How This San Fernando Wedding in San Antonio Turned Into an Unforgettable Fiesta
Some wedding days just have that perfect balance of classic elegance and fun, unforgettable energy—and Norma and Jonathan’s wedding was exactly that. From the grandeur of San Fernando Cathedral to their romantic portraits at the McNay Art Museum, followed by a high-energy Westin Riverwalk Hotel reception complete with flamenco dancers and festive party hats, their day was one for the books.
And trust us, as San Antonio wedding photographers, we’ve captured love stories all over the city, and this one had all the magic: stunning locations, deeply emotional moments, and the kind of celebration that makes you wish the night would never end.
Let’s dive into their day, from the sacred vows to the lively send-off under a shower of rose petals.
Getting Ready – The Excitement in the Air
One of the best parts of San Antonio wedding photography is capturing those “before” moments—the anticipation, the happy nerves, the last-minute laughs with the wedding party. Norma and Jonathan started their day surrounded by close friends and family, each in their own space, but both radiating the same excitement.
For Norma, the morning was filled with sweet moments: her mom helping her with final touches, her bridesmaids hyping her up, and a few quiet breaths before stepping into her stunning dress. The way the sunlight hit the lace details of her gown was pure magic!
Jonathan, on the other hand, had a morning filled with laughter and lighthearted moments with his groomsmen. There’s something about a well-fitted suit and a best friend cracking a joke that eases even the most pre-ceremony jitters.
And before we knew it, it was time for the main event.
The Ceremony at San Fernando Cathedral – A Grand and Sacred Moment
There’s a reason so many couples choose San Fernando Cathedral for their wedding—it’s one of the most breathtaking and historic churches in Texas. The second you step inside, the soaring ceilings and stained-glass windows make you feel like you’re part of something grand and timeless.
Norma’s entrance was nothing short of spectacular. As the cathedral doors opened, all eyes turned to her. Jonathan’s expression said it all—the deep breath, the emotion in his eyes. It’s in those moments that we, as San Antonio wedding photographers, feel so lucky to do what we do.
The ceremony was heartfelt, with personal vows and traditions woven in, making it uniquely them. There wasn’t a dry eye when they exchanged rings, and as they shared their first kiss as husband and wife, the cathedral bells seemed to ring just a little louder in celebration.
Romantic Portraits at McNay Art Museum – A Dreamy Interlude
After the ceremony, we whisked Norma and Jonathan away for a private portrait session at McNay Art Museum—one of the most picturesque spots in San Antonio. If you’re considering a location for wedding portraits, McNay is a dream.
The Spanish Colonial architecture, lush gardens, and elegant staircases create an effortlessly romantic setting. It was the perfect place for the couple to soak in their first moments as newlyweds. They walked hand in hand, laughed at inside jokes, and took a quiet moment away from the excitement of the day.
(And here’s a tip from experienced San Antonio wedding photographers: If you’re looking for that mix of historic charm and artistic beauty, McNay is 100% worth considering!)
The Reception at the Westin Riverwalk – A Party to Remember
After their portraits, it was time to celebrate! The Westin Riverwalk Hotel was the perfect venue for a classy yet lively reception. The ballroom was decked out in elegant florals, soft candlelight, and a setup that made guests feel like they had stepped into a luxurious San Antonio fiesta.
Flamenco Dancers & Fiesta Vibes
Now, this was a first for us! As guests settled in, a live flamenco performance kicked off the evening. The dancers, dressed in vibrant traditional attire, brought an electric energy to the room, setting the tone for an unforgettable night. The rhythmic claps, the passionate movements—it was mesmerizing.
It wasn’t long before guests were fully in the spirit, helped along by a genius idea from Norma and Jonathan: fun party hats for everyone! Imagine a dance floor full of guests wearing oversized sombreros, floral crowns, and light-up cowboy hats. It was the perfect way to break the ice and get even the most reserved guests up and moving.
A Night of Laughter, Dancing, and Joy
From heartfelt toasts to some seriously impressive dance moves, the night kept getting better. One of the most touching moments was when Jonathan took a spin with his grandmother on the dance floor—an unplanned but incredibly sweet moment that had the whole room cheering.
Norma and her dad also shared an emotional dance, with a few teary-eyed family members watching from the side. These are the moments that make San Antonio wedding photography so special—the little unscripted memories that become lifelong treasures.
And then, of course, there was the cake cutting, the bouquet toss, and a packed dance floor that didn’t slow down all night.
A Magical Rose Petal Exit
To close out the night, guests lined up outside, hands full of fresh rose petals. As Norma and Jonathan stepped out, they were met with cheers and a shower of petals floating down like confetti in the breeze. It was romantic, cinematic, and the perfect way to end such an incredible day.
And just like that, they were off—ready to start their new adventure as husband and wife.
Final Thoughts – A Wedding to Inspire Future Couples
Norma and Jonathan’s wedding was the perfect blend of timeless elegance, cultural vibrancy, and pure joy. Every detail, from the cathedral ceremony to the flamenco dancers, was a reflection of their love story.
A huge shoutout to Elegant Events by Maureen for coordinating the day flawlessly. Planning a wedding with multiple locations and so many moving parts isn’t easy, but Maureen and her team made everything seamless and stress-free.
Advice for Future San Antonio Couples:
If you’re looking for a venue that’s grand and historic, San Fernando Cathedral is a breathtaking choice.
For portraits that feel both artistic and romantic, McNay Art Museum is unbeatable.
Want a reception that blends elegance with high-energy fun? The Westin Riverwalk delivers!
Personal touches (like fun party hats or a unique performance) make your wedding unforgettable.
Most importantly, make sure your wedding feels like you—whether that means incorporating cultural elements, adding a surprise for your guests, or simply focusing on the moments that matter most.
As San Antonio wedding photographers, we love capturing celebrations that are filled with love, joy, and unforgettable moments.
Norma and Jonathan, thank you for letting us be part of your day. Your love story is one we won’t forget!
