Almost three Summers ago, Layne and Rachel met when they were both serving as chaperones of the summer camp their church youth group goes to.  They spent the week getting to know each other, listening to campers say they’d “ship them” all week, and began dating as soon as they returned home.  Exactly one year later, Layne proposed at that same church camp.  One year after that, they got married at a private ceremony on their 2nd dating anniversary.  They still wanted to host their friends and family for a celebration of their love, one that felt more like Summer Camp meets Family Reunion.  They picked an open air venue and leaned into Texas Spring for their wedding colors. It was my joy to be their Gruene Estate Wedding Photographer!

Rachel and Layne are already married, so we didn’t have to worry about them seeing each other beforehand.  We were able to take some bride and groom portraits of them before the ceremony.

The open air chapel was the perfect spot for them to recommit to each other in front of their friends and family.

Rachel and Layne walked down the aisle together and I love that they did what felt right to them! 

After the ceremony, guests tossed dried flower petals at the bride and groom.  I love that there is a shift back towards exits after the ceremony instead of after the reception.

Rachel and Layne have matching tattoos.  Each element has a significant meaning to their relationship.  Hers is in a linear pattern for a more feminine feel.

Layne & Rachel brought in lots of wildflowers for their open air wedding reception.  Each guest had a bag of the couples’ favorite taffy waiting on them.  They even had two game tables with cards set up to complete that family reunion vibe they were going for.

Fun Fact: I met Rachel in 2018!  She works with the extraordinary wedding planning team, Blue Events & Co.  Some of them are pictured below!  Rachel has been on many of the teams I’ve had the privilege of working with and it was so special for it to be her turn!

Since Rachel has been working in the wedding industry for years, she knows all about the importance of LIGHT!  She made sure to plan to step out during Golden Hour, the best time for portraits, on her wedding day!

Rachel requested this photo at their engagement photos, so of course we had to recreate it for their wedding day!

Rachel and Layne – thank you SO MUCH for inviting me to be your Gruene Estate Wedding Photographer!  I loved meeting your sweet family and friends and getting to celebrate with y’all!  Congratulations!

– Mylah Renae

Gruene Estate Wedding Photographer

Creative Team: 
Venue: Gruene Estate
Austin Wedding Planner: Blue Events & Co.
Texas Hill Country Wedding Florist: Wow Factor Floral
Gruene Estate Wedding Photographer: Mylah Renae
Catering: Ilario’s Italian Cuisine
Wedding Cake: Little Bird Sweets
Bridal Gown Boutique: Bestow Bridal