A Lake Travis Wedding in Texas Hill Country
When we think about our favorite weddings, Sam and Dom’s Lake Travis wedding in Texas Hill Country instantly comes to mind. Their day felt like a summer afternoon at the lake with friends: easy, relaxed, and completely their own. From their Catholic ceremony at the beautiful Saint Mary Cathedral in downtown Austin to their lakeside celebration at a villa-style Airbnb overlooking Lake Travis, the entire day was personal, meaningful, and full of fun. Just wait til you see the joy in their photos!
A Beautiful Ceremony at Saint Mary Cathedral
Sam and Dom chose to begin their marriage with a Catholic mass ceremony at Saint Mary Cathedral in Austin, and it set such a powerful tone for the day. There’s something about photographing a Catholic wedding in Austin that feels so special…there’s history in the space, reverence in the ceremony, and light filtering through stained-glass windows. Saint Mary Cathedral feels traditional, grand, and deeply meaningful. It was a perfect setting to mark the start of their marriage.
After the ceremony, we took portraits right inside the cathedral, which ended up being some of our favorite images from the day! The soft glow of the stained glass and the beauty of the pews created a stunning backdrop for portraits that were both elegant and intimate.
A Lakeside Celebration on Lake Travis
After the traditional ceremony, the energy shifted into full celebration mode! Sam and Dom had rented the most stunning Lake Travis Airbnb wedding venue: a villa-style home with a private boat dock and a sweeping view of the water. It was perfectly laid-back and was so much fun for them and their loved ones. It gave their day a “backyard wedding” feel that was still gorgeous and intentional.
Guests gathered near the water as the newlyweds made a surprise grand entrance…by boat! It was such a fun, unexpected tone-setter for the entire evening. Laughter, cheers, and pure excitement filled the air as they pulled up to the dock. From there, the night unfolded with heartfelt toasts from Dom’s brother and Sam’s dad, good food, and a lingering joy.
One of the highlights of the night came when Dom surprised Sam with an unplanned first dance. It was so spontaneous and romantic, we loved every second getting to be a part of it. Later, the two changed into pool-party outfits, hung out with their guests, and ended the night by jumping into the lake together as their send-off. It was the best kind of celebration! Joyful, unfiltered, and completely true to them.
"Your presence brought a sense of ease and we couldn't have asked for a better fit for our traditional + untraditional wedding celebration. You captured moments that felt effortless and true to who we are. We'll cherish both the photos and having you there with us!"
— Sam + Dom
Why We Loved This Lake Travis Wedding
What stood out most about this lakeside wedding in Austin wasn’t just the scenery or the details, it was how intentional everything was. Every choice Sam and Dom made reflected who they are and what matters most to them. Instead of worrying about what their wedding “should” look like, they focused on creating a wedding that was authentic and true to themselves. And it showed in every part of their day, from their ceremony at Saint Mary Cathedral to the pool party!
We also loved the balance of their day. You can have a sacred, meaningful ceremony and still follow it up with a relaxed, playful reception. Photographing a Texas Hill Country wedding like this one reminds us how beautiful it is when couples design a day that’s grounded in what matters most. This is your sign to do your wedding your own way, even if it’s as non-traditional as having a pool party at your wedding reception!
Trust + Connection
We had photographed Sam and Dom’s engagement session before the wedding, and it made the day feel even more connected. When we arrived that morning, Sam told us she instantly felt calmer, and that means everything to us.
That’s what we hope for every couple we serve. We hope that you will not only absolutely love your photos, but also feel cared for and supported throughout the entire experience. It’s one of the reasons we love being Austin wedding photographers! Getting to build relationships, serve wholeheartedly, and create art that will be part of a couple’s legacy for generations.
Planning Your Own Lake Travis Wedding!
If you’re dreaming of a Lake Travis wedding in Texas Hill Country, there are so many beautiful ways to make it your own! From private villas with lake access to elegant Austin wedding venues with a view, the area offers endless options for couples who want to blend beauty, fun, and meaning into their day. Whether you’re planning a beautiful and traditional Austin wedding or something more unconventional, we’d love to help you capture it with our story-driven and elevated approach.
Check out our Pinterest for Austin wedding inspiration or some of our favorite weddings
at Lone Star Oaks in Texas Hill Country, and at The Addison Grove in Austin!
Sam and Dom’s day will always stay with us, not just because of the stunning views and the beautiful church, but because of the trust they placed in us. They gave us space to create, and that freedom led to some of our all time favorite images!
If you’re planning your own Lake Travis wedding or looking for an Austin wedding photographer who values both artistry and experience, we’d be honored to connect with you. Let’s tell your story joyfully, intentionally, and with the same care that makes every wedding day so sacred.
Photography: @theshensphotography // Venue: @saintmarycathedral @bookabove // Catering: @vestalscatering // Rentals: @emeraldeventrentals @rocknrollaustin // Florist: @alibleuflowers // Transportation: @sherpalux
