Romantic bride and groom portraits at crystal ballroom at the rice

Weddings

A Timeless Wedding at Crystal ballroom at the Rice

The owner & lead photographer here at Aly Matei Photography. I proudly serve outgoing couples who value lively & emotive experiences.

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Caroline and Nathan had such a classic and timeless wedding at the amazing wedding venue Crystal Ballroom at the Rice! They valued having their family during their special day so much an you can definitely see the love and emotion from everyone throughout this wedding! Below is their Super 8 Film video and it is filled with tears and laughter and so much romance.

The Little Details Of The Wedding Day

Every single aspect of this wedding day was nothing short of extraordinary. From the ethereal, fairytale-inspired paper goods to the vibrant, thoughtfully curated design, every detail came together to create an unforgettable celebration. I truly cherished the opportunity to capture these beautiful moments and be a part of such a magical day.

Wedding invitation set with floral designs, a decorative silver tray with two rings, and small yellow flowers on a light textured background.

Getting Ready with Caroline

The day started off with Caroline getting ready with her bridesmaids. I captured their getting ready photos in matching cute PJs! After that, Caroline slipped into her ballgown dress and it was so beautiful! Her dress added to the classic and elegant feel of the entire day. Once Caroline was ready she did a first look with all the close and special people in her life. The first look with her dad was really special and you can see the marine big macho tough man let all of his emotions out during it which was soooo special!

Seven women in matching blue floral pajamas stand around a woman in white pajamas, all smiling in a room with a closed door.
Seven women in matching blue floral pajamas stand around a woman in white pajamas, all smiling in a room with a closed door.
A bride in a wedding dress stands near a window while another person helps adjust her gown at the rystal ballroom at the rice
A bride in a wedding dress stands near a window while another person helps adjust her gown at the rystal ballroom at the rice
Bride having first look with her dad at the crystal ballroom at the rice
Bride having first look with her dad at the crystal ballroom at the rice
Bride having first look with her dad at the crystal ballroom at the rice
bridesmaids having a first look with the bride
bridesmaids having a first look with the bride
bride having a first look with two women
bride having a first look with two women

The Ceremony

Caroline gracefully made her way down the aisle, while Nathan eagerly awaited her with a heart full of anticipation. As she walked toward him, the train of her dress and her flowing cathedral veil created a truly stunning sight. There’s something so timeless and enchanting about a bride in a classic cathedral veil, and Caroline’s was absolutely breathtaking. When they finally joined together, their wedding ceremony was filled with heartfelt emotion, marking the beginning of their beautiful journey as a couple.

Bride in a white gown descends a narrow staircase next to a stained glass window.
A church procession with people in robes carrying a cross down the aisle, surrounded by seated guests.
A group of men in formal suits stand together in a church, with one man at the front.
A bride in a white dress walks down the aisle with a man in a black suit, surrounded by seated guests in a church setting.
A bride in a white gown, holding a bouquet, walks down the aisle with a man in a suit inside a church, witnessed by seated guests.
A bride in a white dress walks down the aisle with a man in a black suit, surrounded by seated guests in a church setting.
Bride and groom stand at the altar during a wedding ceremony in a church, with a priest officiating.
A bride and groom stand at the altar during a wedding ceremony in a church, with a priest presiding. Guests are seated in pews watching the ceremony.
A bride and groom stand at the altar during a wedding ceremony in a church, with a priest presiding. Guests are seated in pews watching the ceremony.
A bride and groom stand at the altar during a wedding ceremony in a church, with a priest presiding. Guests are seated in pews watching the ceremony.
A bride and groom stand at the altar during a wedding ceremony in a church, with a priest presiding. Guests are seated in pews watching the ceremony.

The Bridal Party

After the ceremony, we made our way to the stunning Crystal Ballroom at The Rice, a venue that perfectly complemented the elegance of the day. Once there, we captured some lively and joyful bridal party photos that truly reflected the excitement and happiness of the moment.

Here’s a fun little tidbit—one of Caroline’s bridesmaids was actually a former bride of mine! It was such a delightful surprise to reconnect with a past couple and see familiar faces in such a special setting. Moments like these are a reminder of how meaningful it is to build lasting relationships with the amazing couples I’ve had the honor of working with. It added an extra layer of warmth and joy to an already incredible day!

A bride in a white dress stands with seven bridesmaids in light blue dresses holding flowers, posed outside an elegant building with archways and wall lanterns.
A bride in a white dress stands with seven bridesmaids in light blue dresses holding flowers, posed outside an elegant building with archways and wall lanterns.
A bride in a white dress stands with seven bridesmaids in light blue dresses holding flowers, posed outside an elegant building with archways and wall lanterns.
A bride in a white dress stands with seven bridesmaids in light blue dresses holding flowers, posed outside an elegant building with archways and wall lanterns.

Bride and Groom Portraits at the Crystal Ballroom at the Rice

After finishing up the bridal party portraits, we moved one to bride and groom portraits. I absolutely loved the historical vibe the backdrop of these photo gave! Caroline and Nathan are such a beautiful and in love couple. Additionally, Caroline’s dress definitely added elegance to these portraits.

Romantic bride and groom portraits at crystal ballroom at the rice
Romantic bride and groom portraits at crystal ballroom at the rice
Romantic bride and groom portraits at crystal ballroom at the rice
Romantic bride and groom portraits at crystal ballroom at the rice
Romantic bride and groom portraits at crystal ballroom at the rice
Romantic bride and groom portraits at crystal ballroom at the rice
Romantic bride and groom portraits at crystal ballroom at the rice

The Crystal Ballroom At The Rice

This venue is located in the heart of downtown Houston, it has beautiful crystal chandeliers, high ceilings, and stunning architecture! If you’re looking for luxurious and elegant wedding venue, definitely consider Crystal Ballroom at the Rice. Caroline and Nathan chose this venue for the ability to transform into the wedding reception of their dreams! The chose to include beautiful colorful florals as the main highlight point of their reception decor. I really loved everything about it!

Elegant dining table setup with floral centerpiece, surrounded by chairs in a bright room with large windows and decorative wall panels at crystal ballroom at the rice
Elegant dining table setup with floral centerpiece, surrounded by chairs in a bright room with large windows and decorative wall panels at crystal ballroom at the rice
Elegant dining table setup with floral centerpiece, surrounded by chairs in a bright room with large windows and decorative wall panels at crystal ballroom at the rice
Elegant dining table setup with floral centerpiece, surrounded by chairs in a bright room with large windows and decorative wall panels at crystal ballroom at the rice
Elegant dining table setup with floral centerpiece, surrounded by chairs in a bright room with large windows and decorative wall panels at crystal ballroom at the rice
Elegant dining table setup with floral centerpiece, surrounded by chairs in a bright room with large windows and decorative wall panels at crystal ballroom at the rice
A large ornate mirror displays a wedding seating chart with white cards and black text. The mirror is framed in gold and draped with a white cloth at the base.
Three-tier white wedding cake with a monogram and floral decor on the middle tier, displayed on a glass stand. Floral and candle decorations surround it.

The Reception At The Crystal Ballroom At The Rice

The reception was nothing short of spectacular, with an electric atmosphere that kept the dance floor packed all night long. From start to finish, the celebration was filled with infectious energy and pure joy as Caroline and Nathan danced the night away, surrounded by their closest friends and family. It was clear they were having the time of their lives, reveling in every moment of their special day.

As the evening drew to a close, Caroline added a stylish twist to the night by changing into a chic, short dress for their grand exit. It was the perfect way to end the festivities—with a fun and fashionable statement that matched the excitement of the day. Their farewell was nothing less than unforgettable, a picture-perfect sendoff to mark the beginning of their beautiful journey together.

Bride and groom dance, decorated reception hall with round tables and chairs for a wedding at crystal ballroom at the rice
father and bride dance, decorated reception hall with round tables and chairs for a wedding at crystal ballroom at the rice
A bride and groom sit at a dining table during their wedding reception, surrounded by guests, floral arrangements, and candles.
A woman in a white wedding dress holds a drink and a long cylindrical object amidst a group of people at an indoor event.

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Bomba! Your Timeless wedding at the Crystal Ballroom at the Rice was absolutely beautiful. It was such an honor for me and the Aly Matei Photography Team to be part of your special day and to have the privilege of capturing these unforgettable moments for you!

Venue:@crystalballhouston

Bride:@carolinewbomba

Hair & Makeup:@jentrykelleyweddings

Wedding Dress:@bridalsbylori

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My philosophy is simple: your wedding day was meant to be EXPERIENCED and not just posing in front of a strangers camera the entire day. I want to capture the must-have portraits and document you truly loving every moment of your wedding day.

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