Elegant | Houston Wedding Blog

Texas-Chic Briscoe Manor Wedding by Katie Lamb Photography

Gritty, rough-and-tumble sports brought them together—they were both college athletes, and they bonded over Michigan State ice hockey games while the two were students there—but Julie and Jeff’s summer wedding was no grungy affair. Quite the opposite. With its palette of cream, green, neutrals and soft pinks, and wrought-iron accents and glowing candles, the couple’s Briscoe Manor celebration is a study in refined rustic elegance…Houston-style! Check out the custom “brand,” the his-n-hers boots, and the getaway Rolls, natch. Oh—and don’t those b-maid shots just make you want to procure some parasols for your big day pix? Big thanks to Katie Lamb for the lovely shots. And happiest wishes to the newlyweds!

Texas-Chic Briscoe Manor Wedding by Katie Lamb Photography

Photos: Katie Lamb Photography ~ Bride’s Dress: Watters from Mia Bridal Couture ~ Bride’s Shoes: custom Blackjack cowboy boots ~ Cake: Susie’s Cakes and Confections ~ Bridesmaids’s Attire: Amsale ~ Mother of the Bride Dress: Tadashi Shoji ~ Flowers: Stephanie Jamison at Flora Bella Designs ~ Decor and Rentals: Briscoe Manor, Events in Bloom, Bright Star Productions ~ Ceremony and Reception Venue: Briscoe Manor ~ Registry Location: Bering’s, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Macy’s

Gray, Pink & Cream Hotel ZaZa Wedding by Serendipity Photography

Imagine discovering that your boyfriend’s mother had known your mother before either of you were born—and had even babysat for you while you were itty-bitty! It’s the sort of small-world coincidence that makes you think some things—Emily and Brian’s true love, for instance—are just fated to be. For the couple’s spring wedding, Emily wanted to honor tradition…but she also wanted some super-chic modern flare, to go along with Hotel ZaZa’s hot new 11^th-floor Grapevine Room. “Sticking with that I choose charcoal gray as our main color and accented it with pale pinks and creams for a romantic touch,” she tells us. There’s so much we love about this effortlessly elegant wedding, from the bride’s handmade “Mr.” and “Mrs.” chair signs (“I highly recommend doing this if you’re crafty and want something unique…and it was fun!”), to the subtly metallic linens, to the fresh and feminine Blooming Gallery floral arrangements, to the ridiculously pretty pink-bow wedding cake from Edible Designs by Jessie. Check out Serendipity Photography’s fine photos of this delightful Houston wedding. And if you’re hunting for a mid-size venue with amazing style and views for miles, definitely check out ZaZa’s 11^th-floor space—it’s an absolute gem. Congratulations, Emily and Brian!

Gray, Pink & Cream Hotel ZaZa Wedding by Serendipity Photography

Photos: Serendipitiy Photography ~ Bride’s Dress: Reem Acra ~ Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blahnik & Valentino ~ Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Monique Lhuillier ~ Cakes: Edible Designs by Jessie ~ Flowers: Blooming Gallery ~ Invitations: Bering’s ~ Venue: Hotel ZaZa

Classic Houstonian Hotel Wedding by Nicole Chatham Photography

There’s something delightful about the idea of falling in love at your sweatiest, grittiest, most makeup-less best. That’s exactly what happened to Houston bride Christina, whose personal trainer Bart became her husband one day this past May. The couple’s Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa wedding, with its rose-petal-strewn garden ceremony and ballroom reception is the very essence of refined Southern beauty mixed with down-home revelry—in Christina’s words, “a classic, elegant, black-tie event…that was fun!” But amid all the splendor of Blooming Gallery’s creamy rose-and-hydrangea arrangements and twinkling crystal candelabra, all the music and lively Bright Star Productions lighting, nothing shone more radiantly than the bride’s absolutely amazing smile and irresistible dimples (we’re certain Bart would agree). Cheers to Nicole Chatham for her wonderful photos of this wonderful Houston wedding. And our happiest wishes to the happy couple!

Photos: Nicole Chatham Photography ~ Bride’s Dress: Vera Wang ~ Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo ~ Bride’s Makeup & Hair: Makeup by Kristin; Your Beautiful Face ~ Cakes: Susie’s Cakes & Confections; Moeller’s Bakery ~ Flowers: Blooming Gallery ~ Lighting: Bright Star Productions ~ Coordinator: Belle of the Ball ~ Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa

Stunning Chateau Cocomar Engagement Shoot by Composure Studios

Today, we’re thrilled to feature the first-ever engagement shoot at Chateau Cocomar—Houston’s newest wedding venue…and, we’re sure, destined to be one the city’s most coveted. Says photographer Anthony Dinh of Composure Studios, “We knew Chateau Cocomar was the perfect location to shoot John and Ly”—the superbly stylish couple at the center of these stunning photos. Dinh says he used Composure Studios’ “still cinematographic” technique, which focuses on “freezing motion and emotions as they occur.” ’Course, it doesn’t hurt that groom John is just about as dapper a dude as we’ve ever seen, and gorgeous bride Ly is a knockout in her custom gown. (Can you believe that she did her hair and makeup herself??) This wonderful couple looks as if they were made to wander, deeply in love, through the acres of polished marble, magnificent arches and sparkling crystal of Chateau Cocomar. Photographer Dinh couldn’t agree more. “We want our clients to continue to feel what they felt during their session whenever they are viewing their photos,” says. “We wouldn’t have it any other way.” Amen to that. Thank you to Composure Studios. A warm welcome to Chateau Cocomar. And, most of all, congratulations and happiest wishes to John and Ly.

Stunning Chateau Cocomar Engagement Shoot by Composure Studios

Photos: Composure Studios

Missed Sunday’s Tea with Jackson Hicks? Here’s a Little Sip!

The Corinthian in downtown’s Historic District is one of the most drop-dead gorgeous venues in Houston. So it’s no surprise last weekend’s tour and tea with venue director Jackson Hicks—Founder and CEO of famed catering firm Jackson and Company, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year—was one of the city’s most spectacular bridal events on record.

Floating candles welcomed brides and their guests as they ascended the venue’s regal stairs, led by Hicks, who held forth on The Corinthian’s history and wedding offerings. As if The Corinthian isn’t already amazing enough, top Houston designers lent their talents to dressing the space. Rob Smith of Events in Bloom brought in creamy white flowers and country-French furniture, while Darryl & Co. did up a divine chuppah in tons of cascading blooms. More fabulous flowers, courtesy Bergner & Johnson, adorned the tea tables, where guests nibbled the most delicious cakes, scones, pastries and tea sandwiches this side of the pond. Fashion, too, was at the fore, with luxury bridal salon Ivory Bridal Atelier showing off stunning gowns, accessorized with jewelry from—where else?—Tiffany & Co.

Get a feel for last weekend’s event—and for what your own Corinthian/Jackson and Company wedding might look and feel like—with these terrific photos from Larry Fagala and Nhan Nguyen!
The Corinthian Bridal Tea and Open House

Photos: Nhan Nguyen Photography (top 5 images), Larry Fagala (bottom 2 images)