Tamara Merri
- May 14, 2019

Sanctuary Event Space | Leah & Wes Wedding

Updated: Feb 1, 2022

Meet Leah:

blonde hair blue eye bride looking at camera in her strapless wedding dress and veil

Meet Wesley:

groom looking at camera in a navy suit and white tie

I met Leah in early 2018 when she asked to meet up for coffee and talk about her wedding. Right off the bat I learned that she was super creative. I’ve been so excited for the opportunity to bring her vision to life. I met Wesley a few months later when I took their engagement photos. Their engagement gallery is one of my favorites! View their engagement photos here.

Leah and Wes got married at the Sanctuary Event Space in Austin, Texas on March 31, 2019. It was chillier than what was to be expected for the end of March, especially for these Arizona babies! But they brought blankets and heat lamps, and the hunka hunka burnin love between the two of them kept things nice and toasty.

Every detail of their day was personalized and unique. Leah made all of the signage- from the invitations and ceremony brochures, to the posters hung around the venue, and even personalized temporary tattoos!

They opted not to do a first look and instead see each other for the first time during the ceremony. Leah’s #1 priority was to capture their reactions when they saw each other, in which Leah had an adoring smile while Wes let a few tears fall.

Wes’s father officiated their ceremony which was followed by a cocktail hour while we took family and couples portraits.

They served a pig roast for dinner (which was a welcome change from BBQ - Texas, y’all) where we had own seat at a table! It was so thoughtful of them and nice to have our own space to enjoy the meal.

Toasts are one of my favorite parts of weddings. Leah’s sister and brother gave speeches as well as the best man. The toasts were BEAUTIFUL and hysterical, and ended with the best man SABREING A FREAKING BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGE WITH A SWORD. Oh, and the sword was a personalized gift for them. Epic.

THEN, as if this wedding couldn't get any better, Wes and his groomsmen prepared a musical performance for Leah. They sang The Story of My Life by Marty Robbins and CRUSHED IT. Here's a snippet from the chorus: “There's a one thing left to do, before my story's through I've got to take you for my wife So the story of my life Can start, and end, with you” Once their videographer publishes their film I'll update this post, but in the mean time, check our Marty singing it here.

Their reception revealed a disco ball, laser lights, and a smoke machine. A chorus of “more smoke! more smoke!” could be heard all night. The dance floor was poppin, the photo booth was a big hit, and they event played limbo with the sword. When it was time to go, they said their goodbyes via sparkler exit where I saw something new for the first time. Rather than their parents holding sparklers in line, they were waiting for them at the exit to give proper hugs. I thought it was SO sweet and it sticks out as one of the things I remember most. Sometimes love just hits you in the face with the littlest gestures.

Leah and Wes, thank you so much for trusting me to capture a truly remarkable day!

Vendor credits at the end.