There is absolutely something so gosh darn charming, alluring, and overall endlessly romantic about finding treasures from the time of gone by era and place. Finding something unique and out of the ordinary always makes my heart skip a beat! Whether it is just a touch of classic vintage lace to dress up a tablescape or passionate love letters for a guest book table, every small detail becomes a part of a new story and we can assure you that this sweet round-up is definitely going to inspire your love story in the best way possible!
On today's blog, the theme for this wedding was set around the Victorian-style venue, Garten Verein, in Galveston, Texas. Victorian wedding themes have become popular again thanks to the re-emergence of period shows and films like Bridgerton and Lady Chatterley’s Lover. It’s not hard to think why, though. Victorian-themed weddings have this unique appeal where one can feel like being transported back in time where romance, lavish style, and opulence reign.
The bride, her mother, and closest girlfriends started their primping at Hendley Lofts on the notorious Strand Street. The groom and groomsmen got ready at the couple's historic Victorian home in nearby historic Galveston. As you can see, history and nostalgia is knit throughout the day, representing the uniqueness of these two lovers and marrying the best parts of the past eras into a modern wedding inspiration.
Note: Built in 1858-59, this historic building is part of “Hendley Row”. The buildings are four adjoining structures, which are the oldest surviving commercial structures in the city. This warehouse of finds is filled with an eclectic collection of do-dads, thingamabobs and dohickies if you just look close enough!
On the grounds of the Garten Verein under the shade of tall trees with the architecture of the 1800s pavilion as the backdrop, the couple said their “I dos” surrounded by citrus and artful florals in shades of yellow, pink and orange. On the front row, stood two pink velvet sofas for the couple's immediate family. I have to say, I love the lush details, pared with the most modern and minimal that make this inspiration feel truly fit for the year 2023.
Watching the bride walk down the aisle was the sweetest. She was beaming from ear to ear and was trying so hard to hold back the tears. It was such a beautiful and powerful moment for them!
Garten Verein also hosted the reception, where details reminiscent of the era were scattered throughout -- old architecture, brass décor, loads of candles, soft-colored flowers, light draperies, and other vintage knickknacks. If I had to pick a favorite, it would have to be the custom seating chart, made of dried orange slices for the place cards. There is no doubt that this couple loves the clean lines and sophistication for their wedding attire, but there was the obvious intention to fuse the ideas of old and new together, bringing a romantic Victorian vintage aesthetic to a modern love story.
For people looking for a romantic, dreamy, but at the same time modern, minimalist, and contemporary wedding, this wedding shall fuel lots of ideas and inspiration.
About Garten Verein
In 1876, a group of German businessmen in Galveston formed the Garten Verein, a social club for Germans or German speakers only. In 1880, the elaborate tiered octagonal dancing pavilion was built and quickly became the social center for the German who’s who.
In 1923, Stanley Kempner bought the property, including the verein and surrounding open space, and opened it to the public. Restored to its former glory, the Garten Verein has survived the devastating 1900 hurricane, and a fire in the 1980s. The Verein is available for tours and rental.
Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) was formed as the Galveston Historical Society in 1871 and reincorporated in 1954 as a non-profit organization devoted to historic preservation and history in Galveston County. GHF embraces a broader vision of history and architecture that encompasses advancements in environmental and natural sciences and their intersection with historic buildings and coastal life. The historic 1880 Garten Verein tiered dancing pavilion offers a magical venue for weddings and receptions. The building's most unique octagonal design and panoramic windows allow spectacular views from every angle. It resembles a grand glassed-in gazebo. This air-conditioned facility includes a caterer's prep room, stage and dance floor.
The rentals are Friday: $2500.00; Saturday: $4500.00; Sunday: $2000.00 and Weekdays: $1000.00. The refundable deposit is $500.00 at time of contract; 50% rental is due 60 days after the contract is signed and rental balance is due 90 days from your event start date. 250 seated with dance floor/ 400 Reception Style
Pro Tip
No matter which historic moment you choose to make your wedding day special and unforgettable, there are so many easy tips to bring it to life in a vintage-themed wedding! You can simply start by choosing your wedding venue. If you are planning to host a vintage-theme wedding, make sure that the wedding venue that you are selecting has fascinating architecture as it will serve as the perfect backdrop for your wedding photography. You can also bring antique and vintage furniture for your wedding reception decor as it will make the entire setting more authentic and real! For your wedding day look, you can simply give your designer wedding gown a vintage touch and an iconic hairdo inspired by your favorite historical era!
Vendor Team
Coordinator: Next Chapter Weddings
Photographer: Mandi Roach Photography
Lodging: Hendley Lofts
Wedding Venue: Garten Verein
H&MU: Andrea Simmons, FaceForward Cosmetics
Video: Reverent Films
Florals: Knapp Florals
Catering: Benno's
Cake: Gypsy Joynt
Cold Sparks: Explosive Lights (Jose Medrano)
Furniture Rentals: Avalon
Transportation: Carriage Haus Rentals