Storm Shack Matagorda – Kalyn and Gary Wedding
Weddings have a funny way of staying with you long after the day is over. Some stand out for their big city glam, others for their rustic charm, and then there are the ones where the location, the people, and the love all collide into something unforgettable. That was exactly the case for Kalyn and Gary’s wedding at Storm Shack in Matagorda, Texas.
As wedding photographers based in San Antonio, we’ve photographed weddings all across Texas, but this one carried a unique coastal magic. Imagine a weekend getaway with your favorite people, complete with sunsets that set the sky on fire, a bride making her entrance from a balcony, and a pool party brunch the next morning. It wasn’t just a wedding — it was a whole experience.
Storm Shack – A Hidden Coastal Gem
If you haven’t heard of Storm Shack, you’re not alone. Nestled in Matagorda, Texas, it’s one of those tucked-away places that feels like a secret escape. It’s perched right along the water, giving couples the best of both worlds: a private retreat for intimate celebrations and a backdrop that looks like it was designed specifically for wedding photography.
Storm Shack has this laid-back, beach-town vibe but with modern comfort. Think decks with views, wide open skies, and plenty of room for guests to truly settle in. For couples who don’t want the cookie-cutter ballroom wedding, venues like this are gold. You get authenticity, privacy, and the chance to create a wedding weekend that’s as much about connection as it is about celebration.
And that’s exactly what Kalyn and Gary did.
Kalyn and Gary’s Story
We’ve had the privilege of following Kalyn and Gary’s love story for a while now. In fact, we were there when Gary proposed to Kalyn at a Jake Bush show. That moment was all about raw emotion and joyful surprise, and photographing their wedding felt like watching the next chapter of the story unfold.
When it came time to choose a venue, Kalyn and Gary knew they wanted something that wasn’t just about one day. Their vision was to create an entire weekend for their friends and family — something that felt like a reunion, a party, and a wedding all rolled into one. Storm Shack offered the perfect setting to make that happen.
A Full Holiday Weekend Celebration
The Rehearsal and Welcome Dinner
Instead of a quick rehearsal the night before, Kalyn and Gary turned it into a pre-ceremony party. They booked Storm Shack for the entire holiday weekend, which gave them the flexibility to slow down, enjoy, and actually spend time with the people they love most.
The rehearsal and welcome dinner felt less like a formality and more like the opening act to a beautiful weekend. Friends and family gathered, stories were shared, and laughter echoed across the decks. It set the tone for everything that followed: joy, connection, and the kind of memories that stick around long after the weekend ends.
The Wedding Day
On the big day, excitement filled the air. The coastal light was perfect, and there was this sense of calm — the kind that only comes when you’re surrounded by the people who matter most.
The Picture-Perfect Entrance
One of the most unforgettable moments of the day was Kalyn’s entrance from the balcony. Guests looked up as she appeared, framed by the architecture of Storm Shack and the wide Texas sky. It was cinematic, emotional, and one of those moments where we as photographers couldn’t click the shutter fast enough.
A Ceremony with a Sky as Big as Texas
The ceremony itself took place with the best backdrop imaginable - a sky as big as Texas. A soft breeze carried through, and you could feel the closeness of family and friends as vows were exchanged. There wasn’t an ounce of stiffness — just authentic, heartfelt connection.
The Celebration
After the ceremony, the celebration unfolded in true coastal style. Décor details reflected Kalyn and Gary’s personalities — relaxed yet thoughtful, elegant without being overdone. The toasts were filled with both laughter and tears, and when it came time to dance, the energy was unstoppable.
But sunset.
A Sunset Like No Other
Texas sunsets are famous, but the one’s along the coast are something else entirely. The sky lit up in layers of orange, pink, and deep purple — the kind of fiery glow that makes you stop and breathe it all in. For Kalyn and Gary, it was pure magic. For us as photographers, it was the dream. Their portraits against that backdrop are the kind of images that don’t just show what the day looked like — they show what it felt like.
The Morning-After Brunch
As if the weekend hadn’t already been unforgettable, Kalyn and Gary hosted a poolside brunch the morning after. Guests swapped stories from the night before, lounged by the water, and soaked in the relaxed pace. It was the perfect way to wind down, giving everyone one more chance to connect before heading home.
It’s details like this — the intentional choice to extend the celebration — that made their wedding feel so full of life.
Capturing the Storm Shack Atmosphere
Photographing a wedding at Storm Shack is like having a playground for creativity. The natural textures of the coastal setting add depth and richness to photos without needing much extra decoration. The architecture of the venue gave us fresh angles, from balcony entrances to open decks.
We leaned into a photojournalistic approach, letting moments unfold naturally. Some of our favorite frames from the day aren’t the posed portraits but the in-between moments: friends laughing over cocktails, friends wiping away tears, guests leaning back to catch the sunset.
For couples who want their photos to feel natural, unposed, and deeply connected to the atmosphere, Storm Shack is a dream venue.
Advice for Couples Considering a Matagorda Wedding
We walked away from this weekend with a few pieces of advice for couples who might be dreaming of a coastal wedding like this one:
Think about the weekend, not just the day. Booking a venue for multiple days allows you to actually enjoy your guests without feeling rushed.
Plan for weather flexibility. Coastal Texas can be breezy and unpredictable, but with the right mindset (and maybe a backup plan), it only adds to the adventure.
Prioritize connection. The magic of Kalyn and Gary’s wedding wasn’t in perfect timelines or flawless décor — it was in the way people felt seen, loved, and celebrated.
If you’re looking for something intimate, heartfelt, and a little bit adventurous, a venue like Storm Schack might be the perfect fit.
Why We Loved Being Part of Kalyn and Gary’s Day
From the moment we arrived for the rehearsal dinner to the final poolside coffee the next morning, we felt like part of something bigger than just documenting a wedding. Kalyn and Gary’s emphasis on friends, family, and presence reminded us why we do what we do.
As photographers, we’re not just there to capture pretty pictures. We’re there to tell stories — stories like Kalyn and Gary’s, filled with authenticity, joy, and those fleeting moments you never want to forget.
Conclusion
Kalyn and Gary’s wedding at Storm Shack in Matagorda wasn’t just a celebration of their love — it was a celebration of life, family, and friendship. With fiery sunsets, a balcony entrance that stole the show, and a weekend that carried joy from start to finish, it’s one we’ll never forget.
If you’re an engaged couple dreaming about your own Texas wedding — whether coastal, Hill Country, or right here in San Antonio — our advice is simple: focus on connection. That’s what makes the memories last, and that’s what makes the photos timeless.
