Outdoor Jewish wedding at Zilker Botanical Garden

Written By Jasna Boudard

Azalea & Sam

Austin, TX

Azalea and Sam’s Jewish wedding at Zilker Botanical Garden was a beautiful celebration of the connection they share. Set against the vibrant greens and winding stone paths of one of Austin’s most beloved outdoor spaces, their day unfolded with meaningful traditions and so much joy.

As multicultural wedding photographers, we’re lucky to witness love stories of diverse cultures across numerous countries. Documenting weddings that reflect a couple’s heritage and identity is one of the greatest joys of what we do.

Getting ready for the big day at the W Hotel Austin and at home

Azalea and Sam chose to get ready in separate locations, building the anticipation for the moment they'd finally reunite. Azalea spent the morning at the stylish W Hotel in downtown Austin, surrounded by her mother and bridesmaids. The room was filled with laughter, music, and the soft rhythm of a wedding morning — makeup brushes swirling, hair being curled, and hands carefully arranging fresh florals (the bridesmaids crafted their own bouquets!)

It was a treat to hang out with them and photograph Azalea’s elegant details — rings, handwritten vows, jewelry, and perfume — along with the meaningful moments that made her getting ready experience feel so personal.

Meanwhile, the second shooter was with Sam, who had a chill start to the day at home. Joined by close friends and family who had traveled in for the occasion, he got ready in the comfort of a familiar space. The guys shared playful banter and took silly photos, soaking in the excitement of the day ahead.

Emotional First look in the Oak Grove

Once they were ready, they headed to their wedding venue — Zilker Botanical Garden. Azalea and Sam chose to share their first look in the Oak Grove, a quiet, shaded area within the gardens that offered just the right mix of privacy and natural beauty. Sam waited beneath the canopy of trees, the sunlight filtering softly through the leaves, as Azalea approached with quiet excitement.

There’s something so tender about these moments when a couple sees each other for the first time in their full wedding attire. Sam’s reaction was full of emotion, love, and a bit of disbelief at how lucky he was upon beholding his stunning bride.

They embraced, laughed, and paused to take in the stillness of this intimate moment before the rest of the day.

Romantic wedding portraits at Zilker Botanical Garden

After their emotional first look, we wandered through different pockets of Zilker Botanical Garden for portraits. Azalea and Sam were naturals in front of the camera — relaxed, joyful, and present with each other.

Zilker is one of my favorite places in Austin to shoot, not just for the variety in backdrops, but for how it invites couples to slow down and be surrounded by nature. We took advantage of the shifting light and lush spring greenery, creating portraits that felt timeless.

Ketubah signing ceremony

Before the ceremony, Azalea and Sam gathered with their closest loved ones for the ketubah signing — an intimate and meaningful Jewish tradition that honors the spiritual commitment of marriage.

The atmosphere was quiet and reverent, filled with emotion and intention. Azalea and Sam sat side by side as the ketubah, a beautifully designed marriage contract, was signed in the presence of their witnesses, rabbi, and family.

These quiet moments often hold so much depth. You could feel the love and support as the couple officially entered this sacred covenant. It was a beautiful way to mark the transition from engagement to marriage, rooted in tradition and surrounded by community.

Outdoor Jewish Wedding Ceremony at Zilker Botanical Garden

With the ketubah signed, it was time for the wedding ceremony. Guests gathered in the Oak Grove beneath a tall canopy of trees, where the chuppah stood gracefully at the center (symbolizing the home Azalea and Sam would build together).

Their ceremony blended joyful energy with deep tradition. From the circling ritual to the heartfelt blessings, each moment felt rich with meaning. The rabbi spoke beautifully about their connection, weaving together stories from their lives and the values they share.

Their ceremony blended joyful energy with deep tradition. One especially moving moment came when Azalea and Sam stood wrapped together in a tallit ceremonial shawl, a symbol of unity and shared life. The rabbi spoke beautifully about their connection, weaving together stories from their lives and the values they share.

As the ceremony came to a close, Sam broke the glass and everyone erupted into cheers of “Mazel tov!” It was a powerful moment of celebration, surrounded by nature and the people who love them most.

Bridal party and family formals in the garden

After the ceremony, we transitioned into portraits with family and the wedding party.

We moved through groupings with parents, siblings, and close friends, taking care to capture both posed and candid moments. There was so much warmth and connection between everyone, and you could feel the support surrounding Azalea and Sam.

The bridal party looked stunning in coordinated floral patterns and colors that echoed the soft, romantic tones of the day. Everyone was full of joy and energy, and the relaxed garden setting made this part of the day feel easy and fun.

Heartfelt wedding speeches and first dances

After mingling during cocktail hour, guests gathered for dinner, cake cutting, and heartfelt toasts. The atmosphere was warm and lively, filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and the glow of string lights above.

Azalea and Sam’s loved ones delivered beautiful speeches full of funny stories, meaningful memories, and genuine admiration for the couple. There were tears, plenty of laughter, and moments of quiet reflection as everyone honored their journey.

After dinner, the couple took to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. It was a tender and joyful moment, and the way they looked at each other said everything. Following their dance, Azalea shared a sweet, emotional dance with her father, and Sam danced proudly with his mom.

Lively Hora and Dance Party Under the Stars

Once the formal dances wrapped up, the energy shifted and the dance floor came alive. The crowd kicked things off with the hora, and within moments, guests were laughing, clapping, and circling the newlyweds with wild joy. Azalea and Sam were lifted high in the air on chairs, holding hands and beaming as the crowd cheered around them. They also raised Azalea’s mother on a chair, who was holding on for her life!

The hora set the tone for the rest of the night. From that moment on, the dance floor stayed packed with friends and family letting loose, celebrating, and soaking up every second. Sam was unapologetically lighting up the dance floor with his groovy dance moves! It was the perfect way to close out such a meaningful day with non-stop dancing under the Texas stars.

Kind words and vendor team

Here’s what Azalea had to say about her experience working with us:

“The Travel Weddings team was an amazing partner on our big day! We had 3 things that were truly important to us during our wedding weekend: Some photos with our dogs, some photos where we got engaged, and to naturally and organically capture our day. Our galleries are a collection of completely priceless moments focused on the things that matter most to us. I'm truly blown away by how they were able to capture the essence of our weekend in every photo!”
– Azalea, Bride

This celebration wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible team that brought it to life:

Every vendor brought their talent, heart, and professionalism to the day. It was a joy to collaborate with such a passionate team.

A joyful celebration to remember

Azalea and Sam’s wedding was everything a celebration should be—deeply personal, rooted in tradition, and overflowing with joy. From the quiet moments during their first look to the high-energy dance floor at the end of the night, the day was filled with love.

It was such an honor to document this milestone for them at one of Austin’s most iconic outdoor venues. Every detail, every glance, every embrace told a story and we’re so grateful to have been the ones to preserve it.

Ready to plan your outdoor dream wedding in Austin? We'd love to help capture your love story!

Jasna Boudard
Next

Maternity and wedding photos at McKinney Falls State Park