Sammantha and Colby’s Chapel Dulcinea Elopement in Austin was the sweetest. They had originally planned to wed on a cool October evening later this year in front of their family and closest of friends. But like so many other things that haven’t gone as planned for 2020, this too changed.
So, in Sammantha’s own words, they “did a thing.”
They advised their family and friends to cancel their travel plans. They communicated with vendors a need to postpone services. They reluctantly called off their wedding ceremony for October 17.
Not to have their spirits dampened by Covid, Sammantha and Colby forged ahead with new plans for the most chivalrous elopement ever!
Sammantha bought a second dress. She looked beautiful! Colby chose a suit he’d worn before. But he was equally as dashing!
Suzie with Creations Cake, and Melissa with Botanika Brilliant Statement made sure the two had flowers and cake. Grace, with Graceful Moments Weddings brought music and a bubble machine. And, Texas Wedding Ministers sent Tim, the officiant. Everything was set in motion for the perfect most intimate elopement.
Chapel Dulcinea Elopement in Austin
They had all the makings of a traditional wedding day, but these two lovebirds had the esteemed distinction to enjoy the day all to themselves. I was obliged to witness such a glorious occasion!
It was an incredibly romantic wedding day! It was so hard to hold back my own tears as Sammantha’s emotions started to emerge shortly after Colby escorted her down the aisle for the bride’s procession.
I just love Colby’s sense of humor! When Colby noticed her tears, he asked, “What wrong? You’re not happy?”
Of course, she was!
These two are hopelessly in love! The way Colby holds Sammantha’s hand and the comfort with which she lets him is proof.
I love that they added a handfasting ceremony within their wedding ceremony. (When I’ve seen this done before, the binding is usually removed before the kiss. However, Pastor Tim let them stay handfast together through the kiss, which I thought was sweet! He also got out of the shot for the kiss! Another hallmark signature from Texas Wedding Ministers worth mentioning!) Sammantha chose a beautiful royal blue velvet ribbon for this tradition. It perfectly matched her shoes!
After the two were wed, they rang the chapel bells five times signifying five fur babies that are either in or have been in their care!
We could not leave the chapel area before we got some gorgeous portraits overlooking these beautiful Austin hills.
Sammantha and Colby had a private cake cutting and a private toast. I don’t know what they toasted each other, but it looked like words of sweet nothings from where I was standing.
Their first dance was to John Legend’s Conversations in the Dark.
What’s an elopement without a proper bubble exit?
They have reserved July 16, 2021 (an exact year from their elopement) to reconvene and officially celebrate their one-year anniversary kicking off the big party with their family and friends! I can’t wait for this day!
The incredibly talented wedding team that Sammantha and Colby chose as the ensemble for their dream Austin elopement were as follows:
Ceremony Site: Chapel Dulcinea
Photographer: Ata-Girl Photography Co.
Planner: Graceful Moments Weddings
Officiant: Pastor Tim, Texas Wedding Ministers
Hair and Makeup: My Makeup Movement
Accessory Jewelry:
Engagement Ring & Wedding Band: Diamonds Direct
Flowers: Botanika Brilliant Statement
Cake: Creations Cake
One noteworthy fact I’d like to add: I shot the ceremony with two camera bodies which is not unusual. However, one of them was triggered from my main camera body remotely from a different angle (allowing me to capture simultaneous images from different perspectives). This allowed me to cover the ceremony as though two different photographers were there. Necessary now that COVID19 has severely limited the number of people who can gather at an event.
Enjoy some of my favorite images from this Chapel Dulcinea elopement then be sure to watch the slideshow at the end!
If you’d like to see more images from Sammantha and Colby’s Chapel Dulcinea Austin elopement, 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.