As an Austin wedding photographer, I’ve worked with my fair share of outdoorsy couples — so when Chari and Louis started telling me about their favorite hikes and camping adventures, I knew we were in for a fun journey together! Their Pecan Springs Ranch wedding was a truly incredible day, and I feel so honored to have been a part of their special day.
After meeting through mutual friends during freshman year at UT, this sweet couple are best friends and life partners (the true secret to happily ever after, in my opinion!). When it came time to pop the question, Louis planned a romantic hike in Half Moon Bay with their pup, Scooter, which is so fitting for them. However, the trail was busier than expected and Louis didn’t want to make a scene, so he decided to wait until later. He asked Chari to marry him outside of their apartment, surprising her with a custom ring that he helped design to suit her jewelry taste. Swoon!
Though Chari and Louis now live in San Francisco, they decided to return to the place where their love story started: our beloved city of Austin. When they inquired about their Pecan Springs Ranch wedding, they made it clear that they preferred a photography style that felt realistic and authentic. They wanted to remember their big day as it was, so they didn’t want anything to feel forced or posed. That is music to my ears!
Keep scrolling for all the sweet spring wedding inspo from Chari and Louis’ big day!
Getting Ready + First Look
Chari and Louis’ wedding day started with a quiet morning getting ready with loved ones. Chari looked like a vision in a stunning floral lace bridal gown with illusion straps. After getting ready, Chari and Louis had an intimate first look that had us all in our feels. The weather was absolutely perfect, so we had tons of gorgeous sunlight throughout the property!
Chari + Louis
I had such a fun time strolling the grounds of Pecan Springs Ranch with Chari and Louis! Between all the jokes and laughter, their deep love for one another rose to the surface as we took portraits around their beautiful Austin wedding venue. We also had a surprise visit by the venue’s “beer burros,” who would turn up at cocktail hour later!
Pecan Springs Ranch Wedding Ceremony
Chari and Louis tied the knot in a romantic wedding ceremony at the venue’s outdoor fireplace, which is original to the property from the 1800s! Every detail came together perfectly — from the vibrant blooms bursting from the fireplace to the blue skies that graced their wedding day.
Cocktail Hour + Wedding Reception at Pecan Springs Ranch
After the “I do’s,” it was time to party! Cocktail hour featured bar signage and napkins sporting hand illustrations of their pup, Scooter, to accompany their signature drink of choice: spicy margaritas! And, as promised, the beer burros (or drink donkeys!) made their official appearance with baskets of brews for guests to enjoy.
Inside the beautiful reception space, guest tables were elegantly set with colorful floral centerpieces and geometric candleholders. After dinner, the festivities flowed out onto the patio where the newlyweds danced the night away with their loved ones.
Cheers to Chari + Louis! It was such a privilege to capture your wedding day and be a part of such a milestone in your lives. Here’s to your happily ever after!
Chari + Louis’ Pecan Springs Ranch Wedding | Vendor List
- Austin Wedding Photographer: Naomi Phelps Photography
- Austin Wedding Venue + Beer Burros: Pecan Springs Ranch
- Wedding Planner: Eclipse Event Co. – Amy Bay
- Catering: Vestal’s Catering
- DJ Hybrid + Live Musicians: Hype Rhythm
- Hair + Makeup: Anastasia Miller MUA
- Floral Design: Christie Turner Designs
- Cake: Polkadots Cupcake Factory
- Rentals: Premiere Rentals
- Glassware: Bee Lavish
- Alcohol: Specs
- Officiant: Texas Wedding Ministers
- Send Off Car: ATX Black Car
- Wedding Invitations: Minted
- Day of Stationery: Inviting Pear
- Bridal Gown Designer: Justin Alexander
- Bridal Gown Dress Shop: Blue Sky Bridal (San Francisco)
- Bridesmaid Dresses: Birdy Grey
- Menswear: Black Tux