Ivory Bridal Atelier | Houston Wedding Blog

Q&A With Award-Winning Wedding Stylist Kat Creech

“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.

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Blush & Cream Houston Wedding by J. Cogliandro Photography

This Houston wedding story is going to give you all the feels, so be prepared! Lindsey and Drew met in February of 2012 at the Philadelphia airport’s international check-in. They were on their way to a 10-day adventure in Israel with a group organization, and by the end of the trip they had each separately told their friends that they found their person. Lindsey had no clue Drew had said the same thing to his friends that she had, until the night of their rehearsal dinner, when Drew’s best man recalled in his speech, “Drew came home and said he’d met the girl he was going to marry.” Goosebumps. Drew absolutely insisted on proposing in a way that would mean the world to Lindsey. He had been working with Lindsey’s boss to get her to Philadelphia airport’s international check-in for a fake business trip…and he proposed right there where they’d first met many years ago. “The area was empty except for one older security staff member, who told us we had restored his faith in humanity,” the bride recounts. After spending the entire day in Philadelphia to celebrate as a newly engaged couple, Lindsey and Drew were returned home to a surprise celebration with their families! The pair then started to plan their Houston wedding. With 230 of their friends and loved ones in attendance, Lindsey and Drew said, “I do.” However, they took the traditional wedding series of events into their own hands. One of their favorite memories was their “first look” at Discovery Green, after which they stopped with their entire wedding party to have a pre-ceremony drink while taking pictures with J. Cogliandro Photography. (We seriously love this idea!) It’s safe to say that Lindsey and Drew have restored our faith in humanity, too. We couldn’t be happier for this sweet couple!

www.jc2photo.com

Photos: J. Cogliandro Photography | Invitations & Stationery: Bering’s | Bridal Gown: Reem Acra “Eve” Gown from Ivory Bridal Atelier | Registry: Kuhl-Linscomb & Bering’s

Metallic Wedding at The Houstonian by Akil Bennett Photographer

Brittney and Jeff grew up in the same town and even attended their high school’s Homecoming together as friends back in 2002, but it wasn’t until much later that the pair officially became a couple. On a trip to San Francisco with Brittney’s parents, Jeff planned a night to remember for his love when he proposed in front of the Golden Gate Bridge on their way to dinner: “The best part was that the Uber driver had my phone and was able to capture the entire thing,” notes Brittney. Surrounded by 250 of their closest loved ones, the pair tied the knot in a formal Methodist ceremony and then gathered for hors d’oeuvre and dancing at the glamorous Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa. Metallic hues of gold, bronze and gunmetal gray gave the “lounge”-styled room a fabulously futuristic flair, a live blues band entertained the crowd and Susie’s Cakes & Confections provided a three-tier monogrammed cake for guests to enjoy before hitting the dance floor. The bride’s favorite part of the evening, however, “was when the confetti cannons went off on the dance floor while everyone was dancing and having a good time.” Congratulations, Brittney and Jeff!

Metallic Wedding at The Houstonian by Akil Bennett Photographer