Take a peek into this this amazing Texas wedding. Which included so many personal touches, awesome style, great food, and a stunning offbeat couple! 

 I had the pleasure of meeting Travis (a custom fashion designer who owns Travis Austin Customs) and Christina (an amazingly talented hairstylist and color specialist at the Mermaid Sealon) while I was photographing a wedding here in Michigan. Travis was the best man and Christina was his then girlfriend. I simply adore offbeat people who allow their style to shine through in their everyday appearance. After spending the day getting to know Travis better, I saw Christina and I knew I wanted to have them model for me. I took a chance and approached them together to see if they’d be interested in allowing me to photograph them. 

They  seemed honored that I would ask but informed me they current resided in CA. Christina did mention that they traveled back from time to time to visit with Travis’ parents. The stars aligned and we were able to make a session work out. If you’re interested you can see that featured on offbeat bride https://offbeatbride.com/carnal-engagement-shoot/

Not only did things work out for this session, but Travis also proposed to Christina the weekend before! Christina spilled the deets while we played in warm beach sand. She told me how Travis planned a “party” weekend in Mexico with their closest friends, and the night before they left for home he asked her marry him. She said she had no idea he had planned to prose but was she was so excited he did!  So our styled couples session turned into an engagement session. 

Of course I needed to know more about this amazing wedding they were planning. Christina shared her vision of a moody wedding with a candle lit glow. She said she wanted something non traditional with her in a black dress and black veil. She said they had decided to have their wedding in TX because that is where her family is located. As planning progressed she reached out to request my services for their big day. 

After many conversations, shared photos of inspiration and gitty DMs on instagram the day had arrived and it was even more magical than I could have imagined! Travis poured himself into the details of this wedding both big and small.  From custom shoes for his wifey to custom jackets for the two them. These jackets were even more special when Travis told us that this pink jacket belonged to Christina’s grandmother and Travis’ jacket had been lined with his mother’s wedding dress. Other details hand picked by the couple include the groomsmen’s ties, custom flasks and a guest jacket! Yes, I said guest jacket. It was a leather jacket for guests to sign rather than a guest book (such an amazing idea!). 

Christina and her bride tribe (notice I didn’t say bridesmaids? Christina has a bridesman in her party!) spent the morning prepping in the bridal suite at Five Oaks Farm Christina did her own makeup but her co-worker Max was on hair. Check out those amazing mermaid inspired locks! Travis and guys spent the morning finishing up details and hanging out. Ya, know guy stuff.

We traveled to Celburne State park for the couple’s first look because ya, know I’m from Michigan and wanted to see all the Texas things. This park did not disappoint. From the spot we dubbed “the blair witch spot” and the “spooky bridge”. These locations were simply perfect for the non-traditional theme Christina and Travis were going for. The bridal party was a little, umm, tipsy so they didn’t quite make it to this part but we made up for that later.

During the ceremony there was laughter and tears. Moments of awe and honestly all the feels. Listening to these two speak their handwritten vows was nothing short of perfection. The reception was filled with laughter, fun stories of what it was like to grow up with these two and how they came together. Stories like how they acquired three dogs on their first date and how Travis tried to say I love you a little too soon.

The night carried on with drinks flowing, good BBQ being consumed and of course on site tattoos. Yes, they had a tattoo artist on site providing tattoos handpicked by the couple themselves.

I have to say the trip that took 1295 miles, 5 hrs in the air, and many many farm to market roads was 100% worth it to see these two say their I dos. Until next time TX!