Magnolia Hotel Houston | One More Reason To Believe In Love - Brea + Trevor, the full film

By the time you finish watching this film and reading this post, you will understand what we mean when we say that Brea and Trevor will give you one more reason to believe in love.

wedding video package memory tin
wedding video package memory tin

Trevor surprised Brea with the wedding proposal on a beach while they were on vacation.  Brea & Trevor are people who not only love to travel, but they also have such a deep and abiding passion for literature that their favorite quotes about love adorned all the tables at their wedding (including quotes from Oscar Wilde!).  And perhaps even greater evidence that 'great minds think alike' is found in one of our favorite details of the story of their wedding day:   both the bride and the groom separately planned the exact same surprise gifts for each other. They each secretly had the same bootsmith design and create a custom pair of boots for each other without knowing it.  That boot craftsman must have had a hard time keeping the secret for all of those months leading up to the wedding!

You may have noticed that Brea & Trevor's film looks a little different from how we normally film.  It was created in a wider "aspect ratio" (as we say in the biz), which simply creates a more wide-screen feel for the film.  Brea, the bride, expressed a desire to us for a very cinematic film that would feel more epic & romantic than simple.  Historically, Hollywood films with sweeping landscapes were shot in this wider aspect ratio to draw attention to the grandiose setting, so we chose this style to incorporate those elements of filmmaking that the bride loves.

web_magnolia hotel houston wedding video photo 01
web_magnolia hotel houston wedding video photo 01
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web_magnolia hotel houston wedding video photo 05
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web_magnolia hotel houston wedding video photo 11

We spent the day working with the talented photography crew from Thomas and Penelope.  You can click through these links to see the beautiful wedding photos they created for Brea & Trevor on their blog. Part 1: Holy Rosary Catholic ChurchPart 2: The Magnolia Hotel Houston

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web_magnolia hotel houston wedding video photo 02
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web_magnolia hotel houston wedding video photo 08

Brea's magical Maggie Sotterro gown.

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web_magnolia hotel houston wedding video photo 09

The moment that Brea was overwhelmed with emotion as she opened her card from Trevor was just precious.  As she marveled at the jewelry set he gave her to go along with her wedding gown, she joked, "He's good.  The kid's real good."  Her beautiful smile shows her utter delight!

If you thought that Trevor looks strikingly like Daniel Craig in the video, you're not alone.  His groomsmen even joked about it as he put on his  tailored suit for the wedding, and even more when Trevor opened his gift from Brea, which, in addition the custom handmade boots, included an incredible OMEGA  watch that Daniel Craig promotes to raise money for charity.

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web_magnolia hotel houston wedding video photo 03
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web_magnolia hotel houston wedding video photo 06
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web_magnolia hotel houston wedding video photo 07

The reception took place at The Magnolia Hotel Houston, and Brea and Trevor had a choreographed first dance that set the stage for the glamour of the evening.  Here, you can see that Trevor's cake was shaped like a classic dart game.  Brea also had single girls take part in the wedding tradition of a victorian cake pull instead of a traditional bouquet toss.

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web_magnolia hotel houston wedding video photo 10
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web_magnolia hotel houston wedding video photo 13

I can't begin to express how I deeply appreciate Father Juan's description of marriage and the wedding ceremony as a miracle.  No matter how many weddings we film, I am always amazed by how precious, tender, and powerful a wedding ceremony is to experience, and it it is truly for the reasons that Father Juan describes.   He said, "we all rejoice while looking at you.  You are, to us, a sign of hope. Your presence says to us (in a society that many times is afraid of commitment), "we want to be faithful. we are not afraid. in our commitment, we find our peace."  So you, Brea and Trevor, become a concrete symbol that love is real.   We (and especially you) are witnesses tonight of a miracle not too many people are fortunate to have: a permanent companion on your journey through this life.  Yes, for many of us who know you well, you are one more reason to believe in love."

Brea and Trevor, thank you for giving us one more reason to believe in love by allowing us to witness your commitment to each other.  We wish you all the best!

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web_magnolia hotel houston wedding video photo 12

Wedding Details: Ceremony Venue: Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 3617 Milam Street Houston, TX 77002 Reception Venue: Magnolia Hotel Houston 1100 Texas Ave  Houston, TX 77002 Wedding Photographer: Thomas & Penelope Florist: Events in Bloom (Rob/Denica) Cake Artist: Who Made the Cake Bride's Gown Designer: Maggie Sotterro Bride's Gown Boutique: Ventura’s Bridal (Jessica) Bridesmaid Gown Designer: Bill Levkoff Shoe Designer: Jimmy Choo Hair/Makeup: The Perfect Face Groom's suit: Armani Groom's Watch: Omega Soundtrack: "Bookends" by Adam Agin, a member of Neulore "Best Day of My Life" by Candlepark Stars All musical tracks licensed through The Music Bed

Laguna Gloria || Elope to Austin || Caroline + Christopher, the full film

Every so often we get the opportunity to film something off-beat and utterly unique.  Thanks to Caroline and Chris, we got that opportunity this past weekend.  You see, they eloped....and they invited us to create their wedding film.  Caroline & Chris met thanks to their collegiate swim team in Florida, and the athletes also share a passion for culinary skills, and dogs.  Caroline came home one day to discover an engagement ring taped to the wall calendar, and the rest is history. 

wedding video package memory tin
wedding video package memory tin

Although Caroline & Chris joked about being competitive about who would have the best vows and make the other one cry more, I have to say I think it is a tie--their vows were so personal, honest and touching.  We worked alongside Sean Hsueh withDay 7 Photography for the day, and we loved his approach to our shared work--he truly allows for events to unfold naturally without intervention, and the results are beautiful. Click through the link to see the beautiful wedding photos he created for Caroline & Chris on his blog.

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laguna gloria destination wedding photo 11

Although they currently call San Antonio their home, these two athletic, dog-loving foodies decided to have their destination wedding & elopement weekend in Austin because of its centrality in Texas, and its amazing urban atmosphere. On the way to the ceremony, they talked about all the awesome eateries they planned on visiting throughout the weekend.  After getting to know them, I had to wonder how they're not Austinites already! (For those not in the know, Austin is not only the live music capitol of the world, but it also boasts some of the fittest citizens, most finely muraled communities, the prettiest hill country, the finest foods, and the most pro-canine businesses. We even have a pub with a dog park attached!)

Naz
Naz

Gentle and friendly, Nas followed Caroline throughout the house all day.

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laguna gloria destination wedding photo 02
laguna gloria destination wedding photo 03
laguna gloria destination wedding photo 03

So, these two lovebirds cooked for a week to prep the food for their reception, rented a cottage for the reception, and headed over to ATX.  Caroline shares my mutual affection for the lovely garden and amazing architecture at Laguna Gloria, and they couldn't have picked a prettier spot for a small private ceremony.  Despite the rain that alternated between sputtering and pouring, we had a paradise of sunshine at sunset--which was right as we walked out for the ceremony, and Jones even caught a hint of a double rainbow for the video.

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laguna gloria destination wedding photo 05
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laguna gloria destination wedding photo 06

The solarium was filled with sunlight despite the rain, thanks to the sun being low in the sky at sunset.

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laguna gloria destination wedding photo 08
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laguna gloria destination wedding photo 09
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laguna gloria destination wedding photo 07

Caroline wore Alex Marie champagne pink peep-toe heels with her frilly-skirt wedding dress.

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laguna gloria destination wedding photo 11
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laguna gloria destination wedding photo 12

After the ceremony, the crew loaded up and drove back to the house where they hand-tossed their own homemade pizzas and chatted into the night.

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laguna gloria destination wedding photo 14
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laguna gloria destination wedding photo 15

If you're loving the uber-hip bungalow that Caroline & Chris rented, you're not alone.  The kitchen remodel was featured in HGTV's magazine, and you can check it out on their site, too.  In addition to the stunning industrial lighting and sunny retro feel of the interior, the backyard is a tiny paradise of raised bed gardens, an urban chicken coop, an outdoor stone oven, and it is available for rent through air bnb.

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laguna gloria destination wedding photo 13
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laguna gloria destination wedding photo 04

Wedding Photographer: Sean Hsueh with Day 7 Photography

Ceremony Venue: Laguna Gloria, 3809 W 35th St Austin, TX

Reception Venue: Private Home in Highland Neighborhood 6710 Esther Dr Austin, TX 78752

Flowers - Central Market

Bride's Wedding dress - Watters

Shoes - Alex Marie

Makeup - LucieMarie

Groom's suit - Joseph A. Banks

Rings - Lee Michaels 

Instrumental Music by Chris Zabriskie used through creative commons

Music "With Wings" by Amy Stroup licensed through The Music Bed

Camp Lucy || Just Breathe || Chance + Jackie, the full film

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camp lucy destination wedding video photo 07

When we had the opportunity to chat with Jackie and Chance about their wedding about a week before their ceremony, we asked them what they wanted to remember the most about their wedding.  Jackie told us how much she was looking forward to their open-air dinner at sunset during their reception where they could sit at banquet tables with all of their family and friends.  Chance mentioned how he looked forward to their first look-- a private moment to see each other before the ceremony.  Jackie also told us that her father would be singing the song that she and her groom would be dancing to for their first dance.

To me, that is the kind of expression of love that spans so many tender years--the same man who raised her and sang her to sleep as a baby would now be not only walking her down the aisle, but also singing his blessing over her marriage as Jackie and Chance danced together for the first time as husband and wife!

wedding video package memory tin
wedding video package memory tin
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camp lucy destination wedding video photo 03

When we arrived at the wedding early in the afternoon, Camp Lucy was filled with warm sunshine.  A perfect destination wedding spot nestled in the hill country just outside of Austin, Camp Lucy has been drawing Austinites and many others out to its grounds with its gorgeous architecture and naturally succulent landscaping. Driving through the Texas Hill Country, you'll pull in through custom cut iron gates, and drive over an Austin favorite, the winding little Onion Creek.  The actual event venue rests at the top of a hill above the creek.  It contains two amazing spaces--Ian's Chapel--a luminous restored French Colonial chapel, and a majestic event hall called Sacred Oaks--named for its arches made of natural branch.

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camp lucy destination wedding video photo 05
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camp lucy destination wedding video photo 08

Jackie's not only sweet, but she's absolutely gorgeous!  Her hair, worn in natural curly waves, was perfectly styled by Sandra Mata--and it looked perfect all day long!

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camp lucy destination wedding video photo 04

Cristina Wisner, the photographer, was such a pleasure to work with--she kept everyone smiling and laughing during portraits.

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camp lucy destination wedding video photo 15

Jackie and Chance's sunset banquet dinner catered by Royal Fig Catering was held in this dramatic, open pavilion made of ironwood timbers.

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camp lucy destination wedding video photo 12
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camp lucy destination wedding video photo 11

These gorgeous succulent florals were designed by Rosehip Flora.  The texture combination was just stunning in the evening sunlight.

The event planners at Three Apples Events kept the party going late into the night with continual fun surprises--like a s'mores bar &  these glow-in-the-dark necklaces that inspired a lot of dancing--and for these girls, it inspired a lot of creativity!

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camp lucy destination wedding video photo 13
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camp lucy destination wedding video photo 01
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camp lucy destination wedding video photo 06

This ombre cake with white and pink ruffles was a perfect complement to the skirt on Jackie's wedding dress.  Gorgeous!

As we listened to stories about Chance and Jackie, their passion and drive in life was obvious from how people described how hard they both worked in law school to succeed.  However, as we watched them dance with each other during the reception, and heard their sweet letters that they gave to each other just before the ceremony, we have to say that their passion for each other has brought them success in love, too.  Congratulations to a wonderful couple and to a newly united family!

-kourtney amelia

Ceremony: St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church Reception: Camp Lucy Officiant: Father Brendan Cahill Event Coordinator: Margaret Bedikian of Three Apples Events Photographer: Cristina Wisner Reception DJ: ATX DJCeremony Music: Musical Discovery Chamber Players Rentals: Whim Event Rentals Lighting: ILD Lighting Cake: Classic Cakes by Lori Hair: Sandra Mata Florist: Rosehip Flora Transportation: Transportation Consultants

Boot Ranch in Fredericksburg, TX || Arrows in the Sky || Erin + Andrew, the full film

We are so thrilled to share this wedding film with you.  Their wedding was both a touching experience and imaginatively designed to create a delightful soiree for all of their friends and family.  Not only do Erin and Andrew have a delightful sense of style that is both tailored, preppy, and bohemian all at once, but their joyful spirits are extremely infectious.  In fact, while I was editing their film, my face was sore from smiling so much.  And now that we're sharing the film, your face can be sore because of extended amounts of smiling, too!

wedding video package heirloom
wedding video package heirloom
Boot Ranch Fredericksburg Wedding Pic 45
Boot Ranch Fredericksburg Wedding Pic 45

Erin's dress was stunning--mermaid cut with a fluted skirt that extravagantly trained behind her.  Not only did she wear a dress made of the most luxuriously draped gauzy tulle that we've ever seen, but her accessories were stunning-- something bleu shoes accented by white feathers.

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Boot Ranch Fredericksburg Wedding Pic 40
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Boot Ranch Fredericksburg Wedding Pic 50
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Boot Ranch Fredericksburg Wedding Pic 52
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Boot Ranch Fredericksburg Wedding Pic 53

The hill-top Christian ceremony was breath-taking, and Erin descended through a stair-case linked arms with her father.  The modern, romantic music selections for the wedding ceremony included songs by The Arcade Fire.  Listening to the songs they chose for their wedding day heavily influenced the music we selected for the film--the opening song is a lilting, hopeful song by  siren singer-songwriter Holly Maher filled with soaring tones of violin and cello with lilting melody created by a light piano.

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Boot Ranch Fredericksburg Wedding Pic 49
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Boot Ranch Fredericksburg Wedding Pic 42

Erin's mother is doting, and her father is hilarious--which created that same combination in her siblings, who totally ham it up with Erin throughout the photography sessions.

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Boot Ranch Fredericksburg Wedding Pic 44
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Boot Ranch Fredericksburg Wedding Pic 56

Matchmaker Band kept the party hopping through the night!  They have several 'front singers' to cover a variety of musical styles, and their growling vocals and energy is always top notch!  Watch it here.

boot ranch matchmaker band wedding reception band
boot ranch matchmaker band wedding reception band

As we mentioned in a previous post, we were thrilled to work alongside noted fashion photographer Christianne Taylor at this wedding.  She's based in California, but she often returns to her native state of Texas to document special projects.  We've worked with her before at Sarah & Colby's ranch estate wedding, and it was delightful to work with her again.

In our first post about Erin & Andrew's wedding,  we told you the story of how they almost didn't have a wedding cake, which is a precious story, but now, I want to tell you about what Andrew's dad said.

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Boot Ranch Fredericksburg Wedding Pic 32
Boot Ranch Fredericksburg Wedding Pic 33
Boot Ranch Fredericksburg Wedding Pic 33

As guests sipped from glass soda bottles with these adorable DIY soda straw flags, Andrew's dad gave a heartfelt speech thanking the people who brought Erin and Andrew together, and how he felt that Erin and Andrew were like arrows shooting through the sky.  Psalm 127 speaks of how children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior's hands, and how they will return to bless their parents.

"we also feel excitement at watching these two young people start their flight together," he said.

We could tell that Andrew's dad was already so thankful for the blessing of his son, and of his new daughter-in-law.   Congratulations to you both, Erin and Andrew.  We hope you are always able to reflect back to the joy of this celebration and how it was just the beginning of new laughter and adventures in your life.

Ceremony and Reception Venue:

Boot Ranch

77 Boot Ranch Cir, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 (830) 997-6200

Photographer: Christianne Taylor Videographer: Mason Jar Films Band: Matchmaker Band Music by Holly Maher & Amy Stroup licensed through The Music Bed

The South Warehouse | Nascar + Casablanca - Callie + Reid, Part 3 of 3: the full film

the south warehouse wedding video pic 01
the south warehouse wedding video pic 01

Peyton Manning.  Alligators.  The Michelin Man.  An accountant with an alter-ego as a wrestler.  A Mid-drift wearing Pink Power Ranger.  A skit set to the Sound of Music.  Southern Gentlemen in White Tie dress code.  The Gossip Girl “100 button” Vera Wang wedding dress.  Jackie Kennedy’s wallpaper.  A Bacon buffet filled with bacon delicacies.  A party band with a stamp of approval from Donald Trump.

Why aren’t you watching this film yet?

wedding video package heirloom
wedding video package heirloom

You’ve just watched the full film from Callie & Reid’s entire wedding documentary. Their documentary includes coverage of both their exquisite rehearsal dinner banquet and their wedding extravaganza the next day.  If you haven’t read our first post about this lovely couple, you should definitely get acquainted with them here, and watch the highlight film we created for them here.

The weekend began with an elegant banquet designed by Wendy Putt of Fresh cut Catering and Floral with silver candelabras, succulents as table placecards, and soft dusty roses set in gold vases.  The chargers were crystal and lined with gold rims.  It was certainly a treat for the eyes, but even more goodness was to come as we sat down to listen to the toasts delivered by Callie and Reid's witty and loving families.  We knew we were in for a treat as soon as we walked in the door of the rehearsal dinner.   With the decadent display of flowers, curly willow, and string lights hanging from the ceiling over the main banquet table and the goofy pictures of the bridal party hanging on the wall, we knew we were going to be experiencing a weekend festivity hosted by a family with both a bold style and personality.  The dashing groom and gorgeous bride lead their merry party in some zany poses with moustaches and red lips.

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the south warehouse wedding video pic 04
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the south warehouse wedding video pic 05
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the south warehouse wedding video pic 09
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the south warehouse wedding video pic 03
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the south warehouse wedding video pic 02

Callie's bridesmaids planned a really funny shoe game where the bridesmaids asked questions like "who will be the one to take out the trash?"  Callie and Reid had to answer by holding up the shoe that best fit either the bride or groom.

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the south warehouse wedding video pic 07
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the south warehouse wedding video pic 08

Although plenty of stories were told claiming that Callie was a tomboy growing up, her grandfather exclaimed "you can tell she's a girl now!" as he boasted about her beauty.   We can't get enough of this family, their humor, and this couple's passion to honor their family and friends.   We are so excited to be sharing this film, but we are sad to be closing the project down on our computers, because every minute of this edit is just so rich with love.

Callie and Reid, we truly wish you the best in life.  Many people would be blessed to experience the love that you have and the family that you two share.  We hope to hear some more of your funny stories in person again someday soon.

-kourtney amelia

Ceremony: First Presbyterian Church Jackson Reception: Country Club of Jackson Rehearsal Dinner: The South Event Design: Wendy Putt of Fresh Cut Catering and Floral Event Coordinator: Crisler Boone Event Styling: Shanna Lumpkin Events Photographer Bryan Johnson Reception Band: Party On The Moon