Houston Wedding Blog

White and Ivory Ballroom Wedding by 1Cinema Productions

To transform a hotel ballroom into a “heavenly setting,” bride Dara opted for lush, romantic draping throughout the room. And we are in love with the result. We also adore how the reception’s billowy, beautiful surroundings get a lovely, contemporary contrast from sleek, asymmetrical centerpieces of white calla lilies, orchids, hydrangea and ranunculus, on alternating round and square tables, courtesy Decor One. But mostly we love the love on Dara and Ammar’s faces in their wedding photos from 1Cinema Productions. So much excitement, so much joy, so much FUN. We wish the newlyweds a lifetime of happiness—congratulations!

Bridal Shoes and Clutch Bride getting ready bride and groom portraits Bridal bouquet Bride and groom Wedding Decor Reception Decor Floral centerpieces Wedding Cake Reception Table Decor wedding reception dessert bar wedding reception dancing bride and groom dancing at reception btide and groom Mr. & Mrs. Just Married

Photos: 1Cinema Productions ~ Bride’s Dress: Melissa Sweet by Priscilla of Boston ~ Cake: Who Made The Cake! ~ Flowers & Decor: Decor One ~ Venue: Omni Westside

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We Remember The Victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School

Today marks one week since the unthinkable massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School. We cannot express the depth of grief we feel for the families and friends of the victims and for the community of Newtown.

Today, we remember the names of those whose lives were taken on Friday, Dec. 14.

 

Noah, 6

Emilie, 6

Jack, 6

Jesse, 6

Catherine, 6

Jessica, 6

Ana, 6

Charlotte, 6

James, 6

Dylan, 6

Avielle, 6

Benjamin, 6

Madeleine, 6

Caroline, 6

Allison, 6

Olivia, 6

Daniel, 7

Josephine, 7

Chase, 7

Grace, 7

Victoria, 27

Rachel, 29

Dawn, 47

Lauren, 30

Anne Marie, 52

Mary, 56

 

May they rest in peace.

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Chateau Cocomar Bridal Shoot by Memories by Maryanne

Houston photographer Maryanne Keeling has photographed bride Lauren’s family for years, and “I had a great time with her during her senior portrait session when she was graduating high school,” she tells us. So when Lauren got engaged, Keeling couldn’t wait to snap a few pix of Chateau Cocomar and send them off to the bride-to-be, who was living in Amarillo at the time—“I picked the location for the shoot—I knew Lauren would love it!” Not only did Lauren fall in love with the fairytale venue—“absolutely perfect” is how she responded to viewing Keeling’s preview shots of the site—but she added even more magic to the already enchanting surroundings, posing for her beautiful bridal shoot in her Pronovias “Bergamo” gown, with its breathlessly romantic lace overlay. So pretty, don’t you think?

black and white sitting bridal portrait bridal portraits on stairs and by window bride in background standing bridal portrait bridal portraits standing and sitting sitting bridal portrait up close bridal vignette with purple shoes bridal bouquet bridal portraits outside on stairs with bouquet Bridal portrait outside on stairs

Photos: Memories by Maryanne ~ Bride’s Dress: Pronovias “Bergamo” from Brickhouse Bridal ~ Location: Chateau Cocomar

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Gorgeous Galveston Indian Wedding by Sassani Photography

Remember Myspace? If not for the Facebook forerunner, Niki and Samar might never have found true love. Samar first set eyes on his future bride’s face on his roommate’s Myspace page way back in olden times (2006 to be exact). But, alas, Niki was dating someone. Then later, when she was single, Samar was dating someone—you know how the story goes. Finally, in 2010, the destined-to-be-together couple’s stars aligned, and a group dinner with friends brought them face-to-face. The next day, a first real date—two years later, the wedding of a lifetime, with 375 gathered at Galveston’s San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center for a day of unforgettable celebrating. With coordination by Sobi Qazi of Lion & Lamb Event Services, and floral finesse from Prashe Decor (think lush blush, champagne and ivory flowers for the joy-filled ceremony; black lampshades topping submerged orchids for the sophisticated reception), plus sumptuous Indian cuisine, decadent fried Oreos, and dancing ’til 2 a.m., their wedding was everything Niki and Samar had ever dreamed it would be. Thanks so Sassani Photography for the vibrant photos…and congratulations to the newlyweds!

Bridal shoes and accessorites bride and groom wedding bands bride getting ready bride and groom embrace Groom accessories bride and groom posing bridal party bride and groom's loved ones Wedding food outdoor ceremony location program and decorations ceremony rituals ceremonial rituals bride and groom after ceremony Reception decor groom at reception Wedding reception dancing bride dancing at reception

Photos: Sassani Photography

Coordination: Lion & Lamb Event Services

Flowers: Prashe Decor

Venue: San Luis Resort, Spa & Convention Center

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vbeautè’s Julie Macklowe Shares Secrets for Bridal-Beautiful Skin at Any Age

If you’ve been noticing quite a number of women walking around Houston with an extra-special glow, skincare superstar Julie Macklowe is probably to thank for it. The founder of vbeautèthe anti-aging skincare weapon in the arsenals of in-the-know women around the world—recently brought her coveted line to Houston with an exclusive launch at Therapy Hair Studio, and the buzz has been HUGE. Which is why we are so very delighted and excited to have Macklowe on HWB today for a special Q&A on how to get radiant bridal skin, and maintain it through years of milestones, anniversaries, free-radicals, and just plain ol’ growing up.

vbeaute beauty products

Houston Wedding Blog: At what age should a woman start thinking in terms of “anti-aging” skincare?

Julie Macklowe: It’s always easier to prevent rather than to correct, so when it comes to anti-aging, the sooner the better.

HWB: How can a bride-to-be prepare her skin to look its best on her wedding day?

JM: Ideally start prepping your skin about six months in advance. You want to give yourself a good amount of time in case your skin requires more invasive procedures like chemical peels and laser treatments. Then, once you get closer to the big day you can opt for a gentle facial. Aside from starting early, it’s also key to find a reputable esthetician that can develop a game plan depending on the condition of your skin, and you’ll want to complement your spa/medical-spa treatments with an effective at-home regimen. I specifically designed my product line to meet the needs of all women—even those like myself with very sensitive skin—so vbeautè’s products are a fantastic way to get and keep your skin looking its best.

HWB: What kind of home skincare regimen would you recommend to a newlywed?

JM: Being a newlywed is an incredible time, but it can also be a stressful one and as most of us know, stress equals acne. It’s important to make sure to wash your face morning and night, exfoliate at least once a week to reduce clogged pores, and keep your skin hydrated with water-based skincare products and alcohol-free toners (even if you have oily skin), so as to prevent flare-ups.

HWB: What skincare treatments should a newlywed consider getting, and how often, to maintain youthful, healthy looking skin?

JM: Like most working moms I’m “go go go,” which is why I designed my vbeautè’s It Kit. It’s a no-fail, easy-to-use skincare kit with all of the skincare essentials we need, housed in a chic, portable kit.

HWB: As she approaches her 10-year wedding anniversary, how might a woman’s skincare regimen change? How about her 20-year anniversary?

JM: I designed my products for every age so whether you’re 20, 30, 40, 50, or beyond these are products that will work for you now and in the years to come.

HWB: What’s your top tip for the bride who wants to keep her skin looking as fresh and glowing as it did on her wedding day?

JM: Drink lots of water!

vbeautè products can be found at Therapy Hair Studio in Houston or at vbeautè online.

Julie Macklowe Photo: Ben Fink Shapiro

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Sparkling, Super-Luxe Woodlands Resort Wedding by John Ly Photography

Lush purple and pink flowers, cascades of crystal draping, a room washed in shades of rose and lavender, a dazzling monogrammed white dance floor—Stefanie and Byron’s wedding celebration, with design help from Darryl & Co., was a knockout. And lest you think this sweet couple—who met on Match.com, btw—opted for formal glamour over just plain fun, we can promise you, it just ain’t so. They had the best of both! Check out Stefanie and her besties taking to the stage with zany ’80s revivalists The Spazmatics…the bride’s favorite band. You go, girl! Big thanks to the happy couple for inviting us to share their spectacular day, and to John Ly for the lovely photos!

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Photos: John Ly Photography ~ Bride’s Dress: Private Collection ~ Bride’s Makeup: Makeup Texas ~ Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid ~ Décor, Flowers & Rentals: Darryl & Co. ~ Videography: A&A Video Productions ~ Venue, Catering & Cakes: The Woodlands Resort

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2012 Holiday Season Party Dress Up and Makeup

’Tis the season, darlings: holiday shindigs, cocktail parties, evenings out with old friends who are back in town, family gatherings, perhaps an engagement party or two…

If you’re looking for special-occasion dress-up ideas, get inspired by our recent guest post on pre-wedding-party style. Also a great fashion/makeup/accessories resource: PrettyShinySparkly—a delish lil’ style blog by recent Houston bride (and medical resident!) Kristina Braly.

Oh—and don’t forget flawless makeup to go with your fabulous outfit. Check out this little party-night makeup tutorial by our favorite beauty-blogging Brit Tanya Burr, demonstrating step by step her OWN birthday-night-out look. A little smoky, a little sparkly and just the right mix of sexy and sweet—perfect for holiday-season nighttime socializing. DO try this at home, ladies!!

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Coral and Ivory Houston Country Club Wedding by Chris Bailey Photography

“Elegant, romantic, classic and beautiful.” These are the words Diana uses to describe her wedding to Elliott, which began with a church ceremony and kicked into high gear with a Houston Country Club reception for 450 of the couple’s nearest and dearest. To bring her wedding vision to life in floral splendor, Diana turned to Events in Bloom, which filled the room with coral and ivory peonies, roses and hydrangea, complemented by gold chiavari chairs and elegant lounge furniture. “Most importantly we wanted our guests to have FUN!” says the bride, explaining that after cutting the cake and mingling with guests for a bit, she and Elliott—along with plenty of friends and family—were on the dance floor by 9:30, light-up glow sticks in hand, “and never left until our exit.” To nourish revelers—and fuel them for a post-wedding after-party at the Omni Houston Hotel’s Black Swan—Diana and Elliott served breakfast tacos and beignet-and-bacon bites. Delish. Congratulations to the newlyweds, and big thanks to Chris Bailey Photography for the fine photos you see here.

Bridal Gown and Jewelry Bride and Bridesmaids Bouquets Bridal Portraits Longhorn Family photo Reception Decoration Detail Reception Bride and Groom Cake Couple Champagne Toast Bride and Groom kissing and dancing Bride and Groom dancing Band and Wedding Party dancing Vintage Car sendoff

Photos: Chris Bailey Photography ~ Bride’s Dress: Rivini from Ivory Bridal Atelier ~ Bride’s Shoes: Jimm Choo ~ Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale ~ Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Attire: Al’s Formal Wear ~ Cakes: Susie’s Cakes & Confections ~ Flowers & Decor: Events in Bloom ~ Venue: Houston Country Club

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