I Do! @ ZaZa Photos, Highlights and BIG Thanks

Despite the rain on Oct. 9, you came, enthusiastic, energized and eager for inspiration. And when you walked through the doors of the I Do! Bridal Soiree @ Hotel ZaZa, you found iCatching Events’ magnificent ikebana-style bouquet displays and Darryl & Co’.s drop-dead gorgeous Ultimate Ransom Room setup, with its mirrored tables and lush red roses. You encountered Events in Bloom’s splendid Grapevine Room vignette, lavish with country-French furniture, linens and flowers, and Plants ’N Petals’ Room with a View, set up for a floral-filled ceremony. You delighted at jewelry from Peran & Scannell, boot bling from The Pretty Penny and brooch bouquets from Stationery by St. Clair. You sampled decadent cakes from Susie’s Cakes & Confections, Cake Creations and Edible Designs by Jessie—and if you had a little room left, nibbled SWEET’s sinful treats, too. You checked out fine china from Williams-Sonoma and Kuhl-Linscomb, and fantasized about showcasing it in your new home, as you chatted with The Loken Group’s savvy staff. You posed for Image Cinema photo booth pics, and flocked to pianist Scott Graham’s side to enjoy his tuneful talents. You envisioned your wedding album, as you perused unique displays by Houston photo pros D. Jones Photography, DC Stanley Photography, Steve Lee Weddings and Archetype Studio. And you imagined what you’d look like, walking down the aisle to your groom, wearing one of the stunning gowns showcased by our lovely models. You asked questions, you gathered information (and goodies—plenty of goodies!) and some of you won BIG. You talked to each other, you talked to our staff and you reminded us, once again, how lucky we are to do what we do, here at Weddings in Houston and the Houston Wedding Blog.

So, thank you, Houston brides. Special thanks, too, to Elegant Beginnings, The Perfect Touch Linens, The Posh Petal and Blooming Gallery/Linen Gallery, who, in conjunction with the aforementioned floral and event designers, turned out the most imaginative tablescapes we’ve ever laid eyes upon.

And, of course, big thanks to David Jones, for his gorgeous photos of our great event—a sampling of which are featured here. More can be found here.

Newly engaged or looking for even more wedding WOW? Get your tickets now for the Jan. 15 I Do! Bridal Soiree @ InterContinental Houston Hotel. We look forward to meeting you there!

 

I Do! Bridal Soiree ZaZa

I Do! Bridal Soiree ZaZa

I Do! Bridal Soiree ZaZa

I Do! @ ZaZa Preview: Photo Booths, Fine Jewels & Fabulous Cake

I Do Bridal Soiree Preview

Photos (clockwise, left to right): Cake Creations~Peran & Scannell Jewelers~Image Cinema Photo Booths

The awesome I Do! Bridal Soiree @ Hotel ZaZa is just a few days away and we cannot WAIT to meet y’all!

In the meantime, we’re throwing out a few more tantalizing tidbits about Sunday’s show to get you all excited. As if you weren’t already.

With us at I Do! @ ZaZa for the first time is Image Cinema Photo Booths. Make sure to step inside one of their fantastic booths—just about the coolest addition to your reception, just ask any bride who’s had one—and strike a pose for the camera. You won’t just score a great free gift (a surprise, of course), but you’ll also get to take advantage of Image Cinema’s 50/50 show special: $50 off photo booth rental OR 50 magnetic frame party favors for guests. Love it!

Also new to I Do! @ ZaZa, Peran & Scannell Jewelers will be showcasing its newest fine jewelry collection. Jewelers Shelley Peran and Dawn Scannell are absolute experts in appraising, sourcing and designing exquisite fine diamond and gemstone jewelery—so if you’re in the market for serious bling, make a beeline for their sure-to-be-dazzling show display. Did we mention that they’ll be drawing for a $200 gift certificate? Now we did!

To satisfy your sweet tooth, swing over to Cake Creations, and indulge in a decadent taste or two from Bobbie Taylor, one of Houston’s most celebrated special-occasion bakers. Oh, and to satisfy your search for a great I Do! bargain, snag a $100 gift certificate for your Cake Creations bride or groom cake! Yum.

Plenty more divine inspiration, killer deals, surprise giveaways and just plain beautiful stuff will be on display at I Do! @ ZaZa, so arrive on time, stay for the duration, and take advantage of every single ounce of bridal OMG.

And don’t forget to stick around for the post-show VIP Happy Hour—ZaZa’s Monarch Bistro and Bar will be offering lots of delish drink and app specials. Mmm…we’re hungry already. And thirsty. Very thirsty.

See you on Sunday!!

Get the Most Out of Your Bridal Show: Tips from a Pro

Bridal Show Attendance Tips from Radhika Day

Sunday’s I Do! Bridal Soiree at Hotel ZaZa is the hottest ticket in town…especially since tickets are officially GONE. That’s right, I Do! @ ZaZa is totally sold out. As in completely. As in NO tickets will be available at the door, so if you don’t have tickets already, please don’t show up hoping to get in. Nothing makes us sadder than a sad bride.

Instead, DO get a jump on tickets for the January I Do! Bridal Soiree at the InterContinental Houston, which will go on sale later this week. Make sure to “Like” us on Facebook, where we’ll announce the moment they do!

And if you happen to be one of the brides who’ll join us and more than 40 of Houston’s most innovative and exciting wedding vendors and experts for three unforgettable hours on Sunday, check out these tips on getting the most out your show, from a true, in-the-know pro: Weddings in Houston publisher Radhika Day.

What/whom should I bring with me to the I Do! Bridal Soiree @ Hotel ZaZa?

Radhika Day: You should ideally bring your fiancé so you can enjoy the planning process together and pick the right vendors who fit your personalities. It’s also a great opportunity for you two to enjoy several hours of fun together. If your groom is not available then you should bring your mom or a close friend who is helping plan the wedding. You should come armed with your calendar and a list of questions for vendors so you can consult and make appointments with those you like, right there on the spot.

What do I need to do upon arrival at the show?

RD: When you arrive at check-in for the event, you will need to register on one of our convenient laptops. It only takes a moment to register, and only brides, not their guests, need to register. Once you complete registration, you’ll get your fabulous I Do! swag bag and show program. And then…your off!

What’s the best way to make sure I don’t miss anything at the show?

RD: Come early and be prepared to stay for the entire afternoon. There is so much to see and experience—meeting the top vendors in town, browsing gorgeous displays, touring Hotel ZaZa’s amazing event spaces, enjoying the I Do! reception. Three hours is not a lot of time, but if you arrive on time and stay for the full show, you’ll have a chance to experience everything. Plus, you do need to be present to win our fabulous door prizes!

What kinds of questions should I be prepared to ask vendors?

RD: Ask questions that will help you get a sense if they are a good fit for your personality and tastes. Also ask if they are available on your preferred wedding date, and find out if their price points are more or less within your budget. And if you like them, make sure to schedule an appointment for some time within the next few weeks after the show.

Any show no-no’s?

RD: Please no flip-flops, shorts, cut-offs, etc.—“smart casual” attire is appropriate for this luxury show. While we love children, the I Do! Bridal Soiree is not an appropriate place for youngsters. Please do not bring infants, babies or children. No strollers will be allowed. Most importantly, come with ideas, but not ones that are so set in stone that you aren’t open to other possibilities. You never know, after all, what might inspire you! Bring an open mind, and be ready to be dazzled by stunning displays and exceptionally talented vendors.

What’s the best way to follow up with vendors I like, after the show?

RD: Express your interest with a quick phone call and/or email, and set up a face-to-face appointment with the vendor to discuss your wedding plans in detail. Houston’s top vendors are very much in demand and have limited open dates. To avoid disappointment, secure your dates early. Most importantly, let them know you found them at Weddings in Houston I Do! bridal show, so you can avail yourself of any show specials or promotional deals.

And one more thing: If you enjoy the show or see something you like, we would love for you to take pictures and post them on your Facebook page and on Twitter. Share your excitement with friends and family…and with US. We’d love to hear from you –what you liked most (and what, if anything, you’d like to change). Post your comments on this and other show-related Houston Wedding Blog posts and on our Facebook posts. We put our hearts and souls into our signature event, and nothing makes us and our vendors happier than hearing how much you loved it!

 

I Do! @ ZaZa Preview: Boot Bling, Photo Jewels, Giveaways & More

Weddings in Houston’s I Do! Bridal Soiree @ Hotel ZaZa is less than 10 days away. Are you one of the lucky brides who will be attending Houston’s most extraordinary bridal show? Make sure to check out these hot items and great giveaways!

Boot-wearing brides will not want to miss gorgeous new “boot jewelry with attitude” from The Pretty Penny & Social Expressions, along with brand-new jewelry for bridesmaids, flower girls and destination brides. Oh–and brides who order their Pretty Penny invitations at the show will get 20-50% (!!) off their order.

Looking for a truly unique MOB, MOG, groom or bridesmaid gift? Top Houston wedding photographer (and Houston Wedding Blog favorite) Steve Lee will showcase fabulous new “photo jewelry” AND offer a special show discount on photography packages.

And if you’re just getting started on the planning path, be sure to visit Lion & Lamb Event Services to check out their custom wedding-coordination packages…and score $250 off a full-service package!

More previews and show news coming soon…so stay tuned!

I Do Bridal Soiree Hotel ZaZa Houston

Photos (clockwise from top): Steve Lee Weddings~Lion & Lamb Event Services~The Pretty Penny & Social Expressions

 

Dramatic Downtown Wedding by Nhan Nguyen Photography

August was hot in Houston. Ridiculously hot. Obscenely hot. But you’d never know it from looking at Tiffanie and Khuong, who celebrated their union at Hotel ZaZa, in downtown’s Museum District. This supremely stylish pair looked cool as cut diamonds, Tiffanie in a stunning Winnie Couture gown and crystal-encrusted Louboutins, Khuong in tux and Chucks (we love it!). We can’t help but get swept up in the shimmer and high drama of their theatrical fête, created with the help of the awesome Mai Dang of Honeydew Events and the design genius of Darryl & Co. in ZaZa’s cinematic Phantom Ballroom. Big thanks to the extraordinary Nhan Nguyen for gorgeous photos of this sparkling soiree. And big congrats to the bride and groom!

Dramatic Downtown Wedding by Nhan Nguyen Photography Dramatic Downtown Wedding by Nhan Nguyen Photography Dramatic Downtown Wedding by Nhan Nguyen Photography Dramatic Downtown Wedding by Nhan Nguyen Photography Dramatic Downtown Wedding by Nhan Nguyen Photography Dramatic Downtown Wedding by Nhan Nguyen Photography Dramatic Downtown Wedding by Nhan Nguyen Photography Dramatic Downtown Wedding by Nhan Nguyen Photography Dramatic Downtown Wedding by Nhan Nguyen Photography Dramatic Downtown Wedding by Nhan Nguyen Photography Dramatic Downtown Wedding by Nhan Nguyen Photography Dramatic Downtown Wedding by Nhan Nguyen Photography Dramatic Downtown Wedding by Nhan Nguyen Photography Dramatic Downtown Wedding by Nhan Nguyen Photography

Photography: Nhan Nguyen Photography~Bride’s Dress: Winnie Couture~Flowers: Blooming Gallery~Decor & Rentals: Darryl & Co.~Cake: Susie’s Cakes & Confections~Venue: Hotel ZaZa~Consultant: Honeydew Events