If you’re going to visit Texas, don’t go in August—during a drought—during a COVID spike. But if you do, it should be for a wedding like this! Madyson and Nico completely melted my heart with a wedding day I will never forget! If you’re planning a destination wedding here in the States, I’ve got a few tips for you inspired by this gorgeous, heartfelt wedding.
Hill Country Wedding at Chapel Dulcinea in Austin, Texas
This ceremony was everything—in every way. This Texas Hill Country chapel wedding was a dream aesthetically, but what really captured my heart was the emotion behind it all. I would brave the heat again and again for precious memories like these. Every glance at their gallery fills my heart with joy, putting me back in those moments.
Madyson and Nico were not afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves and get vulnerable on their wedding day, even with their friends and family watching. Their sincere, inspirational wedding vows brought tears to my eyes. These two are special people. They’re light-hearted and SO much fun, but also just so balanced and intentional–very heart-filled and vulnerable. They’re dynamite together, and I admire them and their bond.
So, how did a Pennsylvania gal end up in Texas? Madyson’s brother is actually the groom from my previous Las Vegas elopement with the cute In-N-Out Burger stop (this family keeps my love for travel alive)! I love their whole family. They all root for me and support me in my business so much. They even invited me to stay at their house when I was in Austin for the wedding, invited me to the pool party the day before, and made me feel like a cared-for friend wayyyyyy more than a photographer hired to be there. I wanted to do everything possible to help make their wedding day an absolute dream.
Things to Consider When Planning a Destination Wedding
Planning a destination wedding here in the States is convenient since you have many beautiful landscapes and cities to choose from, yet you don’t have to worry about passports and long flights. However, with the backdrop and cultural variety come drastic weather and climate differences. Plus, unlike a resort in the Bahamas, you may have to look at commutes and logistics, too. Here are a few things to consider when planning your out-of-state destination wedding:
Consider the Season
It’s easy to look at popular destinations on Pinterest or Instagram and think, “Yep, I want to go there.” But those photos are typically taken at just the right time of day and just the right season. Almost every destination in the United States has peak beauty and comfort seasons. Austin, Texas wasn’t a destination wedding for these two, but if you are headed south for your destination wedding, you might consider a spring or fall wedding to capitalize on the beauty and skip the heat. On the other hand, summer is an excellent option in the northwest to avoid the cold rainy season from October through May. Look at the average temperature, rainfall, and seasonal landscape to settle on your ideal date.
Determine your Venue(s)
Next, you’ll want to nail down your venue(s). In some of their ceremony photos, Madyson and Nico wanted to feature the hill country scenery, so Chapel Dulcinea was a great option. It was hot that day, but the outdoor chapel is covered with a breeze blowing through. Then, they headed downtown to Malverde, a private indoor/outdoor event space at a restaurant called La Condesa. It was a perfect fit for the warm night because guests could celebrate inside in the A/C or step out on the rooftop for some fresh air and views of the city. Plus, they are known for their fabulous local, seasonal food and craft cocktails.
It’s harder to select your vendor team from a distance, especially in a city you don’t know well. Ideally, you want to lean toward an all-inclusive venue that will cover as many bases as possible.
Decide on Transportation
Transportation is another key piece to look at for a destination wedding. If you and your guests are not renting cars, you’ll want to make sure you can easily get to your locations. If you’re all from out of town, you don’t want your guests to Uber everywhere since transportation gets expensive. Consider downtown venues that are within walking distance from each other, as well as accommodations, food, drinks, and entertainment.
Plan Activities or Entertainment
On that note, if you’ll all be staying a while, put together a loose itinerary or list of things to do nearby so your crew isn’t stuck at the hotel all weekend long. You’ll want to have that research done (maybe a job for someone in your wedding party) before the wedding weekend so you can pack the proper attire and not feel stressed about finding things to do, which will take away from your overall destination wedding experience.
Erie, Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer
Hi! I’m Jessee, your Erie, Pennsylvania (and occasional destination) wedding photographer. But more importantly, I care about you and documenting your love story in an authentic, cinematic way. I’ll be there to capture it all, from the biggest moments to the smallest details. Want more info? I’d love to meet you!
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