“Oh man, is this designed to make me cry?”

If you’ve spent much time following us, you probably know that both of us identify as major deep feelers. We frequently choke up during Father/Daughter dances, First Looks, or if you’re Lee you get choked up anytime Dancing Queen by ABBA plays during the reception. That is not a joke. It actually happens. We can’t explain it. But it happens. 

Part of our job as photographers is to steel ourselves against that emotion. After all, it’s hard to get a tack-sharp photo, or have good composition if you’re looking through teary eyes. This wedding day tested every bit of muscle we’ve built up towards being able to turn the water works off when we need to. Not just because it was beautiful and stunning and intimate and joyous, but because this wedding day was for family. 

You might remember Bel + Dolan’s woodsy engagement session at Bastrop State Park earlier this year. In that blog post, we talked about how Will, Bel’s Dad, was the officiant at our wedding more than 10 years ago, and how their family is so special to us. Bel’s mother Tab is Lee’s cousin, and one of her other daughters, Maya was a flower girl in our wedding too, so the family ties and wedding connections run deep with this wonderful family. 

Photographing this wedding, being there to help celebrate Bel + Dolan, and to capture this joyful occasion for their families, was one of the most meaningful experiences we’ve ever had in this business (and in our lives, for that matter), and we’re just so incredibly thankful that we got to do it. 

Okay. On to the story of the day :)))

We arrived on this wedding day at one of the loveliest getting ready suites we’ve ever seen, thanks to some absolutely out-of-this-world accommodations above the South Congress fashion staple, Maya Star. L+L Couples – if you’re ever in need of accommodations on South Congress, give us a shout and we’ll send you the links to rent one of these rooms. So cool, and SO convenient! 

We spent some time above Maya Star, photographing details, Bel’s wedding dress, and chatting about all the excitement ahead. Our first few emotional tests of the day were just around the corner. With tears in her eyes, Tab helped her daughter (her first-born daughter…I’m not crying, you’re crying) into her wedding dress, and it was just beautiful. Moments later, Bel’s sisters Jill and Maya (named for her Aunt Maya, owner of the aforementioned Maya Star) saw their older sister in her dress for the first time, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. 

From there, we made the trek down to San Marcos. Bel’s family have been members of PromiseLand San Marcos for years, and as their church home this was the perfect place for Bel + Dolan to say their vows. As luck would have it, PromiseLand had a vision to build a wedding venue, and now Bel + Dolan can lay claim to having the first ever wedding at this BEAUTIFUL space. If you’re reading this and searching for a venue in San Marcos – look no further!! 

Dolan and his crew arrived at the church, dapper as ever and ready for the events of the day. Though this wedding day isn’t sponsored by Nike, it certainly could be with the kicks Dolan and his guys were wearing! 

Bel + Will had their first look at the very altar where he would give her away in just a few hours. When we explained that Will should turn around when Bel calls his name, Will responded with, “Oh man, is this designed to make me cry?” In some ways, yes it is, Will :)))

After a first touch between Bel + Dolan, and a sweet, private moment spent praying together, it was time for the ceremony. This wedding day story wouldn’t be complete without a huge shoutout to Braedon Enloe, Dolan’s older brother, and the officiant for today’s wedding. Thanks to a well-timed Freudian slip and an even better joke to recover, Braedon had the crowd laughing, crying and generally eating from the palm of his hand by the time it was all said and done. 

The ceremony was beautiful. Bel + Dolan said their vows, took communion, were prayed over by friends and family, and moments later were announced as husband and wife! The celebration began in earnest, and if there is one thing Bel + Dolan’s crew did well, it was DANCE! And if you’ve never seen a group of people mosh to Coldplay’s Viva La Vida, you don’t know what you’re missing! 

Singing at the top of their lungs, laughing with friends and family, Bel + Dolan danced the night away surrounded by the immense love and support of the people who love them most. It’s the best part of any wedding day – that overwhelming joy and love and care from all your people, all around you. It was truly beautiful.

We have to give a special thanks to so many people who made this day possible! Tab + Will, Nikki + Emilio (a past L+L Couple, check out their wedding day here!), Tim + Rochelle, (quick interjection, we have to mention that Rochelle Dolan danced to “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Tarzan, which was officially when Lee lost his battle with the water-works) and Braedon + Liv, Robin at Promiseland, and all the others we can’t list here – thank you for everything you did to make this day possible and for helping to create an environment of joy, kindness and celebration on this special day!

To Bel + Dolan, words can’t express how thankful we are to have taken this journey with you. You two have such a special bond, and a love for one another that just radiates to the people around you. We know that great things are in store for you, and we’re so excited for this new chapter of your lives together as Mr. + Mrs. Enloe. Thank you for letting us capture your wedding day, and remember – if you ever want to get some photos taken in a National Park, you know who to call :)))

With all the love,

L+L

If you liked this wedding at Promiseland San Marcos, make sure to check out April + Ben’s Dreamy Wedding at the Marquardt Ranch in Boerne, TX! Interested booking your own wedding or an intimate engagement session with your person? Click here to get in touch!

Lacey + Lee Photography is a wife-husband photography team based in Austin, Texas who specialize in creating bold, intimate and emotive wedding, engagement and elopement photography. Within the Austin Area they serve South Congress, East 6th, South Lamar, The Seaholm District, Mueller, Dripping Springs, Kyle, Hutto, Georgetown, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, and Bastrop. They also serve San Antonio, New Braunfels, San Marcos, Waco, Dallas, Houston, and any State or National Park you get to by plane, train or automobile. They are available for destination weddings, proposals, elopements and micro weddings.
Get in touch today for more detailed pricing!