Eric Hegwer - Austin Wedding Photography

Laguna Gloria

by Eric Hegwer

I just got back a bunch of film and scans from my local lab, Holland Imaging, and couldn’t wait to share them with you. This last weekend I had a couple of weddings, I don’t usually schedule multiple events on the same weekend, especially when it’s so hot, but both brides were so nice, and each wedding sounded fantastic, and they each were going to be unique and small, and the went on and on, and so I pulled a double, and shot back to back weddings on Friday and Saturday.

All the wedding photos I’m blogging about today were photographed at Laguna Gloria, just off the west side of 35th and Mopac, right down by the water. I used a combination of both film and Digital cameras, because the bride and her mother just wanted me to do my thing.

So to help me out, I brought along JP, and together we used a combination of Nikon Digital Cameras, Leica 35mm, Hasselblads, and even my little Holga to photograph this event. All these pictures are from real film at the wedding – a combination of Fuji Film, (160, 400, and even 800 pulled 1-stop), and some Kodak 400 VC and NC. Some of these shots are mine, and some are JP’s. I just love the vibrant, soft color, the sharpness of the details, and the mood and feeling that real film captures at your wedding.

When you are searching for your photographer, look carefully! In the next few days I’ll tell as story I heard last night from a bride I met at a recent show who was now regretting her decision in choosing a wedding photographer. There are so many different things to look for, and so very often, I overhear brides talking about what they “get” for “how much money”. I understand wedding photography is expensive, but there is also a lot of variability out there. Keep looking if you don’t find what you want – you can even contact me and ask if I know of anyone else who has a certain wedding style – I’ll give you an honest answer. Of course, if you think my style will match your wedding, please don’t hesitate to ask if I’m available on your date, even if it isn’t in Central Texas. I am the traveling wedding photographer, you know.

Anyway, enjoy these few teaser wedding photos – more will come in a later post.

A guitar player greeted the guests with some classical music

A guitar player from the TRES Latin Guitar Trio greeted the guests with some classical music (see my favorite vendors and Links page for their website).

Usually June weddings in Austin are a bit cooler, but this year, we had a string of 100° days - and today was no exception.

The couple had a signature cocktail - Sangria!

The fountain at Laguna Gloria was decorated with tons of flowers, especially roses

Before the wedding, the minister spoke with the bride and groom (separately).

It was a small wedding - only around 45 guests. They all were seated inside the main building at Laguna Gloria.

Votive candles were lit on each table....

This uberBride had so many unique details - including something blue! Instead of a traditional full length white wedding gown, she wore a short knee-length blue gown.

I know my fingers and toes swell in the heat - apparently the groom's hand's did, too. Getting the ring on was a challenge.

And once the bride finally was able to squeeze the ring on his finger, her look was priceless.

Weddings were meant for picture taking. I always tell my clients, that if I drop my camera I'm going to grab one of the guests cameras to finish the job.

This wedding photo was taken with a Leica film camera. You just can't get this real film look with any photoshop trickery...

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Wedding decoration lights

by Eric Hegwer

in Weddings

Today, I’m taking a step away from my regular early week wedding blog posts, or even my random garden blog post, to talk about wedding reception lighting.

Whenever I walk into a room the first thing I see is the light. You probably too, but don’t pay as much attention to it as I do. But it really influences our mood, perception, and attitude. Think about the difference between a club, with it’s darkness, lasers, disco balls, and other flashing lights. Contrast that with the relaxed lighting at your favorite day spa.

Wedding lights are the easiest way to step up your event to the next level. More than just simple christmas lights, custom wedding lighing can have several components: pin spots, color washes, or those fancy gobos that project your initials or floral pattern onto the dance floor. There are also tent lights, projections and color changing LED lights. Even the most simple wedding light techniques can make your cake, flowers, tablescapes and decorations look 100% better. This is much more than putting a couple of votives on a mirror in the center of the table, but for just a little more than what you would spend on votives, you can rent the equipment you need for 1 night.

Red and blue lights are by far the most common used at weddings because they are the most flattering for skin tones. You don’t want your guests to look like sick green monsters (although with enough trips to the bar…)

Of course once you have your room perfect, the next step is to make sure the pictures of your reception match. Photographing wedding lighting can be tricky - especially during the fast pace of a wedding reception. It’s more than just having professional equipment – it’s knowing how to use it when someone else is in charge of the lights. Too little flash, and you can’s see the details, too much and all that hard work lighting the room is washed out.

Here are some photos from some recent events where custom lighting was used in Austin if you have any comments or questions, be sure to let me know at the bottom of this post.

Custom blue tent lights with white spots on the center of each round table

Custom blue tent lights at this private residence with white spots on the center of each round table

This room is lit with red up-lights flooding each wall, then custom pin lights on the tables, accented with electric votives hanging from the table centerpieces

This ballroom at the Four Seasons is lit with red up-lights flooding each wall, then custom pin lights on the tables, accented with electric votives hanging from the table centerpieces

This dance floor is lit with two custom gobos - the first is a red light filtered through a floral pattern, creating shadows on the floor, and then the second is the couple's initials in white light over the top.