Bridal Gown | Houston Wedding Blog

Preserve Your Wedding Gown the Twin Oaks Way (aka, the RIGHT Way)

Twin Oaks Cleaners Houston

Photos: Top Left: Alvina Valenta, Middle: Alvina Valenta, Top Right: Naeem Khan, Bottom Left: LaceNTrim via Etsy, Bottom Right: Reem Acra

You know it, we know it, designers know it: A wedding gown is NOT like other garments. Unfortunately, many dry cleaners who advertise “wedding gown preservation” do not understand exactly how special wedding gowns are, and what kind of painstaking care is required to preserve them beautifully, and without damage.

Twin Oaks Cleaners has made wedding gown preservation a priority for more than 60 years. No, not just a priority—an art. We’re not kidding. This iconic Houston business employs not one but two full-time spotters whose sole job is to identify any staining and determine exactly which solvents are required to return the dress material to pristine condition. And a team of experts who dedicate themselves to removing any accessory or bit of ornamentation that might be damaged during cleaning. Yeah. It’s that kind of place.

And when it comes to your wedding gown, it’s the only kind of place you want to entrust with that gown’s care.

This week, you can WIN $150 of Twin Oaks Cleaners’ renowned dry cleaning services (perfect for those fancy-shmancy getups you’re getting set to wear for all your fabulous pre-wedding parties, dinners, showers and celebrations), PLUS an additional 10% off Twin Oaks Cleaners’ gown preservation. Simply Like this Weddings in Houston Facebook post AND Twin Oaks’ Facebook page, and you’re entered to win. Winner announced Tuesday, April 21 on—where else?—Facebook!

Romantic Hotel ZaZa Spring Wedding by Akil Bennett Photography

“We met at a charity camp for children with cancer called Candlelighter’s, back in El Paso,” recounts recent bride Paige. “Patrick was the counselor for the youngest boys and I was the counselor for the youngest girls. Patrick had a ‘tough guy’ exterior, but seeing him with those children, gentle and kind, melted my heart and I was immediately in love. By the end of the camp we were constantly talking and flirting, sharing music and books; it was a beautiful beginning to a beautiful relationship.” We’ll second that, Paige. And third it. And just melt over it right along with you, while we sigh over Akil Bennett’s gorgeous photos of your Hotel ZaZa spring wedding. Thank you so much for donating your time and love to children in need, and for sharing your beautiful day with our beautiful Houston brides. Congratulations!

Romantic Hotel ZaZa Spring Wedding by Akil Bennett Photography

Photos: Akil Bennett Photography ~ Bridal Gown: Ella Blu ~ Bride’s Shoes: Yves Saint Laurent ~ Bridesmaids Dresses: Now & Forever Bridal Boutique ~ Groom’s Suit: Hugo Boss ~ Wedding Reception Venue: Hotel ZaZa ~ Cake: Who Made The Cake! ~ Registry: Macy’s Wedding Gift & Registry

Classic Ivory & Charcoal Crystal Ballroom Wedding by Ama Photography & Cinema

“I had a patient in the ER that needed massive transfusion of blood products. Andrew was working in the blood bank that night. We exchanged simple conversation but I couldn’t stop thinking about him. I messaged him on Facebook a few weeks later, basically asking for a date. He text messaged me the next morning and we’ve been together ever since,” says Houston bride Lenee. If you think their made-for-TV meet-cute is sweet (and verrry dramatic), just wait ’til you see the beautiful photos from their wedding at The Crystal Ballroom at the Rice taken by Aisha Khan from Ama Photography & Cinema! Congrats Lenee & Andrew on tying the knot!

Photos: Ama Photography & Cinema ~ Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Magnolia Hotel Houston ~ Reception Venue: Crystal Ballroom at the Rice ~ Wedding Gown Designer: Bella Deur ~ Bridal Belt: Weddings by Debbie ~ Catering: Sambuca Catering ~ Lighting: Crystal Ballroom at the Rice ~ Registry: Macy’s Wedding Gift & Registry

Baroque + Burlesque + Bohemian Styled Shoot

WEDDINGS IN HOUSTON FALL 2014 | STYLED SHOOT

A forest clearing. A lush baroque-meets-burlesque (but oh so demure) fantasy wedding tablescape. A dreamy, bohemian bride, aglow with sunlight and sparkle. This magnificent shoot, featured in our July 2014 issue, is a true original, and a visual stunner. Meet & converse with contributors Kat Creech Events, Steve Lee Photography, EB Inc. Events and Plants N’ Petals at the upcoming 10/9 I Do! Bridal Soiree at the JW Marriott Houston Downtown, and find out how they can make YOUR wedding dreams come true. Get your tickets NOW!

Concept & Design: Kat Creech Events ~ Photography: Steve Lee Weddings ~ Location: Private Property ~ Flowers: Dream Bouquet ~ Linens & Dining Chairs: EB Inc. Events ~ Lounge Decor: Plants N’ Petals ~ China, Stationery, Props: Blue Leaf Houston ~ Cake: Who Made the Cake! ~ Gown: Turquoise by Ines di Santo from Ivory Bridal Atelier

Blush Pink, Gold & Ivory Wedding at Chateau Cocomar by DC Stanley

WEDDINGS IN HOUSTON FALL 2014 | REAL WEDDING FEATURE

Michelle and Chris ~ September 14, 2013

While Michelle admits that meeting Chris as a high-school senior “was not love at first sight, as I was not looking for a boyfriend,” her future husband’s persistence paid off. Seven years after they met, the couple joined together in matrimony, with an elegant wedding in Chateau Cocomar’s magnificent castle-like setting, complete with marble floors and twinkling chandeliers. Michelle’s chosen palette of soft neutrals and a hint of blush pink created an air of timeless romance—the perfect backdrop for the newlyweds’ first dance (Michelle’s favorite wedding memory), and every moment thereafter. At the night’s close, guests held aloft 20-inch-long sparklers as Mr. and Mrs. O’Malley shared a kiss.

Blush Pink, Gold & Ivory Wedding at Chateau Cocomar by DC Stanley

Names: Michelle Mecom & Chris O’Malley ~ Number of Guests: 150 ~ Venue: Chateau Cocomar ~ Photography: DC Stanley Photography