Mary Catherine's veil flowing as they walk on their Fort Worth wedding day

Weddings

Mary Catherine + Vincent | A Hotel Drover Rehearsal Dinner and Omni Fort Worth Wedding

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

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I have been wanting to photograph at Hotel Drover for SO long, and Mary Catherine and Vincent’s wedding weekend finally gave me the chance. Their rehearsal dinner and welcome party took over the Drover the night before the wedding. The next morning they got ready at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel, said their vows at St. Mary of the Assumption, loaded the whole wedding party onto a bus, and ended the night back at the Omni with a dance floor that never emptied. I covered the full weekend on film and digital, and if you are looking for a Hotel Drover wedding photographer, consider my hand raised.

The Night Before

SB&Co Events brought this whole vision to life and absolutely killed it, as she always does. She sprinkled in just the right amount of western without it feeling overly “yeehaw,” and everything still felt elevated, classic and chic. Leather luggage tags for escort cards, a Deep in the Heart of Texas seating wall, spicy margaritas, a live leather branding station on the patio, and a neon horseshoe glowing over dinner. Hotel Drover was made for a night like this.

I will forever be a huge advocate for having your rehearsal dinner photographed. Everyone is excited, people are catching up, and you actually get to spend time with the people who traveled to celebrate you. Your wedding day moves SO quickly, and those one on one conversations aren’t always possible. Having the night before documented adds an entirely different layer to your gallery, and you get to look back on all the little interactions, conversations and memories that made the weekend yours.

The Drover sign and cowboy statue outside the hotel at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth, photographed on film

The Hotel Drover rooftop sign against a blue sky at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth, photographed on film

Guests arriving and taking a selfie in the hotel courtyard at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Guests posing for a group photo in the hotel courtyard at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

The dining hall set with long wooden tables, lamps and crystal chandeliers at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Long dinner tables lined with lamps and florals in the rustic dining hall at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Black and white detail of a crystal chandelier hanging from wood beams at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Round dinner table with a garden centerpiece, table number and dinner menus at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Western seating chart wall with a longhorn skull in the glass garden pavilion at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Antique wooden bar cabinet topped with a peach floral arrangement in the garden at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Vintage cowboy pillow on a hide-covered sofa in the garden lounge at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

The glass garden pavilion and lawn set up for the welcome party at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Place setting with a custom dinner menu and leather tag beside garden florals at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Wide view of the dining hall with chandeliers and stone walls at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Round tables with green linens and bentwood chairs in the dining hall at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Table number eight with menus, glassware and a low centerpiece at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Round table dressed in floral linen with a garden centerpiece at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

View down the dining hall toward the stage and slideshow screen at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Vertical view of the dining hall with stacked chandeliers at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Cocktail tables and the seating chart wall inside the glass pavilion at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Close detail of a dinner menu on a ribbed glass charger at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Guests mingling around the seating chart in the garden pavilion at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Table number one with roses and garden greenery at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Guests mingling and finding their seats in the glass pavilion at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Long table with lamps, florals and toile linen at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Long tables set in the dining hall beneath tall windows at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Our Journey Begins seating chart with leather luggage tag escort cards at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Leather luggage tag escort cards with framed western prints at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth, photographed on film

Deep in the Heart of Texas escort card wall with leather tags at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Close detail of monogrammed leather escort tags and framed prints at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Vintage bar cart with a custom bar towel on the garden lawn at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Whiskey bar menu sign with a cowboy boot cutout at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

High-top cocktail table in the glass pavilion at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Black leather fringe chair in the garden lounge at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Long table with florals and lamps beside open barn doors at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

The dining hall facing the neon horseshoe backdrop at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Saddle Up welcome sign for Mary Catherine and Vincent with a horseshoe at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Seating chart wall in the garden pavilion at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Bartender adding a citrus peel to a cocktail coupe at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Close detail of a leather escort tag with table assignment at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Dining hall with chandeliers and the neon horseshoe backdrop at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Dinner menu on a charger plate at a wooden table at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Tables with lamps against tall stone walls at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Long table with lamps and florals in front of the slideshow screen at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Guests finding their leather escort tags at the seating wall at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Black and white of guests reading the Texas escort card wall at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Guests posing in front of the seating chart wall at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Guest pulling a leather escort tag from the seating wall at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Black and white detail of a hand reaching for an escort tag at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Black and white of guests dancing in the pavilion at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine hugging a guest as a musician plays on the patio at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Guests hugging and taking a selfie as a guitarist plays at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Tray of spicy margaritas with chili salt rims at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Black and white of a whiskey glass at the bar at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Server passing a tray of deviled eggs at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Guests taking a photo together in the garden at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Kids plate with chicken tenders and fruit beside a little girl in a pink bow at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Guests in cowboy hats at the Deep in the Heart of Texas wall at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine and Vincent standing in the garden beneath crepe myrtles at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine and Vincent embracing in the garden at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine and Vincent smiling cheek to cheek at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine and Vincent under pink crepe myrtles at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth, photographed on film

Mary Catherine and Vincent laughing in the garden at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine and Vincent walking hand in hand and laughing at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Black and white of the couple walking through the garden gate at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine and Vincent walking in past the Saddle Up sign at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Wide view of the dining hall glowing at night at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Round table with floral linen and bentwood chairs at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Long table with lamps and centerpieces at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Moody detail of a place setting and dinner menu at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Black and white of Mary Catherine and Vincent walking into dinner at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Live musician singing and playing guitar at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Black and white of guests greeting a baby at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Guests at the Texas escort card wall in the garden at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Spicy margarita and red wine beside the centerpiece at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Black and white of two guests laughing with drinks at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Guest pulling a tag from the Our Journey Begins wall at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Black and white of guests mingling under the pavilion at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Vincent hugging a guest on the lawn at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Two guests laughing at a phone on the lawn at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Black and white of guests taking a selfie in a cowboy hat at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Guests at dinner by lamplight at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine and Vincent at the head table in front of the neon horseshoe at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine and Vincent laughing at the head table at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Black and white of the couple seated at dinner at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Guests gathered around the leather branding station on the patio at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Black and white of the branding station on the patio at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Black and white of a guest branding a leather tag at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Branding irons heating in the fire at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Black and white of guests at the branding station at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Close detail of branding irons glowing in the fire at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Branding iron pressing into a leather tag at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Smoke rising from a freshly branded leather tag at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

The glass pavilion at night under string lights at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Garden lounge with fringe chairs and lamps at night at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Fringe leather chair in the garden lounge at night at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Specialty cocktail bar with a custom spicy margarita towel at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Friend giving a speech beside the slideshow screen at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Guests listening to speeches at dinner at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Black and white of toasts in the dining hall at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Black and white of a guest raising a glass at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Two guests talking at the table at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Speech in front of the slideshow screen at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Speech with a little boy in a cowboy hat watching at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Guest holding a baby at the dinner table at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Black and white detail of a lace dress and chair at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine and Vincent laughing during toasts at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Guest giving a toast beside the slideshow at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Dinner menu, beer can and phone on the table at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Black and white of the couple at their table at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine hugged by a friend at the table at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Berry tart dessert display at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Table of guests laughing over blue linens at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Guests laughing during toasts at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Guest in cowboy boots walking through the dining hall at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Guest giving a toast at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Vincent laughing during toasts at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Black and white of Mary Catherine laughing during toasts at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Vincent laughing at the head table at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine and Vincent laughing together during toasts at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Guest smiling and clapping during toasts at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Parents giving a toast with a microphone at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

Black and white of the dining hall full of guests at the Hotel Drover rehearsal dinner in Fort Worth

The Morning

Becoming a mom changed how I photograph wedding mornings more than I expected. I spend so much of my life trying to soak up the little moments with my own kids, and now when I watch a couple’s parents doing the same thing, I get it in a way I didn’t before. Their kid is grown, but that’s still their baby.

I thought about that a lot watching Mary Catherine with her parents at the Omni Fort Worth that morning. I’ve always paid attention to these moments, but now I stay with them a little longer. These aren’t just the couple’s memories. They’re their parents’ memories too.

Black and white of Mary Catherine getting ready in a button-down shirt on the wedding morning at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel

Mary Catherine's mom getting her makeup done on the wedding morning at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel

Wedding invitation suite with calligraphy and a pink wax seal on the wedding morning at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel

Close detail of the invitation and pink wax seal on the wedding morning at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel

Wedding rings resting on the buttons of the gown on the wedding morning at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel, photographed on film

Black and white of Mary Catherine's dad hugging her by the window on the wedding morning at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel

Black and white of Mary Catherine laughing with her bridesmaids on the wedding morning at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel

The wedding gown hanging in the hotel suite on the wedding morning at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel

Mary Catherine getting her lipstick touched up on the wedding morning at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel

Black and white silhouette of Mary Catherine by the window on the wedding morning at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel

Black and white of Mary Catherine's hands resting on her gown on the wedding morning at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel, photographed on film

Black and white of Mary Catherine's mom adjusting the veil on the wedding morning at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel

Mary Catherine and her mom by the window on the wedding morning at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel

Hands buttoning the back of the gown on the wedding morning at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel

Mary Catherine's mom placing the veil on the wedding morning at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel

Mary Catherine smiling by the window on the wedding morning at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel, photographed on film

Mary Catherine smiling in her veil on the wedding morning at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel, photographed on film

Mary Catherine's dad walking in for his first look on the wedding morning at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel

Mary Catherine's dad embracing her on the wedding morning at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel

Mary Catherine's dad seeing her in her veil on the wedding morning at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel

Black and white of Mary Catherine and her dad laughing on the wedding morning at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel

The Ceremony

Mary Catherine and Vincent were married at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth, and I still can’t get over that painted dome and stained glass. Honestly, I love a church ceremony, probably because I am a big lover of multi-location wedding days. Every time you leave somewhere, it sinks in a little more that this is actually happening.

The altar and painted dome at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Black and white of the nave and altar during the ceremony at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth, photographed on film

Black and white of Vincent escorting his mom down the aisle at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Vincent walking his mom down the aisle with pink peonies at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Vincent hugging his mom at the front pew at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Vincent's mom in a pink bow gown holding peonies at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Toddler ring bearer walking the aisle as guests laugh at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Flower girl in a tulle dress walking the aisle at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Black and white of the flower girl walking toward the altar at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Flower girl holding a bouquet with pink ribbon at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine and her dad in the church doorway at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Black and white of Mary Catherine's dad walking her down the aisle at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine and her dad walking down the aisle at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine and her dad halfway down the aisle at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Vincent seeing Mary Catherine walk down the aisle at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine and her dad walking toward the altar at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Wide view of the nave as Mary Catherine walks to the altar at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine's dad giving her away to Vincent at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Close detail of the couple holding hands at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine laughing as she faces Vincent at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Vincent's hand on Mary Catherine's back at the altar at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine and Vincent at the altar rail at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine and Vincent seated near the altar with the bridesmaids at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Bridesmaids in pink singing during Mass at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Bridesmaids standing in the pews at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine and Vincent seated near the altar at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine and Vincent sharing a laugh during Mass at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Baby watching from the pews at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine kneeling at the altar at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine kneeling as the priest leads Mass at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Statue of Mary at the side altar at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine and Vincent at the altar with the priest at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine and Vincent exchanging vows at the altar at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

First kiss at the altar at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Mary Catherine and Vincent walking up the aisle as newlyweds at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Black and white of the couple smiling during the recessional at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

Vincent dipping Mary Catherine for a kiss in the aisle as guests cheer at St. Mary of the Assumption in Fort Worth

The People

The drive to the church feels completely different from the drive to the reception, even though you’re with the same people and it’s only been about an hour. BUT NOW you’re married, on a bus with your entire wedding party celebrating you, and taking it all in with the person you just married. Of course the film camera came on board. If your wedding day involves loading everyone onto a bus and taking the celebration all over town, please know I am very much your photographer.

Full wedding party at the altar on their Fort Worth wedding day

Mary Catherine and Vincent with her parents at the altar on their Fort Worth wedding day

Mary Catherine and Vincent with his parents at the altar on their Fort Worth wedding day

Black and white family portrait at the altar on their Fort Worth wedding day

Black and white of the couple with the flower girl and ring bearers on their Fort Worth wedding day

Mary Catherine holding hands with the flower girl on their Fort Worth wedding day

Groomsmen making faces on the party bus on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Two groomsmen on the party bus on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Groomsmen celebrating on the party bus on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Wedding party celebrating on the party bus on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Groomsmen laughing on the party bus on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Vincent cheering on the party bus on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Groomsmen smiling on the party bus on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Vincent dancing on the party bus on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Wedding party cheering together on their Fort Worth wedding day

Wedding party cheering with bouquets raised on their Fort Worth wedding day

Black and white of bridesmaids helping Mary Catherine with her gown on their Fort Worth wedding day

Black and white of bridesmaids carrying the train on their Fort Worth wedding day

Mary Catherine walking with her bridesmaids on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Mary Catherine with her bridesmaids lined up on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Bridesmaids laughing around Mary Catherine on their Fort Worth wedding day

Black and white of bridesmaids walking and carrying the train on their Fort Worth wedding day

Bridesmaid tossing the veil into the wind on their Fort Worth wedding day

Pink monogrammed Washburn koozie on their Fort Worth wedding day

Bridesmaids laughing with their koozies on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Bridesmaid holding a pink peony bouquet on their Fort Worth wedding day

Black and white of the bridesmaids' bouquets on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Pink peony bouquets beside the bride's white bouquet on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Vincent pointing at the camera on their Fort Worth wedding day

Groomsman in sunglasses taking a drink on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Groomsman portrait on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Mary Catherine and Vincent walking with the wedding party on their Fort Worth wedding day

Wedding party walking under the oaks on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Mary Catherine with the groomsmen on their Fort Worth wedding day

Mary Catherine and Vincent walking with their wedding party on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Mary Catherine and Vincent smiling with the wedding party on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Mary Catherine and Vincent laughing together on their Fort Worth wedding day

Wedding party walking toward the camera on their Fort Worth wedding day

Groomsmen lined up under the oaks on their Fort Worth wedding day

Vincent smiling with his groomsmen on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Vincent laughing with his groomsmen on their Fort Worth wedding day

Groomsmen walking and laughing on their Fort Worth wedding day

Groomsman and bridesmaid laughing on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Bridesmaid bouquets beside the bride on their Fort Worth wedding day

Bridesmaids lined up under the oaks on their Fort Worth wedding day

Mary Catherine walking with her bridesmaids on their Fort Worth wedding day

The Newlyweds

Before heading into the reception, Mary Catherine and Vincent got a little time to themselves in downtown Fort Worth. Between the oak trees, the breeze and that veil, I barely had to do anything.

Mary Catherine and Vincent at the altar inside St. Mary of the Assumption on their Fort Worth wedding day

Mary Catherine's veil blowing as she faces Vincent on their Fort Worth wedding day

Mary Catherine and Vincent walking hand in hand on their Fort Worth wedding day

Mary Catherine and Vincent walking together on their Fort Worth wedding day

Mary Catherine and Vincent walking across the plaza on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Mary Catherine and Vincent walking side by side on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Mary Catherine laughing while holding Vincent's hand on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Mary Catherine and Vincent smiling close together on their Fort Worth wedding day

Mary Catherine smiling over her shoulder on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Mary Catherine and Vincent walking under the oaks on their Fort Worth wedding day

Mary Catherine and Vincent strolling together on their Fort Worth wedding day

Mary Catherine and Vincent strolling arm in arm on their Fort Worth wedding day

Mary Catherine and Vincent standing under the oaks on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Vincent leaning into Mary Catherine on their Fort Worth wedding day

Vincent kissing Mary Catherine on the cheek on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Mary Catherine and Vincent standing together on their Fort Worth wedding day, photographed on film

Mary Catherine leaning her head on Vincent on their Fort Worth wedding day

Black and white of Mary Catherine leaning on Vincent on their Fort Worth wedding day

White ranunculus bouquet against Vincent's tux on their Fort Worth wedding day

Black and white of the couple walking away with the train trailing on their Fort Worth wedding day

Black and white of the veil flowing in the wind on their Fort Worth wedding day

Mary Catherine's veil flowing as they walk on their Fort Worth wedding day

Black and white of the couple walking with the veil in the wind on their Fort Worth wedding day

Black and white of Mary Catherine and Vincent on the escalator on their Fort Worth wedding day

Mary Catherine and Vincent by tall windows on their Fort Worth wedding day

Black and white of a kiss by the windows on their Fort Worth wedding day

Vincent standing by the windows on their Fort Worth wedding day

The Celebration

The Omni Fort Worth ballroom was all pink peonies, sage linens, greenery chandeliers and a custom painted dance floor with their monogram. Vincent changed into a white dinner jacket, there was a Kansas City Chiefs groom’s cake, and the band pulled a baby up on stage. By the end of the night the bride, the groom and half the wedding party had been crowd surfed across the room, which is exactly how a wedding weekend like this should end.

The ballroom set with tall pink peony centerpieces at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Ballroom with greenery chandeliers and the dance floor at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Wide view of the ballroom with green and pink tables at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Custom painted dance floor with pink florals and monogram at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Low pink peony centerpiece in candlelight at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Lounge seating with pink linens and peonies at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Round table with green linen and chiavari chairs at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Brass lamps and a pink peony bud vase at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Bar-height table with lamps and white chairs at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Cocktail table with green linen at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Tall pink and white floral centerpiece at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Favor table with terrariums and greenery at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Table with green linen, candles and florals at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Ballroom tables with tall centerpieces at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Hanging greenery chandelier at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Lounge banquette with pink tables and peonies at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Pink and sage pillows on the lounge at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Ballroom tables beneath greenery chandeliers at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Pink linen table with a peony at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Low peony arrangement on a white table at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Tall pink centerpiece at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Lounge table with a peony bud vase and lamps at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Wedding cake on green linen with a ring of peonies at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Football groom's cake at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Golf green cake topper with an I Do flag at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Memorial photo with a pink peony and candles at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Band stage lined with hydrangeas at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Close detail of the hydrangeas along the stage at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine and Vincent making their grand entrance at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine and Vincent entering the ballroom at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Black and white of the grand entrance at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

First dance with Vincent in a white dinner jacket at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine and Vincent embracing during their first dance at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Vincent dipping Mary Catherine for a kiss at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

First dance in front of the band at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Kiss during the first dance at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine and Vincent kissing in front of the band at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine and Vincent smiling during the first dance at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine and Vincent laughing during the first dance at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Vincent twirling Mary Catherine at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine spinning across the dance floor at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine spinning during the first dance at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

First dance on the painted dance floor at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Vincent lifting Mary Catherine during the first dance at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

First dance up close at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Guest filming the first dance on his phone at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Black and white of the first dance at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine twirling into Vincent's arms at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine and Vincent dancing at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Black and white of guests watching the dances at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine's parents laughing with guests at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine's mom laughing at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Vincent's mom watching with her hands clasped at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Father daughter dance at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Black and white of the father daughter dance at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Father daughter dance in front of the band at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Black and white of Mary Catherine's dad dancing at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mother son dance at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mother son dance with guests watching at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Vincent and his mom dancing as guests look on at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Vincent and his mom laughing during their dance at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Black and white of a little girl with her grandmother at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Bridesmaids at their table at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Black and white of Mary Catherine hugging a guest at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Black and white of Mary Catherine with friends at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Black and white of the couple by the cake during toasts at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Black and white of guests listening to toasts at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Vincent's mom and family laughing during toasts at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine and Vincent listening to toasts at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine's dad giving a toast at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Both dads giving a toast together at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Black and white of the moms hugging at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine laughing during toasts at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Black and white of Mary Catherine laughing at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine and Vincent cutting the cake at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Kiss after cutting the cake at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine and Vincent dancing with guests at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Guests dancing at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Bridesmaid dancing on the painted floor at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Vincent dancing with guests and kids at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Bridesmaid twirling a napkin overhead at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Bridesmaids dancing with drinks at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine dancing with the flower girl at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Black and white of the flower girl dancing with her arms up at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Guests dancing at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Guest dancing with the saxophonist at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Groomsman dancing with a drink at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Bridesmaids waving napkins on the dance floor at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Guests helping Mary Catherine with her gown on the dance floor at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Vincent dancing with guests at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Little girl doing a handstand on the dance floor at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Bridesmaid dancing with her arms up at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine sipping a drink on the dance floor at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Black and white of Mary Catherine dancing in the crowd at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine and Vincent kissing on the dance floor at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Kids on shoulders on the dance floor at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Guests toasting at their table at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Guests taking a break in the hallway at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine dancing with friends at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception, photographed on film

Black and white of Mary Catherine with her bridesmaids at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception, photographed on film

Mary Catherine dancing in a line with her bridesmaids at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Guests dancing on the painted floor at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Guests dancing together at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine clapping with her bridesmaids at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine dancing with a groomsman at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Bridesmaid dancing at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Bridesmaid hugging a guest at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Grandmother cheering on the dance floor at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception, photographed on film

Grandmother dancing at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception, photographed on film

Grandmother dancing with a little girl at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Guests hugging on the dance floor at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine and Vincent singing along at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Black and white of the couple dancing close at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Flower girl on shoulders in a pink trucker hat at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine and Vincent with guests in trucker hats at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Vincent giving Mary Catherine a sip of his drink at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception, photographed on film

Mary Catherine laughing at the camera at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception, photographed on film

Mary Catherine with a drink on the dance floor at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception, photographed on film

Band singer pointing to the crowd at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Band singer in sunglasses at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception, photographed on film

Band singer performing at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Baby on shoulders in a green hat at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Guest in a green Washburn hat toasting at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception, photographed on film

Guest dancing in a green hat at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Guest cheering with a hat in the air at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Black and white of a guest in a custom hat at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception, photographed on film

Black and white of the crowd dancing at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Guests dancing in trucker hats at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Guests dancing with hats in the air at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception, photographed on film

Mary Catherine dancing in the crowd at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Black and white of a guest taking a drink at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception, photographed on film

Bar shelves glowing pink at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception, photographed on film

Mary Catherine hugging a guest in a pink hat at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception, photographed on film

Mary Catherine hugging a bridesmaid at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Guest tumbling into the stage florals at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Boy on a groomsman's shoulders waving a hat at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Band singers with guests at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Band singer with pink hair performing at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Groomsman crowd surfing at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Vincent crowd surfing at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine crowd surfing at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine crowd surfing with her arms out at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine crowd surfing at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception, photographed on film

Band guitarist playing at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Band singer holding a baby on stage at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine watching the band with a baby on stage at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine and Vincent dancing and laughing at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception, photographed on film

Mary Catherine lifted by guests at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Black and white of the packed dance floor at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Last dance with petals in the air at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Last dance with the crowd at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Last dance with the groomsmen at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine and Vincent embracing at the end of the night at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine and Vincent hugging on the dance floor at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Mary Catherine and Vincent leaving through the lobby at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Black and white of a kiss on the escalator at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception

Black and white of the couple with a guest by the getaway car at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception, photographed on film

Black and white of a kiss by the vintage getaway car at their Omni Fort Worth wedding reception, photographed on film

If you’re planning a Hotel Drover wedding or a Fort Worth wedding weekend, I would love to hear about it. Inquire here.

Planning + Design: SB&Co Events
Rehearsal Dinner + Welcome Party: Hotel Drover
Ceremony: St. Mary of the Assumption, Fort Worth
Getting Ready + Reception: Omni Fort Worth Hotel
Florals: College Park Flowers
Beauty: Jentry Kelley Weddings

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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.

the aly Matei Experience

For the couples who love to party

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based in houston.
serving nationwide.