Mischka wedding dress had an old Hollywood silhouette with a modern vibe. The dress became the inspiration for the day’s aesthetic. We were also very inspired by the design of the South Congress Hotel. I didn’t want any design to distract from the unique details of the venue. As an artist, I’m drawn to clean, modern lines and the contrast of black/white. I incorporated a lot of black details, from tapered candles to the ebony marble cake stand. I designed the geometric sweetheart table backdrop with flowers from Verbena Floral. I also created all the print materials to match this aesthetic. They included the invitations, menus, seating chart/place cards, and the program fans.
Our florist, Verbena Floral Design, really knocked it out of the park! I wanted the focus to be on greenery that complimented the stunning landscaping at the hotel. They also included some of my favorite flowers like King proteas. I’m obsessed with how sculptural they are! The bouquet was one of my absolute favorite elements of the wedding.
Choosing the Right Wedding Photographer
Stuart and I looked at SO many photographers over the course of months. We didn’t want photos that were too heavily filtered or stylized. We wanted to look back at our big day and remember the colors and the textures as they were. Jeff’s work and the moments he captured felt authentic and intimate. That was exactly the vibe we wanted our memories to have!
The Bridesmaids’ Gift
My incredible bridesmaids gifted me a beautiful glass box with gem stones. Each selected a stone to represent the energy they wanted to impart for Stuart and my new life together. One by one, they went around and described their stone. Their unique personalities were reflected in what they chose. It was the most heartfelt, touching gift they could have given me. It cemented how honored I was to have them stand by my side.
The Father / Daughter First Look
I’m very much a dad’s girl. I’m the first born and his only daughter. We are very similar and connected. So having a moment with him (followed by my hilarious baby brothers) was so special.
The First Look
Both Stuart and I don’t love being the center of attention. The only thing we were nervous about before the wedding was being the focus for an entire day. We decided to do a first look before the ceremony. That way we could have a quiet moment to take each other in without all the eyes (and pressure) on us. It was one of our absolute favorite moments of the day.
The South Congress Hotel Wedding Ceremony
Stuart’s uncle Bob was our officiant and we are SO glad we chose someone we’re both close to and admire so much. Our ceremony was very personal and loving…. and windy! My veil actually blew up and slapped Stuart in the face at one point. Made for some stunning (and hilarious) photos!
The South Congress Hotel Wedding Reception / Party
When we planned the reception, we just wanted our guests to have an absolute blast! The food and DJ were key. Stuart chose our DJ (DJ Nixx) and told her we wanted a Motown/Disco vibe with old school music – and boy did she deliver! We also loved that our venue had an enormous wall of windows. They were opened after dinner so guests could enjoy the party inside and outside!
This South Congree Hotel Wedding was a pleasure to capture! Are you looking for someone to capture your unique personality in Austin?
Learn more about me and why I’m different. I’m looking forward to telling your story!
Lindsay & Stuart’s South Congress Hotel Wedding Vendors:
Really nice classic clean edits here. I love how you captured her veil almost flying away during the ceremony. Those little in between moments are always fun.
Ooh this wedding is so deliciously Austin! I am loving the urban vibes I’m getting from the architecture of South Congress Hotel. Beautiful shots!
WOw so stunning! I absolutely love SOCo!
I LOVE the blue/green curtains in the background of the first look location! It really makes the images stand out! Such a beautiful wedding!
Love love love love these!!!
Wow this Austin wedding was captured beautifully! Looked like such an amazing wedding to be a part of!
Wow, I love those balcony shots with the city skyline behind them!
This is such a gorgeous modern wedding! Your images absolutely timeless! I love all of them!
These photos are absolutely stunning!
What a gorgeous wedding and beautiful details!! Awesome job!
these photos are GORGEOUS. Classy, modern and clean. I need to get married so you can photograph it !
Really nice classic clean edits here. I love how you captured her veil almost flying away during the ceremony. Those little in between moments are always fun.
You captured this wedding at the South Congress Hotel so well, Jeff! I always love seeing your work!
Amazing attention to detail! This wedding in Austin is absolutely breathtaking!
Such a unique bridesmaid gift for these two…and all the beautiful moments you have captured!