Megan & John: The Wedding

Megan and John were married at Paraiso Maravilla on a chilly winter evening in December. My previous blog entry concentrated on the stunning visual detail of their celebration-- this one will concentrate on the people and the celebration.

A string ensemble and a choir perched in the second floor balcony provided a ceremony laced with beautiful music-- an important component to both the bride and groom.

The soft glow of candlelight filled the room as Megan entered on her father's arm, and John's smile stretched from ear to ear. One of my favorite shots is that of Megan "having a moment" before walking down the aisle.

There were religious readings, as well as beautiful reading from a weathered copy of Ernest Hemingway's "A Farewell to Arms":

That night at the hotel, in our room with the long empty hall outside and our shoes outside the door, a thick carpet on the floor of the room, outside the windows the rain falling and in the room light and pleasant and cheerful, then the light out and it exciting with smooth sheets and the bed comfortable, feeling that we had come home, feeling no longer alone, walking in the night to find the other one there, and not gone away; all other things were unreal. We slept when we were tired and if we woke the other one woke too so one was not alone. Often a man wishes to be alone and a girl wishes to be alone too and if they love each other they are jealous of that in each other, but I can truly say we never felt that. We could feel alone when we were together, alone against the others.


When the anticipated first kiss was over, Megan was glowing with married radiance, John proud to be her husband. I was able to sweep them away for some snuggly romantic shots together both indoors and out-- one of my favorites is under the mistletoe.

They danced and visited all evening in a room full of warmth despite the chilling wind outdoors. At the end of the evening, they made their way to the limo beneath a flurry of snow thrown by their guests.

Many thanks to Eventology Weddings for Megan & John's referral, and for helping to make the day run smoothly... and Joseph Kovacik of DJ Brothers. Our stunning bride was styled by Kristina of Jordan Temple Makeup.

Click the following links to see this couple's Engagement Portraits and Megan's Bridal Portraits.

Megan & John: The incredible icy details!

Megan and John's wedding was so full of fantastic frosty details! So full, in fact, that I've chosen to blog twice about this wedding-- one blog entry for their details, and one to focus on the people.

Paraiso Maravilla was transformed into an incredible winter wonderland for this blessed event-- complete with snowbirds, snowflakes, wintery crystal wreaths on the doors and walls, candles on every surface, and a Christmas tree under which guests placed the couple's wedding gifts. Attention to detail made everything glisten and glow-- to make guests feel as though they were surrounded by snow, but bathed in warmth and love.

Megan, her mother and bridesmaids, and Kelly Balfour of Eventology Weddings worked together to bring the winter wedding to life!

Don't be shy-- leave these folks a compliment on all their hard work : )

The wedding programs and cake decor mimicked the embroidery pattern (reminiscent of poinsettias) on Megan's gown!


The hip, cool paisley groom's cake, and a wintery church scene snowglobe:


The invitations set the tone of the wedding with their silvery blue ribbon and scrolly font.


Winter whites with glowing candles adorned each table:


Precious little lovebirds perched by a candle, and a frosty Christmas tree decorated with berries and snow!


Megan's exquisite gown:


Another sparkling ornament on the tree...


Mistletoe hung from the arch where guests entered:


The bridesmaids carried simple winter white hand-gathered flowers, and wore cool antique blue satin gowns.


Many warm, peaceful decorations were placed throughout the space, like this simple manger:


"Sentiment Ornaments" were laid out in lieu of a guestbook. Each guest wrote a short note or piece of advice for the couple, and placed the ornaments on the tree.




Pretty place cards and table numbers:


The menus incorporated the same design as the programs and cake, and the tables were sprinkled with icy crystals.


Dining decor


The bride and groom's sweet little frosty lovebird place cards : )


Beautiful dessert gingerbread cookies, homemade by the mother of the bride:

Adrienne + Javier = Love, Fun, and Celebration!

Adrienne and Javier (both Aggies, WHOOP!) were married at St. Patrick's in Galveston, with a reception following at the historic Hotel Galvez... on a super-chilly, crazy-windy December night! Thank Heaven for warm beautiful indoor spaces in which to celebrate.

Where do I even begin? This wedding was full of love, laughter, tears... dancing, food, fun... and as surprises for the guests, the reception featured a photobooth and a hot dog cart for midnight snacks!

Fun was had by guests of all ages. Early in the evening (before "official" dancing had begun) the dance floor was full of cute kids busting moves (even breakdancing) and spinning to their hearts' delight. As the adults joined in the fun after dinner, you could certainly tell everyone was having a great time! Pete of Pete's Mobile DJ kept the party going until it was time for the newlyweds' Rolls Royce getaway.

One of my favorite pictures of the evening is the older flowergirl patiently awaiting wedding cake. She still had her napkin tucked into the neck of her dress, but she was serious with those arms folded, staring disapprovingly as Adrienne and Javier fed cake to one another and kissed... she was on a mission for cake, and not in the mood to wait! p.s., checkout the adorable custom cake-topper (which remained on the cake table for safety's sake).

The Funky Monkey Photobooth was there to provide old-fashioned photobooth entertainment, complete with all kinds of goofy hats, glasses, and other props. Guests could come and go as they pleased, grabbing different friends and relatives to go into the booth with them through the evening. Our blushing bride donned a pointy witch hat for an instant souvenir print with friends!

The entire event was expertly planned and coordinated by Kelly Balfour of Eventology Weddings, who referred Adrienne and Javier to me. Thanks for another smashing party, Kelly!

Special thanks to my assistant Karen, who was indispensable on this particular evening : ) She really caught some great moments on that dance floor, and worked extra hard to help keep me out of the freezing rain as much as possible with our equipment.