Crystal Ballroom at the Rice
The Crystal Ballroom at the Rice Hotel is one of the most elegant venues for weddings. The Rice Hotel has historic value that adds charm to the venue as a whole, but has been beautifully updated. There are also renovated spaces that kept the historic charm in mind. Though often overlooked, the Crystal Ballroom has an amazing staff that help make the Ballroom one of the best wedding venues in Houston. Because of the beautiful spaces and amazing staff, we at Two Hearts Photography and Films love being Crystal Ballroom Photographers.
Why We Love Shooting at the Crystal Ballroom
Historic Value
The Rice Hotel along with the Crystal Ballroom originally opened up in 1913. It was originally the Capitol of the Republic of Texas before moving to Austin. Today, the Rice Hotel is shaped like an E. However, it was constructed in 1911 in the shape of a C. A third wing was added about a decade later, which turned the C shape into an E. It is one of the most iconic buildings in Houston and had a lot of “firsts” for the city. In fact, in 1922 the Rice Hotel Cafeteria became the first air-conditioned public room in the city. In the 1940s, it became of the first hotels in Houston to have fluorescent lighting and plastic upholstery. It was also one of the first with an escalator in 1946 and every room would be air-conditioned two years later.
Noteworthy Visitors
The hotel is a historic landmark for the city of Houston. In 1962 Neil Armstrong, along with the rest of NASA’s Astronaut Group 2, met at the hotel to plan the future of space travel. Many prominent guests have stayed at the Rice Hotel, including Mick Jagger and Shirley Temple. Even Presidents have visited the hotel, like Franklin Roosevelt and Richard Nixon. In fact, President John F. Kennedy and his wife stayed at the Rice Hotel on November 21, 1963. Mrs. Kennedy delivered a speech in Spanish to the League of United Latin American Citizens that night. It would be his final visit to Houston before traveling to Dallas the next day.
Beautiful and Renovated Spaces
Though over one hundred years old, the space has been updated and renovated while keeping the historic charm. The Ballroom is a naturally beautiful venue that makes it easy to be Crystal Ballroom photographers. There is space for 400 seated dinner guests and 800 reception guests. Even more, crystal chandeliers are on full display all over the Crystal Ballroom. The Ballroom features tall 35-foot ceilings and a full wraparound balcony with a covered terrace. Amazing photographs can be shot on the balcony, especially around sunset. Inside the Ballroom, there is a large stage that can accommodate a live band. In addition, there is a dance floor and a bridal suite. The bridal suite is a cozy room where brides can relax and get ready with their bridesmaids. There is also the Crystal Ballroom’s Empire Room that features a 22-foot long bar and can seat 50 guests.
Amazing Staff
A venue could be the most impressive and gorgeous venue in the world, but it wouldn’t mean anything if it didn’t have an amazing staff to help everything go smoothly. Fortunately, the impressive and gorgeous Crystal Ballroom also features an amazing staff. They are efficient and well organized. The Crystal Ballroom’s staff works hard to make sure everything stays on schedule. From the start of the ceremony to dinner to cake cutting, they are on it. The staff at the Crystal Ballroom care about their couples that are getting married there or simply holding the reception at the Ballroom. As soon as a couple arrives at the Rice Hotel, staff will be there waiting for them, ready to congratulate them. They will be there to accommodate the couple and make sure that everything goes according to plan.
Vendor Relationships
In addition to being efficient and organized, and caring about their couples, the staff at the Crystal Ballroom also cares about its vendors. They communicate with Two Hearts in advance. The staff at the Crystal Ballroom makes sure that Two Hearts knows when to load in and out. This allows us to do our jobs properly and capture your beautiful wedding effectively. The staff will even provide an area for us to be able to sit down, relax, and eat. There are other venues that often forget to set aside an area, but not at the Crystal Ballroom. As one of their vendors, we at Two Hearts Photography and Films can say that we’ve enjoyed our relationship with the Rice Hotel as Crystal Ballroom photographers.
All-Inclusive Package
As of 2018, Two Hearts Photography and Films has been a part of the Crystal Ballroom all-inclusive package for the last six years. This package is available to Friday and Sunday couples only. Even more, it includes everything from photography to cake to the DJ. The all-inclusive package is a great value for the budget conscious couple who still want elegance. As Crystal Ballroom photographers, we’ll capture your wedding day with beautiful shots on the terrace, in the Empire Room, and even outdoors near the MetroRail tracks. It is a beautiful venue that can accommodate many guests. Your wedding day will be a great one thanks to the Crystal Ballroom’s historic charm, yet updated spaces, and wonderful staff.
We at Two Hearts Photography and Films can’t wait to be your Crystal Ballroom photographers!
Two Hearts Photography and Films
Phone: 832-329-3042
Contact@twoheartsphotographyandfilms.com
