Hello everyone, and Happy New Year! I am so excited to step into 2021! I always find myself reflecting on the past at this time of year, while simultaneously looking forward to the future – so it feels fitting to post about Alexa and Chris’s St. Anthony Hotel Wedding in San Antonio. Their beautiful celebration truly honored San Antonio’s history, while looking ahead to new chapters.

Alexa and Chris tied the knot at the St. Anthony Hotel on San Antonio’s Riverwalk, in August of 2020. The St. Anthony is a gem of the city – a magical place with timeless yet unique style, and a truly fascinating past. Built in 1909, it was the first luxury hotel in San Antonio, with electric doors and lights that automatically turned off when guests left their rooms! It was considered one of the most modern hotels in the world when it opened, and dignitaries and movie stars have graced its halls for over a century. Alexa and Chris looked right at home amidst the elegance! Alexa was absolutely stunning in her Liancarlo gown from Julian Gold Bridal — another San Antonio treasure. Between the elegant formal wear and the storied location, you could almost feel that you’d stepped into another time.

The celebration’s success was that much more amazing considering the challenges of 2020. Alexa and Chris were able to keep their original date, but did end up downsizing their guest list due to Covid. However, the day was wonderful and they were so relaxed, enjoying their guests to the fullest. One of the most touching moments was during the toasts. The words spoken were truly from the heart – incredible and personal and deep. Everyone was teary-eyed.

I hope the pictures convey what a joyful day this was – and I wish you all health and happiness in the year ahead!

View more of my wedding portfolio.

The Landa Library Gardens is one of the most beautiful places in San Antonio for bridal photos. This incredible historic property was donated by Harry Landa in 1946 to the City of San Antonio as a memorial to his wife, Hannah. So incredibly sweet. The house was to be used as a public library, the grounds as a playground for children, and the public area for the community.

The bride wore two wedding gowns by Kelly Faetanini and a few accessories by Cult Gaia and Lele Sadoughi, perfect for the romantic and modern type.

Bridal Photos in San Antonio at Landa Library Gardens. View my portfolio.

I am thrilled to begin November with a post about Lindsey and John’s gorgeous wedding at The Addison Grove in Austin, Texas! I was lucky enough to work with these two on their engagement session earlier this year, and immediately began looking forward to photographing their wedding. Lindsey has so much energy and passion for life and John is like a strong, calm rock – they complement one another so well, and it’s truly a delight to be around them!

Before the ceremony at Emmaus Catholic Church, Lindsey spent time getting ready with her nearest and dearest, and you could tell that everyone was so excited to be there to celebrate and support her. As she came down the aisle, the look of quiet joy on John’s face spoke volumes – he was so ready to be married to this stunning woman!

The Addison Grove is truly a spectacular venue, but that’s no surprise, because it’s co-owned by brother and sister Matt Heyens and Jodi Strenkowski. Jodi also owns The Merrimon-Wynne House in Raleigh, North Carolina, where I’ve had the pleasure of photographing many celebrations over the years. Like The Merrimon, Addison Grove’s mission is to help every guest make beautiful memories with totally unique celebrations and flawless hospitality. They absolutely achieve their goal! Lindsey and John’s reception was held in The Addison’s barn space, which has all the rustic charm suggested by its name, but modern touches like the perfect floor for dancing and a great spot for a live band. Lindsey and John took full advantage of these amenities, getting down with their guests and loving every minute!

At the end of the night, as the happy husband and wife made their way through the fun second line and a row of twinkling sparklers, I felt so grateful to have been included in this joyous day! I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them!

Vendors:

Venue: The Addison Grove / Planner: Valerie Miller Events / Videographer: Cloud Craft Studios / Florist: Good Seed Floral / Stationery: Hark Creative Co. / Cake Artist: Michelle’s Patisserie / Catering: Royal Fig Catering / Reception music: Matchmaker Band / Bride H&M: Michel Melancon / Bridesmaids H&M: Lux Beauty & Bridal / Wedding Dress Lazarro / Veil: David’s Bridal / Bridesmaids dress: Mumu / Groom and Groomsmen’s attire: The Black Tux

It’s been such a pleasure looking back on last year in recent blog posts – and now I’m excited to share details from my final wedding of 2019! I have always wanted to visit Asia, so I was thrilled when I got an email asking if I would travel to China to photograph this celebration on the island of Sanya in Hainan. I never imagined that China was home to a tropical location like this! The vegetation looked so much like Brazil – there were palm trees and bougainvilleas everywhere! Truly an incredible backdrop for this sumptuous wedding.

Although the bride and groom reside in New York, they chose to marry in China, where both of their families share roots. The ceremony and reception took place at the Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort, which sits on a beach overlooking the South China Sea. The hotel is designed to feel like a private mansion on the water, with panoramic windows in the guest rooms that make for the most spectacular views. The wedding itself was as lavish as the surroundings! The day began with a tea ceremony, and the main ceremony took place in the afternoon – with three complete hair, makeup and dress changes for the bride along the way! Vows were exchanged on one of the hotel’s extraordinary outdoor terraces, a glass platform built on top of a fountain. It felt like the ceremony was floating on water, and the stunning flower scheme only added to the magic effect!

This wedding was truly an experience unlike any other, and top it off, my husband was able to join me for the trip. We spent two weeks in Asia, visiting Hanoi and Halong Bay in Vietnam, then traveling to Hong Kong and finally landing in Sanya to finish out our tour with this celebration. I love to see other cultures – it broadens my view of the world. This trip was truly a dream, and I already want to go back badly!

In the meantime, I’m grateful to hold on to the memories, and to be able to revisit the photographs. I hope you enjoy them too!

Park Hyatt Sanya Resort Chinese Wedding. Click here to view my portfolio.