Houston White Barn Wedding

If your dream is a Houston white barn wedding, The Grand Texana is the place. Located just outside of the Houston proper, this historic white barn sits on a pecan grove on a farmstead estate. With both a white barn chapel and white barn reception space, the rolling land is a beautiful site!

Hannah and Luke knew The Grand Texana was just the place for their big day. Their aesthetic behind their wedding was inspired by their engagement in Crested Butte, Colorado. They chose different shades of green and wildflowers as their colors and decorations to bring the sense of green fields, mountains, nature, and God’s creation.

A Love Story Under the Stars

Hannah and Luke’s love story began in Abilene, TX, back in 2016. While at Abilene Christian University they found their way into the same friend group. This group went to a country dance together and Luke’s date was actually Hannah’s roommate. Hannah’s date turned out to be a cute goat (literally). Neither of those dates went past that night! By Christmas break, Hannah and Luke realized they really liked each other a lot! Many lunch dates and movie nights later, their romance began. After Christmas break, Luke took Hannah to Fort Phantom where they sat and talked while looking at the stars and shared their first kiss. They discovered a mutual love of food, movies, laughter, and dancing. And the rest is history!

Getting Ready

Inside the lovely bridal cottage at The Grand Texana, Hannah and her bride tribe had a wonderful day. They laughed and giggled and shared memories of their past times together. Get you a bride tribe that cheers you on every step of the way! It was really wonderful to see how much Hannah’s family helped prepare for this wedding day. The invitations were custom drawn and designed by Hannah’s sister (and Maid of Honor), Kirsten Gould, who is an artist. She also did Hannah’s makeup and it was stunning! Hannah’s something new were earrings gifted from her best friend’s mother who is a second mom to her. Something old was Hannah’s grandmothers gem stone. So many sentimental pieces made this day even more special.

First Look with Bridesmaids

Hannah and Luke chose not to have a first look, but Hannah absolutely knew she wanted to plan a fun reveal with her bridesmaids. Once the girls were ready, they headed out to wait under the gorgeous oak tree at The Grand Texana. Their expressions and reactions were priceless when they saw Hannah for the first time in her wedding gown.

The Groom and Groomsmen

Looking dapper in their navy suits, Luke and his groomsmen were all smiles during photos. It was so great to see his excitement as he waited to marry the women of his dreams.

Houston White Barn Wedding Chapel

Hannah and Luke chose not to see each other until that moment Hannah would walk down the aisle. This was the moment she had dreamed about her entire life. Hannah and Luke shared a letter to each other and a small gift just before the ceremony. It was so special and kind of funny because their gifts matched each other. Hannah gifted Luke a fox pendant to wear on his heart . Luke gifted Hannah a handkerchief that said: “for fox tears only”. Foxes are special to them! When they first started dating, they saw a fox on campus . Foxes are one of the few animals that mate for life. From then on, they called each other fox.

This was a beautiful and intimate ceremony! As strong Christians, Hannah and Luke wanted their faith and relationship with God to be the first step in our marriage. Their ceremony was officiated by their college pastor and friend. They shared communion together and pronounced their vows, commitments, and promises to God. Hannah told me, “I wasn’t nervous until the door to the chapel shut and I had a few moments to breathe and when they opened all my nerves turned into utter joy and excitement. There were so many small moments that were cliche “pinch me, am I dreaming?” Reading their personal vows was one of her favorite moments.

Newlywed Portraits

After the ceremony, I whisked Hannah and Luke away for newlywed portraits and we captured some special moments with their wedding party as well. I asked Hannah and Luke what advice they would give engaged couples and she replied”

“I would encourage people to take their time and don’t be afraid of a long engagement. We were engaged for 2 years which was long but everything was done by the time the wedding came around. I had time to think about what I wanted and shop smart and really plan exactly what we were both wanting and not feeling rushed. During the wedding, it is so important to take a step back and look at the beauty around you.”

Houston White Barn Wedding Reception

Every detail was perfect during this reception! Family designed the florals and Hannah’s sister made all the table numbers, all the signs, and guest sign in painting. Beautiful toasts were shared and the guest had a wonderful evening dancing the night away. The happy couple ran through a sparkler exit to begin their new life together.

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Stevens! It has been the absolute best being your wedding photographer! I wish you both a joyous year ahead and can’t wait to see what your future holds!