Featuring The Venue at Devils River in Downtown SA
One thing I love about weddings in downtown San Antonio is how they always capture the couple and the city’s historic charm so effortlessly, and Brie & Ed’s wedding was no exception.
From the moment I met them for their engagement session at the distillery, I knew their wedding would be a stunning celebration of love with aaallll the vintage glamour. The venue in the historic Burns Building set the tone with its luxe aesthetic and smooth whiskey-inspired ambiance. It’s a place that brings the Great Gatsby aesthetic to life in the most timeless way.
Their San Antonio Wedding on Film
The Venue at Devils River | San Antonio Wedding Reception Location
Brie’s love for that vintage bar aesthetic made The Venue at Devils River their dream wedding reception space. While they said “I do” at the Incarnate Word Chapel, the distillery was the perfect party atmosphere to celebrate into the evening. The distillery provided those gorgeous speakeasy vibes right in the heart of downtown.
Getting Ready Photos at the Hyatt Regency Riverwalk Hotel
Brie & Ed started their wedding day getting ready at the iconic Hyatt Regency Riverwalk Hotel. The hotel’s prime location and luxurious suites were the perfect setting for getting ready and sharing some super sweet moments with their family and friends.
Brie shared a beautiful first look moment with her dad in her suite – cue all the happy tears.
Meanwhile, Ed thought he was having his first look with Brie in the hotel lobby – only to be hilariously surprised by one of his groomsmen! A fake first look always cracks everyone up and is so fun to capture!
For their real first look, the couple chose to do it right before their ceremony, outside of the Incarnate Word Chapel. The trolley ride there with their wedding parties was a fun build-up to the anticipation.
When they finally saw each other, it was such a sweet little pause before the whirlwind of the rest of the day. Plus, the historic architecture of the chapel was a stunning backdrop while they soaked it all in.
The San Antonio Wedding Ceremony at Incarnate Word
If you’re a San Antonio native, you know how the Chapel of the Incarnate Word is a historic landmark downtown and a stunning Catholic wedding venue. Brie & Ed’s ceremony was nothing short of breathtaking with all the traditions, meaning and awe-inspiring architecture.
Riding Around Historic Downtown San Antonio
After the ceremony, the wedding party took the Old Town Trolley to the reception. This iconic mode of transportation added such a fun and uniquely San Antonio touch to their day. The trolley ride wasn’t just practical—it was a chance for the wedding party to relax, celebrate, and take in the sights of historic downtown SA. And, of course, it made for some super fun photos!
The Rooftop & Downtown Wedding Portraits | The Venue at Devils River
There isn’t a better spot in San Antonio to soak up golden hour than the rooftop of The Venue at Devils River. Between the downtown views and the golden light, these made for some of my all-time favorite wedding portraits. Their champagne toast on the roof—a sweet nod to their engagement session—was the perfect way to cheers to their new chapter together.
I also LOVED the photos of them walking the streets outside the distillery – it encapsulated their glam San Antonio wedding day so perfectly!
Later on in the evening, we also took portraits of them at the Devils River bar. The bar is truly iconic with it’s vintage, speakeasy vibes, and they really wanted to enjoy a moment at one of their favorite parts of the venue. (& it’s easy to see why!)
Their San Antonio Wedding Reception | Devils River Distillery
Brie & Ed’s reception kicked off with the most iconic wedding party entrance. They set the tone for an unforgettable night with dancing, wedding signs, and glow sticks.
Directly following their entrance, Brie & Ed swung into a romantic first dance under the venue’s historic chandelier. The stage was officially set for a truly iconic celebration.
Fun Reception Twist: New Orleans-Style Cake Pull
One of my favorite parts of the night was Brie’s nod to the New Orleans tradition of a wedding cake pull. All her single friends were invited to pull ribbons from the cake, and whoever pulled the ribbon with the charm was next in line to get married! It fit the mood of their reception so well —and was a super cool alternative to the bouquet toss.
The Party Continued | The Venue at Devils River
My couples seriously know how to party, and Brie & Ed’s dance floor was electric all night. The venue’s vintage glam ambiance was the perfect setting for a high-energy party. Guests danced the night away, with the balcony providing a unique vantage point for some epic dance floor shots.
The Private Last Dance & Bubble Exit
Brie & Ed ended their night with a private last dance on the distillery dance floor (which is becoming one of my favorite ways to watch my couples end their wedding).
The night came to a close with the sweetest bubble exit along the sidewalk outside the venue, right in the heart of downtown San Antonio. Their loved ones sent them off in a FLURRY of bubbles.
This is your sign to get the bubble guns, my friend!
FROM BRIE & ED:
“Booking Leah as our wedding photographer was the absolute BEST decision we made! We appreciate how easy the process was from the time of booking to receiving our wedding day albums. We always felt prepared and knew what to expect/anticipate because of her excellent communication. We always felt comfortable reaching out to her with any questions, concerns, or ideas that we had. We loved how passionate she was about ensuring that she captured the vibe we envisioned and how comfortable and fun she made us feel during engagement, bridal, and wedding day photos.
Leah, we love you and you are truly incredible!! We look forward to you capturing our future life events!”
Throwing an unforgettable San Antonio wedding? Need a photographer to document your glamorous and undeniably YOU day?
As a San Antonio wedding photographer, my superpower is helping you relax and be in the moment. Your wedding photos shouldn’t look like anyone else’s, and I’m here to champion your vision every step of the way. Let’s chat over a coffee – you can get in touch with me here!
Wedding Vendors
- Venue: The Venue at Devils River | Downtown San Antonio Wedding Venue
- Photographer: Leah Thomason Photography | San Antonio Wedding Photographer
- Wedding Planners: Amanda Moriah Events | San Antonio Wedding Planner
- DJ: Power Sounds Entertainment | San Antonio DJ
- Catering: Chuy’s Restaurant
- Makeup: Cynthia Barba | San Antonio Makeup Artist
- Flowers: Amani’s Flowers | San Antonio Wedding Florist
- Shuttle: Old Town Trolley | San Antonio Wedding Transportation
- Wedding Dress: Olivia Grace Bridal | San Antonio Bridal Shop
- Suit: Adam Ross Custom
