Laguna Gloria || Elope to Austin || Caroline + Christopher, the full film

Every so often we get the opportunity to film something off-beat and utterly unique.  Thanks to Caroline and Chris, we got that opportunity this past weekend.  You see, they eloped....and they invited us to create their wedding film.  Caroline & Chris met thanks to their collegiate swim team in Florida, and the athletes also share a passion for culinary skills, and dogs.  Caroline came home one day to discover an engagement ring taped to the wall calendar, and the rest is history. 

wedding video package memory tin
wedding video package memory tin

Although Caroline & Chris joked about being competitive about who would have the best vows and make the other one cry more, I have to say I think it is a tie--their vows were so personal, honest and touching.  We worked alongside Sean Hsueh withDay 7 Photography for the day, and we loved his approach to our shared work--he truly allows for events to unfold naturally without intervention, and the results are beautiful. Click through the link to see the beautiful wedding photos he created for Caroline & Chris on his blog.

laguna gloria destination wedding photo 11
laguna gloria destination wedding photo 11

Although they currently call San Antonio their home, these two athletic, dog-loving foodies decided to have their destination wedding & elopement weekend in Austin because of its centrality in Texas, and its amazing urban atmosphere. On the way to the ceremony, they talked about all the awesome eateries they planned on visiting throughout the weekend.  After getting to know them, I had to wonder how they're not Austinites already! (For those not in the know, Austin is not only the live music capitol of the world, but it also boasts some of the fittest citizens, most finely muraled communities, the prettiest hill country, the finest foods, and the most pro-canine businesses. We even have a pub with a dog park attached!)

Naz
Naz

Gentle and friendly, Nas followed Caroline throughout the house all day.

laguna gloria destination wedding photo 02
laguna gloria destination wedding photo 02
laguna gloria destination wedding photo 03
laguna gloria destination wedding photo 03

So, these two lovebirds cooked for a week to prep the food for their reception, rented a cottage for the reception, and headed over to ATX.  Caroline shares my mutual affection for the lovely garden and amazing architecture at Laguna Gloria, and they couldn't have picked a prettier spot for a small private ceremony.  Despite the rain that alternated between sputtering and pouring, we had a paradise of sunshine at sunset--which was right as we walked out for the ceremony, and Jones even caught a hint of a double rainbow for the video.

laguna gloria destination wedding photo 05
laguna gloria destination wedding photo 05
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laguna gloria destination wedding photo 06

The solarium was filled with sunlight despite the rain, thanks to the sun being low in the sky at sunset.

laguna gloria destination wedding photo 08
laguna gloria destination wedding photo 08
laguna gloria destination wedding photo 09
laguna gloria destination wedding photo 09
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laguna gloria destination wedding photo 07

Caroline wore Alex Marie champagne pink peep-toe heels with her frilly-skirt wedding dress.

laguna gloria destination wedding photo 11
laguna gloria destination wedding photo 11
laguna gloria destination wedding photo 12
laguna gloria destination wedding photo 12

After the ceremony, the crew loaded up and drove back to the house where they hand-tossed their own homemade pizzas and chatted into the night.

laguna gloria destination wedding photo 14
laguna gloria destination wedding photo 14
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laguna gloria destination wedding photo 15

If you're loving the uber-hip bungalow that Caroline & Chris rented, you're not alone.  The kitchen remodel was featured in HGTV's magazine, and you can check it out on their site, too.  In addition to the stunning industrial lighting and sunny retro feel of the interior, the backyard is a tiny paradise of raised bed gardens, an urban chicken coop, an outdoor stone oven, and it is available for rent through air bnb.

laguna gloria destination wedding photo 13
laguna gloria destination wedding photo 13
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laguna gloria destination wedding photo 04

Wedding Photographer: Sean Hsueh with Day 7 Photography

Ceremony Venue: Laguna Gloria, 3809 W 35th St Austin, TX

Reception Venue: Private Home in Highland Neighborhood 6710 Esther Dr Austin, TX 78752

Flowers - Central Market

Bride's Wedding dress - Watters

Shoes - Alex Marie

Makeup - LucieMarie

Groom's suit - Joseph A. Banks

Rings - Lee Michaels 

Instrumental Music by Chris Zabriskie used through creative commons

Music "With Wings" by Amy Stroup licensed through The Music Bed