Spring Carpenter Hotel Wedding Weekend in Austin

Your wedding celebration should reflect every part of your vision. And if that means you need two days to fit it all in? You do what Mariel and Russell did: book two of the coolest venues in town and plan an unforgettable wedding weekend in Austin.

These two tied the knot in the spring, and I still can’t stop gushing about it. The first day featured an intimate wedding ceremony and dinner at Austin’s favorite midcentury escape, the Carpenter Hotel. The following evening, the couple welcomed their wider circle for a rooftop celebration at The Contemporary Austin’s Jones Center location.

I loved that Mariel and Russell didn’t limit their vision. Instead, they curated a weekend that gave them the chance to soak up quality time with their closest people before throwing an unforgettable Downtown Austin party. And I love even more that I had the honor of capturing it!

Wedding Weekend in Austin: An Intimate Ceremony at the Carpenter Hotel

Picture a plant-filled oasis in the heart of Austin, sprinkle in lots of midcentury charm, and you’ve got the Carpenter Hotel. As one of my favorite Austin wedding venues, I was thrilled when Mariel and Russell shared that they had chosen it for the first day of their celebration.

This day was the emotional heart of the weekend: quiet getting-ready moments in the hotel rooms, a courtyard ceremony attended by 40 loved ones, and a family-style dinner beneath the glow of café lights. But my favorite moments were the ones shared between just Mariel and Russell—from lounging on the couch in those last few minutes before saying “I do” to the two of them sipping their favorite beer beneath the trees after being pronounced husband and wife. These are the moments couples remember most when they look back on their wedding day, and they’re my favorites to capture, too.

Meaningful Details That Told Their Story

Mariel and Russell didn’t just stay true to themselves in how they structured their wedding weekend. They found ways to weave meaningful details into nearly every part of the celebration. Their vendor team was one example, made up of creatives who aligned with their vision. Fun fact: their DJ, Dart Collective, was a friend from high school who also happens to be one of the best in Austin!

The couple also embraced their creative side by designing their own invitations, infusing them with wit and midcentury flair to match the Carpenter Hotel’s retro vibe. And of course, they made sure their favorite food and drinks were front and center throughout the weekend: margs, Modelo, and oysters. But my favorite detail just might have been the temporary tattoos at the reception, featuring custom illustrations of their beloved dogs. It’s the smallest details that transform a wedding into a true reflection of your story, and Mariel and Russell’s celebration did exactly that.

Rooftop Reception at The Contemporary Austin’s Jones Center

You’ve heard me talk about Laguna Gloria, The Contemporary Austin’s other location, but the Jones Center offers a completely different experience. Located in the heart of Downtown Austin, this contemporary art museum combines the intimacy of a gallery with the energy of celebrating on a rooftop overlooking the city.

Mariel and Russell’s guests mingled through the downstairs galleries before making their way up to the rooftop, where dinner, drinks, and a photobooth awaited them. Mariel and Russell wanted plenty of photos of their guests to capture the energy of the evening, and I had so much fun documenting a mix of candid and posed moments. It was one of those nights where the excitement around you is completely infectious! I could see just how loved Mariel and Russell are by their people as they laughed, celebrated, and danced beneath a starry Austin sky.

This wedding weekend in Austin is one I’ll carry with me for a long time. From photographing at one of my favorite wedding venues to documenting an incredible rooftop party, weekends like this are exactly why I love being an Austin wedding photographer. I’m so grateful Mariel and Russell trusted me to capture their vision authentically.

If you and your partner are dreaming up your own wedding weekend in Austin, I’d absolutely love to hear about it! Reach out, and I’d be happy to share more about my offerings and process. Whether your vibe is an intimate elopement, a groovy party, or the perfect combination of the two, I’m all about it!

Kind Words from Mariel and Russell

We could not be happier with Amber—she did our engagement shoot and our two-day wedding weekend, capturing every bit of it beautifully with the perfect blend of portraits, editorial, candids, and a gorgeous mix of film and digital. She captured our vision perfectly, brought a unique vision of her own, and struck the right balance by fading into the background while never being afraid to step in and direct when she needed to. If you’re the type who feels a little awkward in front of the camera and want someone who’ll give you just enough direction while making it feel like you’re hanging out with a friend, Amber is your person. Highly, highly recommend—now my biggest problem is figuring out which photos to print and how to scheme my way into another Amber hangout!

Vendors:

Photography: Amber Vickery

Planning: Day of Lily

Venue: Carpenter Hotel (Day One); The Contemporary Austin – Jones Center (Day Two)

Hair & Makeup: Becca Langer for Hannah Zahner Beauty

Bride’s Dress Designer: KYHA Studios (Day One); HONOR (Day Two)

Groom’s Attire: Suitsupply

Floral Design: Honeymoon House

Catering: Carpenters’ Hall (Day One); Ocaso (Day Two)

Entertainment: Dart Collective