Make The Most of Your Photo Shoot Venue with These Photo Ideas

Utilizing Photo Shoot Venue Stairs in Photography

By utilizing a photo shoot venue, you can uniquely capture beautiful moments in ways you may not have even considered. Unlike the conventional studio setting, a photo shoot venue allows you to infuse creativity into every photograph with different architectural elements that you can incorporate into your photos. If you suffer from being camera-shy – no worries! We’ve got you covered with our favorite photo ideas that you can use to get the most out of your photo shoot venue while capturing some unique, jaw-dropping photos along the way. 

 

Stairs at your Photo Shoot Venue

While stairs may seem like a hindrance at first glance, they’re actually the perfect place to let loose and let your inner model shine. Stairs add dimension to your photos by adding in the element of height and length – making them the perfect place to let long dresses shine. They’re also the perfect spot to capture some authentic shots of loved ones cuddling up together. 

 

Small Bodies of Water

Some of our favorite photos are those taken using the natural elements of the world. Water can be used as a beautiful backdrop to provide some movement or can be used to get candid, fun photos of couples splashing each other. We recommend saving water shots for the end of the day, so that you don’t risk having wet hair or clothing in other photos. 

 

Nature’s Natural Beauties – Flowers & Trees

Flowers and trees add that perfect whimsical, feminine, and romantic touch that wedding/engagement photos need. Similar to stairs, trees add dimension to your photos by playing with height. Flowers not only make for beautiful backdrops, but they are also the perfect pop of color against neutral clothing. Just make sure you’re simply enjoying these natural beauties where they grow and not picking them out of the ground. 

 

Doors & Archways

You may not consider doors/archways to add a lot to your photos, but you may be surprised how much these architectural elements can become your lifeline at photo shoots. Depending on the venue, doors can change up the scenery by acting as a backdrop However, our favorite way to use these elements in photos is as a natural frame for models to shine in! 


Are you ready for your photoshoot? Book a free, styled photoshoot with Bella Mansions! Not quite ready to step in front of the camera?  Check out our Photoshoot Inspo Pinterest board for more inspiration so you can have the photoshoot of your dreams!

Summer Wedding Etiquette Do’s and Don’ts

summer wedding set up on a beach for a Bella Mansions blog on Summer wedding etiquette do's and don'ts

When attending or planning a summer wedding, there are etiquette guidelines to be mindful of. Bella Mansions has some essential do’s and don’ts to help you navigate summer wedding etiquette successfully!

Do’s:

RSVP promptly

Summer is a popular time for weddings and vacations. An accurate headcount is needed to plan accordingly. Respect the couple’s  RSVP request by responding promptly with your attendance status. 

Dress Appropriately

Consider the venue, theme, and dress code specified on the invitation when selecting your attire. Opt for light fabrics, such as cotton or linen, and choose comfortable yet stylish shoes, especially if the wedding is outdoors.

Stay Hydrated

Summer weddings can be hot and humid, so staying hydrated throughout the celebration is crucial. Consider bringing a water bottle in case the venue doesn’t provide any.

Be mindful of sun protection

If the wedding is outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. It’s also considerate to bring extras to share with others, especially if the ceremony or reception takes place in direct sunlight.

 

Don’ts:

Don’t be late

Punctuality is crucial, especially during the summer when delays can impact the overall schedule. Plan your journey, account for potential traffic or parking issues, and aim to arrive a few minutes early to avoid disrupting the ceremony.

Avoid inappropriate attire

While summer weddings may feel more relaxed, it’s essential to dress appropriately and avoid outfits that may be too revealing, casual, or attention-seeking. Respect the couple’s vision and maintain a sense of elegance and formality.

Don’t upstage the couple

As a guest, it’s important to remember that the wedding day belongs to the couple. Avoid wearing white or any attire that might draw excessive attention to yourself, taking the focus away from the bride and groom.

Don’t bring uninvited guests

Unless specified on the invitation, avoid bringing uninvited guests or plus-ones. Honor the couple’s guest list and respect their budget and seating arrangements.

Follow these do’s and don’ts to ensure a peaceful and memorable experience for all involved. Remember, it’s all about celebrating love and creating beautiful memories while showing respect and consideration for others. Have fun and enjoy the summer weddings!

Ideas to Consider When Selecting Your Summer Wedding Venue

groom and bride in wedding clothes holding hands on a beach for a Bella Mansions blog on selecting a summer wedding venue

As the warm rays of sunshine make an appearance, summer becomes the perfect season for couples to celebrate their love with a memorable wedding. Selecting the ideal summer wedding venue is a key decision that sets the stage for a sun-kissed wedding filled with joy, vibrancy, and cherished memories. Bella Mansions is here to help you find the perfect summer wedding venue and give you tips to help you create an unforgettable experience.

Embrace Nature’s Splendor

Celebrate the beauty of nature and the outdoors by highlighting summer wedding venues that offer picturesque landscapes. Venues surrounded by lush gardens, blooming flowers, or breathtaking mountain vistas are great ways to embrace nature’s splendor to create a romantic and refreshing ambiance.

Scenic Seaside

Discover the magic of beachfront wedding venues, where couples can exchange vows against the backdrop of rolling waves and golden sands. Coastal venues offer a unique charm and relaxed atmosphere during the summer season. Explore the opportunities for beach ceremonies, barefoot receptions, and sunset photo shoots that capture the essence of a seaside bliss wedding.

Outdoor Elegance

Outdoor venues such as botanical gardens, vineyards, or picturesque estates are perfect for an enchanting romantic celebration. Think of exchanging vows under a canopy of trees or dancing under the starry sky. Keep in mind that venues with shaded areas or outdoor coverings provide comfort and protection from the summer sun.

Cool and Creative Treats

Keep in mind it is important to keep guests refreshed and cool during summer weddings. Offering creative beverage stations, such as signature cocktails, infused water stations, or gourmet popsicles can be a fun way to do this! You can also incorporate unique summer-inspired food options, such as refreshing salads, fruity desserts, or ice cream bars.

Choosing the perfect summer wedding venue allows you to embrace the enchantment of the summer season and create an unforgettable sun-kissed celebration. Whether it’s embracing nature’s splendor, opting for a beachfront paradise, enjoying outdoor elegance, or delighting guests with cool and creative treats, the right venue sets the stage for an unforgettable experience.

4 Ways to Capture Beautiful Photos in Abandoned Mansions

luxury wedding estates in Texas

Abandoned mansion photography has become increasingly popular among photographers looking to capture the beauty and history of these once-grand structures. There’s something alluring about the decay of an abandoned mansion, and with Bella Mansions, there’s no shortage of stunning locations to explore. From the overgrown gardens to the ornate architecture, Bella Mansions offers a wealth of opportunities for photographers looking to capture the beauty of abandoned mansions.

 

Finding Abandoned Mansions to Photograph

 

The first step in exploring abandoned mansion photography is to research and locate abandoned mansions in your area. This can be done through online searches or talking to locals who might know of abandoned buildings in the area. It’s important to always take safety precautions when exploring abandoned mansions, such as wearing sturdy shoes and carrying a first-aid kit.

 

Preparing for the Shoot

 

Before heading out to take photos, it’s important to make sure you have the necessary photography equipment and settings. This might include a camera with a wide-angle lens, a tripod, and settings for exposure and shutter speed. When it comes to lighting and composition, it’s important to experiment and find the best way to capture the mansion’s beauty.

 

Capturing the Beauty of Abandoned Mansions

 

When taking photos of an abandoned mansion, it’s important to emphasize the unique features of the mansion’s architecture. This might include ornate detailing or grand staircases. It’s also important to capture the emotions and history of the abandoned mansion through photography, whether it be the feeling of grandeur or the sadness of decay.

 

Editing Abandoned Mansion Photography

 

After taking the photos, it’s time to edit and enhance them. This might include enhancing the colors and contrast to bring out the beauty of the mansion. Additionally, it’s possible to create a vintage and timeless feel to the photos through editing techniques such as sepia or black and white.

Abandoned mansion photography offers a unique and intriguing way to explore the beauty and history of abandoned structures. It’s important to take safety precautions when exploring abandoned mansions, but the opportunity to capture the grandeur and unique features of these structures is worth it. By experimenting with lighting, composition, and editing techniques, it’s possible to create stunning and timeless photos that showcase the beauty of these abandoned mansions.

Are You Nervous About Wedding Planning? 10 Tips to Ease Your Mind and Enjoy the Process

wedding venue

Congratulations on your engagement! As you embark on your wedding planning journey, there are some key ideas to keep in mind that can help make your planning process go more smoothly. Below are 10 tips to consider when wedding planning:

 

Establish a budget

When setting your budget, it’s essential to consider all the costs associated with your wedding, including venue, catering, attire, decor, entertainment, and any additional expenses. It’s also important to build in some wiggle room for unexpected costs or last-minute changes.

 

Decide on a theme

Your wedding theme should reflect your personality and interests. You could choose a theme based on a particular color, a shared hobby, or a favorite place. Once you’ve decided on your theme, you can use it as a guide when making other wedding-related decisions, such as your invitations, floral arrangements, and music selection.

 

Determine your guest list

Creating a guest list can be a tricky task, but it’s important to be realistic about your venue’s size and budget. Make sure to include everyone who is important to you and your partner, but also consider whether you want to include children, plus-ones, or distant relatives. You can also consider using online tools to help you manage your guest lists, such as RSVP tracking and meal preferences.

 

Choose your venue

The venue is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make when planning your wedding. Make sure to tour several locations before making a decision, and consider the venue’s size, location, amenities, and style. You should also inquire about their availability, pricing, and any restrictions they may have.

 

Select vendors

Finding the right vendors for your wedding can take some time, but it’s worth the effort to ensure your special day runs smoothly. Look for vendors who have experience working in weddings and who align with your vision for your big day. You can also ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have recently been married.

 

Create a wedding website

A wedding website can be a useful tool for keeping your guests informed about your wedding plans. You can include details about your registry, accommodations, transportation, and any other relevant information. You can also use your website to share your engagement story or to post photos and videos of your planning process.

 

Plan your wedding day timeline

Creating a timeline for your wedding day can help you stay on schedule and ensure that you don’t miss any important events. Be sure to share your timeline with your wedding party and vendors so that everyone knows what to expect. You should also build in some buffer time to account for unexpected delays or changes.

 

Choose your attire

Your wedding attire should reflect your personal style and the overall theme of your wedding. Make sure to try on different styles and fabrics to find what feels most comfortable and flattering. Don’t forget to also consider shoes, jewelry, and any other accessories you’ll need to complete your look.

 

Consider wedding favors

Wedding favors can be a nice way to thank your guests for celebrating your special day with you. You could choose something practical, like a personalized bottle opener, or something more sentimental, like a small succulent plant. Whatever you choose, make sure it aligns with your overall wedding theme and fits within your budget.

 

Don’t forget the details

Planning a wedding involves many small details, such as seating arrangements, signage, and transportation. Make a comprehensive list of everything you need to remember and break it down into manageable tasks. You can also consider hiring a wedding planner to help you manage the details and ensure everything runs smoothly on your big day.

 

Planning a wedding requires attention to detail, organization, and patience. By focusing on the most critical decisions such as establishing a budget, choosing a theme, determining your guest list, selecting your venue and vendors, and creating a wedding day timeline, you can create a magical and unforgettable wedding day. It’s essential to stay flexible and open-minded throughout the planning process and remember that the most important thing is celebrating your love with your partner and loved ones. 

 

For more up-to-date wedding essentials and tips, visit our blog page today!

Why An All-Inclusive Wedding Venue Is Perfect For You

Your wedding day is undoubtedly one of the most special days of your life, and it’s important to ensure that everything goes perfectly. From the flowers to the music, every detail needs to be just right. One of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is selecting a wedding venue. While there are various types of venues to choose from, an all-inclusive wedding venue could be the perfect fit for you. Let’s explore some reasons why.

 

Convenience

Convenience is a significant benefit of all-inclusive wedding venues. Planning a wedding can be a massive undertaking, with many details to keep track of, from the guest list to the menu. Fortunately, all-inclusive wedding venues can take care of everything for you, including catering and decorations. All you need to do is show up and enjoy your special day.

 

Cost Savings

In addition to being convenient, all-inclusive wedding venues can save you money. Weddings can be expensive, and expenses can quickly add up. All-inclusive wedding venues often have established relationships with vendors and can negotiate better prices. Plus, with everything included in the package price, you won’t have to worry about unexpected expenses.

 

Less Stress

Less stress is another advantage of inclusive wedding venues. Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, and it’s easy to become overwhelmed. By choosing an inclusive wedding venue, you’ll have less stress. You won’t need to worry about coordinating with multiple vendors, and you’ll have a dedicated event coordinator to assist you at every stage. This will allow you to relax and enjoy your engagement and wedding day.

 

Customization

Finally, customization is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a wedding venue. While you’re opting for an inclusive wedding venue, you can still have the wedding of your dreams. These venues often provide customization options, allowing you to tailor the package to your specific requirements. Your all-inclusive wedding venue can work with you to bring your vision to life, whether you want a particular type of food or a specific style of decor.

An inclusive wedding venue could be ideal for you if you’re looking for convenience, cost savings, less stress, time savings, and customization. These venues take care of everything, allowing you to relax and enjoy your special day. When choosing your wedding venue, consider an all-inclusive wedding venue, and make your wedding day unforgettable.

Stay up to date on the latest wedding trends by following us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Sign up for our newsletter to get updates about Bella Mansions. We offer free styled photoshoots at the Sanger Mansion, and they’re free! Check out our blog page for more wedding inspiration. Thank you for reading. We hope you enjoyed it!

Unconventional Wedding Ideas

nontraditional wedding

From destination weddings to riding into a venue on horses or elephants, this is your moment. Why conform to the status quo? A wedding is simply a celebration of love to share alongside your loved ones, it doesn’t mean suit and tie is mandatory. While not every unconventional option is going to be accessible for you or your guests, there’s still things you can do to make this day memorable with some creativity. New non-traditional trends and quirks are gaining a lot of popularity and we’re here to share some of the best ones with you! 

Alternative Colors for Wedding Dresses

colorful wedding dress

The bride does not have to be in white dress. While black wedding dresses have been a big trend as well, you can dress as colorful or neutral as you want! Your dress should make you feel beautiful. Whether that means sticking with a more traditional color and style or stepping outside of the norms, all you have to do is make sure it does it’s main job, which is to make you smile.

Doggy Ring Bearer

cute dog

While kids make really cute ring bearers, dogs make even better ones. Have your furry friend deliver your rings at the altar and wait for the on cue “awe” as they waddle by everyone. This isn’t limited to just dogs, whatever your pet of choice may be, just train them to be the greatest delivery man!

Embrace Your Culture

cultural wedding

Cultural weddings aren’t technically considered ‘non-traditional’ to their specific culture. Though, not everyone is connected enough to their roots to pursue a wedding outside the standard norm. No matter your background, incorporating traditions outside a white dress and a suit and tie can be a beautiful thing and serve as a mix of your American and native culture.

Surprise Wedding

surprise

Surprise weddings are a growing trend that have recently gained popularity within unconventional traditions. Basically, this is inviting your friends and family over to an event but upon arrival, they realize they’re actually attending your wedding! If you’re sporadic and love a good surprise, this is for you.

Unconventional Venue

Like we said, not everyone can afford to take both sides of the family to an expensive island wedding, but a venue can take place anywhere. You can attend a music festival, dressed in white and some sneakers! Have a tent wedding in a spacious piece of land near nature and fill with possible decorative surprises inside. You can even host your wedding at your favorite cafe or restaurant. Anything is possible, don’t let traditional standards hold you back from considering certain places. 

While we’d love to host you in our beautiful Sanger Mansion, currently our work in progress is only open to the public for styled shoots. The mansion is free to use, just sign up to confirm availability!

Book Today

Your Go To Guide for a Spring Wedding

spring wedding

Spring time is officially among us! Spring is considered the best time to have an outdoor wedding. It is synonymous with “new beginnings” as the blooming flowers and beautiful colors are renewed around this season. The scenery, adequate attire, and color palettes that are used during Spring can create the perfect setting for your wedding. Your new beginning towards the rest of your life can start with a gorgeous Spring wedding. 

We’ve compiled some of our best tips towards planning your event:

Spring Holidays To Remember

As you set the date for your spring wedding, there’s a couple of holidays to keep in mind during this season:

  • Mother’s Day: Always a Sunday in May
  • Memorial Day: Always a Monday in May
  • Father’s Day: Always a Sunday in June
  • Palm Sunday: Typically in March or April
  • Easter: Typically in March or April

Do your best to plan your wedding around these holidays. Many of your guests may be avid celebrators of these events and it may conflict with your wedding attendance if planned on the same date.

Spring Weather

The spring season is known to have unpredictable weather. Sunny days may be followed by periods of rain and extreme weather changes. You should be prepared and consider incorporating a tent into your wedding venue in case of rain or any unforeseen circumstances.

Spring Wedding Color Palette

Spring marks the transition from winter to summer colors. Color schemes around this time of year usually revolve around light, airy, and pastel colors. Your color palette can range outside the ones we’ve provided but feel free to use any of these neutral, pink, or yellow based color schemes we have selected for your inspiration!

Cake Decor

The definition of Spring is encased in light colors and flowers. One of the best ways to see spring colors brought to life is through your cake. Whether you choose vibrant colors or a more neutral palette, your cake should represent you and your personal spring theme.

Everything Floral

Spring weddings usually involve everything floral. Flowers around this time of year are exceptionally fragrant and vibrant, so keep this in mind as it can be concerning to some guests. However, a strong fragrance can also help embody the true essence of a spring themed wedding. Always choose what is best for you and your guests. Make sure to research which flowers are in season and available around your wedding date. Consult with your floral designer to get the perfect floral vision for your wedding.

Bella Mansions

Though our beautiful Sanger Mansion is currently under construction, it makes the perfect location for a Spring themed style shoot. From artistically styled to romantic and floral themed shoots, our property is free to use! All we ask is to let us post some of your pictures to our website and social media. Use the link below to book a date and time!

Book Today

Tips for Choosing Your Dream Wedding Venue

tips for choosing a wedding venue bella mansions

If you’re newly engaged and you have  just started the wedding planning process, you’ll soon find that one of the biggest and hardest decisions you’ll have to make is where you’re going to host the big day. 

Finding the perfect venue isn’t easy. The venue you choose can set the entire tone for your wedding. With so many options and things to consider, choosing the right wedding venue can quickly become stressful. 

Many factors go into deciding on a venue, and we are happy to help you narrow them down. We want to help make your wedding venue dreams a reality, so we’ve created a list of the five most important factors to consider when looking at different venues.

BUDGET
tips for choosing a wedding venue bella mansions

First things first, the budget.

Before stepping foot in any  venues, you should have an idea of your overall budget and how much your vision and design would cost to execute. Divide your budget by categorizing wedding aspects and rank them by priority. Consider how many people you have to hire, decor, price per plate, etc. We recommend prioritizing vendors and staff first, prioritizing venues is going to lead to you spending more than you allocated for because you will still have other funds to consider afterward. \

GUEST LIST
tips for choosing a wedding venue bella mansions

Having a ballpark number for the amount of people you are expecting will help determine the type and size of venue you should be looking for. As you are visiting venues, envision the layout of your reception and how or if your guests would fit comfortably within that venue. Having a good idea of your guest list will also aid in organizing your budget because many costs are dependent on the amount of people attending. 

VISION
tips for choosing a wedding venue bella mansions

It is important to stay authentic to your individual style and stick to your wedding vision. Many brides can be easily influenced by the influx of wedding styles they see online, but it is important to remember that while a venue may look amazing with a certain theme, it may not be a good fit for your specific style or theme.

LOCATION
bella mansions wedding venue

Whether you’re looking at having a  hometown or destination wedding, location and accessibility are important factors to consider when choosing a wedding venue. If you have out of town guests coming in, or your wedding is held in an unfamiliar area, you want to make sure that accommodations and accessibility to the destination are facilitated. These factors alongside with the location itself will be deciding factors into your budget as well.

AVAILABILITY
choosing a wedding venue bella mansions

“Save the Date” are three words that every bride wants to share. Ultimately, you need to determine what you find more important, your dream venue or getting married at a particular time of year. Regardless of what you prioritize, we recommend you pick out a few dates before venue hunting. Have dates in mind that you find work with what you want and dates you know you would like to avoid because of conflicting events or holidays. Usually, finding a date depends on venue availability.

BELLA MANSIONS

Even when finally securing a venue, you have to worry about the little details like where you will get ready, if that is in a different location, how will you get there? The moving pieces that fall on your shoulders when the big day comes are things not all venues include. 

Bella Mansions on the other hand, offers you an all-inclusive luxury wedding experience that includes everything from bridal suites to a photographer. Our team is committed to helping you throughout the entire wedding planning process. 


The newly renovated Sanger Mansion is expected to be done by 2023 and can be the place where you hold your dream wedding. For more information and updates about the Sanger Mansion Venue please visit online and sign up for our email list!

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The Dallas Morning News: “What’s happening to the abandoned mansion in Sanger?” Curious Texas Investigates

sanger mansion

For three decades, a mansion sat vacant in Sanger. Now a new owner wants to bring it back to life.

The Dallas Morning News: “What’s happening to the abandoned mansion in Sanger?” Curious Texas investigates

By: Nataly Keomoungkhon

Published: December 25, 2021

For more than 30 years, a three-story mansion sat vacant in Sanger, an hour northwest of Dallas in Denton County. The mammoth building on South Stemmons Street can be seen atop a hill by drivers cruising along Interstate 35.

The 27,000-square-foot residence was built in the 1980s by the Powell family, who wanted to turn it into a ranch for breeding and selling horses. The property was originally 72 acres and called the Double JP Ranch.

After a set of unforeseen circumstances, construction stopped and the mansion remained unoccupied for decades. Then, in 2020, a new owner decided to bring it back to life.

Isabel Ramey stands with her son Brady Hobbs, 7, and her partner, Kevin Martin, outside Bella Mansions in Sanger.
bella mansions exterior shot
Sanger Mansion
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Credit: The Dallas Morning News