Ashley and Riley’s Black Horse Manor wedding reflects the kind of elevated, story-driven celebrations we’re honored to capture for our Texas couples. Their day was wholehearted, faith-filled, and designed with such beautiful, intentional detail. From honoring legacy to cherishing presence with their guests, every moment carried meaning. If you have dreams of a Texas manor wedding, Ashley and Riley’s celebration is the planning inspiration you’ve been searching out! Here’s how their wedding day unfolded with beauty and purpose from the early morning moments, to a sparkler exit to finish off the night.

Ashley + Riley’s Manor Wedding Day

Getting Ready

The morning began with joy and anticipation. Ashley and Riley wrote personal letters to each other, Ashley danced with her bridesmaids, and paused for quiet moments on the staircase and in the sunroom. Ashley’s niece, Ava, sweetly fluffed her dress, creating one of our absolute favorite candid moments of the day!

The wedding couple made the most of the spaces around them, leaning into the natural light that poured through the manor windows and the timeless architecture that framed their morning. When every corner offers an opportunity for moments that turn into genuine images, you know you’ve picked the right venue for your celebration. We love that, in Texas, couples can find that dream combination of light and architecture at so many gorgeous venues. Wedding venues like Woodbine Mansion, or The Grand Lady, where history and character just naturally emphasize the story of your day.

Bride and bridesmaids dance together before wedding in Austin, Texas

Ceremony

Held at Warrenton Baptist Church, the ceremony was centered on worship and reverence. Wooden pews, stained glass, and red carpets created a sacred backdrop that will stand the test of time. Ashley’s grandmother prayed over her before she walked down the aisle, a moment of deep care that set the tone for everything that followed. Austin’s historic churches and chapels really allow our couples the opportunity to honor their faith and family legacy while creating a beautiful setting for their vows. When it comes to church weddings in Texas, Saint Mary's Cathedral and Central Christian Church are always among our many favorites.

Couples Portraits

Portraits at both the church and manor highlighted that perfect balance of documentary candids and editorial direction. Moments that felt wholehearted, fully present. Golden hour brought a beautiful glow as Riley stood beside the vintage car he restored with his best man, a special car given to him by his grandfather when he was six. The car that he managed to get running just in time for it to be their big day getaway car! Including Riley’s restored car in their portraits was a way to honor his family, honor legacy, and bring the depth of feeling to the images. Their portraits showed how meaningful details come alive when paired with natural light and a gorgeous backdrop. Some of our favorite places near Austin, like Commodore Perry Estate and Chateau Bellevue, set the table for couples who want their portraits to feel elevated and true to their story!

Cocktail Hour

Guests gathered outdoors as Ashley and Riley shared time together with lambs on the lawn (yes, you heard that right!), an unforgettable detail that made their celebration unique. This was without a doubt the most adorable part of the day, and one of our favorites to capture!

Bride and groom play with lamb at Austin, Texas wedding

Bride and groom play with baby lamb at Austin, Texas estate wedding

Reception

The reception space was transformed into the Garden of Eden, with towering greenery, lush florals, and draping that created a rainforest-like atmosphere. It was seriously stunning. Guests enjoyed a live painter capturing portraits, a full band, and a space designed to immerse them in the celebration. The way their reception was transformed into a lush garden really showcased how a space can be designed to feel both immersive and personal. The Hummingbird House and Laguna Gloria are some of our favorite Austin venues that offer the same opportunity to bring a garden-inspired vision to life.

Wedding couple's first dance at Garden of Eden style wedding in Austin, Texas

Sparkler Exit

The night closed with friends and family lined up in celebration as Ashley and Riley walked through a sea of sparklers. It was a joyful ending to a day that honored their story, their faith, and the people closest to them. Being a part of such a meaningful celebration was truly a gift to us, and we’ll never forget Ashley and Riley’s wedding day!

Sparkler exit at a Texas estate wedding.

“Literally perfect photos…every photo was so beautiful, and you guys are so talented. I’m recommending Adam and Courtney to every single person.”

— Ashley & Riley

What Made For An Elevated Wedding

What made Ashley and Riley’s wedding feel so elevated was the way every part of the day carried meaning. Riley’s restored car, a gift from his grandfather, wasn’t just transportation. There was legacy woven into their portraits. Faith surrounded the celebration from beginning to end, with worship and prayer shaping the atmosphere and even closing out the night on the dance floor. Guests were immersed in an experience that felt personal and thoughtful, with details like a live painter and intentional design choices that invited everyone into the joy of the day. Every image carried reverence, preserving fleeting moments, and honoring family legacy.

Texas Venue Inspiration

Ashley and Riley’s wedding day showed how much a space can shape the experience. The light, the architecture, and the thoughtful design of their venue created an atmosphere that felt both elevated and deeply personal. We’re so grateful that Texas has an abundance of estates and historic properties that offer that same blend of character and beauty. Places like Laguna Gloria in Austin, Woodbine Mansion in Round Rock, and The Grand Lady. Venues where the setting becomes part of the story.

What we’ll always remember most, though, isn’t just the beauty of the setting but the people we were there to serve. Couples like Ashley and Riley, who care deeply about their faith, their family, and their guests, are the reason this work matters so much to us. Their joyful presence and intentional choices are exactly what make a wedding day feel so genuine. If you’re planning a wedding at an Austin estate, a Texas Hill Country venue, or a historic church, we would love to connect and serve you with the same wholehearted care and artistry.

Planner: @terrykayeevents // Venue: @blackhorse.manor // Church: @warrentonbaptistchurch // Florals: @petalnbloom.studio // Photography: @theshens.photography // Videography: @causbury // DJ: @djallenfernandez // Band: @bakereventco // Caterer: @pampasfoxcatering // Rentals: @selecteventgroup // Trees: @plantsalive // Draping: @thelightsourcecompany // Stationary & Display: @theblissfuldesign // Coffee Station: @travelingbean.coffee // Cake: @fluffythoughtscakes // Trolley: @fxbgtrolley // Live Painter: @spencergraceartspace