Crystal Ballroom At The Rice | Houston Wedding Blog

Blush, Black & Gold Wedding at Crystal Ballroom at The Rice by Ama Photography & Cinema

Houston couple Marina and Frank were partying like it was 1999 (literally) when they first met at a nightclub their senior year of high school. Marina tells us, “Frank was dancing with my friend (who happened to be one of my bridesmaids) to get closer to me. He eventually made his way to me, and we exchanged numbers at the end of the night.” They kept in touch and went on a couple dates, but parted ways when Marina started college and Frank left town for boot camp—but that didn’t stop them from keeping in touch. After she graduated college and Frank came back from the military, they were inseparable.

Marina and Frank planned a trip to visit their friends in New York City…but little did she know this trip had something special in store for her. “Frank mentioned that he had never done any of the typical touristy things in the city, so I planned an entire day out of it. We went through Ellis Island Museum and walked around to take an imprint of Frank’s grandfather’s name—whose name is on The Wall of Honor—but Mark insisted that we should take a look at the skyline first. As we were walking over, his started breathing heavily and got down on one knee,” recounts Marina. She was so surprised that she couldn’t even remember most of what he said, but she does remember him saying, “My grandfather started his new life on Ellis Island, and I want us to start our new life together here.” Aww…pass the tissues, please!

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Exactly one year later the pair tied the knot at the Crystal Ballroom at The Rice with their nearest and dearest to witness. “We wanted to go with something elegant, classic and timeless with pops of bold elements,” says Marina.

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One of their favorite moments? When LG Entertainment played the last song, and all of the guests joined the bride and groom on the dance floor!

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Congrats and best wishes to the newlyweds!

Wedding-Reception-Exit Photos: Ama Photography & Cinema | Rehearsal Dinner Location: Lawless Kitchen & Spirits | Reception Venue: Crystal Ballroom at The Rice | Catering: Sambuca Catering | Music, Lighting & Entertainment: LG Entertainment

Addison J Weddings on Their Favorite Wedding Moments on Film

Now that you and your honey have decided to partner up, it’s time to do the same with a Houston wedding photography and videography dream team! Cue Addison J Wedding Photography & Videography, the talented photo and video company founded by dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Elan and Kory Fontenot.

Elan and Kory, who specialize respectively in videography and photography, pride themselves in being able to capture both the sights and sounds of your wedding day without interfering with one another. We asked them to share with us some of their favorite moments captured on film. Keep reading to see their beautiful images, both moving and still, and discover their take on documenting your wedding day, each in their own words!

Video: Addison J Wedding Photography & Videography | Venue: Crystal Ballroom at the Rice | Entertainment: LG Entertainment

Relishing in the Romance — Nicholas and Nikoya’s Crystal Ballroom wedding was the epitome of love on display. Their elated expressions and bashful grins throughout the night touched the hearts of their family and closest friends.

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Little Ones — There is nothing like having an adorable child carry a sign down the aisle, in advance of the bride and groom, to ease wedding-day tension, and get everyone laughing.

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Destination Sessions — We love to travel the world, and destination weddings are always extra special. The Golden Gate Bridge was a perfect backdrop for Anthone and Ashley. We can’t wait to capture their love in a California vineyard at their upcoming wedding.

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A Gushing Groom — Some men do not like taking engagement photos. But after we ease their nerves and they get comfortable in front of the lens, their love and affection can be felt from both sides.

2017-05-08_0006 Photo: Addison J Wedding Photography & Videography | Venue: The Corinthian

Bridal Portraits — Kristen brought her A-game to her bridal shoot at The Corinthian. Her gorgeous lace dress, and the grand columns and uplighting, set the stage for us to get the perfect shot.

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Welcome Mr. and Mrs. — Jacob and Gabby were so elated the moment they were introduced as Mr. and Mrs. The crowd went wild, and this moment made all the planning and waiting worthwhile.

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Letting Loose — This is the moment when all the major events are over and the bride and groom can let their hair down and dance. The Bartons are both doctors and have stressful jobs, so it was awesome to see them let loose on the dance floor.

Like what you see? Interested in working with this dynamic duo yourself? Schedule a consultation with Addison J Wedding Photography & Videography today!

Gatsby-Inspired Wedding at the Crystal Ballroom at The Rice by Civic Photos

It was Tyler’s birthday, and Sabreena wanted to make sure it was special, since he had driven five hours from Arlington to Houston to celebrate with her. Little did she know that Tyler had something extra special in store for her! They went to an Italian restaurant since it was his favorite cuisine. As they were checking out the menu, Tyler said, “I don’t want any of this.” Sabreena panicked because she was the one who chose this restaurant, and she started to scan the menu to see if she could find something he would like. As soon as she placed the menu down, she noticed he was no longer in his seat, and in fact, down on one knee in front of her. He said, “All I want is you.” Aww! How could she say no?

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Sabreena strutted down the aisle wearing a lovely full-sleeved lace gown from Weddings by Debbie, and the couple said their “I do’s” in front of their dearest family and friends.

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Their Gatsby-themed wedding at the Crystal Ballroom at The Rice was full of swanky 20’s-inspired details including a metallic gold, black and ivory wedding cake from Cakes by Gina, soft candlelight to accent the Art Deco decor, and escort table numbers inspired by characters from The Great Gatsby.

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We wish these two a lifetime of love and happiness. Thanks Civic Photos for the gorgeous photos!

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Blush, Navy & Gold Wedding at Crystal Ballroom at The Rice by MD Turner Photography

Jason met his sports-loving gal, Lauren, right out of college in 2009 when they both were working for the San Antonio Spurs. “We are both from Houston, and grew up as HUGE Rockets fans, so neither of us thought we’d ever work for the Spurs,” says Lauren. “Luckily we did and it brought us to each other,” adds Lauren. The pair hit it off immediately, and you can guess what happens next. Jason got down on one knee during their trip to Paris on the Pont des Arts bridge (aww). It wasn’t long before they started planning their romantic wedding at the Crystal Ballroom at The Rice. “We couldn’t ask for a better day,” recounts Lauren. “This is something that we say to each other often, so we thought it would be fun to include this saying in our wedding theme and details. It was used on the wedding program, napkins and koozies!” Sounds so sweet, right? Just wait ‘til you see the lovely pics from MD Turner Photography. “They were so easy to work with and really connected with Jason and I, my family and wedding party. MD Turner Photography was so much fun and made the day even more enjoyable,” adds Lauren. We couldn’t be happier for Lauren and Jason. Congrats!

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Photos: MD Turner Photography | Venue: Crystal Ballroom at The Rice | Catering: Sambuca Catering | Music, Entertainment, Lighting & Photobooth: DJU Entertainment

Our Partners Take Top Event Design Award!

We’re not trying to be biased—but we think our Weddings in Houston partners put on the most incredible weddings. And we’re not the only ones who think so. In fact, the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE), the nation’s leading organization for event professionals, just honored a group of top Weddings in Houston partners with “Best Team Event of The Year” honors at this year’s NACE Experience Conference! Big congrats to Claudia de Velasco of A Day To Remember, Lisa Anahaiser of LBL Event Rentals and photographer David Jones, whose Crystal Ballroom at The Rice wedding wowed the judges with its classic elegance and…utter gorgeousness (including floral design from Flora & Eventi)! Meet Claudia, David and Lisa, and find out how they can bring award-winning style to your special day, at the one-and-only I Do! Wedding Soiree, coming to The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, on Wednesday, Oct. 5. Tickets are selling quickly, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Get yours now, and get ready for…WOW!

NACE ‘Best Team Event of The Year’ Award Crystal-Ballroom-Wedding

Photos: D. Jones Photography | Venue: Crystal Ballroom at The Rice | Planner: A Day to Remember | Linens: LBL Event Rentals & Design | Flowers: Flora & Eventi