Intimate Brunch Wedding at the Commodore Perry Estate

Katie and Tracy’s wedding at the Commodore Perry Estate was one of those days that felt easy, joyful, and completely them. With just 25 of their closest people present, they chose to forgo the traditional evening timeline and instead leaned into something intentional: a morning ceremony. (Plus it helped us beat the June Texas heat!). Brunch inside the mansion followed, featuring stunning floral centerpieces by Ida Mayes, which brought the space to life. Hazel Lyn Events pulled everything together with such care and creativity, and I’m so glad I could photograph it. 

Austin Wedding Venue: Commodore Perry Estate

The Commodore Perry Estate, origionally built in 1928, is one of Austin’s most stunning wedding venues. The historic property features 10 acres of manicured gardens and an Italian Renaissance Revival-style mansion. Stepping into the Commodore Perry Estate feels like entering a secret garden in the Mediterranean. Quiet, timeless, and full of soul. But the best part? It’s all mere minutes from downtown Austin and the airport, but you’ll feel like you are worlds away.

Couples getting married at the Commodore Perry have indoor and outdoor spaces to choose from when planning their wedding. Their options include the historic chapel, the sunken gardens, and Lutie’s, a garden restaurant with contemporary decor.

Katie and Tracy exchanged vows in the sunken gardens with the mansion as their backdrop. Then, they enjoyed brunch with their guests inside the elegant, wood-paneled mansion dining room. It felt like a Sunday morning spent at a friend’s home: welcoming, unhurried, and full of laughter.

An Emotional and Family-Focused Wedding Day

As a wedding photographer passionate about capturing candid moments, I had so much fun documenting Katie and Tracy’s intimate wedding! It was a celebration where the love between the newlyweds took center stage, and the happy tears didn’t stop flowing. Katie got ready in one of the mansion’s suites and then stepped out to meet Tracy for a first look beneath the morning sun. The moment they saw each other, completely lit up with joy and emotion, was one I’ll never forget.

The couple read handwritten vows during their ceremony, and included Katie’s daughter in the exchange of rings and recessional. It was so clear this wasn’t just about two people. It was about building a life together as a family. Kids darted through the gardens with Polaroids in hand, turning the day into something joyful and spontaneous. Watching them run around snapping their own photos was a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful moments are the unscripted ones.

Guests made toasts and shared kind words throughout the meal, and the celebration ended with a rainbow sprinkle cake and a room full of people who couldn’t stop smiling. There was hardly a dry eye in the room as the newlyweds listened to their guests’ well wishes.

Every part of their day felt intentional, from the heartfelt vows to the shared laughter over brunch. It was a celebration that honored who they are and the life they’re building together. If you’re planning an intimate wedding in Austin that reflects your story, I’d love to help you bring it to life and document it honestly, beautifully, and with heart.