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.

Vendors:

• Ceremony: Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
• Venue: Crystal Ballroom at the Rice
• Wedding Coordinator: Crystal Ballroom at the Rice
• Flowers: Monica’s Brides & Touch of Glitz
• Cake: Angie’s Gluten Free Bakery
• DJ: 2A Entertainment
• Rehearsal Dinner: Kim Sơn
• Rehearsal Entertainment: Hùng Vương Lion Dance