Meet Ashley McCubbins | Austin, DFW & Houston Wedding Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley McCubbins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, what’s your definition for success?
As a wedding photographer, I define success as more than beautiful images—it’s about serving with intention, honoring God through my work, and loving people well.

If my photos preserve the sacredness of a couple’s vows, the joy of their families, and the quiet, holy moments in between—then I’ve done my job. Success is using the gifts God gave me to tell stories that last generations, while building a business rooted in faith, integrity, and purpose. It’s about being present—for my clients and my family—and trusting that when I serve faithfully, the rest will follow.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m the owner and lead photographer of Southern Oaks & Co., specializing in timeless, editorial-style wedding photography for couples in Austin, DFW, and Houston. While I care deeply about creating beautiful images, what drives me most is capturing the moments that matter—the quiet glances, the emotion, and the genuine connection between people.

What sets me apart is the experience I bring to the wedding day. I show up with intention—not just to take photos, but to support, guide, and serve. Whether it’s helping with a veil, keeping things on schedule, or quietly praying with a couple before they walk down the aisle, I’m fully invested in the day and the people in front of my lens.

I bought my first camera off a friend in high school, not knowing exactly where it would lead. I didn’t have a roadmap or formal training—just a strong pull toward storytelling and a desire to build something meaningful. Like most business owners, I’ve had seasons of growth and plenty of trial and error. What’s helped me keep going is staying grounded in my values, trusting God’s timing, and learning to pivot with grace when things don’t go as planned.

What I’m most proud of is how Southern Oaks & Co. reflects the heart behind the work. This business has always been about people first. I care deeply about doing this well—because marriage matters, and the stories we tell about it do too.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit for a week, I’d want to give them a mix of everything I love about Texas—great food, scenic drives, and a little city energy balanced with slower, quieter moments.

We’d start in Austin with breakfast tacos from Veracruz All Natural, then head to Zilker Park or take paddleboards out on Lady Bird Lake. Lunch would be something easy like Terry Black’s BBQ, and we’d spend the afternoon vintage shopping on South Congress. Dinner at Aba to end the day—solid food, great ambiance.

Midweek, we’d do a Hill Country day trip—probably Wimberley or Fredericksburg for wine tasting, antique shops, and just getting out of town for a bit. We might stop by The French Farmhouse on the way—it’s not one of my usual venues, but it’s a really charming spot with sweet details.

For the DFW stretch, I’d take them to brunch at The Henry, wander around Deep Ellum or Legacy West, and definitely grab coffee at La La Land Kind Cafe—it’s one of those spots where the atmosphere and the mission make it worth the visit.

We’d end the trip in Houston with brunch at Tiny’s No. 5, a visit to The Heights, and a stop at Château Nouvelle, which is hands-down one of my favorite venues. It’s elegant, thoughtfully designed, and honestly just stunning in person—I always love shooting there.

The best part of the week wouldn’t be the itinerary, though—it’d be the conversations, the quiet moments, and just getting to share some of my favorite places with someone I love spending time with.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I have to give all the glory to God. Every opportunity, every door that’s opened, and every couple I’ve been blessed to work with—I know none of it would be possible without His guidance. Photography has become a calling more than just a career for me, and I believe with my whole heart that I was placed in this space to serve others, love people well, and honor sacred moments through storytelling.

I also want to recognize my family. My husband has been a steady source of support, cheering me on behind the scenes and stepping in during busy seasons when I’m editing late into the night or off shooting weddings on weekends. And my daughter is my biggest “why”—she reminds me daily why building a business rooted in purpose and legacy is so important.

I’m also incredibly thankful for the couples who have invited me into such intimate, once-in-a-lifetime moments. It’s not lost on me how special that trust is, and I’m so honored every time someone chooses me to tell their story. And to the creative community—planners, florists, HMUAs, and fellow photographers—you all push me to grow, challenge me to dream bigger, and make this work feel less like work and more like joy.

Lastly, I’m grateful for the people who supported this dream in the beginning, when it was just an idea and a camera and a lot of prayer. Whether it was a kind word, a referral, or someone believing in my potential before I even fully saw it myself—those moments mattered more than you know. This journey has been woven together by so many beautiful threads, and I’m endlessly thankful for each one.

Website: https://www.southernoaksandco.com

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