This beautiful Texas wedding took place in New Braunfels at The Gruene Estate. This venue was absolutely breathtaking to photograph and offered an open-air chapel and a modern farmhouse-covered pavilion. All of the tables and chairs in the reception area were handmade from reclaimed Iowa barn wood. It was stunning and is a perfect venue for anyone in the area! And with these two – it was an incredible day! (Check out their Destination Hiking Engagement Session here.)

This was our first wedding impacted by COVID-19. We were scheduled to be in Texas the weekend following the first shutdowns in March of 2020. So, needless to say, this couple was in for a change of plans. Being so early in Covid, they pushed their date out to June 2020 for a date that worked for all. Somehow, the stars aligned and they were able to have their day as planned while abiding by all rules in that location at that time. Traveling to Texas at that time was a minor stress test but a rental car came to the rescue! Adam and I actually drove from Oregon to Texas for this special day! No matter what – we will be there for you! 🙂

The Location

This stunning venue in New Braunfels, Texas is near San Antonio. It is an absolutely beautiful area in Texas. Tim and Hunter are both from Texas and were able to have their wedding in this location that not only worked great for their families but was also simply gorgeous.

If you have not been to New Braunfels, TX but are going by, we do recommend stopping by. It is a gem of a location with wonderful parks, cute shops, a downtown area. The Comal River winding around provided ample walking paths which we enjoyed during our brief time there.

Their Day

While their day was windy at times, it was truly amazing. This venue is gorgeous and their planning and sense of style were on point throughout the day and events. Hunter’s dad was the officiant and their day included many truly heartwarming toasts.

A bit of a back story for how these two found us is a bit fun and different. Most may not know this but pre-2018 Myrtle Creative Co. was actually called Ann Marie Photography. When I first started this company back in 2015, that name fit. Photography was something I did part-time back then. However, as the company and my goals grew, a new name and brand were needed. That’s how Myrtle Creative Co. came about!

However, I left my original website Ann Marie Photography up for a good year of overlap through the transition. Hunter was searching for local Texas wedding photographers and the venue referred us by name and Hunter came across our page. (One of the reasons why our company name changed is also because there is essentially an Ann Marie Photography in every town and state across the US. :P. This being an example of that.) In short, Hunter inquired thinking we were local to Texas. And while we are not local, we travel south every winter so we hopped on the phone anyway, and the rest is history. We instantly clicked with these two and I feel it was truly meant to be. These two and their families are some of the nicest people we have had the pleasure of working with. I’m happy the stars aligned and that we were able to be a part of their day.

First Look

First looks always make my heart melt and this one was no exception. These two were able to enjoy a private moment together before the ceremony, taking it all in. A common misconception or worry about first looks is that it will take away from the moment when you walk down the aisle. But, I feel like it only strengthens the moment and emotions. First looks will always be one of my most favorite moments to capture.

Ceremony

Their ceremony was absolutely stunning. It took place in the open-air chapel which gave it such a unique feel. We were indoors but also one with nature all at the same time. All of the hard work and planning that these two put into their wedding day certainly paid off. It was nothing short of perfection.

Next, after the ceremony, we went and took group and family photos before I whisked the happy couple away for some portraits. Utilizing all the beauty this venue had to offer while capturing their unique and oh so touching love story was so special and fun.

Reception

Their reception took place in the covered farmhouse-styled pavilion. It was full of beautiful decorations, yummy desserts, and a whole lot of love and laughter. Hunter also did a reception dress switch midway through to better enjoy the party and leave the night in – how stylish is this bride?!

Sparkler Send Off

Lastly, the perfect end to the perfect day at this Texas wedding in Gruene Estate happened after Hunter changed into reception dress making it easier to party. They had a beautiful sparkler exit in which all of their guests did their part to make a sparkler tunnel lighting up their way out. This was one for the books and I am so honored I was able to be a part of and capture their special day.

“I cannot say enough good things about Ann Marie and Adam and the way they run their business! Ann Marie is not only one of the most incredible, genuine, and organized people I have ever met, but she is truly an unbelievable photographer. She kept us calm through postponing and rescheduling our wedding during the middle of a pandemic, and they both went above and beyond to make our wedding day special. They honestly kept the wedding flowing and answered more questions than the actual wedding coordinator! They do it all, and they do it all seamlessly.

We received our wedding gallery yesterday, and we (along with friends and family) were blown away at the quality of the photos. They are incredibly serial oriented and I feel like I am able to relive my wedding day through these. I could not be more grateful. They were amazing to work with from start to finish. I highly recommend them to anyone and everyone! You will be so happy you did.“

-Hunter + Tim

Planning your own wedding at the Gruene Estate or elsewhere? We would love to chat! It’s never too early to chat about your wedding day dreams. 🙂 Based in NW Oregon and available to travel!

WEDDING VENDORS

• Photography: @myrtlecreativeco
• Venue: @grueneestatevenue
• Catering: @heavenlygourmetcatering
• DJ: @cuttingedgeentertainment

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