Christopher & Maureen’s Texas Renaissance Festival wedding.
As a kid growing up in the Houston area, I felt like we always managed to go to the Ren Fest at least once a year. I have vivid memories of wearing flower crowns and playing with wooden swords with some friends. The Texas Renaissance Festival holds a special place in my heart. I am so fortunate to be able to do one of my favorite things (take wedding photos) at one of my favorite places.
The one thing I know working a Texas Renaissance wedding is that this place is just as special to me as it is to my couples, and Christopher & Maureen were no different.
Maureen rode the carriage with her wedding party to the English Garden Wedding Chapel which is covered in lush green vines with an open air seating area. When the officiant got to the rings part of the ceremony, a falcon delivered them. This, I think, is one of the coolest benefits to having a wedding at the Ren Fest (that and the built in entertainment).
The couple had a procession from the chapel to one of the reception areas in the back of the grounds. There, they did some traditional things like cake cutting & speeches. After their reception was over, most of the guests were free to wonder the grounds. Some of their closer friends and family followed along for the fun of wedding portraits. We went to some of the couple’s favorite places to take photos and just enjoy the beautiful day. They told me they went to the forge the day before to have some custom things made.
We finished the day with a drink at the Pirate bar and a little jousting entertainment. Maureen’s sister is a professional jouster, so it was extra special.
Jonathan & Caeline chose to have their engagement photos at Mercer Botanic Gardens. This is one of my favorite places to find bright & beautiful colors almost year-round.
Caeline said she was looking for Spring Court vibes… if you know you know 😆
We wondered around the gardens trying to recreate that light and airy romantic feeling in all of their photos. Take a look and tell me what you think? Is it giving Tamlyn & Feyre? Have you read the second book? 🤫
Phillip & Erica’s Brazos Bend State Park Engagement portraits.
one of my ALL TIME favorite locations to take any sort of photos is the Brazos Bend State Park. I grew up in the area and have vivid memories of trekking through the trails hoping (or not hoping) to spot alligators. On several occasions, I have dragged The Spawn through the trails (and will probably hit it up again this Spring Break).
Phillip and Erica are one of my adventure couples. They enjoy hiking and the great outdoors. In fact, their wedding was held at the end of last year at Enchanted rock (blog to come), a 424 foot hike up the rock.
I enjoyed getting to know the couple during our hike through the woods and onto docks at Brazos Bend. Check out some of their engagement portraits below!
Lee & Stephany’s JP wedding at the downtown Houston courthouse.
Monday Andy and I took the spawn to the local courthouse to get his very first passport. That reminded me of this amazing JP wedding I shot downtown last year. The interesting thing about the JP weddings at the downtown courthouse is that they don’t happen in an actual court but in the rotunda. Family can line up along the spiral staircase or around the edge of the rotunda to watch.
Before Lee and Stephany’s wedding, we took some family photos as well as couple portraits around the courthouse. I loved getting to meet their fur-baby and taking some photos of him as well.
Victor & Jordyn’s spring field engagement in Houston.
Close to the end of spring flower season last year, Victor and Jordyn met me at Memorial Park to take some photos in a cute little field just beyond the regular running/walking paths. Luckily there were still some wildflowers in the field, including thistle (which I love!). I enjoyed walking through the small paths made by human or animal as we chatted about all things wedding and life in general.
Andres & Leticia’s Eleanor Tinsley Park Engagement Portraits.
Eleanor Tinsley is such a versatile place to take your engagement photos. I love that you can see both the city skyline as well as ancient oak trees and unique statues and water features in the park.
I met Andrew & Leticia near Waugh bridge on a beautiful day in spring last year. We walked a bit of a circle around Buffalo Bayou trying out parts of the park I hadn’t visited yet. I didn’t know there was a dog park there or so many awesome bridges.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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