From Nerves to Golden Hour Glow: Ashley & Luis’s Downtown Austin Engagement Session

Apr 22

Ashley and Luis's engagement session was one we’ll never forget—not just for the stunning locations and dreamy golden hour lighting, but for the beautiful transformation that happened right before our eyes. When we met this sweet couple at The Otis Hotel in the heart of downtown Austin, they were excited but admittedly nervous. Like most couples stepping in front of the camera for the first time, they weren’t quite sure what to expect. But we assured them it’s totally normal to feel that way—and that it wouldn’t last long.

We kicked off their session at the hotel's upstairs bar about an hour before it opened to guests. The Otis was incredibly accommodating, giving us the perfect, quiet space to ease into the shoot. Within ten minutes of Misty doing her thing—gently directing, chatting, and helping them feel like themselves—those nerves melted away. Soon, Ashley and Luis were laughing, relaxing, and radiating joy. We checked in with them about thirty minutes in and they both laughed, saying, “We’re definitely not nervous anymore!”

Ashley looked stunning in a silky white cocktail dress that shimmered with every step, while Luis complimented her perfectly in a tailored suit paired with crisp white sneakers. Their style, chemistry, and genuine affection made it easy to capture moments that felt real and deeply connected. We got to experiment with both posed portraits and a more candid approach. We wanted their gallery to be dynamic and filled with all different styles capturing them from various angles.

After wrapping up at The Otis, we headed to our second location: the parking garage of the Long Center for the Performing Arts. (If you are looking for a place to capture the city atmosphere from the top of a parking garage, then this is the best place!).This spot gave us a totally different vibe with one of the best views of the Austin skyline—and it didn’t disappoint. The couple switched into matching yet contrasting blazers and slacks, bringing a chic, modern aesthetic that paired beautifully with the cityscape behind them. And when golden hour hit? Pure wonder and awe. The soft amber light reflected their warmth and deep connection, making for some of our favorite portraits of the evening.

Ashley and Luis are tying the knot in California, where their love story first began, and we’re so honored to have captured this milestone just a few weeks before they say “I do.” Their engagement session was a blend of laughter, style, intimacy, and that unmistakable Austin charm. While we are sad we won’t be there to witness them getting married, we couldn’t be more happy for them for this next chapter of their lives!