✨ 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. ✨
There’s something really special about getting married at a place you already love. Paula and Alfonso are frequent guests at Hotel Emma, so when it came time to choose their wedding venue, the iconic Pearl Brewery location was the obvious choice. They wanted their reception to feel like an elevated dinner party, not overproduced, not overly precious, just really thoughtfully beautiful.
Sweet August Events was given full creative freedom and truly made magic happen. The draping alone completely transformed Hotel Emma’s ballroom, softening the entire space and creating this intimate, elegant atmosphere before guests even sat down. Paula trusted her planner with very little input, and honestly? That’s when the best design happens.
The florals tell the same story. Paula wanted something unique, so Sweet August Events hand-selected Serracinna and let them do their thing. The result was wildflowers with a modern twist, nothing you’d expect, yet everything you’d want. Even the boutonnieres broke from tradition with cool, contemporary styling that perfectly set the tone.
The Girl General created gorgeous deckled edge menus that completed each table setup, adding that perfect handcrafted detail as well as elegant escort cards. Hotel Emma delivered on catering and bartending (because let’s be honest, that’s equally important), keeping the elevated dinner party vibes going strong all night.
Matthew Alvarado captured every beautifully designed moment with his signature editorial style, while Veil Artistry made sure Paula looked absolutely stunning for both her ceremony look to her second look, because why have just one gorgeous moment when you can have two?
This is one of those weddings that reminds us why thoughtful design matters. Not overproduced, not trying too hard, just an elevated celebration that felt exactly right. Congratulations to the Bena Vides! And don’t miss their stunning wedding film by Squinted Cinema.
Other Local Vendors:
Squinted Cinema, Dart Collective, Serracinna, Cakes By Cathy Young
