Ivory Bridal Atelier | Houston Wedding Blog

Romantic Wedding at The Petroleum Club of Houston by Serendipity Photography

This week, as all of us take shelter, rebuild and regroup from the unprecedented deluge of Hurricane Harvey, and take stock of everything that is dear and precious to us, we will be sharing some of our favorite weddings of the last few years. If you need an escape, a moment of peace, a reminder of the importance of family, friends and, above all, love, please settle in, snuggle down and join us. And once the storm clouds clear, and the water recedes, let us know what we can do to help you. We are all in this together. #BeStrongHouston #LoveConquersAll

Jenny and Chris knew each other long before they would ever fall in love. Their families were great friends even before the two were born! When Jenny was very young, her family moved away from Houston to Corpus Christi, but they eventually returned. So did Jenny, many years later, to attend nursing school. Chris, by that time, had moved to Austin. That’s when fate brought them back together, at a party at Jenny’s parents’ home, where they reconnected, and Jenny says, “we have been inseparable ever since!” The proposal happened on a weekend when the couple had traveled to Austin for a friend’s wedding—totally smooth move on Chris’ part. Jenny wasn’t suspecting a thing with another wedding going on! They went out for a date night at one of their favorite Austin spots, but the hostess didn’t lead them to a table. Instead, she led them “down candle-filled steps into a private wine cellar.” (Keep going! Here come those cute details we promised…) The cellar door opened and Jenny still recalls all of the details perfectly; champagne, candles and being surrounded by the most beautiful flowers. In the most romantic way Chris proposed to Jenny, the love of his life. And he gets kudos because he made sure the moment didn’t stop there…when they returned to Houston, their families were ready and waiting with a party to celebrate! Jenny and Chris couldn’t wait to say I do—and Jenny couldn’t wait to see Chris’ face when he saw her in her gorgeous Liancarlo gown from Ivory Bridal Atelier. The big day started with a meaningful ceremony at their church, and concluded with a fantastic reception hosted and catered by the Petroleum Club of Houston. We’re grateful to Serendipity Photography for sharing photos of this sweet couple’s wedding, and grateful to Jenny and Chris for sharing their special day with us…and all of you!

Romantic Wedding at The Petroleum Club by Serendipity Photography 2016-05-20_0003 2016-05-20_0004

Photos: Serendipity Photography | Venue: Petroleum Club of Houston | Invitations, Stationery & Registry : Bering’s | Gown: Ivory Bridal Atelier

Blush, Gold, Gray & Silver Wedding at The Astorian by Ama Photography & Cinema

“We wanted a wedding like nothing any of our guests had ever been to,” says Houston bride Meagan, who tied the knot with handsome Brett at an all-out swanky celebration at The Astorian. “We decided to go against tradition and have a big party instead. Our setup was more of a lounge feel. We had passed appetizers, dessert and treats, along with serviced food stations. The bar was open from the moment you arrived. We wanted people to have a great time from beginning to end and I think we succeeded at that!” So do we, Meagan…so do we. “Our favorite moment is when my brother, the officiant, had us actually turn around during the ceremony and look at all of our loved ones surrounding us. I will never forget that moment and seeing all of our guests smiling back at us.” Luckily, she’ll also enjoy the moment, and all the moments of her incredible day, in photographs by Aisha Khan of Ama Photography & Cinema. Congratulations, Meagan & Brett, wishing you a lifetime of love!

Photos & Video: Ama Photography & Cinema | Rehearsal Dinner Location: Brennan’s Houston | Venue: The Astorian | Galia Lahav Wedding Dress: Ivory Bridal Atelier | Lighting: Bright Star Productions

Find Your Wedding Style With Your Zodiac Sign

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with so many wedding dresses and wedding styles to choose from, which is why homing in on your zodiac sign can be a great place to start narrowing down options. Each Zodiac sign has its own unique profile, just like each bride, and each wedding. Scroll down here to find your sign, and shop the looks that express it!

Earth: Driven and engaging all senses, your vision for a blissful wedding is emotional and sensual. You love earthy tones mixed with hints of gold, and adore the idea of mixing classic and modern touches. Earth
1. Marchesa Embellished Cape Gown: Saks Fifth Avenue 2. Jennifer Behr Earrings: NET-A-PORTER 3. Kevyn Aucoin The Matte Lip Color in Bloodroses: NET-A-PORTER 4. Gumuchian Rose Gold Diamond Ring: Lewis Jewelers 5. Charlotte Olympia Orchid Pandora Clutch: NET-A-PORTER 6. Bouquet: Keisha’s Kreations 7. Eternal Romance Invitation: Wedding Paper Divas 8. Gianvito Rossi Satin Sandals: NET-A-PORTER 9. Four-Tier Cake: Sweet Regards by Daniela

Air: Creative, quick-thinking and full of fancy, you’re a heady romantic with a flair for fun. Light-as-air fabrics and blush tones are the wedding textures and colors you have your eyes on.

Air 1. Marchesa Pre-Fall Couture 2017: Marchesa 2. Lele Sadoughi Straw Tassel Earrings: Lele Sadoughi 3. Tom Ford Skin Illuminator: Neiman Marcus 4. Ted Baker Oriental Blossom Clutch: Bloomingdale’s 5. Gilded Shore Coral Invitation: Minted 6. Bouquet: Darryl & Co. 7. Anna Sheffield Hazeline Suite: Anna Sheffield 8. Badgley Mischka ‘Blakely’ Mesh Evening Shoe: Badgley Mischka 9. Four-Tier Cake: Bobbette & Belle

Fire: Passionate, positive and powerful, you’re the life of the party—at the party of a lifetime! You want to stay true to yourself and show off your boldness with bright colors!

Fire 1. Sabyasachi Red Floral Lehenga: Sabyasachi 2. Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick in Bawse: Smashbox 3. Floral Arrangement: Dream Bouquet 4. Minza Khan Yasmin Clutch: Minza Khan 5. Centifolia Rose Invitation: Minted 6. Ruby & Diamond Ring: Nazar’s Fine Jewelry 7. Sergio Rossi Tresor Swarovski Crystal & Suede Sandal: Saks Fifth Avenue 8. Two-Tier Cake: Cake Ink

Water: Sensitive, thoughtful and imaginative, your wedding-day inspiration never stops flowing! You absolutely adore the idea of watercolor invitations, floral cakes and wedding dresses that make you feel like you’re floating as you walk down the aisle.

Water 1. Lazaro Gown: Ivory Bridal Atelier, Weddings by Debbie 2. Sutra Sapphire & Diamond Tassel Earrings: Zadok Jewelers 3. Rafe Sofia Straw Minaudiere: Neiman Marcus 4. Goshwara Gossip London Blue Topaz Bracelet: Zadok Jewelers 5. Indigo Sea Invitation: Minted 6. Bouquet: TnT Events, Flowers & Decorations 7. Imagine Vince Camuto Phoebe Embellished T-Strap Sandals: Bloomingdale’s 8. Three-Tier Floral & Metallic Cake: Cake Ink

5 Fabulous Flower Designs from Haute Flowers & Events

“They are inventive, edgy…but can also bring in that elegant softness, for a princess.”

Dream Photo & Video-I Do 2017 Corinthian-Haute Flowers & Ivory Bridal Atelier Photo: Dream Photo & Video | Venue: The Corinthian | Gowns: Ivory Bridal Atelier | Floral Wreath: Haute Flowers & Events

Yeah, Janice (the recent bride who wrote these words in praise of Haute Flowers & Events)—we know exactly what you mean. We’ve been lucky enough to be partnered up with this talented League City-based event design studio for a few years now, and we can confirm that this balance of innovation and good ol’ fashioned pretty is what owner Teresa Vencil is all about.

And here’s the part where we put our money where our mouths are. OK, actually we’re gonna put our photos where our typing is. Or something like that. Just bear with us, darlings, it’s Friday, we’re hard at work on a brand-new magazine for y’all, and we’re a little loopy. But most of all, we’re a whole lot in love with these inventive, elegant, innovative, pretty, totally individual Haute Flowers & Events creations:

The Floral Lanterns: These great lanterns, accented with flowering branches and bright, boisterous blooms, hung over the head table at Sadie & Aneel’s wedding reception. We love the mix of the angular lanterns with delicate, spherical votive holders.

Floral-Lanterns Photo: Studio Uma | Flowers: Haute Flowers & Events

The Coordinating Flower Crown & Bouquet: You don’t need to be an ultra-boho bride to rock a flower crown—not if the Haute Flowers crew has anything to say about it. They designed this lovely set with refinement in mind, echoing the bouquet’s pale greenery and shades of coral, pink and yellow, in a sweet crown, completed with a sheer, flowing veil. Bonus points for groom’s cool boutonniere!

Haute-Flowers-Flower Crown-and-Bouquet-Binford-Creative Photo: Binford Creative | Bouquet & Flower Crown: Haute Flowers & Events

The Succulent Jewelry: Vencil and her designers created these vintage-inspired pieces exclusively for us, for this recent styled shoot, so we’re, oh, just a little bit partial to them. Plus, they’re gorge. Plus, wearing plants on your body is so freakin’ chic.

StyledShoot Photo: Lindsay Elizabeth Photography | Styling, Design & Flowers: Haute Flowers & Events

The Branch Canopy: Also created just for our shoot, this canopy is a little rustic, a little untamed, a little outside-the-box…and completely charming. It’s the perfect complement to a colorful, organic-feeling table design that looks completely at home inside the brick walls of Butler’s Courtyard, where this fantasy weddingscape was shot.

StyledShoot Photo: Lindsay Elizabeth Photography | Styling, Design & Flowers: Haute Flowers & Events | Venue: Butler’s Courtyard | Linens, Chargers & Pillows: EB. Inc Event Rentals & Design | Vases & Rentals: Darryl & Co.

The Floral Dress: It’s a dress. Made out of flowers. And it’s…uh-mazing. ‘Nuff said.

Haute-Flowers-Flower-Dress-LA-Photography Photo: LA Photography | Flowers: Haute Flowers & Events

Intrigued? Inspired? Snag yourself an appointment with Haute Flowers & Events, and turn that inspiration into real, live wedding design. And don’t forget to tell ’em “Hey girl” from their friends at Weddings in Houston!

Houston Bridal Salons at the I Do! Wedding Soiree

Every detail of your wedding—from your save-the-dates to your reception departure—will be planned with extreme care and attention to detail. But as a bride, your wedding dress is arguably the biggest bridal decision you’ll make. Your bridal gown is a true representation of you, your style and your day. Whether you are seeking a classic wedding gown, a bohemian wedding dress or a mix of traditional and modern styles, you’ll find style inspiration, and, just maybe, the bridal dress of your dreams, at the upcoming I Do! Wedding Soiree.

Five of Houston’s top bridal salons—Ivory Bridal Atelier, Now & Forever Bridal Boutique, Houston Bridal Gallery, Parvani Vida Bridal and Formal and MW Couture—will showcase top-of-the-line bridal couture trends and hot-off-the-runway designer bridal gowns, in a dynamic strolling fashion show, live at The Corinthian on Tuesday, Feb. 28. Alterations expert MW Couture also will provide insights to ensure that your wedding dress is the perfect fit. Be sure to purchase your advance-sale tickets to Houston’s ONLY luxury wedding event while they are still available! Bonus: Purchase your tickets by 11:59 p.m. this Friday, Feb. 17, and you could WIN an awesome $700 on-location engagement shoot from acclaimed Houston wedding photographer Adam Nyholt!! Our winner will be notified next week, and announced live at the I Do! Wedding Soiree. Good luck, lovelies…and we’ll see YOU at I Do!

Houston Bridal Gowns Ivory, Parvani Vida, Now Forever I Do!

Top Left Photo: Now & Forever Bridal Boutique | Botton Left Photo: Parvani Vida Bridal and Formal | Top Right Photo: Ivory Bridal Atelier | Middle Right Photo: MW Couture | Bottom Right Photo: Houston Bridal Gallery

Q&A With Award-Winning Wedding Stylist Kat Creech

Photo: Ama Photography & Cinema

“I think that, subconsciously, I knew the event industry was for me when I was young and prepared dinners for my parents,” says Kat Creech, owner of renowned Houston wedding-design and planning firm Kat Creech Events. “While the menu only consisted of hot dogs, peanut-butter sandwiches and hamburgers, with cookies for dessert, the table was set, the napkin was folded with a menu card placed on top, the candles were lit, and the lights were dimmed.” Now all grown up, and the recipient of multiple industry awards—plus countless accolades from the wedding couples whose spectacular celebrations she has styled—Creech is still setting those tables, placing those menu cards and lighting those candles…only now, on a MUCH grander scale.

Houston Wedding Blog: What was the official start of your journey to becoming a wedding stylist?

Kat Creech: I began the hospitality journey in 1989, at the young age of 16, and climbed the career ladder. In college, I received my first management position as the bar manager of a fine-dining establishment. Upon graduating with honors from the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College in 1999, I entered the catering and events industry full time, moving from an operations manager role to a special events role in 2005, and there was no looking back.

I found my place, and I have loved it ever since. I have never lost my thirst for this industry! I have a passion to do great things, to think differently, to execute events differently, leave a legacy, and ensure that lasting memories are made.

HWB: What is the difference between a wedding planner and a wedding stylist?

KC: A wedding stylist and a wedding planner could have similar roles, but there are differences. A wedding stylist handles all the aesthetic items, such as theme, color, story, interests, vision and vibe. A wedding planner is much like a project manager, overseeing the event’s logistics.

Photo: Ama Photography & Cinema | Venue: The Corinthian | Consultant & Planning: Kat Creech Events | Linens & Chairs: EB Inc. Event Rentals & Design

At Kat Creech Events, we do both. As wedding stylist, we are about about creating a personal brand for your wedding day. Our firm focuses on the design storyboard…and that something special that you can’t quite put your finger on. We obsess about the little details. We look past the daunting checklists, the digital boards, the wedding color, and really get to know our clients—the foundation of what makes them who they are. We ask deeper question and get deeper answers, and then we bring in our creative partners to come play in the wedding playground.

The wedding planner side of the business provides us with a bird’s-eye view of the event as a whole. In the end, it is an intangible journey that results in an epic reality.

HWB: What’s your best advice to a couple who may be feeling slightly overwhelmed by all of the advice, inspiration and ideas they are encountering?

KC: 1. Hire a designer and planner. They are your true investment to create a day you will never forget. Many have different packages to fit into your needs, wants and budget. Our firm acts as the general contractor for your event and ensures that the perfect creative partners are brought in to accomplish all the various elements that are so important in your event: design, decor, venue, entertainment, food, lighting. Trust in the professionals to help you execute your vision.

2. Create a hierarchy of the items that are most important to you, and build your budget around those items.

3. Don’t always go for the discount. Be conscious of the investment you are making. I always break down the investment into man-hours and billable rates, to provide a better understanding of how a professional is getting paid to do their job for you. As they say, you get what you pay for.

4. Budget. My very best advice is to break the overall budget into a price per person. A true professional can guide you to determine if your budget is in line with your expectations.

5. Be kind. This is the most important day of your life and probably the biggest party you have ever thrown. Don’t let your stressful emotions get the best of you. There is life after your wedding. Be kind to your family, your wedding party, and your vendors. It costs nothing and it will get you a lot.

Like what you hear? Love what you see? Schedule your consultation with Kat Creech Events, and find out how this exceptional event stylist can bring your event vision to life! And don’t forget to mention that you found her on the Houston Wedding Blog!

Breathtaking Hill Country Wedding at Canyonwood Ridge

When our newest venue partner, Dripping Springs’ beautiful Canyonwood Ridge, sent Kari and Anderson’s gorgeous spring wedding our way, we were knocked right out of our boots. This lovely couple’s rustic-elegant nuptials took full advantage of Canyonwood Ridge’s soaring ceilings and ample natural light…and the results were stunning. Dreaming of your own Hill Country wedding? We strongly recommend that you make a Canyonwood Ridge tour part of your early planning. In the meantime, sit back, relax, and enjoy Kari and Anderson’s wedding, featuring fresh greenery, fabulous views, gold accents, good times…and a beautiful bride in a gorgeous fit-and-flare Anne Barge bridal gown from Ivory Bridal Atelier. “It was truly our best day ever,” says Kari. We are so happy for you two! Best wishes, xo.

Diamond-Wedding-Rings-Zadok-Jewelers Bride-Getting-Ready Colorful-Rustic-Bridal-Bouquet White-and-Green-Reception-Decor Letter-from-Bride-to-Groom Ivory-and-Gold-Wedding-Cake Adorable-Flower-Girl Bride-and-Groom-during-Wedding-Ceremony Bridal-Party-Photos Bride-and-Groom-Outdoor-Portraits Bride-and-Groom-First-Dance Fun-Reception-and-Exit

Photos: Photography Luxe | Venue: Canyonwood Ridge | Anne Barge Gown: Ivory Bridal Atelier | Jewelry: Zadok Jewelers

Navy and Coral Wedding by Steve Lee Photography

Although Carrie and Christopher both grew up in Houston, they didn’t actually meet until college in San Antonio. But they totally knew—even as freshmen—that they were soulmates. June 26, 2014, was easily the best day of Christopher’s life…but June 25, not so much. Christopher had the ultimate proposal planned for the love of his life with a getaway weekend to Bachelor Gulch, Colorado. However, he had a few challenges to face along before then: airport delays, car rental delays, traffic delays in the mountains (that’s a lot of waiting, y’all!) Even horseback riding, Christopher’s last hope, was changed to a van ride…thanks to trailhead construction! On top of all of this, Christopher ended up in the hospital! Spoiler alert: He still proposes. What a hero, right? They got back to their hotel room that night and all Christopher could think about was the next day, June 26. The day was effortless—well, besides the effort of proposing! The two enjoyed hiking, private yoga, spa treatments and fine dining. On their way to the restaurant, Christopher asked Carrie to take a little detour…He led her down a quaint path around the hotel, which ended with a bridge leading to a vista covered with rose petals in the shape of a heart. Okay, swoon. Christopher recalls, “I dropped to one knee and popped the question, all while my photographer, Nate, hid in the bushes taking photos like a ninja paparazzi.” Perfect plan, Christopher. Perfect plan. Kat Creech Events put together a fantastic courtyard wedding for Carrie and Christopher! Every little detail was accounted for. After having s’mores on their Colorado proposal adventure, the couple had an inspired s’mores station on their dessert table at the reception to accompany their shimmering cake made by Who Made the Cake! As always, Steve Lee Photography provided some absolutely beautiful photos of the big day. Carrie and Christopher, we wish you both a lifetime of happiness.

Carrie & Christopher-Steve Lee-Kat Creech-WMTC-EB Inc-DJU-Zadok-HI-RES-001 copy