Tag Archives: photography

Clare & Kara’s Wedding at The Bell Tower on 34th

Love was in the air on a beautiful evening in Houston as Clare and Kara exchanged vows in the breathtaking Candela Ballroom at The Bell Tower on 34th. Nestled in the heart of the city, this iconic venue provided the perfect backdrop for a celebration that was equal parts elegant, intimate, heartfelt, and unforgettable. From the moment guests arrived, it was clear that this wedding was going to be something truly special.

The Venue: A Dream Come True

The Candela Ballroom at The Bell Tower on 34th is known for its timeless charm and grandeur, and Clare and Kara’s wedding showcased the space at its absolute best. The ceremony took place under the ballroom’s stunning chandeliers, which cast a warm, romantic glow over the room. As the sun set outside, the ballroom felt like a world of its own—a space filled with love, joy, and celebration.

The reception was held in the same ballroom, which was transformed into a wonderland of soft pastels, gold accents, and cascading floral arrangements. The couple’s attention to detail was evident in every corner, from the personalized table settings to the custom dance floor that bore their initials. It was a space that perfectly reflected their love—beautiful, thoughtful, and full of joy.

The Ceremony: A Celebration of Love

Clare and Kara’s ceremony was a heartfelt celebration of their journey together. As they walked down the aisle together, surrounded by their closest friends and family, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. The couple made a bold and personal statement by wearing matching rainbow Converse sneakers, a nod to their vibrant personalities and shared love. It was a small but powerful detail that perfectly captured their spirit.

One of the most touching moments came when Clare’s brother (and Kara’s brother-in-law) performed a song he had written specifically for the couple. His heartfelt lyrics and soulful voice filled the room, bringing tears to everyone’s eyes. It was a beautiful tribute to their love and the bond they share with their family.

The Reception: A Night of Joy and Celebration

After the ceremony, the celebration kicked into high gear. Guests were treated to a cocktail hour in a stunning outdoor space while the ceremony hall turned into the reception hall.

The reception was a night of non-stop dancing, laughter, and celebration. The newlyweds shared their first dance to a song that held special meaning to them, and soon after, the dance floor was packed with guests showing off their best moves. The DJ kept the energy high, mixing classic hits with modern favorites, ensuring that everyone—from grandparents to college friends—had a blast.

Sweet Treats and Special Guests

No wedding is complete without dessert, and Clare and Kara’s celebration did not disappoint. Alchemy Bake Lab was on hand with an array of stunning and delicious treats, from delicate glittering cake balls to vibrant rainbow rice crispy treats. The dessert table was a work of art, and guests couldn’t resist sampling every sweet offering.

Another heartwarming detail of the evening was the presence of several of Kara’s students, both past and present. As a beloved teacher, Kara has touched countless lives, and it was incredibly moving to see so many of her students there to celebrate her special day. Their presence was a testament to the impact she has had on their lives and the love and respect they have for her.

A Love That Shines Bright

Clare and Kara’s wedding at The Bell Tower on 34th was more than just a celebration; it was a testament to the power of love and the joy that comes from sharing it with the people who matter most. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness for this incredible couple—may their love continue to shine as brightly as it did on their wedding day.


If you’re planning your own wedding and looking for a venue that combines elegance, charm, and a touch of magic, The Bell Tower on 34th is a must-see. Clare and Kara’s special day is proof that it’s the perfect place to say “I do.”

 

 

Why I Host an Engagement Portrait Giveaway and How to Enter

Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, filled with countless decisions and unforgettable moments. One of the most cherished parts of this journey is the engagement period—a time to celebrate your love and look forward to your future together. To help couples capture this special time, I run an engagement portrait giveaway. Here’s why I do it and how you can enter for a chance to win!

Why I Run an Engagement Portrait Giveaway

1. Celebrating Love Stories:
Every couple has a unique love story, and I’m passionate about capturing these stories through my lens. By offering a giveaway, I get to meet and photograph diverse couples, each with their own special journey.

2. Making Memories Accessible:
Professional photography can be a significant investment, and not everyone has the budget for it. This giveaway helps couples who might not otherwise have the opportunity to get beautiful, professional engagement photos.

3. Building Connections:
I love connecting with new people and hearing their stories. This giveaway is a fantastic way to build relationships with like-minded couples, many of whom I continue to work with for their wedding and beyond.

4. Spreading Joy:
There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing the joy on a couple’s faces when they receive their engagement photos. These images become cherished memories, and knowing I played a part in that is priceless.

How to Enter the Engagement Portrait Giveaway

Entering the giveaway is simple and straightforward. Here’s how you can participate:

1. Follow Me on Instagram:
Make sure you’re following my Instagram account @kellyurbanphotography. This way, you’ll stay updated on all the latest news, tips, and announcements.

2. Like the Giveaway Post:
Find the giveaway announcement post on my Instagram feed. Like the post to show your interest.

3. Share Your Love Story:
In the comments section of the giveaway post, share a brief version of your love story. Tell me what makes your relationship unique and why you’d love to win an engagement portrait session.

4. Tag Friends:
Tag at least two friends who are engaged or might be interested in the giveaway. The more people you tag, the higher your chances of winning!

5. Optional: Share the Post:
For an extra entry, share the giveaway post on your Instagram story and tag me so I can see it. This helps spread the word and increases your chances of winning.

6. Fill out the form:
Don’t forget to fill out the form on my website (Engagement Giveaway entry page) to complete your entry. This is the most important part of the giveaway.

What You’ll Win

The winning couple will receive:

  • A one-hour engagement portrait session at a location we decide on together.
  • A digital gallery of professionally edited images.
  • Full print rights to all your photos.
  • A fun and memorable experience capturing your love story.

I can’t wait to read your stories and meet the lucky couple! Whether you’ve just started your engagement journey or are well on your way to planning your wedding, this giveaway is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate your love and create lasting memories.

Giveaway ends on August the 15th, so don’t dilly dally!

May the odds be ever in your favor!

Past winners:

Sandlewood Manor Wedding Photography

A Red Wedding with a happy ending (because we all needed one!)

Lukas & Tori’s stunning wedding at Sandlewood manor was one for the ages! I honestly don’t know how they did it. Everything was immaculately selected and matched perfectly(red is an IMPOSSIBLE color to match!) Their personality was so bright and bubbly, the red was a perfect choice against the staunch white of the venue.

Because of the venue’s policy on real flowers inside their chapel, we had an abundance of real red rose petals after the ceremony that we were able to play with. It was so much fun getting the wedding party involved!

After taking our time getting all the amazing portraits, we headed into the reception hall for the grand entrance and the first dance. The couple had a desert bar as well as a coffee & tea station (so cool!) and probably my most favorite part of their reception decor was the red telephone for guests to leave a sweet message for the couple.

As the night winded to a close, Tori had an outfit chance then the couple had a private last dance while guests set up for the sparkler exit on the front drive. Lukas and Tori exited amongst friends and family through the sparklers flames to the cherry red Corvette.

What a night! Check out the vendors & photos below

 

My Favorite Wedding DJ’s

Vendor Highlight!

Music is an important part of your wedding day. Whether you are only using music only for your reception, or plan on having a string quartet play Bridgerton style music all day long, music sets the tone.

As a former marching band nerd, I’m a little partial to music. Over my years as a wedding photographer, I’ve worked with all sorts of DJ’s and bands. Today, I wanted to talk about my favorite DJ’s.

It’s important to first figure out what you want and need before you choose a DJ. Are you looking for someone with extensive knowledge in music from your culture? Are you looking for someone who will help to get the dance floor hoppin’? Maybe you’re looking for something a little softer, like delicate background noise for your wedding.

DJ’s who get the party started (Dance & interact with the guests)

What are your thoughts? Have you worked with an amazing DJ or know an amazing DJ? Leave a comment below with their information!

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

A Southwest Houston wedding photographer
Richmond, TX

A Houston wedding photographer