Rehearsal dinners are kind of a hidden gem in the wedding photography world. Everyone's loose, the pressure of the Big Day hasn't fully landed yet, and you get these real, unguarded moments that are honestly some of my favorites to photograph. Annie and Brody's rehearsal dinner was exactly that, plus the added bonus of being surrounded by a bunch of my Highland Games throwing buddies, which meant I spent half the night trying to look professional while also catching up with people I compete with. Nailed it. We kicked things off at the ceremony venue for a quick run-through, then headed to a nearby Airbnb for dinner, speeches, and some genuine quality time together.
Here's the part that sticks with me though. During the speeches, the room got quiet and heavy for a moment, the way it does when you're celebrating something big and you're also aware of the people who couldn't be there to celebrate with you. But what I love about this group is that nobody let that weight stay on the ground for long. People leaned into each other, tears turned into laughter, and the whole room just kind of wrapped itself around Annie and Brody in the best way. That's the kind of love that's hard to manufacture and impossible to fake, and it's exactly the kind of thing I live to photograph.
If you're planning a wedding or rehearsal dinner in the Austin area and you want someone who's going to show up, blend in, and actually capture the stuff that matters, I'd love to be your photographer. Whether it's a backyard dinner or a full Highland Games-adjacent situation (I will absolutely still throw things on the weekend), I'm here for all of it. Hit the link in my bio or reach out through my contact page to book your session.
When: February 12th, 2026
Where: Ranch Austin, Austin, TX