She-N-He Top 3: San Antonio Wedding Venues

San Antonio is a city full of culture. There are so many beautiful cathedrals, missions and historic locations that provide the perfect setting for weddings. While I've only had the pleasure of shooting a couple of weddings in San Antonio, below are my top three San Antonio wedding venues based on beauty, location and reputation.

The Southwest School of Art

The Southwest School of Art building has been part of San Antonio history since 1851 when it was established as the Ursaline convent and school for girls. Over a century later, the art school moved to the premises and turned the historical site into a beautiful mecca for art and education that is still vibrant today.

The Hotel Emma

While I haven't had the pleasure of shooting at The Hotel Emma yet, I look forward to the day I do. The hotel building was originally Pearl's Brewhouse, built in 1894, and reimagined as The Hotel Emma, which opened in November 2015. The architecture and design of the hotel sends you back in time as soon as you step inside.

The St. Anthony Hotel

The St. Anthony Hotel was originally built in 1909 as the first luxury hotel in San Antonio. Over the years it kept it's reputation by redesigning and innovating the luxury hospitality industry in SA. Thanks to a recent two-year renovation, the St. Anthony has been restored to it's original glamour with chandeliers lining the ceilings, marble floors and more.

Have a San Antonio Wedding Venue you'd like us to know about? Leave us a comment below!

She-N-He Top 3: Austin Wedding Venues

As photographers, a good venue makes us giddy! It sets the scene for a great event which, in turn, means great photos. We’ve been around a ton of weddings, so naturally we have favorites. Check out our top three favorite Austin wedding venues.

Barr Mansion

This space is so intriguing. It’s the first certified organic special-events facility - yes, the venue itself is organic. The floor-to-ceiling windows invite gorgeous natural light to flow in, allowing for beautiful photos. The natural elements throughout the venue highlight the thought and care that was put into creating such a space. Plus, it’s close to town which is always a positive for guests. And as pure as the venue, so is the staff. They’re a great set of people and lovely to work with.

Stonehouse Villa

This venue was destined for beauty, considering it was created by interior designers. The Villa is smack dab in the center of a plush green landscape right outside of Austin, in Driftwood, which allows for fantastic Hill Country views. The natural limestone house has so many intricacies which makes for a great back splash. Not only is the venue beautiful, so are those working within the space. Photographers are flies on the wall in many situations and the staff is always professional and caring in their duties.

Hummingbird House

Minimal decorating is needed at the Hummingbird House since the natural botanical setting has flowers and luscious greenery everywhere, Year round, they always have something blooming - Gorg! This is such a fun place to photograph because there are details waiting around every corner, its truly something out of a fairytale. I also can’t rave enough about the staff. They are SO gracious and accommodating to their couples.

There’s an obvious common thread in all of our picks (besides beauty) - a great staff. The staff is such an important component to consider when deciding on a venue. They will be providing support to you and your vendors throughout one of the most important days of your life. Be sure you mesh with the space as well as the people working in it.

Have a favorite venue we should check out? Leave us a comment below!