An Engagement Session to Remember on South Congress, Austin
When it comes to engagement sessions, I always love when couples want to incorporate a mix of iconic spots and local favorites into their photos. For this sweet couple, we spent the afternoon strolling through the heart of Austin on South Congress, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. From the charming South Congress Hotel to the laid-back vibes of the San Jose Hotel, the playful “I Love You So Much” mural, and finishing up with a slice at the legendary Home Slice Pizza—every stop brought out the love and personality that made these photos truly unforgettable.
Starting Outside the South Congress Hotel
We kicked off the session just outside the South Congress Hotel, a beautiful and modern spot with the black and white brick wall. With its sleek, clean lines and warm, welcoming atmosphere, the South Congress Hotel set the tone for a laid-back yet stylish shoot. Just before starting the session, we grabbed some coffee at Mañana Cafe. Unfortunately coffee and white dresses don’t mix haha so we had a little spill. However, Mañana employees to the rescue! Thankfully they had some tide to go wipes that cleaned it all up and made it as if it never happened! Phew!
On to the San Jose Hotel
Next, we made our way to the San Jose Hotel, a true Austin gem with a more rustic and eclectic vibe. This spot has such a cozy and intimate feel, with its inviting courtyard doorway and ivy covered windows.
Here, we were able to get some beautiful, natural shots amongst the lush greenery and charming, sidewalk space. The combination of the San Jose Hotel’s relaxed atmosphere and its unique aesthetic made it the perfect backdrop to capture some truly special moments. One element of being on SOCO is the fact that there are lots of people walking up and down the street. Given that Bianca and William are a beautiful couple, we had LOTS of compliments and shouts of “Congratulations!” as well as a few tourists taking pictures themselves on their iPhones. I personally like to think that all of my couples are celebrities and loved that they were getting that special celebrity moment from others as well! haha.
The "I Love You So Much" Mural
From there, we headed to one of Austin’s most iconic spots—the “I Love You So Much” mural. This vibrant and playful mural has become a staple in Austin, and for good reason! It perfectly captures the spirit of the city while offering the most romantic and colorful backdrop. The couple had so much fun here, sharing laughs and sweet moments while standing in front of this bold statement of love. It’s one of those locations where the couple can truly let their personalities shine, and we were able to capture so many authentic and joyful photos.
Ending with a Slice at Home Slice Pizza
No engagement session in Austin would be complete without a stop at Home Slice Pizza. This local favorite has been serving up delicious slices to Austinites and visitors alike for years, and it was the perfect spot to end our session. Whether we were grabbing a slice to-go on the sidewalk or sitting down in the cozy, bustling restaurant, the couple’s easygoing nature and connection were clear in every shot. It was the perfect, casual end to a day full of love and laughter, capturing them just being themselves as they enjoyed a slice of classic Austin.
A Picture-Perfect Day in Austin
The beauty of an engagement session like this is how it captures not just the love between two people but also the essence of a city they adore. South Congress is filled with so much character—just like the couple. From the chic and trendy spots to the vibrant murals and classic local hangouts, Austin provides the ideal backdrop for telling their love story.
Each photo we took told a story, not just of the couple’s love for each other, but of their love for Austin—a city as eclectic, vibrant, and full of life as they are.
Congratulations again to this amazing couple! I can’t wait to see what adventures come next for you both, and I’m so honored to have captured this special moment in your journey.