Houston Wedding Blog

A&A Video Father-Daughter Dance Medley Clip Goes Viral

The traditional father-daughter reception dance got turned on its head when bride Ashley and her super-suave dad David took to the floor at Ashley’s wedding. We won’t give away the delicious deets (just in case you haven’t seen the clip yet—and with 8 million hits and counting, that’s getting less and less likely!). Let’s just say this dad-daughter duo has mad range—and more than a little wedding-day spirit. We’re just glad that Houston videography firm A&A Video was on hand at this fun and fabulous Signature Manor wedding to capture the action. Check it out, and be part of the viral sensation that’s sweeping Yahoo, YouTube, Good Morning America and Fox News…and continues to bring the happy everywhere it airs.

Greatest Father Daughter Dance Medley Ever! (Steadicam Version) from A&A Video Productions on Vimeo.

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Missed Sunday’s Tea with Jackson Hicks? Here’s a Little Sip!

The Corinthian in downtown’s Historic District is one of the most drop-dead gorgeous venues in Houston. So it’s no surprise last weekend’s tour and tea with venue director Jackson Hicks—Founder and CEO of famed catering firm Jackson and Company, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year—was one of the city’s most spectacular bridal events on record.

Floating candles welcomed brides and their guests as they ascended the venue’s regal stairs, led by Hicks, who held forth on The Corinthian’s history and wedding offerings. As if The Corinthian isn’t already amazing enough, top Houston designers lent their talents to dressing the space. Rob Smith of Events in Bloom brought in creamy white flowers and country-French furniture, while Darryl & Co. did up a divine chuppah in tons of cascading blooms. More fabulous flowers, courtesy Bergner & Johnson, adorned the tea tables, where guests nibbled the most delicious cakes, scones, pastries and tea sandwiches this side of the pond. Fashion, too, was at the fore, with luxury bridal salon Ivory Bridal Atelier showing off stunning gowns, accessorized with jewelry from—where else?—Tiffany & Co.

Get a feel for last weekend’s event—and for what your own Corinthian/Jackson and Company wedding might look and feel like—with these terrific photos from Larry Fagala and Nhan Nguyen!
The Corinthian Bridal Tea and Open House

Photos: Nhan Nguyen Photography (top 5 images), Larry Fagala (bottom 2 images)

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HWB Hearts: Super Natural Bridal Beauty from Rae Cosmetics and Kiehl’s

Rae Cosmetics ~ Houston Wedding Blog

Photos: Rae Cosmetics

‘Tis the season…for dry, tight, chapped skin. Next thing you know, it’ll be the season for swampy heat and endless sweat.

That’s just life in the big city. Of Houston. And we’re OK with that. What we’re not OK with? Looking anything less than picture-perfect on our big, beautiful wedding day. So let’s skip ahead a few months to the coming humidity—a bane for many a Houston bride. If you’re planning to walk down that aisle, or pose for engagement or bridal pics during our steamy season, you have GOT to get your hands on goods from Rae Cosmetics. We love this awesome line based in Austin and created by local makeup pro Rochelle Rae, who formulated her heat- and humidity-resistant products for professional athletes—and ended up making makeup that happens to be perfect for Houston brides.

Our favorite bridal beauty products include Rae’s weightless, antioxidant-packed Surface Primer, which creates a smooth, matte canvas for wedding-day makeup, and Rae’s silky, triple-milled, SPF 15 Mineral Powder, which won’t crease or smear from humidity or sweat. Sweet. Also in our bridal beauty toolbox is Rae’s Lush Silk Mascara, with actual silk powder, which binds to water, making it heat- and sweat-resistant, while creating long, lush, smize-tacular lashes. One note: Mineral face makeup tends to have light-reflecting properties, so be sure to check with your makeup artist before having your face done for photos!

Kiehl's Cosmetics ~ Houston Wedding Blog

Photos: Kiehl’s

Of course, we all know that bridal beauty prep starts months in advance of the main event. One of the best products we’ve found for keeping skin soft, supple and dewy looking during winter’s cool, dry months is new Midnight Recovery Concentrate from natural-beauty fave Kiehl’s. More a serum than a moisturizer, this lavender-enriched oil is formulated to repair and regenerate skin while you sleep. And you better believe it does. Smooth on a few drops, and, voila—wake up with fresher, more elastic, more hydrated skin (P.S. contrary to what you may think, it’s excellent for oily skin—many blemish-prone gals report a reduction in breakouts when using it!). And the scent? Soothing and heavenly—perfect for the stressed-out bride-to-be. Pair it with Kiehl’s paraben-free Midnight Recovery Eye treatment as part of your pre-wedding bridal beauty routine, and get ready to glow, for real.

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Vintage Tea Party Engagement Shoot by Rachel Robinson

This retro-adorable engagement shoot from oh-so-talented Rachel Robinson is one of the sweetest we’ve seen. But the love story behind Amanda and Brandon’s engagement? That’s even sweeter.

Little did small-town Canadian girl Amanda know she’d end up with native Houstonian Brandon, all those afternoons she spent daydreaming on the shore of tiny Nipper’s Harbour, Newfoundland. But when Amanda, all grown up, with a degree in mechanical engineering, moved to Houston where several of her friends had put down roots, she couldn’t help but notice that cutie at the bar, the one wearing Chuck Taylors—just like the ones she was wearing! Sure, they got to talking, and even shared a smooch. But it wasn’t until the next night, when she ended up at the same bar to watch college football with friends, and happened to hear a familiar voice call out, “Amanda Newfoundland!” that she knew something special was happening. Over the next few months, through long chats and ping-pong games (she won), and despite her heading offshore for a job, and his shoulder surgery, the two fell in love. Hard.

Then came the day when Amanda walked into the living room to see Brandon down on one knee with a little blue box (“which we all know means Tiffany’s!” she says). For their engagement—for which their parents joined them for a few adorable pics—the couple did a “fun and flirty photo shoot” in different parts of downtown Houston. “Brandon was the best, through all my girly ideas,” which included cotton candy, a tea party and tons of vintage styling, Amanda says. Through all the darling costumes, great settings and cool props, you can see this couple’s deep, sincere adoration for each other in every shot. Beautiful work, Rachel. And happiest wishes, Amanda and Brandon!

Vintage Tea Party Engagement Shoot by Rachel Robinson Photos: Rachel Robinson Photography

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Bridal 2012 Preview: Winnie Couture

Bridal 2012 Preview: Winnie Couture
With roots in Houston—she attended university and opened her first flagship bridal salon here—Winnie Chlomin is without question a local star. But the design director behind Winnie Couture is fast becoming a major media magnet, and her gowns, with their fine fabrics, signature embellishments and oh-so-glamorous silhouettes, are winning the hearts of exceptionally stylish brides across the country.

Now based in Beverly Hills, and exhibiting a deeply luxurious aesthetic inspired by that city’s inimitable sense of style, Winnie Couture is turning out some of our favorite gowns of the coming season. As the designer revealed on the recent New York International Bridal Market runway, the Winnie Couture fall/winter 2012 collection is all about romance and femininity. Along with magnificent Swarovski accents on bodices and belts, the new collection features a nod to the inherent beauty of nature, with intricate petals, roses and luscious leaves.

We’re in love with the lacey “Willow” (top right), a stunner with its elegant simplicity and figure-loving silhouette. For serious glamour, we’re dazzled by the beautifully beaded “Cordelia” mermaid gown (top left). Some lovely blush shades and more billowy, ballgown styles, plus drop waists with intricate, full skirts in the new collection, too, so make sure to visit Winnie Couture’s Houston flagship salon to view them all!
Bridal 2012 Preview: Winnie Couture

Photos: Winnie Couture

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Bridal 2012 Preview: Kenneth Pool,Plus Mia Bridal Couture Trunk Show

Kenneth Pool Fall 2012 Collection ~ Houston Wedding Blog
As 2012 bridal collections hit local salons, we’ll be offering you glimpses at some of our favorites. Fun, right? We think so!

Let’s just go ahead and kick things off with Kenneth Pool —a favorite of Houston brides, who will find plenty to go ga-ga over in the sumptuous spring and fall 2012 bridal collections. Designed by the exceptionally talented Amsale Aberra (also the artiste behind the Christos and Amsale bridal lines), Kenneth Pool spring 2012 (below) will not disappoint brides who crave the intricate crystal beading that gives the designer’s wedding gowns their signature sparkle. Among our favorites is the alluring “Alana” silk taffeta ballgown, with its heavily beaded bodice and absolutely gorgeous draped skirt. Some stunning fit-and-flare and trumpet styles, too, featuring dramatically bustled trains, and, again, that spectacular (but never over-the-top) beading on bodices, belts and train appliqués.

For fall 2012 (above), which just walked the runway at October’s New York International Bridal Market, Kenneth Pool turned up the volume—as in voluminous skirts and bustles, full of tiers, layers and big fluffy ruffles, many with a modern asymmetrical slant. It’s an exciting new angle for Kenneth Pool wedding dresses, and we LOVE it.

See these gowns for YOURSELF this Friday and Saturday, when Houston’s very own Mia Bridal Couture hosts a Kenneth Pool Fall 2012 trunk show. A Kenneth Pool style expert will be on hand, and brides who purchase during the show will receive a 10% discount (no small savings, with Kenneth Pool’s couture gowns in the $4,000-$10,000 range, and beyond). Appointments are required; call 713.622.2022 to make yours!
Kenneth Pool Fall 2012 Collection ~ Houston Wedding Blog
Photos: Kenneth Pool

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Tea & Tour with Jackson Hicks…plus HUGE GIVEAWAY!

If you needed one more reason to purchase tickets for next Sunday’s exclusive and certain-to-be-EXTRAORDINARY Tea and Tour of The Corinthian with the inimitable Jackson Hicks of legendary Houston catering firm Jackson and Company, well, this it IT:

Brides who call 713.222.2002 to purchase tickets by Thursday, Nov. 3 to attend this not-to-be-missed event, taking place Sunday, Nov. 6 from 3:30-5:30 p.m., will be entered to win a fabulous in-home bridal shower for up to 50 guests, with table settings, exceptional cuisine and impeccable service, from internationally renowned Jackson and Company (host will provide beverages). Jackson Hicks will personally design the menu for the winner’s magnificent shower.

The value of this incredible prize is $3,750, and entry is open ONLY to Houston brides who purchase tickets for next Sunday’s Tea & Tour of The Corinthian with Jackson Hicks by Thursday (entry is NOT open to non-brides or guests of brides attending the event, and is non-transferable).

The giveaway winner will be announced at Sunday’s event, and must be present to claim her prize.

And don’t forget, now through Thursday, Nov. 3, brides who mention Weddings in Houston when they call 713.222.2002 to reserve tickets for Sunday’s event will receive one complimentary ticket for each $25 ticket purchased—a perfect opportunity to bring your fiancé, mother or best friend to this once-in-a-lifetime event.

A sumptuous tea, an inspiring tour with a living legend, an opportunity to mingle with the city’s most esteemed wedding experts, a chance to win the bridal shower of a lifetime—oh, and free tickets, too. How can you refuse?

Tea & Tour with Jackson Hicks ~ Houston Wedding Blog
The Corinthian ~ Houston Wedding Blog

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I Do! @ ZaZa Photos, Highlights and BIG Thanks

Despite the rain on Oct. 9, you came, enthusiastic, energized and eager for inspiration. And when you walked through the doors of the I Do! Bridal Soiree @ Hotel ZaZa, you found iCatching Events’ magnificent ikebana-style bouquet displays and Darryl & Co’.s drop-dead gorgeous Ultimate Ransom Room setup, with its mirrored tables and lush red roses. You encountered Events in Bloom’s splendid Grapevine Room vignette, lavish with country-French furniture, linens and flowers, and Plants ’N Petals’ Room with a View, set up for a floral-filled ceremony. You delighted at jewelry from Peran & Scannell, boot bling from The Pretty Penny and brooch bouquets from Stationery by St. Clair. You sampled decadent cakes from Susie’s Cakes & Confections, Cake Creations and Edible Designs by Jessie—and if you had a little room left, nibbled SWEET’s sinful treats, too. You checked out fine china from Williams-Sonoma and Kuhl-Linscomb, and fantasized about showcasing it in your new home, as you chatted with The Loken Group’s savvy staff. You posed for Image Cinema photo booth pics, and flocked to pianist Scott Graham’s side to enjoy his tuneful talents. You envisioned your wedding album, as you perused unique displays by Houston photo pros D. Jones Photography, DC Stanley Photography, Steve Lee Weddings and Archetype Studio. And you imagined what you’d look like, walking down the aisle to your groom, wearing one of the stunning gowns showcased by our lovely models. You asked questions, you gathered information (and goodies—plenty of goodies!) and some of you won BIG. You talked to each other, you talked to our staff and you reminded us, once again, how lucky we are to do what we do, here at Weddings in Houston and the Houston Wedding Blog.

So, thank you, Houston brides. Special thanks, too, to Elegant Beginnings, The Perfect Touch Linens, The Posh Petal and Blooming Gallery/Linen Gallery, who, in conjunction with the aforementioned floral and event designers, turned out the most imaginative tablescapes we’ve ever laid eyes upon.

And, of course, big thanks to David Jones, for his gorgeous photos of our great event—a sampling of which are featured here. More can be found here.

Newly engaged or looking for even more wedding WOW? Get your tickets now for the Jan. 15 I Do! Bridal Soiree @ InterContinental Houston Hotel. We look forward to meeting you there!

I Do! Bridal Soiree ZaZa

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