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If you’re dreaming of a classic Texas wedding that feels elevated but still relaxed, Kelsey and Tyler’s outdoor wedding at The Addison Grove is the perfect example of how to do it well. Their January celebration blended Texas charm, thoughtful planning, and meaningful moments, all set against one of the most photogenic venues in the Austin area. From a pond-side ceremony to golden hour portraits with the longhorns, this outdoor wedding at The Addison Grove proves why this venue is such a favorite for couples who want their day to feel personal, warm, and timeless.
Why Kelsey & Tyler Chose The Addison Grove Wedding Venue
Kelsey and Tyler met right before heading off to college and have been together for eight years. When it came time to choose a venue, they wanted something that truly reflected who they are. In their words, they loved that Addison Grove “fits our personalities. A little done up but also not over done. It gives the classic Texas feel we love. The barn and the longhorn are the perfect touch as well as the beautiful grounds of the property.” That balance is exactly what makes Addison Grove such a standout wedding venue in Austin! It feels intentional and refined without feeling stiff. Guests can relax, wander the grounds, and really enjoy the experience.
Kelsey’s Boho Bridal Style
Kelsey’s gown by Lillian West had a boho-inspired lace design with long sleeves that added structure and elegance. She wore her hair down with pearls placed delicately at the front, creating a look that felt romantic and effortless. One of my favorite moments of the day happened when Kelsey asked to take bridal portraits in the bathroom. Yes, the bathroom! The bold wallpaper paired with direct flash gave the photos a fun, editorial edge and proved that some of the best moments happen when you lean into spontaneity! I always want my couples to share their photo wishes with me, no matter how big or small!
A Private First Look and Vows
Kelsey and Tyler shared a first look followed by private vows, just the two of them. This is one of my favorite ways to slow the day down and create space for genuine emotion.
January weddings at The Addison Grove can be a dream, and Kelsey and Tyler had sunshine and perfect temperatures all day. Even so, having a second photographer proved invaluable. When bees became a bit overwhelming during the day, my second photographer worked with the florist to find a solution. A simple spray bottle helped redirect the bees and kept everyone comfortable. It is a great reminder that having an experienced team matters.
Kelsey and Tyler actually found me through Kelsey’s maid of honor, whose wedding I photographed at Hidden River Ranch almost three years ago. Even more fun? I had the pleasure of photographing another one of the bridesmaids’ engagement photos! It was such a joy to see familiar faces and capture new memories for these special couples. It means the world when couples I’ve worked with trust me with their besties’ weddings! It’s such a joyful circle of love!
Pond Ceremony Site at The Addison Grove
Their outdoor ceremony took place at the pond ceremony site, one of the most peaceful and picturesque locations on the property. With water views, mature trees, and thoughtfully placed florals, the ceremony space felt intimate while still accommodating their 120 guests comfortably. The color palette of copper and rust tones, soft neutrals, and lush greenery complemented the natural setting beautifully. Native Bloom’s florals framed the ceremony in a way that felt organic and elegant without overpowering the space.
Planning tip:
For outdoor ceremonies at The Addison Grove, the ideal start time is about 1.5 hours before sunset if you are doing a first look. This gives you flattering light for the ceremony and allows for relaxed portraits afterward without rushing.
Tyler wore a cowboy hat, which made for some especially beautiful under-the-veil photos. Combined with Kelsey’s cathedral-length veil, the movement and texture during this part of the day were unreal. If you want veil photos with wind and movement, a cathedral-length veil is truly the only option. Shorter veils just do not give the same effect. I adored Kelsey’s full bridal style, especially her veil.
Golden Hour Photos with the Longhorns
One of the most iconic parts of an outdoor wedding at The Addison Grove is photographing near the longhorns. The best golden hour light on the property happens near this area, and on this January day, the sunshine was absolutely perfect!
Pro tip for longhorn photos at The Addison Grove:
Instead of tossing feed randomly over the fence, place the feed buckets exactly where you want the longhorns to face. Use a golf cart so the couple does not have to walk far in wedding attire. Also, move down the fence line to avoid posted signs for cleaner images. These small adjustments make a huge difference.
Sunset Portraits in Front of The Barn Wedding Venue in Austin
Kelsey and Tyler specifically wanted photos of just the two of them in front of the barn. The key to this location is timing! Because the sun hits the barn directly, taking photos too early can cause squinting and harsh shadows. Instead of pulling them during cocktail hour, we took these right at sunset, just before they were announced into the reception as husband and wife. This is one of those moments where knowing the venue from experience completely changes the outcome. The light was soft, flattering, and exactly what they envisioned. It also meant not pulling them extra, since they were about to enter from that same direction.
Indoor Reception at The Addison Grove Barn
The reception took place inside the main barn, where guests enjoyed a relaxed evening filled with laughter and music. One standout detail was their audio guest book, an old-style telephone where guests left voice messages throughout the night. These are such a meaningful keepsake and a fun alternative to a traditional guest book.
They ended the night with a sparkler exit and a getaway in a 1958 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud, a show-stopping finish that felt timeless and celebratory!
Why The Addison Grove is Perfect for Outdoor Weddings
- Multiple ceremony locations with distinct looks
- Wide open spaces for guests to relax and explore
- Stunning golden hour light, especially near the longhorns
- Indoor reception space that flows naturally from outdoor events
- A classic Texas feel without feeling overdone
Map | The Addison Grove Wedding Venue
The Addison Grove is located just 20 minutes from downtown Austin, offering a secluded Hill Country setting with open outdoor ceremony sites and a barn-style reception space.
Related Weddings
If you love this outdoor wedding at The Addison Grove, you may also enjoy:
Burnt Orange Summer Wedding at The Addison Grove in Austin
Emma and Michael met at the University of Texas. With their Longhorn pride running deep, an Addison Grove wedding felt like the perfect backdrop for their love story. Their June celebration featured burnt orange bridesmaids’ dresses and the Pom Squad dancing to the UT fight song. Photographing their day was an absolute joy, and these images capture some of my favorite moments from their University of Texas inspired wedding at The Addison Grove.
See Emma & Michael’s Burnt Orange Addison Grove Summer wedding →
Christmas Colored December Wedding taken on Film
Natalie and Tate planned a Christmas Colored Wedding at The Addison Grove in December. The weather may have been cold and gloomy, but their celebration was full of joy and warmth.
Natalie and Tate’s Winter Wedding at The Addison Grove with Christmas Colors →
FAQs About Outdoor Weddings at The Addison Grove
The ideal ceremony start time is about 1.5 hours before sunset, if you are doing a first look. This timing provides flattering light and keeps the day flowing smoothly. If skipping the first look, opt for 2 hours before sunset.
Golden hour near the longhorns offers the most beautiful light on the property. All of the ceremony sites are also great options!
Absolutely! January weddings often bring cooler temperatures and softer light. Kelsey and Tyler’s day had sunshine and perfect weather, proof that January weddings at The Addison Grove are just as stunning!
The 6,000 sq ft indoor barn reception space can hold 200 guests comfortably.
Vendor Team
Austin Wedding Venue with longhorns, in-house florals & coordination: The Addison Grove
Austin Wedding Photographer: Mylah Renae
Catering: SoHo Catering
Cake: Casa Costa Cakes
Hair and Makeup: Lux Beauty
Bridal Gown Designer: Lillian West
Wedding Gown Boutique in Austin: Amour Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Birdy Grey
Bridal Boots: Tecovas
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 an Outdoor Wedding at The Addison Grove?
If you’re planning an outdoor wedding at The Addison Grove and want photos that feel natural, flattering, and true to life, I would love to help you plan a photography experience that feels effortless from start to finish.
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