Purple, Silver and Bling Wedding at The Majestic Metro

“He said for about a year that he was going to marry me even though I was not even into him,” says recent Houston bride Amanda. “As it turns out, I ended up falling in love with him.” Which just goes to show you, it pays to keep an open heart. Are we right, ladies?? Amanda and persistent (and adorable) Jimmy tied the knot with a ceremony at the bride’s parents’ church—where, incidentally, the couple reconnected after having known each other in elementary school before the future groom and his family moved away—followed by a fabulous party at the historic Majestic Metro theater. Shades of deep purple, silver and cool white set the tone for the night, while crystals sparkled everywhere—on candelabras, napkin holders, and a gorgeous purple-banded, brooch-accented cake from Who Made The Cake. Photographer Robin Maxwell’s photos perfectly capture the sophisticated celebratory vibe of this cool Houston wedding. And the couple? So sweet. Congratulations, you two.

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Photos: Life in Bloom Studio ~ Bride’s Dress: David’s Bridal ~ Mother of the Bride’s Dress: T Carolyn Fashions ~ Cake: Who Made The Cake ~ Decor & Rentals: The Perfect Touch ~ Venue: Majestic Metro

Green, Merlot and Bronze Bell Tower Wedding by Carlino’s Photography

It was the summer between 8th and 9th grade. She played bass clarinet, he played tuba. And after spending months at band camp having her feet stepped upon by Erick in marching-band practice, Erin “knew there was something special about him,” she tells us with a smile. The two made it official earlier this year with an elegant but high-energy celebration at The Bell Tower on 34th, a site the bride describes as “an absolutely gorgeous venue—it has so much to offer for a wedding.” She notes, “My ceremony was pretty traditional except for the music. I hired someone to sing and play an acoustic guitar for before and during the ceremony. My bridesmaids walked in to ‘Only Hope’ by Switchfoot, I walked in to ‘Angel’ by Casting Crowns, and our unity-candle song was ‘1,000 Years’ by Christina Perri.” More music—country, pop, classic standards and Spanish songs—filled the rustic-elegant reception, where guests dined on BBQ and buttercream-frosted cake, and danced the night away. We wish a lifetime of happiness to the newlyweds, and send a big thanks out to Alison Carlino of Carlino’s Photography for the evocative images of this classic Houston wedding.

Photos: Carlino’s Photography ~ Bride’s Dress: Melissa Sweet ~ Rentals: Darryl & Co. ~ Tuxedos: Al’s Formal Wear ~ Venue: The Bell Tower on 34th

Downtown Aquarium Wedding by Kreative Angle Photography

Though they’d been friends since they were 10—best friends all through high school—Shannon was nevertheless “speechless” when, six years into their romantic relationship, Colin proposed while she was curled up with a hot chocolate, fumbling for the TV remote. Their spring wedding, which started with a church ceremony where Shannon’s beloved brother walked her down the aisle then high-fived her before dropping her off at the altar, gave way to an equally joyful reception at the Downtown Aquarium. Echoing the Nautilus Ballroom’s marine theme, Shannon and Colin went with a palette of cobalt blue and deep purple, and treated guests to seafood specialties including gumbo and crab-stuffed fillet of sole. As Shannon recounts, “The aquarium was decked out with lanterns and treasure chests filled with glow necklaces. The guests were asked to write date ideas on tongue depressors from the chests—we have some doozies. The DJ had everyone moving the entire night, guests sent us off with wedding wands through a tunnel out of the location. We then drove off in a cherry red Challenger and spent the evening enjoying the luxury of Hotel Icon.” Just how lovely does Shannon look in that Jasmine Couture gown from The Princess Bridal? Sigh. Congrats to the happy couple, and a high-five from us here at HWB to Kreative Angle Photography for the fine, fine photos.

Photos: Kreative Angle Photography ~ Bride’s Dress: Jasmine Couture from The Princess Bridal ~ Flowers: The Bloom Room ~ Venue & Catering: Downtown Aquarium

Sparkling, Super-Luxe Woodlands Resort Wedding by John Ly Photography

Lush purple and pink flowers, cascades of crystal draping, a room washed in shades of rose and lavender, a dazzling monogrammed white dance floor—Stefanie and Byron’s wedding celebration, with design help from Darryl & Co., was a knockout. And lest you think this sweet couple—who met on Match.com, btw—opted for formal glamour over just plain fun, we can promise you, it just ain’t so. They had the best of both! Check out Stefanie and her besties taking to the stage with zany ’80s revivalists The Spazmatics…the bride’s favorite band. You go, girl! Big thanks to the happy couple for inviting us to share their spectacular day, and to John Ly for the lovely photos!

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Photos: John Ly Photography ~ Bride’s Dress: Private Collection ~ Bride’s Makeup: Makeup Texas ~ Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid ~ Décor, Flowers & Rentals: Darryl & Co. ~ Videography: A&A Video Productions ~ Venue, Catering & Cakes: The Woodlands Resort

Enchanted Garden Wedding at the St. Regis Hotel

Just because he made fun of her for buying the classic Britney Spears film “Crossroads” did not mean Jason thought any less of Kristen. Quite the contrary. After ringing up Kristen’s purchase at the Austin store where the two first encountered each other in 2007, Kristen gave cutie cashier Jason her number. “The three requisite days later, he called!” she recounts happily. This year, the couple wed in a Catholic ceremony—Kristen radiant in her Anne Barge gown from Ivory Bridal Atelier, and makeup by The Perfect Face—followed by a stunning celebration in the Astor Ballroom of the St. Regis Hotel. “Jason and I were originally considering a small destination wedding in Newport Coast, Calif., but we quickly determined that we really wanted to get married in Houston, the city where we both had lived practically our entire lives”—all the better, she says, to “spend this most special of evenings with our closest family and friends.” Kristen envisioned her reception as “a space that would sweep you away to a ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’-esque garden.” And with the help of lush white flowers, Manzanita trees, and dramatic lighting from Bright Star Productions, her wedding vision became a reality for all to enjoy. We love how the couple, both UT alums, paid tribute to their alma mater in food (a super-cool groom’s cake) and drink (“a burnt-orange version of our favorite lemon-drop martini,” notes the bride). Fabulous photos from Table4 Photography tell the visual tale of this beautiful Houston wedding. We hope you’ll let us know what you think— and, of course, join us in wishing Kristen and Jason a lifetime of happiness!

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Photos: Table4 Photography ~ Bride’s Dress: Anne Barge from Ivory Bridal Atelier ~ Bride’s Hair & Makeup: The Perfect Face ~ Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka ~ Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Monique Lhullier ~ Tuxedos: Vera Wang ~ Invitations: Vivian Jade ~ Lighting: Bright Star Productions ~ Videographer: 31 Films ~ Venue: St. Regis Hotel