One of the many activities that takes place during Dickens on the Strand in Galveston, Texas is the Grand Victorian Tea Reception. Get ready for A Victorian Tea and Fashion Show.
A Victorian Tea and Fashion Show
The tea was held on a Saturday afternoon in December at Lasker Inn, a stunning Greek Revival mansion.
I had offered to take photographs of the event and went over the evening before to familiarize myself with the layout.
A few other lovely guests were in attendance.
This made for an excellent opportunity to practice my nighttime portraiture skills.
I find that gentlemen often make the best models.
They are so willing to pose and have fun.
Will, the dapper dandy above in black tails, also made a beautiful trifle.
Tea For Two Or More…
I arrived a bit early on Saturday to photograph the tablescapes and was greeted by the charming hostesses Cheryl and Whitney.
Each table setting featured a different set of china.
There were several teas to choose from including this Butterfly Blue Pea Flower.
When steeped the tea was a lovely blue. It would then change to a traditional tea color when a lime slice was added.
The soup course was oh so delicious.
The desserts were truly delightful.
A sweet touch was the wait staff wearing era-appropriate uniforms. It reminded me of Downton Abbey.
Fabulous Fashion
All of the guests looked absolutely fabulous.
Victorian Fashion
Many of the guests elected to dress up for the event. Fashion periods ranged from the late 1700s through the Edwardian Era.
Cute Couples
I absolutely adored the frivolity of this 1830’s ensemble.
A truly amazing hairstyle.
Group Shots
I will be back tomorrow with a delightfully Dickens post.
Do you have a favorite Victorian fashion era?
Laura
jeanie says
what a totally fabulous tea! That’s unbelievable — so beautiful and everyone so elegantly dressed! I love the portraits, Laura — you do them so well and you had wonderful models. The set up itself is really quite spectacular. Oh dear, I think if I ever lived in Galveston I’d have to hire you to make me an ensemble!
Whitney says
Thank you for joining us! The photos are amazing and your company was truly a treasure.
Marty says
Oh wow. All the costumes are amazing. What a fun tea
Cheryl Adams Palmer says
Thank you for all the lovely portraits! We so enjoyed your company, and look forward to seeing you (hopefully) sometime soon.
Shelia says
How lovely, Laura! Oh, the costumes are truly beautiful and look at you! So pretty.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
ellen b. says
Again, I’m going to run out of adjectives to comment on this amazing event.
Love all the fashions .
The top of that trifle is fabulous. Might have to steal that look.
jANICE says
Oh I loved seeing and reading this post.
What a fun fun evening for all involved
Kari @ Me and My Captain says
I want to have high tea Laura! I will use any excuse to have tea, but with all the beautiful finery, I would be so in awe that I would not finish my tea.
What a wonderful day and your photos are amazing. Great job.
Barbara Harper says
Sounds and looks like a wonderful event!
Rita C at Panoply says
What a terrifically styled event! Everyone looks fantastic, Laura.
Christine Gowing says
That whole evening must of taken your breath away! The dresses, hats, jewelry, suits – all fabulous ! Not to mention the food!
You did a great job photographing everyone. Each posing with great props. and backgrounds.
Well, done!
Edie Marie says
So elegant! The costumes are amazing!!
Merry Christmas Laura! Blessings, Edie Marie
Susan K. says
A real feast for the eyes! I’m swooning! My favorite time for fashion in the Victorian period would be in the 1890’s because of the bustles, overskirts, rich fabrics and trimmings. Oh my! Thoroughly enjoyed this post.
Abigail Joy says
What fun this looks like! I absolutely adore the table settings.
Abigail Joy
Runningonempty says
Truly wonderful, Thankyou for sharing.
Cath, in Australia.