categories
Sharing love stories, planning resources, and a bit of my personal life for good measure.
The Blog
This Mansion at Colovista wedding is one I’ve been excited to share. Maggie and Ryne’s November celebration felt warm and joy-filled from start to finish. Maggie and Ryne hosted around 130 guests and planned a day with tons of let’s-have-fun energy! From their oak tree ceremony with Fireball shots to a sparkler-lit first dance, this wedding was unforgettable in the best way!
They were referred to me by their planner, Eclipse Event Co., which I’m always deeply grateful for. November weddings also hold a special place in my heart since it’s the same month my husband and I got married! There’s just something about the light, the temperatures, and the cozy elegance of fall in Central Texas.
Why Couples Love The Mansion at Colovista
Before heading to the first look, Maggie gifted her and Ryne’s sweet mommas matching bags. On the inside, they found photos of them and their babies when they were still little, from decades ago. This moment definitely pulled on their heartstrings.
Most wedding venues don’t have much space for a second getting ready suite. Since The Mansion at Colovista is an actual mansion, that’s not true here! There are multiple spaces to use and this library spot is a stunning backdrop for groom prep!
A First Look That Prioritized Time With Their People
Maggie and Ryne chose to do a first look, which allowed them to take all family and wedding party photos before the ceremony. This decision gave them something priceless later in the day: Time. Because photos were already complete, they were able to fully enjoy cocktail hour and the reception they worked so hard to plan. If spending real, unhurried time with friends and family is important to you, this is one of the biggest advantages of a first look.
Including Their Dog in the Wedding Day
One of the sweetest moments from the day was including their dog, Leia, in the celebration. She wore her own floral collar and instantly became a guest favorite. Including pets on a wedding day always adds such a personal layer, and venues like The Mansion at Colovista make it easy to do so!
November Florals and a Palette That Felt Rich and Timeless
Maggie’s bouquet by Jo.An Floral was organic and refined, designed with blooms in tones of red and white with minimal greenery. It complemented the season perfectly without overpowering her look. Bridesmaids wore burgundy dresses, which felt especially fitting for a November wedding at The Mansion at Colovista.
One added bonus. Maggie and Ryne had their engagement session at The Mansion at Colovista as well. That session helped us identify the best photo locations ahead of time, which made their wedding day feel incredibly smooth and stress-free.
Oak Tree Ceremony at The Mansion at Colovista
Their ceremony took place at 4:00 PM, about 1.5 hours before sunset, at the back of the mansion under the oak tree. This timing is the sweet spot for outdoor ceremonies, especially when couples opt for a first look. The sun sat behind Maggie and Ryne during the ceremony, creating soft backlighting that’s incredibly flattering for photos.
Just when everyone thought the ceremony was wrapping up in a traditional way, Maggie and Ryne surprised their guests by bringing out Fireball shots! It was their way of saying the formalities were done and the celebration was officially starting. Perfectly timed, “Fireball” by Pitbull played, and the entire energy shifted into party mode.
Film and Digital Wedding Photography
This wedding was photographed on both film and digital. Film adds a softness and depth that pairs beautifully with outdoor venues like The Mansion at Colovista, especially during golden hour and candlelit moments. Mylah Renae is a film and digital wedding photographer based in Austin, TX, and this day was a perfect example of how the two mediums complement each other.
Outdoor Reception With Twinkle Lights at The Mansion at Colovista
The reception was held outdoors with absolutely perfect November temperatures. Maggie and Ryne brought in Altared Weddings to design a custom string light installation over the dance floor and guest tables. Twinkle lights add instant romance, especially at night.
Their first dance happened just after sunset. This is the perfect time so the sky still held soft color while sparklers surrounded the dance floor. It was cinematic without feeling staged and easily one of the most memorable moments of the night.
Late Night Fun, Outfit Change, and Champagne Tower
After dinner, Maggie changed into a short party dress that was perfect for dancing. Guests were treated to churros for dessert, which felt fun and unexpected. Maggie and Ryne also shared a private cake cutting, just the two of them, which gave them a quiet moment together before jumping back into the celebration. Glow sticks and sparkly cowboy hats filled the dance floor, keeping the energy high until the very end. They even brought pizza onto the dance floor!
The night wrapped with a champagne spray in front of the mansion and a getaway on a golf cart with a “Just Married” banner.
Planning Tips for a Mansion at Colovista Wedding
- Outdoor ceremonies photograph best about 1.5 hours before sunset when paired with a first look.
- Engagement sessions at your venue help identify the best photo locations ahead of time.
- String lights instantly elevate outdoor receptions and create ambiance after dark.
Map | The Mansion at Colovista Wedding Location
The Mansion at Colovista FAQ
The Mansion at ColoVista is tucked into the rolling hills of Bastrop, Texas, about 40 minutes from Austin. Couples love it for the elevated views, peaceful setting, and the feeling of being away from the city while still keeping travel easy for guests.
Couples searching for a photographer at The Mansion at ColoVista often prioritize someone who understands the property, lighting conditions, and how to design a timeline that keeps the day relaxed. Mylah Renae is an Austin-based wedding photographer with over a decade of experience and is known for creating flattering, true-to-color images while guiding couples through a seamless, well-paced wedding day.
This venue blends classic architecture with sweeping Hill Country scenery, giving couples multiple ceremony backdrops and beautiful portrait locations without needing to travel off-site.
For the most flattering light, plan your ceremony about 1.5 hours before sunset in including a first look. This timing helps avoid harsh shadows and gives you that soft, glowy light for portraits immediately afterward.
A first look is a wonderful option here because the property offers so many private, scenic spots. Couples who choose a first look typically enjoy a smoother timeline, more portraits together, and extra time at cocktail hour with their favorite people.
Yes, The Cottages at ColoVista are a private onsite lodging option for wedding guests.
Creative Team
Bespoke Floral Design in Austin: Jo.An Floral
Austin Wedding Photographer: Mylah Renae
Custom Lighting: Altared Weddings
Hair & Makeup: Project Artistry
Content Creator for Austin Weddings: Content by Clarice
About the Author & Photographer: Mylah Renae
Mylah Renae is an Austin Wedding Photographer with over ten years experience photographing weddings full time in Austin and the Texas Hill Country. With over 145 five-star reviews, wedding clients love her artistic vision, personalized storytelling, meticulous attention to detail, and crazy fast turnaround times. When not behind the camera, you’ll find her adventuring to new places with her husband, trying different Sourdough Recipes, or snuggling her velcro Great Dane.
Planning a Wedding at The Mansion at Colovista?
If you’re planning a wedding at The Mansion at Colovista and want images that feel effortless, natural, and full of real moments, I’d love to connect! Please reach out here.
+ leave a comment