Inside the Four Seasons Houston Wedding Planner Retreat FAM
This summer, the Four Seasons Houston Wedding Planner Retreat FAM brought together Houston’s top luxury wedding planners for an unforgettable multi-day experience—equal parts inspiring, indulgent, and intimate.
If you’re not familiar with the term “FAM,” it stands for familiarization trip, a term that originated in the travel industry to help agents get to know destinations. Today, FAMs have become just as prominent in the luxury wedding and hospitality world, offering hand-picked planners a firsthand look at what venues, experiences, and teams can offer their high-end clients. And Four Seasons Houston did not disappoint.
Photo & Video Coverage by Mateo & Co
Our team at Mateo & Company was honored to capture every moment of this exceptional gathering, providing full photo and video coverage while also elevating the guest experience through our instant facial recognition photo delivery system. The planners raved about receiving a “You’ve Been Spotted” text and instantly accessing their private gallery of portraits, candid’s, and group shots. In such an intimate, curated setting, it felt like a seamless extension of the experience and guests said it was fun, meaningful, and incredibly thoughtful.
Day 1: Champagne, Keys, and Culinary Magic
From the moment planners checked in, the hospitality was flawless. Each guest received a custom wood key to their room, paired with champagne and thoughtful goodies.
Bandista Speakeasy Bar
The evening kicked off in the moody and luxurious Bandista speakeasy, where personalized craft cocktails set the tone for the weekend.
Next-Level Dinner Experience
Dinner was a showstopper. From beautifully plated courses to artful culinary storytelling, the evening unfolded with next-level hospitality. Guests mingled, laughed, and ended the night with organic, joy-filled photo moments we were lucky enough to capture.
Day 2: Yoga, Cocktails & Couture Moments
Yoga, Brunch, & Mixology Challenge
Day two began with a relaxing yoga session and a quick grab-and-go breakfast, giving everyone a soft start before the excitement resumed. The brunch that followed was a true feast, complete with craft cocktails and a mixology competition that brought out everyone’s creative (and competitive) side.
Luxury Experiences: Fragrance & Designer Handbags
Guests then experienced a behind-the-scenes tour of the Hotel’s custom fragrance boutique, Krigler, where they sampled scents and learned the art of fragrance layering. They also explored the luxury designer handbag rental experience offered exclusively to guests of Four Seasons Houston, a glamorous detail that planners absolutely loved.
Beauty Suite Prep & Portraits
The hospitality suite provided champagne, bites, and professional makeup touch-ups as everyone prepped for the evening. Before heading to the gala, we captured stunning portraits and updated headshots, because when you’re dressed to the nines in a hotel like this, why not?
Evening Gala: Elegance and Elevated Entertainment
The evening gala inside the elegantly designed ballroom was nothing short of magical. A live electronic violinist set the mood, while a five-course plated dinner wowed the group. 
The Mateo Booth Experience
After dinner, guests were welcomed into The Mateo Booth Experience, where we captured editorial-style high-end portraits. Our on-site stylist ensured every look was camera-ready- an experience that was both elevated and fun.
After-Party Fun & Indulgent Late Night Bites
The night ended with an after-party packed with luxe and playful touches: caviar and pancake bites, chicken nuggets (yes, really), top-shelf cocktails, virtual games, and even Topgolf. Chic, unexpected, and the perfect way to wind down in style.
Day 3: Poolside Farewell
Sunday wrapped with a casual and cozy hang in the pool suite for anyone staying through the weekend. Frozen drinks, elevated bites, and custom poolside goodies gave guests one last chance to soak up the sun and connect before heading back home.
