Romantic Persian Wedding at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa

Persian wedding, Sofreh Aghd, wedding ceremony, the houstonian, hotel wedding, venue
Venue: The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa | Photo: RaeTay Photography

After meeting through mutual friends in 2014, Shiva and Jonathan later connected on Facebook when Jonathon messaged Shiva about the World Cup because he knew she liked soccer. “He came up with all these stats on players and I assumed that he knew a lot about soccer and that we had a lot in common,” recounts Shiva. “We decided to go out to a cafe in Montrose, just us two, and we hit it off from there.” Three years later Jonathon proposed to Shiva on the rooftop of Hotel ZaZa with the glittering lights of the downtown skyline as their backdrop.

Shiva and Jonathan pledged their love at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa in a traditional Persian ceremony, accompanied by a beautiful Sofreh Aghd, in a timeless wedding palette of white and gold. The bride describes her Persian wedding as “glamorous and romantic.” The reception decor featured tall dramatic floral centerpieces, glittering chandeliers, and a custom monogrammed dance floor from LG Event Entertainment & Production. Guests enjoyed a delectable surf and turf reception meal, followed by an elegant four-tier white and gold squared wedding cake with raspberry filling from Susie’s Cakes. Cherished moments for the bride included the father-daughter dance, first look, and dancing with everyone! We are so excited to feature this gorgeous Houston couple and their romantic Persian wedding. Congratulations, Shiva and Jonathan!

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Colorful Waterfront Wedding at Waters Edge

Venue: Waters Edge | Flowers: Dream Bouquet | Photo: Daniel Colvin Photography

Aerospace engineers Jasmine and Corey first met while working at United Space Alliance, a NASA contractor. “Jasmine had joined some friends of mine on one of their infamous ‘ergonomic break’ walks and they stopped by my office cube on the way outside,” recalls Corey. “We started talking to one another and never really stopped hanging out since that moment 11 years ago.” 

Following a romantic proposal in Fredricksburg, the couple tied the knot in a colorful wedding at waterfront venue Waters Edge, flawlessly planned and styled by Claudia De Velasco of A Day To Remember. Jasmine and Corey pledged their love in an “informal outdoor ceremony” beneath a chiffon draped canopy adorned with white, red and orange flowers by premier Houston florists Dream Bouquet. Afterward, the newlyweds joined 168 of their closest friends and family members for a festive ballroom reception filled with drinks, dancing, yard games, music, and a photo booth from LG Event Entertainment & ProductionFor the reception decor, the couple kept things “casual and colorful” featuring lush vibrant flowers and chic lounge furniture, with a vivid wedding palette of pink, orange, and red with iceberg blue accents. Favorite moments for the bride and groom included, “The ceremony, the first dance, and partying with family and friends!”

We are so thrilled to feature this lovely couple and their beautiful waterfront wedding. Congratulations, Jasmine & Corey!

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5 Tips For Wedding Reception Entertainment That Rocks!

Reception Entertainment
Lighting & Sound: LG Event Entertainment & Production | Photo: Joseph West Photography

Thrilling in the moment, and a joy to relive in photos and video long after the big day: That’s great reception entertainment. And that’s what you’ll get when you follow these five tips for keeping guests smiling, dancing, lounging, laughing and living it up, all night long, at your once-in-a-lifetime party!

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Wedding Bands vs. DJ: Which Is Right For You?

Top Houston Wedding Band, Wedding Bands, Wedding Entertainment , Music
Photo: F8 Studio | Entertainment: Emerald City Band

Your wedding day is a celebration of the love and commitment of you and your future spouse usually spent with family and friends. Once you’ve exchanged vows, the party begins with food, drinks and music. However, when it comes to the entertainment, should you opt for an expert DJ or a professional wedding band? Both can be excellent choices, but there are pros and cons to both. Narrow down your choice for great entertainment for your guests with the following in mind.

Keep in mind:

Atmosphere – what type of music are you wanting to hear? what kind of delivery?

Budget – traditionally bands are more expensive, but DJs can be just as costly.

Space – how big is your venue? will it accommodate a full band?

Wedding Bands

Wedding bands provide you the dynamics of a live performance. It’s traditional and the band you choose can make a real difference in setting the tone for your reception. The party can come alive with a bandleader who’s able to vibe and interact with crowd choosing music accordingly.

  • Pros: As with all live music, you’re getting a one of a kind experience. This can enhance the vibe of the party and hype you and your guests excitement as you follow every beat and note. Essentially you’ll be experiencing a concert just for you. 
  • Cons: Booking a band can be costly, and musical selections will be limited by the repertoire and style of the band. Wedding Bands may charge either a flat fee or per musician, per hour but most will negotiate.
Wedding Entertainment, Music, DJ, LG Entertainment
Photo: Civic Photos | Entertainment: LG Entertainment

DJs

Nowadays, DJs are artists in their own right, with expertise offering diverse mixes of musical styles guests of all ages can enjoy. Plus, the songs played will sound exactly as you remember them, encouraging sing-alongs and improvisation. You can also count on a DJ to take up less space with their equipment than a full on band would, leaving more room for bodies on the dance floor.

  • Pros: No matter how many songs you must have played during the celebration, it likely won’t be a problem for your DJ to find each track. Generally, DJs are are more budget friendly to. A DJ with a charismatic stage presence and exceptional emcee skills can read the crowd and seamlessly keep the party going.
  • Cons: However, a DJ with a poor personality can really put a damper on the party. Also, if your DJ is not quick on their feet, improvisation can be tough. For instance, if your for first dance doesn’t go as plan or if an impromptu announcement is needed.

Made your choice? Whether a band or a DJ is what your looking for, take care of your entertainment needs with these top vendors.

Coral, Gold & Ivory Wedding at The Crystal Ballroom at The Rice

“I suppose time is a better friend of mine than I thought. Right when I was focused on doing me, fate sent me a friend, partner, confidant and love all in one—Rebekah,” says Rasauli. Rebekah—personal trainer and nutritionist of Be a 10 Fitness—stole Rasauli’s heart within moments of them meeting, and he was determined to make her his wife.

Rebekah tells us how it all went down. “We went to Brennan’s Houston to celebrate our anniversary that was coming up. Our table was located in a private room, which was covered in rose petals. The chef came to the table and said that he prepared a special menu for us. In the middle of dinner, Rasauli asked to be excused from the table. At this point I was trying not to get too excited! I just knew he was going to come back with a ring—but instead he came back with an anniversary card. I was so disappointed, and I told him that I was expecting him to propose. He grabbed my hand and told me that I have to be patient. Right then, the waiter came by with a large covered ‘dessert’ dish. Once he removed the lid, I found a diamond ring! Before I knew it, he was down on one knee and my dad came from behind me to give me a hug.”

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The lovebirds tied the knot at the Crystal Ballroom at The Rice with a 150 of their closest family and friends in attendance. “We wanted an elegant wedding with a classic New Orleans twist. We incorporated special dances and umbrellas, and had our guests involved, which created such a fun environment. My favorite moments include our first dance, the ‘second line’ dance, and when my matron of honor sung a special song for me,” says Rebekah.

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Want tips on how to get your bod wedding-day ready from Rebekah? Get all the scoop and workout advice here!

Photos: Evoke Photography | Proposal Dinner: Brennan’s Houston | Rehearsal Dinner Location: Lawless Kitchen & Spirits | Venue: Crystal Ballroom at The Rice | Catering: Sambuca Catering | Lighting, Music & Photo Booth: LG Entertainment

Enchanted Forest-Inspired Wedding at Chateau Cocomar by Civic Photos

Jessica met Oscar at the Aerodome ice skating rink when she was 9 years old and he was 15. “Our families introduced us to each other, but he was too cool to hang out with me. Sparks didn’t fly until ten years later,” tells Jessica. Lo and behold Oscar wasn’t too cool for Jessica anymore, they hit it off and he was ready to make her his wife.

When it came time to propose, Oscar found the perfect moment during their trip to Disney World to get down on one knee in front of Cinderella’s castle. Jessica said, “Yes,” to her Prince Charming, and they began planning their enchanted wedding—inspired by their Disney World proposal—at Chateau Cocomar.

Chateau-Cocomar Floral-Bridal-Party-Robes Floral-Bridesmaid-Robes Bride-Getting-Ready Bridesmaids-Outside-of-Chateau-Cocomar Bridesmaid-Bouquets Navy-Groomsmen-Suits Floral-Wedding-Sign Chateau-Cocomar-Wedding-Ceremony Bride-Walking-Down-Aisle Indoor-Ceremony-at-Chateau-Cocomar Chateau-Cocomar-Wedding Bride-and-Groom-Kissing Bride-and-Groom-Portraits Chateau-Cocomar-Wedding Bride-and-Groom-Kissing “I made sure our engagement photos, wedding decor, photo booth and dessert table incorporated hints of popular fairytale romance stories,” says Jessica.

Chateau-Cocomar Forest-Inspired-Wedding-Decor Fairytale-Wedding-Decor Forest-Inspired-Wedding-at-Chateau-Cocomar Forest-Inspired-Wedding-Decor Dessert-Table Dessert-Table Macarons Berry-Blush-and-Wedding-Cake Fairytale-Wedding-Decor “One of my favorite moments was the surprise fog and confetti on the dance floor,” she adds.

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Photos: Civic Photos | Venue: Chateau Cocomar | Catering: Cafe Natalie | Flowers, Decor & Rentals: AJ’s Urban Petals | Dessert Table & Favors: Wink by Erica | Lighting, Music & Entertainment: LG Entertainment

Blush, Black & Gold Wedding at Crystal Ballroom at The Rice by Ama Photography & Cinema

Houston couple Marina and Frank were partying like it was 1999 (literally) when they first met at a nightclub their senior year of high school. Marina tells us, “Frank was dancing with my friend (who happened to be one of my bridesmaids) to get closer to me. He eventually made his way to me, and we exchanged numbers at the end of the night.” They kept in touch and went on a couple dates, but parted ways when Marina started college and Frank left town for boot camp—but that didn’t stop them from keeping in touch. After she graduated college and Frank came back from the military, they were inseparable.

Marina and Frank planned a trip to visit their friends in New York City…but little did she know this trip had something special in store for her. “Frank mentioned that he had never done any of the typical touristy things in the city, so I planned an entire day out of it. We went through Ellis Island Museum and walked around to take an imprint of Frank’s grandfather’s name—whose name is on The Wall of Honor—but Mark insisted that we should take a look at the skyline first. As we were walking over, his started breathing heavily and got down on one knee,” recounts Marina. She was so surprised that she couldn’t even remember most of what he said, but she does remember him saying, “My grandfather started his new life on Ellis Island, and I want us to start our new life together here.” Awwpass the tissues, please!

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Exactly one year later the pair tied the knot at the Crystal Ballroom at The Rice with their nearest and dearest to witness. “We wanted to go with something elegant, classic and timeless with pops of bold elements,” says Marina.

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One of their favorite moments? When LG Entertainment played the last song, and all of the guests joined the bride and groom on the dance floor!

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Congrats and best wishes to the newlyweds!

Wedding-Reception-Exit Photos: Ama Photography & Cinema | Rehearsal Dinner Location: Lawless Kitchen & Spirits | Reception Venue: Crystal Ballroom at The Rice | Catering: Sambuca Catering | Music, Lighting & Entertainment: LG Entertainment

Addison J Weddings on Their Favorite Wedding Moments on Film

Now that you and your honey have decided to partner up, it’s time to do the same with a Houston wedding photography and videography dream team! Cue Addison J Wedding Photography & Videography, the talented photo and video company founded by dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Elan and Kory Fontenot.

Elan and Kory, who specialize respectively in videography and photography, pride themselves in being able to capture both the sights and sounds of your wedding day without interfering with one another. We asked them to share with us some of their favorite moments captured on film. Keep reading to see their beautiful images, both moving and still, and discover their take on documenting your wedding day, each in their own words!

Video: Addison J Wedding Photography & Videography | Venue: Crystal Ballroom at the Rice | Entertainment: LG Entertainment

Relishing in the Romance — Nicholas and Nikoya’s Crystal Ballroom wedding was the epitome of love on display. Their elated expressions and bashful grins throughout the night touched the hearts of their family and closest friends.

2017-05-08_0001  Photo: Addison J Wedding Photography & Videography

Little Ones — There is nothing like having an adorable child carry a sign down the aisle, in advance of the bride and groom, to ease wedding-day tension, and get everyone laughing.

2017-05-08_0002  Photo: Addison J Wedding Photography & Videography

Destination Sessions — We love to travel the world, and destination weddings are always extra special. The Golden Gate Bridge was a perfect backdrop for Anthone and Ashley. We can’t wait to capture their love in a California vineyard at their upcoming wedding.

2017-05-08_0004  Photo: Addison J Wedding Photography & Videography

A Gushing Groom — Some men do not like taking engagement photos. But after we ease their nerves and they get comfortable in front of the lens, their love and affection can be felt from both sides.

2017-05-08_0006  Photo: Addison J Wedding Photography & Videography | Venue: The Corinthian

Bridal Portraits — Kristen brought her A-game to her bridal shoot at The Corinthian. Her gorgeous lace dress, and the grand columns and uplighting, set the stage for us to get the perfect shot.

2017-05-08_0005  Photo: Addison J Wedding Photography & Videography

Welcome Mr. and Mrs. — Jacob and Gabby were so elated the moment they were introduced as Mr. and Mrs. The crowd went wild, and this moment made all the planning and waiting worthwhile.

2017-05-08_0003 Photo: Addison J Wedding Photography & Videography

Letting Loose — This is the moment when all the major events are over and the bride and groom can let their hair down and dance. The Bartons are both doctors and have stressful jobs, so it was awesome to see them let loose on the dance floor.

Like what you see? Interested in working with this dynamic duo yourself? Schedule a consultation with Addison J Wedding Photography & Videography today!