Houston Wedding Blog

Bridal Fall Preview 2011: Simone Carvalli

Va to the va to the voom. Maybe it’s the patent-pending “Magic Fit” construction (which takes 2 to 4 inches off the wearer’s waist), maybe it’s the brilliant crystal embellishments or luxurious fabrics. Whatever it is that makes Simone Carvalli gowns so darn glamorous, we are loving it. And the Simone Carvalli fall 2011 bridal collection is no exception…though it is utterly exceptional.

All the Simone Carvalli hallmarks—the incredible hourglass silhouettes, the show-stopping trains, the dazzling Swarovski details—show up in this fabulous collection, plus a few surprises, too, like a couple of sweet, sexy short styles, and a semi-sheer bodice. But really, the strength of the fall 2011 bridal collection lies in those hip-hugging, waist-nipping, figure-flattering trumpet and mermaid styles that have always been Simone Carvalli’s forte…and just happen to be on the fore of bridal fashion for 2011-2012 weddings.

For a closer look at Simone Carvalli gowns, check out Brickhouse Bridal in The Woodlands, and slip into something…spectacular.

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To Do This Week: Be On TV!

Mother of the Bride Fashion

Your wedding day will be your moment in the spotlight. But you may be able to score a little TV coverage before that!

The producers of ABC’s hit “Dancing With the Stars” are filming a brand-new, “upscale” reality show at Houston’s own T Carolyn Fashions this Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Jan. 7-9), and they’re looking for mothers and daughters to participate. For those of you who aren’t familiar with T Carolyn, it is where Houston’s (and many of the entire country’s) most fashionable mothers-of-the-bride (and groom) go to find the perfect dress or ensemble to wear for their daughter’s (or son’s) big day.

To be eligible to participate in the filming, brides MUST accompany their mothers. Dancing, however, is not required. And just so you know, T Carolyn will be open for regular business during filming dates.

For information, call 281.440.4696 or e-mail.

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I Do! @ The Houstonian Is Coming Up…Fast!

Less than three weeks to go till the Jan. 23 I Do! Bridal Soiree takes over The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa: Got your tickets yet?

If not, here are FIVE reasons to snag them NOW:

1. I Do! is Houston’s ONLY luxury bridal show. Other bridal events may have vendors, snacks, even swag. But only I Do! features the absolute cream of the crop of Houston wedding talent and expertise, from floral and décor gurus, to purveyors of fine custom EVERYTHING for your wedding, to top celebrity and socialite wedding planners.

2. And speaking of luxury—how about the luxury of TIME? The I Do! Bridal Soiree is five full, fabulous hours of wedding ideas, inspiration and interaction. Which means you get to enjoy gazing at tablescapes, schmoozing with experts and indulging in fine food, drink and, yes, cake, at your leisure. No herding, no hustling, no rush.

3. Gowns, gowns, gowns. If you’re searching for the one, the exact perfect one, for your day of a lifetime, there is no place you’re more likely to find it than on the runway of the always-incredible I Do! fashion show. The most coveted designer bridal gowns, the most deliriously beautiful looks in wedding-day hair, makeup and accessories, all in one place, which just happens to be the place you’re in. How cool is that?

4. I Do! may be a luxury event, but the ticket price? Bargain-o-rama. If you find even one great vendor or product—one fantastic invitation designer, one perfect Lanvin-pink table linen, one extraordinary photographer—for your big day (and chances are you’ll find lots more than that), your $20 investment will have paid off lavishly. All that, and a killer goodie bag, too? Now that’s the kind of deal a girl could really fall in love with.

5. They’re gonna sell out. They always do.

So don’t get left out in the January cold, while your savvy sister brides are sipping and shopping and glowing and getting their socks totally knocked off inside The Houstonian on Sunday, Jan. 23. Get your I Do! tickets now…and we’ll see you there!

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To Do This Week: Stephen Webster Trunk Show @ Judith Ann Jewels

Looking for a stocking stuffer or special gift for your hip, fashion-forward fiance? Or maybe an incredibly cool little something for yourself? Don’t miss the Stephen Webster trunk show at Judith Ann Jewels tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec. 22. Check out pieces from the famed British jewelry designer’s collections, which feature thorns, daggers, skulls and otherworldly aquatic motifs, in silver and 18K gold, set with precious and semi-precious gems. Rock stars and celebs alike love Webster’s edgy elegance and exquisite craftsmanship. As for you, Houston bride, expect star treatment from the Stephen Webster rep who’ll be on hand to answer questions and help you pick the perfect gift.

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So You Think You Can Dance…At Your Wedding Reception?

Used to be a time when a freshly wed bride and groom could shuffle sheepishly ’round the floor, flash a smile at the cameras and call it a first dance. Not so anymore. Thanks to the massive popularity of TV shows like ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars” and FOX Broadcasting’s “So You Think You Can Dance,” even the average Joe knows his rumba from his cha-cha, and probably is a fan of both. Which means that your reception guests are going to come with expectations, if not score cards.

When you head out on that dance floor for your first foray as husband and wife, make it a moment for the memory books. In a good way. Here in Houston we are so lucky to have not one, not two, but three locations of the famed Arthur Murray Dance Studios—at nearly 100 years old, the nation’s most venerable dance-instruction organization. Arthur Murray instructors have taught Broadway dancers and Hollywood stars alike. And they can teach anyone–even your average Joe (or typical Tom or ordinary Ed or whatever dance-averse-but-otherwise-perfect dude you’re planning to marry).

Maria Johnson, who owns Arthur Murray Dance Studio Cypress–The Woodlands and Memorial are Houston’s other locations–reminds brides that the first dance is your first public moment as husband and wife. “Don’t overlook the importance of how a beautiful first dance can be a wonderful lifetime memory,” she advises. Uh, no pressure, right?

Right. Because you, smart bride, are going to sign up for dance lessons. You’re going to get some professional first-dance choreography for yourself and your hubby. Heck, you might even corral your bridesmaids and groomsmen for a group lesson or two—a great idea for a couple’s shower, particularly when followed by drinks, food and maybe even…dancing?? Good thing Arthur Murray Dance Studios of Houston offer all these instruction options and more. And not a single score card in sight.

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