Fun, Relaxed, Dance-Fueled Houston Wedding by DC Stanley Photography

“After we got engaged, Eric told me that the only thing he wanted in our wedding was to have the Spazmatics play during the reception,” recounts bride Melissa. “I had no idea that band would shape our entire wedding.” That wedding started with a ceremony at the Houston Arboretum—“I love the idea of bringing our kids back to the exact spot we got married to have a picnic,” the bride says. Next, guests headed to Houston’s House of Blues for a fun, upbeat, joy-filled party featuring Southern comfort food, red velvet cake and tons of dancing. DC Stanley Photography’s photos of this event are nothing short of fantastic, but Melissa says the photographer’s talents go beyond just pointing and shooting. “David and his wife are an amazing team. I hate posed pictures and he does an amazing job of catching the moment without being intrusive. His work looks more like art then wedding photography. He was also extremely helpful when needed. My bustle kept falling out and he helped my bridesmaid fix it. He has been to a lot of weddings and has tons of knowledge. I am sure he could be a wedding planner if he wanted to.” Aww… how sweet is that? However, we do hope the Stanley duo keep taking gorgeous wedding photos, so we can keep showing them to you, our beloved Houston brides! Congratulations, Melissa and Eric, and thank you for sharing your very special day.

Fun, Relaxed, Dance-Fueled Houston Wedding by DC Stanley Photography Fun, Relaxed, Dance-Fueled Houston Wedding by DC Stanley Photography Fun, Relaxed, Dance-Fueled Houston Wedding by DC Stanley Photography Fun, Relaxed, Dance-Fueled Houston Wedding by DC Stanley Photography Fun, Relaxed, Dance-Fueled Houston Wedding by DC Stanley Photography Fun, Relaxed, Dance-Fueled Houston Wedding by DC Stanley Photography Fun, Relaxed, Dance-Fueled Houston Wedding by DC Stanley Photography Fun, Relaxed, Dance-Fueled Houston Wedding by DC Stanley Photography Fun, Relaxed, Dance-Fueled Houston Wedding by DC Stanley Photography Fun, Relaxed, Dance-Fueled Houston Wedding by DC Stanley Photography Fun, Relaxed, Dance-Fueled Houston Wedding by DC Stanley Photography Fun, Relaxed, Dance-Fueled Houston Wedding by DC Stanley Photography Fun, Relaxed, Dance-Fueled Houston Wedding by DC Stanley Photography Fun, Relaxed, Dance-Fueled Houston Wedding by DC Stanley Photography Fun, Relaxed, Dance-Fueled Houston Wedding by DC Stanley Photography

Photos: DC Stanley Photography ~ Bride’s Dress: Allure Couture from Weddings by Debbie ~ Cake: Rustika Café & Bakery ~ Flowers: Think Studio ~ Ceremony Venue: Houston Arboretum ~ Reception Venue: House of Blues

Sultry House of Blues Engagement Shoot by Adam Nyholt Photographer

“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.

Sultry House of Blues Engagement Shoot by Adam Nyholt Photographer
Sultry House of Blues Engagement Shoot by Adam Nyholt Photographer
Sultry House of Blues Engagement Shoot by Adam Nyholt Photographer
Sultry House of Blues Engagement Shoot by Adam Nyholt Photographer
Sultry House of Blues Engagement Shoot by Adam Nyholt Photographer
Sultry House of Blues Engagement Shoot by Adam Nyholt Photographer
Sultry House of Blues Engagement Shoot by Adam Nyholt Photographer

Photos: Adam Nyholt Photographer

Spectacular HOB Wedding by Steve Lee Weddings

We’re so grateful to the fabulously talented (and super nice) Steve Lee of Steve Lee Weddings for sharing Elizabeth and Nelson’s House of Blues Houston wedding with us. You may recall we recently sang the praises of HOB (and gave away tickets and dinner for two—congrats again, Dameria Curry!). Well, Elizabeth and Nelson’s nuptial celebration is a testament to HOB’s awesomeness. Where else can a wedding couple savor the spotlight so spectacularly? Throw a décor and floral genius like Darryl Murchison into the mix, add oodles of entertainment from a gospel choir to a full live band, and you’ve got a wedding none of Elizabeth and Nelson’s 500 guests are likely to ever forget. Rock on, newlyweds, rock on.

Spectacular HOB Wedding by Steve Lee Weddings Spectacular HOB Wedding by Steve Lee Weddings Spectacular HOB Wedding by Steve Lee Weddings Spectacular HOB Wedding by Steve Lee Weddings Spectacular HOB Wedding by Steve Lee Weddings

Photography: Steve Lee Weddings~Bride’s Dress: Ulla Maija Couture~Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blahnik~Flowers & Décor: Darryl & Co.~Coordinator: Valerie Eissler at Belle of the Ball~Ceremony & Reception Venue: House of Blues Houston

House of Blues Giveaway: Last Week To Enter!

Wedding Buzz April 2011 Giveaway

One more week to enter, so many incredible shows to choose from. Don’t miss your chance to snag tickets for two plus dinner for two at the legendary House of Blues, Houston’s hottest venue for live music and sensational Southern-inspired dining (not to mention a VERY cool place to have your engagement party, rehearsal dinner or wedding!

TO ENTER: Visit House of Blues online and select one show from HOB’s concert calendar that you’d skip your best friend’s wedding to attend (OK, you’d NEVER do that…but a show you’d love to see). Then, send us an email with the show date, performer or band’s name and your favorite song. Make sure to include your full name, fiancé’s name and date (exact or approximate) of your wedding.

ENTRY DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2011. Winner will be announced in the April 27 Wedding Buzz and on Facebook.
Good luck!

Venues We Love: House of Blues

Houston Rock n Roll Wedding

Just the words “Foundation Room” are filled with hip, VIP mystique and a promise of exclusive, upscale, elegantly wicked fun. So of course the Foundation Room at House of Blues is a perfect spot for special wedding-related soirees. But there’s so much more to love about House of Blues than its Foundation.

For instance, did you know that HOB’s intimate Elwood Room is a great setting for an afternoon shower? “And guys don’t mind the couple’s shower when they can hang in The Jake Bar Lounge,” promises House of Blues special event sales manager Lauren MacQueen. How’d you like to “party like a rock star in our Big Mama Suite?” MacQueen wants to know. You can, you know, at your ultra-exclusive bachelor or bachelorette party, behind closed doors, with an overhead view of the legendary House of Blues stage. For an unforgettable engagement celebration, book the Bronze Peacock room, which features “playfully sophisticated decor and a dedicated stage for a band or DJ,” plus a cool outdoor terrace, perfect for setting up a cigar bar or hookah lounge. Or treat guests to a morning-after-the-wedding “Gospel Brunch”–there’s no more enjoyable penance for the previous evening’s celebratory hijinks. And that aforementioned Foundation Room? Inspired by the Near East and featuring Persian carpets, beautiful chandeliers and an eclectic display of art from HOB’s private collection, it’s a near perfect mixture of sophistication and peacefulness. Naturally, the food, drinks and service are fabulous, too. Rehearsal dinner, anyone?

Of course, for the ultimate rock ’n roll wedding, there’s no venue more fitting than HOB’s legendary Music Hall. “The bride and groom take center stage as guests view the ceremony from The Mezzanine,” then the entire entourage joins the stars of the show downstairs for a lavish reception on the main floor. For details on how you can hook up HOB for your wedding-related celebration, call 832.667.7757 or click.