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Why Your First Dance Should Follow Your Grand Entrance

The grand entrance at a wedding is one of those big, unforgettable moments. You and your partner step into the room as newlyweds for the first time, and everyone’s eyes are on you. It’s electric, exciting, and filled with joy. So, why not take advantage of that energy and dive straight into your first dance? Here’s why having your first dance right after your grand entrance can be a magical choice:

1. Ride the Wave of Excitement

Your grand entrance sets the tone for the rest of the celebration. The energy is high, the crowd is cheering, and everyone is already on their feet. This is the perfect moment to glide straight into your first dance while the excitement is at its peak. It makes the transition seamless and keeps the momentum going, making the moment feel even more special and cinematic.

2. Break the Ice and Calm the Nerves

Let’s be real—dancing in front of a crowd can be nerve-wracking. But guess what? The hardest part is already done. You’ve walked in, the spotlight is on you, and everyone is already cheering. By jumping right into your first dance, you can get the most nerve-wracking part of the reception over with quickly. Plus, that initial excitement can help ease any lingering jitters, allowing you to focus on each other and enjoy the dance rather than worrying about it all night.

3. Create a Natural Flow for Your Reception

Starting your first dance immediately after the entrance creates a smooth, natural flow to your reception timeline. It avoids the awkward “What happens next?” moment for both you and your guests. Your guests are already focused on you, making it the perfect opportunity to keep the spotlight and move effortlessly into a romantic moment. Afterward, you can transition into dinner, toasts, or even open up the dance floor, all without missing a beat.

4. Capture Stunning, Emotion-Filled Photos

Your photographer is primed and ready to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments during your grand entrance. By having your first dance right after, you’re giving them the perfect opportunity to capture a sequence of high-energy, emotional shots. You’ll get photos filled with raw, genuine emotion—the joy on your faces as you walk in and the love between you as you share that first dance.

5. Keep Your Guests Engaged

Let’s face it—there’s always a bit of a lull in the wedding reception when guests are waiting for the next big moment. By going straight into your first dance, you keep the energy high and the guests engaged. It’s a way of telling your guests, “The party starts now!” Plus, it gives them a beautiful, intimate moment to enjoy before they get swept up in the festivities.

6. Start the Celebration on a Romantic Note

Your first dance is a beautiful, romantic highlight of the day. By starting the reception with this intimate moment, you set a loving tone for the entire evening. It’s a way to signal that this celebration is about the two of you and your unique love story. The rest of the night then becomes a continuation of that story, with your guests dancing, laughing, and celebrating alongside you.

7. Maximize Dance Floor Time Later

By having your first dance early, you free up the dance floor for later in the evening. Once the formalities are out of the way, you can spend more time on the dance floor with your guests without worrying about fitting in your first dance. This means more time for everyone to let loose and enjoy the party!

In Summary

Having your first dance immediately after your grand entrance is like catching lightning in a bottle. It’s a seamless, exciting way to keep the energy high, engage your guests, and start the celebration with a romantic flair. You’ll break the ice, set the tone for the evening, and create a series of unforgettable moments that flow naturally into the rest of your reception. So, why wait? Take that energy and turn it into a memory you’ll cherish forever.

  • Shirley Acres Wedding Photography
  • Star Wars Houston Wedding Photographer

 

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:

Houston engagement photography rock wall gym

Exploring Wedding Ceremony Styles: Unplugged vs. Non-Unplugged

Weddings are deeply personal celebrations that reflect the couple’s style, values, and vision for their special day. One increasingly important decision couples face is whether to have an unplugged or non-unplugged ceremony. Each approach offers unique benefits and considerations, catering to different preferences and priorities. Let’s delve into the characteristics of both styles to help you decide which aligns best with your wedding dreams.

Unplugged Wedding Ceremonies:

Embracing the Moment

1. The Digital Detox: In an unplugged ceremony, guests are encouraged to disconnect from their devices. This fosters a serene atmosphere where everyone can fully immerse themselves in the magic of the ceremony without distractions. Professional photographers capture the essence of the event, ensuring that intimate moments remain private and special.

2. Respectful Engagement: By asking guests to refrain from taking photos or videos, couples emphasize the importance of being present. This not only enhances the emotional experience but also shows respect for the sanctity of the ceremony.

3. Enhanced Privacy: Couples who value privacy appreciate the intimacy an unplugged ceremony offers. Without guests capturing and sharing every moment online, the focus remains on the couple and their vows, creating a more sacred and personal atmosphere.

Some ways to achieve this (Repetition is key!) :

  • Announce on your wedding website what you expect from your guests during the ceremony
  • Remind guests on your programs
  • Have your ushers/officiant remind guests before the ceremony starts
  • Promise to share photos with the wedding guests once you get them back

Non-Unplugged Wedding Ceremonies:

Celebrating with Technology

1. Guest Participation: For some couples, involving guests in capturing the ceremony enhances the sense of community and celebration. Guests are encouraged to take photos and videos, sharing the joyous occasion in real-time with loved ones who couldn’t attend. During your ceremony, you might want to enforce some rules (like the people on the isle seats are not allowed to use their devices, but can pass them to the person next to them to make sure they are not in your photographer’s way).

2. Immediate Sharing: Non-unplugged ceremonies allow for instant sharing of special moments on social media platforms. This can be particularly meaningful for couples who want to include distant friends and family in their celebration or who enjoy the immediate gratification of seeing their wedding day unfold online.

3. Diverse Perspectives: Guests’ photos and videos provide a variety of perspectives and memories of the ceremony. This can complement professional photography by capturing spontaneous moments and candid emotions that add depth to the couple’s wedding day story.

Some ways to achieve this:

  • By allowing guests to take photos during a designated time at your wedding. You may have your officiant ask guests to take their phones out once you are both at the alter then have you turn to your guests and strike a pose for them. Then they ask your guests to keep their phones in their pockets for the remainder of the ceremony.
  • You can also have your officiant lay down a set of rules before the ceremony starts. i.e:
    • All devices are on silent
    • You may not stand to get a photo or be disruptive to the guest behind you.
    • If you are in a coveted aisle seat, you have one of the best seats in the house and because of that, you are not allowed to take photos or video with your devices, but you can have the person next to you take pictures and videos with your device.

Choosing the Right Style for You:

1. Reflecting Your Values: Consider what matters most to you as a couple. Are you drawn to the idea of a serene, distraction-free ceremony where you and your guests can be fully present? Or do you envision a lively celebration where technology enhances the communal experience?

2. Privacy vs. Sharing: Think about how you want to share your wedding day with others. Do you prefer to keep intimate moments private, or do you enjoy the idea of sharing your joyous occasion with a wider audience in real-time?

3. Creating Memories: Reflect on the type of memories you want to cherish from your wedding day. Are you more interested in curated, professional photos that capture the essence of the ceremony? Or do you value the spontaneity and varied perspectives that guests’ photos and videos provide?

Ultimately, whether you choose an unplugged or non-unplugged ceremony, the most important thing is that it reflects your love story and makes you feel comfortable and joyful on your special day. Each style offers its own unique charm and benefits, ensuring that your wedding ceremony is a true reflection of your personalities and priorities as a couple.

Enchanted Rock Adventure weddingShirley Acres Wedding Photography

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

 

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.

Star Wars Wedding Detail
  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.

  • Houston Lord of the Rings Wedding
  • Texas Ren Fest Wedding Photography
  • Lord of the Rings themed wedding
  • Nerdy wedding photographer houston
  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!

Santos & Ana’s Backyard Wedding

Santos & Ana’s small backyard summer Houston wedding photography.

As a fellow backyard wedding bride, I really felt drawn to Santos and Ana’s wedding. They enlisted friends and family to make their wedding truly special.

After going through such a hot, dry July it was crazy that the sky finally opened up and started raining, just before Santos and Anna’s wedding. This happens. Mother nature has her own plans. I tell all of my couples getting married on rainy days that rain is good luck on your wedding day. I actually have a whole blog about it. The couple bounced back and forth with the location of the ceremony, but the rain cased just before their wedding and they were able to hold the ceremony and reception outside.

I was in awe at the full island charcuterie spread, the adorable decorations and the floor seating style. The cute coffee table seating was so unique to experience at a wedding. It felt like everyone sitting on the floor had a closer connection to each other because of it. Those who didn’t want to sit on the floor or couldn’t, walked around or sat outside by the bar.

Probably my favorite decoration from this wedding was the golden retriever with cake in it’s mouth by the wedding cake. The couple had pictures of their golden retriever all over including as table numbers. I just love it when couples can incorporate their fur-babies into their wedding, whether they bring them along or they are there in spirit as a cocktail name or place cards.

Also, the bubble gun was an amazing trick for a wedding photographer. I’ll have to get one to use in the future.

See all the photos from Santos & Anna’s wedding below.

 

 

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Kelly Urban Photography — Houston wedding photography

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!

How to Address Dress Code for your Wedding

Wedding dress code can be a touchy subject to try to get across to your guests. Some are more than happy to be told what to wear while others may need a little more encouragement, or even visual cues.

Weather you’re trying to encourage guests to dress appropriately for the condition of your wedding (ie: a forest wedding with no concrete, or an outdoor winter wedding) or you want to encourage your guests to dress in a theme, I’ve got some helpful tips for you.

Step 1:

Polity indicate on your invitations what the dress code is. Don’t get creative, just be straight forward with your instructions, but make sure to word it as a suggestion and not a demand. for example, if you’re getting married on the beach in the summer, you could indicate on the bottom “PS the wedding will be on the beach. We suggest wearing appropriate footwear for sand.” Use words like Suggest, Encourage, Consider.

Step 2:

Reinforce your dress code on your wedding website. Here is where you can be creative with your suggestions and instructions. You have the space and time to indicate on your wedding website why you are suggesting a certain dress code or what the look you’re going for is. Again, be polite and never force any of your guests into a dress code.

Some things you can do/say on your wedding website:

  • Inform your guests of what the look is you’re going for. If you want to have a “Red wedding” you can tell your guests that you are suggesting they wear red because the theme of the wedding is “Red Wedding” and you want the photos from your wedding to look amazing!
  • you can use imagery on your wedding website to help show guests what they should consider wearing to your wedding. Have a bunch of inspiration photos from Pinterest or the internet and show some examples of what you’re looking for.
  • If you’re having a costume party wedding, you could also inform the guests that you’re having a costume contest at your reception and the winners get a prize. Make it fun for them and give them incentives to have fun with the dress code. This technique could also work for a black-tie wedding or an “out-do-the-bride” dress code. You could have a runway show with your guests and crown the winner afterwords.
  • Most importantly, be polite. No one wants find out their wedding website wound up on an “Am I the Asshole” site.

What are your thoughts? Do you have any suggestions you would add?

Private last dance at your wedding

As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen trends come and go. One of the latest trends making its rounds in the wedding circuit is the private last dance.

It’s exactly what you would think it is. At the end of your wedding reception, as guests are instructed to head outside to set up for your grand exit, you and your spouse are in the venue having one last dance. It’s just you two, the DJ or band and your photographer left.

Obviously it’s not completely private. Because the only other people left are wedding vendors it feels private.

There are many things I love about the private last dance. Getting to see the last bits of quiet intimacy between the happy couple before they join the bustling real world. I love that these precious moments spent between the couple also give the wedding party time to set up. It feels like a well oiled machine. Everything is timed so nicely for the couple. After their dance they walk right out to their getaway car to end their magical night.

What are your thoughts? Would you have a private last dance at your wedding?

Katy Texas Wedding Photography

 

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

A Southwest Houston wedding photographer
Richmond, TX

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

A Houston wedding photographer