Iconic San Antonio Wedding at the Jack Guenther Pavilion
All my couples are unique and have that thing that sets them apart. For Pattie and Michael, not only were they just so excited to be getting married, their day was a timeless celebration of their San Antonio culture and exuded their fun-loving spirit. Set amongst the historic downtown and Riverwalk, Pattie and Michael had an iconic San Antonio wedding at the Jack Guenther Pavilion and exchanged vows at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Getting Ready & Private Vows | Hotel Contessa on the San Antonio Riverwalk
Pattie radiated joy while she got ready in her suite at the stunning Hotel Contessa. Their stylish suites, atriums and balconies were a beautiful backdrop for all the photos. They even exchanged private vows overlooking the historic San Antonio Riverwalk.
They thought of all the little details: engraved tie clips for the groomsmen, Pattie sewed a photo and love note into her dad’s tie and he gave her a beautiful embroidered handkerchief. Y’all, the love was already overflowing and they hadn’t even officially said “I do” yet!
The Ceremony | St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Downtown San Antonio
The wedding party then made the short journey to the historic St. Mary’s Catholic Church where Pattie and Michael would say I do. The church dates back to the mid-1800s and is steeped in San Antonio history. Since it is such a historic building, it didn’t have the best lighting. However, they trusted my flash-photo abilities and we captured some wonderful moments of their Catholic wedding ceremony.
Photography Tip for Historic Indoor Wedding Venues:
If your dream wedding venue is a historic building or church, it’s important that your photographer has the experience and creativity to work in different indoor lighting scenarios. Also, some churches don’t allow flash, so you may need to allocate time for family photos later on in a location with more natural light.
Downtown San Antonio Wedding Portraits | Jack Guenther Pavilion
A San Antonio-loving couple through and through, Pattie and Michael had the perfect backdrop for their iconic San Antonio wedding at the Jack Guenther Pavilion and beyond. Following the ceremony, they wandered the streets of downtown and walked the meandering Riverwalk paths. San Antonio is one of the most friendly and welcoming cities, filled with a vibrant and rich culture. It was an absolute Texas dream and fit their personalities perfectly.
The Jack Guenther Pavilion Wedding Reception | San Antonio, TX
After the wedding ceremony, everyone headed back to the Jack Guenther Pavilion on the San Antonio Riverwalk. Pattie and Michael joined their guests in the beautiful outdoor courtyard, meeting and mingling with loved ones while a traditional Mariachi Band played. The festivities had begun! For a fun and unique guest book idea, they had a vintage rotary phone so guests could leave them voice messages – and they even left one for themselves!
After dinner inside the River View Room, the couple danced the night away along the beautiful windows looking out onto the Riverwalk. They were never very far from the dance floor, blissfully celebrating their special moment.
With the entire day in the heart of downtown and along the Riverwalk, Pattie and Michael created the most iconic San Antonio wedding at the Jack Guenther Pavilion.
Churro Cart, Last Dance & Flower Petal Exit | An Iconic San Antonio Wedding at the Jack Guenther Pavilion
In classic San Antonio style, it wouldn’t be a celebration without a warm & sweet churro. The couple did take a break from dancing to stop at the churro cart. After one final dance all to themselves, they ended the night with a flower petal grand exit.
From start to finish, Pattie and Michael’s day was vibrant, joyful and filled with San Antonio history and culture. The love that radiated from everyone was infectious, and I feel so lucky to have been part of their day. If you love San Antonio, there isn’t a more iconic San Antonio wedding than the one they hosted at the Jack Guenther Pavilion – 10/10 highly recommend!
Looking for a San Antonio wedding photographer to capture your love story in the city? Let’s grab coffee, you can fill out my Contact Form here.
Local to the Texas Hill Country, I’m currently booking wedding photography at any destination in the San Antonio, Austin, and Fredericksburg area.
Wedding Vendors
- Getting Ready Riverwalk Location: Hotel Contessa | San Antonio, TX
- Downtown Wedding Ceremony Venue: St. Mary’s Catholic Church | San Antonio, TX
- Riverwalk Wedding Reception: Jack Guenther Pavilion | San Antonio, TX
- Planning: Sweet Laurel Events | Central Texas
- Photographer: Leah Thomason Photography | San Antonio, TX
- Videographer: Imagine Films SA | San Antonio, TX
- Catering: Rosemary’s Catering | San Antonio, TX
- Cake: Cakes and More Bake Shop | San Antonio, TX
- Florist: Oakleaf Florist | San Antonio, TX
- Hair & Makeup: Bonita Brides | Austin, TX
- DJ: VIP Entertainment | Central Texas
- Wedding Dress & Shoes: Justin Alexander Dress from Olivia Grace Bridal | San Antonio, TX
- Bridesmaid Dresses: Revelry
- Groomsman Attire: Men’s Warehouse
