Elegant And Intimate Daytime Wedding At Hotel Galvez & Spa

daytime wedding, intimate, covid-19, blue bridesmaids dresses, wedding bouquet, pink, peach, sage, creams, wedding party
Photo: Civic Photos | Reception Venue: Hotel Galvez & Spa

Church brought Lauren, an introvert, and Paul, an extrovert, together. A romantic proposal while hiking up Enchanted Rock, during which the bride jokes they were “Sharing puns about getting an ‘enchanted rock’ on Enchanted Rock,” sealed their relationship. “I knew from the moment Paul gave me that side hug over two years ago that we were meant for each other. I am so grateful to call him mine for the rest of our lives!” As Lauren and Paul set out to plan their wedding, the couple faced an unexpected obstacle on the road to their wedding day: the Coronavirus pandemic. After having to cancel their original church and reception venue, all hope seemed lost until Paul called his step-grandfather, who had built a church in Galveston over 40 years ago. ”He graciously opened the doors of his church for us and also officiated our wedding,” says Lauren. From there a new celebration was planned and after a whirlwind three weeks of re-planning, the couple’s dream Houston wedding became a Galveston wedding reality.

At last, Lauren and Paul pledged their love amidst 70 guests. “Even with six feet spacing between them, our guests felt near to our hearts,” says the bride. The intimate celebration continued at Hotel Galvez & Spa’s Music Hall for a sunny afternoon reception. The decor was soft and elegant, with a delicate palette of sage, pink, peach and cream. Notes the bride: “The bright tropical landscape with the classic vintage architecture was a gorgeous backdrop for a day that Paul and I will never forget.” After heartfelt speeches and dining on filet mignon with roasted asparagus, the newlyweds made their grand exit along the Seawall at sunset. “Although our wedding ended up being nothing like our original plan, it was a beautiful, joyful day.”

We’re so happy that everything worked out for newlyweds Lauren and Paul and delighted to share their elegant and intimate daytime wedding at Hotel Galvez & Spa. Congratulations, Lauren & Paul!

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5 Water View Wedding Venues

waters edge venue clear lake houston lawn palm trees waterfront ceremony
Venue: Waters Edge | Photo: Rebecca Ellison Photography

With its meandering bayous and many lakes, and its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, Houston is a city defined by water. Which is wonderful news for Houston to-be-weds searching for water view wedding venues! Few natural features offer a more romantic backdrop for picturesque outdoor ceremony than sparkling, rippling, shimmering water. Fortunately, if you’re getting hitched in the Houston area, you’ll find an abundance of wedding venues that take full advantage of expansive water views, including these 5 wedding venues in and around the city.

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6 Houston Venues with Guest Accommodations

C. Baldwin hotel wedding venue houston
Photo: C. Baldwin Curio Collection By Hilton

Arranging guest accommodations for your out-of-town wedding guests can be a logistical headache and a source of stress. Fortunately, Houston offers a wide variety of wedding venues with room to stay and play!

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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

Blush & Champagne Wedding at Hotel Galvez

The love story of Jane and Travis began on a romantic sailboat ride out at sea. The pair, introduced by Travis’s sister-in-law, spent their first big date sailing on the Gulf of Mexico’s glistening waters—and as the bride says, “the rest is history.” On a special Memorial Day Weekend not too long after, Travis sailed Jane out to Redfish Island—where the groom’s grandparents had their first date over 60 years ago—to ask for her hand in marriage. “Of course I said yes, and when we finally made it to Galveston, our family was there waiting for us to celebrate,” recounts the bride. The couple naturally chose a nautical theme for their outdoor wedding and incorporated the symbol of an anchor in every aspect of the decor, from invitations (provided by Bering’s) to name cards. More than 200 guests gathered on the green lawn of Hotel Galvez and watched as Jane and Travis vowed their lives to one another beneath an arch of cherry blossoms, and then joined the newlyweds inside the stunning hotel for a candlelit dinner and dancing. Lovely blush and champagne roses completed each centerpiece for a look and feel of sheer elegance. “Just watching everyone really enjoy themselves made both of us so happy,” says Jane. “That was our goal for the evening.” Mission accomplished!

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Photos: SGI Photography ~ Ceremony & Reception Venue: Hotel Galvez & Spa ~ Invitations: Bering’s ~ Registry: Bering’s, Kuhl-Linscomb