Archive for the ‘Decor’ Category
Wednesday, April 14th, 2010
If you’re of the mind that a daytime wedding is to an evening wedding what a flip-flop is to a Louboutin, get ready to have your thinking seriously altered, Houston bride.
The best thing about a daytime wedding? Well, beyond the fact that it’s a perfect lead-in to a let-your-hair-down, informal evening gathering, and that it allows weary revelers to get their beauty rest, having a daytime wedding, especially a Sunday daytime wedding, can save you a bundle on venue rental fees. Which means you’ve got that much more budget to allocate to things like floral, linen and décor. And trust us, you’re going to be grateful that you do. Because as far as elegance, artistry and luxury are concerned, the bright blue sky’s the limit for today’s daytime wedding.
We’ve collected a few breathtakingly beautiful examples to inspire the daytime bride in you!
How sweet is this Texas-style Southern California backyard wedding featured on 100 Layer Cake? The hand-lettered signs and bright, funky floral arrangements add so much warmth and whimsy to this joyful fête.
 Photo: Michelle King Also from 100 Layer Cake, here’s a showcase wedding design that was featured at a recent bridal show at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. We particularly love the “vintage concept” tabletop, with those antique vases and mix-n-match china. And the Hostess Sno Balls? Lordy, too cute!
 Photo by Scott Clark Photo & Robert Wagner This South African wedding, featured over at Junebug Weddings, is so simple and elegant. The pristine white-and-silver color scheme is lovely, especially with those small touches of green in the succulent and wildflower centerpieces.
 Photo by Christine Meintjes And lastly, here’s a completely different take on the daytime white wedding, from the ever-stylish Style Me Pretty. We adore everything from the monochromatic box centerpieces (perfect for rectangular banquet tables), to the white chiavari chairs, to the sea-glass plates and personal apple pies. So homey, yet so chic.
 Photo by Bello Photography
Posted in Decor, Floral, Reception | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 31st, 2010
Planning an outdoor ceremony, Houston bride? An al fresco vow exchange is a great opportunity to get creative and show off your personal style with an altar that goes beyond the basic flower-twined arch or filmy canopy.
Don’t overlook interestingly textured materials like bamboo, wrought iron and driftwood, which make sturdy foundations and offer interesting contrast to softer textiles and floral. Maybe you want to add internal illumination to stretched-fabric posts, or forgo floral in favor of hanging crystals, seashells or sculpted branches. Perhaps your ceremony setting has the good fortune of a natural feature—say, a massive willow tree or sparkling lake—that can serve as a special focal point for your nuptials with little or no added decoration.
While you’re considering these altar alternatives, have a look at a handful of intriguing, unexpected, and altogether wonderful altar examples we’ve pulled together for you:
How cool is this “stage” altar, crafted by Oakland, Calif.-based Because We Can for the wedding of stationery company Hello!Lucky’s creative director?
 Photos by Gia Canali with Sara Remington This contemporary, elegant black wrought-iron chuppah, on the Fountain Terrace of The Four Seasons Hotel, Las Vegas, doubled as a canopy for the reception’s sweetheart table. Stylish and practical.
 Wrought Iron Altar  Photos by altF Photography We love the glowing, ethereal “posts” on this simple but spectacular outdoor canopy. And the bright, willowy-stemmed flowers? What a magical effect.
 Illuminated Altar There’s not much to this understated bamboo canopy—but what is there is refined and lovely, and draws attention to the wedding couple, rather than to itself. You could always add tropical foliage or accent the aisle with floral for a lusher, more feminine look.
 Bamboo Altar And, finally, we are totally in love with this hand-hewn altar, made by the bride’s younger brother to resemble an old-time country church. Check out the “windows,” the yellow dresser, the black iron chandelier and antique candle-holders—amazing, totally original, absolutely beautiful.
 Photos by Stephanie Fay
Posted in Ceremony, Decor | 2 Comments »
Monday, March 29th, 2010
It’s no secret that the Houston Wedding Blog has some serious love for haven-of-all-things-handmade, Etsy. And now we have yet another reason to love the ubiquitous online artisans’ marketplace. You see, the Etsy Wedding Team Shop has launched a team event to raise money for Haiti, which, as we all know, was devastated by a massive earthquake, and subsequent aftershocks, on Jan. 10.
Here’s how it works:
Members of the Wedding Team—these are artisans who make wedding-related items, from jewelry to favors to décor, and more—have donated a selection of their wares to the event. Purchase a donated item and the proceeds (minus Etsy and PayPal fees) will go directly to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund. It’s that simple.
The items themselves, on the other hand, are intricate, elegant, fanciful, fun and unique. Check out, for instance, this delightful floral headband—perfect for your most fashionable flower girl.
 Flower Headband Or how about these filigree and glass-pearl earrings? We think they’re a very pretty pairing for an ivory bridal gown, and also great for a bridesmaid gift.
 Filigree and glass-pearl earrings And weren’t we delighted to find this clay-flower accent arrangement from DK Designs (remember when we blogged about Martha Stewart discovery Diane Phillips way back in November?). Those peach-hued English roses and creamy magnolia blossoms? Hard to believe they’re not real flowers!
 Clay Flowers You’ll also find cupcake pick tags (cute!), wedding signs (handy!), coffee cup corsets (darling!) and other wonderful wedding extras. So check it out and pass the word along. Haiti needs our help, and Etsy’s got a terrific opportunity to give it.
Posted in Decor, Fashion, Gifts, Jewelry | 3 Comments »
Monday, March 15th, 2010
 Events in Bloom - Photo: D. Jones If you’re one of the more than 1,000 lucky brides and assorted family and friends who attended the Jan. 24 Before You Say … “I Do!” soiree, you’re probably still reeling from the thrill of the experience. We know we are.
This year’s show featured nearly 80 in-demand Houston wedding experts and purveyors of wedding beauty and bounty (thank goodness for that
Java Pura coffee bar…with so much to see and such divine cuisine and drink from the ever hospitable Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, we needed a caffeine kick or two!)
We want to thank the wonderful Lisa Hopkins, director of catering for The Houstonian, and her amazing staff, without whom the soiree would not have been possible. And this year’s show wasn’t just possible, it was “fabulous,” notes Weddings in Houston publisher Radhika Day. “Gorgeous weather, great turnout and incredible displays” were all on hand, she says. As for those designer tablescapes and cake displays? “They were show stopping! And the cocktail reception was a big hit with the brides.” Shocker, huh? But it was the Houston BoyChoir, which performed on stage just before the spectacular soiree fashion show, that really wowed the crowd. As Day says, “Their angelic faces and beautiful voices stole the show!”
 Houston Boychoir - Photo: Nhan We’ll have more Before You Say … “I Do!” wrap coverage coming up, but take a look at these photos for a little taste of our sweetest soiree yet!
 Mia Bridal Couture - Photo: Nhan
Posted in Bridal Show, Decor, Entertainment, Fashion, Floral | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010
Among the many wonderful things the New Year brings, our annual Before You Say… “I Do!” bridal soiree is one of the best. On Sunday, Jan. 24, Before You Say… “I Do!” comes to The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, and you won’t want to miss it. From 1 to 6 p.m., more than 70 of the city’s most in-demand wedding experts and vendors—florists, decorators, photographers, cake creators and much more—will take over the magnificent Houstonian for a day of wedding fantasies made real.
Bring you mother, sister, maid of honor, fiancé…or the whole crew, and enjoy cocktails, gourmet nibbles, spectacular tablescapes, gorgeous cakes, a stunning bridal fashion show, door prizes and special treats. And while you’re at it, take advantage of the chance to chat one-on-one with some of the best wedding talents in the business.
Tickets for this once-a-year luxury showcase of the best in Houston weddings are only $20—that’s less than the price of a single manicure!—for a full FIVE HOURS of wedding ideas, inspiration and goodies galore. And guess what? They sell out. Every year.
We’ll definitely be there. Make sure you are, too!
Tags: Before you say ... "I do" Bridal Soiree
Posted in Decor, Fashion, Floral, Food, Planning, Reception, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Tuesday, January 5th, 2010
Their client list—Colin Cowie Lifestyle, Versace, Bergdorf Goodman, Serena Bass, etc.—reads like a who’s who of arbiters of style and sophistication. They’ve provided spectacular props and furniture for everything from Hollywood film shoots to high-end social affairs. And now New York’s famed Taylor Creative Props has launched Taylor Creative Weddings—a special collection of furnishings, accessories and décor, along with design consultation services, tailored (if you’ll pardon the pun) just for weddings. Perhaps even YOUR wedding, Houston bride.
Taylor Creative has a distinctly modern aesthetic, marked by architectural edge, mid-century modularity, plenty of glass and chrome, and lots of sleek, bright white. But when paired with beautiful lighting and floral, these edgy pieces soften gorgeously, and evoke an atmosphere of sophisticated femininity and romance that makes us swoon.
Our favorite pieces include the Victoria Pattern Ghost Chair (especially when paired with the patterned Cube Table ), the tufted white Windsor Collection and the illuminated Plexi Bar. And how about those fabulous Glo Balls for an evening al fresco reception?
Unfortunately, Taylor Creative does not warehouse items in Houston—BUT, they will send whatever you want via truck from New York (for the right price, of course). For the rest of us, the Taylor Creative Weddings’ site is a source of inspiration and ideas, and a GREAT resource to share with our phenomenally talented Houston wedding consultants, rental companies, florists or décor providers.
Tags: Modern Glamour, White
Posted in Ceremony, Decor, Reception | 1 Comment »
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 »
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, November 25th, 2009
 Clay Flowers by DK Designs There’s nothing quite as beautiful, quite as fresh, quite as romantic as wedding-day flowers. Until the end of the night when they droop and discolor and have to be tossed unceremoniously in the trash bin, that is.
If you’ve dreamt about wedding flowers that would look gorgeous and last practically forever, your dreams have now come true. Diane Phillips of DK Designs creates clay flower arrangements that are every bit as vibrant as the real thing, but will stay totally fresh looking throughout your event, and endure for ages beyond (with proper care—don’t get them wet or expose them to extended direct sunlight—and storage).
DK Designs’ custom creations include centerpieces, bridal bouquets, hair accessories, boutonnieres and wedding favors—all made from CLAYCRAFT by DECO Soft Clay. The designer also sells standard designs through her Etsy shop. These flowers are incredibly lifelike and richly colored—guests will think they’re real, unless you tell them otherwise.
We love, love, love this concept, and we love DK Designs. So does Martha Stewart. The queen of crafts featured DK Designs on her “Martha Stewart Show” April Fool’s Day episode, where Diane taught Martha how to make clay hydrangeas.
Check out these stunning examples for inspiration!
Tags: clay flowers
Posted in Decor, Favors, Floral | 3 Comments »
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