A Blending of Culture, Family, and Love | Umeko + Clark

August 25, 2023

A Blending of Culture, Family, and Love | Umeko + Clark

This isn’t the first time that we’ve worked with Umeko and Clark (check out their engagement shoot), so it was great to see them take the next step in their relationship–and invite us along for the ride! The couple chose to marry at The Vineyards at Chappel Lodge, a private estate just south of Austin that boasts sprawling landscapes and stunning stonework.

A Touch of Culture

Umeko and Clark knew from the beginning that they didn’t want their wedding to be too traditional, but they also weren’t quite sure what they did want at first. After choosing the design for their Save the Dates (black, gold, and green), things started to fall into place. It was also important for them to incorporate elements of each other’s culture; Clark and his groomsmen wore Filipino barongs that matched the wedding colors, while Umeko added Indonesian puppets and a wedding couple to the reception decorations. The final touch was to add red to the florals for good luck!

Family From Afar

Many of Umeko and Clark’s guests came from out of state and even out of country, so they wanted to make sure everyone felt loved and appreciated for being there on their special day. Food is important to both families, so a traditional Filipino lechon (whole roasted pig) kept everyone fed and happy. A live band and a photo booth gave the reception interactive elements, so everyone danced, took glamorous pictures, and laughed the night away.

Hope for the Best

The day had a troubling start as Umeko’s mother and a groomsman fell ill and weren’t able to be there. Thankfully, the cloudy morning broke into a beautiful shining afternoon, and Umeko and Clark were surrounded by light as a friend officiated the ceremony. The couple were prepared for trouble, after all, some things will always go wrong. But they were certain that everything would be amazing in the end, and the joy on their faces as they shared their first dance tells the whole story on its own.

Looking for wedding or engagement inspiration? There are plenty of tips and stories to check out in our other blogs:

Intimate and Elegant Wedding at the Historic Eberly | Britney + Spencer

Wedding Photographers in Austin: What To Look For