Amy + Brian's Bell Tower on 34th Wedding | Houston Wedding Planner
The Bell Tower on 34th is one of our favorite venues in Houston for a few reasons. Not only was the old stomping grounds of one of our Houston planners, but it also has beauty everywhere you look. Amy and Brian used that to their advantage when planning their wedding at this gorgeous venue. The building itself is a staple in the Houston area, but add in its signature Waterwall, plus multiple ceremony and reception locations (that all look right out of Europe) and you just can’t go wrong.
The couple spent the morning leisurely getting ready surrounded by close friends and family, one of our favorite parts of the day. Starting this special day with loved ones is a must in our book! It keeps you calm, on a day that is full of emotions, plus it makes for great photos once your photographer arrives. Those special moments of getting dressed, or the little details that not everyone sees, are all a big part of your day. The day is timed down to the minute, so for couples who are structured like us, they love that they day flows like clock work. That is how we knew we would love Brian, who loves clock work so much, he even had cufflinks made of the gears of a clock!
Once everyone was dressed and ready, it was time to get some pictures marked off that to-do list. They opted not to have a first look, saving that for the walk down the aisle, but they still got plenty of photos in to help save time during the wedding itself. They did the serious photos, but they also each had fun, doing a unique photo with each member of their wedding party, and we are sure those are photos they will always treasure.
It was time for these two to finally say “I do” in the beautiful Campanille Chapel. With its towering ceiling and windows to let in the Texas sun, it gives you elements of the outdoors while enjoying the luxuries of indoor venues. As string musicians serenaded Amy down the aisle, Brian was fully focused on his bride, while we love the look of love on Brian’s mom’s face as she watched her son marry the love of his life. When the heartfelt ceremony was over, Amy and Brian were able to share some bubbles and their second kiss as husband and wife with their wedding party before heading out for more photos.
We know wedding days aren’t all about pictures, but they are certainly important and Amy and Brian wanted to take full advantage of all the spots The Bell Tower has to offer. With the guidance of Nate Messara they were able to capture so many once in a lifetime photos that will live forever in their minds, but also, be on the walls of their future home for generations to come.
The details, oh, how we love the details. When you can fit something special and personal into your wedding day it makes it even more special, and they chose to incorporate their love of traveling throughout their day. Their guest book globe was such a fun idea, but Brian’s grooms cake might be one of our favorites of all time! Not only was it beyond amazing and realistic looking, with its worn suitcase and globe with markers, but it was also super delicious and was a cookie cake!! Kelly Q’s Cakes delivered just what they wanted for Brian and for Amy and her classic and elegant tiered cake.
But we can’t just look at those details, there were so many great parts! The Carillon Ballroom, with its grand staircase, towering ceilings, and classic warm tones, just set the perfect backdrop for their day. The Secret Floral Garden accented everything with varied height centerpieces with ivory, blush, and burgundy florals along with glass and gold with warm candlelight to set the mood. To bring a bit of blue to the day, they opted with bright blue menu cards and cocktail napkins, which was just the perfect amount.
As the cocktail hour ended, guests were welcomed into the ballroom for their plated meal and all the formal activities that followed. The newlyweds entered down the grand staircase and then the festivities began. First dance over the Texas star, toasts from the Maid of Honor and Best Man, parent dances that always bring tears to at least someone’s eyes, and of course lots of kisses.
As the sunset on this beautiful day, it was time for the guests to kick back and enjoy the music of Ice House Band and celebrate the new couple. There was lots of dancing and singing before wishing the couple farewell under a shower of gold and white confetti!
Here is to forever Mr & Mrs Gravesmill ❤️
Cast of Houston Wedding Vendors
Venue: The Bell Tower on 34th Street
Floral: The Secret Floral Garden
Photography: Nate Messarra Photography
Videography: Jen Creates
Cake: Kelly Q’s Cakes
Band: Ice House Band
Hair & Makeup: Primp and Blow