Category Archives: Wedding Inspirations

Why Your Wedding Needs a Private Last Dance: A Perfect Ending to Your Day

Picture this: the reception is winding down, your guests are chatting and celebrating, but you and your partner step away for one last intimate moment. Just the two of you on the dance floor, with the world fading into the background. This is the magic of a private last dance—and here’s why it might be the most unforgettable part of your wedding day.

Wedding Days Are a Blur

Between the excitement, endless congratulations, and whirlwind of activities, your wedding day will fly by in a blink. Most couples find that there’s barely any time to truly soak in what’s happening. A private last dance creates a moment where you can slow down, reconnect, and reflect on the day you’ve just experienced together.

private last danceWhy a Private Last Dance Matters

  1. A Moment to Reconnect
    After spending most of your day surrounded by loved ones, a private last dance offers a rare moment of peace and connection. Just you, your partner, and a song that means something special. This quiet time together lets you pause, look at each other, and truly appreciate the incredible journey you’ve begun.

  2. A Chance to Catch Your Breath
    The reception can be a blur of dancing, toasts, and mingling with guests. A private last dance allows you to take a deep breath and savor the final moments of your wedding day. It’s a brief but meaningful pause before stepping into the next chapter of your lives as a married couple.

  3. A Photographer’s Dream
    From a photographer’s perspective, a private last dance provides some of the most emotional, genuine shots of the entire day. Without the distraction of guests, we can capture the quiet joy, the smiles, and the soft, intimate moments between you and your partner. These images often become some of the most cherished ones in your wedding album.

  4. End the Day Your Way
    As your guests enjoy the final songs of the night, a private last dance lets you end your celebration in a way that’s intentional and meaningful. Whether it’s to your favorite song or something that feels more reflective, this dance is yours—without interruptions, just the two of you ending your day with love and calm.

  5. Smooth Transition to Your Grand Exit
    A private last dance also helps with logistics. It gives your wedding party and coordinator time to organize and prep for your grand exit. This quiet moment together allows everything behind the scenes to flow seamlessly, ensuring a perfect transition to that magical send-off.

Private last dance weddingWhy You Should Consider It

Including a private last dance in your wedding timeline doesn’t just create a beautiful moment to cap off the day—it offers you a chance to breathe, connect, and reflect before stepping into your future together. It’s a peaceful, heartfelt way to end the night and make sure your final moments as newlyweds are truly unforgettable.

So, when planning your big day, think about adding this one final dance for just the two of you. It’s a small but powerful way to make sure you leave your wedding with love, intimacy, and a moment you’ll cherish forever. 🌟

Embracing Your Inner Geek: A Nerdy Guide to Wedding Bliss

Welcome, fellow nerds, to a celebration of love that’s as epic as your favorite saga and as magical as a critical hit… your wedding!

Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of nerdy weddings—a realm where love, passion, and fandom collide in the most spectacular ways.

For too long, the term “wedding” may have conjured images of traditional ceremonies and cookie-cutter receptions. But fear not, fellow geeks, for your special day can be anything but ordinary. It’s time to let your nerd flag fly high and infuse your wedding with all the quirks, passions, and obsessions that make you who you are.

First things first, let’s talk themes. Whether you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan, a dedicated gamer, or a devoted bookworm, there’s a theme out there just waiting to be embraced. Imagine walking down the aisle to the sound of your favorite movie soundtrack (especially if it’s the instrumental version), exchanging vows in a setting straight out of a fantasy novel, or cutting the cake with a lightsaber. The possibilities are as limitless as the multiverse itself!

But it’s not just about the decorations and attire—it’s about infusing every aspect of your wedding with your unique personality and interests. From incorporating your favorite quotes into your vows to designing custom invitations inspired by your favorite fandom, the devil is in the details, and the nerdy possibilities are endless.

And let’s not forget about the entertainment! Why settle for a boring old DJ when you could have a live band playing all your favorite video game tunes? Or how about a cosplay photo booth where guests can dress up as their favorite characters and strike a pose? The key is to keep the fun and excitement going all night long, ensuring that your wedding is a celebration unlike any other.

But perhaps the most important thing to remember is that your wedding day is about more than just the theme or the decorations—it’s about celebrating the love and connection that you share with your partner. So whether you’re exchanging rings in a galaxy far, far away or saying “I do” in a language only fellow nerds can understand, never lose sight of what truly matters: each other.

So go ahead, fellow nerds, and let your imagination run wild. Your wedding day is your chance to embrace your inner geek, celebrate your passions, and create memories that are truly out of this world. So grab your lightsaber, don your wizard robes, and get ready for the nerdiest, most epic wedding celebration this side of the TARDIS!

Houston’s Hottest Wedding Trends

A Glimpse into 2024 Wedding Celebrations

Happy 2024 Y’all!

As the bustling city of Houston gears up for another year of love and matrimony, couples are setting the stage for weddings that blend tradition with the contemporary. 2024 promises to be an exciting time for weddings in Houston, with trends that showcase the city’s rich cultural diversity, love for innovation, and a touch of Southern charm. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top wedding trends that are set to make waves in the Houston wedding scene.

  1. Texan Elegance:

Houston couples are infusing their weddings with a touch of Texan charm, celebrating the city’s rich cultural heritage. Rustic elements, cowboy boots, and Southern-inspired cuisine are making a comeback. From BBQ buffets to Tex-Mex flavors, couples are incorporating local tastes to create a wedding experience that is distinctly Houstonian.

  1. Outdoor Extravaganzas:

With its favorable climate, Houston continues to be a hub for outdoor weddings. In 2024, couples are choosing picturesque outdoor venues such as lush gardens, vineyards, and waterfront locations. Outdoor ceremonies and receptions under the Texas sky are gaining popularity, providing a natural and romantic backdrop for the celebration.

Nerdy wedding photography
  1. Cultural Fusion:

Houston’s diverse population is reflected in the wedding trends of 2024, with couples embracing cultural fusion in their celebrations. From incorporating traditional rituals to infusing diverse cuisines and music styles, weddings in Houston are a melting pot of cultural influences that honor the backgrounds of both partners.

  1. Houston Skyline as the Backdrop:

As the cityscape of Houston evolves, couples are choosing iconic venues with panoramic views of the Houston skyline. Rooftop weddings and venues with large windows overlooking the city are becoming increasingly popular, offering a breathtaking backdrop for both daytime and evening celebrations.

  1. Live Music Experiences:

Known for its vibrant music scene, Houston weddings are turning into live music extravaganzas. Couples are hiring local bands, solo artists, and DJs to create an electric atmosphere. From classic country tunes to contemporary hits, live music is becoming an integral part of the wedding experience in Houston.

  1. Blend of Modern and Vintage:

In 2024, couples are striking a balance between modern elegance and vintage charm. Mixing sleek, contemporary decor with subtle nods to the past, such as vintage-inspired attire and classic car arrivals, creates a timeless and sophisticated aesthetic for Houston weddings.

  1. Technology Integration:

As a tech-forward city, Houston couples are incorporating cutting-edge technology into their wedding celebrations. From virtual reality experiences to personalized wedding apps, technology is enhancing the guest experience and allowing couples to share their special day with friends and family, no matter where they are.

Houston, with its dynamic spirit and diverse culture, is poised to be a trendsetter in the wedding scene in 2024. From Texan elegance to cultural fusion, outdoor extravaganzas to breathtaking skyline views, couples are weaving a tapestry of love that reflects the unique essence of Houston. As we embark on another year of love stories, Houston weddings are set to be a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and the undeniable warmth that the city is known for.

Nerd Chic: The Top Wedding Trends of 2023

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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!

Carnival Themed Wedding

I’ve spent the better part of 2 months helping my son’s school plan a Spring Carnival. As the carnival is nearing (and because I’ve had carnival on the brain) I thought it would be fun to share some carnival themed wedding ideas.

The most important thing to remember when theming your wedding, whether it’s Harry Potter themed or Starry Night themed, is subtlety. Take your theme and water it down. You can use hints of color to make your point or small elements. When you take a theme and water it down so it’s not so blatant, you create a more elegant wedding design.

The Entertainers: Hire some entertainers for your reception/cocktail hour. Any of the following entertainers would be a unique & fun experience for you and your guests:

  • Fire-eater
  • Contortionist
  • Balloon animal artist
  • Petting Zoo
  • Trapeze artist
  • Clown (though they can be scary for children & adults alike)
  • Have some carnival games for guests

The Decoration: Decorations can make or brake a wedding design. As I stated above, you would want to take your theme and water it down a little. That means, if you want red & white striped fabric (very carnival-esk) either have only one small area that’s red & white striped or have some red and some white in different places but never together.

  • Drape white fabric from the ceiling like the inside of a carnival tent. You can even pair it with twinkling lights for a more romantic tone.
  • Colorful balloon arrangements either hanging like chandeliers or in vases like flowers.
  • Gold silverware or miss matched plates and glasses.
  • Paint some toy animals gold and use them to decorate tables or even as a cake topper.
  • Rent a fog machine to fog the dance floor
  • Send your guests admission tickets with their invitation

The Food: You could have a lot of fun with food options.

  • Carnival Themed Food Trucks
  • Candy Apple’s & assorted candy in jars and Cotton Candy
  • Popcorn Bar
  • Funnel cake or any sort of fried treat
  • Peanut bags (be weary of allergies)
  • Meat on a stick!

2023 Wedding Trends I’m excited for!

Here’s a list of the 2023 wedding trends I’m excited for.

Color! Even as a child, I’ve been obsessed with color. I memorized the order of the rainbow before I was in elementary school. I’m also flabbergasted when adults don’t know the order (or what primary colors mixed together make what secondary colors). Color in weddings is making a big & bold statement. It’s in bouquets, in bridesmaids gowns and in the decorations. Be bold with your color choices. Consult a color wheel to help you pick the perfect harmonic balance.

Colorful wedding dress: I have always loved a wedding dress that stands out from the norm. Some of my ALL-TIME favorite weddings dresses either had a pop of color, like a floral pattern, or were a solid color instead of white. Be fun and bold… who cares what your stuck-in-the-mud relatives think. It’s your wedding, own it!

Custom Dance floor: This year, couples are opting to deck out their dance floors. Maybe you have an awesome marquee lighting your space or you have a flower bedecked disco ball hanging from the ceiling. If the dance floor is a place you want to be and you want your guests to join you, make it fun, flirty & memorable.

Private Last Dance: Still holding strong from last year. The private last dance is one of my favorite things to shoot. I love that the couple gets one last moment enjoying their wedding night in a quiet space with only their DJ & Photographers for company. One of my favorite things to do during private last dances is to move through the back of the room framing the couple with their dark & empty tables.

Sustainability: I’ve always been a tree-huger and can see how weddings can become wasteful. Some of my favorite things couples have done include seeds and living plants as wedding favors. Some things you can do to have an Eco-friendly wedding — use Eco-friendly invitations & decor, encouraging guests and wedding party to carpool or use a bus to transport guests, use biodegradable confetti for your grand exit, don’t use single use dinnerware and glassware

Capes! Seriously, capes are in this year. I LOVE this for us! I’ve seen brides pin muslin to their gown with gorgeous brioches to make a cape. I’ve also seen some awesome capes with groom’s attire. There’s a very fine line from elegant to gimmicky with capes, however. Be careful & use an editorial eye.

Embroidered veils: This is such a neat idea. I’ve had a couple of brides do this and it really added to the entire look. Make sure to include colors and flowers you intend on having at your wedding to really pull the whole look together.

Comfy & cute shoes: Who says fashion has to be pain? Wear those converse at your wedding. You can really spruce up your sneakers by embroidering them, bedazzling them or personalizing them in any way. Do you have a really comfortable pair of boots? Wear those! As cute as the shoes are, if you’re ditching them halfway through the night, were they worth it?

 

What are your thoughts? What trends are you really excited for and what trends are you ready to disappear?

Consider a Photo Dash

 Have you ever heard of a “Photo Dash”? I hadn’t until this year.

What is a “Photo Dash”?

Photo Dash

A Photo Dash is where you and your spouse run to each table at your reception and take a quick group photo before the song you have playing ends. Each table gets a couple of seconds of your time. Tables will decide what pose they want to do as you and your photographer are running around the reception. It’s a lot of fun.

Why should you do a “Photo Dash”? The why is really simple. Time.

Even though you’ve really only spend 10 seconds with each table, your guests feel like you have spend some quality time with them. Also, you get fun photos of you and your guests before the night runs away with you. It feels like after a couple does a Photo Dash, they get more time to quietly eat their dinner without all of their guests coming up talking and asking for a photo. Photo Dashes are also a lot of fun!

How do to a “Photo Dash”?Photo Dash

Talk with your DJ, wedding coordinator and your photographer. Make sure the song you choose it both fun and gives you enough time to get across your reception. Make a plan where you are starting and where you are ending. It’s best to start at one end of your reception and work your way to the other end, ending with the head table so you can easily sit for dinner right after.

What are your thoughts? Would you have a Photo Dash at your wedding?

Photo Dash

The New “Normal”?

When shit hit the fan, everyone told themselves, ‘it’s okay, it will go away, it will all be fine.’ We’ve nearly gone a year with COVID and for the next year at least, I see there being a ‘new normal’ for weddings.

Even when COVID calms down (finally) and people start to feel safe, there will still be people who don’t trust their new felt safety. What does that mean for weddings?

This means I get to become an intimate wedding photographer. I imagine the size of weddings will continue to be at a reduced size. There will be more intimate weddings of 50 or fewer guests. This could be GREAT for the wedding industry.

Hear me out, fewer guests means that couples can spend more money on themselves and the decorations they wanted, the flowers they really wanted and the top (most extravagant) intimate wedding photography package.

What I envision is a full scaled styled shoot for a real wedding. We as wedding professionals know that a styled shoot is just an extravagant wedding we would like to shoot, and use as inspiration for our clients. Everyone brings out the big guns, decorators bring their best, most expensive, decorations. Florists make designs they’ve been dreaming of since they were little, treats and mobile booze bars are arranged to perfection…

I imagine the new ‘normal’ might look like this:

  • 50 or fewer guests
  • a virtual experience for friends and family who couldn’t make it
  • Decorations to make your friends and family jealous.
  • The most romantic wedding you could have imagined.

 

 

Wedding Photography at the Springs Event Venue in Cypress, TX

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to take wedding photos at the Springs Event Venue at Cypress Texas.

The entrance to the wedding venue looks like something plucked out of a fairy tale story, with its long driveway that rounds around a circle of greenery and marble.

As you walk inside, the venue opens up to a double winding staircase and beyond that a gorgeous space with high ceilings, chandeliers and a large floor to ceiling window that faces the setting sun.

Aside from the amazing potential for wedding photography on the inside of the venue, the outside gardens are breathtaking. Their trailing sweet potatoes vines, fountains and swaying weeping willow branches transforms the space into a fairy tale wedding.

 


Vendors


Venue: The SPRINGS Venue

Wedding Coordinator: Next Chapter Weddings

Flowers: Casas De Flores Design & Book a Bloom

Cake: Cakes by Gina

Deserts & Alcohol: Sam’s Sweet treats & Lady Bird & Twirl Cotton Candy & Traveling Spirit

Linens: Lavish Linens- A Luxury Linen Rental Boutique & Chairs, Covers and More &

Hair & Makeup: Simple Beauty Artistry & Lilly Bridal Artistry & Vivid Glam Artistry

Stationary: Le Le Lines

Calligrapher: Jamie Lindley Lettering

Dress: Something BLUE

Style & Design: Hopeful Events & Design

Balloon Garland: Balloon Luxe Events

Floral Preservation: Bloomsake

 

Love is Love

It’s been a while since I’ve sat in front of my computer and written anything. With all that’s going on in the world, all I seem to be able to do is sit and stare open-mouth at the TV, Tiktok, Facebook, the internet…

Since we’re in June, Pride-month, I wanted to post a love is love blog.

A little history:

June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. Patrons of the Stonewall, other Village lesbian and gay bars, and neighborhood street people fought back when the police became violent. Marsha P. Johnson, a black trans woman, threw the first brick and Storme DeLarverie, a black lesbian woman, threw the first points. The riots are widely considered to constitute one of the most important events leading to the gay liberation movement[4][5][6][7] and the modern fight for LGBT rights in the United States.

The world we live in now is thanks to all of those brave people who came before us, but there’s still a lot of work to do and more brave people are being called to the fight for equal rights.

Make a difference, be the change.

love is beautiful in all of its forms. Cherish it, because it’s not every day it happens.

A Southwest Houston wedding photographer
Richmond, TX
kelly@kellyurbanphotography.com
Kelly Urban Photography

A Southwest Houston wedding photographer
Richmond, TX

A Southwest Houston wedding photographer
Richmond, TX
kelly@kellyurbanphotography.com
Kelly Urban Photography

A Houston wedding photographer