An Austin Wedding at Justine’s Secret House Where Art, Music, and Family Took Center Stage

Emily and Hunter built a wedding around the things they value most: art, music, faith, creativity, and the people they love. Every decision went back to what mattered most to them. From the invitations Emily painted herself to the meaningful church ceremony, colorful reception details, and dance floor surprise that had guests cheering late into the evening.

Emily and Hunter found me through Google and actually booked me before they had even chosen a venue. In fact, they chose Justine’s Secret House after seeing photographs I had taken there and falling in love with the space! That trust set the tone for our entire experience together. As an Austin wedding photographer, it was so much fun to photograph a couple who valued creativity and storytelling as much as they did.

They booked me for nine hours of coverage, which allowed me to document everything from getting ready at The W Austin through their ceremony at Hyde Park Presbyterian Church and reception at Justine’s Secret House.

A Colorful Welcome Dinner at Sway Thai

The weekend started with a welcome dinner at Sway Thai, where they could spend quality time with family and friends before the wedding day. This is one of my favorite places in Austin for rehearsal dinners! One thing I loved about their entire wedding weekend was how much emphasis they placed on being present with the people they love. The welcome dinner was filled with colorful flowers, heartfelt speeches, and genuine connection.

As a wedding photographer, I love photographing these events because they’re often some of the only opportunities we have to document guests together. So many of our favorite relationships exist without photographs to prove it. Capturing friends laughing together, parents catching up with relatives, and loved ones sharing a meal feels just as meaningful as documenting the wedding day itself.

Ceremony at Hyde Park Presbyterian Church

Faith was an important part of Emily and Hunter’s wedding day, and their ceremony at Hyde Park Presbyterian Church reflected that beautifully. As Emily shared before the wedding:

“As our first act of marriage, Hunter and I are taking communion together. It would be sweet to get good coverage of the church and capture this sentiment.”

I loved how intimate and charming the church felt. There was something so special about beginning the day in a space that held such meaning for them before transitioning to the artistic and colorful atmosphere of Justine’s Secret House.

Some of my favorite photographs from the day actually happened just outside the church. We created colorful bridesmaid portraits on film, shooting upward toward the bright blue Texas sky. I love when wedding parties are willing to play and trust the process. The bridesmaids danced around Emily while I crouched low to create movement and energy in the frame. The final images felt whimsical, joyful, and completely reflective of the spirit of the day.

The ceremony itself was emotional and heartfelt. Emily and Hunter exchanged personal vows and there were plenty of tears from guests throughout the service. They specifically asked me to focus on reactions from family and friends throughout the day, which I always love. Some of my favorite ceremony photographs are not of the couple themselves, but of the people witnessing the moment. 

Prioritizing Film Photography & a Documentary Approach

From the beginning, Emily and Hunter made it clear that photography was one of their highest priorities. They trusted me completely and gave themselves space throughout the day for both things they valued most: time with their loved ones and time to create something artistic together.

While much of my work is rooted in a documentary approach, I also have a deep love for cinematic and editorial portraiture. I love when couples are willing to step away for a few minutes throughout the day to create something beautiful together while still keeping the majority of their day focused on genuine connection and celebration.

Film photography was an especially important part of their wedding coverage. Film is slower than digital. It requires more intention, more patience, and more trust. Every frame matters. Because of that, I always appreciate couples who value the artistry behind the medium and are willing to give it the time it deserves.

Emily and Hunter did exactly that, and the result was a gallery filled with emotion, color, movement, and the kind of timeless quality that film brings to a wedding day.

A Reception at Justine’s Secret House

Emily and Hunter chose Justine’s Secret House because of their shared love of art and history, and it couldn’t have been a better fit.

Justine’s is perfect for couples who want an intimate atmosphere while still having room to celebrate with a larger guest count. The venue comfortably accommodates around 100 guests while maintaining a feeling of warmth and connection.

One of my favorite things about photographing weddings at Justine’s is the incredible character of the space. The blue room and red room inside the house are particularly beautiful, not only because of the colors and natural window light, but because of the richness of the textures, artwork, and architectural details. There is so much depth and personality throughout the house that every corner feels inspiring.

If timing allows, I also love taking couples for a short walk around the neighborhood at sunset. The East Austin streets and skyline views create the perfect backdrop for portraits that feel uniquely Austin.

A Special DJ & Handmade Details

Emily planned much of the wedding herself and had a remarkably clear vision from the very beginning. She designed and painted her own invitation suite, creating a custom illustration of Justine’s Secret House for the front of the tri-fold invitation. It felt like the perfect introduction to a wedding that celebrated creativity at every turn. She and her mom also created many of the reception details themselves, intentionally investing the majority of their budget into the things that mattered most to them: photography and the venue experience.

There were also countless sentimental details woven throughout the evening. Their guest book was a coffee table book about Japan, where they planned to honeymoon, and they displayed wedding photographs of other family members on their wedding day nearby.

The reception tables were filled with colorful florals and candles, which is a combination I wish more couples embraced. Color and candlelight together is truly chef’s kiss. As dinner progressed and the candles burned lower while the sky turned a deep shade of blue, the entire space took on a magical quality. The way those colors and that energy translate onto film is one of my favorite things to photograph.

Music was another central part of Emily and Hunter’s story. Before the wedding, Emily shared with me that Hunter is a DJ and music producer, and they were planning a surprise for their guests. Later in the evening, Hunter stepped behind the DJ booth himself and took over for a special set. The energy on the dance floor instantly shifted! Guests packed the dance floor and celebrated alongside him while he performed, creating one of the most memorable moments of the entire reception.

An Austin Wedding Full of Meaning

What I loved most about Emily and Hunter’s wedding was how intentional every decision felt. Nothing was chosen simply because it was trendy or expected. Every detail reflected their values, their creativity, and the relationships that matter most to them. Their wedding was a beautiful reminder that the most memorable celebrations are often the ones that feel most authentically like the couple themselves. If you’re looking for an Austin wedding photographer who values the real moments just as much as the beautiful ones, let’s connect.

Vendor Team

Photography: Amber Vickery Photography
Welcome Dinner: Sway Thai
Ceremony: Hyde Park Presbyterian Church
Reception: Justine’s Secret House
Desserts: SusieCakes
DJ: DJ HoneyPocket Beats
Florist: The Bride & Poppy Flowers
Hair & Makeup: Adore Makeup Boutique + Salon
Coordinator: Asher & Anchor
Bridal Gown: Jenny Yoo
Bridal Accessories: Watters, Betsey Johnson
Content Creator: Content by Linds Wills