Black | Houston Wedding Blog

Sophisticated Black, White & Gold Houston Wedding

Katie and Matt had many casual run-ins since high school, but it wasn’t until what turned out to be a special Christmas break when they reconnected at a mutual friend’s birthday party. “He asked me out to dinner the next day at a Mexican restaurant where we grew up, and the rest was history,” says Katie.

After 4 years of dating long distance, Katie moved to Austin to be with Matt. He suggested that they take a weekend trip to New Orleans since neither of them had been. Katie says, “He planned everything and found a great historic hotel in the heart of the French Quarter. We had a full day of exploring the city, and were getting ready to head to dinner. Matt suggested that we should walk around Jackson Square before going to the restaurant. He began talking about our future, and before I knew it he was on one knee asking me to marry him!”

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“Our wedding day was a dream… it was a romantic and intimate celebration with our friends and family. The ceremony was our favorite part—it was the beginning of our lives together and so special to be there in front of our loved ones. The historic charm, candles, and romantic white flowers made the ambiance timeless, classic and elegant,” says Katie.

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Congrats to the newlyweds!

Katie & Matt-Binford Creative-Kristin Johnston Bridal-Brickhouse Bridal-HI-RES-037 Photos: Binford Creative | Baker: Cakes by Gina

Blush, Black & Gold Wedding at Crystal Ballroom at The Rice by Ama Photography & Cinema

Houston couple Marina and Frank were partying like it was 1999 (literally) when they first met at a nightclub their senior year of high school. Marina tells us, “Frank was dancing with my friend (who happened to be one of my bridesmaids) to get closer to me. He eventually made his way to me, and we exchanged numbers at the end of the night.” They kept in touch and went on a couple dates, but parted ways when Marina started college and Frank left town for boot camp—but that didn’t stop them from keeping in touch. After she graduated college and Frank came back from the military, they were inseparable.

Marina and Frank planned a trip to visit their friends in New York City…but little did she know this trip had something special in store for her. “Frank mentioned that he had never done any of the typical touristy things in the city, so I planned an entire day out of it. We went through Ellis Island Museum and walked around to take an imprint of Frank’s grandfather’s name—whose name is on The Wall of Honor—but Mark insisted that we should take a look at the skyline first. As we were walking over, his started breathing heavily and got down on one knee,” recounts Marina. She was so surprised that she couldn’t even remember most of what he said, but she does remember him saying, “My grandfather started his new life on Ellis Island, and I want us to start our new life together here.” Aww…pass the tissues, please!

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Exactly one year later the pair tied the knot at the Crystal Ballroom at The Rice with their nearest and dearest to witness. “We wanted to go with something elegant, classic and timeless with pops of bold elements,” says Marina.

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One of their favorite moments? When LG Entertainment played the last song, and all of the guests joined the bride and groom on the dance floor!

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Congrats and best wishes to the newlyweds!

Wedding-Reception-Exit Photos: Ama Photography & Cinema | Rehearsal Dinner Location: Lawless Kitchen & Spirits | Reception Venue: Crystal Ballroom at The Rice | Catering: Sambuca Catering | Music, Lighting & Entertainment: LG Entertainment

Gatsby-Inspired Wedding at the Crystal Ballroom at The Rice by Civic Photos

It was Tyler’s birthday, and Sabreena wanted to make sure it was special, since he had driven five hours from Arlington to Houston to celebrate with her. Little did she know that Tyler had something extra special in store for her! They went to an Italian restaurant since it was his favorite cuisine. As they were checking out the menu, Tyler said, “I don’t want any of this.” Sabreena panicked because she was the one who chose this restaurant, and she started to scan the menu to see if she could find something he would like. As soon as she placed the menu down, she noticed he was no longer in his seat, and in fact, down on one knee in front of her. He said, “All I want is you.” Aww! How could she say no?

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Sabreena strutted down the aisle wearing a lovely full-sleeved lace gown from Weddings by Debbie, and the couple said their “I do’s” in front of their dearest family and friends.

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Their Gatsby-themed wedding at the Crystal Ballroom at The Rice was full of swanky 20’s-inspired details including a metallic gold, black and ivory wedding cake from Cakes by Gina, soft candlelight to accent the Art Deco decor, and escort table numbers inspired by characters from The Great Gatsby.

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We wish these two a lifetime of love and happiness. Thanks Civic Photos for the gorgeous photos!

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Gray, White, Black & Green Wedding by MD Turner Photography

Shelly couldn’t help but fall for Evan, her oh-so-charming office crush, after working many long weeks and late nights together. Shortly after the lovebirds started dating, their lives took an unexpected turn. Warning: grab your tissues now. “Evan was diagnosed with cancer after six months of us dating… needless to say we’ve been through many ups and downs together, and it’s only strengthened our commitment together,” Shelly says. “I’m so happy to share that Evan is now cancer-free!”

On the night of their four-year dating anniversary, Evan requested that Shelly meet him for a cocktail at the Hilton Americas – Houston before dinner. “When I arrived at the bar, Evan was nowhere to be found, but the bartender gave me the sweetest note from him, asking me to meet him in the elevator lobby of the 11th floor (where we had first spent all night talking at a work conference in 2010). I was escorted to the elevator and as soon as I stepped out, Evan was on one knee waiting for me,” she recounts. After lots of hugs, photos and a few glasses of bubbly, he took her to a surprise dinner where their friends and family were waiting to celebrate the good news!

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“I wanted a timeless look for the wedding— black tuxedos, long charcoal gray bridesmaid dresses and lots of white and green decor,” adds Shelly.

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The newlyweds and guests indulged in a fabulous donut station by Hugs & Donuts !

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“Our wedding was the best day of my life. We danced all night long, and we didn’t want it any other way,” the bride recounts. We wouldn’t want it any other way either! Congrats Shelly and Evan, we wish you a lifetime of good health, happiness and LOVE. Thanks MD Turner Photography for the beautiful photos!

Photography & Videography: MD Turner Photography | Proposal Location: Hilton Americas – Houston | Donut Station: Hugs & Donuts

Gold & Black Wedding at Hotel ZaZa by Civic Photos

Sharon and Manuel’s fate was sealed when they were attending a salsa dancing event one night in March of 2012. Manuel’s best friend instantly saw how perfect the two would be together, so he introduced them. A few years later, Manuel knew he was more than ready to make Sharon his wife and had a surprise proposal planned. One January evening, the couple made a trip to Hermann Park in Houston’s Museum District. Manuel led Sharon over to a romantic little gazebo and asked Sharon to be his, forever. He even hired a photographer to capture the moment from a hidden location (bonus points!) But Manuel’s plans didn’t stop there. He had dinner arrangements for them to get to…where their families were waiting to celebrate! Seriously, could this engagement get any sweeter? The two said vows and celebrated their love story with a ceremony and reception at Houston’s ultra-chic Hotel ZaZa. Their gold and black color palette was a perfectly stunning complement to the hotel’s deeply romantic tones. The couple remembers having the most divine wedding cakes, courtesy of Who Made The Cake, for their celebration: “The main cake was made with Italian cream with vanilla ice cream in one tier and raspberry cake with raspberry filling in another”—and to add to that decadence—“The [Star Wars theme] groom’s cake was chocolate on chocolate.” Yum. Sharon recounts: “One of my favorite moments was when my husband surprised me with a song, playing the conga with the band. It was amazing!” We wish the newlyweds a life filled with love and even more wonderful memories. Thank you, Civic Photos, for capturing the beauty, joy and exhilaration of Manuel and Sharon’s celebration!

Gold & Black Wedding at Hotel ZaZa by Civic Photos

Photos: Civic Photos | Venue: Hotel ZaZa | Bridal Gown: Stephen Yearick from Weddings by Debbie | Mother of the Bride Attire: T. Carolyn Fashions | Baker: Who Made The Cake!

9 Honeymoon Must-Haves

We searched for the hottest beachwear, shoes and lingerie that every bride will need for those hot days and even hotter nights during her honeymoon vacay. Speaking of vacations…if you buy your tickets to the I Do! Soiree now, you can WIN a 5-night Bermuda getaway with your s.o.s! Plan your wedding bash with your entourage, indulge in decadent bites and sip bubbly at Houston’s only luxury wedding event. But hurry—tickets are goin’ fast! Happy shopping, lovelies, and see you all at the I Do! Soiree!

1. La Perla Neoprene Desire Triangle Bra Set: NET-A-PORTER 2. Eric Javits Maribel Cutout Hat: Neiman Marcus 3. Herve Leger Aimee Swim Cover Up: Herve Leger 4. Gucci Cat Eye Sunglasses: NET-A-PORTER 5. Tom Ford Jasmin Rouge Eau de Parfum: Sephora 6. Christian Louboutin Matte Lip Color: Saks Fifth Avenue Houston Galleria 7. La Perla Eclipse Ruched Triangle Bikini: NET-A-PORTER 8. Tory Burch Marion Smartphone Wristlet: Tory Burch 9. Gianvito Rossi Fresia Lace Up Booties: Barneys NY

Black & Pink Wedding at Heather’s Glen

Sidney and Richard are living proof that “yes, you actually CAN find true love at a night club,” notes the bride. Their unexpected meet-cute one Saturday evening made quite the lasting impression, and Richard made sure to ask for Sidney’s phone number by the end of the night. In the months to follow, Sidney and Rick (as she calls him) left their nightclub days behind and discovered a mutual passion for health and fitness–and meanwhile, for each other. Says Sidney: “Despite having all odds stacked against us, we gave true love a shot on the dance floor and we couldn’t be any happier or healthier than we are today!” Less than two years later, Rick proposed in his driveway right after the couple had just returned home from an intense sweat session, but neither one cared: “As soon as Rick had the ring, he couldn’t wait to pop the question.” The two wed in an intimate ceremony attended by 100 close family members and friends, followed by a Chinese tea ceremony and dinner reception at the romantic Heather’s Glen. “Ours was truly a fairy tale wedding,” the couple agrees. Congrats, Sidney and Rick!

Black & Pink Wedding at Heather's Glen

Photos: Dave DiLauro Photography ~ Ceremony, Reception & Lighting: Heather’s Glen

Gold, Hot Pink & Black Wedding at Chateau Cocomar

Sometimes reconnecting with your high school boyfriend is a good thing—just ask Houston bride Codi. After graduating college and moving back home, Codi and Austin fell in love all over again and decided this time it was for forever. Codi brought a new meaning to true Houston glam when she wed Austin in a feather-accented Stephen Yearick gown from Brickhouse Bridal. Her vision of a glamorous, fairytale wedding came to life at Chateau Cocomar. “Instead of using the typical blush and white color palette, I added hot pink and black for a more unique look,” she says. Black sequin linens and mercury glass candle holders were just a couple of details that added a romantic yet glamorous look to the decor. We couldn’t help but swoon, and know you will, too, after seeing the lovely photos. Congrats and best wishes to the newlyweds!

Gold, Hot Pink & Black Wedding at Chateau Cocomar

Photos: Kutina Photography ~ Reception Venue: Chateau Cocomar ~ Catering: Cafe Natalie Catering ~ Wedding Dress: Stephen Yearick from Brickhouse Bridal ~ Decor & Rentals: EB Inc Event Rentals & Design ~ Lighting, Music & Photobooth: LG Entertainment