August 2009

Wedding ceremonies in the Wedgwood Room

Weddings at the Renaissance Hotel in Austin TX

by Eric Hegwer on 28 August, 2009

What a great story.  These two knew each other long before today.  If I remember correctly, they met late in High School, or perhaps it was college.  But then life took over and they each went their separate ways.  Then, several years later, these two reconnected when one searched for the other on the web (who doesn’t do that every now and then).

Unfortunately, life gave one of these two a nasty turn, but their love was true and deep, and a few days ago they decided to get married in Austin.  The rehearsal was at the amazing Oasis Restaurant overlooking Lake Travis, or right now because of the low rainfall, the Islands of Lake Travis.  Rehearsals are always so much fun.  I love hearing all the toasts because it really helps me to get to know the couples even better.

Then, the next day, showed up early to the wedding at the Reniassance Hotel.  My good friend Joe Simon, one of the best wedding videographers in austin, was already there hard at work shooting detail shots of the shoes, rings, and getting ready.  Not to be outdone, I jumped right in, and the fun began!

Here are some of my favorite back and white wedding photos.  If you want to see the entire  800+ wedding proof gallery, here is the link.  Send me a note and I’ll give you the password.

Black and white photo of the bride getting ready at the Renaissance Hotel in Austin, TX.

Black and white photo of the bride getting ready at the Renaissance Hotel in Austin, TX.

The guests arrive to the ceremony site inside the WedgWood Room. Summers in Austin are HOT, and if you want to keep cool, the best bet is to find a venue like this one which has an indoor option.

The guests arrive to the ceremony site inside the WedgWood Room. Summers in Austin are HOT, and if you want to keep cool, the best bet is to find a venue like this one which has an indoor option.

Amaizng colors in the bridal bouqet, pinks, yellow and white roses

Amaizng colors in the bridal bouqet, pinks, yellow and white roses

The newlyweds enter the reception. I love the sign on the back of the wheelchair.

The newlyweds enter the reception. I love the sign on the back of the wheelchair.

The first dance - surrounded by their firends and family.

The first dance - surrounded by their firends and family.

The reception got a little rowdy when the DJ gave hot mics to the guests for a bit of wedding karaoke

The reception got a little rowdy when the DJ gave hot mics to the guests for a bit of wedding karaoke

(H) Air guitar.

(H) Air guitar.

Here's me at work.

Here's me at work.

And here is my work.

And here is my work.

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Tents at Laguna Gloria

A fantastic event at Laguna Gloria, Designed by Caplan Miller Events

by Eric Hegwer on 26 August, 2009

Most August evenings in Austin are Hot. The sky is blue, grass is green, and Texas is Hot. Duh. But last night I ventured down Mopac, and turned off 35th st heading West. I ended up at theKnot networking event at Laguna Gloria.

My experience began before I even got out of the car. Waiting at the curb were the valets from Transportation Consultants. Under a cabana was a string group, and the Arundel Ensemble playing beautiful music as we entered the Grounds of the AMOA. As I walked up to the old Villa, I knew this was going to be something special. Most networking events are showcases to tell us, the vendors what IS possible. Usually most couples opt for only a few decorative elements, but about once a month I get to attend a wedding where they pull out all the stops. This was one of those events.

It was almost as if my path was chosen for me. The way the decor was arranged led me from area to area – first some outdoor seating on the open grass to the right, then some cabanas in the back, and then to beautifully decorated tents behind the house. Inside was the food how about some more vegetarian choices next time :) I was expecting at least something to nosh on, as it was dinnertime, but by the time I got to the buffet, the only one choice available was gone. So as retaliation, no food pics.

But that was really the only downside. Two signature cocktails were offered – each featuring Savvy Vodka (from Austin, of course), and the Gelato Bar from Teo, was fantastic. Regular blog readers know that I know my gelato. I even grabbed a cookie from Simon Lee Bakery.

Did I mention the flowers? It’s hard to describe them. Arrangements were everywhere. David Kurio Designs worked with Caplan Miller, Townsley Designs and the Marquee Event group.

As for the heat – I never even broke a sweat. The tents and cabanas had ceiling fans, and there were large industrial coolers strategically placed (so you couldn’t really see them) blowing cold air into the key areas.

As usual enjoy the pictures – they were taken with my Antique Leica 4M-P and Fuji 800 Pro Z film, and my Summicron 50mm f2.0 lens. Be sure to leave a comment, too.

Green Vases with Orchids and Roses, Whtie chouch with brown pillows and a cabana in the background - taken at Laguna Gloria in Austin

Green Vases with Orchids and Roses, Whtie chouch with brown pillows and a cabana in the background - taken at Laguna Gloria in Austin


Wicker Charis at TheKnot Networking Party at Laguna Gloria

Wicker Charis at TheKnot Networking Party at Laguna Gloria


Check out this option for outside seating at a wedding - I lvoe the white cubes and wicker table - and be sure to see the carpet in the cabana in the background

Check out this option for outside seating at a wedding - I love the white cubes and wicker table - and be sure to see the carpet in the cabana in the background


A low hanging crystal chandelier suspended by a rope of red roses and orchids from a tent above at able with champagne flutes.

A low hanging crystal chandelier suspended by a rope of red roses and orchids from a tent above at able with champagne flutes.


I spent a fair amount of time sitting right here, and people watching. The view from this couch was amazing!

I spent a fair amount of time sitting right here, and people watching. The view from this couch was amazing!


Extra points if you can Identify the legs attached to the Louboutins.

Extra points if you can Identify the legs attached to the Louboutins.


Incredible decorations at Laguna Gloria by Caplan Miller

Incredible decorations at Laguna Gloria by Caplan Miller


As the sun set, the party was just beginning....

As the sun set, the party was just beginning....

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Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?

by Eric Hegwer on 21 August, 2009

The dirtier the tongue, the happier the Westy

The dirtier the tongue, the happier the Westy

I’m taking a break from Fine Art Friday this week. Please enjoy this photo of my dog. If you want to know how I took this picture, send me a note using my contact form link above.

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