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Sharing love stories, planning resources, and a bit of my personal life for good measure.
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Thank you endlessly to Tatum and Zach for inviting me into their Vintage Villas wedding day that felt thoughtful from start to finish. This wasn’t a day built around trends. It was built around people, their families and their friends. And the kind of moments you can’t plan, but you can absolutely make space for.
This Vintage Villas wedding in Austin unfolded with rain-soaked private vows, a perfectly timed outdoor ceremony overlooking Lake Travis, and a reception that leaned fully into candlelight, music, and joy.
A Story That Started Long Before Vintage Villas
By the time November 1st arrived, Tatum and Zach already felt familiar to me! I photographed Zach’s proposal to Tatum at Sekrit Theatre. It felt like Autumn in New York in the best way. Later, we spent time together for their engagement photos at the Texas State Capitol and along South Congress, moving between classic architecture and unmistakably Austin energy.
Tatum shared that she found me through her family friends, Brooke and Price. I’m always so thankful when past wedding clients refer me to their friends and family! There is no greater compliment! After seeing Brooke and Price’s wedding photos from Vintage Villas that I took the year before, Tatum knew that I was the Vintage Villas wedding photographer for her!
A First Look in the Rain and Words Meant Only for Each Other
Rain showed up early, and it stayed close all day. Instead of rushing or hiding from it, Tatum and Zach embraced it. Their first look happened outside, under a covered pavilion, safe from the soft rain, followed by private vows. No audience. No timeline pressure. Just the two of them saying things that deeply mattered.
Both of them cried. I did too, quietly, behind the camera. These quiet moments during the first look are the ones couples remember long after the party ends.
With nine bridesmaids and seven groomsmen, the wedding party made an impression. The bridesmaids wore black dresses from Show Me Your Mumu, each finished with a bow at the lower back. A small detail, but one that photographed beautifully.
An Outdoor Wedding Ceremony With Lake Travis as the Backdrop
The timing could not have been better if it had been scripted! The rain paused just long enough for the Vintage Villas ceremony space overlooking Lake Travis to be set outside.
I love this next photo! Even though Zach had already seen Tatum and cried during the first look, he still got choked up and teary eyed when he saw her at the ceremony!
Planning takeaway: The first look is its own, separate moment and doesn’t take anything away from the walk down the aisle! If anything, including a first look gives you more time with your spouse on your wedding day and is an extra bonus moment with each other.
One of the first hugs Tatum and Zach shared after the ceremony was with their DJ, Josh Klaus. It was quick, genuine, and said a lot about the trust they placed in their Austin wedding vendor team. When couples truly trust the people they hire, the day flows differently.
Sunset Portraits After the Storm
The rain didn’t stay forever! As the evening settled, the sky opened just enough to give us a dramatic sunset over Lake Travis. We stepped outside for just married portraits, and the light did exactly what Austin sunsets do best! This allowed us to create the most stunning portraits for them! They even had a rainbow over their reception that pointed straight to the party!
I mean, come on! No one else is getting this golden glow in their hair with those dark and moody clouds behind them!
A Wedding Reception Built on Candlelight
Tatum knew exactly what she wanted: classy, timeless, portrait focused, and the beauty of the Austin outdoors! The color palette was black, navy, cream, and white. Wedding florals by Bouquets of Austin were all white, with little to no greenery. Tables were filled edge to edge with candles, creating layers of texture. The effect was clean, romantic, and absolutely timeless.
This may be my favorite wedding detail of all time! Tatum and Zach shared some of their love notes to each other on their cocktail napkins. It was such a sweet way to let guests get a small glimpse into their love!
Tatum has a low-key obsession with black and white checkerboard. Her proposal and engagement photos both featured a checkerboard floor, so it was no surprise that it showed up at her Vintage Villas wedding in the form of a dance floor from Bright Events. Marquee letters of their new last name glowed behind it.
One of the most meaningful moments of the night happened when Tatum shared a special dance with her mom. Here’s your reminder that mothers deserve their own special moment, too!
Later, the dance floor turned into a full family moment when Bohemian Rhapsody came on! Hands clasped with everyone scream-singing at the top of their lungs. Then, Zach and Tatum were both thrown in the air. That kind of energy can’t be staged and makes wedding receptions unforgettable.
Why Vintage Villas Worked So Well for This Wedding
Vintage Villas continues to be a strong choice for couples who want flexibility without sacrificing views.
- A stunning view of Lake Travis that holds its own in portraits
- Indoor reception with outdoor ceremony sites
- Onsite lodging that can host the entire wedding party for the full weekend
Tatum and Zach’s day showed how well this venue supports thoughtful planning and intentional design.
Map: Vintage Villas Wedding Venue
Located just outside of Austin, Vintage Villas offers lake views and easy access, making it a favorite for couples who want a destination feel without leaving the city.
Related Weddings You’ll Love
Classic Black Tie Wedding at Vintage Villas
Brooke and Price met during their senior year at Texas Tech. With Lake Travis playing such a big role in their life together, choosing a venue that highlighted the water was an easy decision. Vintage Villas, with its white gazebo overlooking the lake, set the scene for their classic black-tie wedding with romantic, refined details. Photographing their day was a true joy, and these images capture some of my favorite moments from their Lake Travis celebration.
FAQs About Vintage Villas Weddings
Yes. With smart timelines and vendor coordination, outdoor ceremonies can still happen even on rainy days. There is also a covered pavilion that can be used as a backup ceremony site in case of rain.
Plan at least 30 for your first look and couple’s portraits and 30 minutes for wedding party portraits. The lake views, stone architecture, and multiple vantage points photograph best when you’re not rushing between locations.
With large wedding parties, build in extra time for transitions and portraits. Vintage Villas has multiple getting ready spaces to accommodate large wedding parties, but a thoughtful timeline keeps the day relaxed for everyone involved.
Vendor Team
Lake Travis Wedding Venue: Vintage Villas
Wedding Photographer in Austin TX: Mylah Renae Photography
Austin Wedding Videography: Vida Films
Florals: Bouquets of Austin
Acoustic Wedding Singer and DJ in Austin: Josh Klaus
Marquee Letters + Dance Floor + Rentals: Bright Events
Bridesmaid Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu
About the Author: 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 new Sourdough Recipes, or snuggling her velcro Great Dane.
Planning Your Vintage Villas Wedding?
If you’re dreaming of a wedding day that feels intentional, calm, and beautifully photographed from start to finish, I’d love to be part of it! I help couples build timelines that actually work, feel confident in front of the camera, and walk away with images that reflect how the day truly felt. Vintage Villas is one of my favorite Austin venues to photograph, especially for couples who want bright outdoor portraits.
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