Civic Photos | Houston Wedding Blog

Venues We Love: The Lyceum of Galveston Island

The other day, we were sitting around the ol’ HWB editorial table, pretending our Diet Cokes were Prosecco (again) and shooing Bella Boo away from our snacks, when our talk turned to historical wedding venues. We get so many inquiries from Houston wedding couples who want to do their “I do’s” in a bona-fide landmark, so over the years, we’ve done tons of research, scoured the region, and turned up restored movie houses, repurposed bank buildings and former famed breweries—all now being used to house some of the region’s most gorgeous weddings.

And that’s how we lit upon the Lyceum. While this amazing venue’s full name—the Lyceum of Galveston Island—lets you know where it’s located, what it doesn’t let you know is how it came to be…or what a wedding there might be like. Which is where we come in. Check it out:

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Photo: Courtesy of The Lyceum of Galveston Island

The Lyceum has major historic cred. An official Galveston historic landmark, the original Lyceum was built in the 1840’s and served as a philosophical meeting center and entertainment venue for the Galveston Island community. In 1854, the First Lutheran Church of Galveston bought the building, and turned it into their worship center and the first public school in Galveston (students paid $1 per year for tuition).

As building design goes, it’s pretty much a knockout. A soaring square tower and steeple, a grand double-door entrance, floor-to-ceiling stained-glass windows—this seriously wow-inducing historic Galveston wedding venue ain’t messing around. And the choir loft, and fully equipped stage? Yeah, they pretty much make the Lyceum a slam-dunk for wedding setups.

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Photos: Courtesy of The Lyceum of Galveston Island

You can take advantage of the great outdoors. While the Lyceum’s interior is a major space, let’s not forget that this historic wedding venue also has a beautiful courtyard area, lush lawn and lovely gazebo—perf for catching a Gulf Coast breeze, and treating guests to a taste of island sunshine…or starshine.

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Photo: Courtesy of The Lyceum of Galveston Island

Now is a great time to visit the Lyceum and chat with venue manager Cynthia McEldowney about making your Galveston dream wedding a reality—and make sure to tell her “Hi!” from the Weddings in Houston crew!

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Photo: Civic Photos

And now…back to bubbles, Bella Boo…and working on our awesome brand-new Summer/Fall issue, on newsstands July 1!!

Gatsby-Inspired Wedding at the Crystal Ballroom at The Rice by Civic Photos

It was Tyler’s birthday, and Sabreena wanted to make sure it was special, since he had driven five hours from Arlington to Houston to celebrate with her. Little did she know that Tyler had something extra special in store for her! They went to an Italian restaurant since it was his favorite cuisine. As they were checking out the menu, Tyler said, “I don’t want any of this.” Sabreena panicked because she was the one who chose this restaurant, and she started to scan the menu to see if she could find something he would like. As soon as she placed the menu down, she noticed he was no longer in his seat, and in fact, down on one knee in front of her. He said, “All I want is you.” Aww! How could she say no?

Art-Deco-Invitations Engagement-Rings Bride-Getting-Makeup-Done Bride-Getting-Ready Bride-with-Bridal-Party Black-Bridesmaids-Dresses Groom-with-Groomsmen First-Look Crystal-Ballroom-at-The-Rice

Sabreena strutted down the aisle wearing a lovely full-sleeved lace gown from Weddings by Debbie, and the couple said their “I do’s” in front of their dearest family and friends.

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Their Gatsby-themed wedding at the Crystal Ballroom at The Rice was full of swanky 20’s-inspired details including a metallic gold, black and ivory wedding cake from Cakes by Gina, soft candlelight to accent the Art Deco decor, and escort table numbers inspired by characters from The Great Gatsby.

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We wish these two a lifetime of love and happiness. Thanks Civic Photos for the gorgeous photos!

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Spring I Do! Wedding Soiree at The Corinthian

Dream Photo & Video-I Do 2017 Corinthian-Darryl&Co-7 Photo: Dream Photo & Video | Venue: The Corinthian | Decor & Flowers: Darryl & Co. | Gowns: Now & Forever Bridal Boutique

Our I Do! Wedding Soiree always impresses, but this year it was on another level, y’all! We sold out every last ticket to the luxurious show, with wedding couples, bridesmaids and MOB’s lining up along our host The Corinthian’s grand staircases, eager to get a chance to meet, greet and mingle with the best of the best in Houston’s wedding business!

We can’t thank our guests enough for helping us celebrate Houston’s only luxury wedding event of the season! It warms our hearts to see you adorable wedding couples engaging with our stellar photographers, wedding planners, bridal salons, beauty experts, jewelers, entertainers and more. If you missed the Soiree, or want to relive the extraordinary event, check out these gorgeous images from our official show photographers, Civic Photos and Dream Photo & Video.

Guests at the I Do! Soiree were welcomed by gorgeous models in gowns from some of Houston’s finest bridal boutiques. Throughout the entire event, brides could see and touch gowns from Houston Bridal Gallery, Ivory Bridal Atelier, Parvani Vida Bridal and Formal, MW Couture and Now & Forever Bridal Boutique.

I Do Soiree-2017 Corinthian-Civic Photos- (847) Photo: Civic Photos | Gown: Now & Forever Bridal Boutique

I Do Soiree-2017 Corinthian-Civic Photos- (584) Photo: Civic Photos | Gown: Ivory Bridal Atelier

I Do Soiree-2017 Corinthian-Civic Photos- (660) Photo: Civic Photos | Gown: Houston Bridal Gallery

I Do Soiree-2017 Corinthian-Civic Photos- (223) Photos: Civic Photos | Left Gown: MW Couture | Right Gown: Parvani Vida Bridal and Formal

Elaborate florals and decor were orchestrated throughout the entire venue. Designs on display came from Blooms Design Studio, Darryl & Co., Flora & Eventi, Haute Flowers & Events, Keisha’s Kreations, LBL Event Rentals Inc. and TnT Events.

I Do Soiree-2017 Corinthian-Civic Photos- (497) Photo: Civic Photos | Decor & Flowers: Flora & Eventi

I Do Soiree-2017 Corinthian-Civic Photos- (484) Photo: Civic Photos | Decor & Flowers: TnT Events

I Do Soiree-2017 Corinthian-Civic Photos- (689) Photo: Civic Photos |Decor & Flowers: Keisha’s Kreations

LBLEvents_I Do Soiree-2017 Corinthian-Civic Photos- (760) Photo: Civic Photos | Decor & Flowers: LBL Event Rentals Inc.

I Do Soiree-2017 Corinthian-Civic Photos- (740) Photo: Civic Photos | Decor & Flowers: Haute Flowers & Events

DarrylCo_Corinthian_I Do Soiree-2017 Corinthian-Civic Photos- (786) Photo: Civic Photos | Decor & Flowers: Darryl & Co.

HEBBloomsHauteFlowers&Events_I Do Soiree-2017 Corinthian-Civic Photos- (721) Photo: Civic Photos |Decor & Flowers: Blooms Design Studio

The gorgeous sights were complemented by sounds from all types of musical entertainers and DJ’s. LG Entertainment served as the MC for the night, while Danny Ray & The Acoustic Production, DJU Entertainment, Scott Graham Piano and Signature EvenTx kept the party going all around.

I Do Soiree-2017 Corinthian-Civic Photos- (914) Left & Top Right Photos: Civic Photos | Top Left: Signature EvenTx | Bottom Left: LG Entertainment | Right Middle & Bottom Photos: Dream Photos & Video | Right Middle: Danny Ray & The Acoustic Production | Bottom Right: DJU Entertainment

Patrons got a taste of some of Houston’s top caterers and bakers too at the I Do! Wedding Soiree. The Corinthian’s Jackson and Company served as the exclusive caterer of the event, spoiling guests with delectable food and drink pairings. Those with a sweet tooth also were able to satisfy their cravings with treats from Dessert Gallery Bakery + Cafe and Susie’s Cakes & Confections.

I Do Soiree-2017 Corinthian-Civic Photos- (715) Photos: Civic Photos | Top Left: Dessert Gallery Bakery + Cafe | Top Right: Susie’s Cakes & Confections | Bottom: Jackson and Company

The ~~man~~ women with the plan were also in attendance. A Day To Remember, Bourbon & Lace Event Services, and Kat Creech Events learned more about our lovely wedding couples and offered guidance for all of wedding planning’s ups and downs. A Day To Remember also designed our awesome Groom’s Lounge, complete with Texas Mules, fresh guacamole and Jackson and Company’s Beef Poptarts.

Dream Photo & Video-I Do 2017 Corinthian-Bourbon & Lace Events Left Photos: Civic Photos | Top Left: Bourbon & Lace Event Services | Bottom Left: A Day To Remember | Right Photos: Dream Photos & Video | Top Right: Jackson and Company | Bottom Right: Kat Creech Events

Guests were also able to say hello to some of our favorite invitations and stationery boutiques in Houston — Isabella Invitations and Bering’s.

Bering’s along with Celebrity China & Cookware also showed off some of the most wanted registry items for wedding couples of any style.

CelebrityChina_I Do Soiree-2017 Corinthian-Civic Photos- (142) Photos: Civic Photos | Top Left: Celebrity China & Cookware | Top Right: Isabella Invitations | Bottom Left & Right: Bering’s

Nine of Houston’s top wedding photographers and videographers — Adam Nyholt, Addison J. Wedding Photography & Videography, Civic Photos, C. Wright Photography, D. Jones Photography, Dream Photos & Video, Lindsay Elizabeth Photography, Sage Films and Taylor Golden Photography — also met with couples to help them learn how to capture their special days.

I Do Soiree-2017 Corinthian-Civic Photos- (417) Top Left Photo: Civic Photos, Booth: Taylor Golden Photography | All other photos:Dream Photo & Video | Top Middle Booth: Civic Photos | Top Right Booth: Lindsay Elizabeth Photography |Bottom Left Booth: Adam Nyholt | Middle Booth: D. Jones Photography | Bottom Middle Booth: Dream Photo & Video | Bottom Right Booth: Sage Films

2017-02-23_0003 Top Photo: Addison J. Wedding Photography & Videography | Bottom: C. Wright Photography

Guests could even get a little more glam, with the help of demonstrations and models from Azur Salon at West Ave. and Kax Salon and Kax Tanning Soufflé.

Dream Photo & Video-I Do 2017 Corinthian-Kax Photos: Dream Photo & Video | Left: Kax Tanning & Kax Salon | Right: Azur Salon at West Ave

Wedding couples still looking to nail down their venue were also presented with a number of options in addition to our amazing host venue, The Corinthian. Couples wanting to escape the city or be right in the heart of Houston on your wedding day met with Big Easy Ranch and The Ballroom at Bayou Place.

I Do Soiree-2017 Corinthian-Civic Photos- (801) Photo: Civic Photos | Venue: The Corinthian | Decor: Darryl & Co.

I Do Soiree-2017 Corinthian-Civic Photos- (314) Photo: Civic Photos | Venue: Big Easy Ranch

Ballroom-Bayou-Place-Opening-3--1- Photo: Civic Photos | Venue: The Ballroom at Bayou Place

And of course we can’t forget about the bling! Everyone at the event (including us) were stuck by the dazzling beauties on display from Donoho’s Jewellers, Eklektic Jewelry, Lewis Jewelers and Nazar’s Fine Jewelry.

Dream Photo & Video-I Do 2017 Corinthian-Nazar's Fine Jewelry-3 Top Left, Right & Bottom Right Photos: Dream Photo & Video | Bottom Left Photo: Civic Photos | Top Left: Nazar’s Fine Jewelry | Top Right: Donoho’s Jewellers | Bottom Left: Lewis Jewelers | Bottom Right: Eklektic Jewelry

We can’t thank our amazing wedding experts (find a full list here), all of our guests and the amazing team at The Corinthian for making this I Do! Wedding Soiree the best one yet. Want to see more pics? Check us out on Facebook and Instagram. And stay tuned for details on our next I Do! Wedding Soiree, coming in Fall, 2017!

This Evening We Unveil…The I Do Wedding Soiree at The Corinthian!

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Top Left Photo: Civic Photos, Gowns: Now & Forever Bridal Boutique | Top Right Photo: Civic Photos, Tablescape: Flora & Eventi | Bottom Left Photo: Civic Photos, Tablescape: EB Inc. Event Rentals & Design | Bottom Middle Photo: Taylor Golden Photography, Catering: Jackson and Company | Bottom Right Photo: Sylvie Gil, Cake: Susie’s Cakes & Confections

It’s here…it’s finally here! We, and our incredible team of Houston wedding vendors and experts, have been hard at work creating a spectacular wedding planning experience for you, and this evening, at 6 p.m., we get to pull back the curtain on the magic!

Gorgeous wedding tablescapes, fabulous floral designs, interactive vendor exhibits, live music, exceptional food and drink from Jackson and Company catering, a strolling fashion show featuring bridal couture’s newest gowns…and the chance to take home hundreds of dollars worth of hand-picked luxury beauty, skincare, fashion, home and bridal goods? OH, YES. That’s the I Do! Wedding Soiree, darlings, and we can’t wait to see you there!

$25 advance ticket sales close in just a few hours, so get yours now; or, you may purchase tickets at the door for $30 (very limited availability).

Oh—and a few things to know before you go:

DO take public transportation to The Corinthian if possible; if you plan to park, we have complimentary garage parking (second entrance on Congress after Fannin), or valet for $15; opens at 6 p.m

DO bring your besties, your spouse-to-be, your family members and valued opinion-givers—the I Do! Wedding Soiree is an evening of fun, food, drink and beautiful displays everywhere you look!

DO bring your mobile device, and be prepared to Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat your favorite finds.

DO come dressed to impress—the I Do! Soiree is a luxury cocktail event, and business-stylish attire is part of the fun! Please, no shorts, tank tops or flip-flops.

DO stay for the full event—winners of our exclusive pre-show giveaways and on-site door prizes will be announced at the end of the show, and you must be present to claim your prize when it is announced.

Please DO NOT bring strollers, infants or anyone under the age of 16. The I Do! Wedding Soiree is an adult event, featuring delicate displays (and LOTS of them). We love little ones…but this is not an appropriate environment for them.

DO enjoy every moment of this very special event! We have curated it for YOU, and we look forward to meeting you and finding out how we can help you create the wedding of your dreams!

Get ready, get gorgeous, get happy…and we’ll see YOU at I Do!

Houston Wedding Photographers at the Feb. 28 I Do! Soiree

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Photo: Taylor Golden Photography

You’ll spend months, maybe years, working to make sure that your wedding day is picture perfect. But it’ll take you a fraction of that time to find your perfect photographer at the I Do! Wedding Soiree! Our eight featured Houston wedding photographers — Adam Nyholt Photographer, Addison J. Weddings, C. Wright Photography, Civic Photos, D. Jones Photography, Dream Photo & Video, Lindsay Elizabeth Photography and Taylor Golden Photography — are experts at capturing the joy, drama and beauty of your wedding experience. Check them out on Tuesday evening, and chat with them about on-location engagement shoots, exhilarating “first look” shots, beautiful bridal portraits, and full wedding day photography from behind-the-scenes wedding prep to your first married kiss to your final getaway…and everything in between. Scroll down for details on how to snag your tickets for Tuesday’s fabulous event!

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Top Photo: Addison J. Weddings, Makeup: Nyoka Gregory Beauty, Bouquet: Keisha’s Kreations | Middle Photo: C. Wright Photography | Right Photo: Civic Photos |Left Photo: Dream Photo & Video

Advance-sale tickets to Houston’s ONLY luxury wedding event are on sale now. Bonus: Purchase your tickets by 11:59 p.m. TODAY, Friday, Feb. 24, and you could WIN an incredible $1,000 Hotel Galvez & Spa Weekend Romance Escape!! Our winner will be notified next week, and announced live at the I Do! Wedding Soiree. Don’t miss out!

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Top Left Photo: Adam Nyholt Photographer | Bottom Left Photo:Lindsay Elizabeth Photography |Right Photo: D. Jones Photography