Elegant Catholic Wedding at St. Ann Catholic Church with Masquerade Reception at The Gunter Hotel
San Antonio has this magical ability to wrap you up in charm, history, and celebration all at once—and Elena and David’s wedding was a beautiful example of just that. Their day was full of reverent tradition, romantic downtown vibes, and a masquerade-themed reception that brought the party to life. As their photographers, we felt more like friends with cameras than vendors—which is exactly the atmosphere Elena and David wanted.
From the moment we stepped into the getting-ready suite at The Gunter Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk to the final toast of the evening, their day was equal parts elegant and fun. Here’s a full look at their stunning Catholic wedding at St. Ann Catholic Church and unforgettable reception at The Gunter Hotel.
Getting Ready at The Gunter Hotel: Vintage Vibes and Calm Energy
If you've never been inside The Gunter, let us paint the scene: tall ceilings, classic architecture, and a gentle hum of downtown San Antonio life just outside the window. Elena and her girls got ready in a softly lit suite that felt straight out of an old movie—but with better air conditioning.
The suite was buzzing with activity while the final touches were being done by Looks by Christina. Christina worked her magic on hair and makeup with a calming presence that kept the room relaxed and laughter-filled.
Meanwhile, David and his groomsmen elected to meet at the church shortly before the mass. Lidia with Orchids In Blue helped with final touches, boutonnieres and last minute instructions bringing some calmness to the last minute nerves most grooms feel.
The Ceremony at St. Ann Catholic Church: Sacred Tradition Meets Joyful Tears
St. Ann Catholic Church, located at 210 Saint Ann, is one of those spaces that instantly feels timeless and sacred. The stained glass windows bathe the church in color, and the long, elegant aisle made the perfect runway for a moment that felt both serene and cinematic.
Elena entered the church with quiet grace, her presence commanding every eye in the room. As the soft music echoed through the sanctuary, you could see emotion welling in David’s eyes—this was the moment everything became real.
Catholic weddings have a beautiful, reverent pace that allows each part of the ceremony to breathe. Elena and David included meaningful traditions like the unity cord and veil, honoring their faith and heritage. Surrounded by prayer and the warmth of loved ones, their vows felt like a sacred promise wrapped in a quiet kind of magic.
A Whimsical Exit with Potpourri
Now, here’s where things got fun. Most couples opt for bubbles or petals, but Elena and David surprised their guests with a potpourri toss as they exited the church. The scent, the colors, and the joy—it was a full-on sensory celebration! We heard more than one guest say, “That’s the most San Antonio exit I’ve ever seen,” and we loved it.
(Pro tip: potpourri is not only biodegradable, but it also makes your photos smell good. Just kidding. Sort of.)
Downtown Portraits: Just-Married Glow in the Heart of the City
After the ceremony at St. Ann Catholic Church, Elena and David slipped into a classic white limo—just the two of them—headed for downtown San Antonio. There’s something timeless about a newlywed couple riding through the city streets, taking that first quiet moment together, away from the whirlwind of guests and timelines. They laughed, held hands, and took in the fact that they were finally, officially married.
We met them along the Riverwalk for portraits before heading to The Gunter Hotel. And wow—San Antonio light just hits different, especially in the late afternoon. The soft golden glow danced off the river, wrapped around historic stone buildings, and made every frame feel like a movie still.
This part of the day is often the only time couples get to be alone together, and you can see it in their faces—the calm, the giddiness, the deep “we did it” energy. That’s why we always recommend setting aside 20–30 minutes post-ceremony for portraits. It’s not just about the photos—it’s about the pause. The exhale. The beginning.
The Gunter Hotel Reception: Masquerade Magic in the Crystal Ballroom
Step into the Crystal Ballroom at The Gunter Hotel, and it feels like you’re entering a Gatsby-era dream. Elena and David leaned into this atmosphere with a masquerade-themed reception that was glamorous without being stuffy.
Guests arrived to find elegant masks waiting at each table. The couple entered wearing custom Venetian-style masks for their first dance, which was both romantic and theatrical in the best way. There’s just something about a masked dance floor that makes people loosen up and really dance—trust us, the photos speak for themselves.
Details That Made the Night
Thanks to the planning brilliance of Orchids in Blue, no detail went unnoticed. The ballroom was dressed in deep reds and golds, candles flickered from every table, and custom signage welcomed guests into the celebration. The Gunter’s catering team served a delicious plated dinner, followed by a dessert bar that disappeared way too fast.
Final Thoughts: A Wedding that Balanced Tradition and Celebration
What made Elena and David’s day so unforgettable wasn’t just the beautiful venues or the elegant details—it was the intentionality behind every choice. They honored their faith, celebrated their roots, and threw one heck of a party. That’s the kind of day we’ll never forget.
As San Antonio wedding photographers, we always say the best weddings are the ones that feel like the couple. Elena and David absolutely nailed it.
Planning a Wedding in San Antonio? Here’s What to Know
St. Ann Catholic Church
Address: 210 Saint Ann, San Antonio, TX 78201
Website: stannsa.org
Pro Tip: While they don’t list preferred vendors, it helps to work with professionals familiar with the space’s lighting and ceremony flow.
The Gunter Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
Address: 205 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Website: thegunterhotel.com
Why We Love It: Timeless design, in-house catering, and a super helpful event staff. Perfect for couples wanting a downtown venue with history and flair.
Vendors That Brought It All Together
Planner: Orchids in Blue – San Antonio’s dynamic mother-daughter team, known for their personal touch and calm leadership.
Hair & Makeup: Looks by Christina – 15+ years in bridal glam and a calming presence on wedding mornings.
Let’s Talk About Your Day
Planning a downtown San Antonio wedding? Whether you’re marrying in a church, on a rooftop, or somewhere totally unexpected, we’d love to be the ones who tell your story.
You can view our portfolio here or get in touch with us here to check our availability. We’re always down for a potpourri toss or masked dance floor moment—and everything in between.
