Some weddings are beautiful, some are fun, and then there are weddings that feel like stepping into a movie. Paris Jomadiao and Jonathan Jardin's wedding at AvantGarden in Montrose was definitely one of those weddings. It was, without a doubt, one of the most incredible celebrations we've had the pleasure of photographing! Both artists themselves, Paris and Jonathan are two very special people who brought together an equally special crowd. From the outfits and creative energy to the thoughtful design of every little detail, everything about this wedding felt intentional, personal, and wonderfully unconventional. When Paris and Jonathan first contacted us, they told us their wedding was inspired by In the Mood for Love by Wong Kar-wai, one of our favorite cinematic references. We immediately knew this was going to be something special. We already knew AvantGarden by heart, but this time we had a different vision in mind. We rewatched the movie, studied its scenes, colors, lighting, and atmosphere, and started thinking about how to translate that cinematic feeling into their wedding photography. And we couldn't wait to bring it to life!
An Anti-Bride Look and a Mariachi Officiant at AvantGarden
Paris looked absolutely stunning in her black silk dress and pink veil. A perfect anti-bride look for someone who isn't afraid to break traditions and make her own rules. Jonathan also chose a nontraditional outfit that perfectly matched the creative spirit of the day. And just when we thought the style couldn't get any better, their officiant showed up dressed as a Mariachi! Everywhere we looked, there was something unexpected, personal, and fun. This wasn't a wedding designed to follow a Pinterest checklist. It was a celebration that genuinely reflected who Paris and Jonathan are. After getting ready and taking some initial portraits, we moved to the ceremony area. The ceremony was beautiful and emotional, with heartfelt vows, happy tears, and plenty of touching moments. It was a lovely reminder that even the most unconventional weddings are still about the same thing: two people choosing each other.
Cinematic Wedding Portraits Inspired by In the Mood for Love
The portraits were probably our favorite part of the day. This was the part we had been looking forward to and preparing for since our first conversation with the couple. AvantGarden has so many interesting spaces, little corners, vintage details, and different lighting possibilities. We wanted to use the venue in a way that felt fresh and unexpected, creating images that could almost be stills from a Wong Kar-wai film. We explored different areas of the venue, experimented with a mix of colored lights, and played with shadows, reflections, and atmosphere. Rather than simply documenting the space, we wanted to create a visual story around Paris and Jonathan, using light and composition to bring out the mood of the movie that inspired their celebration. This is one of the things we love most about being Houston wedding photographers. Every couple brings a different story and creative direction, and we get to approach each wedding as its own little film. Sometimes that means stepping outside our usual approach, experimenting with lighting, and finding new ways to see a familiar place. The result was a collection of portraits that felt artistic, romantic, a little mysterious, and completely personal to them.
Tacos, Sneakers, Polka Dots, and a Lowrider Send-Off
After all the portraits and emotional moments, it was time to celebrate! The taco truck is practically a signature of AvantGarden weddings, so naturally, we had to capture some fun photos around it. And what's better than sharing a taco with your favorite person on your wedding day? The reception continued with great energy, lots of laughter, and a dance floor that kept everyone moving. At some point, Paris changed into another amazing outfit, a playful polka dot look, while Jonathan switched into a tan suit. Both paired their outfits with awesome sneakers, making the whole look effortlessly cool. We loved how the style evolved throughout the day. Nothing felt overly formal or predictable, and every outfit added another little chapter to their story. And because no great celebration should end without late-night food, pizza was served for everyone! The evening wrapped up with a fun sparkler send-off, followed by Paris and Jonathan leaving in an awesome lowrider car. What a way to end the night!
A Wedding That Felt Like a Movie
We had such an incredible time working with Paris and Jonathan. We loved how much thought they put into the atmosphere, the outfits, the details, and the overall experience they wanted to create for their guests. It was so much fun bringing their vision to life and finding creative ways to photograph their wedding as if we were capturing scenes from a movie. We also approached the editing of their wedding collection with that cinematic inspiration in mind, paying special attention to color, mood, and the overall film-like feeling of the images. As Houston wedding photographers and videographers, we always appreciate couples who trust us to experiment, think outside the box, and approach their wedding in a more creative way. Paris and Jonathan challenged us in the best possible sense, and we are so grateful they welcomed us into their celebration and trusted us with such a special project.
Planning an unconventional wedding in Houston?
We love documenting creative celebrations, intimate moments, and weddings that break the rules. If you're dreaming of a wedding that feels more like you than a traditional wedding checklist, AvantGarden in Montrose is such a fun place to make it happen. And if you have a creative vision of your own, we'd love to hear about it! Whether you're planning an artistic Montrose wedding, an intimate celebration, or something completely unexpected, we'd love to help tell your story. Get ion touch with us and let's create something unforgettable!