Vows That Wow: Emily + Sara’s Chic Hotel Emma Wedding

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✨ Vows That Wow: Each month, our editors review dozens of San Antonio weddings and select the best of the best to feature as our Vows that Wow. 

We’ll forever be swooning over Emily and Sara’s uber chic Hotel Emma wedding!

Picture this: the sun setting over San Antonio, casting that perfect golden glow through Hotel Emma’s iconic courtyard while the two brides, absolutely radiant with joy, celebrated their love surrounded by their favorite people. Sweet August Events knocked it out of the park bringing the couple’s vision to life – that perfect mix of “us” with just the right amount of wow.

The Girl General helped define the aesthetic for the whole wedding, from the cutest disco-inspired stationery that had guests smiling from the moment they opened their invitations to when they sat down for dinner with a disco-ball menu.

The celebration spaces felt so luxe & inviting with trendy hotel-inspired lounges from Loot Rentals. The yellow velvet Clovis Round Banquette made the perfect little conversation nook where guests could take a breather between dance sessions and we are forever obsessed with the fluted green Arcadia Half Moon Bar. And can we talk about those ghost chairs from Bright Event Rentals in the reception space? The way they disappeared into the background while making the florals and tablescapes pop was chef’s kiss.

But here’s the moment that had everyone reaching for their phones: the ladies entered the reception to a traditional Lebanese Zaffe! The drums started, the energy in the room shifted, and suddenly Emily and Sara danced in surrounded by professional Zaffe performers. The joy was absolutely contagious as guests formed a circle around them before joining in a traditional Dabke line dance. Even the most reluctant dancers couldn’t resist jumping in!

One of the brides told us, “Our favorite memory was hiding in the restrooms, waiting for Amber to get us for the Zaffe entrance. It felt like the excitement you get when you’re anticipating a surprise party!” Don’t you just love those butterflies-in-your-stomach wedding moments? That’s the stuff you remember forever. ✨

Matthew Alvarado captured the whole day beautifully – those little glances between the couple, the tearful smiles from family, and friends throwing their heads back in laughter on the dance floor. Scroll through the gallery below to relive each special moment.

Emily & Sara were both a picture of timeless beauty. Emily adorned the Liv gown by RISH Bridal a soft ivory with an intricate leaf and lace patterned bodice, while Sara outfitted the sleek mermaid Clo Crepe gown by Grace Loves Lace.

What we love most about Emily and Sara’s celebration is how perfectly it reflected them, honoring heritage while creating something entirely their own. That’s what makes a wedding truly unforgettable, don’t you think?

Bride in sleek white gown holding burgundy and blush bouquet while leaning against stone column
White pointed-toe heels with crystal ankle straps surrounded by pink and burgundy blooms and autumn leaves
Two brides in elegant white gowns sitting together on sofa reading letters before ceremony
Ornate wooden doors framed by floral arch and candlelit ceremony aisle
Bride in beaded v-neck gown holding vibrant pink and burgundy bouquet
Black welcome sign on easel with disco ball graphic reading "Welcome to the Wedding of Emily and Sara"
Rustic brick venue with exposed beams, ivy-covered walls, and lounge seating with pink and neutral sofas
Two brides in white gowns walk down aisle holding colorful bouquets at San Antonio ceremony
Two brides holding romantic bouquets with peach, burgundy, and purple blooms
Cocktails garnished with fresh mint and paper straws on silver tray
Tall floral arrangement with peach blooms, red berries, and greenery surrounded by disco balls and pillar candles
Two brides kissing in white gowns holding burgundy and cream bouquets
Candlelit lounge area with white chairs, leather poufs, and greenery creating intimate atmosphere
Two brides sharing a kiss during ceremony in industrial venue with exposed brick
Two brides in matching white gowns walking down aisle hand-in-hand at rooftop ceremony
Brick courtyard reception entrance with seating chart, candles, and potted greenery
Two brides in elegant white gowns standing poolside at modern venue
Reception table with numbered signage, pillar candles, and floral centerpieces
Reception guests mingling in courtyard viewed through open doors from elegant dining room
Circular menu card displaying multi-course dinner options placed on charcoal plate with napkin
Vibrant centerpiece with purple, orange, and white blooms in white vessel on elegant table setting
Two brides in white gowns embracing under illuminated circular arch in modern reception space
Elegant reception table with ivory linens, ghost chairs, and oversized balloon installation in winery barrel room
Four-tier white cake decorated with burgundy, pink, and orange fresh flowers on a silver tray
Performer in white costume playing drum during energetic reception entertainment with disco ball overhead
Curved mustard velvet sofa with floral centerpiece beneath large round illuminated chandelier at wedding venue
Bride lifted on chair by celebrating guests beneath disco ball during reception hora dance
Two brides sharing first dance in white gowns under disco balls and pampas grass chandeliers with mariachi band performing
Industrial wedding reception with circular chandeliers, candlelit tables, and disco ball under red brick walls
Two brides in white gowns stand at an industrial venue with exposed pipes and orange pillars, surrounded by white costumed musicians
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Other Local Vendors:

Sprout Floral And Event Design, Bakery Lorraine, DPC Event Services, Luxe Event Decor, Dart Collective, Twirl Salon, Grace Loves Lace