Beach Destination Wedding By Civic Photos

beach destination wedding, Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, summer wedding, beach wedding ceremony, floral canopy
Photo: Civic Photos

Starting out as friendly acquaintances at work, ShaQuita and Calvin’s relationship grew following a night out with friends. As they stayed up until five in the morning, it was clear sparks were flying between them, and it wasn’t long before their friendship turned into romance. Five happy years later, Calvin decided ShaQuita was the one for him, and enlisted the help of her mother with his surprise proposal. At a family crawfish boil, “surrounded by family and friends that were all in on it,” the future bride said, “Yes,” through tears of joy. Along with 50 close friends and family, ShaQuita and Calvin made their way to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for a beautiful beach destination wedding. “We were looking for a tropical getaway, especially since Calvin loves the beach,” says the bride. Following their sweet beach ceremony, the lovebirds and their guests feasted on grilled salmon with sweet potatoes and enjoyed serenades from a mariachi band. “The sunset was perfect!” recalls ShaQuita. “If we could do it all over again we wouldn’t change a thing.” See for yourself this lovely couple’s festivities, captured by the talented Houston wedding photography studio Civic Photos! Click here to read the rest of this post »

Venues We Love: Hotel Galvez & Spa, Plus EXCLUSIVE Booking Offer

Hotel Galvez

Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Galvez & Spa

You guys… We are SO excited to set our sights on Galveston this week: specifically, the gorgeous Hotel Galvez & Spa, aka the “Queen of the Gulf,” aka the most storied resort on the Texas coast, aka one of our favorite spots for destination weddings (at a destination VERY close to Houston proper)!!

OK, so here’s the scoop: A couple of weeks ago we were thrilled to randomly select bride-to-be and I Do! Wedding Soiree attendee Paige as the winner of our awesome Hotel Galvez Romance + Spa + Brunch Weekend Getaway GIVEAWAY. She was pretty thrilled, too (“OMG, I’ve never won ANYTHING before, I’m so EXCITED!!” were her exact words).

This week Hotel Galvez is back in our spotlight again, and we’re showcasing just how fabulous your event — whether it’s your dream destination wedding, engagement party, bridesmaids’ weekend or bachelorette escape — can be at this one-of-a-kind historic property.

Hotel-Galvez

Photo: Lindsay Elizabeth Photography

Our most beloved Hotel Galvez celebration spaces? Let’s start with Centennial Green. If you read our magazine, follow our blog and/or get with us on social, there’s no doubt you’ve seen pix of beautiful wedding ceremonies on this spectacular expanse of lawn stretching out toward the Gulf of Mexico just off in the distance.

Hotel-Galvez

Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Galvez & Spa

For indoor wedding ceremonies and regal receptions, the historic Music Hall is an enduring Hotel Galvez favorite—maybe it’s the ornate arches…or the soaring ceilings…or the dazzling chandeliers? Maybe all three??

Hotel-Galvez

Photo: Adam Nyholt

And for tropical pool views AND indoor elegance, we swoon for weddings that take advantage of both the Terrace Ballroom and Veranda. Seriously, can you imagine anything more awesome than “I do’s” on the lawn, followed by cocktails overlooking a beautifully landscaped terrace, segueing into a feast focused on Gulf seafood and Southern favorites, accompanied by your nearest and dearest?

Akil Bennett | Houston Wedding and Portrait Photographer

Photo: Akil Bennett Photography

Oh — and one last bit of good news as you fall into your Hotel Galvez wedding fantasy: Get your Hotel Galvez wedding contract signed by April 30, and you’ll score your choice of ONE of the following fabulous upgrades, just for being a Weddings in Houston reader (not available on previously signed contracts)!

  • Dark Mahogany Chiavari Chairs
  • Gold Chargers
  • Champagne Toast
  • Sunday Brunch for 6 Guests
  • Large Poolside Cabana for 6 Guests

Haven’t visited Hotel Galvez in person yet? Now’s the time! Click here for contact information, and schedule your Hotel Galvez & Spa tour. And make sure to tell them you found them on the Houston Wedding Blog!!

Galvez-Select Studios

Photo: Select Studios

The San Luis Resort BOOK YOUR WEDDING AND WIN Giveaway!

The San Luis Resort Getaway GIVEAWAY

Imagine this: 32 acres of picture-perfect beach views, award-winning cuisine, and luxury service at its best… what more could you want for your big day? Located on Galveston Island along Seawall Boulevard, the lush San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center has everything you could dream of and more for your beachside wedding. Guests have the choice of indulging in 10 different restaurants, a luxury spa, a tropical heated pool with swim-up bar, and thirst-quenching martinis (as if the drop-dead GORG views weren’t enough). The San Luis Resort is your one-stop shop for event space, divine food and drinks, decor, favors, overnight accommodations, floral and linen rental, and more! With over 200,000 square feet of space, the resort is easily transformed into your fantasy beachfront ceremony and/or reception site.

AND HERE’S THE BEST NEWS OF ALL, BEACH BRIDES: When you book and have your wedding before March 31, 2014, you will receive a complimentary 30 minutes of passed hors d’oeuvre OR a complimentary wedding rental of the San Luis Resort beachfront gazebo AND you’ll be entered to win a weekend stay, spa services for two, dinner at Grotto, and a poolside lounge bed! Check out their website here or call 409.744.1500 for more information on how to plan your perfect waterfront wedding!

The San Luis Resort Getaway GIVEAWAY

Photos: The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center