As much as I love the huge wedding celebrations, there is something admittedly very special about the small intimate weddings as well. Catherine and Nick had a family only wedding ceremony in the small side chapel of St. John’s United Methodist Church, followed by a group dinner at the incredible Austin restaurant Uchiko.

Catherine & Nick’s day was full of surprises and special touches, beginning with the family bible that Catherine walked down the aisle with. Inside the bible are listed the names of all the family members before her who have also carried it, dating back to her great grandmother’s wedding in 1910. Also tucked inside the bible was a patch of Nick’s mom’s dress. Keeping it a family affair, one of Catherine’s adorable nephews acted as ring bearer as well.

After the sweet ceremony and vows, Catherine surprised Nick with an emotional serenade of a song written for him on piano (did you know this beauty was also a composer and piano teacher?!) Catherine choked up a little bit near the end of the song, Nick was crying, as well as most of the family! What a special moment… Afterwards we took family photos and couple’s photos by the church, then went over to Hotel Ella where the couple was staying overnight for some gorgeous veranda photos, then over to Uchiko for toasts and dinner.

The vintage topper you see on the cake is also a family heirloom – so many special touches that will make this wedding day so forever memorable! Hop on over to this blog post to read more about Austin’s top intimate micro-wedding spots!

AUSTIN WEDDING VENDORS :: Ceremony :: St. John’s United Methodist Church // Reception :: Uchiko // Overnight accommodations :: Hotel Ella // Austin Wedding Photographer :: Cory Ryan Photography