Rehearsal Dinner

AvantGarden

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

After Party

Our Wedding

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

Where should I stay?

The closest hotels will be in Downtown ($$) or the Museum District ($$$) - both areas are a quick ride to the venue. We've added some hotels below, but we also recommend checking out AirBnB for Montrose, Heights, Museum District or Downtown places to stay. Be sure to avoid the Midtown area and anything close to "The Spur" (near MAA 510 or The Spur Apartments).

-- Downtown Hotels --

Great for those Hilton Rewards members.

C. Baldwin, Curio Collection by Hilton

For the younger crowd - or those still young at heart.

Aloft by Marriott Houston Downtown

Home of the famous Texas-shaped lazy river.

Marriott Marquis Houston

-- Museum District Hotels --

Unbeatable location, steps away from the scenic Hermann Park and every type of museum you could wish for.

Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District

Travel

Have a day out in Montrose

Montrose is where we live, where we met and where we fell in love. We're so glad to share it with you! Places to eat<a href="https://www.brasilcafehouston.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Brasil</a>: Good food but even better vibes. Day or night, head to the back patio and enjoy the day.<a href="https://www.alorahtx.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Alora</a>: Incredible dinner spot for Peruvian-Vietnamese fusion. Slightly higher end but not bougie by any means. Things to do<a href="https://theguildshop.org/?srsltid=AfmBOoqR13rsfI1HjdGjNRUmGdJ8Xjg_jfcSA5Hb9BMx3AJOsj_qcP_r" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Guild Shop</a>: Antique-lovers beware, you'll never want to leave! If you love charity shops, you could really spend all day in here.<a href="https://www.menil.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Menil</a>: FREE art museum with an incredible lawn. Whether you want to peruse the gallery or drink some wine on the lawn, the vibes are always great.<a href="https://buffalobayou.org/location/buffalo-bayou-park/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Buffalo Bayou Park</a>: Rent a bike or travel on foot, Buffalo Bayou Park is one of the best things Houston has to offer. If you can't find a spot for your car, park at our house for a 15 minute warm up walk to get there.

Hit the Museums

The <a href="https://houmuse.org/institutions/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Houston Museum District</a> is one of the most highly concentrated cultural areas in the world (yes, you read that right - in the world!). Things to doWe highly recommend the Museum of Fine Arts (check out the Persian artifacts in the Islamic Art exhibit) and the Museum of Natural Science (you won't regret the Butterfly exhibit). With over 20 museums to choose from, you really can't go wrong! Places to eat + drink<a href="https://mobrunchandbrews.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mo' Brunch + Brews</a>: Vegan brunch spot with great outdoor seating and even greater vibes.<a href="https://www.lucilleshouston.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lucille's</a>: Southern comfort food from a two-time James Beard award finalist chef.<a href="https://www.instagram.com/grandprizebar/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grand Prize</a>: Part dive bar, part drag house, part Boiler Room. If it's dark out, it's a good time! Check their instagram for kitchen times and events.

Food, bars and more

We might be biased, but we think Houston has one of the best food scenes in the world. We've added our recommendations below, but don't be afraid to live like Anthony Bourdain here. Take a stroll, have a bite along the way and finish it off with a drink - the divier the better. You won't be disappointed!

<a href="https://www.malasichuan.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mala Sichuan</a> (Montrose, Chinatown)- There’s one in Montrose but go to the Chinatown location if you can. Authentic Szechuan<a href="https://www.katarobata.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kata Robata</a> (Greenway) - High quality sushi<a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/cali-sandwich-and-pho-houston" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cali Sandwich</a> (Midtown) - Best banh mi and Vietnamese coffee in the city ($)<a href="https://www.thephosaigon.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pho Saigon</a> (Midtown) - Pho for a hangover<a href="https://chopnblok.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chop N Blok</a> (Montrose) - Upscale West African - Michelin Bib Gourmand<a href="https://www.kasrarestaurants.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kasra </a>(Rice Village) - Best Persian and Hummus in the city<a href="https://www.candentehtx.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Candente </a>(Montrose): Delicious Tex-Mex - also has brisket from the Pit Room (same owner) on the menu - get the brisket nachos<a href="https://thepitroombbq.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pit Room</a> (Montrose) - Good BBQ nearby<a href="https://truthbbq.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopkIXDkQLZkX3SE_6Ia6v4WbTL8twV88BZWp9hz4AnglRJOesL0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Truth BBQ</a> (Washington Ave) - Great BBQ - go early<a href="https://www.laguadalupanacafeandbakery.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">La Gudalupana</a> (Montrose)- Mexican bakery and breakfast<a href="https://www.handiesdouzo.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Handie’s Douzo</a> (Montrose, Heights)- bar seating only - date night spot<a href="https://www.tinychampionshouston.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tiny Champions</a> (EaDo) - Good pizzas and Italian - reservations needed<a href="https://www.travelerstable.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Travelers Table</a> (Montrose)- Nice brunch right across from the venue<a href="https://kefita-coffee.square.site/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kefita Coffee</a> (Midtown)- Ethiopian coffee shop - great coffee and vibes Bars:Catbirds (Montrose) - Great dive bar with great bartenders and crowdPoison Girl (Montrose)- Dive with a large patio and pinball machinesNotsuoh (Downtown)- Very unique decorGrand Prize (Museum District) - Fun bar with a nice outside and upstairs for dancingAxelrad (Midtown)- Huge patio with great drinks and musicSt. Arnolds Brewery (Downtown-ish) - Great place to sit outside if you want a view of downtown Dancing + Live Music The Flat (Montrose): For that "3 AM in a Euro club" vibe.Barbarella's (Midtown): Dancing as iconic as the movie it's named after.Bauhaus (Downtown): Real house music lovers only. Miller Outdoor Theatre (Museum District): Free shows in the park year-round.

Jo & Shireen