I should’ve known when my first wedding of the year was this traditional African wedding at the Austin Winery that 2025 would be a year of intimate weddings. It may have been cold and rainy in Austin that Saturday night, but there was nothing but warmth inside the south Austin winery. The space glowed with joy, music, and the kind of laughter that fills a room from the inside out.
I’ve noticed that more and more couples are choosing smaller, more personal celebrations over large-scale weddings — and I totally get it. A smaller guest list opens the door to unique Austin venues like The Austin Winery, allows for deeply personalized details, and lets couples focus on elevating the guest (and their own!) experience.
This particular wedding was the perfect example of how meaningful an intimate celebration can be.
Jen and Greg had a traditional African wedding ceremony surrounded by their closest friends and family — some traveled as far as Congo to attend.
Every part of their day reflected a deep sense of family, tradition, and intentionality.
The Mulambas thoughtfully updated aspects of their Congolese wedding ceremony to honor their late fathers and celebrate their matriarchs. The diamond in Jen’s engagement ring had been purchased by Greg’s father before he passed, and her wedding gown was handmade by his mother — a beautiful symbol of love carried through generations.
During the ceremony, Jen’s sister walked her down the aisle, while Greg’s brother officiated. It was an emotional, heartfelt tribute to their families’ legacies and to the traditions that shaped them.
I photographed this wedding at the Austin Winery on both digital and 35mm film.
I blended the precision of digital with the timeless, textured quality of film. The Austin Winery’s soft, ambient lighting paired perfectly with the grain and warmth of 35mm. Every frame felt alive.
Film has this incredible ability to slow things down and make the fleeting feel permanent. It captured the quiet glances between Jen and Greg, the movement of the dance floor, and the laughter that echoed through the winery in a way that feels raw and real.
Meanwhile, my digital camera allowed me to document every little detail — the handmade gown, the traditional fabrics, the sparkle of candlelight on the tables — with clarity and depth.
Together, the two formats tell the full story: one polished and timeless, the other spontaneous and deeply human.
As a wedding photojournalist, I love how intimate weddings in Austin like this one make space for connection.
You can feel the difference — there’s more time to talk, more room for laughter, and more opportunity for quiet, meaningful moments.
The candids from this day capture exactly that: hugs, happy tears, and the easy closeness that comes from being surrounded by the people who mean the most.
If you’re looking for a small Austin wedding venue, I can’t recommend the Austin Winery enough. It’s a cozy, versatile space that feels both elegant and welcoming. It’s perfect for gatherings that center love, family, and culture.
And if you’re still searching for a photographer who values storytelling and connection, I’d love to be part of your day. It’s not too late to book Tess Leslie Photography for your 2026 celebration, whether it’s in Austin or beyond.
