Navy, Blush and Gold Wedding at Crystal Ballroom at The Rice by MD Turner Photography

WEDDINGS IN HOUSTON Spring 2015 | Real Wedding Feature

Shannon & Tyler ~ June 21, 2014

Oh, how we love a well-planned proposal. Take, for example, Tyler’s to Shannon: After a sunny day of boating together on Austin’s Lake Travis, the groom-to-be feigned a “late” dinner reservation and led his beloved to Windy Point Park, where, after telling Shannon how much he loved her, he spun her around to face the words, “Will You Marry Me?” spelled in rose petals in the sand. He then proceeded to place a ring that he had custom designed for his one-and-only on her shaking-with-excitement hand. The couple’s Crystal Ballroom at The Rice wedding, with its sophisticated palette of blush, navy and gold, and its romantic candlelit glow, wasn’t just elegant—it was also a whole lot of fun: “Everyone enjoyed letting loose and dancing the night away,” Shannon says. “The dance floor was never empty. It was a night of a lifetime!”

Navy, Blush & Gold Wedding at Crystal Ballroom at The Rice by MD Turner Photography Navy, Blush & Gold Wedding at Crystal Ballroom at The Rice by MD Turner Photography Navy, Blush & Gold Wedding at Crystal Ballroom at The Rice by MD Turner Photography Navy, Blush & Gold Wedding at Crystal Ballroom at The Rice by MD Turner Photography Navy, Blush & Gold Wedding at Crystal Ballroom at The Rice by MD Turner Photography Navy, Blush & Gold Wedding at Crystal Ballroom at The Rice by MD Turner Photography Navy, Blush & Gold Wedding at Crystal Ballroom at The Rice by MD Turner Photography Navy, Blush & Gold Wedding at Crystal Ballroom at The Rice by MD Turner Photography Navy, Blush & Gold Wedding at Crystal Ballroom at The Rice by MD Turner Photography

Photos: MD Turner Photography ~ Wedding Dress: Brickhouse Bridal ~ Groomswear: Al’s Formal Wear ~ Venue: Crystal Ballroom at The Rice ~ Catering: Sambuca Catering ~ Honeymoon: Antigua

Peach, Pink and Gold Wedding at The Houstonian by J. Cogliandro Photography

Ashley had been bugging Rick to plan the perfect date night, and that he did. Rick made dinner reservations at one of their favorite restaurants. Even when were then seated at a table with a dozen roses and a bottle of wine, Ashley still didn’t suspect anything. After all, they were low-key, private people–it never occurred to her that Rick would propose in public. But as soon as they were done with their meal, the restaurant’s manager personally presented the couple with dessert under a cloche cover. When Ashley removed the cloche, she discovered a ring box, and, well, let’s just say it turned out to be a date night she’d never forget. Ashley and Rick’s opulent wedding at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa was a dream come true. “We ended up creating exactly what we wanted, a very festive and romantic atmosphere with a classic feel that recognized the importance of the moment”,” the bride says. Tall pink and peach candelabras, and hanging candles above the dance floor, added the perfect touch of romance and elegance to the evening. Thanks J. Cogliandro for the beautiful photos, and congrats to the newlyweds!

Peach, Pink, and Gold Wedding at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by J. Cogliandro Photography Peach, Pink, and Gold Wedding at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by J. Cogliandro Photography Peach, Pink, and Gold Wedding at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by J. Cogliandro Photography Peach, Pink, and Gold Wedding at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by J. Cogliandro Photography Peach, Pink, and Gold Wedding at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by J. Cogliandro Photography Peach, Pink, and Gold Wedding at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by J. Cogliandro Photography Peach, Pink, and Gold Wedding at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by J. Cogliandro Photography Peach, Pink, and Gold Wedding at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by J. Cogliandro Photography Peach, Pink, and Gold Wedding at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by J. Cogliandro Photography Peach, Pink, and Gold Wedding at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by J. Cogliandro Photography Peach, Pink, and Gold Wedding at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by J. Cogliandro Photography Peach, Pink, and Gold Wedding at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by J. Cogliandro Photography Peach, Pink, and Gold Wedding at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by J. Cogliandro Photography Peach, Pink, and Gold Wedding at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by J. Cogliandro Photography Peach, Pink, and Gold Wedding at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by J. Cogliandro Photography Peach, Pink, and Gold Wedding at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by J. Cogliandro Photography Peach, Pink, and Gold Wedding at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by J. Cogliandro Photography Peach, Pink, and Gold Wedding at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by J. Cogliandro Photography

Photos: J. Cogliandro Photography ~ Wedding Reception Venue: The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa ~ Wedding Gown Designer: Lazaro ~ Wedding Gown Salon: Ivory Bridal Atelier ~ Shoes: Manolo Blahnik ~ Groom’s Suit: Al’s Formal Wear ~ Cake: Susie’s Cakes & Confections ~ Lighting: Bright Star Productions ~ Registry: Macy’s Wedding Gift & Registry, Restoration Hardware and Crate & Barrel

Sweet Summer Peach and Blue Wedding

WEDDINGS IN HOUSTON Spring 2015 | Real Wedding Feature

Lara & Nick ~ July 12, 2014

We like to think of Lara and Nick’s meeting as a bright silver lining on a very dark cloud: The couple first encountered one another in July 2011 in Fort Payne, Ala., where both were volunteers assisting in tornado relief efforts. Their long-distance relationship—he was in North Carolina, she lived in Houston—blossomed, and in 2012, Nick moved to Houston. With its cornflower-and-peach color scheme and steak-and-lobster menu, the pair’s summer wedding was true Houston classic. The gracious bride adds, “It was also Nick’s brother-in-law’s (he was Nick’s best man) birthday, so after his speech we gave him a cheesecake and sang him, ‘Happy Birthday.’ It was pretty cool to see all 150 people join in and celebrate.”

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Photos: Sarah Ainsworth Photography ~ Wedding Dress & Accessories: La Rêve Bridal Couture ~ M.O.B. Dress: T. Carolyn Fashions ~ Groomswear: Al’s Formal Wear ~ Flowers: Dream Bouquet ~ Cake: Who Made The Cake! ~ Invitations: Katie & Co. ~ Lighting, Entertainment, Photo Booth: LG Entertainment ~ Registry: Williams-Sonoma ~ Honeymoon: Ireland

Miss USA Wedding at Chateau Cocomar

WEDDINGS IN HOUSTON SPRING 2015 | REAL WEDDING FEATURE

Crystle & Max ~ August 9, 2014

It would be hard to top Max’s proposal to Crystle for sheer romance: The Belgian-born model alighted with his beloved from a chartered helicopter, then surprised the former Miss USA (2008) with his down-on-one-knee question in front of giddy friends and family dressed in T-shirts reading, “True Love is Crystle Clear.” Yet the couple’s summer wedding did manage to take romance to a whole new level, with a lavish 320-guest celebration set at castle-like Chateau Cocomar. Fittingly, the bride, who currently stars in OWN Network’s Tyler Perry sitcom “For Better or Worse,” was the very picture of a fairytale princess in her Lazaro gown and sparkling updo. And she has special praise for those who brought her regal fantasy to life: “The entire event was coordinated by [venue owner] Karen Martin and the Cocomar ladies,” Crystle notes. “They planned and executed together a tremendously awesome event that will forever be remembered!”

Romantic White, Blush & Gold Wedding at Chateau Cocomar Romantic White, Blush & Gold Wedding at Chateau Cocomar Romantic White, Blush & Gold Wedding at Chateau Cocomar Romantic White, Blush & Gold Wedding at Chateau Cocomar Romantic White, Blush & Gold Wedding at Chateau Cocomar Romantic White, Blush & Gold Wedding at Chateau Cocomar Romantic White, Blush & Gold Wedding at Chateau Cocomar Romantic White, Blush & Gold Wedding at Chateau Cocomar Romantic White, Blush & Gold Wedding at Chateau Cocomar Romantic White, Blush & Gold Wedding at Chateau Cocomar Romantic White, Blush & Gold Wedding at Chateau Cocomar Romantic White, Blush & Gold Wedding at Chateau Cocomar Romantic White, Blush & Gold Wedding at Chateau Cocomar Romantic White, Blush & Gold Wedding at Chateau Cocomar Romantic White, Blush & Gold Wedding at Chateau Cocomar Romantic White, Blush & Gold Wedding at Chateau Cocomar

Photos: Select Studios ~ Venue: Chateau Cocomar ~ Flowers & Decor: Plants N’ Petals ~ Wedding Dress: Lazaro ~ Groomswear: Al’s Formal Wear ~ Caterer: Cafe Natalie ~ Entertainment & Lighting: LG Entertainment ~ Honeymoon: Hawaii

BEAUTIFUL Bell Tower on 34th Street Wedding by Steve Lee Photography

WEDDINGS IN HOUSTON Spring 2015 | Real Wedding Feature

Rachel & Kurt ~ July 11, 2014

For their once-in-a-lifetime celebration, UT alums Rachel and Kurt chose The Bell Tower on 34th St., and it’s easy to see why. With its gorgeous grounds, vine-covered walls, hidden archways and spectacular interior, the beloved Bell Tower was the perfect place to gather 240 guests for an evening of dining, dancing and pure, exuberant joy. The bride enchanted everyone in her gorgeous Watters gown from fabulous Mia Bridal Couture–which, we might add, photographer Steve Lee Weddings captured magnificently against a series of Bell Tower backgrounds. Notes Rachel: “Kurt and I truly feel that our perfect evening lasted forever as we got to soak up every moment of happiness and fun of the party.” As for us? We note that this wedding was one of our favorites of the year! Best of luck, and much love, to the newlyweds. And big thanks to The Bell Tower on 34th, and Steve Lee Weddings, for sharing this beautiful event with us…and YOU!

Blush, Rose, Gold & Champagne Wedding at The Bell Tower on 34th Street by Steve Lee Photography Blush, Rose, Gold & Champagne Wedding at The Bell Tower on 34th Street by Steve Lee Photography Blush, Rose, Gold & Champagne Wedding at The Bell Tower on 34th Street by Steve Lee Photography Blush, Rose, Gold & Champagne Wedding at The Bell Tower on 34th Street by Steve Lee Photography Blush, Rose, Gold & Champagne Wedding at The Bell Tower on 34th Street by Steve Lee Photography Blush, Rose, Gold & Champagne Wedding at The Bell Tower on 34th Street by Steve Lee Photography Blush, Rose, Gold & Champagne Wedding at The Bell Tower on 34th Street by Steve Lee Photography Blush, Rose, Gold & Champagne Wedding at The Bell Tower on 34th Street by Steve Lee Photography Blush, Rose, Gold & Champagne Wedding at The Bell Tower on 34th Street by Steve Lee Photography Blush, Rose, Gold & Champagne Wedding at The Bell Tower on 34th Street by Steve Lee Photography Blush, Rose, Gold & Champagne Wedding at The Bell Tower on 34th Street by Steve Lee Photography Blush, Rose, Gold & Champagne Wedding at The Bell Tower on 34th Street by Steve Lee Photography

Photos: Steve Lee Photography ~ Wedding Dress: Watters from Mia Bridal Couture ~ Groomswear: Al’s Formal Wear ~ Venue: The Bell Tower on 34th Street ~ Decor & Rentals: AJ’s Urban Petals ~ Entertainment: DJU Entertainment ~ Registry: Macy’s ~ Honeymoon: St. Lucia