Alyse French | Fine Art Portrait Photographer | Houston, TX »

The Parador Wedding: Kata & Drew

It happens at nearly every wedding. Somewhere in between I Gotta Feeling and YMCA, I am forced to choke back tears. Luckily for me, I keep my camera in front of my face at all times. Well, that, and I swear by waterproof mascara. It’s something about watching a room full of people dancing with wild abandon, having the time of their lives in joyful celebration of two becoming one. It’s just.. Joy.

Kata and Drew‘s wedding was one I’ll remember always. Yes, because of the images. Yes, because of the cuh-razy dance party it became. But mostly because of how it made me feel to be a part of it. There is power and joy in choosing to love. In choosing to honor. In choosing to celebrate. And in the words of Kata’s father, “There’s a big difference between happiness and joy. And today? We feel joy.” Nothing could’ve been more true.

K & D – Oh, if only I could properly convey how completely honored we are to have captured such a meaningful and powerful day in your lives! We are beyond excited to see how God will continue to work in you and through you, as one. Much love and many, many hugs. XOXO!! Alyse & Dylan

I absolutely diiied when I saw Kata’s dress. Just wait until you actually see her IN it. Yowza.

Dark blue pumps and the most gorgeous antique chair you’ve ever seen? Yes, please!Are you serious, Kata? You are a supermodel.Dylan’s shot. Jealous. :)The Parador has quickly become one of my favorite venues to work at. And the staff is just a dream come true!Drew looking ready to see his bride for their first look!Favorite. Moment. EVER.Don’t they look amazing together?
Kata, you’re beautiful. And Drew? Your nose, teeth, and chin are too. ;) No, but really.These two made our jobs so easy. Such naturals.Special thank you to our trusty sidekick, Kaley, for joining us for the day.Ask any client of mine, and they’ll tell you I say “BAM” about 100 times per shoot. This, was one of those times…Can I just stop and say… Dear bridal party, you were all so fabulous and kind and drop. dead. gorgeous. Thank you for everything! And thank you for this picture. :)Dylan is responsible for these next two shots right before the ceremony. Luuurve.Most beautiful backdrop a photog could ask for!That Dylan kid is good, isn’t he? ;)BAAAM.Bergner & Johnson nailed the floral.And Behind the Bash catering did an equally fabulous job.
Both Kata and Drew’s families were so welcoming and lovely. I was so happy to capture such an intimate moment between Kata and her father.But OHHH, the dancing! I have NEVER… Seriously, never, seen such a dance party in mah life. I had to work pretty hard to refrain from tearin’ it up myself.Grady Gaines & The Texas Upsetters, ladies and gentlemen. Had me oo’ing and aw’ing the entire time.Bahahaha. That is all. :)And one more, for the joy of it all.

Happy Thursday!

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  • February 24, 2011 - 9:43 AM

    Mary Ann Barker - WOW!!!! She IS dropdead gorgeous. Alyse, I check your blog every Tuesday to see the new brides, and honestly, I don’t think I have ever seen wedding photos so very well done in my life (and I’m an old lady). Abbey always tells me that when she marries she wants you to photograph it and I absolutely, 100 percent agree! You’re hired (may not be for a decade or so tho…)!

  • February 24, 2011 - 10:22 AM

    Diane - Oh MY!!!Alyse, I think this is in the top 2 or 3 of all the weddings you’ve done. I hope they are THRILLED with this!!! Beautiful!

  • February 24, 2011 - 10:23 AM

    Stephanie Ullman - Aylse – I had a few minutes to check out your blog today. Honestly it’s the first time. WOW!! Your photography is just so…..WOW!!! It is really awesome. PS – I’m in love with Sully.

  • February 24, 2011 - 10:35 AM

    Alicia Pyne - Beautiful & Stunning Again!!

  • February 24, 2011 - 10:38 AM

    Becca Ainsworth - So incredibly amazing!!! Alyse, you are so good at what you do. Thank you for capturing my sweet sister and Drew so well… I could not imagine better pictures! Thank you thank you!

  • February 24, 2011 - 10:51 AM

    ann - As the tears drip on the keyboard I can only say these pictures are magnificent! You were a dream to work with and we will treasure them always.

  • February 24, 2011 - 11:02 AM

    stephanie - ok.
    1. her dress is fab.
    2. the two of them together are fab.
    3. your photos are fab.
    4. dylan’s photos are fab.

    BAM. Nailed it.

  • February 24, 2011 - 11:42 AM

    Jess Z. - I’m am STUNNED by these images!! Seriously. You AND Dylan both did an absolutely amazing job! I CANNOT get over it! LOVELOVELOVE!!! Oh, and the first picture that you posted of the dance party… there’s a girl in a black and white dress with a flower around her waist… definitely from White House Black Market! I hung about ten of them up last night at work hahaha :-D

  • February 24, 2011 - 11:44 AM

    Jill Boglij - That dress is STUNNING. Complete perfection.

  • February 24, 2011 - 12:02 PM

    Kristin Nicole - Gorgeous!!! Seriously.

  • February 24, 2011 - 12:46 PM

    Hannah - Ahh these are fabulous! I was tearing up just looking at these images. You captured their day perfectly. :)

  • February 24, 2011 - 1:42 PM

    Erin - Sigh… that’s all there is to say!! :’)

  • February 24, 2011 - 2:11 PM

    Blair Ainsworth - LOVE LOVE LOVE these pics! I cannot stop looking at them! You did an amazing job of photographing this amazing family wedding! BRAVO!

  • February 24, 2011 - 8:42 PM

    Erica M - Absolutely gorgeous! I’m in love with your black and whites, especially the BAM b&w of the bride and groom! Stunning!

  • February 24, 2011 - 9:15 PM

    kelly p. - ohhh my lanta. i want that chair.
    i am in love with this wedding, the colors, THE SHOES, her dress, the details, everything. oh! and lastly your photography greatness (:

  • February 25, 2011 - 10:23 AM

    Kate - SOOOO. here’s the story:: I am going to come to houston just to get married there. and have you take my pictues. n o t e v e n k i d d i n g a l i t t l e b i t.

  • February 25, 2011 - 1:07 PM

    Faith - LOVE this wedding! :) The photos are simply beautiful. I love Dylan’s shots too!

  • February 25, 2011 - 3:40 PM

    Christina Shippey - Wow!! What a beautiful wedding!! Love the way you captured all the sweetness, love and joy of their wedding day!

  • February 25, 2011 - 6:13 PM

    Sarah - i want to get married in that church! so pretty! love these pictures! looked like such a beautiful, fun, and sweet wedding! well done my dear!

  • April 7, 2011 - 7:43 AM

    Houston Wedding at The Parador | 7centerpieces - […] How gorgeous is this next couple! And they produced an equally gorgeous wedding.  The bride’s uber-chic, Grecian-style dress sets the tone for this contemporary affair.  The white and green florals by Bergner and Johnson compliment, yet don’t overpower, the beautiful venue.  And speaking of the venue, The Parador, with its Mediterranean-meets-Byzantine style, creates the perfect backdrop for this winter affair.  With its blue and gold accents, dreamy florals, and a cake display so pretty I wanted to applaud the design team, this wedding oozes style and grace.  And let’s not forget about the beautiful photographs!  Alyse French perfectly captured the elements of the day…and the love that is so clearly apparent between the couple.  Check out even more images on her blog. […]

  • April 7, 2011 - 8:47 AM

    Featured: 7 Centerpieces | Alyse French Photography | Houston-Based Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer - […] brides. Founder and editor, Kourtney Perry, reached out to me a while back about featuring Kata and Drew‘s Parador wedding, and I was all “YES, PLEASE!” And I am so grateful and honored […]

  • July 8, 2011 - 8:28 AM

    Memorial Park Engagement: Becca & Chris | Alyse French Photography | Houston-Based Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer - […] And before you question whether I’ve blogged Becca before, we actually shot her sister Kata’s wedding this past February. :) I swear they could be twins. GORGEOUS twins, with hearts just as […]

  • March 6, 2013 - 8:01 AM

    Houston Wedding by Alyse French Photography | 7 Centerpieces7 Centerpieces - […] How gorgeous is this next couple! And they produced an equally gorgeous wedding.  The bride’s uber-chic, Grecian-style dress sets the tone for this contemporary affair.  The white and green florals by Bergner and Johnson compliment, yet don’t overpower, the beautiful venue.  And speaking of the venue, The Parador, with its Mediterranean-meets-Byzantine style, creates the perfect backdrop for this winter affair.  With its blue and gold accents, dreamy florals, and a cake display so pretty I wanted to applaud the design team, this wedding oozes style and grace.  And let’s not forget about the beautiful photographs!  Alyse French perfectly captured the elements of the day…and the love that is so clearly apparent between the couple.  Check out even more images on her blog. […]