Peach, Pink and Gold Wedding at The Houstonian by J. Cogliandro Photography

Ashley had been bugging Rick to plan the perfect date night, and that he did. Rick made dinner reservations at one of their favorite restaurants. Even when were then seated at a table with a dozen roses and a bottle of wine, Ashley still didn’t suspect anything. After all, they were low-key, private people–it never occurred to her that Rick would propose in public. But as soon as they were done with their meal, the restaurant’s manager personally presented the couple with dessert under a cloche cover. When Ashley removed the cloche, she discovered a ring box, and, well, let’s just say it turned out to be a date night she’d never forget. Ashley and Rick’s opulent wedding at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa was a dream come true. “We ended up creating exactly what we wanted, a very festive and romantic atmosphere with a classic feel that recognized the importance of the moment”,” the bride says. Tall pink and peach candelabras, and hanging candles above the dance floor, added the perfect touch of romance and elegance to the evening. Thanks J. Cogliandro for the beautiful photos, and congrats to the newlyweds!

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Photos: J. Cogliandro Photography ~ Wedding Reception Venue: The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa ~ Wedding Gown Designer: Lazaro ~ Wedding Gown Salon: Ivory Bridal Atelier ~ Shoes: Manolo Blahnik ~ Groom’s Suit: Al’s Formal Wear ~ Cake: Susie’s Cakes & Confections ~ Lighting: Bright Star Productions ~ Registry: Macy’s Wedding Gift & Registry, Restoration Hardware and Crate & Barrel

Romantic Hotel ZaZa Spring Wedding by Akil Bennett Photography

“We met at a charity camp for children with cancer called Candlelighter’s, back in El Paso,” recounts recent bride Paige. “Patrick was the counselor for the youngest boys and I was the counselor for the youngest girls. Patrick had a ‘tough guy’ exterior, but seeing him with those children, gentle and kind, melted my heart and I was immediately in love. By the end of the camp we were constantly talking and flirting, sharing music and books; it was a beautiful beginning to a beautiful relationship.” We’ll second that, Paige. And third it. And just melt over it right along with you, while we sigh over Akil Bennett’s gorgeous photos of your Hotel ZaZa spring wedding. Thank you so much for donating your time and love to children in need, and for sharing your beautiful day with our beautiful Houston brides. Congratulations!

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Photos: Akil Bennett Photography ~ Bridal Gown: Ella Blu ~ Bride’s Shoes: Yves Saint Laurent ~ Bridesmaids Dresses: Now & Forever Bridal Boutique ~ Groom’s Suit: Hugo Boss ~ Wedding Reception Venue: Hotel ZaZa ~ Cake: Who Made The Cake! ~ Registry: Macy’s Wedding Gift & Registry

Red, Black and Gold Winter Wedding at the Magnolia Hotel by DC Stanley Photography

How’s THIS for a proposal story? “It was a night of reliving ‘firsts’—a Rockets game (our first official meeting), dinner at Vic & Anthony’s (our first official date), drinks at Hotel Zaza…,” says bride Brie Anna. “On a balcony overlooking the Museum District, he surprised me with a hand-drawn charcoal portrait of the two of us. The entire portrait was black and white, EXCEPT for a canary-yellow diamond engagement ring placed on my ring finger within the picture. My eyes were instantly drawn to the yellow image and I turned to find Craig down on one knee!” The couple’s December wedding, with its Catholic church ceremony and “lounge-feel” Magnolia Hotel reception—“NO traditional seating—cocktail-style vignettes and comfortable couches,” the bride recounts—captured the festiveness of the season, as did the surprise “flash mob” organized for the groom! Congratulations to the happy couple, and thanks to DC Stanley Photography for the fantastic photos of the fabulous winter wedding.

Photos: DC Stanley Photography ~ Reception Venue: Magnolia Hotel ~ Cake: Supreme Kakes & More ~ Registry: Macy’s

Vintage Garden Theme Wedding at Hotel Galvez by Akil Bennett Photography

Let’s face it. Planning an outdoor wedding in Texas, especially Galveston, can be pretty risky due to unexpected weather patterns. Don’t let that bring you down! You can always bring the outside in, which is exactly what Ally’s father suggested. With the help of the florist, Ally’s dream of an outside wedding indoors came to life at Galveston’s premier wedding venue, Hotel Galvez. The ceiling was covered in vines and Spanish moss to create an enchanted look as if you were standing underneath a tree. Garden-like centerpieces were seen throughout the ballroom. Sounds lovely? Just wait ‘til you see these sweet pics by Akil Bennett of Akil Bennett Photography. Congrats Ally & Zach on a beautiful wedding & best wishes!

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Photos: Akil Bennett Photography ~ Rehearsal Dinner Location: The Lasker Inn ~ Ceremony Location: The Lyceum of Galveston Island ~ Reception: Hotel Galvez & Spa ~ Bridal Gown Designer: Paloma Blanca ~ Bridal Gown Salon & Accessories: Mia Bridal Couture ~ Makeup & Hair: The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center ~ Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal ~ Catering: Hotel Galvez & Spa ~ Lighting: Bright Star Productions ~ Registry: Macy’s Wedding Gift & Registry, Williams-Sonoma, Target and Crate & Barrel

Classic Ivory & Charcoal Crystal Ballroom Wedding by Ama Photography & Cinema

“I had a patient in the ER that needed massive transfusion of blood products. Andrew was working in the blood bank that night. We exchanged simple conversation but I couldn’t stop thinking about him. I messaged him on Facebook a few weeks later, basically asking for a date. He text messaged me the next morning and we’ve been together ever since,” says Houston bride Lenee. If you think their made-for-TV meet-cute is sweet (and verrry dramatic), just wait ’til you see the beautiful photos from their wedding at The Crystal Ballroom at the Rice taken by Aisha Khan from Ama Photography & Cinema! Congrats Lenee & Andrew on tying the knot!

Photos: Ama Photography & Cinema ~ Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Magnolia Hotel Houston ~ Reception Venue: Crystal Ballroom at the Rice ~ Wedding Gown Designer: Bella Deur ~ Bridal Belt: Weddings by Debbie ~ Catering: Sambuca Catering ~ Lighting: Crystal Ballroom at the Rice ~ Registry: Macy’s Wedding Gift & Registry

Boho-Chic, Rustic Austin Mansion Wedding

“Our design aim was to discover the intersection between what Barr Mansion had already so beautifully curated and where we found our personality within that,” says bride Jenna of her wedding to adorable Nathan at Austin’s foodie-focused wedding venue. “We took the antique, rustic, free-spirit, artistic, creative, comfortable and natural beauty that was already there and built on that with homegrown flowers, handcrafted centerpieces, personalized paper-cut banners, unique music, DIY’d accent pieces, and a relaxing, lounge-style reception atmosphere.” Even the day’s wet weather was a welcome happenstance. “My mom mentioned that it had rained on her wedding day, and Nathan remarked how the drizzly gray weather looked exactly like where he grew up in Alaska.” We’re delighted to share with you this sweet couple’s lovely wedding, featuring coordination by Kat Creech Events and flowers by Dream Bouquet—make sure to check out more from this talented team of top Houston wedding vendors in the new issue of Weddings in Houston (“Opulence Among the Oaks,” p. 216), on newsstands now!

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Photos: Votive Photography ~ Wedding Gown: BHLDN ~ Consultant: Kat Creech Events ~ Florist: Dream Bouquet ~ Decor & Rentals: DIY and Flora & Eventi ~ Favors: Kat Creech Events ~ Registry: Macy’s Wedding & Gift Registry

Black and Plum Wedding at The Bell Tower on 34th Street by Akil Bennett Photography

“The whole wedding was a dream,” says Houston bride Jennifer. “One of my favorite details was the midnight calla lilies in my bridal bouquet. I loved the rich dark color of the flowers against my cream dress.” The dark, rich color palette of black and plum with accents of peacock feathers truly set the tone for Jennifer and Scott’s wedding at The Bell Tower on 34th Street. If you think that sounds beautiful, wait ’til you see the pics! Thanks Akil Bennett for the gorgeous photos, and congrats to the newlyweds!

Photos: Akil Bennett Photography ~ Venue: The Bell Tower on 34th Street ~ Bridal Gown: Pronovias from La Rêve Bridal Couture ~ Makeup: Thalio Beckham Makeup Artistry ~ Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal ~ Cake: Susie’s Cakes & Confections ~ Photo Booth, Music & Entertainment: DJU Entertainment ~ Registry: Macy’s Wedding Gift Registry

Vintage Blue, Cream and Silver Houston Wedding by Ethan Avery Photography

Q: What do you do when you’re planning a wedding on a tight budget and can’t afford expensive rentals and fancy decorations? A: Make just about everything out of paper! For Kristina’s wedding to Jody, the bride’s friends pitched in to source or craft everything from placemats to paper flowers to pinwheel favors. The results? A delightful landscape of sweet, sentimental, DIY decor and charming vintage touches, along with sweet, creamy floral accents by Something Special in Flowers. And baby, this bride knows how to rock a true “something blue” mani! Big congrats to Kristina and Jody, one of the cutest couples we’ve ever seen.

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Photos: Ethan Avery Photography ~ Bride’s Dress: BHLDN ~ Flowers: Something Special in Flowers ~ Registry: Macy’s Wedding Gift Registry ~ Venue: Gardens of Bammel Lane