Archive for the ‘Gifts’ Category
Wednesday, April 20th, 2011
Many a visiting wedding guest has checked into a local hotel only to find themselves turned around in the vastness that is Houston, trying to figure out which way is which. Even if you plan to provide transportation to all the events associated with your wedding, it’s nice to let your guests know what direction they’re facing, and where they’re at in relation to major highways, the airport, and the locations of your wedding celebrations—rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, day-after brunch, etc.
We can’t think of a lovelier way to orient out-of-towners than with a hand-drawn map from Laura Hooper Calligraphy. The Southern California based artist and expert calligrapher creates chic and charming little lay-of-the-land maps and peppers them with sweet touches like clinking Champagne glasses, snuggling dolphins and cute cars trailing “Just Married” banners. SO perfect as part of an in-room welcome gift. Hooper also uses maps to make uniquely adorable save-the-dates. And she’s got a couture line of letterpress invitations and stationery, all hand-lettered and printed on eco-friendly cotton papers. Know what else she’s got? Our love.
Tags: Welcome
Posted in Gifts, Invitations | 1 Comment »
Thursday, April 14th, 2011
How yummy are these super-soft bamboo jersey tunics from Bamjamz? OK, you’ve GOT to slip into them to experience their fabulousness fully. But just check out that soft pink and dove gray. And those lovely lotus and butterfly designs? Our heart rate slows down just looking at ‘em.
We think they’re perfect for kicking back in after a long, hard day of wedding planning. Bamjamz also makes deliciously comfortable leggings and lounge pants. Worn alone, their tunics make great sleep tops and swim cover-ups (honeymoon, anyone?)…and EXCELLENT bridesmaid gifts. Paired with pants, they’re perfect for lazy Sunday mornings at home with your hubby-to-be. They’re eco-friendly, too. And available locally at Neiman Marcus. Love.
And speaking of local loungewear, we’ve got a major crush on Touche Houston’s simple cotton PJs. How do they manage to be so fresh and soft, like a gentle spring breeze? But still crisp, and definitely sexy—bridal sleepwear at its sophisticated best. Sweet dreams!
Tags: Bamjamz, Eco-Friendly, Lingerie, Sleepwear, Touche Houston
Posted in Bridesmaids, Fashion, Gifts | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011
We Buzzed on Pressing Events’ new CITYCENTRE store last week, but we just couldn’t get to all the stuff we love at AND about the new PE in that teeny, tiny newsletter item. So here we go.
 
First up, Emilie Sloan bags. How cute are designer Lisa Murphy’s fully lined totes, market bags and carryalls? The folks who put on the Academy Awards think they’re awfully cute, which is why they included Emilie Sloan in this year’s official swag. Pressing Events owner Nancy Billingsley Calvert is likewise a fan, and told us she “expects big things” from the collection, which, she notes, is already attracting brides and graduates in droves. These would make fabulous bridesmaid gifts, don’t you think?
Next: Kaas Decoupage. The renowned New York decoupage studio makes absolutely gorgeous decoupage plates with designs sourced from flea markets, antique shows and estate sales. If you’re a bride with vintage vibe, or a traditionalist with a passion for classic wedding commemoration, Pressing Events’ newly expanded line of Kaas plates is perfect for preserving wedding invitations, photos, collages…you name it. Then press it.
We also adore Pressing Events’ very impressive selection of stationery, which includes all our favorite styles from Crane, Elum, Smock, and Charleston, S.C.’s wonderful The Lettered Olive, among others. But PE’s forté is “one-of-a-kind, singular design,” Calvert points out—“much like a designer-original wedding dress.” If you’re looking for truly distinguished custom invitations, you must meet with Pressing Events’ Amber Anglin Fowler. Calvert regaled us with the story of how Amber searched Dallas without success for a store to produce the exact right custom invitations for her wedding last year…and ended up creating her own. “Though her mother grew quite weary of her quest, I must say she has found her home with us,” Calvert says. “Our brides love her!”
And we do, too.
Tags: HWB Hearts, Pressing Events
Posted in Beauty, Bridesmaids, Gifts, Invitations | No 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 »
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010
Hey there Houston bride, remember how, a few weeks back, we commented on how cool it would be to have your very own personalized wedding song, like the lucky Roula Christie? Well, guess what? You totally can!
If you’ve got the desire to set your feelings to music with a beautiful, professionally written song that will bring your gathered guests to tears (or possibly to their feet for a little dancing, if that’s your thing), Felice Keller Productions can make your wedding dreams come true. Keller, a music industry veteran and recent bride herself, taps into some pretty amazing talent to get the job done. Her writers include hit-makers and Oscar-winning songwriters who have penned tunes for the likes of Faith Hill, Clay Aiken and Johnny Cash among others, and she expertly matches writers with to-be-weds to create genuine music magic.
Keller can also provide professional vocalists and musicians—her artists have shared the stage with music superstars including Etta James, Melissa Etheridge and Michael McDonald to name a few—to perform your personal song at your wedding. Or you can let one of Houston’s own fabulously talented bands do the honors.
This kind of personal attention and professional songwriting doesn’t come cheap: Prices start at $5,000 and can soar to the six-digit range depending on the celebrity status of the songwriter you want and which “extraordinary add-ons” you choose. But if you’ve got the budget, a custom song written exclusively for your once-in-a-lifetime occasion is an incredibly special way to celebrate your love, and a truly unique keepsake that will let you relive the emotion of the occasion over and over and over again.
We highly recommend you check out Keller’s own recent wedding video montage (scroll down on page for video link), featuring “Here Today,” a moving ballad custom written for Keller by a songwriter for country star Faith Hill. And have a tissue or two on hand.
Looking for an unforgettable gift for the love of your life? Keller’s services also include The Rockstar Experience, which lets ordinary human beings collaborate with famous songwriters, record their own song in a professional studio, or simply enjoy rock star experience in either Los Angeles or Nashville (VIP club access, fine dining, Champagne—you get the picture). Rock on.
Posted in Entertainment, Gifts | 3 Comments »
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010
Sure, flower arrangements are a splendid choice for your bridesmaid luncheon or bridal shower. But you can’t eat roses.
Harvard Sweet Boutique’s centerpieces, on the other hand, are not just lovely to look at, but ridiculously delicious too. We absolutely adore the pink-and-green Garden Party centerpiece, with its fancifully tied, modern striped boxes. For a case of the blues you won’t want to kick, the Ocean centerpiece combines tranquil blue hues with rich chocolate brown for a look that’s both hip and classic. Any centerpiece you select can be filled with mouthwatering Harvard Sweet confections of your choice, from toffees to fudge brownies to peppermint bark and more.
We also have a hunger for Harvard Sweet Boutique’s wedding favor boxes. How pretty these babies will look on your tabletop, and how pleased your guests will be to open them and find decadent chocolate truffles or diminutive gourmet cookies inside.
Rachel Ray’s a big fan of Harvard Sweet Boutique—she featured their sinful chocolate chip cookies on her show as the “snack of the day,” much to gobbling guests delight. Your guests, too, are sure to cobble. Um, can you add us to the invite list—please?
Posted in Centerpieces, Favors, Gifts | No Comments »
Monday, March 1st, 2010
She loves how “fresh and energetic” her wedding clients are, and they love her totally original designs and gracious, personalized service. She’s Mali Chi, and her “correspondence company” and gift boutique Hello & Co. is one of Houston’s finest sources for completely custom invitations and unique, eco-friendly, utterly elegant gifts.
To get a sense of her wedding couples’ invitation needs, Chi asks clients to bring in “albums, magazines, pictures of things they like—as much stuff as they can.” She also inquires about their wedding flowers, color palette and bridesmaid dresses. From there, Chi sets to work. “I get really into creating textures and patterns,” the veteran designer notes, and Chi’s passion for her work shows in her finely wrought representations of peonies, peacocks, butterflies and clematis vines.
When it comes to printing techniques, Chi says she’s a sucker for letterpress—the relief-printing technique that produces beautifully textured invitations, often with an alluring vintage feel. But with the expense of letterpress, it’s no wonder Chi says that these days, “I’ve started doing a lot of embossing,” which provides a pressed-dye texture similar to letterpress, but at a lower price point.
To view more of Chi’s designs, visit Hello & Co.’s invitation gallery, and remember that each one of the styles you see is totally customizable—your design will be yours alone. Which is exactly what you deserve for your wedding, Houston bride.
Tags: custom design, Eco-Friendly
Posted in Gifts, Invitations | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
Trying to figure out how to thank your bridesmaids for all their love and support (not to mention for sweetly enduring your endless indecision about whither French-pleat or goblet-fan napkin folds, and graciously agreeing to wear sea-foam and spaghetti straps despite pale skin and ample arms, etc., etc.…)?
We’ve compiled some of our favorite ideas for you, and put ’em in this post!
Jean Picard, regular Weddings in Houston contributor and Master Bridal Consultant (that means the international Association of Bridal Consultants has designated her one of the very best in the biz), is a big fan of the pre-wedding bridesmaids tea. Check out her planning and décor tips, menu suggestions and expert tea-making tutorial right here.
We discovered Vivabox at a very cool gift show and just had to spread the word. Our past post on this lovely little gift concept gives all the details on how to choose a Vivabox for each bridesmaid (they’ve got manly ones for your groom’s dudes, too), how they work and where to buy.
Doing the destination thing? Have a look at these sweet silk cosmetics, brush and jewelry bags from Neiman Marcus. We love the vibrant colors and personalized-initial option, and your maids will love packing these for wedding-destination travel!
Whether you plan to wed in town or afar, these super-chic clutches are a perfect complement to any bridesmaid outfit (just check out the range of colors and patterns—amazing!), and a great gift from you to your gals.
Of course, every bridesmaid appreciates a little pre-wedding pampering. And what better way to relax and indulge with your maids than with a group spa outing? Treat your bridesmaids to a day of massage, mani-pedis and divine face/body treatments at one of Houston’s top spas, and you’ll come out smelling like a rose!
Tags: Pre-wedding Events, Thank You
Posted in Bridesmaids, Gifts | 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, November 18th, 2009
You may want to pass this post along (subtly) to whoever’s planning your shower, Houston bride. Trust us, she’ll be glad you did.
The Soap & Paper Factory makes natural scented beeswax candles, stationery, soaps, bath powders and more, then wraps their paraben-free, phthalate-free yummies in eco-friendly, recyclable, totally beautiful packaging.
 Soap & Paper Solid Perfume We especially love S&P’s solid perfumes—little travel-size, purse-size pots filled with heavenly fragrance in solid form. Made from pure jojoba and beeswax, in aromas including Jasmine, Gardenia and Orange Blossom, S&P’s solid perfumes make great take-home goodies for girls of all ages. And they’re pretty enough to fit right in on an all-dolled-up tabletop.
 Soap & Paper Beeswax Candles We’re also fans of S&P’s divine scented beeswax candles, packaged in elegant Italian glass, which can be cleaned and reused for water, wine or your favorite Chardonnay. Yay!
Looking for something special for your bridesmaids’? The Soap & Paper Factory does amazing custom gifts, too.
Tags: Candles, Eco-Friendly, Fragrance, Perfume
Posted in Bridal Showers, Bridesmaids, Gifts | No Comments »
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