Intimate Hotel Emma Wedding
Downtown San Antonio Wedding with Documentary Style Photography
When Rebecca & Forrest reached out to me about documenting their intimate Hotel Emma wedding, I knew it was going to be one gorgeously paired-back wedding day. Set in the historic Pearl District in downtown San Antonio, their micro wedding at Hotel Emma was relaxed, elegant and filled with subtle speakeasy nods.
The Wedding Location | Hotel Emma in the Historic Heart of San Antonio
Known for its artful blending of historical details and modern elements, the Hotel Emma is a historic South Texas destination and a culinary treasure. The couple wanted a truly intimate affair, and the vibe of the day was “classy dinner party where they just happen to get married.”
Rebecca and Forrest crafted a day entirely true to their own hearts. From all the florals coming from extra flowers that were already on hand at the hotel to the exquisite table settings, every detail was meticulously curated to reflect the couple’s personal style.
The “Un-Getting Ready” Photos | Mingling in the Emma Suite
From the get-go, Rebecca knew she didn’t want getting ready photos. Instead, we took a more editorial and documentary style approach, focusing on the in-the-moment photos.
It was a fun challenge from my usual wedding timeline, and I really love how I got to capture the laid-back atmosphere of their beautiful day. After getting ready in her own suite, Rebecca made her way down to the Emma Suite to spend time with some of her girlfriends and family before the ceremony.
The Micro Wedding Ceremony | The Courtyard at Hotel Emma
With less than 30 guests, Rebecca and Forrest tied the knot in Hotel Emma’s tranquil courtyard. The focal point for their vows was a beautiful fountain with a spout retrofitted from the hotel’s historic brewery.
The courtyard was perfectly shaded for their outdoor wedding ceremony, complete with elegant climbing vines and refined Southwestern details.
Intimate Post-Ceremony Portraits | The Elephant Cellar & The Library
After the ceremony, Rebecca & Forrest stole away for some quiet time together in Hotel Emma’s Elephant Cellar. With 19-foot ceilings and towering gray tanks along the wall, this space offered stunning angles of the couple in their tender, just-married moments.
Once they’d taken a moment together, I then followed them to Hotel Emma’s library where they signed their marriage license and took more editorial style portraits of them on the library staircase.
The Speakeasy-Inspired Micro Wedding Dinner | Cellar J at Hotel Emma
Once the marriage license was signed, they had mingled with their guests in the courtyard. For dinner, everyone headed into the adjacent Cellar J suite. In the former brewing cellar, the couple and their guests sat down to eat surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the San Antonio River.
For Rebecca and Forrest, sharing a meal with their closest friends and family was just as important as saying “I do.” Hotel Emma curated a host of delectable dishes that they savored throughout the night. The food and the setting was *chef’s kiss.*
Intimate Hotel Emma Rooftop Reception
To end the night, everyone headed up to Hotel Emma’s rooftop terrace. CARBONLILY played into the night while Rebecca, Forrest and their guests soaked in the sunset over downtown San Antonio.
“Leah absolutely crushed it!! I was pretty specific in the vibe that I wanted from my photos and she captured perfectly. Leah gave us exactly what we asked for and more! She captured all the shots we wanted and didn’t even know we needed! On top of taking 1st class photos, Leah is an absolute joy to be around! She took away all of our nerves/awkwardness and was able to get us to relax to truly capture the moment. Do yourself a favor and book Leah for your wedding!”
Rebecca, the bride
I’m honored Rebecca & Forrest trusted me to document their intimate wedding at Hotel Emma. The simplicity, the sophistication, the setting… it was truly unforgettable, and I have so many favorites moments from their day.
Planning a Hotel Emma wedding or considering a San Antonio wedding? I’d love to hear more and bring your wedding vision to life! Get in touch here.
Wedding Vendors
- Venue: Hotel Emma | San Antonio Wedding Venue
- Photographer: Leah Thomason Photography |San Antonio Wedding Photographer
- Planning & Design: Sweet August Events | San Antonio, TX
- Catering & Bar: Hotel Emma | The Historic Pearl District/Downtown San Antonio
- Florist: No. 9 Floral and Gifts | San Antonio Florist
- Ceremony & Reception Live Music: CARBONLILY Entertainment | San Antonio, TX
- Cake: Cakes by Cathy Young | San Antonio, TX
- Hair & Makeup: Erika Valdez
