Houston Wedding Blog

Houston Wedding Photographer Wins Huge Award

Joe Cogliandro wins Huge Award ~ Houston Wedding Blog
We always knew longtime Weddings in Houston vendor partner Joe Cogliandro was among the finest fine-art wedding photographers in the world. And now many, many more people across that world are gonna know it, too. At last week’s annual Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) trade show in Las Vegas, Cogliandro took home the prestigious Grand Award in the Wedding Division of WPPI’s Awards of Excellence 16×20 Print Competition.

The award—WPPI’s top honor in a competition featuring entries from thousands of photographers from across the globe—went to the photographer’s portrait of Houston bride Lori Hillman Knop (shown above), in which Cogliandro used the bride’s veil to create a dramatic couture look. In the words of world-renowned Beverly Hills-based photographer and WPPI judge Roberto Valenzuela, “This is just the most ultimate and the most exquisite bridal portrait I have ever seen. This should be at the Louvre for a photography exhibition.” Amen to that. The stunning pic also took top honors in the competition’s Bride and Groom category.

Joe Cogliandro wins Huge Award ~ Houston Wedding Blog

As for Cogliandro (shown above), who has won 70 international awards and set himself the goal of winning WPPI’s Grand Award while attending his first WPPI convention in 2007, he told us, “I am humbled and thrilled to be honored by such an elite group of internationally recognized photographers. I’m still wondering if I’m dreaming.” You’re not, Joe. Trust us.

Oh, and if you’re thinking that gorgeous bridal portrait looks familiar, you’re right. Cogliandro’s award-winning image just happens to have been featured in the full-page J. Cogliandro Photography ad in Weddings in Houston magazine for many months running. We are thrilled to have brought this magnificent photo to our readers, thrilled for Joe Cogliandro and his spectacular win, and—we’ll go ahead and say it—just really darn proud of Houston today.

We have no doubt Cogliandro will be deluged by Houston brides hoping to have their own wedding immortalized by one of the world’s top wedding photographers. So if you’re one of ’em, we suggest getting in touch with J. Cogliandro Photography right about NOW.

Congratulations, Joe, and keep up the amazing work!

Joe Cogliandro wins Huge Award ~ Houston Wedding Blog
Photos: J. Cogliandro Photography

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Hip, Happy, Vintage Inspired Wedding by Sarah Ainsworth Photography

Adorable. Simply adorable. That’s how we feel about Natalie and Trey, AND their wedding, which included a ceremony officiated by Reverend Lynn Turner of Weddings Performed at the Sycamore Heights Bed & Breakfast followed by a reception at Gallery M Squared at the Heights Theater. From the groom’s natty pinstripes to the bride’s bow-fronted Oleg Cassini dress to the bridesmaids’ black tights and bright bouquets to the heart-topped wedding cake and charming sweets table, there’s nothing about this lovely, low-key Houston wedding we don’t dig. Lots of DIY loveliness here, including some very sweet centerpieces, which Natalie notes “turned out better than I expected, not having all that much faith in my crafty side.” Really? They sure look good to us! And pro photographer Sarah Ainsworth’s pitch-perfect pictures make the whole scene look just that much more beautiful. Happiest wishes to the newlyweds!

Hip, Happy, Vintage Inspired Wedding by Sarah Ainsworth Photography

Photos: Sarah Ainsworth Photography ~ Bride’s Dress: Oleg Cassini ~ Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Mod Cloth ~ Flowers: Killion’s Milam Florist ~ Cakes: Gluten Free Houston ~ Officiant: Weddings Performed ~ Ceremony Venue: Sycamore Heights Bed & Breakfast ~ Reception Venue: M Squared Gallery/Heights Theater

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January 2012 I Do! Bridal Soiree Runway Show: Parvani Vida

We’re so excited to unveil the first of our I Do! @ InterContinental bridal runway videos, from super-talented A&A Video! Today we are showcasing Houston bridal salon Parvani Vida Bridal & Formal, which dazzled all assembled in the gorgeous Legends Ballroom on Jan. 15, with bridal gowns from Enzoani, La Sposa, Sincerity, Casablanca and Allure Couture. Love the ruffled tiers, tea-length styles and fine-feathered fascinators. How ‘bout you?

More gorgeous runway video coming soon…stay tuned!

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Houston’s $10,000 Amazing Home Race

Photos: Courtesy Seven7Digital and SCVNGR

On Saturday, March 24, the streets of Houston will come alive with eager to-be-weds racing to win $10,000 cash. Will you be one of them?

Register now to take part in The Loken Group and The Short Team’s “Amazing Home Race”—a one-day treasure hunt that will send racers ricocheting from one exciting Houston location to another. Clues and challenges will be delivered via text, in real time, to participants’ mobile devices. The ultimate prize? A cool ten grand, baby—the perfect chunk of change to, say, put toward your purchase of a gorgeous Loken Group newlywed nest of your choice?

This awesome, fast-paced, use-your-wits-to-win adventure is brought to you by The Loken Group, The Short Team (both affiliated with Keller Williams) and SCVNGR, and we have no doubt registration will fill FAST. Need a reason to jump on the Amazing Home Race? We can think of about, oh, ten thousand of ’em.

Good luck!

Houston’s $10,000 Amazing Home Race
Photos: Frederick Warren Photography, Courtesy The Loken Group

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Orchid-Filled Hilton Americas Wedding By Kelly Hornberger Photography

“I chose Hilton Americas-Houston because I loved the elegant setting that the hotel provided,” bride Natalie told us about her magnificent 280-guest wedding celebration. “As soon as you walk into the lobby you immediately notice the beautiful chandeliers and enormous marble columns situated around the lobby. The ambiance of the hotel really set the mood that I had envisioned for my wedding.” Enhancing that mood, and bringing freshness and warmth to the opulence, were simple, monochromatic, bloom-and-branch centerpieces from Darryl & Co. set against earth-toned linens and flickering votives, in a room washed in shades of pink of purple. Orchids abounded, at the request of the bride, who told us, “I knew the night Shane proposed that orchids would be a part of my wedding. During dinner on New Year’s Eve of 2010, the waiter presented me with a covered plate that I assumed would be the entree that I had ordered. When he removed the lid, I was so surprised to find the most gorgeous engagement ring situated in the middle of a beautiful orchid arrangement. I fell in love with the flower not only because of the beautiful colors, but because of the beautiful memory that it reminded me of.” For memories of her perfect day, Natalie will forever have photos from top Houston wedding photographer Kelly Hornberger, who was kind enough to share a selection with us in this here post. Thank you, Kelly—and happiest wishes to the lovely couple!

Orchid-Filled Hilton Americas Wedding By Kelly Hornberger Photography

Photos: Kelly Hornberger Photography ~ Bride’s Dress: Maggie Sottero ~ Bride’s Shoes & Jewelry: Badgley Mischka (wedding bands) ~ Tuxedos: Al’s Formal Wear ~ Cake: Who Made The Cake ~ Flowers, Decor & Rentals: Darryl & Co. ~ Venue & Catering: Hilton Americas-Houston