Susie’s Cakes & Confections | Houston Wedding Blog

Elegant Black, Gold & Pink Wedding at the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by D. Jones Photography

WEDDINGS IN HOUSTON FALL 2014 | REAL WEDDING FEATURE

Lisa and Donald ~ January 19, 2014

While their Match.com introduction might not be the essence of tradition, Don’s request to Lisa’s dad for permission to marry his daughter certainly was. “After getting my dad’s blessing, he dropped to one knee and I said, ‘Yes!’” recalls the bride—who also happens to be director of catering and conferences for one of Houston’s most revered wedding venues: The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa. Naturally, the couple wed at Lisa’s longtime place of employment, aided in planning by the hotel’s social catering manager, Jim Gray. Highlights of the joyful occasion included a ceremony filled with poignant readings by the couple’s many family members. Avid foodies both, Don and Lisa incorporated wine pairings into their lavish menu, and treated guests to exquisite desserts, almond-and-raspberry wedding cake, and postprandial cigars. “My favorite part of the night was singing and dancing with my niece and goddaughter Caroline to—yes—‘Sweet Caroline,’ by Neil Diamond,” Lisa recalls happily. “The entire room joined in!”

Names: Lisa Hopkins & Donald Barry ~ Number of Guests 135 ~ Venue: The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa ~ Lighting Bright Star Productions ~ Cake: Susie’s Cakes & Confections ~ Officiant: Minister Lynn Turner, Weddings Performed ~ Photography: D. Jones Photography ~ Honeymoon: Hawaii

Modern Silver and Fuchsia Persian-Lebanese-American Wedding from Weddings by Alefiya

Here’s what Halleh wanted for her Houston wedding: “Modern, chic, multicultural and FUN (not boring)!” So here’s what she did NOT have: “Traditional bridesmaids, groomsmen, registries or a traditional wedding dress.” Instead, she and Nano went for modern flowers—courtesy of Houston Wedding Blog fave Plants N’ Petals—a cool photo booth from Jonny Black Productions and a delish DIY (dip it yourself) chocolate fountain. The bride’s Persian and American heritages were featured, as was the groom’s Lebanese background. And everyone had fun, fun, fun ‘til the wee hours. Don’t take our word for it—check out our wonderful photos from Weddings by Alefiya, which document this stylish couple and sensational celebration in all its beauty and joy. Congratulations all around!

Photos: Weddings by Alefiya ~ Bride’s Dress: Hayley Paige from Now & Forever Bridal Boutique ~ Bride’s Hair & Makeup: The Perfect Face ~ MOB Attire: T. Carolyn Fashions ~ Cake: Susie’s Cakes & Confections ~ Flowers & Decor: Plants N’ Petals ~ Lighting: Bright Star Productions ~ Photo Booth: Jonny Black Productions ~ Videography: A&A Video Productions ~ Venue: Hotel Sorella

White, Silver and Purple Wedding at Hotel ZaZa

“From the beginning, I knew I wanted our wedding to truly reflect Ryan and I as a couple,” says Houston bride Lindsy. “As high-school sweethearts, we had been together for eight years when we began planning our wedding, and we had truly grown up together and with each other’s families. We wanted our wedding to be a night to celebrate our love as well as our family and friends who have supported us for so many years. I envisioned an all-white wedding with a mix of soft textured elements and strong architectural design. The ceremony, like my dress,”—a gorgeous Monique Lhuillier creation from Joan Pillow Bridal Salon, btw— “had an ethereal quality, with floating orchid petals and candles. The reception had a lot of clean lines with structured arrangements of white flowers. Fun-fact napkins, signature drinks and advice cards personalized our event and made our guests a part of our love story. The textured linens, mirrored table tops and white linen menus added texture and interest to a monochrome palette. An all-white stage, dance floor and lounge furniture created the perfect environment to dance the night away for our friends and family. After dinner the chandeliers changed to purple lighting and the music continued until early the next morning. We ended the evening with a salty-and-sweet treat of French fries and milkshake shots for our guests before a confetti exit to our hotel suite. The most special part of our wedding was a painting of our sweet dogs (who could not be at the wedding) by my cousin Jennifer. We made sure to display it under the chuppah so they could watch over our ceremony.” And if that’s not the picture of personal, meaningful wedding perfection, we don’t know what is. Congratulations, Lindsy and Ryan, and great thanks to Morgan Lynn Photography for the lovely photos!

White, Silver and Purple Wedding at Hotel ZaZa

Photos: Morgan Lynn Photography ~ Bride’s Dress: Monique Lhuillier from Joan Pillow Bridal Salon ~ Bride’s Shoes: Vera Wang Lavender ~ Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Monique Lhuillier from Nordstrom Wedding Suite ~ Flowers & Decor: Darryl & Co. ~ Cake: Susie’s Cakes & Confections ~ Coordinator: Belle of the Ball ~ Venue: Hotel ZaZa ~ Rehearsal Dinner: Maggiano’s Little Italy

Navy and Ivory Briscoe Manor Wedding by Lindsay Elizabeth Photography

What is it about dimpled beauties and fitness-related meet-cutes?? Even though Scott admits he “hated the challenges of a spin class” (um, yeah, been there), he figured strained muscles and spent lung capacity was worth it if it meant winning a “million-dollar smile” from the girl of his dreams—spin/cycling instructor Sarah. After forming a friendship and—our favorite part—falling in love, the two got engaged, in the spin studio where they first met (natch). “Briscoe Manor offered a distinctive, chic and truly Texas wedding venue with its limestone architecture and country setting among the pecan and oak trees,” Sarah tells us—the perfect spot to introduce Canadian-born Scott’s family to her native state. Her most memorable moments? “Getting to see Scott for the first time before the ceremony and spending special moments with my soon-to-be husband, and looking around at a room full of friends and family that we love so dearly. I especially enjoyed getting to introduce all of the Canadian guests to a true Texas-themed wedding!” And WE especially enjoy getting to introduce Sarah and Scott to YOU—with help from Lindsay Elizabeth’s ever lovely photos, of course!

Navy and Ivory Briscoe Manor Wedding by Lindsay Elizabeth Photography

Photos: Lindsay Elizabeth Photography ~ Bride’s Dress: Enzoani from Weddings by Debbie ~ Bride’s Shoes: Cole Haan ~ Tuxedos: Al’s Formal Wear ~ Cake: Susie’s Cakes & Confections ~ Flowers: Flora Bella Designs ~ Coordinator: Behind the Bash ~ Venue: Briscoe Manor

Houston Zoo Wedding from D. Jones Photography

As you know, we don’t usually advocate DIY when it comes to PYW (that’d be planning your wedding, ladies). But in recent Houston bride Cassandra’s case, we’re making an exception. Cassandra was savvy enough to use some of the best wedding pros in town—including the brilliant David Jones of D. Jones Photography, whose amazing photos are featured here (and who Cassandra praises for his amiability and the very genuine interest he took in “who Jeff and I were as a couple”). For a full vendor list, scroll down below the gallery. And yes, the self-confessed perfectionist admits, “It was hard for me to just relax and trust that everything was in good hands and that the wedding day would be perfect.” But she did. And it WAS. We especially love that Cassandra, who’s had a lifelong love of animals, opted to have her reception at the Houston Zoo. And yes, critters did make an appearance at the festivities—just check out the photos below! Plus all that lively color and energy and low-key elegance…no wonder our bride looks so incredibly happy in every single shot. Congrats, Cassandra & Jeff!

Photography: D. Jones Photography~Bride’s Dress/Bridesmaids/MOB: Priscilla of Boston~Bride’s Shoes: Stuart Weitzman~Hair & Makeup: Flawless~Groom’s Wear: Al’s Formal Wear~Cake: Susie’s Cakes & Confections~Decor & Flowers: Tara Quigley~Linens: The Perfect Touch~Venue: The Houston Zoo