Mother’s Day Love: Houston Bride Jansu Shares Her Fave Mom Moment

Jansu-Poi-and-Mom Photo: Elizabeth B. Photography

MOM. She’s there for you every step of the way, whenever you need her—especially during wedding planning! With Mother’s Day right around the corner, we want to show all of the mamas out there how much we appreciate them. We asked our lovely Instagram followers what their fave wedding moment with Mom was, and we just had to share what Houston bride Jansu had to say.

“The night before the wedding, my mom and I had a sleepover—just the two of us. We reminisced about my childhood memories, and when I first met my husband in high school. We’d had a physics study party at his house, and when my mom came to pick me up, he was SO formal! He came outside just to shake her hand through the window,” says Jansu.

Jansu-Poi-and-Mom Photo: Elizabeth B. Photography

“We laughed and cried until 2 in the morning. Even though I got little sleep the night before the big day, it was the perfect way to calm my nerves and spend some special time with my mom. She’s my best friend—hands down,” she adds.

Houston-Bride-with-Mother Photo: Elizabeth B. Photography

We loved Jansu’s fave wedding moment with her mom so much, that we gave her a deluxe pedi package for two courtesy of Citris Nail Spa. Congrats on winning this fabulous giveaway! We hope you and your mom enjoy every moment of Mother’s Day. Xo!

Modern-Rustic Wedding at Chateau Polonez

Brittni and Cameron’s love story is a true high-school dream. She was a cheerleader, and he was a baseball player. A mutual friend introduced them after a game, and it took only two weeks for them to go on a group movie date. Seven years later, they had gone from high-school sweethearts to lifelong soulmates.

Cameron knew that the perfect way to catch Brittni off guard was with a surprise proposal the weekend of his 23rd birthday. As the bride tells it, “I came back from College Station to attend his birthday dinner in Cypress, and was a little perturbed because he had been very evasive and hadn’t been communicating much the week before. Looking back on it, I should have known what was going to happen, after my mom and cousin took me to get my nails done and helped me pick out an outfit. My mom was so worried that my shirt was wrinkled, which is typical—but she was extra concerned that day.” In true Southern-gentleman fashion, Cameron picked her up in his F250 truck and told Brittni that he wanted to make a pit stop at his uncle’s barn before dinner. Brittni recounts: “We hopped out of his truck and began walking towards the lake, and spotted a little boy laughing while fishing. I was completely oblivious to the situation, and only noticed the roses and mason-jar candles as I ran into Cameron’s back,” she says. “I looked up and saw his face… it immediately brought me to tears. The look in his eyes was nothing I’ve seen before.” Cameron dropped down on one knee, and then came the ugly cries and happy tears.

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She wore a gorgeous lace bridal gown, and the entire bridal party wore the cutest sneakers—including Brittni!

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Brittni and Cameron had a vision of a modern-rustic wedding that came to life at Chateau Polonez with lush greenery, lots of candlelight and a naked cake.

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“Our favorite moment was standing on stage after we said, ‘I do.’ We saw so many supportive faces and felt all of the love in that moment,” Brittni says. Congrats & best wishes to the newlyweds!

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Photos: Leighanne Herr Photography | Venue: Chateau Polonez | Lighting, Music & Photo Booth: DJU Entertainment

5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About The Gardens at Madeley Manor

2017-04-28_0001 Photo: Courtesy of The Garden’s at Madeley Manor

Tucked away behind a grove of sweeping oaks trees in central Conroe lies a wedding venue home to rich history and unforgettable views — The Garden’s at Madeley Manor. The majestic, plantation-style property has played host to some of the most elegant, lush and Southern-inspired ceremonies, receptions and bridal luncheons this side of the Texas border. We talked with the manor’s events manager, Marjorie Thai, to find out more about this picture-perfect spot! You might be surprised what you learn:

1. It’s 80+ Year’s Old! — Madeley Manor was first built by Daniel and Ruth Madeley in the 1930’s and quickly became the epicenter of society and sophistication in Conroe, hosting events for dignitaries and musicians, as well as the Madeley daughters’ weddings, according to Thai. The home has been updated since its heyday, but maintains its historic charm.

View More: http://michelleablephotography.pass.us/madeley-manor Photo: Cotton Weddings

2. It’s All-Inclusive — The Gardens at Madeley Manor offers all-inclusive pricing for all types of wedding events, from the assortment of sweets and flatware at a brunch buffet, to hor d’oeuvres and glassware for cocktail hours, scones and saucers for a bridesmaids’ tea, and multicourse meals and tables for a seated dinner. “Clients are able to relax and enjoy their wedding, knowing our dedicated team will take care of the details,” Thai says.

3. It Perfects Indoor-Outdoor Elegance — “Couples and their guests have the opportunity to revel among the grounds as well as the home,” Thai says. The venue’s lush green lawns and 100-year-old oaks create an idyllic atmosphere for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. Many couples choose to wed under the manor’s beautiful white gazebo, that can be adorned with a sparkling chandelier. Couples can then segue into a classic, tented reception or to the options indoors.

2017-04-28_0002  Photo: Courtesy of The Garden’s at Madeley Manor

4. There’s Space for Any Occasion — Once inside the historic former-residence, couples can wed within the charming white chapel, perfect for intimate ceremonies. On the first floor, the living room lends itself to dining or dancing, while the pine-paneled sunroom is an ideal gentleman’s quarters. Upstairs, the former bedrooms have been transformed to host small social gatherings with access to gorgeous photo opps on the columned balcony.

2017-04-28_0003  Photo: Archetype Photography | Photo is of the vintage Machin Conservatory at its former location, The Gardens of River Oaks.

5. They’re Adding More! —  The manor will soon boast yet another gorgeous indoor-outdoor feature to host truly one-of-a-kind weddings. In Spring 2018, the venue plans to unveil a vintage Machin Conservatory that will offer uninterrupted views of the Texas sunset or twinkling night sky. It will certainly provide another magical setting for weddings and related events, and add to the historical character of our venue,” Thai says.

Interested in a charm-filled, Southern-inspired or historic wedding space? Schedule a consultation with The Garden’s at Madeley Manor today to book the perfect location for your dream day! Be sure to mention you found them on the Houston Wedding Blog.

Wedding Menus with a Houston, Texas-Twist by Lola Catering + Events

Houston’s culinary scene is a fusion of gulf coast fare, mixed with Southern classics and south-of-the-border cuisine. So, it’s no wonder why the city’s couples crave a medley of flavors when carefully selecting their wedding menu. The team at Lola Catering + Events, one of the city’s most creative boutique catering companies, are experts at building personalized menus incorporating the favorite foods of each bride or groom.

We talked with Lisa Somera, owner of Lola Catering + Events, about some of their favorite Houston-style wedding menu items. Keep reading to get a taste!

2017-05-02_0009 2017-05-02_0007 Photos: Courtesy of Lola Catering + Events

Somera and team have loved spicing things up lately for couples who have a taste for Tex-Mex. Recent favorites have included chipotle nachos, pepper salsas made from scratch, vegan baby bell peppers stuffed with Tex-Mex quinoa, as well as a traditional take on fajitas and a tiny take on brisket, carnitas and chicken tacos.

2017-05-02_0006 2017-05-02_0012 2017-05-02_0008 Photos: Courtesy of Lola Catering + Events

Flavorful seafood with a kick has also been popular for Lola’s recent couples. Some standout items have been the grilled honey chipotle shrimp and the shrimp crostini — a deep fried polenta crostini topped with a butterflied jumbo shrimp, stuffed with herbed crab meat, topped with a portobello slice and melted mozzarella, then drizzled with sweet jalapeño jam. YUM.

2017-05-02_0005 2017-05-02_0010  Photos: Courtesy of Lola Catering + Events

And for couples who want their wedding menu to be a fun yet refined rendition of a Texas cookout, Somera recommends the passable poblano mac n’ cheese bites along with balsamic braised short ribs, over roasted garlic mashed potatoes within an edible sea salt tasting spoon.

2017-05-02_0004 2017-05-02_0011 Photos: Courtesy of Lola Catering + Events

Hungry for more? Get your wedding menu cookin’ with Lola Catering + Events today. We’re certain you’ll love your wedding menu with a Texas twist down to the very last bite!

5 Creative Ways to Use Cigars at Your Wedding

We talk a lot here on the Houston Wedding Blog about how to celebrate girls and guests, but today is mainly about the guys. If you or your boo love the aroma and sophistication of fine Cuban seed tobacco, or you simply want to treat guests to the luxury of hand-rolled cigars (perhaps paired with single-malt scotch and a live jazz combo?), Houston’s Lucho Cigars is gonna give you reason to celebrate.

From the bachelor weekend to the wedding after-party, we’ve rounded up five ways to creatively use Lucho’s smooth, firm, flavorful, hand-rolled cigars at your wedding celebrations. Read on and savor!

2017-04-20_0004  Photo: Civic Photos | Cigars: Lucho Cigars

1. The Bachelor Bash — Welcome your groomsmen to a weekend of hijinks with a tobacco treat that’ll make each dude feel like a VIP. To make the gift a little more personal, you can pick out a cigar to fit each of your guys’ taste, from Lucho’s 20 different cigar types, ranging in intensity, color, size and shape. Cigar aficionados also can schedule cigar-smoking, cigar-selection and humidor-care workshops, for a unique and educational bachelor party experience at the line’s Uptown Park store.

2. The Post-“I do” Photo Op — Cigars in hand (or mouth) create a celebratory feeling in both your wedding photos and at the event itself. Your pre-reception cocktail hour is the perfect time to take a puff and celebrate that you just made the most amazing commitment of your life! That cigar may also help relieve any lingering jitters you felt while standing in front of tens or even hundreds of people.

2017-04-20_0002  Photo: Civic Photos | Cigars: Lucho Cigars

3. An Interactive Cigar-Rolling Station — For those who aren’t tearing up the dance floor, or just need to take a break, a cigar-rolling station offers a memorable and relaxing source of entertainment. Lucho’s team of master rollers will create fresh handmade cigars before guests’ eyes using their finest tobacco leaves, high-end wrappers and 20-plus years of experience.

4. Customized Labels — For a manlier take on the monogram, couples can request to have personalized labels created for any and all cigars in their wedding. Labels can include a couple’s logo, new initials or even a photo! Think of this as the groom’s way to add his touch to the wedding theme and brand.

2017-04-20_0006  Photo: Civic Photos | Lables: Lucho Cigars

5. A Flavorful Favor — Bid adieu to your wedding guests with a flavorful cigar favor bag that they can use to celebrate your wedding after the official party has ended. Add in a tasteful ribbon or dash of your wedding colors to wrap up the night with a perfect pairing of masculinity and elegance.

Want a handmade cigar of your own to celebrate your perfect day? Contact Lucho Cigars and get on their books. Be sure to let them know you heard about them from their fans at the Houston Wedding Blog!