Houston Wedding Blog » Photography

Autumn Chateau Polonez Wedding By RSVP Studios

NGarber — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:54:23 +0000

They’ve known each other for 25 years, and have been a couple for nearly 19 of those. But Ana and Eric’s long courtship did not diminish the romance of their Chateau Polonez wedding one iota. After meeting in their church orchestra—she played violin, he played timpani—and eventually falling in love (starting with a surprise New Year’s Eve date in 1993), the couple said their vows, then celebrated in elegant style, with a candlelit reception at the European-style chateau. Our favorite touches? We adore the little lovebirds and the bright, fall-color floral. And, of course, who wouldn’t love those gorgeous confections from Supreme Kakes? We’re especially enamored of the “suitcase” groom’s cake, with “stickers” referencing global travel destinations, about which bride Ana told us, “People know that we usually like to travel during the summer, and one of the questions Eric gets asked is, ‘Where are you going next summer?’ He felt that this really represented our favorite thing to do, and let our friends and family have a glimpse at our future traveling plans.” We’re grateful to RSVP Studios for representing this sweet wedding in photos—and to Ana and Eric for sharing their happiness with future Houston brides.

Photography: RSVP Studios~Bride’s Dress: Panache Bridal & Formal~Bride’s Makeup & Hair: Hilda Kershman~Cakes: Supreme Kakes & More~Flowers: Floral Events~Venue: Chateau Polonez

White and Purple Woodlands Winter Wedding

NGarber — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:06:38 +0000

A white winter wedding need not be devoid of color. Quite the contrary. A clean, wintry white background is the perfect foundation for a warming burst of color. Lynsey and Taylor’s December wedding celebration at The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center is a spectacular example. Against a backdrop of snow white, including white table linens, chair covers and room draping, Darryl & Co. brought in subtle touches of purple and silver, along with plenty of icy crystal, glass and rhinestone sparkle, creating an effect that was at once coolly chic and warmly inviting. Purple and pink color-wash lighting, snowflake gobos, and, of course, flickering candlelight, completed the picture, providing Lynsey, Taylor and their 225 delighted guests a winter wonderland in which to eat, drink and dance the night away. And boy, did they. Big thanks to Jaylene DeBenedictis of Sacred Image Photography for her beautiful photos of one of the loveliest winter weddings we’ve had the privilege of featuring. Enjoy!

Photos: Sacred Image Photography ~ Bride’s Dress: Kitty Chen Couture ~ from The Princess Bridal ~ Flowers, Decor & Rentals: Darryl & Co. ~ Venue, Catering & Cake: The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center

Pink, Orange, Yellow and Green Lakeway Resort Wedding

NGarber — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:26:47 +0000

The setting of Austin’s Lakeway Resort & Spa, with its Lake Travis waterfront location and Hill Country views, is spectacularly scenic on its own. But add a bounty of beautiful bright floral to the resort’s glass-walled ballroom, like bride Lauren did for her wedding to Zach, and the result is absolute WOW. Lauren says the deep-orange submerged-flower centerpieces were her favorite floral touch, and we’d have to agree. We’re also loving the subtle contrast of the dark table linens with all that sherbet-hued floral finery—a bold and beautiful choice, don’t you think? Check out these splendid photos by Jennifer Lindberg of Jennifer Lindberg Weddings, and join us in wishing Lauren and Zach a long and loving life as husband and wife!

Photos: Jennifer Lindberg Weddings~Bride’s Dress: Priscilla of Boston~Cake: Simon Lee Bakery ~
Flowers: Bouquets of Austin~Decor & Rentals: Marquee Rentals~Venue: Lakeway Resort & Spa

Purple, Pink and Gold La Colombe d’Or Wedding by Rachel Robinson

NGarber — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:30:27 +0000

If there’s one thing Houston brides know how to do right, it’s mixing refined elegance with real, kick-up-your-heels FUN. Danielle and Robert’s wedding is a perfect example. For understated opulence, you can’t do any better than La Colombe d’Or, with its Grand Ballroom featuring 20-foot ceilings and 300-year-old oak-paneled walls repurposed from a French chateau. To this already lavish setting, high-school sweethearts Danielle and Robert added sinewy, illuminated glass-cylinder arrangements from Plants ’N Petals, and subtle accents of deep pink, purple and regal gold. And they brought in Jonny Black Productions to ensure their celebration of a lifetime wasn’t just another pretty place—but an unforgettable party for all involved. Our favorite touches? The framed portrait of the bride in her ga-ga-gorgeous Vera Wang gown, the purple ties and pocket squares, and, most especially, orchids, orchids everywhere! Big thanks to photographer Rachel Robinson for sharing her pretty, pretty pix with us—and warmest wishes to newlyweds Danielle and Robert.

Photos: Rachel Robinson Photography~Bride’s Dress: Vera Wang~Bride’s Hair & Makeup: The Perfect Face~Entertainment: Jonny Black Productions~Invitations: Bering’s~Flowers, Decor & Rentals: Plants ’N Petals~Venue: La Colombe d’Or

Tantalizing Travel Theme Wedding by Studio Capture

NGarber — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:00:03 +0000

If you’re considering a theme for your wedding, but are concerned about making it tasteful and timeless (rather than tacky or over-the-top), take a cue from Tiffany and Rodney, who turned their life’s passion into a superbly sophisticated and deeply personal wedding theme. As Tiffany explains, “We are big travelers and thought it would be so unique to have the tables named as places we have been to together, or that we planned to visit on our honeymoon”—for which they chose Kenya and Zanzibar, in yet another example of their adventurousness and joie de vivre. Their Hotel ZaZa reception, executed with the design expertise of Darryl & Co., is the perfect example of how to do a theme right. The magnificence, of course, was all the details, from the elegant table signage, to the whimsically exquisite place-card holders to the understated black-white-and-gold color scheme. Instead of lavish centerpieces, Tiffany and Rodney chose to go with delicate flowering branches, allowing the small, stunning decor details to shine—aided by pretty little votive lanterns. Perfection. Just like these photos from Studio Capture. Check the credits for more on the fine Houston talents who contributed to this wedding. Congratulations, Tiffany and Rodney, and thank you for sharing your special day with us!

Photos: Studio Capture~Bride’s Dress: Brickhouse Bridal~Bride’s Shoes: Nordstrom~Bride’s Hair & Makeup: The Perfect Face~Flowers, Decor & Rentals: Darryl & Co~Cakes: Susie’s Cakes & Confections~Day-Of Coordinator: En Vogue Events~Venue: Hotel ZaZa~Videographer: A&A Video

Kelsey & Matthew’s Petal-Perfect Country Club Wedding

NGarber — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:51:23 +0000

Take one gracious country club, add hundreds of perfect roses in uncountable shades of cream and pale pink, accent with touches of crystal, glass, wood and silver, stir in one lovestruck couple, and serve. If it sounds like the recipe for a perfect Houston wedding, we can attest that yes, it most certainly is. In this case, the floral and decor firm behind all the pretty is the wonderful Events in Bloom, and the couple is Kelsey and Matthew, who were kind enough to share their special day with us—thank you, and congratulations! Photos courtesy Chris Bailey Photography.

Photography: Chris Bailey Photography~Bride’s Dress: Christos from Mia Bridal Couture~Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid~Floral & Decor: Events in Bloom~Cakes: Susie’s Cakes & Confections~Officiant: Weddings Performed~Venue: River Oaks Country Club~Coordination: Keely Thorne Events

Jennifer & Mitchell’s Let-Your-Hair-Down Majestic Metro Wedding

NGarber — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:45:30 +0000

The day after he met Jennifer at an Armadillo Palace show in 2005, Mitchell told his mom, “I met my future wife last night.” And dang if he wasn’t RIGHT. Six years to the day they started dating, the pair tied the knot, with a ceremony at Christ Church Cathedral followed by a high-energy, high-style reception at the ultra-cool Majestic Metro—the groom’s venue choice, incidentally, which he picked immediately upon spotting it in the pages of Weddings in Houston (if you heard the “toot-toot,” that was our own horn, btw).

There are so many things we love about this wedding, but let’s just start with bride Jennifer, who left those long, flowing locks down for her big day…so pretty! Especially with her Kenneth Pool gown from Mia Bridal Couture and delectable blue Manolo Blahnik shoes, dontcha think? We’ve also saved a swoon or two for those gorgeous purple-pink-and-peacock-feather florals by Darryl & Co., and that to-die-for dessert table—a perfect accompaniment to the couple’s Who Made the Cake cake. “I purchased the cake stands from a company called Tiers of Joy,” Jennifer told us. “I wanted that romantic look, but with lots of bling, so when I saw these I HAD to buy them!!” Yes, you did, Jennifer.

And if you’re thinking that adorable flower girl’s orchid purse looks familiar, you’re right.

Big thanks to photographer Chris Wineinger for his great pics of this fabulous, fun-filled wedding. As for Mitchell, who apparently still has Jennifer’s number in his phone under “future wife,” you may want to edit that contact, mister. Or not. It is pretty darn cute. Congrats, you two, and happiest wishes to you!

Photography: Chris Wineinger ~ Bride’s Dress: Kenneth Pool from Mia Bridal Couture ~ Flowers, Decor & Rentals: Darryl & Co.~ Catering: Sambuca Catering ~ Cake: Who Made the Cake ~ Desserts: Ooh La La Dessert Boutique ~ Cake Plates: Tiers of Joy ~ Invitations: Event House ~ Venue: The Majestic Metro

Karlin and Jeremy’s Archetype Engagement Shoot PLUS 12 BIG GIVEAWAYS!

NGarber — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:00:26 +0000

Remember way back in September when we ran our awesome Archetype Studio Engagement Session giveaway? Lots of y’all entered, sharing your beautiful, touching, and in a couple of cases pretty darn hilarious, proposal stories with us. While we usually select our giveaway winners totally randomly, in this case, our staff teamed up with Terilyn Brown of Archetype to pick the entry that moved us most. Our winner? Karlin, who, like her fiancé Jeremy, is an active-duty U.S. Marine. The two met, and eventually fell in love, while stationed in Okinawa, Japan, but eventually Jeremy received orders to move back to the states, while Karlin remained in Japan. During his time back in the U.S., Jeremy, head over heels over Karlin, procured the ring he planned to give his girl one day.

That day eventually came, months later, when Karlin and Jeremy were fatefully reunited in Okinawa (and despite a super-typhoon that hit the area and almost derailed the smitten soldier’s proposal plans!). As Karlin recounts it, after a dinner date and frozen yogurt, he surprised her by asking someone to take their picture. “He is shy and will never ask a stranger to take a picture of us, much less carry a camera around—that is my job,” Karlin told us. “As soon as we were getting ready to pose he turns me around and was already down on one knee. I am not really sure what else happened after that.”

What happened is that Karlin said, “Yes.” And entered her story in our contest—and won. And this past month, when she and Jeremy were once again reunited, this time in Houston, the pair posed for Archetype’s camera—and the results, as you can see here, are utterly amazing (they make it hard for us to believe that adorable Jeremy could ever be camera shy!). For us here at the Houston Wedding Blog, it is the perfect convergence of an extraordinarily talented photographer, a beautiful and adoring couple, and a story of determination, devotion and LOVE—of country, and of each other.

When you’re done wiping away that tear or two you KNOW you just shed, scroll down below those gorgeous photos to find out how you can win one of 12 engagement sessions Archetype is giving away, one per (business) day, starting Thursday, December 1!

Photos: Archetype Studio

ARCHETYPE STUDIO’S 12 DAYS OF ENGAGEMENT-SHOOT GIVEAWAYS CONTEST

The Prize(s): In the generous spirit of the Christmas season, and just because they love Houston brides as much as we do, Archetype Studio is giving away ONE engagement photography session—two-hour Houston location shoot, in-person ordering and image-consulting appointment, and one heirloom print any size up to 8×12—EVERY DAY for 12 business days, from December 1 through December 16.

Yes, really.

To Enter: E-mail us your name, fiancé’s name, wedding date and wedding reception venue. All requested information MUST be in your entry e-mail. You may enter ONCE per entry day during the contest period: Dec. 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and entries must be received by 5 p.m. each entry day in order to qualify. One winner will be randomly selected each day. We will notify winners by e-mail, and announce winners on Facebook.

You’ve seen their stunning photo work. Now be a part of it. Enter Archetype’s 12 Days of Engagement Session Giveaways contest, and good luck!!

Sultry House of Blues Engagement Shoot by Adam Nyholt Photographer

NGarber — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:23:00 +0000

“The best way to describe Ashley and Dan is to say they have big personalities,” hot Houston photographer Adam Nyholt told us, when we inquired about this amazing engagement shoot. “They both love fashion, and of course have great taste. For their engagement session they wanted a shoot that was unique and very much ‘them.’ I suggested the Foundation Room at House of Blues, not only for it’s dramatic vibe, but also because I knew nobody else has taken engagement portraits there.” Yup, that’s right, HOB’s ultra-exotic, super-sexy private party space was virgin territory for an engagement shoot when Ashley and Dan rocked the joint. We have a feeling it’s going to get a lot more popular, though, once brides-to-be get a look at these gorgeous photos (which also include a handful of lighthearted, romantic shots in picturesque Eleanor Tinsley Park). “During their entire session I encouraged them to relax and be themselves. They immediately warmed up and were kissing, striking dramatic poses and sometimes just being goofy. I loved it!” Nyholt says. So do we, and we hope you do, too.

Photos: Adam Nyholt Photographer

Juli & Kyle’s Spectacular Sunset Lakeway Resort Wedding

NGarber — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:03:46 +0000

We get lots of inquiries from brides who dream of doing a destination wedding, but really want to limit travel to within driving distance of Houston. One of the spots we love most for a wedding that’s close to home but feels like a million miles away is Lakeway Resort & Spa on the shores of Lake Travis in Texas Hill Country. Minutes from Austin, and an easy drive from Houston, Lakeway Resort offers wedding coordination, catering for up to 350 guests, and a list of top-notch vendors, so you barely have to lift a finger to plan your perfect wedding. There’s world-class golf, sailing and the heavenly San Saba Spa, too, making it ideal for a weekend-wedding retreat. Plus, Lakeway Resort has got one of the most scenic wedding sites we’ve ever seen—the gorgeous Vistas Glass Ballroom, which instantly turns that incredible lake sunset into a wedding backdrop no amount of decor could ever duplicate. See for yourself, in these beautiful photos of Juli and Kyle’s Lakeway Resort wedding, by top Austin photographer Matt Montalvo! Gorgeous couple, beautiful wedding location and sparklers, too! Who could ask for anything more? Congratulations, Juli and Kyle!

Photos: Matt Montalvo Photography