Julia Ideson Library Wedding

Julia Ideson Library Wedding | EJ + Coleman

Black Tie, Church, City, Classic, Navy, Weddings, Winter

March 12, 2022

GREEK ORTHODOX WEDDING

EJ and Coleman were married last weekend, and they are officially the new Mr. and Mrs. McAuley! Their families hosted an incredible weekend for their guests, including a Texas-themed rehearsal dinner at Armadillo Palace the night before. We had the privilege of photographing the event, and it was fun meeting all of their family members and friends! It was an amazing evening filled with live country music, custom cowboy hat fittings, and even a mechanical bull! (We can’t wait to share photos from the rehearsal dinner soon!) Needless to say, it was the perfect way to kick off a weekend celebrating EJ and Coleman!

The morning of the wedding, the wedding party got ready at Hotel Zaza. The girls spent the morning getting their hair and makeup done in matching pajamas in a suite that overlooked Houston’s museum district. I think my jaw dropped when I first saw EJ’s incredible wedding gown! She looked so beautiful with her long veil and heirloom jewelry, like her mom’s pearls and grandma’s ring. Her veil even had a piece of lace from her Mother-in-Law’s wedding veil. The details were all so special!

After the girls got dressed, we headed over to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral for portraits before the wedding. EJ shared a First Look with her dad, and it was so sweet seeing his reaction! We took wedding party photos in the courtyard, and before too long, it was time to line up for the ceremony!

When guests arrived at the church, they were greeted with the most amazing floral arch outside of the church’s main doors. They were handed custom programs that outlined the many Greek traditions in the wedding ceremony. Once inside, they heard a string quartet playing softly in the front of the church. EJ looked absolutely radiant walking down the aisle with her dad, and Coleman had the biggest smile on his face when he saw his bride for the first time that day! The marriage service was beautiful and filled with special moments, like EJ’s brother exchanging their rings and Greek crowns, called stefana, three times each. At the end of the ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. McAuley made their way down the aisle as everyone cheered!

After the ceremony, we took wedding party portraits outside by the stunning flower arch before taking family photos and heading to the historic Julia Ideson Library for cocktail hour. Cocktail hour took place outside in the courtyard at twilight, and guests entered the courtyard through a tunnel of lights as they were handed wine to sip on. The reception took place on the second story in a historic reading room that was filled with candlelight and lush flowers. The wedding cake was shaped like a stack of books with some of EJ and Coleman’s favorite titles which I thought was so creative!

As the night went on, the Father of the Bride toasted the newlyweds, and everyone enjoyed a delicious meal. EJ changed into a fun 20’s inspired party dress when it was time to open the dance floor, and it stayed packed all night thanks to the amazing Jordan Kahn Orchestra! In between band breaks, there was also some Greek dancing which had everyone joining hands and dancing around the room! To end a perfect night, EJ and Coleman shared a last dance before running through a sea of rose petals to their antique getaway car.

Mr. and Mrs. McAuley, it was such a joy being a part of your wedding weekend and capturing your love for each other! Wishing you all of the love and happiness in the world as you continue your journey as husband and wife!