Rustic Southern Wedding by Akil Bennett Photography

Lindsey and her groom David wanted a rustic, yet elegant outdoor wedding that combined their Texan roots and laid-back style. “I wanted candles and flowers, and lots of them,” says Lindsey. “I wanted a night that not only represented and honored David and I, but our families and friends as well,” she adds. Soft lighting, wooden accents, hints of burlap and a soft color palette made Lindsey and David’s vision of a night underneath-the-stars come to life. We fell in love with their wedding and are sure you will, too. Thanks Akil Bennett for the beautiful photos and congrats to the newlyweds!

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Photos: Akil Bennett Photography ~ Venue: The Orchard at Caney Creek ~ Rings & Jewelry: Zadok Jewelers ~ Lighting: Bright Star Productions ~ Registry: Bering’s

Coral and Blue Wedding at Chateau Polonez by Akil Bennett Photography

WEDDINGS IN HOUSTON Spring 2015 | Real Wedding Feature

Julie & Justin ~ April 25, 2014

While European-themed Chateau Polonez was the site of their spring wedding, it was the allure of the islands that served as inspiration for Julie and Justin’s memorable celebration. The couple, who became engaged in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, and would eventually honeymoon in French Polynesia, infused their special day with “beachy” elements, from a blue-and-coral palette to sand-rock-and-starfish candle displays, to guest tables named for famed island destinations. Did the newlyweds sail off into the sunset? Not exactly. But after hours of dancing and dining with those they loved most, they did drive off in a 1965 Rolls-Royce the groom had always coveted. “We had such a wonderful time,” the bride says, “and were so thankful to have our family and loved ones there.”

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Photos: Akil Bennett Photography ~ Wedding Dress: Brickhouse Bridal ~ M.O.B. Dress: T. Carolyn Fashions ~ Venue: Chateau Polonez ~ Officiant: Minister Lynn Turner from Weddings Performed ~ Honeymoon: Tahiti & Moorea

Ballroom Bliss at The Four Seasons Hotel Houston by Akil Bennett Photography

A Day To Remember brings together classic elegance with a contemporary touch at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Houston. Check out the lovely photos from Akil Bennett Photography below. We are swooning, aren’t you?

Stylist & Design: A Day To Remember ~ Photography: Akil Bennett Photography ~ Venue: Four Seasons Hotel Houston ~ Gown: Ivory Bridal Atelier ~ Hair & Makeup: Hilda Kershman, Makeup Artist ~ Tuxedo: Al’s Formal Wear ~ Flowers: Flora & Eventi ~ Linens & Chairs: EB Inc. Event Rentals & Design ~ Lighting: DJU Productions ~ Rentals: Any Occasion Party Rentals ~ Cakes & Desserts: Supreme Kakes & More ~ Pianist: Scott Graham Piano

Modern Architecture Inspired Wedding at Hotel ZaZa by Akil Bennett Photography

Mothers have a knack for picking out things they are sure their daughter will like. Carrie’s mom knew that she would like James, and she was right. The two lovebirds instantly hit it off and the rest was history. James planned the perfect intimate proposal in the Four Seasons Houston Hotel private wine room and later joined friends and family who were waiting to celebrate in the main dining room. When planning their wedding, Carrie and James had a vision of their Hotel ZaZa wedding to feel like a fabulous, modern cocktail party, and that’s exactly what it was. “The décor had a modern feel to it with the main design theme being the absence of a color scheme. Instead, we chose to go with architectural light displays and black accents”, says Carrie. The reception was a party that you wouldn’t want to miss, and the guests fully enjoyed every bit of the band, comedian, cigar roller station, and caricature artist while nibbling on delish Nutella and chocolate chip cookies and mini coke floats! Sounds pretty amazing, right? Wait ‘til you see all the sweet pictures from Akil Bennett! Congrats and best wishes to the newlyweds!

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Photos: Akil Bennett Photography ~ Proposal Location: Four Seasons Hotel Houston ~ Ceremony & Reception Venue: Hotel ZaZa ~ Wedding Gown: Pnina Tornai ~ Shoes: Jimmy Choo ~ Invitations: Tangerine Paper Space

Hindu-American Wedding by Akil Bennett Photography

“It was very important to us that our wedding day reflect both of our cultural heritages and traditions. We are thrilled we were able to incorporate two very different ceremonies into one (very long) day!” says bride, Becky. The Hindu marriage ceremony took place in the morning at the Omni Houston Hotel, “Starting with a boisterous barat procession with Aneesh along with his family and friends joyously dancing their way to the mandap (marriage pavilion), and ending with an Indian feast for lunch,” adds Becky. The Catholic ceremony was held that same evening (yes, that same day) where Becky wore a stunning lace Martina Liana gown from Brickhouse Bridal. Becky and Aneesh wanted to transform their reception venue into a small Tuscan village in the Italian countryside. “Between the bouquets of peonies and hydrangeas, the candles that filled the room with a soft glow, the tables named after Italian places close to our hearts, the Prosecco and Chianti that flowed throughout the evening, and the delectable Italian dinner, we truly felt transported,” says Becky. If you think their wedding sounds beautiful, just wait ‘til you see the pics! Thank you Akil Bennett for the fabulous photos and congrats to the newlyweds!

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Photos: Akil Bennett Photography ~ Ceremony Venue: Omni Houston Hotel ~ Reception Venue: River Oaks Country Club ~ Wedding Gown Designer: Martina Liana from Brickhouse Bridal ~ Wedding Band: Zadok Jewelers ~ Florist: AJ’s Urban Petals ~ Cake: Susie’s Cakes & Confections ~ Registry: Williams-Sonoma

Romantic Hotel ZaZa Spring Wedding by Akil Bennett Photography

“We met at a charity camp for children with cancer called Candlelighter’s, back in El Paso,” recounts recent bride Paige. “Patrick was the counselor for the youngest boys and I was the counselor for the youngest girls. Patrick had a ‘tough guy’ exterior, but seeing him with those children, gentle and kind, melted my heart and I was immediately in love. By the end of the camp we were constantly talking and flirting, sharing music and books; it was a beautiful beginning to a beautiful relationship.” We’ll second that, Paige. And third it. And just melt over it right along with you, while we sigh over Akil Bennett’s gorgeous photos of your Hotel ZaZa spring wedding. Thank you so much for donating your time and love to children in need, and for sharing your beautiful day with our beautiful Houston brides. Congratulations!

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Photos: Akil Bennett Photography ~ Bridal Gown: Ella Blu ~ Bride’s Shoes: Yves Saint Laurent ~ Bridesmaids Dresses: Now & Forever Bridal Boutique ~ Groom’s Suit: Hugo Boss ~ Wedding Reception Venue: Hotel ZaZa ~ Cake: Who Made The Cake! ~ Registry: Macy’s Wedding Gift & Registry

Cream, Champagne, Gold & Bronze Wedding at The Parador by Akil Bennett Photography

“We wanted our day to reflect a coming together and honoring of those we love, so the winter season seemed like the perfect time for our celebration. I never could have imagined just how beautiful the evening would be, and my initial entry into the ballroom brought me to tears. The intimate lighting of hundreds of candles, the warmth of white lights on fir trees, the live jazz band playing classic tunes in the background, and being surrounded by the faces of those we hold closest to our hearts made it feel like an evening of coming home,” says Houston bride Ashley. The European-style gardens and elegant simplicity of The Parador made it the perfect venue for the couple, who brought in subtle design elements in a soft, romantic color palette of cream, champagne, gold and bronze. Please excuse us while we swoon over the gorgeous photos of this beautiful wedding by Akil Bennett Photography. We promise you will, too. Congrats to the lovely couple!

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Photos: Akil Bennett Photography ~ Flowers: Cornelius Florist Northwest ~ Cake: Nutmeg & Co. ~ Decor & Rentals: Jacquelyn Nicole Weddings ~ Wedding Gown: Alfred Angelo ~ MOB Dress: David’s Bridal ~ Wedding Venue: The Parador ~ Lighting & Entertainment: DJU Productions

Vintage Garden Theme Wedding at Hotel Galvez by Akil Bennett Photography

Let’s face it. Planning an outdoor wedding in Texas, especially Galveston, can be pretty risky due to unexpected weather patterns. Don’t let that bring you down! You can always bring the outside in, which is exactly what Ally’s father suggested. With the help of the florist, Ally’s dream of an outside wedding indoors came to life at Galveston’s premier wedding venue, Hotel Galvez. The ceiling was covered in vines and Spanish moss to create an enchanted look as if you were standing underneath a tree. Garden-like centerpieces were seen throughout the ballroom. Sounds lovely? Just wait ‘til you see these sweet pics by Akil Bennett of Akil Bennett Photography. Congrats Ally & Zach on a beautiful wedding & best wishes!

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Photos: Akil Bennett Photography ~ Rehearsal Dinner Location: The Lasker Inn ~ Ceremony Location: The Lyceum of Galveston Island ~ Reception: Hotel Galvez & Spa ~ Bridal Gown Designer: Paloma Blanca ~ Bridal Gown Salon & Accessories: Mia Bridal Couture ~ Makeup & Hair: The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center ~ Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal ~ Catering: Hotel Galvez & Spa ~ Lighting: Bright Star Productions ~ Registry: Macy’s Wedding Gift & Registry, Williams-Sonoma, Target and Crate & Barrel