Wether you are eloping, getting married or wanting to do an engagement session here …. you wont regret the historical architecture at this beautiful Library in downtown Houston.
We have photographed many sessions and events at Julia Ideson Library and we know the ins and outs of this space and how to make anyone who dreams of their photos being taken here really shine.
But here are some some facts quoted right from their website if you really want to know the history of this building: https://askhpl.houstonlibrary.org/hrc/faq/357239
Ive also pasted the verbiage here for a quick read so you don’t have to leave the page:
“The Julia Ideson Building was completed in 1926 as Houstonβs main library. It replaced the Houston Lyceum and Carnegie Library, which opened in 1904 on the corner of Travis and McKinney, but was quickly outgrown by Houstonβs growing population and the building needed to be replaced.
After the city purchased the Bagby family home site in 1922 as the new libraryβs location, the libraryβs Board of Trustees chose Ralph Adams Cram of Boston as the architect for the new building. Mr. Cram was already well-known for his work at West Point, Princeton, Houstonβs Trinity Episcopal Church and Rice University.
A six-month trip to Spain inspired Mr. Cramβs interest in Spanish-style architecture, resulting in his design of this building in the Spanish Renaissance style. The L-shaped building fulfilled head-librarian Julia Idesonβs three (3) wishes: flexibility of the library rooms, good ventilation for our Houston weather, and plenty of windows to let in the light. The construction was overseen by local architects William Ward Watkin, J. M. Glover and city architect W. A. Dowdy and the work was completed October 1926.
In 1951, Houstonβs City Council voted to name the main library in honor of Julia Ideson, the cityβs first professional librarian who served in this capacity for 42 years, from 1903-1945. Her name was carved over the front door of this building as a lasting monument to her tireless work.
Fifty years later, in 1976, a new Central Library was completed next door and the Julia Ideson Building became home to the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, the first archival branch of the Houston Public Library.
A $32 million capital campaign launched in 2007 by the Julia Ideson Library Preservation Partners underwrote the construction of a new archival wing added to the building using the original architectural plans. This wing was never completed due to lack of funds after the Great Depression. In December 2011, a restoration of the original building was also completed as a part of this project.
The Julia Ideson Building is now a City of Houston Protected Landmark, a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark, a Texas State Archaeological Landmark, and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It is also a beloved treasure of Houstonβs downtown landscape enjoyed by visitors once again showcasing Houstonβs history and architecture.”
But if you are planning your wedding, engagement session or elopement here and need some photo inspiration here are some images below from different events I have captured at Julia Ideson as a Houston Wedding Photographer.
This colorful Pride coded LGBTQ+ Styled shoot we did at Julia Ideson:
Julia and Ians wedding sneak peek photos:
Honestly this Venue is one of my favorite venues in all of downtown Houston and if you have been on the fence about booking this place for your event …. dont even second guess it! Especially if you appreciate the architecture, history and are a avid reader like we are!
We have full wedding galleries we would love to share with you if you are needing more inspiration or if you are looking for a photographer that knows the ins and outs of this venue …. you came to the right place, just hit that contact button and fill out our form and we will get back to you ASAP βΊοΈπ
Thanks for being here
xoxo
Jess Golden
email: hello@itsjessgolden.com
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The library setting is such a unique choice for a wedding. How did you capture those candid moments?
It really is such a unique place to host a wedding! When you ask about the candids are you asking what settings i am using? Just want to know more depth so i can answer properly! π§‘