Along with the allure of Austin, the area’s international influences and the recent boom in winemaking have made it a mecca for gourmands, gastronomes and folks who just plain crave true Texas flavor. Fortunately for us, this renowned region is right in our backyard. We highly recommend scouting Hill Country for welcome-basket goodies, dessert-table treats and take-home favors that will give your wedding guests a taste of Texas that is as sweet to look upon as it is delicious to devour. Our faves include Austin’s ridiculously adorablicious (yeah, we made it up) Tiny Pies and favor-sensation Gracious Bridal (they do edibles as well as non–with packaging to die for). ‘Course for down-home delish, nothing beats Fredericksburg’s Rustlin’ Robs–who, after all, can resist zippy Black-Eyed Pea Relish or perfect Pecan Pie Filling-in-a-Jar? Take to the hills, Houston bride!

Photos: Gracious Bridal (top 5 images), Tiny Pies (next 4 images), Rustlin’ Robs (last 2 images)

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

At the New York bridal market a scant couple of weeks ago, Amsale Aberra showed off her extravagant side once again with the fall 2011 Kenneth Pool collection. We’re talking miles of tulle, acres of exquisite crystal embroidery, and those head-turning, show-stopping, figure-hugging silhouettes that are the hallmarks of a Kenneth Pool creation.

Everything that’s amazing about Kenneth Pool gowns will be on display this Friday and Saturday at Mia Bridal Couture, along with expert consulting advice direct from the design house, at an ultra-exclusive trunk show. If you’re on the hunt for a truly unforgettable gown, don’t miss this limited opportunity—and the awesome 15% discount that comes with it!

Mia Bridal Couture – Kenneth Pool Trunk Show

Friday, Oct. 29 – Saturday, Oct. 30

Mia Bridal Couture

1958 West Gray

Houston, TX 77019

All brides will enjoy a special 15% discount on all Kenneth Pool gowns during the event.

For more information call 713.622.2022 or RSVP

We’ve been putting on the pretty and cueing the lights, polishing the wow and breaking out the OMG…and it’s all about to happen. In just a couple of hours, we are throwing open the doors to the totally sold out I Do! Bridal Soiree @ Hotel ZaZa, and we can’t wait. Thank you so much to the amazing vendors who have been working their tails off all morning to make those ZaZa rooms look utterly breathtaking. And thank you to all the brides who snapped up tickets at  breakneck speed–we are so excited to meet you! And just in case you didn’t manage to snag tickets to tonight’s show, we’ll be doing I Do! again in January @ The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa (that’s plenty of advance notice–so this time no excuses for not getting tix in time).

The rest of y’all–we’ll see you (and show you the absolute BEST in Houston wedding everything) in just a few minutes!

On Friday and Saturday, Brickhouse Bridal welcomes Martina Liana. Created by Martine Harris and Leanne Collova of Essense of Australia (Collova HERSELF will be at this show), the Martina Liana line is pure couture all the way, with a thrilling touch of contemporary edge. We love Martina Liana for its ample choices in customization, too. Choose the wedding gown style that suits you, and make it truly your own with your unique combination of shades and fabrics. Fabulous.

Martina Liana Trunk Show @ Brickhouse Bridal

Friday, October 1 – Saturday, October 2

Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

200 Valleywood Drive

Suite A300

The Woodlands, TX 77380

For more information call 281.681.3430 or visit Brickhouse Bridal

Also on Friday and Saturday, Belle Mariée Bridal presents couture designer Anne Barge. View the Fall 2010 collection, with its sumptuous fabrics, museum-quality detailing and embrace of tradition and elegance. If you’re looking for the kind of classic gown that instantly becomes a treasured family heirloom, you don’t want to miss this exclusive show.

Anne Barge Trunk Show @ Belle Mariée Bridal

Friday, October 1 – Saturday, October 2

Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

2509 River Oaks Blvd.

Houston, TX 77019

For more information call 713.523.0068 or visit  Belle Mariée Bridal

Here’s the scoop: On Thursday, Oct. 14, Weddings in Houston is going to turn the concept of the traditional bridal show on its head, with the I Do Soiree @ Hotel ZaZa.

The deets are top secret until soiree doors open at 6 p.m. on Oct. 14—but believe us, they are JUICY. What we can tell you is that this show is going to be unlike any bridal event you’ve experienced. You’ll get to meet the city’s most innovative and fashion-forward designers, vendors and experts, and sip Z cocktails while you enjoy thrilling entertainment (along with cutting-edge bridal fashion, natch). It’s going to be a sensory environment that is as exhilarating as it is inspiring. And, of course, there’s ZaZa itself—one of the city’s hippest, most luxurious places to see and be.

If you’re looking for something beyond pleasing pastels and soothing violins, something truly unique for your once-in-a-lifetime occasion, this is the show you’ve been waiting for.

Tweet it, post it, show your friends who’s in the know. And more than anything,snag your tickets now (this one’s going to sell out fast), and GO.

We always knew the print version of Weddings in Houston magazine was a thing of exceptional beauty. And now Graphic Design USA, the country’s leading publication for design professionals, has acknowledged it, too. GDUSA just honored Weddings in Houston with a prestigious American Graphic Design Award in the “Cover Series” category. Congratulations WIH!

The award recognizes the fabulous January 2010 cover, shot at Hotel Sorella CITYCENTRE and featuring a super-chic model in a glorious Oscar de la Renta ballgown with a custom-made floral handbag from Darryl & Co, and the equally divine July 2010 cover, featuring an ethereal bride in a one-shoulder Augusta Jones gown, set in a “midsummer night’s dream”-like forest.

So KUDOS, Weddings in Houston design team. We can’t wait to feast our eyes on the upcoming winter issue!

Photo by Evoke Photography and Video

This evening from 5-9 p.m., The Bell Tower on 34^th welcomes to-be-weds and friends to sip, snack and mingle with vendors in an atmosphere of Old World elegance and grandeur. Which includes a 30-foot-high water wall. Wow!

The Bell Tower on 34^th Bridal Open House

Wednesday, September 15

5 to 9 p.m.

901 West 34th St.

Houston, TX 77018

For more information and to RSVP call 713.868.2355 or e-mail

Tomorrow the Mediterranean-style Villa Rinata (Lordy, do we love those carved-stone arches and bubbling fountains—TOO romantic) invites brides and grooms to an oh-so-intriguing Masquerade Ball Open House. Be there for the magnificent décor, great music and unveiling of the venue’s brand-new Jewel Collection menus.

The Villa Rinata Bridal Open House

Thursday, September 16

5 to 8:30 p.m.

2840 Chimney Rock

Houston, TX 77056

For more information and to RSVP call 713.334.7765 or e-mail

Check it:

Also this evening, Butler’s Courtyard in League City opens its doors to marrieds-to-be. Head over to this beautifully restored historic former bank building for wine, cheese and a chat with on-site wedding experts.

Butler’s Courtyard Open House
Thursday, September 9
7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
122 Michigan Ave.
League City, TX 77573
For more information call 281.557.5551 or e-mail

On Friday and Saturday, Mia Bridal Couture welcomes Christos for a two-day trunk show. Make your appointment to meet with a consultant from Amsale Aberra’s coveted line of timeless, romantic gowns.

Christos Trunk Show @ Mia Bridal Couture
Friday, September 10 – Saturday, September 11
1958 West Gray
Houston, TX 77019
All brides will enjoy a special 15% discount on all Christos gowns purchased during the event. For more information call 713.622.2022 or e-mail

Appointments are required for brides who want to receive a consultation—and get 15% off purchases of the season’s newest gowns—at this Saturday’s Belle Mariée Bridal Fall Open House. Wine, cheese and dessert are included, too!

Belle Mariée Bridal Fall Open House
Saturday, September 11
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
2509 River Oaks Blvd.
Houston, TX 77019
For more information or to schedule an appointment call 713.523.0068 or e-mail

Searching for a beautiful “blank slate” in which to create your perfect wedding environment? Demers Banquet Hall, with its sleek lines and gleaming expanses, welcomes your vision—and offers the décor, linen and catering services to make it a reality. Make sure to RSVP for this Sunday’s “Four Seasons” bridal showcase and see for yourself.

Demers Banquet Hall Four Seasons Bridal Showcase
Sunday, September 12
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
8225 Cantrell St.
Houston, TX 77074
For more information call 713.772.0726 or RSVP

Maybe your taste runs more toward country crooners or perhaps you’re gaga for Gaga. Maybe you imagine your fave singer soloing as you sashay down the aisle—or maybe you envision your beloved band taking to the stage to rock the reception.

Drop a comment here and let us know your wedding music fantasy, Houston bride. Who knows? It just may come true. Ask Elin and Njal. And congrats, you two!