College Station Wedding Photography

College Station wedding photography is always a dream! Sarah and Trainor’s wedding day at The Gin at Hidalgo Falls was extra special to me! I took Sarah’s high school senior pictures a few years ago. Now to see her on her wedding day and come full circle was such an honor. I also had the joy of photographing her sister Laura’s wedding two years ago. The Morales family will always have a special place in my heart!

Sarah and Trainor chose to get married at The Gin at Hidalgo Falls, and it couldn’t have been more perfect! They loved the perfect mix between rustic and elegance. The open concept ceremony/reception space allowed them the creative freedom to make this wedding their own.  While they looked at other venues that were made popular for the all-white look and fancy decor, Trainor and Sarah knew The Gin was special from the moment they first laid eyes on it. Conveniently location between Houston and College Station, it was just what these Aggies wanted to make all their wedding day dreams come true.

 

Incorporate Sentimental Items into Your Wedding Day

Sarah was very intentional about incorporating sentimental items into her wedding day.  Trainor’s mom is an incredibly talented jewelry maker. She hand made the stunning teardrop pearl earrings Sarah wore on her wedding day. Another special piece was Sarah’s hair piece. Her grandmother accompanied Sarah and her parents to try on and pick up her wedding dress. They noticed a beautiful hair piece that went perfectly with Sarah’s dress and veil. Sarah’s grandmother surprised her by buying it as they left the store.  It really tied together Sarah’s entire bridal look! Also, Trainor’s ring was engraved with a bible verse that was very meaningful to them.

Getting Ready in The Gin Bridal Suite

With her sister and her besties by her side, Sarah had the best time getting ready inside the bridal suite at The Gin. Considering they were married days before Christmas, they included certain elements of a winter wedding. A long-sleeve dress was one of them.  Sarah was drop dead gorgeous in this timeless, classic dress, pockets included.

A Dress with Pockets and A Story to Go With It

Let me share how Sarah found her dress:

“I LOVED my wedding dress! The story of how I found it is truly a lucky one. I knew that having 3 months to plan a whole wedding would include certain limitations; namely with choosing and ordering a dress, with all of the appointments and alterations that would entail. When I called Brickhouse Bridal, they originally scheduled an appointment with me at their warehouse with hopes that I could buy a dress off the rack and have it altered.

On the day of my appointment, my parents, sister, and brother in law all arrived at Brickhouse Bridal in The Woodlands, only for me to find out I had gone to the wrong location. I was at their main store instead of their warehouse! The bridal consultants there were so incredibly kind, and they were able to squeeze me into their Friday afternoon schedule, and it was here that I found my dream dress.

For the longest time, I had always envisioned myself in something with a relaxed fit, LOTS of delicate lace, and very bohemian-feeling. I ended up asking to try on a completely different dress just for fun, and loved it! My dress was very simple and elegant, with long sleeves and buttons that went all the way down the train. It had a real silk skirt and an open back, and the top of it was made with a soft, moveable fabric. It was timeless and so comfortable!”

College Station Wedding Photography First Look  & First Touch

Sarah had the sweetest first look with her dad. It was so obvious what a special father daughter bond these two share. Sarah wanted Trainor to see her in her wedding gown for the first time as she walked down the aisle. So, they elected to do a first touch and read the vows they wrote to each other in private. It was an intimate time for them both. Even though they couldn’t see each other, you could absolutely feel the love and respect they have for one another.

Champagne and Gold Florals

Cali and Bloom provided the most gorgeous florals on this magical day. Sarah did a lot of back and forth with her wedding colors. She couldn’t decide between maroon, emerald green or champagne. In the end, she went with a lighter color pallete of champagne and gold and a hint of maroon.  The bouquets were amazing! We roamed the grounds at The Gin at Hidalgo Falls for photographs with the bridesmaids and captured a few of Trainor and his groomsmen.

The Gin Ceremony for These Two College Station Aggies

Leading up to the ceremony, Sarah shared that she was incredibly nervous for no reason!  She was afraid something would go wrong. Sarah didn’t want to trip going down the aisle.  Would the music be right? Many thoughts went through her mind. But when the doors opened and she saw Trainor standing there, she was instantly filled with pure joy and excitement. Seeing the man of her dreams standing in front of the cross waiting to marry her, made her feel calm and collected. It was a sweet reminder that the only thing that mattered was that the most incredible man was becoming her husband!

College Station Wedding Photography

After the ceremony, we completed family formals. Then, it was time for the full wedding party to be together for photos. There was laughter and joy and Sarah and Trainor had the best cheerleaders by their sides.  After, we whisked Sarah and Trainor away for newlywed portraits and they spent some time together, just the two of them, as husband and wife.

Sarah and Trainor talked about how they are most looking forward to having a forever partner to experience all that life has to offer with. They are excited to see how God will use their marriage to grow and glorify Himself. Everyday will be an adventure for them as they build their new life together.

Reception inside The Gin at Hidalgo Falls

Sarah and Trainor wanted their reception to be a reflection of both of their styles. Having the reception space feel warm and inviting was most important to them. Winter greenery mixed with florals accomplished just that. A hot cocoa bar completed the winter feel for this Christmas wedding. One of their favorite moments was just before the reception entrance. Sarah and Trainor stood outside the reception space while the vendors got set up.   That was the first moment completely alone as husband and wife. As we waited, You Send Me by Michael Bolton came on and they slow danced together with no one watching.

Dinner was served, toasts were made and guest danced the night away! We snuck Sarah and Trainor out for a few minutes to capture some gorgeous night time portraits. 10/10 recommend doing this on your wedding day. The newlyweds left to a sparkler exit then drove off to their new life together.

After the wedding, when the newlyweds have had time to reflect on their day, I always ask them to share their advice for other engaged couples.

Sarah and Trainor said this and it warmed my heart:

“First and foremost, book Reed as your photographer!!! He is passionate about his work and cares deeply for each couple he works with! Once I got engaged, he was the first person I contacted to book, and I am SO glad I did!

Another piece of advice is for brides and grooms to keep the main thing the main thing. It’s so easy to get caught up in all of the planning and the details, and to get yourself so worried about everything being absolutely perfect on the big day, but I promise you it will come and go before you even know it!

Remember to slow down and truly enjoy being engaged, and enjoy your wedding day! The only thing that matters is that at the end of it all, you’re going to spend the rest of your life with your favorite person!”

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Gray

Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Gray! Your wedding was a dream come true.  The entire team at Reed Gallagher Photography has been so blessed by you both. Thank you for entrusting us to capture your big day. It was magical! Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness and look forward to sharing our friendship for years to come.

 

The Vendor Dream Team

Photography | Reed Gallagher Photography

Venue | The Gin at Hidalgo Falls 

Planner | Laced with Grace

Florals | Cali and Bloom

H&MU| Sunny Hair and Makeup

Dress | Brickhouse Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses | Baltic Born Clothing

Groom’s Attire | Al’s Formal Wear

Rentals | Linen and Events

Cake | Wink by Erica

DJ | J. A. Entertainment

Catering | Gringos Tex Mex

Videographer | Reverent Wedding Films

Want to see more?

To learn how you can become an RGP bride, click here.

Click here to see Sarah and Trainor’s engagement session.

Don’t miss Laura’s wedding at The Farmhouse.  Click here.