Modern Luxury Meets Intimate, European-Inspired Romance
If you’re dreaming of a Houston wedding venue that feels classic, architectural, and quietly luxurious without leaving Houston, Le Tessarae should absolutely be on your radar. This brand-new Houston wedding venue blends modern design with timeless European charm, creating an elevated backdrop for couples who want editorial-forward, art-driven photos (aka: my favorite kind).
As a Houston wedding photographer who’s always scouting fresh locations with incredible light, clean lines, and intentional design, Le Tessarae checks every box.
Think: soft neutral stone, iron accents, grand archways, and a courtyard straight out of an Italian villa. Every corner is photo-ready. The Houston venue has a clean, upscale aesthetic that fits modern, classic, and luxury-editorial weddings.
It gives “European destination wedding,” except we’re in Houston, and you can Uber there.
Houston weather can be… dramatic. Le Tessarae’s layout gives couples the best of both worlds: open-air spaces AND elegant indoor options that still feel airy and intentional. Whether you want a sunlit courtyard ceremony or a candle-lit reception indoors, there’s a space that fits the vibe.
Le Tessarae shines for weddings that want sophistication without the ballroom-hotel feel. It’s ideal for couples who want a curated, editorial, experience-forward day.
As someone who’s deeply obsessed with light, texture, and architecture (hi, it’s me), here are the spots I immediately gravitate toward:
Soft stone, symmetrical lines, and beautiful natural light it’s perfect for ceremonies, couple portraits, or champagne-spray celebrations.
These spaces provide stunning editorial angles, especially for first looks, wardrobe moments, or those “effortlessly luxe” shots.
Clean, neutral, customizable, and SO good for documenting décor and florals. Planners and designers love this space because it’s a blank canvas without feeling empty.
There are gorgeous pockets around the venue that make for intimate portraits ideal for couples wanting a mix of emotional, candid, and elevated photos.
If you’re planning a wedding at Le Tessarae, here’s how to make the most of your day:
The architecture is too good not to explore. I always recommend padding 15–20 minutes into your timeline.
This space handles editorial fashion beautifully. A sleek reception dress or chic suit moment photographs insanely well here.
Neutrals love texture. Think: roses, orchids, hanging installations, stone accents, or candle-heavy arrangements. (All florals in this post are from College Park Florals)
Enough said.
If you’re planning to say “I do” at Le Tessarae and want dreamy, cinematic, documentary-meets-editorial photos… I would love to be part of your team.
I know how to use the light, the architecture, and the spaces to create a gallery that feels timeless and intimate — while still giving all those modern, stylish shots you’ll want printed.
Ready to chat about your wedding day?
👉 Inquire Here
👉 Or follow along on Ig for more Houston wedding inspiration
When it comes the epicness of your wedding day, finding the right Houston wedding photographer is key. Your photos will be the lasting memories of laughter, love, and all the dance floor shenanigans. So, let’s dive into some tips and tricks for picking the perfect person to capture those candid moments, epic scenes, and all the vibes that make your big day uniquely yours. Ready to find the Houston photographer who’ll turn your wedding into a visual masterpiece? Let’s roll!
Scroll Through Snaps:
Start your Houston search online and scroll through photographers’ portfolios. Look for a google listing first. Then go to their website (helps determine if they are legitimate). Once you have determined they are legit move on to instagram, facebook, etc. Look for a vibe that clicks with your style. Whether it’s capturing candid moments or epic dance floor shots, find someone whose work makes you go, “Yep, that’s the vibe!”
Face-to-Face (or Screen-to-Screen):
Schedule a chill meet-up, either in person or virtually. (I personally love tacos and margs!) Get to know your potential Houston photographer, ask questions (can even be about themselves to help get to know them), and make sure you vibe together. After all, you’ll be spending a whole day with them—might as well enjoy their company! To me this is the most important step!
Chat with Happy Couples:
Put your detective hat on and dig into reviews. Check out what other couples are saying. Did the photographer bring good vibes and capture all the feels? A happy couple’s endorsement is worth its weight in gold. (Bonus tip if they have reviews turned off run!) You can find reviews on google, facebook, The knot, Weddingwire, etc. You can easily search their business name and all the places they have reviews will show up. Don’t just read the top one (its pinned) go through as many as you need to see the similarities. Here are my reviews for example! Google , The knot, Facebook.
Budget Banter:
BE HONEST! Lay it out on the table— ask what’s included in the package, what might sneak up on your wallet later. Can you add hours of coverage later? Can you decrease coverage?. No one likes surprises, especially when it comes to dollar bills. Make sure everything’s as clear as a pristine wedding day forecast.
Lock in the Date and Plan B:
Confirm the Houston wedding photographer’s availability for your big day. Also, ask about their Plan B in case life throws a curveball. A good photographer has backup plans smoother than a dance move, ensuring your memories stay epic no matter what.
Remember, finding your wedding photographer is like choosing your dance partner for life—make sure you’re on the same wavelength and ready to capture all those unforgettable moments!
LOOKING TO BOOK YOUR 5 STAR PHOTOGRAPHER: CONTACT ME HERE!
I always get asked how can i get my details to look so perfect! How do i get my detail photos to look like this?! What did they do differently? The truth is easy, be prepared and plan ahead. Details have easily become a super integral part of the wedding day and honestly it has been fun to push myself creatively to create something new and different every time! Anyways here are some tips to help achieve this look.
Here’s a guide on what Houston Wedding Clients can do to help create better wedding detail photos.
Plan Ahead:
Collaborate with your wedding photographer well in advance. Share your vision for the wedding, your preferred details, and any sentimental items you’d like to be included in the photos.
Prepare a Detail Collection:
Gather all the essential details to be photographed, such as the wedding dress, ALL RINGS (yes his as well), shoes, jewelry, invitations, bouquet, and any heirlooms or special items. Have them ready in one place for the photographer. (A shoebox or just box in general is a good spot for this!)
Keep Items Clean and Tidy:
Consider a Styling Kit:
Some brides create a styling kit with extra ribbons, flowers, or other decorative elements that can enhance the detail photos. Share this with your photographer for additional creative options. (Bonus tip Etsy has some beautifully curated kits! )
Personalize Your Details:
Add personal touches to your details that reflect your personality and the theme of your wedding. This could include custom monograms on invitations, unique jewelry, or personalized hangers for your dress.
Choose a Beautiful Houston Wedding Getting-Ready Location:
Select a getting-ready location with ample natural light and an aesthetically pleasing backdrop. A well-decorated bridal suite or room can make a significant difference in your detail photos.
Trust Your Houston Wedding Photographer:
Your photographer has experience capturing wedding details. Trust their creative vision and allow them to experiment with different angles and techniques.
Coordinate with Houston Wedding Vendors:Houston Weddings can be expensive! Let’s remember they are technically a luxury, and as fun and incredible as they can be, you don’t NEED a big wedding. Often times I hear my brides tell me how much they have had to spend or they wished they had the money to allot for X. This blog is going to give you some ideas on ways to save money without lowering the quality of your day – because in this industry you get what you pay for. Harsh… but I can only be honest, and want the best for my people!
One of the easiest ways to save money on a wedding in Houston is to have your wedding during an off-peak season, such as during the summer months, or on a weekday. This can result in significant savings on everything from venue rentals, to catering, and floral arrangements.
Another way to save money on a wedding in Houston is to choose a “budget-friendly” venue. When I say “budget friendly,” let me explain… There are many beautiful and affordable wedding venues in Houston, (such as The Homestead Tx, pictured in this blog post) that offer all-inclusive wedding packages. From decor rentals, chairs, tables, catering, etc, choosing vendors who provide more than one component often results in a cheaper total. Think of it as same quality, but less “middle men” and less labor costs since bundled services typically only include one set of labor costs vs the labor costs for 4 or 5 different companies.
One of the biggest expenses of any wedding is the cost of feeding and entertaining your guests. To save money on your wedding in Houston (or anywhere, really), consider limiting your guest list to only your closest family and friends. This can significantly reduce the cost of catering, venue rental, and other expenses, while still allowing you to have a memorable and meaningful wedding celebration. The money saved by having a smaller guest list can be put towards decor, premium wedding vendors, or even your savings account!
Hear me out… if your “all in” budget for photo and video is 5k, I always recommend to my clients to pick one must-have instead of splitting your budget in half and hiring two mediocre companies to get both. I know, I know… it’s a hot take, but I promise you won’t regret investing in one must-have photographer or videographer. The videographers here are not going to like what I have to say… but I obviously vote on investing in a great photographer over a great videographer. Your photos will last forever! In addition to being digital, they are tangible items you can print, hang or create albums of, and pass down through the generations. One thing I love to suggest to my clients is to create a dropbox folder for your guests to drop videos into and create your own slideshow together of your big day as a date night.
Want to chat about the possibility of me photographing your Houston Wedding? Contact me to learn more!
I won’t lie… this whole blog thing has never been my favorite. I know I am not the worlds best writer, and I sure as shit don’t have the best grammar…but here we are, writing blogs because the truth is that despite all of that, I have important things to share and say! Practice makes perfect right?
Let’s use engagement sessions as an example.
Don’t come at me for what I’m about to say. I used to HATE engagement sessions. I *used* to. But with Houston engagement season officially here, I figured I’d let you in on that little secret…I have grown to love them for a multitude of reasons.
(Let me preface this by saying Florida is a great place for the people who love it). But I am a Texas gal now, and I’m falling more in love with engagements the longer I live here!
Now that my dirty little secret is out, and engagements are in, I figured today was a good day to share my top tips for getting engagement-photo-ready!
Five Tips For Engagement Sessions
Where should we have our engagement session? What is the best time of day? Will it cost money? All are questions that go hand in hand. Houston is full of awesome engagement session locations.
To narrow it down, some questions I ask my clients are:
-Is there a space that is special to you as a couple?
-Where did you get engaged?
-Are you willing to pay a permit fee for the perfect location?
Locking down these important details can help us pick the best location for your session. If you don’t have a spot in mind, I am literally bursting at the seams with fun ideas and locations that I fucking love! If you want something outdoors, consider the Houston Arboretum, or the skyline at Buffalo Bayou Park.
If you prefer something indoors, or a studio feel, check out The Oak Atelier (Shown here).
No matter what you decide, let those questions guide you, or give your photographer full control so you can find the vibe and location that works best for you.
All RKM clients get a pre session email that shares tips and tricks on how to make your session flow and feel easy. Since you’re here and I am feeling the love, I can give you a sneak peek at some of those tips here.
For starters, I always recommend getting a full 8 hrs of sleep the nights leading up to our session together. We always tend to feel better, are less stressed, and just all around happier. Here is a small article explaining the benefits of sleep to our moods. My second tip is BRING BUG SPRAY! we all know the texas bugs are wild and relentlesssssssssssss.
I always recommend my clients bring two outfit choices.
-One more casual more “you” outfit. Something that screams your individual personalities. Be it cowboy hats and boots, with jeans and a plaid shirt. Or just a casual hang out outfit. Think comfortable and casual.
-One more “formal” outfit. One that you would probably lean towards for your save the dates etc. Or if you are just fancy pants people and love to get dressed up do one/two epic outfits!
Some dress companies I love to recommend to my clients are Balticborn, Joyfolie, or Mod boutique. When styling, I always tell couples to pick a color “scheme” or pallet and go from there. Think light neutrals with a small amount of blush pinks. Or more fall “tones” like greens, with a pop of mustard. Picking a “theme” is always the way to go over matching head to toe in the same colors.
BUT rules are meant to be broken- this couple rocked it with black on black formal attire, so if you are struggling to make something work, don’t worry, I am here to bounce ideas off of and help make sure you look incredible at your session.
This post is all about being honest, so I’m gonna be honest with you about something…. WE’RE ALL AWKWARD IN OUR OWN WAYS! That’s what makes you *you* and your relationship *yours*. As your photographer, I’m here to capture your relationship as it is. It is your photographers job to make it fun, easy, and tell your story- no matter how “awkward” you may feel. You’re fucking awesome and I got your back!
One of my favorite hacks as a Houston wedding and engagement photographer is to tell clients to book their trial session for their hair and makeup on the day of your engagement session. This allows you to visually see what you like or don’t like about your wedding day makeup and hair.
Afterwards, you bring tips and concerns back to your HMUA (don’t worry they love this and want you to be happy).
Some of my favorite houston Hair and makeup artists are Brittany Blanchard Beauty, Blooming Beauty, Bespoken-Beauty. You can’t go wrong with any of these amazing ladies!
LOOKING TO BOOK YOUR 5 STAR PHOTOGRAPHER: CONTACT ME HERE!
When you start to plan your wedding you go through all the vendors you think you want / need. Venue, photographer, florist, catering, rentals, cake, videographer, officiant, etc! One vendor typically get’s left out and is super under rated. A Top Houston wedding planner. Weather that be full planning, month of, week of, or even just day of services. There is a level of planning to fit all needs.
Ive decided to start a new Blog series where I feature some of my favorite wedding vendors to work with. Who they are, how they started, and support other small business’ in the Houston wedding industry. So If you want a planner to jump in and work until the couple are happily leaving in their exit cars. Learn more abut Bluepoppy events.
Carrie and Rebekah are lucky to share a bond beyond sisterhood. Despite an eight-year gap in age, they have pretty much always been best friends and they are truly balancing points for one another. While at first it may seem as if Carrie is a classic ‘first born’ child: all about details, organization, and structure and Rebekah fills the ‘youngest child’ role: fun, laughter, and a good-time gal, they actually BOTH bring ALL of these traits to Blue Poppy Events.
For years, they discussed what kind of business they could create together. Something that would utilize their skills, push them to learn and grow, and also be family-oriented. Wedding and event planning sort of fell into their laps at the right time and the right place in life. Just as they were trying to find ‘the perfect business idea’, they kept getting asked by friends and family to assist with their weddings and events. “You know how to run a wedding rehearsal, right?” “Can you set up a reception?” “Do you know anything about wedding day timelines?”. As neither sister is one to shy away from a challenge, they took on these requests for help with all seriousness and refused to let someone’s special day fall to pieces.
Well, after hours and hours of searching for what captured who they are and what they wanted their business to be. Carrie and Rebekah realized how fortunate they are to have one another as a sister and began to think about their own families. While they each only have one daughter, their hope is that their children will grow up to be more like sisters. In searching for a way to symbolize this in their busines they ultimately decided. They selected blue for the color of 1 daughter’s birthstone and the poppy is the other daughter’s birth month flower.
Fast forward to today and Blue Poppy Events is now growing into everything this sister team hoped for – and more. They love to meet with couples and hear what they have envisioned for their wedding day. Then helping bring that dream to fruition. Rarely a wedding passes that Rebekah isn’t getting choked up when the bride walks down the aisle. Carrie has to leave the room as the first notes of the Father and Bride’s song starts to find a tissue. They adore each and every celebration that they get to be a part of… and they have A LOT of fun doing it!! They’ve even been caught once or twice in a dark corner of the reception dancing to the party music! 😉
Now that you’ve fallen in love with the two best planners out there make sure to check out one of my favorite blog posts of theirs HERE!. Enjoy the rest of the images from one of my favorite weddings of all time. I had the pleasure of working alongside with The best Houston Wedding planners Bluepoppy events.
Venue: The Bryan Museum
Florals/Design: Rexberry Luxury
Band: Flight of the Keys
HMUA: Blush Artistry
Cake: Cakes By Jula
LOOKING TO BOOK YOUR 5 STAR PHOTOGRAPHER: CONTACT ME HERE!
First off let me start by saying there are so many pros and cons to every wedding option. I wanted to add some pros to a smaller backyard wedding in the Houston, texas area because well they are incredible!
Pro 2. Secondly Your space allows for a comfortable getting ready location. What do i mean by that… well, my job as a storyteller is to capture you in your element. You’re home creates a sense of peace, enjoyment, comfortability. The more comfortable the more you trust me and give me your true raw self.
Pro #3 NO ONE WILL HAVE THE SAME IMAGES AS YOU. I feel like this is self explanatory :] Your space = your images. We live for originality!
Pro #4 You make the rules. No one can tell you how many people can be in your space at one time, or what food and drinks you can have, how long you have to get ready, and no one to care about if you decide to party till 2am instead of the allotted time of 10pm.
Pro # 5. You can have as little or as many people as you want / can fit. Typically I find my clients love a smaller intimate wedding to allow for more details, and extra money spent on important things like photographer (me 😝), florals, details, dj etc.
Lastly Pro #6 and my personal favorite WE GET TO TAKE PORTRAITS FOR AS LONG AS YOU WANT! I mean this is your Outdoor Texas Backyard Wedding, You run the show and it’s your space. So we can go anywhere, do anything, and create as much as we want. You want to frolic in the cow pasture and take portraits next to cow pies I’m game. Im here for you!
Enjoy the Full gallery of this Outdoor Houston Texas wedding HERE!
I think I am going to start a new series on my blog and feature some of my newfound favorite companies and vendors because well why the hell not?! I love giving content to my future clients and just anyone planning a wedding really. Tell me down below some of the types of vendors you would love to hear from! All images will link to the style of the invites I created on their easy to use website :]
The first company I want to feature is Basic Invite, when I say they are affordable, cute, and have an insane amount of options, I MEAN IT! Were going to go through some of the key things I love about this company and why I am recommending them to you.
Seal & Send Wedding Invitations – Their seal and send wedding invitations are an all-in-one wedding invitation with a tear-off RSVP postcard included! The Seal & Send is the newest collection and brides are LOVING them. Currently, they offer them in over 30 designs including the ever-popular foil options, and, like the other products, they are fully customizable. One of the things that is special about the Seal & Sends is that guest’s addresses can be printed on the front of each invitation so no envelope is necessary! All you have to do is share a link, collect guest addresses, and upload them onto your design. Once you receive your order all you have to do is add postage, fold your invites, and secure them with a sticker! Simple and easy.
Almost Unlimited Colors – Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows customers almost unlimited color options with instant previews online. You can change the color of each element on a card, with over 180 different color options. The card can be exactly how you want it, down to the littlest detail. This is what sets them apart from any other online stationery company and is easily the biggest draw.
Custom Samples – Basic Invite allows customers the ability to order a printed sample of their invitation so they can see the card’s paper quality and how it will print before they have to place their final order.
Over 40 Different Colors of Envelopes – They are just as colorful with their envelopes as they are with our invitations. Customers can choose from over 40 different envelope colors so that they can make their invitation stand out even before it is opened. All of their envelopes are peel and seal so the envelopes can be closed quickly and easily.
Over 900 Custom Wedding Invitation Suites – Each of their wedding invitations are part of a set. They have all the wedding stationery you need, from save the dates, wedding invitations, enclosure cards, wedding menus, wedding programs, and even matching thank you cards!
Free Address Collection Service – Use the free address collection service to request your addresses with just three simple steps. Share a link via social media or email, collect addresses, and get free envelope printing.
Here are all the Social Media Links for basicinvite because Honestly they really are awesome. I made all of these samples myself and did the ordering process just as you will and it was easy! Definitely check them out for affordable invites!
