I had the priviledge of covering Jennifer and Drew’s wedding a couple of weeks ago.  It was quite an event and you may have seen some of her bridal portraits in my previous blog post.

So, Jennifer got ready at a gorgeous suite at the amazing Hilton Americas.  The view of the downtown area  from the room was spectacular, with the George R. Brown Convention Center to the right and Minute Maid Park in the background.

…and you know, you just can never have enough Big Sexy Hair!

The ceremony took place at the First Methodist Church in Downtown Houston.

Drew spent a little time relaxing and just chilling with the guys prior to the ceremony.

Jennifer ABSOLUTELY LOVED the gift she received from Drew - a magazine cover type photo with some appropriate headlines and family tree in the back.

We had a bit of fun doing some different portraits of Jennifer and the girls.

One last joke before walking down the aisle with her dad.

The ceremony.

Now, one thing Jennifer and Drew did which I am very grateful for is allocate time for creative portraits between the ceremony and the reception.  This allowed us to spend some time getting some relaxed photos at a couple of locations, including back at the Hilton.

After the portraits at the Hilton, we headed to the reception venue - the historic The Parador in the Museum District.

There, we had some more time for a few more portraits.

The reception got started and let me just say that it was a great party.

…and as if one cake wasn’t enough, the best man was celebrating his birthday!

The first dance is always a great opportunity to catch “the look of love”!

And off with a rose petal exit.

Thank you, Jennifer and Drew, for allowing me to be a part of your wonderful day!

I had the pleasure of photographing Jennifer’s bridal session a while ago and now that her wedding has taken place I can share them.

Jennifer is a friend of Amanda’s (bride from September ‘06) and Marissa’s (bride from September ‘07) which gave me an opportunity for my “yearly visit” with Amanda and her wonderful husband John!  It’s becoming a yearly reunion of sorts!

Anyway, Jennifer was simply amazing.  She wanted to get some photos at the church where the ceremony was going to (did) take place.  The church is the beautiful First Methodist Church in downtown Houston - a historic church dating back to 1910 (hey, that’s historic around here!)   We were able to get some beautiful photos without the rush of the wedding day.

We then headed to shoot at The State Bar & Lounge - a location Jennifer had selected for it’s “vintage” feel.   Of course, we failed to realize that on a Sunday it would be closed!  With some very good luck and the amazing help of the fantastic staff at Sambuca Jazz Cafe we were able to use one of the best locations in Houston:    The Crystal Ballroom at the Rice Lofts!  I have photographed weddings there in the past, but being able to spend an hour or so there just photographing a lovely bride was quite a treat.

 Next up will be images from her wedding.   Check back in a couple of days for those.

I wanted to post this last week but just didn’t get around to it.

Anyway, Valerie and Scott got married at the beautiful Chateau Polonez.  While it was a scorching hot and humid day, the atmosphere inside was perfect and it was an incredible event.  I know they had worked hard to make it so - and everything turned out beautiful.

Valerie got ready and looked incredible.

She and the girls enjoyed a few mimosa prior to the ceremony.  I think it helped put everyone at ease and keep them refreshed!

Scott, in the mean time, got himself looking like a very happy guy!

The ceremony had a beautiful backdrop of the lush gardens accented with beautiful floral arrangements from Special Arrangements.

The newlyweds enjoying a loving moment before the party started!

And then the celebration started.  It went by so fast, but they certainly enjoyed their first dance.

Some cake…

And a kiss to make up for the “in your face” approach to eating cake!

They left to a shower of bubbles.

It was a pleasure to be a part of your wedding day and I wish you two the very best as you embark in your life together in the northwest!

I photographed Valerie’s bridals over a month ago and can finally share them as her wedding was last night.

First, let me say that she was amazing.  I have known her mother (a fellow local photographer) for several years and Valerie is just a sweetie.  We photographed the bridals at the Chateau Polonez - the same venue her wedding took place at.  Incredibly gorgeous venue and we took advantage of both its indoor as well as outdoor locations.

I will be posting some images from the wedding later in the week, but for now, let me share some from the bridal session.

And finally my favorite from the entire session.  One of those that you just can’t plan.  As Valerie was getting in front of the weeping willow tree, the wind picked up.

Come back in a few days to see some from the wedding - which was a fun event!

Well, these two finally did it.  What an amazing day.  I’ve gotten to know Mayra and Marcos well during our meetings, the engagement session, working on their Guest Signature Book, and just chatting and I’ve got to say that it was an amazing day.  Let me thank them, their parents, family, and friends for welcoming me and treating me like they did.  I felt as if I was with family all day long and I am very grateful for that.

So, here goes their wedding day in pictures.

The day started with Mayra going from beautiful to STUNNING.

Marcos had a bit of help to get himself looking pretty darn dapper too!

Then it was off to the church.  The wedding took place at the beautiful St. John Vianney Catholic Church. 

Mayra had a few things to complete - like getting into her spectacular dress.  Then it was just a matter of waiting for the ceremony to start.

Now, we have to remember that it is a wedding and a religious ceremony but as photographer I am always thankful for churches that have beautiful light and this was among the most beautiful I’ve ever photographed.

I have to give special thanks the maid of honor for calling me over and forcing me to break the church rules as it allowed me to get this beautiful shot of Marcos gazing at Mayra.

The newlyweds!

This was one of the most fun bridal parties I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.  We went back to Marcos and Mayra’s house for a few photos.

Which included a group hug…

Then it was on to the PARTY!  The beautiful Omni Houston Hotel at Westside for a fun evening.

Mayra and Marcos enjoyed their first dance as husband and wife.

A bit of cake…(notice the knife!)

Everyone danced…

Then the surprises started.  First it was Marcos doing a “strip” to the tune of Etta James’ “You Can Keep Your Hat On”…

A twirl after the “strip” and dance…

Then it was the mariachi band.

When the night was over, the newlyweds headed upstairs.

Thank you again, Mayra and Marcos.  It’s been great getting to know you and it was an honor to be a part of your wedding day.

Oh, and thanks to Shena Cherian of Desi-gn for a great job keeping everything moving along!