Several months ago, my fellow Austin Wedding Photographer and friend, Kara (or Click Chick, as most people know her more commonly as), asked if I was free on 12.21.13 to second shoot a SURPRISE wedding with her.  Luckily, I was and am SO thankful she asked me to shoot this with her.  It was VASTLY different from any wedding I’ve ever been to because…. none of the guests knew they were attending a wedding.  :D  They thought that they were attending an engagement party for two of their close friends.

The bride and groom, along with their families, got ready at Hotel St. Cecilia off South Congress.  Everyone got ready in their wedding attire for portraits.

After formal portraits, everyone dressed the part of an engagement party!  

One of the SWEETEST moments of the day is when Ashley gave her parents this thank-you (and love) note. 

Funny story: I was driving while taking this next photo (completely unsafe and totally NOT suggested) and missed the fact that Kara was in the car in front of me trying to get my attention.  …I had forgot to turn my lights on….  That’s what friends are for – especially when you’re the car behind them!  

After we arrived at the ceremony site, Malverde, everyone had their “game faces” on for an hour of mingling at Ashley and Jackson’s “Engagement Party.” There were a TON of guests asking Jackson and Ashley when the big day was and she had her answer DOWN!  I honestly don’t think anyone expected what was to come next… and while the Mariachi band is what actually came next, what followed them (or who, more correctly) is what had all of the guests…SHOCKED!!!

That’s right!  Those faces are FINALLY understanding that they were actually about to witness their dear friends TIE THE KNOT, not just celebrate their engagement with them!  

I absolutely ADORE that Ashley is peaking at Jackson (in what I think was a prayer)!

The family was asked to bless the wedding bands.  Each member of the family had a chance to hold the rings and send good thoughts/positive energy/prayers for the marriage.

EVERYONE came up to hug on the happy newlyweds!  :D    

The toasts were so touching!  Ashley and Jackson have known each other since high school, so a lot of the friends that were there have known them for years!  My favorite part was when people said they were on “Team Ashley” or “Team Jackson” in the years that the two were not together in college.  Despite dating others, friends were always rooting for these two to end up together.  Forever.  

The secret is out!  Congratulations, Ashley and Jackson!

– Mylah Renae

Austin Wedding Photographer

www.Eureka-Photography.com