Why a civil ceremony?

Rylee-Kay Mendez and Ethan Barnes chose to bring 22 of their closest friends and family to Lucca, Italy just outside Florence and Pisa in September of 2024 for an intimate multi-day micro-wedding (see the full gallery here). But first things first – they had to be legally married in the states! As residents somewhere between New Braunfels and San Antonio, the couple opted to hold their civil ceremony at the Comal County Courthouse.

On a Saturday morning 3 weeks before their Italian nuptials, the couple, their parents, grandmother, and the groom’s daughter met at the iconic pink Comal County Courthouse for their New Braunfels civil ceremony.

There was a room downstairs where everyone feasted on a brunch spread, finishing touches were made, and excitement shared. Just outside the door, Ethan surprised Rylee-Kay with the Cartier watch of her dreams while their families looked on.

Grabbing the world’s most aesthetic boombox, we went upstairs for the ceremony.

Time to say “I do” (in New Braunfels)

The judge who preformed the ceremony had done hundreds of weddings inside the courthouse, but never in this special pink room Rylee-Kay requested. He was excited to finally check off the box!

Ethan’s daughter, Paisley was the “girl-flower” of the day, and proceeded to throw flowers past the aisle and all over the courtroom throughout the ceremony. After forgetting the rings downstairs, a quick mad dash to grab them, the two were wed.

Say “cheese” (jk)

After family photos (justice for the smiling pictures), we moved into a bit of portrait time inside the fun courtroom.

Paisley was kind enough to offer the couple some pigs-in-a-blanket so as not to tire during the portrait part of the day.

Craving more? See all the civil ceremony goodness

Want to see the full gallery from this iconic New Braunfels civil ceremony? I’ve gotcha, click here.

Planning to have your own civil ceremony, elopement, micro-wedding, or full blown wedding celebration? I’d love nothing more than to photograph your day, however it comes together. You can fill out a super simple inquiry form right here.