Chris Anne & Cooper’s Camp Lucy wedding is one epic celebration of love I will never forget. Chris Anne originally reached out to me because she wanted clean, timeless photos and my work matched what she was envisioning. Their wedding was filled with bright florals, endless Austin sunshine, and one of the best dance parties I’ve ever photographed. 

Between all the playful personalities and the infectious joy, there wasn’t one second of this wedding not to love. 

The Wedding Venue | Ian’s Chapel at Camp Lucy Resort near Austin, TX

For Chris Anne and Cooper, the Camp Lucy wedding venue in Dripping Springs was love at first sight. It was the first place they toured and they loved how beautiful and all inclusive it was. It was a venue that truly “had their shit together.” Which for this laid-back couple, meant everything. Camp Lucy had them covered so they could simply enjoy their day with all their favorite people.

This Austin-area wedding venue has many different location options, and Chris Anne & Cooper celebrated their day on the grounds of the beautifully-restored Ian’s Chapel.

The venue exudes old-world charm and looks breathtaking with even the simplest wedding decor. You can read all about the impressive architectural history and amenities on the Camp Lucy website here.

Wondering how to choose your wedding venue?

There is a saying that “your venue becomes your wedding photos,” and I couldn’t agree more.

If you want a classic and clean wedding vibe, but you book a venue with a barn that’s very rustic and dark, that’s not going to happen. And vice-versa, if you want moody wedding photos and book a venue with bright natural light and endless white walls, your photos are not going to match the aesthetic you want. 

It’s so important to remember your venue is the canvas to bring your vision to life, so you want to make sure to choose a space that will create the atmosphere you’re looking for. Some quick and easy questions to ask yourself in your wedding venue search:

1. How is the lighting? Does it have a lot of windows for natural light? Historic buildings like old chapels sometimes have very little natural light. So be sure this is something you can live with. Flash photography can help in these situations, but if you want naturally lit photos, that won’t be possible.

2. Does it effortlessly compliment your wedding aesthetic, even with minimal decor? You shouldn’t have to spend thousands upon thousands of dollars to cover the venue with wedding decor, simply to make it fit your vision.

3. For an outdoor wedding, does it have a plan B location for bad weather that will still fit your wedding needs and aesthetic? If you’re dreaming of an outdoor Hill Country wedding, you probably won’t love the Plan B location as much as being under a beautiful blue sky. But, if you hate the idea of a tent wedding ceremony, you need to find an outdoor venue that also has an open air chapel, barn, etc.

4. Does the wedding venue package come with everything you need? Having an all-inclusive wedding venue like Camp Lucy can take so much off your plate both during planning and on the big-day. Or maybe you need a venue that isn’t as strict about outside vendors so you can bring in specific caterers, etc. 

5. And lastly, what really matters to you on your wedding day? Chris Anne & Cooper wanted a beautiful wedding, but they really wanted to party their hearts out afterwards. Or maybe you’re dreaming of a beach wedding and will do anything to make sure that happens, even if it means pairing back on other elements.

   Whatever that wedding bliss looks like, FOLLOW THAT. As your photographer, I will support you every step of the way.

Getting Ready | Complimentary Camp Lucy Dressing Suites

Chris Anne & Cooper are a very relaxed and playful couple who simply wanted to be surrounded by their loved ones on their special day. Despite having a “small” wedding party, they were surrounded by a larger group of friends and family while getting ready in the complimentary suites on the Camp Lucy grounds. 

Chris Anne wasn’t someone that wanted a ton of photos of her dress hanging in a window. Above all else, she valued time with Cooper and her guests. I LOVED that, and I think it shines through every moment of their day.

And with Camp Lucy on top of all the little details, the couple could sit back and do just that.

 First Look | Ian’s Chapel at Camp Lucy

Ian’s Chapel is Camp Lucy’s favorite focal point and provided the perfect spot for Chris Anne & Cooper to share a beautiful first look moment.

Outdoor Ceremony | Camp Lucy’s Scenic Stone Arch

Amy from Forsythia Florals created a circle wedding arch with bright pink, orange and red flowers. Combined with the majestic stone arch and sweeping Hill Country views, the ceremony could not have been more stunning.

It was important to Chris Anne & Cooper that their guests were as much a part of their photos as themselves. They wanted to look back and see the day unfold through perspectives they might have missed. Like their guests gathering together before the start of the ceremony or how their parents’ held hands during their vows.

I love getting to capture all the little moments in between the big moments. And for this particular Camp Lucy wedding day, it’s hard not to feel the effervescent joy bubbling behind every image. 

Cocktail Hour Memories

After saying “I do,” I mingled among their guests to capture everyone celebrating the newlyweds. Chris Anne wanted every guest to have a lovely photo of themselves to look back on, and Camp Lucy’s cocktail hour space was the perfect backdrop.

The burros & beers were a big hit with the kids and the couple alike. They were the perfect cue towards what would become a ridiculously fun and playful night.

First Dances & Dinner in the Event Hall

After mingling with their guests during cocktail hour, the couple kicked off the reception with a fun dance entrance into the Event Hall. Between emotional toasts, sweet first dances and cutting their wedding cake, pure joy was the thread running through it all.

Camp Lucy Wedding Portraits

While their guests were enjoying dinner, Chris Anne, Cooper and I snuck away for some golden hour portraits before the party really started. This was a sweet pause to give them time to really soak in being newlyweds. It was during these private portraits Chris Anne said to me: 

“You match my energy so perfectly.” 

It was the biggest compliment! I love that I didn’t make her feel more overwhelmed or that I wasn’t too much for her, especially since everyone else’s energy was super loud and excited because they were so happy to be there. It’s my mission to be exactly what my couples need, to always be their source of calm.

The Grand Finale: One Wild Dance Party

From the get-go, Chris Anne & Cooper were very laid-back in their vision for their day. Their two biggest things were: 1. Being surrounded by all their loved ones and making it about the memories over all the little details and 2. To have one unforgettably epic dance party. 

So without further ado, I present to you one of the wildest wedding dance parties I’ve had the honor of shooting. The energy is palpable and it was so much fun getting to ensure it came through in every image of them dancing into the night.

This joyful Camp Lucy wedding is one I’ll never forget. Chris Anne & Cooper’s day was the most beautiful mix of joyful love and effortless elegance. I am so grateful they trusted me to document their sweet day. ♡

Camp Lucy is a stunning, all-inclusive Texas Hill Country wedding venue – and I cannot wait to shoot more weddings there. If you’re looking for an Austin wedding photographer, I’d love to chat with you!

As a photographer based in Fredericksburg, I’m here to celebrate your truth, your love, and your story, frame by frame. Get in touch with me here.

Wedding Vendors

• Venue: Ian’s Chapel at Camp Lucy | An Austin area wedding venue

• Photographer: Kari Creative Photography| Fredericksburg, Dripping Springs & Austin Wedding Photographer

• Wedding Planner: Amy from Hill Country Native Weddings & Events | Serving the Texas Hill Country

• Stationery & Paper Goods: Shutterfly & TheKnot.com

• Catering & Bar: Camp Lucy Resort | An Austin area wedding venue

• Florist: Amy Forsynth from Forsynth Florals | Austin Texas Florist

• DJ: Rudy from Out West Entertainment | Austin Texas DJ

• Cake: Well Yeah Cakes | Dripping Springs 

• Cocktail Hour Beers & Burros: Texas Beer Burros from Sweet Magnolia Events

• Cocktail Hour String Music: Terra Vista Strings | Austin Texas Wedding Musicians

• Wedding Dress Designer: Vagabond Bridal Dress from Unbridaled Austin Salon

• Hair & Makeup: Blush ‘N Bangs | Austin Texas Hair & Makeup

• Groomsman Attire: Men’s Warehouse Austin