All Photos: Monkey Tree Photography

Thursday, June 30, the Houston chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding had its official launch. I am one of the board members of this fabulous organization, and so proud to be involved.

If you’re not familiar with it, Wish Upon a Wedding is the nation’s very first nonprofit charitable organization set up to produce weddings, at destinations across the United States, for couples facing a life-threatening illness. Its unique mission makes Wish Upon a Wedding the world’s first nonprofit wedding-wish-granting organization. It’s also quickly becoming the wedding industry’s charity of choice.

Attended by more than 150 Houston wedding industry professionals and brides, the launch reception, generously underwritten by the Westin Galleria and overseen by catering director Adam Rineer took place in the hotel’s Monarch Ballroom, with its beautiful views of the city. The talented Rob Smith and staff of Events in Bloom decorated the space stunningly with stylish lounge furniture. Guests enjoyed the impressive buffet and desserts prepared by the Westin chefs, along with sinfully delicious miniature wedding-cake truffles from Cakes by Gina. Both,  I personally and everyone on the board of Wish Upon A Wedding are so grateful to the wonderful Houston wedding professionals who donated their time and services to make the evening a success.

Houston chapter president Heather Hamilton-Sims of Simply Jubilee Events shared the vision and objective of Wish Upon a Wedding, and the accompanying video clips left not a dry eye in the room.

By the end of the evening attendees could not wait to volunteer their services and time as wish grantors for this most worthy cause, which provides weddings for couples in need regardless of sexual orientation. Houston brides, here is an opportunity to share your good fortune with someone a lot less fortunate who wants nothing more than to be married….just like you. As President Hamilton-Sims put it, most of us are planning weddings and events one, or maybe two or three years from now, but for these couples facing a life-threatening illness that time line does not exist.

So how can you help?

Watch this short video clip to see just what Wish Upon a Wedding has done and visit Wish Upon a Wedding. To donate your services, please sign on as a Wish Grantor. Blog about it. Talk about it. Become a Facebook fan and follow Wish Upon a Wedding on Twitter. In lieu of favors at your wedding, please consider making a donation to Wish Upon a Wedding and spread the joy. 
But most of all, just GIVE.

WUW:: Rehanna + Christian from bliss productions on Vimeo.

Nominate us for AisleDash.com’s Wedding Blog Awards and at least a good chunk of the world WILL. Judges include celebrity lifestyle guru Colin Cowie and renowned wedding planner and “eventiste” Marcy Blum (who just happens to be profiled in the July issue of Weddings in Houston, on newsstands now!), so the stakes are pretty high. But we’ve got confidence that our signature Houston blend of tradition, cosmopolitan sophistication, international flair and down-home hospitality is a winner in the making.

To nominate the Houston Wedding Blog, just choose a category (we suggest Best Local Area Blog or Best Magazine or Wedding Website Blog), take 5.2 seconds to fill out the nomination form, hit submit, and help HWB achieve worldwide (web) fame!

Nominations close July 22, so vote now, and please, please, please spread the word (linking to this post via Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, etc., is a great way to tell your friends)!

It’s been ages since we talked about the essential bridal survival kit, hasn’t it? Well, we’re delighted to inform you that we’ve just come across a product that makes making it through your wedding day unscathed just a little bit easier.

Family operation Ms. & Mrs.–mom Georgette Kaplan (Mrs.) and daughters Stephanie and Jamie Kaplan (Ms. & Ms.) launched the biz with the Working Girl Survival Kit, and quickly branched out—offers pre-packaged survival kits for just about everyone involved in your wedding.

For you, Ms. Bride (soon to be Mrs. Wife), there’s the Wedding Day Survival Kit. Packed inside a sleek train case decorated with a white satin ribbon and novelty “diamond” ring (aww…), you’ll find the works in wedding-day beauty, hygiene and apparel maintenance. Items include toothbrush and toothpaste, clear nail polish and nail polish remover, super glue, earring backs, bobby pins and tons more.

Your groom’s gonna love the Groom’s Survival Kit, complete with mints, deodorant, razor and shaving cream, lint remover, boutonniere pins and oodles more vital wedding-day survival items he probably has no idea he might require.

New in the Ms. & Mrs. Lineup is the Aisle Survival Collection. These adorable, affordable, pre-packaged mini-kits are practical AND perfect for gifting. There’s one for brides, one for bridesmaids, and sweet little versions for MOBs and MOGs. Each kit comes with such wedding-day staples as emery boards, blotting tissues, pain reliever, waterproof mascara, safety pins and breath freshener.

We heart these handy kits like nobody’s business! But we also want to remind you that if you do opt for a pre-packed kit, you’ll want to make sure to add non-standard items like your specific wedding-day makeup, and contact information for your coordinator and vendors (especially taxi and transportation services). And maybe, depending on the season, a pop-up wedding tent, a pre-fab hurricane shelter and a couple hundred umbrellas. Welcome to Houston!

We’ll miss the two mags’ timely features on fashion, reception décor, floral design, planning and more. But we at the
Houston Wedding Blog and Weddings in Houston magazine plan to work that much harder on seeking out the latest discoveries, tracking the most popular trends and bringing you the absolute best in EVERYTHING wedding from Houston and beyond.

New to the blog? Check out some of our most popular recent posts, like these great items on
Indian weddings, or this roundup of our favorite head-to-toe beauty finds. Searching for the perfect wedding shoes? Have a look at either these or these lovelies! Plus we’ve got handy tips on how to handle
kids at your wedding, figuring out whom and how much to tip, when and where to get a wedding license in Houston, and much, much more.

For those of you who love the heft and high-gloss inspiration of an honest-to-goodness print magazine (and what bride doesn’t?), the new issue of Weddings in Houston hits newsstands in January. Look for all your favorite departments and features, incredible photo spreads featuring the latest in gowns, cakes, floral and more, plus the most comprehensive guide to Houston’s ceremony and reception facilities (including information on size and capacity, rental fees and available services).

Still missing something? Tell us! If there’s a topic you want to see covered by the Houston Wedding Blog or Weddings in Houston magazine, email blog@weddingsinhouston and let us know. Be our most valuable resource for feedback and suggestions, and we’ll be your most valuable resource for wedding-planning advice and inspiration. Promise!

Matching a signature cocktail to your wedding reception color scheme isn’t just a cool design touch, it’s also a smart choice for brides on a budget. At your cocktail reception, instead of offering a full premium bar (at a premium price to you—or whoever is footing your wedding bill), have waiters tray-pass one of these eye-catching drink choices, or a custom-designed, color-matched mix of your own invention. Give your signature cocktail a cute name—the “Mike and Lisa Love-tini” or the “Together Forever,” for instance—and dress up trays with hand-lettered signs letting guests know what they’re sipping.

Photo Courtesy of White on Rice Couple

Green Scene
We love the tropical look of the Green Flash Cocktail, which we found on this happy couple’s great blog, along with the recipe. Concocted by a bartender at Club Med Columbus Isle in the Bahamas, the drink gets its pretty green color and sweet-citrusy flavor from a combo of Blue Curacao, Peach Schnapps and orange juice.

Photo Courtesy of Blue Cocktails Blog

True Blue
For a veritable library of blue-hued libations, you can’t do much better than the Blue Cocktails blog. Our favorite? The Blue Sapphire Martini, a tart, stylish blend of Bombay Sapphire, Cointreau, Blue Curacao and sour mix.

Photo Courtesy of Deep Glamour Blog

Purple Passion
We couldn’t believe our luck when we stumbled upon the oh-so-sophisticated Deep Glamour Cosmotini at the blog for which this jewel-toned gem of a cocktail is named. Check out the recipe, which includes purple-dyed tapioca pearls—a fabulous look for a wedding with a high-style, lounge-y vibe.

Photo Courtesy of Laylita.com

Well Red
More and more wedding palettes seem to feature the color red, whether it’s teamed with celadon or violet, tangerine or watermelon, black-and-white or gold. This lovely Valentine’s-Day-inspired fizzy cocktail from Laylita makes a gorgeous day or evening reception drink, and those blood orange garnishes? Perfection!

That’s the artist part of the picture. Here’s a tip on the canvas: To give your chosen makeup pro the best possible material to work with, you may want to consider revving up your lashes beforehand.

Latisse

By now you’ve probably encountered Latisse. Print ads for this FDA-approved “treatment” for hypotrichosis (a medical term for the, um, condition, of “inadequate” eyelashes) feature the lovely Brooke Shields lowering her long-lashed lids and singing the praises of this prescription-only solution. We’re not sure how Brooke’s lashes looked pre-Latisse, but we’ve gotta say, they sure do look full, feathery and pretty darn fabulous in those pix.

If you choose to fill out your sparse lashes with Latisse, you’ll need to start four months pre-wedding, and apply the solution every night, as directed, to get the full results in time for your big day. Of course, as with any medical treatment, there are a few potential side effects: These may include red or itchy eyes, possible eyelid-skin darkening and—gulp!—hair growth occurring in spots where Latisse comes in repeated contact with skin surface (steady hand, Houston bride, steady hand).

All that said, Web chatter among eye docs and Latisse users alike, and Latisse’s own before-and-after clinical trial gallery, seem to indicate that the stuff does work to boost lash growth.

Revitalash

Looking for a little lash oomph, but not quite ready to go the medical route? RevitaLash may be the beauty secret you seek. This eyelash “conditioner,” developed by an ophthalmologist as a gift for his wife, who had lost eyelashes as a side effect of breast-cancer chemotherapy, purports to thicken existing eyelashes while “encouraging” new eyelash growth. Like Latisse, RevitaLash requires that you start well ahead of your wedding—three months or so—to get the best results. And like Latisse, RevitaLash has some potential side effects like eye irritation and discoloration. Users report mixed results, but those who love the stuff REALLY love it AND their newly lush lashes. Might you, too?

Photo Courtesy of Classic Bride

Something about the long, warm, lazy days of summer always gets us thinking about vacation. And when we think about vacation, naturally we think about EUROPE. And when we think about Europe, we tend to get more than a little inspired about weddings with effortlessly chic continental flair (you see where this is going, right?). And when we get inspired—we just have to share our inspiration with you, dear Houston bride.

Our transatlantic daydreaming recently led us to a fabulous blogosphere find. Classic Bride, according to its own self-description, “strives to celebrate a balance between the traditions of yesterday and the modern trends of today.” Amen to that.

In striking this balance, Classic Bride has put together some simply delightful ideas for weddings with a sophisticated, yet completely down-to-Earth, European (mostly French) “je ne sais quoi.” From Paris to Provence (to England, a little bit), from fashion to favors, it’s all here. Peruse, muse, fantasize—then share your thoughts (and a link to this lovely blog) with your Houston coordinator, floral designer, stationer, caterer and/or bridal boutique. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t have the European wedding of your dreams right here at home.

Photo: Larry Fagala

A little shimmer, a little sparkle, a little shine. It’s the most alluring look in bridal makeup, fresh off the runway and making its way down the aisle.

O.K., so when we say shine, we’re not talking greasy foreheads or oily noses, dear Houston bride. Heaven forbid! We’re talking subtle metallics and shimmering pastels that create the illusion of ethereal loveliness.

Our top picks in this hot trend?

Shimmering Eyes: Whether you go for subtly smoky or youthful and sweet, metallic eye shadow is all the rage. We especially love the current crop of purples, from lilac to amethyst, although we’re also fans of pewter and gold. Add drama to soft shimmer with long, dark, luscious lashes (a few, well-placed artificial ones work wonders) and strong, beautifully shaped brows.

Sweet Cheeks: Sheer shades of peach or pink are the perfect complement to shimmering lids. Cheeks should look flushed and fresh, not sculpted or severe. Depending on your overall makeup design, you might try a mineral bronzer for a subtly sun-kissed look.

Notice-me Nails: Sure, the classic French manicure never goes out of wedding style. But for something a little more of-the-moment, we love short, sweet nails in soft, sheer metallics. Our favorites? Lilac, snowflake and understated silver.

Pretty Lips: While sparkle dominates the eyes and nails, for the lips the look is understated with just a hint of shine. Pinks are popping up in just about every lip collection, and are beautiful on brides, but make sure to avoid too-bright hues, which can overwhelm your face and look dated in wedding photos.

Photo: Larry Fagala

Soft, sensual, romantic. Today’s most coveted bridal hairstyles are leaning toward a more natural look, with accents of pearl, crystal, flowers or feathers for added elegance. Some of the most flattering styles include half-up-half-down, the loose French braid, the over-the-shoulder side ponytail and flowing waves lifted gently from the face with jeweled barrettes. Of course natural doesn’t mean unkempt. You’ll want your bridal hairstylist to assure your soft ‘do stays done through the day and night by applying the right flexible-hold product and securing hair accessories well.

For those of you with shorter locks, or a passion for vintage glamour, you’ll be pleased to know that ANOTHER hot trend taking hold of brides’ heads across the country is the retro-chic birdcage veil.

The birdcage veil is a short, circular veil that is typically attached to the hair with a comb or with pins. Most commonly, a birdcage veil is worn with a blusher—a section of veil that usually covers the bride’s face almost to her chin during the processional, and is pulled back to reveal the bride’s face for the ceremony.

Birdcage veils are typically made from Russian or French netting, which has an open pattern that covers but does not really conceal the bride’s face. Often adorned with feathers or silk flowers, birdcage veils also can be accented with vintage brooches or other heirloom jewelry (something old, something borrowed, etc.).

These sweet, subtle veils evoke Old Hollywood glamour, but are perfectly suited to modern hairstyles from textured bobs to gamine cuts to low, blunt ponytails. They look lovely over nape-bound updos, too.

“Grey’s Anatomy” star Katherine Heigl wore one over beautifully back-swept bangs for her wedding to musician Josh Kelley. Drew Barrymore sported a snazzy one over darling finger-waves at the “Grey Gardens” premiere (O.K., technically not an actual wedding, but brides aplenty took notice!). Reese Witherspoon’s character beamed from behind one during the wedding scene in “Sweet Home Alabama.” And you can get ’caged, too, Houston bride. For ideas, check out birdcage veil specialist  Emma’s Bridal Boutique or click on our bridal gown & accessory vendor listings and start the search for your perfect veil.

Photo courtesy Emma’s Bridal Boutique

Photo: Nhan Nguyen Photography

If you’ve always envisioned your wedding as a strictly adult affair, this probably isn’t a blog post you need to bother with. BUT, if like many brides, you are considering including one, two or a bunch of children at your wedding, you’ll want to read on.

Whether or not to have children at your wedding is almost always a difficult decision fraught with potential offenses and possible (but certainly avoidable) catastrophes. If you happen to either have children in your family with whom you are very close, or have children of your own, then there’s a good chance you’ll want to include these little ones on your guest list.

Of course, it helps hugely if your wedding is scheduled to take place fairly early in the day (tantrums are much more likely to occur late, when children are kept up past regular bedtimes).

And, naturally, you’re more likely to be comfortable with kids at your wedding if you welcome the whimsical spontaneity that children often bring, and are OK with some things not going exactly as you had planned (perhaps your little nephew simply refuses to wear anything but his beloved green dinosaur T-shirt, or your best friend’s young daughter decides to belt out the ABC song during your ceremony!).

If you do decide to have wee ones at your wedding, here are five top tips for maximizing their (and your) enjoyment, and minimizing meltdowns.

1. Keep Them Occupied: Nothing breeds crankiness and chaos more than boredom. If you plan to have children at your wedding, make sure you have plenty for them to do. This may mean hiring a professional children’s entertainer to tell stories, paint faces, etc., or a childcare provider (or two) to take the kids on a “discovery stroll” or lead a scavenger hunt. If your venue has space, you may want to set up a separate “screening room” where you can play kids’ TV programs or movies on DVD.

2. Feed Them: Kids tend to be finicky eaters, and they tend to behave better when well fed. Keep their bellies full and their attention occupied by providing kid-friendly meal items served at low, easy-to-reach tables. Good choices include finger foods like chicken strips, mini burgers, cheese pizza, veggies and dip, and fresh fruit, along with juice boxes or milk boxes to drink. Try to avoid serving them sweet treats, which inevitably lead to sugar-fueled hyperactivity and the inevitable post-mania crash.

3. Give Them a Role: If possible, include invited children in your ceremony by giving them tasks. Sure, there’s usually only one ring-bearer or flower girl, but who says you can’t have three darling little girls holding tiny nosegays beside your bridesmaids, or two handsome boys handing out programs to entering guests?

4. Let Parents Prep in Peace: Try to provide childcare during the hours prior to your wedding to allow guests, especially members of your wedding party, to get themselves ready. This is especially feasible if you are getting married at a hotel or club where a room can be set aside for kids to eat, nap or play while parents get gussied up elsewhere on site.

5. Don’t Force the Issue: A wedding can be an intimidating environment for a small child. Don’t try to force a resistant child to leave his parents’ side, or to participate in activities if he doesn’t seem inclined. Most children need a little time to warm up to the situation and will naturally gravitate toward other kids who are having fun when he is comfortable and feels safe and ready.