WOW, What a Show!

If you were one of those fortunate (and savvy) enough to have attended last Thursday’s utterly magnificent I Do! Wedding Soiree at The Corinthian, you experienced first-hand the all-encompassing splendor of Houston’s ONLY true luxury wedding event and VIP bride/groom cocktail bash.

If you weren’t present for Thursday’s festivities, well…let us give you a little glimpse of what you missed.

WOW, What a Show!

Photo: Civic Photos | Decor: Darryl & Co.

We’re so thrilled to have benefited from the talents of the following show contributors, without whom we could not have put on this one-of-a-kind wedding fantasyscape and sumptuous fete: EB Inc. Event Rentals & Design, LBL Event Rentals & Design, Johanna Terry Events, DJU Productions, LG Entertainment, Scott Graham Piano, and our awesome show photographer (and top Houston-area wedding photography studio!) Civic Photos, whose pix we’re featuring here.

WOW, What a Show!

Photos: Civic Photos | Top Left: Plants N’ Petals | Top Right: Flora & Eventi | Bottom: Johanna Terry Events

From the moment our guests entered the majestic Corinthian in downtown Houston, they knew they were in for something special, as they encountered floral-and-finery flights of fantasy from the likes of Plants N’ Petals, Todd Events, Flora & Eventi, Darryl & Co., Johanna Terry Events, Nuage Designs, Inc., EB Inc. Event Rentals & Design, LBL Event Rentals and Flowers of Kingwood.

WOW, What a Show!

Photos: Civic Photos | Top Left: Nuage Designs, Inc. | Top Right: Darryl & Co. | Middle: Todd Events | Bottom Left: EB Inc. Events | Bottom Right: LBL Event Rentals

Helping couples to refine their wedding-day vision, and coordinate the details of their big day, planners Kat Creech Events, A Day to Remember and Cocomar Ladies met one-on-one with attendees, and showed plenty of examples of the incredible Houston wedding celebrations they’ve brought to life for their grateful clients.

WOW, What a Show!

Photos: Civic Photos | Top Left: A Day To Remember | Top Right: Kat Creech Events | Bottom: Cocomar Ladies

Brides who were searching for wedding-day style and fashion found plenty to love, from Parvani Vida Bridal & Formal, Winnie Couture, Now & Forever Bridal Boutique, Houston Bridal Gallery, Damsel White Label, Tess Harriss Designs and MW Couture.

WOW, What a Show!

Photos: Civic Photos | Top Left: Now & Forever Bridal Boutique | Top Right: Houston Bridal Gallery | Middle Left: Winnie Couture | Middle Left: MW Couture | Middle Right: Tess Harriss Designs | Bottom Left: Parvani Vida Bridal & Formal | Bottom Right: Damsel White Label

And just in case they weren’t sure whether they’d prefer a head of flowing waves or a glam updo, a sun-kissed glow or shimmering bare shoulders, a full set of lush lashes or just a bit of enhancement, our guests could experiment with looks, get advice and try out products from Nyoka Gregory Beauty, WINX Lash Studio, KAX Tanning Souffle and Hotze Health & Wellness Center.

WOW, What a Show!

Photos: Civic Photos | Top Left: Kax Tanning Souffle | Top Right: Nyoka Gregory Beauty | Bottom Right: Winx Lash & Makeup Studio | Bottom Right: Hotze Health & Wellness Center

Of course, no wedding-day look is complete with the right…sparkle. And guests found oodles of glimmer and shine (and a few VERY substantial rocks), at the dazzling displays put on by Peran & Scannell Jewelers, and Donoho’s Jewellers.

WOW, What a Show!

Photos: Civic Photos | Left: Peran & Scannell Jewelers | Right: Donoho’s Jewellers

Couples seeking a talented photographer and/or filmmaker to capture the beauty and emotional resonance of their special day had an abundance of options, with exhibits from Adam Nyholt, D. Jones, M. Wang, Lindsay Elizabeth, MD Turner, Steve Lee, Serendipity, Danielson Cinema, mutli-Emmy-award-winner Sculpting With Time, and our very own show photographer Civic Photos.

WOW, What a Show!

Photos: Civic Photos | Top Left: Serendipity Photography | Top Middle: Steve Lee Photography | Top Right: Sculpting With Time Productions | Middle Left: Danielson Cinema | Middle Left:  Adam Nyholt | Middle Center: Civic Photos | Middle Right: D. Jones Photography | Bottom Left: MD Turner Photography | Bottom Middle: Lindsay Elizabeth | Bottom Right: M. Wang

Cakes? Gifts? Invitations? The I Do! Soiree had something for each and every couple, from Houston icons Susie’s Cakes & Confections, Bering’s and Isabella Invitations.

WOW, What a Show!

Photos: Civic Photos | Left: Susie’s Cakes & Confections | Top Right: Bering’s | Bottom Right: Isabella Invitations

While they wandered through the Soiree’s wonderland of wedding WOW, guests were entertained by top Houston MC, DJ, and live-music experts DJU Productions, LG Entertainment and pianist Scott Graham. And, of course, since this WAS a party, eager attendees indulged in fabulous food, sips and sweets from Jackson and Company.

WOW, What a Show!

Photos: Civic Photos | Top Left, Middle Left & Bottom Right: Jackson and Company | Top Right: DJU Productions | Middle Right: LG Entertainment| Bottom Left: Scott Graham Piano

Along with the grandeur of The Corinthian all around them, venue-seeking to-be-weds could virtually tour The Parador and Chateau Cocomar—two beloved Houston sites for ceremony and reception.

WOW, What a Show!

Photos: Civic Photos | Top: Chateau Cocomar | Bottom: The Parador

To round out their full wedding- and marriage-planning experience, guests had the chance to chat with Minister Lynn Turner of Weddings Performed, and expert realtor Michelle Ray, of Michelle Ray Properties.

WOW, What a Show!

Photos: Civic Photos | Left: Michelle Ray Properties | Right: Weddings Performed

We are so thrilled to have had the honor to celebrate and serve so many Houston couples, and their friends and family, at this month’s extraordinary I Do! Wedding Soiree. From food and drink, to stunning tablescapes, to beautiful exhibitor displays, to luxury swag bags and superb door prizes (including our hold-your-breath giveaway of 5 nights’ luxury oceanfront accommodation at Bermuda’s fabulous Pompano Beach Club), the Feb. 4 I Do! Wedding Soiree was an absolute knockout.

We welcome you to post, pin, tag, share and comment on photos, and, if you attended Thursday’s show, let us know what you DISCOVERED, what you LOVED, and what you’d RECOMMEND to Houston brides and grooms starting on the journey to planning the perfect wedding.

Thank you…and HAPPY PLANNING!

Coral and Blue Wedding at Chateau Polonez by Akil Bennett Photography

WEDDINGS IN HOUSTON Spring 2015 | Real Wedding Feature

Julie & Justin ~ April 25, 2014

While European-themed Chateau Polonez was the site of their spring wedding, it was the allure of the islands that served as inspiration for Julie and Justin’s memorable celebration. The couple, who became engaged in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, and would eventually honeymoon in French Polynesia, infused their special day with “beachy” elements, from a blue-and-coral palette to sand-rock-and-starfish candle displays, to guest tables named for famed island destinations. Did the newlyweds sail off into the sunset? Not exactly. But after hours of dancing and dining with those they loved most, they did drive off in a 1965 Rolls-Royce the groom had always coveted. “We had such a wonderful time,” the bride says, “and were so thankful to have our family and loved ones there.”

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Photos: Akil Bennett Photography ~ Wedding Dress: Brickhouse Bridal ~ M.O.B. Dress: T. Carolyn Fashions ~ Venue: Chateau Polonez ~ Officiant: Minister Lynn Turner from Weddings Performed ~ Honeymoon: Tahiti & Moorea

Elegant Black, Gold & Pink Wedding at the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by D. Jones Photography

WEDDINGS IN HOUSTON FALL 2014 | REAL WEDDING FEATURE

Lisa and Donald ~ January 19, 2014

While their Match.com introduction might not be the essence of tradition, Don’s request to Lisa’s dad for permission to marry his daughter certainly was. “After getting my dad’s blessing, he dropped to one knee and I said, ‘Yes!’” recalls the bride—who also happens to be director of catering and conferences for one of Houston’s most revered wedding venues: The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa. Naturally, the couple wed at Lisa’s longtime place of employment, aided in planning by the hotel’s social catering manager, Jim Gray. Highlights of the joyful occasion included a ceremony filled with poignant readings by the couple’s many family members. Avid foodies both, Don and Lisa incorporated wine pairings into their lavish menu, and treated guests to exquisite desserts, almond-and-raspberry wedding cake, and postprandial cigars. “My favorite part of the night was singing and dancing with my niece and goddaughter Caroline to—yes—‘Sweet Caroline,’ by Neil Diamond,” Lisa recalls happily. “The entire room joined in!”

{ Elegant Black, Gold & Pink Wedding at the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by D. Jones Photography } Elegant Black, Gold & Pink Wedding at the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by D. Jones Photography Elegant Black, Gold & Pink Wedding at the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by D. Jones Photography { Elegant Black, Gold & Pink Wedding at the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by D. Jones Photography } Elegant Black, Gold & Pink Wedding at the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by D. Jones Photography

Names: Lisa Hopkins & Donald Barry ~ Number of Guests 135 ~ Venue: The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa ~ Lighting Bright Star Productions ~ Cake: Susie’s Cakes & Confections ~ Officiant: Minister Lynn Turner, Weddings Performed ~ Photography: D. Jones Photography ~ Honeymoon: Hawaii

Gold, Lavender and Rose Chateau Cocomar Wedding by Steve Lee

“Sean proposed to me on Christmas Eve 2011 at my parents’ house. We have a family tradition of each person opening one gift the night before Christmas. That year my mom decided the gift would be an ornament with an inspirational message inside. Everyone opened their ornaments and read their messages aloud, one at a time. I was last because my mom couldn’t seem to find my ornament on the tree. Sean found the ornament for her and he handed it to me. When I opened it my message read, ‘Will you marry me?’ I was so shocked and excited that I didn’t even notice that he was already down on one knee with the ring in his hand telling me how much he loves me. It was perfect! I loved finding out later that Sean had asked my dad for his permission before proposing.” We love it, too, Jessica. And, just like your mom, we love that you had her wedding gown altered to wear at your rehearsal dinner at The Grove. And that you made the invitations to your Chateau Cocomar wedding by hand. And that Sean’s favorite moment of the whole wedding was when he got his “first look” at you, privately, in the moments before the ceremony. And, most of all, that you and Sean found each other, and true love, in this big, wide world. Congratulations to you both, and big thanks to the exceptional Steve Lee for magnificent photos of this magnificent Houston wedding.

Gold, Lavender and Rose Chateau Cocomar Wedding by Steve Lee Gold, Lavender and Rose Chateau Cocomar Wedding by Steve Lee Gold, Lavender and Rose Chateau Cocomar Wedding by Steve Lee Gold, Lavender and Rose Chateau Cocomar Wedding by Steve Lee Gold, Lavender and Rose Chateau Cocomar Wedding by Steve Lee Gold, Lavender and Rose Chateau Cocomar Wedding by Steve Lee Gold, Lavender and Rose Chateau Cocomar Wedding by Steve Lee Gold, Lavender and Rose Chateau Cocomar Wedding by Steve Lee Gold, Lavender and Rose Chateau Cocomar Wedding by Steve Lee Gold, Lavender and Rose Chateau Cocomar Wedding by Steve Lee Gold, Lavender and Rose Chateau Cocomar Wedding by Steve Lee Gold, Lavender and Rose Chateau Cocomar Wedding by Steve Lee Gold, Lavender and Rose Chateau Cocomar Wedding by Steve Lee Gold, Lavender and Rose Chateau Cocomar Wedding by Steve Lee Gold, Lavender and Rose Chateau Cocomar Wedding by Steve Lee Gold, Lavender and Rose Chateau Cocomar Wedding by Steve Lee

Photos: Steve Lee Weddings ~ Bride’s Dress: Monique Lhuillier from Joan Pillow Bridal Salon ~ Bride’s Hair & Makeup: The Perfect Face ~ Engagement Ring & Wedding Band: Zadok Jewelers ~ Cake: For Heaven’s Cake ~ Flowers & Decor: Floral Events ~ Linens: Elegant Beginnings ~ Officiant: Weddings Performed (Minister Lynn Turner) ~ Venue: Chateau Cocomar ~ Rehearsal Dinner: The Grove

Classic, Traditional, Blush, Green and Gold Houston Wedding at Chateau Cocomar

Looking absolutely gorgeous in her Lazaro gown, bride Corina wed handsome groom Eric in front of 130 of the couple’s nearest and dearest. And despite the heat of the summer day, Chateau Cocomar looked fresh and cool for the occasion, filled as it was with crisp linens, gorgeous blush and ivory flowers courtesy of Arteflora, and plenty of light-catching crystals. For all its elegant formality, this Houston couple’s wedding was also FUN, featuring dancing, sparklers, teddy bears…and a performance by none other than the bride herself! Our thanks to Lulu Lopez for the great photos, and our heartfelt congratulations to the lovebirds, Corina and Eric.

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Photos: Lulu Lopez Photography ~ Bride’s Dress: Lazaro from Ivory Bridal Atelier ~ Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo ~ Cake: World Catering ~ Flowers: Arteflora ~ Officiant: Weddings Performed ~ Venue: Chateau Cocomar