It was in junior high that Tessa and Jonathan initially met and forged a solid friendship. They saw one another through seventh grade science, church camp, and all sorts of middle school shenanigans! When they both headed to the University of Texas at Austin, they continued to spend time together—“just as friends.” Yet, when their relationship finally veered into romantic territory, absolutely no one was surprised. Theirs was a chemistry that all of their friends had been aware of from the beginning.
Jonathan and Tessa planned a wedding that celebrated their love of Austin! They wed at the Central Christian Church, and followed the ceremony with a reception at 800 Congress. The combination of the two locations was a beautiful merging of traditional architecture at the church with the industrial warehouse of the reception venue, which also offered exposed brick and original walls. Plus, how amazing is it to step outside your wedding venue and be greeted with views of the Paramount Theatre and the Capitol?!
We were in foodie heaven with Tessa and Jonathan’s donut wall and their late night What-a-burger snacks! Tessa, who may have endured some teasing for her perfectionist tendencies, planned every last beautiful detail. Her twin, Jenna, supported her through it all, and in her toast, explained how having a twin meant always knowing her sister would be there for her. Her twin is also a photographer, so pressure was ON! I loved ALL of their ideas and was so inspired by Tessa’s love of the architecture as well!
There were incredibly sweet moments throughout the day including the honoring of Jonathan’s father. Tragically, Jonathan’s dad passed when Jonathan was twenty years old. Tessa honored Jonathan’s father’s memory by placing his photo inside Jonathan’s suit jacket. Since Tessa knew Jonathan and his family throughout Jonathan’s adolescence, that meant she knew Jonathan’s father. He sounds like a total character as Jonathan’s friends described his amazing belly laugh, and Tessa’s twin detailed how he totally called her out and forced her introverted self to sing in front of everyone at church camp. During the ceremony, their reverend explained how special it is that Jonathan’s wife is a woman who knew his father, and can continue to pass down his legacy.
Tessa and Jonathan danced the night away under the city lights, surrounded by so many loved ones (and so many cousins!!). It was a stunning event, and it was an honor to be a part of it. Jonathan and Tessa, you have traveled the world, but a new journey awaits as you begin your lives as a married couple. Best wishes to you and many, many thanks for having me capture it!
Venue | Central Christian Church and 800 Congress
Coordinator | Marilyn Herd with Aqua Soriee
Cake | Sweet Treets Bakery
Calligraphy | KT Calligraphy
Catering | The Peached Tortilla
DJ| Greenbelt DJ
Florals | Libby Cole Creations
Hair and Makeup | Andrea Juarez and Maris Malone Calderon
Lighting | Intelligent Lighting Design
Photo Booth | The Photo Bus
Rentals | Monarch Event Rentals
Videography | Waterloo Films
