Renick and Louie approached their wedding with intention from the very beginning. They chose to honor their life in Austin with an intimate ceremony, then host a larger, design-driven reception months later at Louie’s family estate in New York. Two celebrations. Two different experiences. One beautifully cohesive vision. As a destination wedding photographer, I love when couples choose to honor their story this way, allowing space for intimacy and grandeur, without compromise.
The entire weekend came together effortlessly thanks to Sheila Motley Events, who worked with the couple to translate Renick and Louie’s vision into something both refined and personal. “I really wanted it to have almost a Danielle Frankel style,” Renick shared, “and they absolutely nailed it.”
A Story Built Over Time
Renick and Louie first met through a mutual friend while vacationing in the Bahamas. At the time, friendship came first, one that spanned years, cities, and seasons of life. It wasn’t until Louie visited New York years later that they decided to take a chance on something more. The rest, as they say, is history.
For their Austin Wedding ceremony, Renick and Louie wanted an outdoor setting and the people who know them best. They chose the Four Seasons Austin for its impeccable service, shaded lawn, and views of Lady Bird Lake.
With just 17 guests, the ceremony felt calm, emotional, and grounded. Every detail, from the soft white-and-green florals to the quiet hum of the city beyond the trees, was designed to keep the focus exactly where it belonged: on presence and connection.
You can see more from their Austin ceremony here.
Wedding Welcome Party at Crag Burn Golf Club in East Aurora NY
The weekend began with a welcome party at Crag Burn Golf Club, held inside the property’s former horse stables, now reimagined as a reception space. Tables were arranged within the original stalls, creating intimate dining moments that encouraged conversation and connection. The design offered a preview of the weekend ahead, nodding to fall with layered florals in soft lavenders, creams, and greens, accented by brighter pops of pink and orange. Renick wore a Danielle Frankel look, the Anika Bustier paired with Rory palazzo pants. It was chic, and tied well into her gown the next day!
Tented Wedding Reception in Buffalo, New York
While their Austin ceremony was about intimacy, New York was about celebration. Held at Louie’s family farm outside Buffalo, the reception was nothing short of spectacular. This home is rich with memories, from their first months living together during COVID to countless gatherings with family. The setting itself felt cinematic: rolling land, views toward downtown Buffalo, and on clear days, even the mist of Niagara Falls in the distance.
A custom conservatory-style tent anchored the design, complete with a clear ceiling and emerald velvet draping that added depth and drama. The aesthetic leaned modern and editorial, with a subtle nod to fall: creams, blush, burgundy, greens, and seasonal foliage layered throughout the florals.
Furniture choices felt more like a high-end restaurant than a traditional wedding reception, which I love to see trending in 2026. White acrylic oval tables with single-stem tulips, lounge seating with wooden tables, emerald and white linens, and sculptural lighting that transformed the space as night fell.
Renick’s fashion choices mirrored the design perfectly. Drawn to clean lines and modern silhouettes, she ultimately chose the Drew Gown Danielle Frankel, discovering the designer after seeing Alexandra Cooper’s wedding. With no traditional wedding party, the focus stayed streamlined. Her maid of honor wore a chocolate brown ALC dress of her choosing, adding warmth and contrast without distracting from the overall vision.
A Celebration That Didn’t End at Last Call
The reception itself was a sensory experience! It had exceptional food by Patina Group, curated cocktails featuring their favorite tequila and Chianti, and even a historic moment with Michelin-starred chef Carlos Gaytán leading the culinary experience.
And because no Buffalo celebration would be complete without it, the night included a spirited “Shout” for the hometown team. When the reception wrapped, the party simply moved. Guests followed Renick and Louie into the trees for an after-party affectionately called “Maxine’s,” named after their dog. Disco music, late-night pizza, local ice cream, custom merch, and dancing under the stars carried the celebration well into the night.
Two Celebrations, One Story
Photographing both Renick and Louie’s intimate Austin ceremony and their grand New York estate reception was such a celebration. And a reminder to make your wedding your own! Weddings don’t have to fit into one mold. They can be quiet and expansive. Minimal and lavish. Local and global.
And as a destination wedding photographer, being able to follow a couple through every chapter and destination is such an honor. If you’re dreaming of a celebration that reflects all sides of you two, this is your reminder: you don’t have to choose just one way to celebrate. And I would love to be there to capture it all!
Vendors
Photographer: Julie Wilhite Photography
Coordinator for All Events: Sheila Motley Events
NY Welcome Party Event:
- Private Club Venue: Crag Burn Golf Club
- Florals & Rentals: Renny & Reed
- Music: Rob Montone & Jordan Hokaj
- Stationery: Anticipate Invitations
- Brides Attire: Anika Corset and Rory Pant by Danielle Frankel
NY Reception Event:
- Venue: North Star Sport Horses
- Florals & Rentals: Renny & Reed
- Videographer: Heart Crafted Films
- Catering: Patina Group
- Transport: Buffalo Limo
- Rentals/Tent: Hank Parker
- Power/Lighting: Sebass Events
- Lighting Designer: Tom Kenny
- Cocktail Hour Music: New Design & Dart Collective
- Dinner & Dancing: New Design
- Afterparty DJ: Pete Bolte
- Bridal Hair: Tory Wells
- Bridal Makeup: Amy Kate
- Stationery: Anticipate Invitations
- Disposable Cameras: Strap Photo Club
- Afterparty Merch: Del Campo
- Bride’s Gown: Drew Gown by Danielle Frankel
