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At Next Chapter Weddings , we believe that each wedding deserves the perfect venue—a space that resonates with the couple's love story and vision. Recently, I had the pleasure of touring Bayside Event Center in Galveston, TX alongside the talented wedding photographer Mandi Roach of Mandi Roach Photography . It was an experience filled with inspiration, breathtaking views, and a dash of adventure. The Venue: Bayside Event Center Nestled along the scenic shores of Galveston, the Bayside Event Center is a hidden gem for couples seeking a blend of elegance and coastal charm. As we arrived, the crisp sea breeze and panoramic views immediately captivated us. The venue's design effortlessly combines modern sophistication with the relaxed vibe of the Gulf Coast.  From the spacious event hall, perfect for hosting all your closest family and friends to the intimate outdoor ceremony space overlooking the water, Bayside offers versatility for any wedding style. Mandi and I couldn’t help but imagine the stunning photo opportunities this venue provides—whether it’s a sunset kiss by the water or a first dance under the stars. Most wedding ceremonies take place at Bayside Event Center ’s outdoor deck on the water, but you could easily move your ceremony inside, if needed. The Bridal Suite is large, and has plenty of mirrors, as well as, its own private door to the ceremony. The Groom’s Suite has Galaga, a 1980’s fixed shooter arcade video game. How cool is that!? There’s also plenty of space for the men to move around in their suite. Another fun fact about Bayside Event Center is that they have a decor closet. For a minimal fee, you can have unlimited access to the venue’s in house decor. All you have to do is select your items and the venue sets it up for you. Outside decor vendors are welcomed, but this is a nice fun fact to keep in your pocket. Charter Boat Adventure Our adventure didn’t end with the venue tour. Bayside Event Center went above and beyond by taking us on a private charter boat ride. Another fun fact: they run a charter business, Out Cast Fishing Charters, too! The Gulf waters were calm as we sailed toward Fisherman's Wharf, one of Galveston’s iconic seafood destinations. We saw several dolphins along the way- who doesn’t love dolphins!? The experience was not only a delightful break but also an opportunity to consider how such a charter could be integrated into a wedding weekend. Imagine a rehearsal dinner on the water or a post-wedding brunch cruise—endless possibilities!  An Overnight Stay To truly experience all that Bayside has to offer, Mandi and I stayed the night in their cozy second-floor accommodations. The rooms were beautifully appointed, offering the perfect blend of comfort and style. Waking up to absolute calmness and a view of the sunrise over the bay was nothing short of magical. The kitchen is huge! Which made it a breeze to try a new breakfast sandwich recipe. It’s easy to see why this would be a dream location for a wedding, with on-site accommodations making it even more convenient for couples and their guests. If you book an event at Bayside Event Center , you and your guests get dibs on the upstairs accommodations. You do not need to worry about strangers staying onsite the night of your event. The Lodge can accommodate up to 20 overnight guests, and trust me when I say the sunsets are absolutely dreamy!! "You don't need to worry about strangers staying onsite the night of your event." Whew! Collaborating with Mandi Roach Photography Working with Mandi Roach Photography throughout this experience was an absolute pleasure. Her eye for detail and ability to capture the essence of a moment made our time at Bayside even more special. Mandi’s expertise in wedding photography complements our planning services beautifully, and we were both inspired by the venue's potential. As we explored each corner of Bayside, Mandi was already envisioning the perfect shots that would make any couple’s wedding album a work of art. She especially loved the palm trees near the parking lot. I am so thankful for the opportunity to spend that one-on-one time with Mandi. From sight seeing on bean bag chairs on the back of a boat to dinner at the Hearsay on the Strand and late night, margarita fueled ping pong, I loved each and every second of getting to know Mandi. She is an absolute gem, and ah-mazing Photographer. Final Thoughts Our day at the Bayside Event Center in Galveston, TX was a wonderful reminder of why we love what we do at Next Chapter Weddings . The combination of a stunning venue, the perfect accommodations, and a unique charter experience left us excited to share this gem with our clients. If you’re considering a Galveston wedding, we can’t recommend Bayside Event Center enough. And with Mandi Roach Photography capturing every moment, your wedding will be a day you’ll cherish forever. Ready to start planning? Let’s make your next chapter unforgettable. Written by Brandi Swanson Vendors: Wedding Planner: Next Chapter Weddings Photographer: Mandi Roach Photography Venue: Bayside Event Center

Weddings can be expensive. That is just a fact. With millions of dreamy Pinterest inspo photos floating around, it can be easy to dream about a big, lavish wedding with flowers dripping off the ceiling and a million candles lighting up every corner. In no time at all a $20,000 wedding can turn into a $60,000 wedding. Or a $60,000 wedding can turn into a $100,000 wedding. Or a $100,000 wedding can turn into $150,000 wedding. You get the picture. Expenses can add up quickly. So should hiring a Wedding Planner really take priority on your wedding planning to-do list? While I can genuinely understand the temptation to skip the Professional Wedding Planner to save money, I am here to tell you- DON'T!!! Before becoming a Wedding Planner myself I worked for a popular wedding venue near my hometown. I gave tours, sent out contracts, responded to emails, and supervised MANY weddings- sometimes 4 per week. The events that had professional Wedding Planners or Coordinators were by far the more organized, peaceful and enjoyed events by not only the couples getting married, but also their wedding parties, families and guests compared to the weddings that had a friend or family member running the show- or even worse: no one at all! I promise it was like night and day. Cats and dogs. Black and White! In my position, I was required to write notes on the event at the end of the day, and my notes were almost always at least twice as long for the weddings that did not hire a Wedding Planner. It only encouraged and pushed my passion to become a Wedding Planner, because I saw the true value of the service. Hiring a Wedding Planner is an investment. Having a wedding BFF is worth it's weight in gold. Do you really want to spend a year or more planning, and your hard earned money on producing a large event to risk it all falling apart because Plan B and Plan C were not put in place by an experience Wedding Planner that is ready to tackle any challenge that they are fully prepared for because, well, experience. It all comes down to the famous say, "You don't know what you don't know." Do you really want your wedding day to become a learning experience? You're only planning to do this once, right? Don't be the guinea pig for someone's first time planning or coordinating. A good Wedding Planner will help you find the best Vendors to avoid unwanted situations. They also act quick on their feet, and swiftly find solutions to unexpected problems. With all this said, I must note that creating a budget and staying in budget is vital. I highly recommend hiring a Wedding Planner, but at a minimum, you would be doing you and your family/friends and other Vendors a huge service by at least hiring a Wedding Coordinator (a professional that executes what you have planned or your wedding) also known as a Wedding Manager. Summary: Should You Hire a Wedding Planner? Organized, Peaceful and Enjoyable Event for Couple, Wedding Party, Family, Guests and Vendors. Experience (Your event is not the guinea pig.) They help you find the Best Vendors. They are resourceful- find solutions to problems quickly. I believe in hiring a Professional Wedding Planner/Coordinator so much that if my company, Next Chapter Weddings, doesn't feel like the right fit to potential Client, I strongly encourage other amazing Wedding Planners! This year I am serving as the Secretary for the 2023 Association of Wedding Planner- Houston Chapter Board. Everyone in the group believes in community over competition and holds one another to high professional standards. For example, we each insure our businesses. So even if I am not your gal, I highly HIGHLY recommend hiring a Wedding Planner.

As a Wedding Planner, there's one thing I know for certain: the power of a photograph to preserve the essence of a special day. The right wedding photographer has the ability to encapsulate emotions, freeze moments in time, and tell a couple's unique love story through their lens. And when it comes to finding the perfect wedding photographer in Houston, a city brimming with talent, the task can feel both exhilarating and daunting. To help couples navigate through the vast sea of photographers, I've curated a list of the top 9 wedding photographers in Houston who have consistently delivered breathtaking imagery and impeccable service. These photographers have not only impressed me as a Wedding Planner but have also garnered rave reviews from their clients, making them the go-to professionals in the industry. From capturing stolen glances and heartfelt embraces to immortalizing grand celebrations and intimate exchanges of vows, these photographers possess a rare talent for capturing the essence of each couple's love story. Whether your dream wedding is a lavish affair or an intimate gathering, their expertise, creativity, and commitment to perfection will ensure that your cherished memories are transformed into timeless works of art. 1. Rivers Light Photography When and why did you start your photography business? I've always loved photography because it's a creative outlet and because it documents important memories. In 2017, my husband bought me a new camera and as I shared my work people began to request bookings. We decided to make the business official and it was the best decision ever! What is your photography style? It's important to me that people enjoy the photography experience as much as they love their images. During portrait sessions, I provide a lot of posing direction as well as incorporate fun prompts. On wedding days, there are times I take charge to set up important moments and other times I remain hidden in the background to capture moments as they happen. My editing style is vibrant, true to color and romantic. Why Wedding Photography? There is a personal element that happens when working closely to a couple through engagement, bridals, and wedding day. The connection you make is amazing and gives me so much joy! As a creative, I get to use a variety of different skills within wedding photography and I absolutely love that! What is something you wish people knew about your business? My heart is in this. I built my business on the pillars of love, family, and legacy. Everything I do to develop my skills and enhance my client experience is because of those three areas in my personal life and I work hard to make sure those areas of my clients' lives are well represented in their images. What is your website and IG? My website is https://riverslightphotography.com/ and you can follow me on Instagram at @riverslightphotography 2. Aly Matei Photography 1. When and why did you start your photography business? I shot my first wedding November 2017! 2. What is your photography style? When I hear “photography style” I think 2 different things: 1st being my shooting/editing style and 2nd being my photography philosophy I like to describe my editing style as clean and true to life. It doesn’t fall under the typical “light and airy” or “moody” styles that we often see. I believe that colors are meant to be photographed how they are in real life and with my editing, I give them that extra pop to really stand out. One of my big hills that I will die on is true to life skin tones. No one deserves to be orange or lost in the editing colors. Skin tones deserve to have that natural glow and you look like yourself. As for my photography philosophy, it is quite simple: I firmly believe that your wedding day should be spent experiencing these special and once in a lifetime moments instead of constantly posing in front of the camera. Your wedding day is meant to be experienced and documented - not staged. 3. Why Wedding Photography? Truly, I just love weddings. I love the beauty of a wedding gown. I love the timeline to keep us on track. I love the thought and detail that goes into planning. I love the high stress that a wedding day can bring. I love having to think on my feet. I love building a relationship with my couples over the year as they plan. I love collaborating with vendors who love what they do. 4. What is something you wish people knew about your business? I freaking LOVE a good party! The reception is where the bulk of a couple’s budget is spent and I firmly believe that it should be documented with the same love and care as the couples’ portraits in natural light outside. The reception is where not only the couple, but the guest come alive! They are able to let loose and just truly celebrate the couple. THOSE are the shots that drive me. Anyone can take beautiful natural light portraits outside, but documenting the reception in a variety of lighting conditions is where I believe a photographer’s skillset gets put to work. 5. What is your website and IG? www.alymateiphoto.com www.instagram.com/alymateiphoto 3. Kaysa Elise Photography 1. When and why did you start your photography business? I developed a passion for photography in my early years of high school. I remember taking an Audio/Visual elective class my freshman year and the minute we got to put our hands on an actual camera, I was hooked. Ever since then, I would beg to check out the camera to take home with me on the weekends to practice little photoshoots with my sister and other friends of mine. I eventually joined the high school yearbook staff my junior year and was quickly known as "the girl with the camera." By the time I was a senior, other students in my class and from surrounding school's in the area started booking me for their senior photos. I couldn't believe I was actually able to make money off of taking pictures but I was loving every minute of it! I saved up enough money from all of my shoot's and eventually bought a camera of my own the summer after I graduated. Then by January of 2020, I decided to make my business official! I was attending Bible College, leading worship at my church, and doing photoshoots on the side. After much praying, I decided to go full time into photography in 2021 and I've been shooting primarily weddings and couples ever since then! I truly thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to do what I love, and I wouldn't trade it for anything! 2. What is your photography style? I would describe myself as more of a documentary, editorial and portrait photographer. My editing style is more of a timeless, warm, natural look. I’m not dark and moody, but also not bright and airy - so somewhere in between. 3. Why Wedding Photography? I used to think that I would never be able to shoot weddings. In my mind, it was always such a super far away goal that I MIGHT be able to dip my toe into… one day. However, it snuck up on me a lot quicker than I expected. I was fortunate enough to meet one of my now good friends (Cicily Ashcraft) shortly after I started my business. We were both in the early stages of photography and of course, we hit it off right away. She ended up asking me to second shoot for a few of her first couple wedding bookings. Ever since then, I quickly realized that I was in love with love! I loved everything about shooting a wedding, all of the special and beautiful moments, the pretty details, and capturing the true romance between a couple gave me the best feeling! 4. What is something you wish people knew about your business? For any couple out there looking for a photographer, I wish they could know how personal I am in my business and with all of my clients. I get so emotionally invested in every booking and I truly want to create an easy experience, where they almost feel like they are booking a friend vs. an ordinary wedding vendor. I care so much about my couples as actual people, and making sure they genuenely enjoy their session and/or wedding day. I try my best to make it a stress-free process, and I’m super easy going and always willing to work around personal matters! 5. What is your website and IG? www.kaysaelisephotography.com https://www.instagram.com/kaysa.elise.photography/ 4. Angela Lauren Co 1. When and why did you start your photography business? I started my photography business in September 2016 after I had a youtube channel for 2 years and fell in love with cameras. Since I was starting to do a lot more camera wise for my YouTube channel, so many people around me started asking for me to do the same for them which birthed Angela Lauren Company. 2. What is your photography style? I would say my photography style is Classic, Fun and True To Color. I like to be a good mix of posey and fly on the wall to get those magazine-feel photos as well as the natural moments happening around me. 3. Why Wedding Photography? I got into weddings because a friend of a friend asked to capture their wedding pretty early on in my business and I fell in love with the atmosphere. Capturing sacred moments that you and your spouse will cherish for a lifetime always moves my soul. 4. What is something you wish people knew about your business? I wish people knew we offer both photo and video and they are equal loves of ours. 5. What is your website and IG? My website is www.angelalauren.co IG is @angelalaurenco 5. Pedigo Photography 1. When and why did you start your photography business? In 2007 I was chosen to be the Astros photography intern. What an incredible experience! Learned so much from the experienced sports photographers that covered the team. That summer I had the opportunity to shadow my first wedding. It was love at first snap! Drove home in silence. I’d just found my passion. All I could think about was… you guessed it… weddings. So started the countdown clock until I graduated when I could focus fully on building the business. 2. Why Wedding Photography? Always knew I enjoyed photography but wedding photography lit a fire under me. It’s a canvas to create a unique art collection that’ll last for decades. No two couples, personalities, timelines, venues, or seasons are the same! 3. What is your photography style? My style is classically candid. The coloring is as natural as the eye sees. By sticking to classic coloring the images will look current for decades to come! I switched over to a standard color scale in 2015. Before switching I’d noticed that many of the current fads tended to shift every few years. When I went back and looked at the way I was editing from 2007-2015 the colors seemed dated to a specific timeframe. After making the shift to natural coloring the images looked like they were shot yesterday. Lighting is key. Great skin stems from great lighting. Everything else comes second in creating amazing portraits.Framing is also super important to me. Finding interesting lines in the natural landscape is always a fun challenge. A single oak tree can create such interesting architecture! Inside that frame I want your personalities to shine through. Some of the best, most candid images aren’t even planned. I’ll help with all the posing but from there let me capture who you really are together. 4. What is something you wish people knew about your business? I’m a big proponent of transparent packages and client satisfaction. No hidden fees. No gotcha moments. Simply add tax to the packages and that’s what most brides will spend. You receive the fully printable files right away. No need to come back to me for printing unless you want to print through the gallery. Rain on the wedding day? No problem! We’ll go back out on a future date free of charge. Need further editing? No fees! Whatever you need done to get the pictures looking perfect is included in the package for no additional charge. Last but not least…day-of sneak peeks. That’s right! Each client receives a gallery of sneak peeks the day of the wedding. Typically delivered during the reception. Nothing better than going through your wedding pictures on the ride home! 5. What is your website and IG? Website: www.pedigophotography.com IG: pedigophotography 6. Mandi Roach Photography 1. When and why did you start your photography business? When I was young, I would spend hours sitting on the floor looking through stacks of photo albums. I found that the photos transported me to a time and place that I had never been. To younger versions of those, I knew and loved. I would study those images and notice patterns, textures, colors, light, but most importantly, emotions and expressions. In high school, I took all the elective art classes that I could. Unbeknownst to me at the time, I was a really troubled kid, and I believe art lent itself to my healing since I lacked the vocabulary to express the emotions of my childhood trauma. Inadvertently, I ended up in a photojournalism class my junior year, and my time spent capturing moments and developing film shaped my life in a way I never imagined. In 2000, I invested in my first DSLR, a Nikon D90, so that I could get incredible images of my first child. I did not want to miss a single moment! Eventually, I started taking portraits for friends and friends of friends, and became fascinated with being able to capture more than just a photo, but something that gave off a feeling, a vibe, told someone’s story or captured the essence of a moment. Things gradually picked up as I shared my work and I started shooting more and more. I started marketing myself as a family and newborn photographer in 2014. and had absolutely zero intentions of photographing weddings. The pressure of shooting weddings was something I would happily leave to other people. So imagine my surprise, just a few months later, when my very first wedding clients came knocking on my door. I’d been recommended to them by a mutual friend. They were planning their wedding in a short timeframe, had a tiny budget and were happy to trust me to capture their day. Every day I THANK GOD that I managed to do that without completely making a mess of their images. Although I didn’t realize it at the time, I was woefully unprepared to be a wedding photographer. I had an amateur level camera, a kit lens and a cheap 50mm, one flash gun and absolutely no idea how to use it and literally no idea what a wedding day entailed for a wedding photographer. Let me emphasize this again – I was very, very fortunate that everything went to plan, that it didn’t rain, and that my couple are lovely and easygoing. After that very first wedding I was hooked — I knew weddings were where I wanted to be and from that moment on I concentrated all my efforts into building my wedding photography business. 2. What is your photography style? I describe myself as a wedding and elopement photographer. Approximately 85% of my bookings are couples or weddings, with the other 15% being families, seniors and branding sessions. On a wedding day, my mission is to photograph people as authentically as possible. That might mean stepping back and letting the honest, real moments unfold with little to no direction from me. I do not view wedding days as a photoshoot. They’re not about industry trends and Instagram likes; they are about the unique love between two people.. 3. Why Wedding Photography? There are few things that bring me more joy than serving couples and weddings. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t cry when the mother helps her daughter put on her wedding gown, when the father first sees his daughter as a bride, when the bride and groom read their personal vows, or when toasts are given at the reception. It’s not just a transaction for me; I am personally and emotionally invested in each of my clients. To put it plainly, I work my butt off because I believe that couples deserve THE BEST on their wedding day, and I’m not willing to give anything less! Looking back on the journey, it’s so obvious how God perfectly weaved my life into exactly what I needed. I never would have had the courage or the vision to have pursued my own photography business without God laying it in my lap the way he did. I’m not saying it wasn’t hard, but it was worth it. 4. What is something you wish people knew about your business? There are so many amazing photographers out there, some of whom are technically better photographers than me, but I think I’m known for loving my clients well and capturing real, authentic emotion. No one puts as much emphasis on the client experience as I do. My couples become family. I want to share in their wedding planning and be there for them long after their wedding day. 5. What is your website and IG? Website: www.mandiroachphotography.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/mandiroachphotography Facebook: www.facebook.com/mandiroachphotography 7. Good Omen Co 1. When and why did you start your photography business? We started our business about seven years ago, shortly after becoming new parents to both our daughters. More than anything we were looking to provide a wholesome lifestyle for our girls which is why we decided to take our side photography projects full time and we haven’t looked back since. 2. What is your photography style? Documentary style with a fun, edgy, and modern look and feel. 3. Why wedding photography? Wedding photography just feels so natural for us as a husband and wife team. We’ve been where our couples are and as parents we also know the deep importance of capturing life milestones. We treat each wedding day through that grand perspective and we genuinely love serving and guiding others through such a beautiful time in their lives. 4. What is something you wish people knew about your business? We are genuinely the most down to earth humans who love to have fun. We also love people and serving others anywhere and everywhere we go. 5. Website? IG? https://goodomenco.com/ @goodomen.weddings 8. Erica Geier Photography 1. When and why did you start your photography business? I started photography in 2014 but became a wedding photographer in 2018. 2. What is your photography style? My approach to every wedding is to capture the day authentically and capturing the emotion throughout the day. My editing style is clean and timeless. 3. Why Wedding Photography? I truly love capturing the best day for my couples. 4. What is something you wish people knew about your business? The amount of tears, sweat, and love I put into my work is unmatched. 5. What is your website and IG? Www.Erikageierphoto.com @erikageierphotography 9. Senae Photography Next Chapter Weddings is an upscale Wedding Planning company based in Houston, TX. We offer packages from Coordination to Full Service Wedding Planning, as well as, Design and Décor. We are happily available for destination weddings, elopements and micro weddings. We believe every love story is unique and worth celebrating. Cheers! You can find our FAVORITE WEDDING AMAZON FINDS here.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. Introduction: Welcome to my wedding planning blog, where I share real weddings, planning inspo and valuable insights and tips to make your special day even more memorable. In this article, we will dive into the importance of using table numbers at your wedding reception. While seemingly small, table numbers play a significant role in creating a seamless and enjoyable experience for both you and your guests. Let's explore why they shouldn't be overlooked and how you can enhance your wedding experience. And if you are just here to find out where I got these absolutely adorable table numbers, I'll share my little secret....AMAZON! Click Here to get them for yourself! We used them with both paper inserts, as well as vinyl. Organizing Seating Arrangements: Table numbers are essential for organizing seating arrangements effectively. They provide structure and guidance, ensuring that guests can easily locate their assigned tables. By incorporating table numbers into your wedding reception, you can avoid confusion and prevent the chaos that might arise from a lack of direction. Your guests will appreciate the clarity and efficiency of finding their designated seats promptly. Streamlining Event Logistics: From the perspective of event logistics, table numbers are indispensable. Imagine a wedding reception without any table numbers. It would be challenging for the waitstaff to deliver meals to the correct tables, resulting in delays and potential mix-ups. With table numbers clearly displayed, the catering team can effortlessly identify the right tables, ensuring a smooth and efficient meal service. If you plan to have a Buffet Dinner, table numbers are equally important- if not more so! I have worked too many weddings that just did not want Table Numbers which resulted in me having to release tables one by one. Half way through it’s chaos. Guests get impatient and sneak their way to the line. Every single time. Having this simple system in place enables you and your guests to enjoy the reception without unnecessary interruptions or awkwardness. "Guests get impatient and sneak their way to the line. Every single time." Enhancing Guest Experience: Table numbers contribute to a positive guest experience in various ways. Firstly, they foster a sense of belonging and community. When guests locate their assigned tables easily, they can connect with fellow attendees who may be seated nearby. Table numbers also facilitate conversation and networking, as guests can refer to specific table numbers to initiate interactions. Moreover, table numbers make it easier for friends and family to reunite and share moments together, making your wedding a joyous and inclusive event. Personalization and Aesthetics: Table numbers offer an excellent opportunity for personalization and creativity. You can align them with your wedding theme, colors, or overall décor, adding an extra touch of elegance and charm to your reception. Consider incorporating unique table number designs, such as customized signage, picture frames, or themed elements that reflect your style as a couple. These small but thoughtful details can make a significant visual impact, impressing your guests and leaving a lasting impression. Conclusion: As you meticulously plan your dream wedding, remember that the little details matter. Table numbers are not just functional but also contribute to the overall success of your reception. By utilizing table numbers, you can streamline event logistics, enhance guest experience, and infuse a touch of personalization. These seemingly small elements can elevate your wedding day to new heights, ensuring that you and your guests have an unforgettable celebration filled with love, joy, and seamless organization. For any couples considering my company, Next Chapter Weddings, for Planning or Coordination, you may be thrilled to know that we offer a Décor Service Package exclusively to our Clients that allows UNLIMITED ACCESS to all of our In-House Décor for one flat rate. Both table number designs in this blog are included in this package. Other items include modern candelabras, clear cylinders for floating or pillar candles, drapes, charger plates, votives and so much more. Essentially, our booked Clients have the opportunity to pay a flat rate for the design meeting(s), delivery, setup and takedown and get the “rentals” for free! I love this model, because it’s super simple for both us and our couples. There is no need to worry about price increases and paying another invoice when suddenly 20 more guests are coming to your wedding than you previously thought. The affordable flat rate simplifies the long list of items Brides and Grooms need to check off their wedding to-do list. I hope this article has highlighted the importance of incorporating table numbers into your wedding plans. Stay tuned for more valuable insights and tips on our blog as you navigate the wonderful world of wedding planning. Happy preparations!

Amber + Zach Amber and Zach had just finished college and were starting real life when Zach proposed on a mountain in Colorado. Amber and Zach grew up in the Greater Houston, TX area, but met and live in Colorado, so they relied a lot on Amber's Mom, Robin, to help with planning their very special downtown Houston Wedding. There are so many moving parts in planning a wedding. It can easily become overwhelming, so Robin decided she needed professional help. She reached out to my company over Facebook and we agreed to meet in person for our Initial Consultation. We met at a Panera Bread, and I will always remember the large binder Amber brought with her. She was a mom on a mission! Amber joined us over the phone, and we talked for an hour about Amber and Zach's story and wedding day vision. They booked and we brought Amber and Zach's Dream Wedding to life at at their very unique wedding venue. The Vendors Both Amber and Zach are chill people, so they wanted a down to earth wedding that reflected who they are. They had booked their venue, Station 3, before contacting me. It was the perfect location for their intimate wedding. With its central location, most downtown hotel shuttles would travel to the venue free of charge. This was a huge bonus for Amber and Zach’s guests. Station 3 is also known as Stonewall and it was one of Houston’s very first fire stations! It was built in 1903. According to Station 3, the fire station originally operated by horse drawn wagons and steamers. The venue is one of Houston’s Historical Landmarks. Station 3 has 2 floors. We used the 1st floor to host Zach and Amber’s Ceremony. We then invited all guests to the terrace outside for Cocktail Hour where drinks and fruit/cheese was served. During this time, my team worked hard to flip the ceremony space. We needed to clear everything out for later in the night. Guests were then invited to the second floor for an intimate dinner, cake and toasts. Afterwards, guests were invited back to the 1st floor for dancing, and then back to the terrace for the Send-Off. I will admit that the up and down was a bit inconvenient, but was well worth it when considering the location's rich history. Before moving on, I must mention one of the coolest things about Station 3- they have a fireman’s pole! Guests are not allowed to use it because drinking + sliding down a 2 story pole just is not very wise; however, the venue allows the Bride and Groom the opportunity to slide down the pole prior to drinking if they would like. One of the first Vendors we booked was their Videographer, Cinematic Saviors. I first had the privilege of seeing David’s work when I worked as an event host at a local Wedding Venue. He and his team were very professional and down to earth. I knew Amber and Zach would love them and the overall vibe they would create on their wedding day. Cinematic Saviors has a way of creating absolute MAGIC with their videos. Their wedding highlights are so vivid, clean and crisp. They have talent- for sure!! When it came time to book a Photographer, Amber and Robin asked me for recommendations for a true to color photographer. I couldn’t help but recommend Pedigo Photography. Chase is so good at what he does. Photography, especially editing, seems to come so naturally to him. In fact, he even edited some photos during the dancing part of the reception to give Amber and Zach a gorgeous sneak peek before they even left their wedding!! He did all of this during dancing- on his phone- on the dance floor- with his camera around his neck so as to not miss a special moment. Chase is calm, yet silly and so fun to have around on your wedding day. FUN FACT: Chase really helped me to jump start my business in 2018. After getting certified as a Wedding Planner, he recommended me to his clients that did not have a Coordinator. I offered my services for free to one of his clients and he gave me their full gallery to help me start my social media. Probably one of my most favorite parts of Amber and Zach’s planning adventure was when Robin and I went to several BBQ restaurants to taste test the best BBQ for their Texas wedding. Every single “joint” was amazing, but we agreed that Dickey’s BBQ in League City was the best. They served us the tastiest brisket I had ever had and the cheesiest macaroni that has ever existed. I have not worked with them since, due to most of my Clients not wanting to serve BBQ at their weddings, but I highly recommend them for both event catering and dine-in eating. Apparently they have locations in 42 US states! We had several meetings with Leslie, The English Florist, prior to the wedding. She was incredibly sweet, and had many photos of past work to show Robin. Amber joined us for one facetime call, but ultimately let me and her mom decide. She did know that she wanted to have lavender florals, and a romantic overall feel. All of Leslie’s work could be described as romantic, so this task was made very easy for us all. Ultimately, we gave Leslie the floral budget and listened to her recommendations. We ended up selecting roses and lush garlands. Mulberry Basket is a small rental company in Angleton, TX. The owner, Connie Bennett, is one of the sweetest ladies you will ever meet. She has always worked hard, and has even bent over backwards to help my Clients get what they want. Mulberry Basket provided the linens (tablecloths and napkins), as well as the votives and water glasses. Bavarian Cakery hit it out of the park with an amazing cake and cupcakes. There really is not much to say other than they arrived on time, set everything up flawlessly and the sweets tasted heavenly! Would I recommend Bavarian Cakery again? Absolutely!! Amber and Zach also had their DJ, DarkerSide DJs, booked prior to meeting us. They provided dj/music, mics and uplighting. They kept the party going all night. It was so nice to watch Amber and Zach enjoying their special day without a care in the world. Wedding Day Vendors RECAP Venue: Station 3 Planner: Next Chapter Weddings Videography: Cinematic Saviors Photographer: Pedigo Photography Caterer: Dickey's BBQ Florist: The English Florist Decor Rentals: Mulberry Basket, LLC Cake: Bavarian Cakery DJ: DarkerSide DJ's Wedding Day Details The day started off site since the venue does not have enough space for the wedding party to get ready for the day. (Note: There is a small room/closet for the Bride to put on her gown, but definitely not room to sit down with your Bridal Party and Hair + Makeup Team to get you all dolled up.) Amber and Zach had different hotel rooms where they spent the morning sipping mimosas and enjoying time with their closest friends. All Vendors spent the morning setting up Station 3 for the couple’s arrival for their First Look. Zach is a crier, and he did not want to risk crying nonstop at the Ceremony after seeing his lovely Bride for the first time, so we quickly decided that a First Look would be beneficial for the couple. It took place upstairs, along a window and brick wall. Amber came out in her modest gown and glided across the room with so much grace and a sweet smile glued to her face. She tapped Zach’s shoulder to cue him to turn around and he fell in love all over again. I guess I don’t know this for a fact, but the look on his face would confirm my suspicions. Their Photographer captured it all and the day with nonstop smiles started! After the First Look, they continued taking Wedding Party photos until guests started to arrive. The aisle and altar were lined with candles. I had the Wedding Party lined up upstairs and released them according to their spacing for the Ceremony Processional. Due to the design up the staircase, I was able to see a little more than half of the aisle. Amber was a gorgeous Bride and had a unique and flawless stride throughout the day. As she walked down the stairs, her peace and excitement radiated. Honestly, it has been one of my most favorite Processionals! Since the space was smaller and quiet, I did not want to risk distracting anyone by coming down the stairs myself, so I never saw if Zach actually cried, but I heard that he did in a sweet and beautiful way. What more can a girl ask for? After directing guests to Cocktail Hour, we began a quick flip of the room. The venue removed the chairs, the Florist repurposed some of her florals and my team put away the candles, cleaned the space, checked on guests and provided the Bride and Groom with water. Dinner was delicious and breezed on by. The Maid of Honor and Best Man gave Toasts, and we quickly moved to the cake. Amber and Zach just wanted to dance, so we intentionally moved past all the upstairs formalities as quickly as we could. We made our way downstairs once more, then Amber and Zach had their First Dance. Finally, the party began! And this crew DANCED!!! Everyone had a blast and were moving nonstop at this unique wedding venue. It was such a fun night. Amber + Zach moved on to the Next Chapter.