Archive for December, 2009
Friday, December 18th, 2009
If you’ve spent any time researching Houston wedding floral vendors, you’ve almost certainly heard Lisa Tran’s name. For years, she has been one of the most sought-after florists in town for weddings and special events.
Now Tran has opened a linen gallery, dubbed Linen Gallery, which boasts a large selection of tablecloths, chair covers, and just about every other linen you might need to accent your special day. She’s also changed the name of her company from Floral Impressions (previously Wedding Flowers by Lisa) to Blooming Gallery. Both the linen shop and floral studio are now located at 1510 Delano in Houston.
Don’t let the name change fool you: Lisa still offers the same great service and level of quality that’s led Houston brides to have her handle all of their floral needs for years, and we’re guessing that her full-service linen shop will quickly become one of the most popular places to call for luxurious linens.
At Linen Gallery, Houston brides can choose from a large selection of unique linens that includes just about every design and color imaginable. That includes some gorgeous sequin designs that are sure to make your reception sparkle.
And if you can’t find linens that are everything you imagined, don’t worry. Lisa can hook you up with some custom-made linens designed just for you. Pretty fabulous, right?
Honestly, we’re not surprised: Lisa is known for taking her each of her brides to the flower market to make sure she gets exactly the flowers they want—in exactly the hue they want, and she’s committed to ensuring that Houston brides get exactly the linens they want. “Quality is all that matters,” Lisa tells us. “Most brides only have one wedding, so I want to give them service they remember when they talk about their wedding.” We’ll toast to that!
Posted in Decor, Floral | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, December 16th, 2009
Simple, elegant, white-on-white wedding cakes are making a major comeback, especially for the coming spring wedding season…which is great news for cake toppers. If you’re leaning toward understated elegance, have a look at some of our top choices in toppers—a fine finishing touch for your perfect cake.
 Crystal Initial There’s something about the way crystals catch the light just so… Add sparkle to your cake with this sterling-silver-plated, Swarovski-crystal encrusted cursive initial topper, available in every letter of the alphabet.
 Let's Dance If you and your groom are part of dancing craze that’s sweeping the country, let this cake topper express your passion. The silhouette shapes are contemporary and cool, the polished silver look is sleek, the overall effect is energetic and fun!
 Brushed Silver Monogram Clean, simple styling and brushed silver give these monogram letters a hip, contemporary look we love.
 Vintage Vintage cake toppers are in vogue, and this off-white porcelain bride-and-groom style is one of the prettiest we’ve seen. We especially like luxe touches like the faux pearls, rhinestone-studded roses and 24K gold trim on the bride’s veil.
 Love Birds We are utterly in love with these handmade love birds. Customize your pair by choosing the groom’s tie style, bride’s veil style (birdcage, feather headpiece or full veil), and wing colors. Add-ons include a hand-painted bouquet and 6-inch-wide Spanish-moss nest.
Tags: cake topper
Posted in Decor, Reception | 6 Comments »
Monday, December 14th, 2009
We love the idea of adding a splash of unexpected color to our wedding ensemble, and this coming season there’s no better way to do so than with a pair of brilliant-hued bridal shoes.
Choose shoes to match other accessories/details (sash, embroidery or beading, jewelry, etc), or set your colorful shoes against a backdrop of pure white or ivory. Either way, you’ll make a stunning statement as you make your way down the aisle.
And now, some of our favorite finds in colorful wedding footwear:
 Joan David Demille (Previously available on Zappos.com) Like a burst of sunshine, the brilliant yellow suede Demille by Joan & David makes for a beautiful springtime surprise, especially with that sweet little flower accent at the vamp.
 Max Studio Scent How about this lilac lovely from Max Studio? That shimmery satin, that romantic rosette, that sturdy slingback strap with built-in elastic (dancers, take note!)—perfect to pair with an ivory or champagne gown.
 Valentino Pump Nobody does red like Valentino. And there’s no red Valentino wedding shoe like the Bow Couture Pump. In rouge suede with covered platform, peep-toe and sculptural bow. Chic, bold, brilliant.
 RSVP Lovely This one from RSVP is called the Lovely, and we can see why. That crystal-encrusted heel? Fabulous. Comes in hot pink, too.
 Rene Caovilla Last but not least, the Floral Ruffle Sandal from Rene Caovilla is a destination bride’s dream. What could be more celebratory, more sophisticated, than the combination of gold leather, fuchsia/orange floral and crystal detail? What could be handier than the extra set of heel tips that come included with your pair?
Tags: Color, Destination Weddings, Statement-Making Shoes
Posted in Bridal Shoes, Fashion | No Comments »
Friday, December 11th, 2009
Psst, Houston bride: Haven’t picked out your save the dates, wedding invitations, place cards, programs, or thank you notes yet? We’ve got a secret for you: There’s a new stationery studio in town, and it’s filled with must-have paper treats for discriminating Houston couples.
If you’re looking for fine, one-of-a-kind paper products and invitations for your big day, head straight to Pressing Events in Memorial. This elegant shop caters to Houston brides who understand that save the dates and invitations set the tone for a wedding.
Pressing Events specializes in Letterpress Paperie designed by in-house artists. Alternatively, you may opt for letterpress invitations by southern California’s Wiley Valentine or The Lettered Olive of Charleston, South Carolina. Letterpress isn’t your thing? Don’t worry: Pressing event also offers thermography, embossing, and engraving for all of your custom wedding stationery needs. Did we mention that Pressing Events designs your stationery just the way you like it?
From the moment you enter the small shop, you’ll know you’ve come to the right place. The studio itself screams elegance, and the knowledgeable staff are brimming with creative ideas to help you translate the visions in your head into an invitation, save the date, or program that will make your guests say, “Wow!”
And if you’re still looking for parent gifts, attendant gifts, or a gorgeous guest book, Pressing Events can help you with that, too. The shop has a small but lovely collection of fine gift items, photo albums, and monogrammed guest books that will remind your guests of the most beautiful invitation they’ve ever received—yours!
Tags: embossing, engraving, letterpress, thermography
Posted in Gifts, Invitations | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009
 Sweet Couture For those brides among you who may find themselves on a rather tight wedding budget during these rather tough economic times, we recently ran this post with great budget-maximizing tips from top Houston wedding planner Karen Brown.
Well, we’re at it again, this time with input from the delightful and gracious Heather George of picturesque Conroe wedding venue Heather’s Glen.
Here’s Heather’s advice for the budget-watching bride:
On FAVORS: “Brides can save a lot by not purchasing cheap tchotchkes that really add up! Rather than purchasing personalized knick-knacks as favors for everyone, provide a
candy buffet or a coffee bar. Your guests are likely to eat candy, but not likely to save a coaster with your picture and wedding date on it.”
On LINEN: “See what your facility already provides; many have standard linens and centerpieces that you can spruce up with your colors in rose petals or a runner, rather than renting expensive linens.”
On VENUE RENTAL: “Another excellent way to save is to have a wedding on a Friday night, Saturday morning or Sunday evening. Most facilities have lower minimums for those hours.”
On PHOTOGRAPHERS: “NEVER skimp on a photographer. The pictures will last a lifetime. If you find a gorgeous facility, you want to have quality pictures of your special day there. It would be a shame to look back and say, ‘The pictures just don’t do it justice!’”
Amen to that, Heather. And thanks a million for the free advice—now we’ve got more to spend on that yummy candy buffet!
Tags: Candy Buffet, Coffee Bar, Rose Petals
Posted in Budget, Reception | 2 Comments »
Monday, December 7th, 2009
Like peanut butter and jelly, like shoes and socks, like you and your future hubby, weddings and alcohol are two things that just, well, go together. But not always, and not for everyone.
While most weddings feature alcoholic beverages in some form—a full premium bar, beer and wine, champagne, alcoholic punch or a signature cocktail—there are always going to be wedding guests who prefer to abstain. Do you really want to leave your nondrinking guest—whether a recovering alcoholic, designated driver, teenager or simply someone who chooses to forgo or limit her consumption—out in the cold?
In addition to sparkling water and sodas (for extra panache, you may want to throw in a selection of fancy or retro-looking bottled fizzes such as IZZE Sparkling Juice, Thomas Kemper Vanilla Cream Soda, Dr. Brown’s Black Cherry Soda, etc.) there are plenty of perfectly celebratory nonalcoholic “cocktail” options you may choose to feature at your wedding. Your caterer or bar service may specialize in certain no-booze beverages, so be sure to ask what’s on the menu. And make sure your bar is stocked with the necessary juices, syrups, mixes and garnishes to make a great nonalcoholic drink should a guest request one.
In the meantime, here are two of our favorite festive, fabulous nonalcoholic “cocktails” to wet your whistle:
 Madras Perfect for hot-weather weddings, the Madras is a refreshing blend of orange and cranberry juice. Just omit the vodka that usually goes into this vibrant cocktail, serve in a highball glass with plenty of ice and an orange-slice garnish, and you’ve got a perfect beverage for a sunny al fresco or tented reception. Tip: Sub grapefruit juice for orange juice and you’ve got an alcohol-free Sea Breeze; sub pineapple juice for orange, and, voila, it’s a Bay Breeze!
 Nojito This one takes a little work to prepare fresh to order, but it’s well worth the effort. Fill a pint glass halfway with ice, add a handful of clean, fresh mint leaves, add 3 ounces of fresh lime juice and 1 ½ ounces of simple syrup. Gently muddle the mix with a wooden pestle. Add more ice, top with club soda, and serve with a mint/lime garnish. Delicious! Tip: You can prep the mint leaves and squeeze the lime juice ahead of time, but DON’T muddle the mint beforehand, or it will blacken and wilt. Ick.
Tags: madras, mojito, nonalcoholic
Posted in Food, Reception | 1 Comment »
Friday, December 4th, 2009
 Rachel Ray in Ohio We’re thankful for all of the great Houston wedding vendors, but this week, we’re especially thankful for the generous gang at Darryl & Co.
On November 8, the Houston-based events design firm teamed up with Rachael Ray to give 2,000 Wilmington, Ohio residents a Thanksgiving to remember. Many of these Ohioans have lost their jobs since the delivery company DHL Express closed up shop in Wilmington last year, and Ray didn’t think these layoffs should keep them residents from enjoying a tasty Thanksgiving meal.
Having worked with Darryl & Co. to coordinate a lavish wedding for several Houston brides at Minute Maid Park last fall, she knew just who to call to help her out. Naturally, Darryl & Co. was happy to pitch in and spruce up the Wilmington convention center for the big day. During their three days in Wilmington, they helped remodel a local food pantry and worked with “Design on a Dime” host Kahi Lee on dinner décor for the Thanksgiving feast.
 Darryl & Co. staff in Ohio Together, they designed five different centerpieces, using lanterns, amber votives, and tree branch candelabras. The tables were covered with linens in warm, seasonal hues like gold, brown, chocolate, and burgundy. “When you saw the sea of tables, they looked like a fall tree,” says Darryl & Co.’s Lee Capetillo.
A giant scarecrow designed by Darryl & Co. greeted guests as they entered. Inside were buffets filled with turkey, dressing, green beans, pumpkin pie, and apple pie and decorated with baskets filled with pumpkins and gourds. (Yum!)
“It was really, really fun,” says Capetillo. “The whole town was so supportive from the moment we arrived at the hotel, and we had lots of volunteers who helped us get the place ready.” In fact, Darryl & Co.’s crew made a few new friends with the volunteers, who were eager to help in any way they could. “Our visit was about much more than just setting us up for TV,” Capetillo says. “We made friends and became accepted as part of the town.” With that kind of generosity, we can see why Darryl & Co.’s staff are so popular.
The episode aired on November 25, but if you missed it, you can check it out on Rachael Ray’s website.
 Room Decorated by Darryl & Co. for Rachael Ray Thanksgiving Dinner
Tags: darryl & co, halmark, heartwarming, rachael ray, thanksgiving, volunteer
Posted in Decor, Reception | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009
 Freddy & Ma handbag Oh boy, are we excited to turn you on to Freddy & Ma. This brother and sister team makes finding the perfect handbag to go with your gown or bridesmaid dresses a breeze. What do we love the most? Why, being able to shop by color, of course!
Looking for green? Freddy & Ma have got limes, olives, forests, shamrocks, springs and emeralds. Got your girls done up in pink? Freddy & Ma offer fuchsias, roses, salmons, cerises and the palest blushes. Looking to contrast your maids’ orange or pink gowns with a hip yellow handbag? Look to Freddy & Ma for ambers, golds, mustards, lemons, goldenrods and chartreuses.
And what about patterns? Glad you asked! This uber-talented design duo has everything from florals large and small to paisleys to geometrics to mod motifs, fleurs de lis, peacock feathers, and on and on and on.
For the bride who can’t decide, Freddy & Ma has custom style options with features including chain wristlets, hot-pink grosgrain lining, leather trim and ID pockets.
You really can’t go wrong with these retro-chic, totally contemporary, perfect little clutches—for your wedding day, or any day.
Tags: Clutches, Handbags, Retro-chic
Posted in Accessories, Fashion | 1 Comment »
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