Ashley & Paige chose to have their engagement photos at the Houston Museum of Natural Science downtown.
This was my first time shooting inside the main exhibit hall. I have, on several occasions taken engagement photos, bridal portraits and wedding photos inside the butterfly museum. As a museum nerd, I was ALL about exploring all the great portrait options inside the museum!
There were so many fun places to take photos. I loved the anthropology hall, the dinosaurs and the energy floor. Each exhibit had it’s own style of lighting which made every image very moody.
One bonus of shooting your engagement photos inside the museum is the weather is perfect for your shoot every time!
Bishmaraj & Bethany’s intimate Hindu & backyard western wedding
Bishmaraj & Bethany had an intimate wedding with family and friends in late Spring this year. They chose to have two ceremonies, a Hindu ceremony at Sri Meenakshi Devasthanam surrounded by a beautiful temple and an intimate western ceremony in their backyard.
We arrived at the temple early to take some family photos and photos of the glowing couple in and around the temple before the ceremony started. The ceremony was filled with smiling faces, incenses & rice. After the first ceremony, we headed to the other side of town for the second act.
At Bishmaraj & Bethany’s home, their friends and family enjoyed a light lunch while the couple changed into their second outfits & got their puppy into her Sari. Bethany’s brother officiated the second wedding ceremony under a wooden arch peppered in flowers.
Because of the nature of the couple’s wedding ceremonies, they chose to take their couples portraits several weeks before their wedding. We visited a couple of Houston’s most popular places to get the portraits. I had a blast tooling around Houston. See the photos below.
In 2023, weddings have taken a wonderfully nerdy turn.
No longer confined to traditional themes, couples are embracing their inner geeks and incorporating their favorite fandoms into their big day. From Star Wars to Harry Potter, superhero sagas to video games, the world of nerd culture is making its mark on the wedding scene. If you’re a fan of all things nerdy and planning to tie the knot, here are the top wedding trends of 2023 that you won’t want to miss.
Sci-Fi Spectaculars
Science fiction has always been a beloved genre among nerds, and it’s now making its way into weddings. Couples are opting for space-themed ceremonies complete with starry backdrops, futuristic décor, and even astro-inspired wedding attire. Don’t be surprised if you see a Darth Vader officiant or a Starship Enterprise cake at your next wedding invite.
Fantasy-Inspired Elegance
Fantasy worlds are a favorite escape for many, and in 2023, they’re taking center stage at weddings. Think enchanted forest settings inspired by Tolkien’s Middle-earth or majestic castles reminiscent of the wizarding world in Harry Potter. Brides and grooms are donning medieval-style attire, and you might even find wedding rings with Elvish inscriptions.
Superhero Soirees
Superheroes have captured our hearts on the big screen, and now they’re swooping into weddings too. Couples are embracing comic book aesthetics with superhero-themed décor, cake toppers, and invitations. Some are even exchanging vows in full superhero attire, making for epic photo opportunities and unforgettable memories.
Retro Gaming Romance
For couples who grew up with video games, a retro gaming-themed wedding is a dream come true. Think 8-bit pixel art, Tetris-inspired seating arrangements, and wedding invitations that resemble old-school game cartridges. Retro gaming-themed photo booths and arcade-style games are also popular additions to keep guests entertained.
Comic Con-Inspired Favors
Favors have gotten a nerdy makeover as well. Instead of traditional trinkets, couples are giving out custom-made action figures, collectible trading cards, or mini comic books featuring their love story. These unique keepsakes are sure to delight guests and provide a lasting memory of the special day.
Cosplay Couples
Cosplay enthusiasts are taking their love for dressing up to the altar. Couples are choosing to exchange vows as their favorite characters from movies, anime, or video games. Whether it’s Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask or Mario and Princess Peach, these weddings are a delightful celebration of shared passions.
Geeky Gourmet
Nerdy wedding cakes are a must-have in 2023. Bakers are creating intricate designs inspired by beloved franchises, from Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Castle to Game of Thrones’ Iron Throne. Couples are also incorporating themed food and drink menus, such as butterbeer for Harry Potter fans or a “Hobbit Feast” inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s works.
Virtual Reality Guest Experiences
With the rise of virtual reality (VR), some couples are opting for hybrid weddings that allow remote guests to participate in the celebration through VR headsets. This trend is particularly popular among tech-savvy couples who want to include friends and family from around the world, creating a truly global celebration.
Nerd culture is taking the wedding world by storm in 2023, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Couples are infusing their love for all things geeky into every aspect of their special day, creating memorable and personalized experiences for themselves and their guests. Whether you’re a Star Wars superfan, a gaming geek, or a fantasy enthusiast, there’s a nerdy wedding trend in 2023 that’s sure to capture your heart and imagination. So, embrace your inner nerd and let your love story shine in a galaxy far, far away or a fantastical realm of your choosing!
Jared & Elzabeth’s Lord of the Rings themed wedding
It was a blazing hot day in June when Jared & Liz tied the proverbial knot at a small church in Houston. Luckly, the wedding was an indoor affair (with limited stents outside in the heat for quick photos). The couple has a love for all things LOTR… and swords… so it was only fitting that they styled their wedding around this passion.
As a fellow nerd, I was over the moon when I found out the theme of their wedding. This would be my second Lord of the Ring wedding in less than a year! In true Hobbit fashion, the couple and most of their wedding party opted for bare feet.
Jared and Liz opted for a private first look. I set Jared up under a pergola on the property and had Liz walk to him. I love first looks. If you’re a more private couple, or maybe a little shy, it’s a nice touch. In leu of a father-daughter dance, Liz and her father had a beautifully touching slideshow. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
“Po-tay-toes!* Boil ’em, mash ’em, stick ’em in a stew…“
The couple offered a baked potato bar that they brought and set up. They also had a variety of tasty cupcakes for their guests.
At the end of the day, the couple had a grand exit filled with bubbles and a sword arch from their wedding party.
Brent & Karlie opted for a camping style engagement photo session. We met up at Kelly’s pond located inside the vast Sam Houston National Forest. Brent and Karlie had the perfect location picked out just a short hike into the woods. This was my first time taking camping engagement photos, and I loved it! The Spawn came along (because he had to) and he was OBSESSED with their hammock. So much so, that we had to buy one before our next family camping trip.
Check out Brent and Karlie’s camping engagement portraits below!
Christian & Aryn’s nerdy engagement photos at Meyer Park.
When you’re into things like medieval swords & helmets, you bring them to your engagement portraits! I had so much fun playing around with portrait ideas that involved the props Christian & Aryn brought. I had to bring my spawn along for the ride as well, and he enjoyed setting up a pose or two.
Jared & Liz’s engagement photos at the luscious Kleb Woods Nature preserve.
As I finish editing Jared & Liz’s wedding photos from a couple of weeks ago, I am reminded of their adorable engagement session at Kleb Woods. It felt like the beginnings of summer (though it was only April) when we met up. It was already hot and sticky… apparently an omen for the summer to come. We were in Jared’s element as we explored the forest. I really wanted to take some photos on the bridge, but it was under construction.
Kyle and Lauren’s Downtown Houston Texas wedding at the Crystal Ballroom at the Rice.
In February I had the pleasure of hanging out with the, now, Luong’s for nearly the entire weekend! I caught up with them at Kim Son’s Downtown for their epic rehearsal dinner. Kyle and Lauren honored Kyle’s heritage by wearing traditional outfits for their rehearsal as well as hiring some really awesome Lion Dancers!
The following day, I caught back up with the amazing couple at the Rice. Lauren and her bridesmaids got ready in the bridal suite there while Kyle got ready at a nearby hotel with his grooms men. I nearly forgot until I was posting photos, that Lauren stitched some love notes into Kyle’s tie and jacket. What a sweet idea.
The couple decided they wanted both a first touch and a first look. For the first touch, they read their vows to each other in private while holding hands and looking in opposite directions. I mean in near total privacy. All photography parties (including myself) hung out in a very loud room and took photos and video through the paned glass door like the paparazzi. We couldn’t hear a word they spoke to each other. After the first touch, we ushered Lauren and Kyle into different rooms and re-positioned them on the balcony for a gorgeous first look! It was one of the best first looks I’ve experienced. Kyle was in total awe of Lauren’s dress and had to take a look at every inch.
After Kyle & Lauren had their first look, Lauren had a first look with her father. Kyle decided he wanted to do a first look with the bridesmaids, so we lined them up for a first look on the balcony. After that, the grooms men wanted a first look with Lauren (which was one of the most adorable first looks). We then shot a couple of group photos on the balcony and on the streets of Downtown Houston before catching a chartered bus to the church for the ceremony.
Once back at the Crystal Ballroom, Kyle and Lauren were whisked to the bridal suite for a private dinner while their guests enjoyed a cocktail hour. This is probably one of the BEST things a couple can do for their reception. Once done eating, they got to take a private tour of their reception hall before their guests took their seats. During the night, the couple did a photo-dash, danced their hearts out and ate some amazing looking gluten-free cake (allergies are the best!…).
At the end of the night, the guests sent the happy couple off in a haze of bubbles.
Taylor & Charrie’s twilight like engagement photos at the William Goodrich Jones State Forest.
Early in the year I met up with Taylor and Charrie at the William Goodrich Jones State Forest to take their engagement photos.
The way the trees are so close together and almost uniform really drew me to this location. For Charrie, it reminded her of one of her favorite movies, Twilight. It was also a bit of a dreary day, which really added to the effect.
I loved Charrie and Taylor’s choice of outfits. They were fun and whimsical and perfect for their personalities. Check out their engagement photography here.
Brendan and Christina’s epic Oxford wedding in Montgomery, TX.
When two theater geeks get together, you know you’re going to have a good time! That’s just what happened when Brendan & Christina tied the knot in November last year. The decorations and all the little details had such special meaning to the couple. Their cake decorations were a representation of themselves. Christina had a stuffed racoon as a child that she brought around with her everywhere she went & foxes are special to Brendan.
Christina chose to have a first look with her father on the patio of the bridal suite at the Oxford. These moments between father and daughter never cease to choke me up.
The couple had a friend officiate their wedding, which I feel is the most intimate thing you can do. I’ve been to so many weddings here lately where the officiant is either a long time friend of both the couple or they are a family member who’s known both people a long time. The rings were given to the best man/Brendan’s twin in what almost felt like a carbonite cage (made of plastic and a material that conformed to the rings).
After the ceremony, the wedding party pulled out their swords and we took some photos with swords and had mini battles.
As the night progressed, there was dancing and singing & conga lines to “500 miles.” We played with sparklers and the couple had an illuminating grand exit. Check out the wedding photos below. If you think you’re seeing double, you are. Brendan and his twin are near identical.
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