This Hummingbird House wedding was the perfect reflection of Carly and Jenny’s personalities. They wanted their day to feel stylish without being stuffy, meaningful without being overly formal, and centered entirely around the people they love most. With incredible weather and loved ones who traveled from near and far, the celebration unfolded with genuine joy in every moment.
As a wedding photographer with over a decade of experience — and someone who regularly photographs celebrations that blur the line between stylish and wildly fun — days like this are exactly where I do my best work. I shoot on both digital and 35mm film, which lets me document the polished details and the gritty, in-between moments with equal care. I know when to step in for beautiful light and composition, and when to step back so the real stuff can unfold.
And Carly and Jenny thought I was the perfect photographer for their day. Here is the review of Tess Leslie Photography:
“Tess was beyond amazing at our wedding. As someone who is a bit nervous around the camera, she made us both feel completely at ease and made the process so enjoyable. As a queer couple, she was incredibly considerate about making us feel comfortable and and seen. Could not recommend Tess enough. Her eye is incredible and we were thrilled with the final results.”
Carly and Jenny described their vision as “dive bar vibes with fancy clothes,” and somehow that phrase captured it exactly.
This is where their personality really shined.
A shelf of Lone Star beers — the mascot of dive bars across Texas — greeted guests upon arrival. They were encouraged to crack open a cold one before sitting down for the ceremony. It set the tone immediately: relaxed, welcoming, and unapologetically them. (This is, after all, the same couple that took their engagement photos in an East Austin dive bar.)
Yes, people looked incredible — tailored suits, great dresses, polished details. But the energy? Completely unpretentious. The kind of party where guests hit the dance floor early, laughter is loud, and no one worries about doing things “the right way.” During the reception, Miller Lite cans mixed right in with formalwear. It was the perfect contrast. Nothing felt overly curated or precious.
Moments like these are made for 35mm film. Film handles low light, movement, and texture in a way that feels nostalgic but still vivid. It beautifully captures the glow of reception lighting and motion blur from a packed dance floor. Those little imperfections and in-between moments give the photos that gritty, emotional energy that matches the spirit of the day.
Located in south Austin, Hummingbird House is the perfect wedding venue for an intimate celebration.
Owned by the founder of the plant shop the Great Outdoors, Hummingbird House is the quintessential “garden party” wedding venue. It’s always landscaped with blooming tropical flowers and large palms. Even during this February wedding, the venue looked lush. There’s a reason why I included it in my list of the best Austin wedding venues for photography.
Rooted Floral Design created arrangements that felt like they grew right out of the garden itself.
And all of the flowers were locally-grown, even with it being late February! I obsessed over the florals throughout the reception hall. The colors and textures added so much depth without ever overpowering the space. Lucia from Rooted Floral Design shared that one of the reasons she loves working at Hummingbird House is because it’s designed to allow the addition of florals an greenery to the ceiling, which is an easy way to transform a space and make a big impact.
My favorite moment of the day was when one of their friends to read an excerpt from the Obergefell v. Hodges decision during the ceremony.
Every once in awhile, I get a little existential about weddings and marriage. Why do we still do this? What is the point? When I revisit Obergefell v. Hodges, I remember and my heart is re-centered.
“In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were.”
I am lucky enough that in my 10 years as a professional photographer, there has always been marriage equality. It’s been long enough that I think some people have forgotten why Pride Month is so important. Unfortunately, I am reminded all the time. I remember when grandparents don’t attend their grandkid’s wedding because they’re gay; when the people I serve are afraid to tell their parents their real pronouns; and when couple’s tell me they’re secretly already married, because they’re worried Obergefell v. Hodges will be overturned.
There was nothing but love, joy, and acceptance at Carly and Jenny’s celebration. It was my honor to get to document every moment of it for them and their loved ones.
About Tess Leslie Photography
I’m Tess, a wedding photographer with over 10 years of experience documenting celebrations that feel honest, emotional, and deeply personal. I photograph on both digital and 35mm film, blending timeless texture with true-to-life color to create images that feel as alive years from now as they did in the moment.
My approach is rooted in connection over perfection. I care about the teary toasts, the dance floor chaos, and the quiet in-between glances just as much as beautiful portraits. Weddings aren’t just events to me — they’re gatherings of community, chosen family, and people showing up for love in a world that doesn’t always make that easy.
I’m proud to photograph couples of all identities and backgrounds, and I believe everyone deserves to see their love documented with care, respect, and joy. If you’re planning a day that feels like you — stylish, heartfelt, a little untraditional, and full of meaning — I’d love to tell your story.
Vendor Team
Venue | Hummingbird House
Photography | Tess Leslie Photography
Florals | Rooted Floral Design
Catering and Rentals | Pok-e-Jos
Entertainment | Greenbelt DJ
Keep scrolling to see some of my favorite moments from Carly and Jenny’s Hummingbird House wedding.
