Honoring Amsale Aberra: The Inventor of the Modern Wedding Dress

Amsale Aberra on her wedding day.
Photo: Amsale

In the world of bridal fashion, few names resonate as profoundly as Amsale Aberra’s. We honor the late Ethiopian-born visionary, celebrating her extraordinary legacy that continues to influence the bridal industry.  Click here to read the rest of this post »

An Elegant Summer Wedding at a Texas Chic Ranch

Bride and groom hug each other outside during their elegant summer wedding in Montgomery, Texas.
Photo: Amy Maddox Photography | Gown: Parvani Vida Bridal and Formal

Tori and Miles first met at Baylor University in their law school orientation, which later led to a series of dates that never ended. On Valentine’s Day in 2020, on a trip to a law school competition, Tori was walking the bustling streets of New York City with her classmates. Her flight was scheduled for later that day back to Waco, where Miles was waiting. However, her classmates and family had another plan in mind for her. Tori mindlessly followed the group of students on the way to a brunch spot which happened to be tucked near a stunning view of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline, which lead to the perfect picture opportunity for the group. “Once I started going down the stairs, I saw Miles. I immediately started crying happy tears because I knew what would happen. He proposed down by the river with a gorgeous backdrop, and both of our families were there to see it,” says Tori. Click here to read the rest of this post »

White, Green & Peach Wedding at Moffitt Oaks by Steve Lee Photography

It’s a pretty big deal for a Texan to trade in big, bright stars for concrete jungle of New York City. However, Sae decided to take on the challenge, and made the move to NYC to pursue a career practicing law…and to the greatest future he never saw coming. One fateful day, Tony, Sae’s friend, made lunch plans in the city. Tony decided to bring along his friend, Jody. Throughout lunch, Sae noticed “Jody’s hand gestures, her speech patterns, her aura—all intriguing.” He was absolutely mesmerized by how confident she was. However, the moment was fleeting…Jody needed to be at the airport for a flight. She was heading back to Texas and Sae was convinced he would never see her again. But a year down the road (or pavement, if you will), Sae felt Texas calling his name and he made the decision to give up his New York lifestyle. He ended up moving into Tony’s place—a great move on his part because Tony’s girlfriend was an active alum for the same sorority as Jody! It wasn’t long before an alumni dinner party brought him face to face with…the girl he never thought he would see again. Preparing himself to make a move, Sae recalls, “I was hyping myself up for an immeasurable feat.” While at the table, everyone began talking about smartphones and comparing features of each.  Sae saw his opportunity and seized it. “I slyly went around the table asking to examine each phone in faux-awe. When Jody’s phone landed in my hands, I surreptitiously, like an undercover agent, input my number and called myself. BINGO, got her number.” Smooth move—guys, take notes. The two began texting, getting to know each other more and over the next four years, they fell madly in love. However, Sae wanted the proposal to be mysterious and a total surprise. In a journal, he began to make a list of all the unique things he loved about Jody. Each page became a special part of her character. Sae presented Jody with the journal, and as she turned the pages, her smile grew bigger and bigger… until she arrived at the final page, which read, “Will you marry me?” On bended knee, Sae repeated his written question out loud and Jody said, “Yes!” Their wedding vision came to life with a rustic-chic lakeside ceremony at Moffitt Oaks, followed by an elegant yet easygoing barn reception. The couple insisted upon a unique celebration—one they had talked about for so long—complete with DIY touches everywhere. Jody was the picture of relaxed glamour as she walked down the aisle to her forever love in a Blue by Enzoani fit-and-flare gown from Weddings by Debbie. We couldn’t be happier that Jody and Sae’s wedding dreams came true. Thank you for these wonderful photos, Steve Lee Photography!

Diamond-Engagement-Rings Floral-Bridesmaids-Robes Groomsmen-Beer-Mugs Rustic-Wedding-Program Outdoor-Wedding-Ceremony-Moffitt-Oaks Puppies-Walking-Aisle 2016-09-19_0004 Tiffany-Blue-Bridesmaids-Dresses Wedding-Party-Photos Bride-and-Groom-Portraits Wedding-Reception-Moffitt-Oaks First-Dance Cake-Cutting-Ceremony Bride-and-Groom-Dancing Donuts-and-Photo-Booth-Props Diamond-Rings

Photos: Steve Lee Photography | Venue: Moffitt Oaks | Catering: Café Natalie | Bridal Gown: Blue by Enzoani from Weddings by Debbie

Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography

When Brittney first met Taylor through a mutual friend while they were both attending Texas A&M, she wasn’t so sure about dating the “old” guy. Six months later, that changed. Brittney decided to text Taylor to see how he was doing and the rest was history. Taylor planned the perfect proposal in Paris that completely swept Brittney off of her feet. “We stayed in a quaint little hotel near the Eiffel Tower and he told me that we were doing an 8 AM Eiffel Tower tour but he wanted me to look nice so we could take some pictures beforehand. At 7 AM, we stood in Trocadero Square where the Eiffel tower sits beautifully in the background attempting to take selfies. A photographer walked by offering to take pictures of us and it turns out, Taylor had been talking to this photographer and coordinated this whole plan. I had no idea. The photographer’s line was “the lighting is perfect now” and that is when Taylor got on his knee and asked me to marry him.” Looks like dating an “older” guy isn’t so bad after all, huh. It was only appropriate for the pair to plan their Houston wedding around the Texas A&M color palette of maroon, gray and white, which complemented their gorgeous wedding venue, The Corinthian, perfectly. Just wait until you see the beautiful photos from their wedding, thanks to J. Cogliandro Photography. You’ll be swooning for sure. Congrats Brittney and Taylor, we wish you a lifetime of happiness!

Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography

Photos: J. Cogliandro Photography ~ Venue: The Corinthian ~ Caterer: Jackson and Company ~ Bridal Gown: Alvina Valenta from Ivory Bridal Atelier ~ Wedding Shoes: Rene Caovilla ~ Bridesmaids Dresses: Brickhouse Bridal ~ Rings & Jewelry: Donoho’s Jewellers

2015 Wedding Gown Trend: Drop Waists & Sheath Gowns

Drop waist and sheath gowns have taken over the runway and our favorite Houston bridal salons. This flattering silhouette looks great on every shape and pairs beautifully with a sweetheart neckline. We’ve narrowed it down to our top fave gowns from the 2015 Bridal Market runway. Which one is your fave?

Floral Drop Waist Bridal Gowns All White Drop Waist Bridal Gown and All-Over Lace Bridal Gown Beaded Drop Waist Bridal Gown with Flowing Skirt White Lace Drop Waist Gown with Sheer Halter and Gold Lace Sheath Bridal Gown Beaded Pure White Bridal Gown with Flowing Skirt and Lace Bridal Gown with Floral Lace Flowing Skirt Gold Detailed Bridal Shift Gown and Drop Waist Bridal Gown with Flowing Skirt and Sheer Sleeves Beaded Bodice with Lace Flowing Skirt and Pure White Sweetheart Neckline Bridal Gown with Flowing Skirt Sweetheart Neckline and Tiered Skirt Bridal Gown with Jeweled Belt and Silver Sheath Bridal Gown Pure White Bridal Gown with Off-the-Shoulder Sleeves and Gold Detailed Bridal Gown

1. Enzoani: Brickhouse Bridal, Parvani Vida, Weddings by Debbie 2. Anne Barge: Ivory Bridal Atelier 3. Anne Barge Blue Willow: Ivory Bridal Atelier 4. Watters Wtoo: Brickhouse Bridal, Houston Bridal Gallery 5. Lazaro: Brickhouse Bridal, Ivory Bridal Atelier, Mia Bridal Couture, Weddings by Debbie 6. Rivini: Ivory Bridal Atelier, Mia Bridal Couture 7. Jim Hjelm: Houston Bridal Gallery, Now & Forever Bridal Boutique, Weddings by Debbie 8. Enzoani: Brickhouse Bridal, Paravani Vida, Weddings by Debbie 9. Hayley Paige: Now & Forever Bridal Boutique 10. Enzoani: Brickhouse Bridal, Parvani Vida, Weddings by Debbie 11. Enzoani: Brickhouse Bridal, Parvani Vida, Weddings by Debbie 12. Hayley Paige: Now & Forever Bridal Boutique 13. Pronovias: Brickhouse Bridal, Houston Bridal Gallery, La Reve Bridal Couture, Mia Bridal Couture, Weddings by Debbie 14. Enzoani: Brickhouse Bridal, Parvani Vida, Weddings by Debbie 15. Winnie Couture: Winnie Couture Houston Flagship Salon 16. Lazaro: Brickhouse Bridal, Ivory Bridal Atelier, Mia Bridal Couture, Weddings by Debbie 17. Jean Ralph Thurin 18. Lazaro: Brickhouse Bridal, Ivory Bridal Atelier, Mia Bridal Couture, Weddings by Debbie