The words that come to mind when I think about this St. Anthony Hotel wedding are:

Glamorous

Full of Surprises

Party Extravaganza

Love, love, LOVE!

Monica and Steven

I had the pleasure of meeting these two at a wedding. My couple, Kelli and James, got married in April of 2022, in which Steven was a groomsman. After seeing Kelli and James’ photos, Monica and Steven reached out to me about photographing their wedding. Of course, I was elated! I remembered these two partying it up at that wedding and knew it was going to be another AMAZING celebration!

Their Love Story

February 8th, 2019, Steven waited in the cold at Calle Onze for Monica to meet him for dinner. Little did he know, she was nervously driving loops around the block working up the confidence to meet him for their blind date.

After a great night of endless conversation, Steven invited Monica to watch a play on Sunday. That night, they bonded over a comedically underwhelming dinner with an eccentric cast and a play that was equally as entertaining. It was also the night they shared their first kiss.

Their third date was supposed to be a quick brunch. Steven was in the thick of training for his second Ironman and Monica was finishing a marathon of her own after.

But fate had other plans. Neither of them wanted the date to end. So brunch turned into lunch. Lunch turned into happy hour. Happy hour turned into dinner. Then dinner turned into three years of friendship, love, and happiness.

St. Anthony Hotel Wedding in San Antonio

From start to finish, this wedding truly had it all:

Beautiful details, lots of decor, pure emotions, and so much love and happiness!

Monica wore her mom’s veil as her ‘something borrowed.’

The flower girls were treated like royalty, and they were soaking it up!

Meanwhile, the bride continues to get ready …

Before heading outside to do a first-look with her ladies!

How stunning is Monica?! With a dress that fit her to the T, the wind blowing her veil, her bold red lipstick, and those flowers, she was perfect!

Meanwhile, the boys are …

His suit though 😍

Ceremony in the Peraux Room

It’s time for Monica and Steven to officially become husband and wife!

Steven teared up just a bit when he saw his bride coming down the aisle.

“During the lasso ritual, the godparents, family members or whoever is facilitating the ceremony will place the rosary or rope around the couple in a figure-eight formation. Placing the cord around the bride and groom’s shoulders to resemble the infinity symbol is a nod to the infinite nature of their bond before the eyes of God.”

With the blessing from their family and friends, they are now MARRIED!!!! Let’s cue the first kiss as husband and wife, please!

The happy couple

She Did Whaaaaaaaaaat?!

Monica is not a fan of having long hair. However, like most brides, she grew hers out for her wedding day. But, as a surprise for her now-husband, she went to the bridal suite and had her best friend chop it off!

And just like that, her hair is back to normal and manageable!

After Monica’s hair was styled and makeup reapplied, she headed downstairs to surprise Steven. I believe his face says it all!

Of course, he absolutely loved it!

St. Anthony Hotel Wedding Reception

A mariachi band surprised Monica and Steven’s guests and started the party:

Their first dance as husband and wife …

Leading up to the parent dances that had us all tearing up:

That is, until Monica and her father broke out some moves on the dance floor!

As if the wedding cake wasn’t enough …

Steven had his own cake (can you guess he’s favorite hobby?!).

Once the dance party got started, we snuck off for a few more bride and groom portraits:

Which we made quick because who wants to miss out on their own party?!

The bride and groom took the stage to serenade their guests:

And to help keep the party going their had a little late night snack for everyone …

Little did Monica know ….

That Steven also had a surprise up his sleeve. While she had been planning to reveal her new haircut to him, Steven had been planning to play his saxophone for her:

Needless to say it was a huge hit!

What’s a party without a smoke gun, followed by their good friends assembling their band together?!

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end …

But not without a grand exit!!!!

Congratulations to the most fun pair! Wishing you all greatest adventures on your honeymoon and life together!

Wedding Dream Team:

Ceremony and Reception Venue: St. Anthony Hotel ♥ Wedding Planner: Water to Wine Hospitality ♥ Wedding Dress Boutique: Brick House Bridal ♥ Hair and Makeup: Madame Makeup ♥ Photographer: Sweet Memories Photography ♥ Florals: Evember ♥ Officiant: Dr. Doug Cassady ♥ Ceremony Music: Terra Vista Strings ♥ Cocktail Hour Music: Bernie Martini ♥ Cake: 2 Tarts Bakery ♥ Band: Manhattan Band – Jordan Kahn Music Company ♥ Photobooth: MBP Photo Booth