A James Bond-Themed, St. Anthony Hotel Corporate Event
Last week, I had the privilege of photographing a stunning St. Anthony Hotel corporate event, an awards ceremony infused with elegance and excitement. Hosted in the heart of downtown San Antonio, this night was all about sophistication, entertainment, and, of course, celebrating excellence. With a James Bond 007 theme, the evening was nothing short of cinematic.
A Stylish Start in Peacock Alley
The night began in the iconic Peacock Alley, where guests sipped on signature cocktails and mingled beneath the warm glow of the chandeliers. The event’s focal point? A massive balloon archway leading to the Peraux Room, setting the perfect scene for guests to strike a pose. This was the must-have photo backdrop of the evening, and nearly every guest took advantage of the opportunity.
Two themed cocktails—the ‘007 Martini’ and the ‘Quantum Blue’—added to the ambiance, their sleek presentation perfect for detail shots. Pianist, Bernie Martini, played soft melodies in the background, adding an air of sophistication as guests prepared for the main event.
An Elegant Dinner in the Anacacho Ballroom
From cocktail hour, the event transitioned seamlessly into a plated dinner in the grand Anacacho Ballroom. The room’s timeless architecture and crystal chandeliers provided a gorgeous setting for both wide-angle and detail shots. One of my favorite perspectives came from the mezzanine level, which wasn’t used for seating but gave me the perfect vantage point to capture the scale and grandeur of the event.
The Awards Ceremony: Precision and Poise
Following dinner, the awards ceremony kicked off with an impressive level of coordination. At just 30 minutes in length, it was well-paced, allowing for seamless transitions between recipients. Photographing the winners was a breeze thanks to the well-lit stage and efficient presentation style. Capturing those moments of pure joy—smiles, handshakes, and triumphant celebrations—was the highlight of this segment.
Casino Royale in the Peraux Room
Once the final award had been handed out, the real fun began in the Peraux Room, which had been transformed into a high-end casino. With its gorgeous chandeliers, it was the perfect setting for a Vegas-style gaming experience. Guests played everything from poker and blackjack to roulette and craps, with dealers from Just Like Vegas keeping the energy high and the gameplay approachable. The atmosphere here was electric, making for some incredible candid shots of guests living out their Bond-inspired fantasies.
Photography Highlights & Quick Turnaround
With approximately 105 guests in attendance, my focus throughout the evening was a mix of detailed shots (awards, branding, signage), portraits of award winners, and dynamic candids. Thanks to careful planning, I was able to deliver highlight images by the next morning, with full event coverage sent within 48 hours.
Pro Photo Tips for Your St. Anthony Hotel Corporate Event
If you are planning your own St. Anthony Hotel corporate event, here are a few key photography takeaways:
Planning
- Visit the Venue in Advance
While I am very familiar with the St. Anthony, I always make a point to visit before an event to confirm the layout, lighting conditions, and flow of the evening. Preparation is key to capturing the best shots. - Balance Wide Shots with Close-Ups
It’s easy to focus on candids and tight portraits, but don’t forget to step back and grab wide-angle shots that showcase the grandeur of the venue and event atmosphere. - Capture the Excitement of Entertainment
Whether it is a pianist at cocktail hour or casino gaming after the ceremony, don’t just photograph the setup—capture guests enjoying these experiences.
During the Event
- Photograph the Awards Early
Before guests arrive, take clean, well-lit detail shots of the awards. This ensures they look pristine and lets you focus on winners during the ceremony itself. - Use the Mezzanine for a Unique Perspective
The Anacacho Ballroom’s mezzanine level provides an incredible vantage point to capture the entire room and large group interactions. - Capture Signature Cocktails
If specialty drinks are part of the night, coordinate with bartenders to have them prepared early so you can photograph them in perfect lighting before the crowd forms.
This awards ceremony was a perfect example of why I love event photography—each moment tells a story, and the St. Anthony Hotel provided an impeccable backdrop for an unforgettable night. If you are planning an upcoming corporate event and want to ensure every detail is captured beautifully, let’s connect!
Enjoy the images and I will have more photo adventures for you next week!
Vendors:
- Venue: St. Anthony Hotel
- ‘Casino’: Just Like Vegas
- Pianist: Bernie Martini
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Are you interested in booking a professional photographer for your San Antonio corporate event? Drop me a line and let’s chat about how I can help you. I have hourly rates, and all photo shoots include editing and high-resolution files.
To view more images from my corporate event portfolio, please visit my website – KellyWilliamsCorporate.com




















































