Carson and Katy’s The Dunlavy Houston, TX wedding was such a magical event!! And why do I say magical? Because their wedding had a delightful Harry Potter theme weaved throughout it! Do you remember when I blogged about their Harry Potter themed marriage proposal a bit ago? Well these amazing ladies are now married!!
Their wedding day was the day before New Year’s Eve, and although it was raining, it didn’t stop them from having the best time! As well, there is an old wives tale that says rain on your wedding day is good luck. As someone who had rain on their wedding day, I am going to firmly believe this tale!
Getting Ready
Carson + Katy got ready at Hotel Zaza. They got a suite with two bedrooms, so each of them could get in their gowns without the other seeing them. It was a wonderful setup, as the middle area allowed the wedding party to hang out, for hair and makeup to happen, and everyone to have fun! Carson brought the Harry Potter golden snitch ring box she made, and I brought a Harry Potter wand or two! It made for some amazing detail pictures of the rings and invitations. Both women honored their family in the jewelry they wore–Katy wearing a pearl calla lily necklace passed down from her grandmother, and Carson a silver ring that was her grandmother’s. They were perfect for each bride.
They did their family portraits at Hotel Zaza as well as signing the ketubah. The signing was a special moment, and those closest to the couple were in the room when it was signed. I might have teared up with a few of their bridesmaids…and obviously hid behind my camera! As everyone left to go to the ceremony/reception at The Dunlavy, they went by a trolley that was specifically chosen as it resembled Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express. My heart was basically exploding over these perfect Harry Potter touches!
Ceremony
The wedding ceremony was at The Dunlavy, close to downtown Houston. It is one of my favorite wedding venues in all of Houston!! It’s completely one-of-a-kind with all those chandeliers. Carson and Katy had their cocktail hour before the wedding ceremony, mingling with the guests inside the venue. I don’t know about you, but I have never seen a setup like what they did inside the space. I love the circular couch in the center with huge floral display. It was truly unique! The ceremony space 100% magical, as the chuppah had dangling keys with wings. This is a very subtle nog to Harry Potter, and it was an absolutely bougie and elegant touch. As a devoted Harry Potter fan, the chuppah made my heart siiiiing!
The ceremony was outside on the terrace. The canopy was so so beautiful! If you can spot it in the photos, there are hanging keys with wings all over it, which is a nod to Harry Potter, friends! It was also ordained with white flowers, making it a truly magical space. The brides walked into the ceremony to “Hedwig’s Theme”, which was a great choice because it was instrumental and only true Harry Potter fans would have recognized the music. The ceremony itself was touching, with several people crying {myself included!}. But the best was at the end, as Katy and Carson kissed, the amount of people cheering for them! Of course, as these women left, “Fireworks” from Harry Potter played as they exited the ceremony space.
Reception
The wedding reception was one for the books!! The first dance between Carson and Katy was to their song “500 Miles” by the Proclaimers. I love how emotional their family and friends are, they laughed and cried during this dance, while capturing it on their cellphones. I loved the end of Carson’s dance with her dad, as they did a secret handshake. You could feel the bond between them! Katy’s dad just seemed so happy to be dancing with her, I loved how he looked at her during the dance.
Everyone in attendance were dancing fiends! The horah was especially fun, and the faces everyone made were a total blast! As the band played, the dance floor was never empty the entire night. They served an delicious dessert and hot chocolate bar, and had cake pops that looked like the Harry Potter golden snitch as well!! The cake was simple but gorgeous. And they ended the night with a candy bar straight from Harry Potter and a magical sparkler exit!!
As Carson and Katy departed back to the hotel, they obviously got on the Hogwarts Express for their trip.
What was your favorite magical moment of this Dunlavy Houston TX wedding?
Magical Wedding Vendors:
Planner: Bash Special Events
Getting Ready Venue: Hotel Zaza
Wedding Venue: The Dunlavy Houston
Hair and Makeup: Winx Lash & Makeup Studio
Carson’s Gown: Rita Vinieris
Katy’s Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes
Carson’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Flowers: Blooming Gallery
Rings: Dubin’s Fine Jewelry
Catering: The Kitchen at the Dunlavy
Invitations: Minted
Band: Kelly Dean
Rabbi: Oren Hayon from Congregation Emanu El
More Magical Weddings I have Captured:
Adam + Adriana’s Harry Potter Wedding
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