Jessica and David’s June wedding brought together some of my favorite things about photographing weddings in downtown El Paso: a relaxed morning, a beautiful church ceremony, timeless portraits, and a celebration that became more energetic as the day went on.

They both started their morning at Hotel Paso del Norte, just a few floors apart. From there, we headed to St. Patrick Cathedral for their ceremony before returning to the hotel for portraits and a reception that included one of the most memorable first dances, and wedding exits, I’ve photographed.

What I remember most about their wedding, though, is how much fun they seemed to have from beginning to end. And by the time the night was over, pretty much everyone around them was celebrating too.

A Relaxed Morning at Hotel Paso del Norte

Jessica got ready in the Friendship Room on the third floor while David prepared a few floors above. The morning felt easy and unhurried, hair and makeup were finished on time, everyone was relaxed, and there was plenty of time to simply enjoy those last few moments before the ceremony.

One of my favorite little moments happened while David was reading his vows. His dog had been hiding while everyone was in the room, but once things became quiet, he came out and sat beside David as he read. It was such a simple, unexpected moment, and exactly the kind of thing I love finding on a wedding day.

The Ceremony at St. Patrick Cathedral

Jessica and David’s ceremony took place at St. Patrick Cathedral in downtown El Paso, a space that always creates a sense of awe with its soaring architecture and beautiful stained glass.

But my favorite photographs came at the very end. As Jessica and David walked back down the aisle together, the joy on their faces said everything. There was no posing or direction needed, just two people realizing, we’re married.

Those few frames are some of my favorites from their day because you can genuinely feel their happiness in them.

Wedding Portraits at Hotel Paso del Norte

After the ceremony, we returned to Hotel Paso del Norte for family and wedding party portraits on the grand staircase before spending some time with just Jessica and David.

One of the things I love about photographing weddings here is how many different looks we can create without leaving the hotel. We used the second floor, the grand staircase, and finally stepped outside to the San Antonio entrance, where the historic façade and Hotel Paso del Norte sign created one of my favorite backdrops from their day.

Jessica described that variety beautifully when she looked back on her wedding:

“Every single floor and area provided a different backdrop for photos… it made our album look insanely beautiful without having to leave the hotel.” — Jessica

A First Dance I’ll Never Forget

During cocktail hour, while guests were mingling on the second floor, Jessica and David slipped into the ballroom to practice their first dance one last time. Watching the two of them rehearse together in the empty ballroom was such a quiet, beautiful moment before the party began.

Then came the real thing, and they absolutely delivered.

After photographing 350+ weddings, Jessica and David’s first dance remains one of the best I’ve ever photographed. They weren’t simply performing the choreography; they were having an incredible time together. You could see it on their faces, and by the end, the crowd was wild. 

It was one of those moments where everything came together: the preparation, the energy of the crowd, and two people completely enjoying themselves.

A Packed Dance Floor at Hotel Paso del Norte

Once the reception got going, the energy never really slowed down. The large dance floor at Hotel Paso del Norte gave everyone plenty of room to let loose, and Jessica and David’s guests definitely took advantage of it.

There were big moves, lots of laughter, and people completely enjoying themselves, the kind of reception where I can simply follow the energy and capture what happens.

This wedding was a perfect example of something I’ve noticed many times at this venue: when people have room to dance, they use it.

A New Orleans-Style Wedding Exit

Jessica and David saved one of the biggest surprises for the very end. With David’s family coming from New Orleans, a brass band joined them for an unforgettable grand exit.

Umbrellas in hand, Jessica and David led their guests through the hotel while the band played behind them. Everyone was dancing, cheering, and celebrating, even hotel guests near the lobby and grand staircase stopped to applaud as the couple made their way toward the elevators.

After Jessica and David headed upstairs, the band kept playing for a few more minutes and the celebration continued in the lobby. After such an energetic reception, I can’t imagine a more fitting way for their wedding day to end.

Jessica & David’s Wedding Vendor Team

Jessica and David’s wedding day came together with the help of an incredible team of El Paso wedding professionals. A special thank you to everyone who helped make their celebration such a memorable one.

Wedding Planner: Three Sisters
Venue: Hotel Paso del Norte
Ceremony: St. Patrick Cathedral
Florist: Debbies Bloomers Hair & Makeup: Beauty & Style 915
DJ / Entertainment: NCDJ Productions
Wedding Cake: Chantilly Cakes
Brass Band: Borderless 
Wedding Photographer: Stephane Lemaire Photography

Photobooth: Skyline photobooth 915

Mariachi: Paso Del Norte

Planning Your Own Hotel Paso del Norte Wedding?

If Jessica and David’s wedding has you imagining your own celebration here, I’ve created a complete Hotel Paso del Norte Wedding Venue Guide with everything I’ve learned from photographing weddings at the hotel.

You’ll find my favorite portrait locations, getting-ready advice, planning tips, insights from real couples, and what I think you should know before your wedding day.

→ Explore the Complete Hotel Paso del Norte Wedding Venue Guide

Explore More El Paso Wedding Resources

Planning your wedding in El Paso? Here are a few more resources to help you explore venues, see real weddings, and start imagining your own day.

Best Wedding Venues in El Paso
Explore some of my favorite wedding venues throughout El Paso and see what makes each one different.

Julia & Jonathan’s Hotel Paso del Norte Wedding
See another real wedding at Hotel Paso del Norte, from their wedding-day portraits to their ballroom celebration.

Planning your wedding at Hotel Paso del Norte? I’d love to hear what you have in mind.

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