Justine’s Secret House was the perfect Austin wedding venue for Jennifer and Thom’s intimate and whimsical wedding celebration. As a photographer who blends digital and 35 mm film to tell authentic, enduring stories, I’ve captured countless weddings — but few days combine thoughtful details, genuine emotion, and joyous energy as perfectly as this one. Every moment, from the laughter of friends and family to the curated design elements, was unforgettable.
Justine’s Secret House: The Perfect Venue for Intimate Elegance
The right venue is everything when it comes to creating a wedding day that feels personal and cohesive. Justine’s Secret House offers a rare combination of elegance and intimacy. It features charming indoor spaces and outdoor nooks that naturally frame memorable moments. That’s why I included it as one of my favorite small Austin wedding venues.
The French-inspired estate is perfect for couples who want an intimate, stylish dinner-party-meets-wedding vibe with some of the best food Austin has to offer. The venue can comfortably accommodate around 50 guests either inside surrounded by red walls and gorgeous art, or outside beneath twinkly lights behind the house.
Details That Defined the Day
Some of my favorite details from the day include Jennifer’s champagne gold dress, the work-of-art cake by Flower and Flour, and the lush bouquets by Pollen Floral Art. Add in a show-stopping dinner by Justine’s, and the day was as visually stunning as it was emotional.
Capturing these details creatively is my specialty. I get especially inspired when my clients hire other vendors who treat their work as art, which is definitely how I would describe all of the vendors from this day.
Candid Moments Captured on 35 mm Film
One of the most rewarding parts of photographing weddings is capturing natural, candid moments. Film adds a unique layer of texture and emotion. Jennifer and Thom’s wedding was no exception. I loved getting to know their guests as we captured the fun in-between moments you can’t plan for – you have to just be present alongside the guests and take note of everything.
Some of my favorite images from their gallery are of Jennifer’s dad writing his toast, their nephew’s playing cards in-between big moments, and their families sharing emotional moments during the ceremony and toasts. All of these moments were made to be captured on 35 mm film.
Playing with Light to Elevate Storytelling
In every wedding gallery I create, I combine multiple lighting styles — direct flash, bounced flash, ambient light — and then translate those techniques to 35 mm film. This range of approaches adds nuance and character, ensuring each photograph contributes to the overarching story of the day.
This wedding was a seamless blend of elegance, joy, and authenticity. Capturing it reminded me why I love this work work so much. Keep scrolling to see some of my favorite images from the day.
About Tess Leslie Photography
I’m Tess, a wedding photographer with over 10 years of experience documenting celebrations that feel personal, creative, and authentic to the couple. I photograph on both digital and 35mm film.
My approach is relaxed and inspired by my past career as a photojournalist. I love to capture the real moments that make each wedding unique. Whether it’s an intimate celebration with your closest family and friends at Justine’s Secret House or something completely different, my goal is to tell the story of the day as it naturally unfolds. Inquire today to see if I’m available for your wedding date.
Vendor Team
Venue | Justine’s Secret House
Photography | Tess Leslie Photography
Florals | Pollen Floral Art
Cake | Flower and Flour
