Southwest School of Art Wedding Day in San Antonio, Texas by Gaby Caskey Photography

claire + jay | march 14, 2020

The Southwest School of Art

When I first met with Claire and Jay, we talked all about their plans for their wedding at the Southwest School of Art! The most important thing for Claire and Jay was making the day a celebration of their love story and their families. At their consult, Claire mentioned wanting the wedding day to be an equal celebration for both her and Jay. When I asked Jay what he was looking forward to the most about the wedding day, he said: “seeing Claire walking down the aisle” with Claire’s son, Liam, standing beside him as his Best Man.

One of my favorite parts of the wedding day was the ceremony, which had the first of many surprises of the day. To kick off the ceremony, singers hidden amongst the guests stood up and harmonized along to popular wedding songs. While Claire walked down the aisle, the singers serenaded the guests. Then this next surprise was definitely a tear-jerker. Claire walked down the aisle with her uncle, the twin brother to her late father. This was such a beautiful way to honor her dad’s memory and include her family in such a special moment. Claire and Jay shared personalized vows, and Jay even wrote vows especially for Liam, showing their union as one family.

“If there’s anything you’ve learned by now, it’s that Claire and Jay know how to plan surprises!”

When the ceremony ended, guests made their way to cocktail hour! A champagne wall hand-built by the groom served as the focal point of the space. When it was time for the couple to enter the reception, a mariachi band walked in with the couple to pump up the crowd! If there’s anything you’ve learned by now, it’s that Claire and Jay know how to plan surprises!

The Coates Chapel at the Southwest School of Art served as the coolest location for the reception! The stone walls lined with stained glass windows, the historical architecture, and the grand chandeliers matched the luxe, yet relaxed, look of the reception decor. As the guests danced the night away on the main stage, they were joined on the dance floor by a group of talented samba dancers. Yet another surprise from the evening! While the group performed, guests danced alongside them to keep the party going!

When it came time for the grand exit, Claire and Jay had one more surprise up their sleeve. Guests lined up for what they thought was just a sparkler exit. As the couple made it to the end of the line, a sparkler fountain erupted lighting up the night sky! Claire and Jay’s wedding day at Southwest School of Art had so many amazing moments! I hope you enjoy getting to see a few favorite highlights below!

Southwest School of Art Wedding Day in San Antonio, Texas by Gaby Caskey Photography Hotel Havana Wedding Day in San Antonio, Texas by Gaby Caskey Photography Liam served as the Best Man for both Claire and Jay, so I thought it was sweet that Jay dedicated part of his vows to him!
As soon as they exited the ceremony, I pulled them off to the side to grab a few quick portraits with their champagne wall while everyone left!
Southwest School of Art Wedding Day in San Antonio, Texas by Gaby Caskey Photography To add to the list of surprises, Claire made her guest favors hand sanitizer bottles!! (I feel like in a few years I might need to put a disclaimer/reminder as to why this was such a big deal..haha).
Claire’s favorite image of the night: I loved this portrait in front of their custom neon sign!
Southwest School of Art Wedding Day in San Antonio, Texas by Gaby Caskey Photography