I hadn’t had the opportunity to work with Chrystina of Straughan Photography in almost two years when she asked me to help her second shoot this JW Marriott wedding in the San Antonio hill country. But, when she asked and I was available, I immediately jumped on it. I always love getting out and helping my fellow colleagues any time I can.
As mostly customary for a second shooter, I got to hang out with the groom and groomsmen before the ceremony. They were a lot of fun—typical groomsmen—cutting on each other, making jokes, and eluding to punch lines I had no understanding of (probably thankful).
JW Marriott Wedding—San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
This hill country wedding was super gorgeous! The ceremony took place in the Wedding Pavilion which overlooks the 18th green of the AT&T Oaks Golf Course. You can literally see hills for miles. Such a pretty landscape.
My favorite parts of Michele and Will’s wedding night were probably the cigar roller, the fact that the dance floor was never empty and their glow stick exit. The only mishap of the entire day, as far as I could tell, was when Michele’s veil didn’t want to stay on during the recessional. But it made for a good image. And, she kept on trucking… didn’t even seem to bother her.
I also love when the ceremony guests are asked to bless the couple. Definitely one of my favorite parts of a ceremony… well, besides the kiss. (If any photo geeks are reading, this was shot at f22.)
The couple’s parents planned the surprise indoor sparklers for their first dance. They also planned a getaway car! The couple had no idea about either happening on their wedding night.
The last thing I would like to say is that this wedding was the third time I’ve had a camera unexpectedly stop working in the middle of a wedding ceremony since 2010. Noteworthy… twice it has been Nikon’s flagship (most expensive) model. The moral of the story is to always hire a photographer who has backup gear!
Enjoy some of my favorite images from this JW Mariott hill country wedding then be sure to watch the slideshow at the end!
If you’d like to see more images from this Texas hill country wedding at the JW Marriott, please enjoy this video. For the best quality, be sure to change the video player settings to 1080 HD.
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About Ata-Girl
I am a San Antonio-based wedding photographer and I cater to outdoor-loving couples who prefer to have all the realness captured on their wedding days. I am the wedding photographer for the outdoor adventurers, the romantics, the laid back, the snugglers, and those who wish to capture all their realness.
I am absolutely in love with capturing the kinds of weddings where there are more hugs than handshakes, the dance floor rumbles all night long, and chairs are pretty much rendered useless after dinner. Whiskey bottles are passed around, most of the wedding party has been best-best friends since kindergarten, Grams is likely to lose her shoes and your partner is much more emotional than you are. These kinds of weddings are my jam!
You can always call or text, but if you really want to get to know me, schedule a meetup!
I started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. I enjoy documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I love being a part of people’s journeys and consider myself privileged to document their legacies.
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I am a published author (purchase my book here), a podcast host (listen here) (watch here) and a WPPI-C certified professional, full-time wedding photographer. I specialize in a 10-day image delivery, same-day prints, same-day slideshows, Italian handcrafted wedding albums and I have a mobile meeting space.
When I’m not behind my camera, you can find me hiking, cycling, backpacking, camping, enjoying water sports, listening to music (Elvis and Prince), hunting for arrowheads, reading audiobooks, occasionally eating a few glazed donuts (my only weakness to sweets) and then re-starting my keto diet about every 10 days. The most important things in life are for me to see my two daughters happy and to create a family history my grandparents and grandson would be proud of.
