San Antonio Engagement Portrait Locations.

February 11, 2021  •  6 Comments

engagementSan Antonio EngagementGorgeous and fun engagement portraits at The Pearl in San Antonio, Texas.

Above:  Selenne & Jose photographed outside Hotel Emma at The Pearl.  

 

I am a San Antonio Native and have been through probably every nook and cranny to find  the best spots for engagement portraits.  Not only do I know some of the best San Antonio Engagement Portrait Locations, but I know what days of the week and time of day to avoid crowds, enjoy your shoot and have the best golden light portraits.  As we get closer to your wedding date, here are a few locations to consider for your engagement portrait session with Aria Production.  

 

Proximity to the wedding date:  

It is ideal to shoot your engagement at least 6 months prior to the wedding date.  Many couples will use these pictures to announce their engagement, send out Save The Date cards to guests especially those traveling from out of town, enhance their wedding website, post to their social media.  So you may want to choose a location based on the season 

A+A - SDv6Save The Date magnet designWe use the rule of thirds just in case this is the photo you select for your Save the Date design.

Above:  Angelica & Arturo photographed at San Antonio Botanical Garden.  A location fee is required for this location.  See info below.  

Lost MaplesFall Engagement Portrait at Lost Maples National Park. Capturing autumn love at Lost Maples.

Above: Victor and Rose photographed at Lost Maples.  There is a short window of time in November if you want to catch vibrant fall leaves for your session.  Reach out to learn more!
Season

Consider seasonal weather which may affect your wardrobe and the scene you are trying to capture.  Would you like a cozy winter session with sweaters and coats and hats?  Would you prefer a spring session with cute flowery dresses and trees in bloom?  Does it not matter because you prefer to be photographed indoors at your favorite date night spot?

Pearl San AntonioEngagement portrait at The Historic PearlCapturing passion at The Pearl San Antonio.

Above: Katia & Forrest at The Pearl.  Keep in mind this location can be busy on weekdays and during special events.  Consider a Monday evening portrait session.  

 

Your Couple Personality:  

If you were to go on a date or spend the day together, what would you be doing?  Do you like to spend time in the outdoors?  Do you prefer to enjoy a cocktail and see a show downtown?  Would you just be home watching Netflix and cuddling?  Think about putting yourself in your scene, so your true selves will be revealed in the photography.  

Lifestyle engagementSnuggle SeasonLifestyle engagement portrait at Cibolo Nature Center in Boerne, TX.

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Words to love by:  

Your engagement session will definitely set the tone for your wedding, as your guests and family will see your personalities come through in the portraits.  My goal is to really capture your personality, how you interact with one another, that special smile he only gives to you, that spark in your eyes when he's around you.  So together think of 3 words you want to describe yourselves and your wedding.  This will help me in deciding how I want to shoot you as well.  

cibolo nature center engagementThat thing you doStephanie & Isaac enjoying a romantic stroll at Cibolo Creek

I hope these tips have helped you to find your happy place, the perfect location for your engagement session.  No matter what location, it's about being comfortable enough to be your true selves, showing your joy for your future together, and having the most perfect images to remember this special time in your lives.  

Confetti engagementLa Villita Engagement PortraitsJacob and Angelica celebrating their Fiesta Engagement Session.

 

Photoshoot Locations

These are considered On-Location.  Below is information I've gathered regarding location fees.  

Location Fees (charged by the venue)
Cibolo Nature Center, Boerne $20 
Roszell Gardens $75
Japanese Tea Garden (best early morning or weeknight) $20
The Orchard Studio (Castroville Area, appointment required) $25
San Antonio Botanical Garden 

$195 up to 8 people

McNay Art Museum $30
McNay Art Museum Courtyard and Interior Foyer (appointment required) $125
The Gardens at Old Town Helotes by appointment Free when available
Landa Library (photo permit required, 6 weeks notice) Free, (permit required)
The Pearl (best on a weeknight or early morning 8 AM) Free
Southtown Free
San Antonio Riverwalk by  Free
-Museum Reach Free
-Southtown/King William/Johnson Street Bridge Free
Local Public Parks - Free
-Igo Library/Bonnie Connor Park Free
-OP Schnaebel Park Free
-Friedrich Wilderness Park (Awesome Fall Color Dec-Jan) Free
For Christmas Lights:  Riverwalk, Travis Park Free

Sometimes, your own backyard is a great location for a family photoshoot.  Call for a consultation and let's brainstorm a good location for you!

 

An engagement session is included in every wedding package we offer.  Also, ask about our destination engagement sessions, because we love to travel!  

 

Like what you see?  Schedule a consultation today and I would be happy to start planning your unique engagement session with Aria Productions!

 

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San Antonio Wedding at Westin Riverwalk | Sara + Ali

January 28, 2021  •  Leave a Comment

Sara and Ali were married on December 20th at the Westin Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas.  After getting ready in their hotel suites with riverwalk views, we captured their first look with Sara walking down the round staircase to meet her handsome groom. We photographed wedding day portraits on the Riverwalk with twinkling lights and winter colors in the tall trees.   

Exquisite white and pale pink blooms enveloped the couple as they sat on a white settee to be admired by their guests.  After their ring exchange the beautiful couple danced for the first time, cheered on by those who love them.  They then hosted an intimate dinner with friends, family and coworkers in the elegant Hidalgo Ballroom. 

My favorite moment was when the concierge rolled the three-tier, white round wedding cake onto the dance floor for all to witness the ceremonial cutting of the cake and toasts.  The luxurious downtown hotel is the perfect venue for a romantic wedding reception in San Antonio, Texas.  This was truly a romantic and gorgeous wedding, the perfect start to their lifetime together.  

Westin+Riverwalk+Wedding 1Westin Riverwalk WeddingThe wedding of Sara & Ali in San Antonio, Texas. Westin+Riverwalk+Wedding 1Westin Riverwalk WeddingThe wedding of Sara & Ali in San Antonio, Texas. Westin+Riverwalk+Wedding 1Westin Riverwalk WeddingThe wedding of Sara & Ali in San Antonio, Texas. Westin+Riverwalk+Wedding 1Westin Riverwalk WeddingThe wedding of Sara & Ali in San Antonio, Texas. Westin+Riverwalk+Wedding 1Westin Riverwalk WeddingThe wedding of Sara & Ali in San Antonio, Texas. Westin+Riverwalk+Wedding 1Westin Riverwalk WeddingThe wedding of Sara & Ali in San Antonio, Texas. Westin+Riverwalk+Wedding 1Westin Riverwalk WeddingThe wedding of Sara & Ali in San Antonio, Texas. Westin+Riverwalk+Wedding 1Westin Riverwalk WeddingThe wedding of Sara & Ali in San Antonio, Texas. Westin+Riverwalk+Wedding 1Westin Riverwalk WeddingThe wedding of Sara & Ali in San Antonio, Texas. Westin+Riverwalk+Wedding 1Westin Riverwalk WeddingThe wedding of Sara & Ali in San Antonio, Texas. Westin+Riverwalk+Wedding 1Westin Riverwalk WeddingThe wedding of Sara & Ali in San Antonio, Texas. Westin+Riverwalk+Wedding 1Westin Riverwalk WeddingThe wedding of Sara & Ali in San Antonio, Texas. Westin+Riverwalk+Wedding 1Westin Riverwalk WeddingThe wedding of Sara & Ali in San Antonio, Texas. Westin+Riverwalk+Wedding 1Westin Riverwalk WeddingThe wedding of Sara & Ali in San Antonio, Texas. Westin+Riverwalk+Wedding 1Westin Riverwalk WeddingThe wedding of Sara & Ali in San Antonio, Texas. Westin+Riverwalk+Wedding 1Westin Riverwalk WeddingThe wedding of Sara & Ali in San Antonio, Texas. Westin+Riverwalk+Wedding 1Westin Riverwalk WeddingThe wedding of Sara & Ali in San Antonio, Texas. Creations CakesElegant Wedding CakeThe elegant 3-tier white wedding cake with gold ornate design was wheeled out for all to witness the traditional cake cutting. Westin+Riverwalk+Wedding 1Westin Riverwalk WeddingThe wedding of Sara & Ali in San Antonio, Texas. Westin+Riverwalk+Wedding 1Westin Riverwalk WeddingThe wedding of Sara & Ali in San Antonio, Texas. Westin+Riverwalk+Wedding 1Westin Riverwalk WeddingThe wedding of Sara & Ali in San Antonio, Texas. Westin+Riverwalk+Wedding 1Westin Riverwalk WeddingThe wedding of Sara & Ali in San Antonio, Texas. Westin+Riverwalk+Wedding 1Westin Riverwalk WeddingThe wedding of Sara & Ali in San Antonio, Texas. Westin+Riverwalk+Wedding 1Westin Riverwalk WeddingThe wedding of Sara & Ali in San Antonio, Texas.

Venue:  Westin Riverwalk San Antonio

Coordinator, decor & Floral:  Freesia Designs

Photography & Video:  Aria Productions

DJ and Emcee:  Cutting Edge Entertainment

Cake: Creations Cakes

 

Leave well wishes for the happy couple in the comments!  If you like what you see, please reach out about your next event here.  


Wedding Fashion Show | Featuring Jasmine Bridal, Moonlight Bridal

January 21, 2021  •  Leave a Comment

One of the best things about being in the wedding industry is getting to know some of the most amazing and talented people who are just the best at creating the perfect day for my beautiful couples.  We recently had the opportunity to come together for a Wedding Fashion Show featuring Brides By Elizabeth.  This safe, socially distanced bridal and tuxedo fashion show was produced by Weddings and Event Design by Pamela and Lizzette Suarez of From His Garden Florals, Decor and Event Planning.  The talented Chris Koval of Future Sounds announced the event.  Catering by Celebrations provided yummy food, and the bar was tended by Magnolia Halle.  Sweet treats were in abundance from Creations Cakes and Jane Dough Cakes.  Our models were all dolled up by Love, Lipstick and Lashes.  We had some amazing talent walking the runway, including two gorgeous flower girls.  

 

See the full video here, and checkout the photo gallery below.  If you have any questions about bridal fashion, be sure to reach out to Theresa Ashmore at Brides By Elizabeth.  With over thirty years in the fashion industry, Teresa knows how to make your dream gown a reality.

 

 

 

Brides by ElizabethBrides By Elizabeth Fashion Show Brides by ElizabethBrides By Elizabeth Fashion Show Brides by ElizabethBrides By Elizabeth Fashion Show Brides by ElizabethBrides By Elizabeth Fashion Show Brides by ElizabethBrides By Elizabeth Fashion Show Brides by ElizabethBrides By Elizabeth Fashion Show Brides by ElizabethBrides By Elizabeth Fashion Show Brides by ElizabethBrides By Elizabeth Fashion Show Brides by ElizabethBrides By Elizabeth Fashion Show Brides by ElizabethBrides By Elizabeth Fashion Show Brides by ElizabethBrides By Elizabeth Fashion ShowEvent Planners Pamela Rodriguez and Lizzette Suarez. Brides by ElizabethBrides By Elizabeth Fashion Show


First Podcast Interview on Bridal Buzz | Featuring Sonia Freeman Aria Productions

October 30, 2020  •  Leave a Comment
Bridal-Buzz-Weve-Been-Featured-On-1000x1000-1Bridal-Buzz-Weve-Been-Featured-On-1000x1000-1
 
If you ever want to learn more about yourself, listen to someone interview you on a podcast.  Things you never think of come up.  Like, I am definitely a behind the scenes person, and I don't tend to get in front of the camera to be the star of the show.  However, I do bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to my craft in portrait photography and video production.  I was recently interviewed by Erika Perez on the Bridal Buzz podcast.  Check it out;  
 

 

 

Do you have more questions about me?  Leave me a comment below: 

  San Antonio Wedding PhotographerSonia FreemanSan Antonio Wedding Photographer


Hollywood Glam at The Red Berry Estate

October 26, 2020  •  Leave a Comment

This month we had the unique opportunity to be the first to film at The Red Berry Estate.  The Red Berry Mansion has been beautifully restored and completely reimagined to a new generation in San Antonio. Graceful Moments Weddings invited us along with some of San Antonio's finest event and wedding pros to create a Hollywood Glam styled wedding shoot. See what we created here:

 

 

The possibilities are endless on this impeccable property, you can truly let your imagination soar. Thank you so much to Graceful Moments Weddings for inviting us to take part in this shoot. We can't wait to produce amazing events here!  Check out some behind the scenes photos by Ata Girl Photography.  

atagirl photo-red berry estate FJ7_0187 (1)Sonia Freeman, videographer of Aria Productions. Behind the scenes at The Red Berry Estate, photographed by Tammy Blalock, Ata Girl Photography. atagirl photo-red berry estate FJ7_0187 (1)Sonia Freeman, videographer of Aria Productions. Behind the scenes at The Red Berry Estate, photographed by Tammy Blalock, Ata Girl Photography. atagirl photo-red berry estate FJ7_0187 (1)Sonia Freeman, videographer of Aria Productions. Behind the scenes at The Red Berry Estate, photographed by Tammy Blalock, Ata Girl Photography. atagirl photo-red berry estate FJ7_0187 (1)Sonia Freeman, videographer of Aria Productions. Behind the scenes at The Red Berry Estate, photographed by Tammy Blalock, Ata Girl Photography.

Featured Vendors:

Artist - Snap Chic Wedding Painting

Band - The Sinatra of South Texas Joe Caruso - Singer

Bar & Catering - Rosemary’s Catering

Cake - Luxe Appel 

Dress - Olivia Grace Bridal Shop 

Fireworks - ProFX Pro Fx Inc

Florist - Flair Floral 

Hair/Makeup - Glam on Demand 

Photo booth - MBP Photo Booth 

Photographer - Ata-Girl Photography 

Planning + Design - Graceful Moments

Rentals - Illusions Rentals & Designs

Stationery - Aly Am Paperie Invitations & Gifts

Suit - Rex Formal Wear 

Transportation - Royal Exotic Rentals 

Venue - The Red Berry Estate

Videographer - Aria Productions 

Models Bride Model #1 - Libby Hill Miss Earth

B+G Models - Becky & Scott Inocente

 

I want to know what you think:  Did you love the style of this shoot?  What would be your style if you did your wedding or quinceaña
at The Red Berry Estate?  Let me know your thoughts in the comments.  

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