Sugar Bean Coffee and Cream Tour | A Galveston Coffee Shop Off the Beaten Path

Galveston has several coffee shops, including three of our big named mermaid friends. For those of you that appreciate a good cup of coffee and serene settings, Sugar Bean Coffee and Cream is a must for your Galveston coffee shop stops!

Come along! Take a quick stroll across the bridge and visit Sugar Bean Coffee and Cream with us.

Nestled in the Evia Community,  located just behind the Moody Garden’s Golf Course, sits a charming little coffee shop where the aroma of the arabica coffee beans is sweet and the taste of the coffee is smooth. Welcome to sweet little Sugar Bean Coffee and Cream!

The left exterior of the shop offers visually appealing outdoor seating. The rich tropical colors are somewhat expected in coastal living. The seating here blends to naturally set the tone for this off the beaten path Galveston coffee shop.

Once inside, there’s a natural sense of coastal relaxation. The bar has a homely feel, displaying coffee shop product mixed with home decor elements.

Isn’t this iced sugar cookie super cute?! In addition to the expected brewed, espresso, iced and blended coffees, Sugar Bean Coffee and Cream also offers teas, ice cream and gelato. For the adult crowd, they offer a selection of beer, wine and champagne.

Pull up a window seat at this cute little table or grab a seat on the couch in front of the television. Either way, you’ll enjoy the comfort and the aura of this coffee shop.

Here’s a close up of this adorable little coffee mug. “Hey, sugar” seems to be the theme around the shop, as this coined little phrase is found throughout. Cute! Right?

By this time, I’m ready to give in due to Galveston’s August heat! My beverage of choice was an iced vanilla soy latte. Ahhhh!!! So refreshing and smooth…

Getting back to our tour, the little ones in your life will enjoy practicing their barista skills here!

Coffee shops are known for meet and greets. Sugar Bean offers this wonderful private space that’s available by reservation.

If you would prefer to sit outdoors or take a stroll, Sugar Bean has this beautiful gazebo and seating throughout the lawn.

After your visit to Sugar Bean Coffee and Cream, you just may not want to go home. That’s okay, this beauty is for sale!  If you buy it, I’m free for coffee. 🙂

I hope you enjoyed our tour of this lovely coffee shop.  Be sure to add Sugar Bean Coffee and Cream to your Galveston coffee shop bucket list. You’ll be so happy you did!

If you haven’t already done so, sign up for a chance to win a romantic Galveston photography session. Perhaps you can include the gardens of Sugar Bean as one of your stops! Get all of the entry details here. Remember, the deadline to enter is Tuesday, September 3rd at midnight.

Tiffany and KC’s Ashton Villa Mansion Wedding

Tiffany and KC’s Ashton Villa mansion wedding will always be one of my favorite Galveston weddings. Not only was the couple super to work with, but the idea to marry at Ashton Villa just as KC’s parents had simply melts my heart. Precious Nuptials & Destinations teamed up with our bride to create this time honored second generation Ashton Villa mansion wedding!

Here are a few images from Tiffany and KC’s wedding day as it was beautifully documented by Miabella Photography! 

Your wedding invitation sets the tone for your upcoming wedding and reception. Tiffany and KC opted to send their guests keepsake handkerchief wedding invitations, a perfect era specific touch.

Utilizing a time appropriate overnight accommodations location, the couple chose The Tremont House for their room block and a beautiful setting for this lady in waiting.

I love the teary-eyed look as she approaches her soon to be husband. It’s so special when emotions are captured through photographs. It’s a great way to time capsule the moment and never lose it!

KC’s reaction to seeing Tiffany for the first time: PRICELESS.

Tiffany’s flower girl drew this super cute picture. I totally love that she used it to on the cover of her ceremony programs.

The front house portion of Ashton Villa makes for breathtaking photography options. The original gold curtain sconces, woodwork and details all remain for your current day enjoyment.

 With a backdrop of draped organza…

… teacup with saucer aisle markers, wedding guests lemonade stand and a fountain filled with flowers, this garden ceremony included so many perfect touches. What a great teacup idea aisle marker idea, Dionne?!

Guests signed in and left love notes on fabric squares. Tiffany used those squares to craft a keepsake quilt.

Seating assignments were displayed in a vintage basket filled with yarn balls. I bet Tiffany crafted something awesome with this yarn afterwards!

This super sweet sweetheart table consisted of a vintage desk and chairs.

The drawer nooks were filled with floral arrangements. Isn’t this adorable?

Milk glass, gold vintage frames, tea cups, vintage glass vases and doilies completed the guests tablescape.

Cakes are a highlight of weddings, and this gorgeous Cakes and Pretty Things cake was absolutely spot on!!

Galveston Wedding Ceremony and Reception Location was Ashton Villa Mansion

Galveston Wedding Planning and Design by Precious Nuptials & Destinations

Galveston Wedding Photographed by Miabella Photography

Don’t forget to sign up for this month’s contest to win a Galveston Romantic Photography Session. This contest ends on Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at midnight. Here are all the details!

The Grand Opera House Phantom of the Opera Wedding Theme

For the theatrical at heart, The Grand Opera House Phantom of the Opera Wedding theme would be an exciting way to say, “I do.” A Phantom inspired wedding with up lights, candles and candelabras, deep reds to orange toned reds, dramatic Phantom inspired masks, linens that makes for a grand statement and roses galore would be simple perfection for The Grand 1894 Opera House!

{Photo Credits: Bride, Ivory and Gold Masks, Red Valentino Peep Toes, Groom, Gold Charger, Wedding Cake — red velvet would be totally awesome!, Ceremony Inspiration, Tablescape, Invite}

Cheers and be inspired to marry in Galveston!

Sign up for a chance to win a romantic Galveston photography session! One couple will receive a hour of Galveston photography complete with digital images and copyrights. This contest will end at midnight on September 3, 2013. Here are all the details!

A Diamond Beach Resort Galveston mini moon is a beautiful beachfront property with amenities that will make for a luxurious weekend experience. Located on the west end of Galveston, Diamond Beach offers seclusion with easy access to all that the island has to offer.

For couples that are not looking for a hotel or resort atmosphere, but are looking for some of the amenities typically offered by hotels and resorts, Diamond Beach Resort is an ideal option.

With an ocean front location, take in the beautiful sunrises and breathtaking sunsets. Diamond Beach Resort offers walking beach side access without having to walk across Seawall Boulevard.

The wooden shutters of the entrance sets the tone for the luxurious experience that awaits!

The fresh look and feel of the lobby area makes for a great space for relaxing and reading a copy of The Islander magazine.

Understanding that working will be the farthest thing on your mind, we still feel obligated to show you the awesome business center. 😉

There’s a lazy river, slide and cabanas for outdoor fun and relaxation!

Just in case you want to escape the outdoors, you’ll enjoy this weather proof indoor pool option. There’s also a spa on property!

Barnone offers a wonderful on location night life option. In addition to Barnone, Diamond Beach offers a movie theater and wine room that may be reserved for private use.

Modern kitchens…

Rooms with a view, the kids club and game room…

…makes Diamond Beach a great option for your Galveston mini moon getaway!

Would you like to search for available vacation rental units? Vacation Home Rentals and VRBO has a host of Diamond Beach Resort units to choose from.

Wouldn’t Diamond Beach Resort make for an awesome mini getaway? Tell us what you love about Diamond Beach Resort. If you’ve had a vaca here, we’d love to hear your feedback!

Don’t forget to sign up for your chance to win our romantic Galveston photography session! One couple will receive a hour of Galveston photography complete with digital images and copyrights. Don’t wait! This contest will end at midnight on September 3, 2013. Here are all the details!

Through the month of August, Marry in Galveston visitors will have a chance to win a Romantic Galveston Photo Tour!  As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words and your romantic Galveston photo session will be just that.

Marry in Galveston is teaming up with Blue Media Works Photography to bring you a chance at an awesome giveaway — a one hour romantic Galveston photo session!  Galveston is bursting at the seams with romantic opportunity and one of our visitors will win this amazing opportunity.

CONTEST DETAILS:

This contest is open to any couple who will be available in Galveston to attend one scheduling of a one hour photo session.  Entries can be received from couples (either engaged, married or planning to marry) or anyone wishing to enter on behalf of a deserving couple.  We will randomly select one eligible entry.  The prize will be a one-hour photo shoot captured by Blue Media Works Photography, along with the complete set of digital images and copyrights.

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Comment Below!  Be creative, be funny, be brief or write an essay, but just be you! In the comments section below, tell us why you’d like to win this Romantic Galveston Photography Tour.

2. Like us!  Head over to the Marry in Galveston Fan Page and click to like us.

3. Like Blue Media Works!  Become a fan of the photographers that will capture this romance in Galveston.

CONTEST DEADLINE:

The submission period ends Tuesday, September 3rd 2013 at 12 midnight.  Any entries received after the cut off period will not be entered into the contest.  We will randomly select one eligible entry and announce the winner here on our blog on Friday, September 6th 2013.

Let the entries begin!

Fisherman’s Wharf Galveston Tour

It’s the first day of August, a hot summer day on the island and the perfect day to begin our weekly Galveston Island Tour.  Come along and hop on board the Marry in Galveston Trolley. It’s time for our first stop!

As a family friendly outing, we decided to tour through the eyes of my eleven year old, a self proclaimed documentary style photographer. Galveston is a perfect destination for all age groups and my son eagerly took on the challenge of sharing his venture through pictures.

Photo Credit: Christian Richardson

We headed towards Pier 21 on Harborside Drive. We decided to make today’s stop one of my most visited locations in the area, Fisherman’s Wharf at Pier 22. The boys loved the nautical appeal. Yes, that’s my head at the bottom of the picture. 😉

Photo Credit: Christian Richardson

In the front foyer area, my photographer took amazement at the painstaking time it must have taken to alternate the direction of the brickwork throughout this entire area.

Photo Credit: Christian Richardson

As boys that love fishing adventures with their father, I thought they’d be excited to see the giant bait suspended from the ceiling. Surprisingly, I had to encourage documenting this. One little boy thought it was a boring shot. I beg to differ!

Photo Credit: Christian Richardson

They were more excited about seeing the fresh fish display. The boys told stories of what it would be like to catch this fish themselves.

Photo Credit: Christian Richardson

We decided to sit outside on deck and enjoy the harbor’s view.  The boys were amazed at the restoration process of the 1877 Barque Elissa.

Photo Credit: Christian Richardson

We enjoyed refreshing glasses of pink lemonade…

Photo Credit: Christian Richardson

Enjoyed to company of our feathered friends…

Photo Credit: Christian Richardson

Watched the United States Coast Guard sail by…

Photo Credit: Christian Richardson

…and ordered this delicious appetizer: Galveston Trio. The Galveston Trio has my favorite, crab queso with chips, shrimp kisses (which is Fisherman’s Wharf version of shrimp en brochette) and stuffed jalapenos. The jalapenos are stuffed with a seafood mixture, deep fried and are scrumptious dipped in ranch!

Photo Credit: Christian Richardson

The boys ordered the kids cheeseburger, which was a generous portion size, even for my growing boys! I totally loved my entree, Fish Market Platter.  It was beyond delicious and a perfectly portioned entree of two grilled crab cakes with a broiled skewer of shrimp and veggies on a bed of rice pilaf. You will not be disappointed. The taste difference of the fresh ingredients is a total winner!

Photo Credit: Christian Richardson

On our way out, we scouted our future tour stop. We are just too stuffed to fit it into today. We’ll tour Starbucks on Harborside on a future Thursday.

Before we go, we must share a little tip. If you’re a frequent visitor of Landry’s Restaurants, you should consider becoming a Landry’s Select Club Member. Your membership comes with many rewards, including priority seating and rewards dollars. You can find the details here.

Thank you for touring with us! Did you enjoy your virtual Fisherman’s Wharf visit?

A Galveston minimoon is a great way to have a honeymoon before the honeymoon. The Tremont House, A Wyndham Grand Hotel, is located in Galveston’s Strand Historic District and would make for a romantic experience that takes you far away from the hustle and bustle of day to day life.

The beauty and charm of The Strand area cannot go unnoticed. When you step foot on this part of Galveston, you’re immediately taken back in time to experience a different type of tourism that only The Strand can offer. Filled with boutiques, restaurants and museums, The Tremont House is perfectly situated to allow for a memorable minimoon vacation with much to do.

Upon arrival, your luggage will be unloaded and your vehicle valet parked. After taking the few steps up to the main lobby, you’ll be amazed with the clean open air space filled with palms and orchid plants. With somewhat of a Parisian building feel, the open air lobby allows for a quaint outdoor feel that immediately sets the tone for the romance that awaits. The lobby bar, baby grand piano, cafe and lobby’s lounge area, makes for a perfect place to unwind and take in the atmosphere.

Since the post Hurricane Ike repairs, visitors can now experience more walls of exposed brick throughout the hotel. We simply love seeing exposed brick throughout this hotel. It adds to the charm that’s expected with a hotel of this era.

The Roof Top Bar | A perfect place to take in area views

The rooming accommodations of The Tremont offers several different feels, from wrought iron beds and wall paper to four poster beds with exposed brick. Although era specific in look and feel, The Tremont offers cutting edge modern amenities to include charging stations for hybrid cars, fitness center, complimentary high-speed internet, flat screen televisions and rainfall shower heads.

minimoon – [min-ee-moon] A shortened weekend or three to four day honeymoon vacation.

When you’re ready to explore all the the Seawall has to offer, board the complimentary shuttle to the Hotel Galvez (sister property). Here you can enjoy the lobby bar, pool with swim up bar, restaurant and full service spa.  The shuttle from Tremont to Galvez runs every two hours on weekdays and every hour on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:15A until 10:15P.  With so many activities within walking distance of both properties, you and your love can stroll hand in hand and enjoy near by activities.

The Tremont House makes for a wonderful stand alone minimoon or an added stop to your honeymoon cruise or vacation. Have you experienced this Wyndham Grand Hotel before? We’d love it if you’d share your story in the comments below.

When thinking of Galveston beach weddings or the beach wedding that you’ve longed for, you may envision a perfect sunset, glistening calm waters or even a breathtaking sunrise. There is just something extra special about a couple affirming their love and life together on misty, wet Galveston beach! The weather on Amber and Chris’ wedding day could not have been any more perfect and just right for them.

Planning outdoor destination weddings and events are ideal for couples that are willing to embrace the “weather factor.” Amber and Chris had an amazing wedding day, rainy weather included! After a morning of scattered showers, Amber and Chris decided to stick with their original wedding plans and let mother nature have her way. I’m so glad they did! As destiny would have it, just as Amber and Chris took their place inside a perfectly placed heart of petals on Galveston’s wet sand, the clouds opened up. The sun made a grand appearance by greeting them with welcoming warmth and love.

After their vows, the couple spent their first moments as husband and wife with a stroll on the beach. A few screams from the neighboring Pleasure Pier adventure goers permeated the air, adding to their subdued excitement.

Taking in the ambiance of The Strand District, the couple took in the sites and details with extended wedding day photography to document their intimate union and celebration for two — documented by Blue Media Works Photography.

Amber’s hair and makeup by Bloom Makeup Artistry, was simply gorgeous!

Using the couple’s color palette, Precious Nuptials & Destinations prepared a private intimate reception for two.

Galveston beach weddings have lovely endings, rain or shine!  Don’t you think so?

We want to hear from you! Tell us what you love about Galveston beach weddings or send Amber and Chris well wishes in the comments below.

Galveston Intimate Wedding Planning and Details : Precious Nuptials & Destinations

Galveston Wedding Photography : Blue Media Works Photography

Galveston Wedding Hair and Makeup : Bloom Makeup Artistry

Officiant : Galveston Wedding Minister

State Highway 124 Bridge over Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, High Island, Texas

High Island Oil Rigs | Richard Davis Photography

Bolivar Point Light Station

Ashton Villa

Bishop’s Palace

Galveston Weddings. Yes, please!

Galveston weddings are so very special to me! In fact, Galveston has always held a special place in my heart.

Love at First Sight

Thinking back to my youth, my family and I would take annual summer long Galveston Island vacations. I can recall riding in the backseat of my aunt and uncle’s yellow Bonneville we nicknamed the yellow banana, simply priceless! Windows rolled down and tropical breeze blowing through the interior of the car added to my excitement. The journey through High Island always included me gazing at rows upon rows of beach houses and dreaming of life on the Gulf Coast. Seeing “the lighthouse,” that I now know to be the Bolivar Point Light Station, only added to my musing. My childlike imagination would dream of living in the white house on the property as we screamed, “Look! The lighthouse where the movie was made!” Family drive stories always included the reference of “the movie lighthouse.” I didn’t mind the repeat stories one bit. The lighthouse was also my landmark visual that we’d soon board the ferry to Galveston. Once on the island, my feelings were always the same, pure awe! The drive down Broadway, my head hanging out of the window (enjoying the gulf breeze) and marveling at the beautiful Galveston mansions was so exciting. My wonder and imagination made this peaceful drive so very entertaining.

Galveston Weddings | You’ll love it too!

As an adult, my excitement for Galveston Island’s history, culture and charm has only intensified. Elements of Galveston speaks total romance. Who doesn’t love beaches? Gulf Coast beaches are special, but it’s so much more than the thirty-two miles of Gulf Coast beaches.

You may come across the term BOI (born on island). Galveston born residents are very proud of their island and they should be! Sometimes familiarity can create a blinder to details that fresh eyes see. Coming from someone NBOI (not born on the island), Marry in Galveston was created to highlight everything I love about Galveston and to guide destination wedding couples through the planning process of their Galveston weddings.

Welcome to Marry in Galveston!

Small talk, best Galveston wedding vendors,  real Galveston weddings and uniquely beautiful Galveston details are some of the things we’re excited to share with you.

We also want to hear from you. There’s so much to get to know and love about the island. Tell us what you love about Galveston in the comments section below!