Crystal & Thomas tied the knot on a sunny morning in December surrounded by friends, family, puffy clouds, and immaculate scenery. Crystal incorporated some family traditions, including wearing a custom made red dress in the style of a traditional Cheongsam (or Qipao) for part of the day. The couple DIYed their decor, taking the industrial/gothic modern castle style of Iron Manor to a new level with tons of red roses and touches of gold and rich teal.

The couple chose a photography package that included 9 hours of coverage with two photographers (Libby & Caleb), an engagement session, and a 12”x12” heirloom wedding album. They received a total of 1382 photos.

First Look and Family Portraits in her Red Dress

Crystal wore a red dress for her first look with Thomas and photos with her family. She had her dress custom made, in a modern, romantic style, referencing the traditional red Cheongsam (also known as a Qipao) worn for Chinese weddings. I love that she started her day celebrating her heritage. She also took photos with her extended family in this dress, before changing to a white western-style dress for the ceremony. Crystal’s bouquet, crafted uniquely for her by the acclaimed Houston-based florist, Mibellarosa, paired perfectly with both dresses.

Decor and Details

Crystal and Thomas worked together to DIY their decor and transform Iron Manor into their own personal fairytale. Like many couples, the red rose motif, from the story of Beauty and the Beast, was the inspiration for the celebration of their real-life love story. Iron Manor is a unique space, at once modern and a little industrial, but also grand, ornate, and even a little gothic. This couple’s decor leaned into the grand castle vibes to tremendous effect.

White Dress and Wedding Ceremony

Crystal and Thomas opted for a “First Look” where they spent a few minutes together before the ceremony and read personal vows. For some couples, deciding whether or not to do a first look can be tough because they want to preserve the element of surprise about the wedding gown for that big reveal moment when the bride walks down the Aisle. Crystal cleverly sidestepped this dilemma by saving one of her two dresses for the ceremony surprise. After their first look in red, Thomas was sequestered in his quarters until the ceremony so Crystal could enjoy the surprised look on his face.

Following the ceremony, the couple took photos with their bridal party in the gardens.

Breakfast food and Dancing

After the ceremony, the family and friends were invited to enjoy charcuterie and a buffet of the couple’s favorite breakfast foods, followed by toasts and dancing, hugs, and a lot of fun at the Photo Booth (Check out Bippity Boppity Booth, she’s awesome)

More Photos to end a Perfect Day

After partying, Crystal and Thomas stepped outside with Caleb and I and the video team (EP wedding films were an absolute delight to work with). The couple gave us a ton of time to get creative right as the sun was setting—so of course we took full advantage of everything Iron Manor’s beautiful property has to offer.

12”x12” Wedding Album

Crystal & Thomas’s package included a 12” custom designed heirloom wedding album. They selected their favorite 75 images, and I designed a 30 page album layout that they then were able to approve before it went to print. They selected a standard leather cover in the color “Northern Lights” with gold debossed text on the cover. Read more about the albums we offer here.