Elegant | Houston Wedding Blog

Classic Crystal Ballroom Wedding by Kimberly Chau Photography

What we love most about Emily and Brian’s wedding celebration is its timeless elegance. Nothing over the top, no razzle-dazzle, no extraneous floral flights of fancy or excessive decor. Just pure, heirloom-quality prettiness. Same goes for the bride. We adore her infectious smile, her chic updo, her single strand of pearls and picture-perfect rose bouquet–echoed elegantly, we should add, in the gentlemen’s fine boutonnieres. And let’s just appreciate for a moment how this adorable couple is confident enough to let their venue–the historic Crystal Ballroom at the Rice–speak for itself. Just a few lush hydrangeas, pale pink roses, a little greenery, and lots of low-profile votive glow. Simply divine. Thanks so much to Houston photographer Kimberly Chau for sharing this wedding with us! We have a feeling this classic celebration, and her photos of it, will stand the test of time.

Classic Crystal Ballroom Wedding by Kimberly Chau Photography

Photography: Kimberly Chau Photography~Bride’s Dress: Casablanca from Ventura’s Bridal~Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Ann Taylor~Flowers: SCF Events~Decor & Rentals: Distinctive Details~Cakes: Julie Moncrief~Rings: Hoffman Diamond Company~Venue: Crystal Ballroom at the Rice~Coordinator: Kelly Balfour, Eventology Weddings

Vibrant Victoria Wedding by Archetype + Bonus Engagement Shoot Giveaway!

There are so many things we love about this extraordinarily elegant Victoria wedding, we hardly know where to begin. So let’s start bride Meredith herself. The Stephen Yearick gown? Gorgeous. Paired with the chunky necklace and bracelet? Perfection. Plus we love a.) that Meredith’s jewelry is beautifully echoed in the adornment of her Badgley Mischka shoes, b.) that both jewelry pieces look terribly expensive, and c.) that they are actually from Ann Taylor’s very affordable wedding jewelry collection–smart bride! Groom Michael ain’t so bad himself: white tie, orchid boutonniere, pocket square…excellent. OK, moving on to the party, we’re just dazzled by that lovely, lovely reception space, all muted gold and white damask, rising into a beautiful burst of vibrant spring color. Big thanks to the fabulous Terilyn Brown of Houston’s Archetype Studio for sharing radiant images of this exquisite wedding with us, so we could share them with you.

Oh, and there’s one more thing Archetype Studio has in store for one lucky Houston Wedding Blog fan: A professionally styled, two-hour, on-location ENGAGEMENT PHOTO SHOOT, including a complimentary 9×12 heirloom print, total value: $545. Oh yeah.

This prize is non-transferable, good for the greater Houston area only and expires 12/31/2011.

To enter, first Like Weddings in Houston on Facebook if you haven’t yet (and we, in turn, will love you xox). Next, e-mail us with your name, fiancé’s name, wedding date and location, and a bit about how/where you got engaged. Engagement descriptions don’t have to be lengthy, but please do let us know any exciting, unusual or insanely romantic details.

Entry deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 14, and we’ll announce our winner on Friday, Sept. 16 on Facebook. You’ve scored the man of your dreams, now snag the engagement sesh of a lifetime. Good luck!!

Vibrant Victoria Wedding by Archetype

Photography: Archetype Studio~Bride’s Dress: Stephen Yearick from Weddings by Debbie~Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka~Bride’s Necklace & Bracelet: Ann Taylor~Groom’s Attire: Al’s Formal Wear~Flowers: Fresh Urban Flowers~Bride’s Cake: Simply Charming Cakes~Groom’s Cake: Sonya Lahodny~Decor & Rentals: Touch of Elegance, Aztec Tents & Events~Wedding Consultant & Design: Sweet August Events

Lavish La Colombe d’Or Wedding by J. Cogliandro Photography

Yes, it is possible to have a grand, formal wedding in one of Houston’s most revered venues—the Grand Ballroom of La Colombe d’Or, with its circa-1715 carved oak panels and spectacular chandeliers—AND kick your heels up in true celebration style. Sonila and Matthew’s lovely, lavish spring wedding is a perfect example. Yes, it was utterly elegant, from the Monique Lhuillier invitations to the magnificent rose-and-hydrangea centerpieces. But just look at the newlyweds and their guests—those smiles, that laughter, the FUN of it all. We’re grateful to famed Houston photographer Joe Cogliandro, and the bride and groom, for sharing this beautiful wedding with us. And we’re so happy to share it with you.

Photography: J. Cogliandro Photography~Bride’s Dress: Jim Hjelm from Weddings by Debbie~Bride’s Hair & Makeup: Brittany of The Perfect Face~Rings: Blue Nile~Flowers: Floral Events~Decor & Rentals: Linens by Lisa~Cakes: World Cakes & Catering~Ceremony Venue: St. Michael Catholic Church~Reception Venue: La Colombe d’Or