La Dolce Vita

Emily’s Bridal | Three Women, One Gown

2010-03-04T22:46:07Z

This is an extra special bridal, not just because of the gorgeous bride but because of the gown. This gown has a history. In fact, it has three weddings under it’s, well.., hem! Three! Emily’s grandmother originally wore the gown at her wedding in 1951. Being a romantic at heart and inclined towards nostalgia I simply love that Emily chose to continue this amazing tradition. And I am still amazed how timeless this gown is and how beautiful it flattered Emily. These stunning were created at their family home in Austin. Here’s what Emily and her grandmother have to say about it:

“I decided to wear the wedding gown that both my mother and grandmother wore. I wanted a classic look and I loved the thought of being the third woman in my family to wear the dress. My grandmother has written more details about the dress below. I had the long sleeves taken off by Coutures by Laura.” ~ Emily

“Bob and I married Dec. 1, 1951. The dress was made in New York by a place recommended by the White House Department Store in Beaumont where we got the bridesmaid dresses. My mother and I were in N.Y. with my father when he was attending an American Bankers Association meeting. We picked out the design and fabric. The dress arrived in Beaumont a week before the wedding, but it wasn’t my dress! Mine had gone to Memphis to another bride, and we had hers. The two mothers conferred and decided to risk the U.S. mail and made the switch. Both dresses made it just in the nick of time. Phewwww!!! You and your mother were both beautiful brides in the dress.” ~GG

Stay tuned for images from Emily & Eric’s wedding at Green Pastures coming soon!

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Emily & Jeremy | Sometimes love stares you in the face

2010-02-24T16:40:56Z

Falling for the girl next door, or in this case, the girl at the next desk over. Sometimes the key to love is just plucking up the nerve to ask someone out. Most of us don’t think about finding the love of of lives sitting in the cubical next to ours. Well, Emily & Jeremy were especially lucky. They met at work and over the course of time Jeremy finally got the courage to ask Emily out. The rest is history, they became best friends and fell in love. What more could you ask for?! They had an amazing winter wedding at the Barr Mansion, one of my personal favorites here in Austin for all inclusive eco friendly weddings & events. And Emily & Jeremy’s wedding was green. All the flowers, food and decor provided by the Barr Mansion is certified organic. They had lovely soy tea lights and of course, La Dolce Vita Photography is carbon neutral and a member of Greener Photography.org! Funny, I asked Emily about this and she said that although they hadn’t planned a green wedding it just happened to turn out that way! Don’t you just love serendipity? Check out some of the gems from this wedding below. A special thanks to Suzi Q of qweddings for lending her eye to this beautiful event and to the Barr Mansion team for all their work and gorgeous floral arrangements. Dress by: Paloma Blanca | Shoes by: Manolo Blahnik

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Holly & Jeff | Their Wedding Story

2010-02-03T06:09:47Z

Holly & Jeff were married in Austin’s Smith Family Chapel, just south of Pennybacker Bridge. It was a gloriously sunny day with just enough of a nip in the air for Holly to wear a fabulous fur wrap which had been her grandmother’s . Her classic gown was paired with a dainty pair of Stuart Weitzman’s and the entire ensemble set off by a beautiful crystal hair piece. Smith Family Chapel is a pleasure to photograph in. It’s high ceilings and stain glass window give it a light filled glow. After the ceremony friends and family gathered at the Austin Country Club to welcome the newlyweds for an afternoon brunch and some lively celebrating. Toasts were shared, fond memories recounted and joy abounded. Austin Country Club did an amazing job creating the whimsical wintery table accents and floral decor. The whole day was a testament to how much Holly & Jeff love each other and how greatly they care for their family and friends. Congratulations to you all!

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Holly & Jeff | Portraits from a Love Story

2010-01-29T02:24:40Z

I loved capturing this pre-wedding portrait session! Holly & Jeff are refreshingly no nonsense kind of people with hearts of gold. When Holly first called me to inquire about availability she told me she and Jeff really wanted their upcoming special day to focus on the people most important to them. To help with that she wanted to cut down on the time spent taking formals at the wedding. I loved this idea of freeing up time for them on their wedding day so we scheduled to do their portraits in advance at Jeff’s beautiful home in Westlake. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day, the light was gorgeous, and Holly & Jeff simply glowed. The love between these two is clearly palpable. I think it was a brilliant idea to take their formals ahead of time, having extra time makes for extra special portraits. I wish more couples would consider pre-wedding portraits. Stay tuned for images from their Smith Family Chapel wedding.

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Jennifer & Bryan’s Wedding

2010-01-28T21:36:42Z

Lovely downtown wedding this fall. Jennifer & Bryan are a sensationally sweet couple. They tied the knot at the Austin Sheraton. With loads of friends and family coming in from out of town it was the perfect place to celebrate. Congratulations to you both!

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Alex & Dave’s Vineyard Wedding

2010-01-28T21:35:38Z

One of my favorite venues this year so far, Mandola Estate in Driftwood Texas, makes a lovely & romantic setting for a wedding. Vows were exchanged under beautiful live oaks hung with little floral jewels placed in wire wrapped mason jars. After a sunset filled ceremony Alex & Dave celebrated with a special tour of the winery cask room and of course lots of local wine. Dinner was served in the warmth of Trattoria Lisina and after several lovely toasts everyone moved outside to share in some dancing under the stars. A very big congratulations to Alex & Dave! Rose Hip Flora was behind the creation of the gorgeous flowers at this wedding and Austin Cake Ball made the yummy & playful desserts.

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Alex & Dave

2010-01-28T21:35:38Z

I love Alex & Dave! Alex is a St. Edward’s grad and the beginnings of their love story is intertwined with her history at the University. So naturally we incorporated several beautiful nooks on campus while photographing their engagement. Here’s our little tribute. Stay tuned for wedding photos!

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BODA Foto Workshops | Austin, TX

2010-01-08T19:41:09Z

If you don’t already know my good friend and amazing photographer, Jenn Lindberg, is hosting BODA Foto workshop at the Austin Four Seasons this upcoming December 6th. Jenn & Ashley (of Ashley Garmon Photography) will be teaching emergent wedding photographers how to kick start their wedding photography business and learn the skills they will need to succeed. Remaining spots are filling up quickly so check out the site for more information and sign up now at BODA Foto Workshops

Austin Country Club Wedding | Jennifer & Robert

2009-12-03T01:47:50Z

Jennifer and Robert wedding merits some glorious blogging and I officially apologize for taking so long to share these images from their beautiful summer wedding. The wedding was held at the Austin Country Club, a classy and sought after venue in the verdant hills of west Austin. Thunderstorms loomed all day so the ceremony was moved inside and a beautiful floral arch was created by the masterful Keith from Westbank Flower Market. Luckily we got to sneak outside for a few minutes to capture some photographs of the lovely couple before it began to drizzle. The rest of the evenings festivities were a delight, with toasts, dancing, and a flat out memorably good time. Again, my warmest congratulations to the happy couple!

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Zilker Botanical Gardens Bridal | Jen’s Bridal Session

2009-12-03T01:48:05Z

I think this bridal at Austin’s Zilker Botanical Gardens speaks for itself. Needless to say Jen is totally gorgeous, I’ve since joined the facebook fan group “Who wants to be Jennifer …..”. Jen used to be a dancer so it was super easy getting her to understand what I wanted her to do. Stay tuned for photos from her fabulous wedding at the Austin Country Club coming soon!

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Everyday Love, East Austin : Ashley & Brandon

2009-09-02T05:48:35Z

Just some fun pics we took here on Austin’s east side while Ashley & Brandon were in town for the N.I.N concert last month. They’re still in love as ever. Isn’t their pup sweet! View their backyard wedding or their rock n roll engagement session.

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Lac Caddo | East Texas Adventures with SuziQ

2009-08-26T17:16:50Z

In the beginning of May this year I had the privilege of being invited to second shoot on a destination wedding by my good friend and fellow photogress, SuziQ of Q Weddings. SuziQ called me one day and said, “do you want to shot a wedding with me at this place called Camp Fern up by Uncertain, Texas? We’ll stop for BBQ and take lots of photos along the way. Plus there’s a swamp…” A town called Uncertain? BBQ? Swamp? Like in TruBlood? Sign me up! A few weeks later we were in SuziQ’s mini Cooper, armed with cameras and plenty of film. The trip was better then promised. Not only did we eat lots of BBQ, stop in the quaintest towns this side of Louisiana, photograph a totally original wedding at a summer camp but we got to spend the day after the wedding with Cat & Matt on a speed boat taking pictures on Lac Caddo, in english Caddo Lake. It was a photographers dream. Really. Here are a few of my favorite images from our adventures in the largest Cypress forest in the world.

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House on the Hill | Carrie & Carter’s Wedding

2009-12-03T01:48:15Z

Carrie & Carter got married this past month out at House on the Hill here in Austin. The amazing Callie Potts of Clink coordinated. Everything ran seamlessly, from start to finish. It helped that Carrie and Carter are such a fun loving easy going couple. It was a breeze taking their photos. Carrie is so sweet and kind. She’s the perfect compliment to Carter’s feisty Cuban nature. They’re a lovely match. At the end of the evening when it was time to leave I wanted to stay and dance to the sounds on El Tule (very cool Austin band) all night! This was another one of those weddings where I had a hard time editing down the number of images to post on the blog. There are so many that I love I really had to restrain myself. Carrie & Carter are moving to Seattle at the end of the summer and I’ll be sad to see them go. I wish you both good fortune, happiness and a lucky start out in the North West! Click here the view their engagement session.

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Downtown Austin | Amber & Chad

2009-12-03T01:48:23Z

Editing for this downtown Austin wedding was very very hard. There were so many photos that I absolutely was in love with and I may just have to put in another post because the reception of this wedding was equally lovely. Amber and Chad are a perfect match. They are the embodiment of grace and class. They have great taste, great energy and great personality. It was so easy to photograph their big day. Plus Amber’s sister Ashley and her husband Brandon were there which made it all the more fun for me. I photographed Ashley & Brandon’s cool, edgy backyard wedding last November. I really can’t say enough good things about Amber & Chad and their family. All I can do is smile, and I hope you all do the same! View their engagement session at Laguna Gloria, Austin, TX.

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Laguna Gloria Engagement | Amber & Chad

2009-04-23T19:51:38Z

I love shooting at Laguna Gloria. It has so many beautiful nooks that I never run out of new options for fresh images. Amber and Chad are an amazingly beautiful couple, both inside and out! I feel so lucky to have them as my clients. Amber is Ashley’s big sis. Ashley is a bride of mine from last November who had a gorgeous back yard wedding at Amber’s house right here in Austin. Amber is going to have her wedding there too so stay tuned for another delightful wedding! Hurray!

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Austin Capitol | Jen & Bryan

2009-04-15T20:30:29Z

The Austin Capitol grounds are perfect for engagement photos! This was one of the first times I’d been out there and I have to say I was surprised at how many nice little spots there are to take pretty photos. A big part of why I liked it so much was my company. Jen & Bryan are a super sweet couple who totally blossomed in front of the camera. They are getting married in the fall and since a lot of their family will be coming in from out of town we thought it might be nice to show a little downtown austin flavor in the engagement photos. Enjoy!

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Downtown Austin Engagement | Carrie & Carter

2009-09-02T05:13:42Z

Carrie & Carter rocked their downtown Austin engagement session. They daringly went where no other couple of La Dolce Vita Photography has gone before and did it all with a smile. My favorite image from this session is the last one in the slideshow where they are both wearing fedoras. And the one where they’re sharing a Margarita, ok, both! Click here to view their wedding photos.

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East Austin Naturals | Emily & Duval

2009-04-09T19:05:35Z

Photo tours of Austin! Seriously, I’m thinking of starting a side business. Emily & Duval are an amazing couple. We toured some of the finest locations East Austin has to offer. With so many favorites I had a hard time narrowing this blog post down. I’m finally about to start getting caught up on 2 months worth of posts! There will be a parade of cool engagement sessions and beautiful couples on the blog so be sure to stay tuned!

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Holga Fun

2009-04-23T19:52:29Z

I love taking pictures of my friends. Especially when they’re super cool and I get to use a Holga.:)

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Green Pastures Wedding | Colette & Luis

2009-09-02T05:39:04Z

Congratulations Colette & Luis! This beautiful power couple from DC was married on January 17th 2009 at Christian Central right here in Austin TX. Their classy reception was hosted on the ever verdant lawns of Green Pastures, a favorite wedding venue of mine. I am so excited for these two and can’t wait to hear what they’re up to next. Much love to you both and again congrats! A BIG thank you to all the fabulous vendors who pulled this wedding off, amazing coordinator Danielle Penland of One Fine Day Weddings, Video by Billy of White Shoes Productions, flowers by Melanie Tipton of Last Petal, makeup by Katie Astoria of Modern Muse and the gracious Tonya Wood of Green Pastures. Click to view their adventurous downtown austin engagement session or her bridal session.

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