Houston Wedding Blog

Sophisticated Briscoe Manor Wedding by Blanca Duran

Some couples are just destined to be together. That’s how it was with Amey and William. A friend first suggested William as a “perfect” guy for Amey (though at the time, amazingly, getting set up was the furthest thing from her mind). An unexpected Facebook friend request from the groom-to-be eventually got things rolling, and William’s general adorableness and devotion sealed the deal. About her true love, our bride Amey sweetly says, “It’s as if God went down the checklist in my heart and formed William just for me!” For the the couple’s April wedding at Briscoe Manor, colorful warm lighting, glittering details and rich linens spelled romance, captured here by Blanca Duran.

Photography: Blanca Duran / Bride’s Dress: Kenneth Pool / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Alfred Angelo / Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse / Rings & Jewelry: Jared’s / Ceremony & Reception Venue: Briscoe Manor / Cakes: Edible Designs / Decor & Rentals: EB Inc. Event Rentals and Over the Top Linens / Flowers: Keisha’s Kreations / Wedding Consultant: Chic Soiree Weddings

Share this post

Houston Zoo Wedding from D. Jones Photography

As you know, we don’t usually advocate DIY when it comes to PYW (that’d be planning your wedding, ladies). But in recent Houston bride Cassandra’s case, we’re making an exception. Cassandra was savvy enough to use some of the best wedding pros in town—including the brilliant David Jones of D. Jones Photography, whose amazing photos are featured here (and who Cassandra praises for his amiability and the very genuine interest he took in “who Jeff and I were as a couple”). For a full vendor list, scroll down below the gallery. And yes, the self-confessed perfectionist admits, “It was hard for me to just relax and trust that everything was in good hands and that the wedding day would be perfect.” But she did. And it WAS. We especially love that Cassandra, who’s had a lifelong love of animals, opted to have her reception at the Houston Zoo. And yes, critters did make an appearance at the festivities—just check out the photos below! Plus all that lively color and energy and low-key elegance…no wonder our bride looks so incredibly happy in every single shot. Congrats, Cassandra & Jeff!

Photography: D. Jones Photography~Bride’s Dress/Bridesmaids/MOB: Priscilla of Boston~Bride’s Shoes: Stuart Weitzman~Hair & Makeup: Flawless~Groom’s Wear: Al’s Formal Wear~Cake: Susie’s Cakes & Confections~Decor & Flowers: Tara Quigley~Linens: The Perfect Touch~Venue: The Houston Zoo

Share this post

Venues We Love: Magnolia Hotel Houston

Modern, urban, chic. But also relaxed, gracious, welcoming. With qualities like these, it’s no wonder “Condé Nast Traveler” magazine named the Magnolia Hotel Houston one of the top new 100 hotels in the world. International accolades are nice, sure, but what’s even nicer for brides are the Magnolia’s two distinct wedding locations, “each with a uniquely different feel,” says social catering manager Natalie Monk. First there’s the refined and sophisticated ballroom, which can accommodate 180 guests for dinner. Then there’s the Magnolia Club, which has a “lounge feel and relaxing vibe,” and walls filled with inspiring artwork. Monk says the space, with room for 250 celebrants, “is perfect for the couple looking to entertain their guests in a one-of-a-kind setting.” Top that off with a wedding-night stay in the hotel’s 22^nd-floor, 1,500-square-foot Ross Sterling Presidential Suite (below)—sweeping city views, separate private bedroom, living room with fireplace, marble bathroom and full-size kitchen and bar included—and you’ve got, perhaps, the perfect wedding weekend. For more info call 281.657.2664 or visit the Magnolia at Weddings in Houston.

Share this post

Houston Real Wedding: Sheila & Bilal

Well, it’s finally happened. The highly anticipated Westin Houston Memorial City has opened for business…and welcomed its first wedding. OK, so remember when we told you about Deborah and Joe, the adorable Houston couple who was slated to be the first couple to hold their wedding celebration at the new Westin, and, as such, got the chance to sign the walls and floor of the hotel? Well, it looks like another couple actually ended up being the FIRST first Westin Memorial wedding couple. Deborah and Joe will still wed at the Westin. But first-wedding honors go to lovely bride Sheila and her handsome groom Bilal, who signed on after Deborah and Joe but tied the knot before them. Got it?

The important thing is that Sheila and Bilal celebrated their wedding, rich with Pakistani tradition, and a whole lot of Houston pizzazz, along with nearly 500 of their friends and family. The bride wore five different outfits during the course of the ceremony and reception—a lavish event that closed a weekend-long wedding which began in Dallas and worked its way south. Check out the photos from NICO Photographers—gorgeous, no? Congratulations, Sheila and Bilal. And welcome, Westin Houston Memorial City!

Share this post

Something Old IS Something New

Don’t get us wrong. We love our iPads and Droids and Spanx and Priuses (Prii?) as much as anyone. But some stuff, especially WEDDING stuff, is perfect the way it is and has always been. Take, for instance, letterpress invitations. The letterpress technique, which involves individually arranging, inking and pressing blocks of print onto paper, has remained almost unchanged for centuries. And guess what? It’s back in high style–and STILL makes for a singularly stunning invitation.

Now, take Katie Hackedorn of Houston’s Katie & Co. Sure, she’s a thoroughly modern designer—and among the very best anywhere. Nevertheless, our girl Katie LOVES letterpress. “I like the vintage look of it, and the texture of the paper is very luxurious to the touch,” she tells HWB. Plus, letterpress is incredibly versatile, and can be used to create unique, original designs and patterns that no other technique can duplicate.

And finally, take a look at Katie & Co.’s coveted invitation design work, including a spectacular box invitation (above, left) in muted ivories and metallic pinks, with rhinestone-centered flowers and tulle bows. Gorgeous!

Katie Hackedorn Photo: D. Jones Photography

Share this post