Must-Have Items for Every Engaged Couple

Must-Have Items for Every Engaged Couple

Our signature event, the I Do! Soiree, took place last week at The Corinthian and let’s just say—it was one heck of a party! From the fabulous flowers and tablescapes, to the haute couture bridal fashion…it truly was a dream come true. Guests were greeted with fine wine, and a swag bag full of luxury goodies for all of our engaged couples. Our production and editorial team went on a serious beauty and skincare haul to hand-pick the must-have items to get you through your big day. BIG thanks to all of our amazing swag bag sponsors:

We hope everyone enjoyed their swag bags filled with tons of goodies made with love, from us. You can view the lovely pics by Civic Photos here. Sad you missed out? Don’t worry, we’ll keep you updated for the next I Do! Soiree!

WOW, What a Show!

If you were one of those fortunate (and savvy) enough to have attended last Thursday’s utterly magnificent I Do! Wedding Soiree at The Corinthian, you experienced first-hand the all-encompassing splendor of Houston’s ONLY true luxury wedding event and VIP bride/groom cocktail bash.

If you weren’t present for Thursday’s festivities, well…let us give you a little glimpse of what you missed.

WOW, What a Show!

Photo: Civic Photos | Decor: Darryl & Co.

We’re so thrilled to have benefited from the talents of the following show contributors, without whom we could not have put on this one-of-a-kind wedding fantasyscape and sumptuous fete: EB Inc. Event Rentals & Design, LBL Event Rentals & Design, Johanna Terry Events, DJU Productions, LG Entertainment, Scott Graham Piano, and our awesome show photographer (and top Houston-area wedding photography studio!) Civic Photos, whose pix we’re featuring here.

WOW, What a Show!

Photos: Civic Photos | Top Left: Plants N’ Petals | Top Right: Flora & Eventi | Bottom: Johanna Terry Events

From the moment our guests entered the majestic Corinthian in downtown Houston, they knew they were in for something special, as they encountered floral-and-finery flights of fantasy from the likes of Plants N’ Petals, Todd Events, Flora & Eventi, Darryl & Co., Johanna Terry Events, Nuage Designs, Inc., EB Inc. Event Rentals & Design, LBL Event Rentals and Flowers of Kingwood.

WOW, What a Show!

Photos: Civic Photos | Top Left: Nuage Designs, Inc. | Top Right: Darryl & Co. | Middle: Todd Events | Bottom Left: EB Inc. Events | Bottom Right: LBL Event Rentals

Helping couples to refine their wedding-day vision, and coordinate the details of their big day, planners Kat Creech Events, A Day to Remember and Cocomar Ladies met one-on-one with attendees, and showed plenty of examples of the incredible Houston wedding celebrations they’ve brought to life for their grateful clients.

WOW, What a Show!

Photos: Civic Photos | Top Left: A Day To Remember | Top Right: Kat Creech Events | Bottom: Cocomar Ladies

Brides who were searching for wedding-day style and fashion found plenty to love, from Parvani Vida Bridal & Formal, Winnie Couture, Now & Forever Bridal Boutique, Houston Bridal Gallery, Damsel White Label, Tess Harriss Designs and MW Couture.

WOW, What a Show!

Photos: Civic Photos | Top Left: Now & Forever Bridal Boutique | Top Right: Houston Bridal Gallery | Middle Left: Winnie Couture | Middle Left: MW Couture | Middle Right: Tess Harriss Designs | Bottom Left: Parvani Vida Bridal & Formal | Bottom Right: Damsel White Label

And just in case they weren’t sure whether they’d prefer a head of flowing waves or a glam updo, a sun-kissed glow or shimmering bare shoulders, a full set of lush lashes or just a bit of enhancement, our guests could experiment with looks, get advice and try out products from Nyoka Gregory Beauty, WINX Lash Studio, KAX Tanning Souffle and Hotze Health & Wellness Center.

WOW, What a Show!

Photos: Civic Photos | Top Left: Kax Tanning Souffle | Top Right: Nyoka Gregory Beauty | Bottom Right: Winx Lash & Makeup Studio | Bottom Right: Hotze Health & Wellness Center

Of course, no wedding-day look is complete with the right…sparkle. And guests found oodles of glimmer and shine (and a few VERY substantial rocks), at the dazzling displays put on by Peran & Scannell Jewelers, and Donoho’s Jewellers.

WOW, What a Show!

Photos: Civic Photos | Left: Peran & Scannell Jewelers | Right: Donoho’s Jewellers

Couples seeking a talented photographer and/or filmmaker to capture the beauty and emotional resonance of their special day had an abundance of options, with exhibits from Adam Nyholt, D. Jones, M. Wang, Lindsay Elizabeth, MD Turner, Steve Lee, Serendipity, Danielson Cinema, mutli-Emmy-award-winner Sculpting With Time, and our very own show photographer Civic Photos.

WOW, What a Show!

Photos: Civic Photos | Top Left: Serendipity Photography | Top Middle: Steve Lee Photography | Top Right: Sculpting With Time Productions | Middle Left: Danielson Cinema | Middle Left:  Adam Nyholt | Middle Center: Civic Photos | Middle Right: D. Jones Photography | Bottom Left: MD Turner Photography | Bottom Middle: Lindsay Elizabeth | Bottom Right: M. Wang

Cakes? Gifts? Invitations? The I Do! Soiree had something for each and every couple, from Houston icons Susie’s Cakes & Confections, Bering’s and Isabella Invitations.

WOW, What a Show!

Photos: Civic Photos | Left: Susie’s Cakes & Confections | Top Right: Bering’s | Bottom Right: Isabella Invitations

While they wandered through the Soiree’s wonderland of wedding WOW, guests were entertained by top Houston MC, DJ, and live-music experts DJU Productions, LG Entertainment and pianist Scott Graham. And, of course, since this WAS a party, eager attendees indulged in fabulous food, sips and sweets from Jackson and Company.

WOW, What a Show!

Photos: Civic Photos | Top Left, Middle Left & Bottom Right: Jackson and Company | Top Right: DJU Productions | Middle Right: LG Entertainment| Bottom Left: Scott Graham Piano

Along with the grandeur of The Corinthian all around them, venue-seeking to-be-weds could virtually tour The Parador and Chateau Cocomar—two beloved Houston sites for ceremony and reception.

WOW, What a Show!

Photos: Civic Photos | Top: Chateau Cocomar | Bottom: The Parador

To round out their full wedding- and marriage-planning experience, guests had the chance to chat with Minister Lynn Turner of Weddings Performed, and expert realtor Michelle Ray, of Michelle Ray Properties.

WOW, What a Show!

Photos: Civic Photos | Left: Michelle Ray Properties | Right: Weddings Performed

We are so thrilled to have had the honor to celebrate and serve so many Houston couples, and their friends and family, at this month’s extraordinary I Do! Wedding Soiree. From food and drink, to stunning tablescapes, to beautiful exhibitor displays, to luxury swag bags and superb door prizes (including our hold-your-breath giveaway of 5 nights’ luxury oceanfront accommodation at Bermuda’s fabulous Pompano Beach Club), the Feb. 4 I Do! Wedding Soiree was an absolute knockout.

We welcome you to post, pin, tag, share and comment on photos, and, if you attended Thursday’s show, let us know what you DISCOVERED, what you LOVED, and what you’d RECOMMEND to Houston brides and grooms starting on the journey to planning the perfect wedding.

Thank you…and HAPPY PLANNING!

Get Your Selfie On, Girl

Let’s be honest—we all know the struggle of trying to get the right lighting for selfies. Do you ever wonder how celebs do it? Our editors dug deep and found out their secret: the LuMee phone case. If those filters just aren’t cutting it, this is the case for you. It has LED lighting all around the cover to give you that perfect amount of glow and an overall flawless look. Sounds pretty awesome, right? We tested it out and we have to admit—we’re obsessed.

Want to know how you can get your hands on a LuMee case? We’re giving away cases to four lucky brides who purchase their tickets from now until midnight tomorrow to Houston’s only luxury wedding planning party happening THIS Thursday at The Corinthian! You’re not gonna want to miss out this VIP cocktail party. See lovely pics from last year’s soiree here, then tell your friends, your mom, and YES, your groom, too (for him: an exclusive Grooms’ Lounge)!

HOW TO ENTER:

  • Purchase your I Do! Soiree tickets by 11:59pm Tues., Feb. 2.
  • Register with Weddings in Houston to receive exclusive vendor offers and bridal-related events

We’ll notify our winners of each giveaway prior to the I Do! Soiree, and announce winners live, at our FAB event. Better get your tickets NOW before they sell out. We can’t wait to see you and your entourage at the I Do! Good luck, lovelies!

Get Your Selfie On, Girl

Photos: LuMee

12 Wedding-Day Looks

Whether you’re a boho bride that loves romantic waves, or a bold bride that’s not shy to make a statement—we’ve got you covered. We picked our top twelve fave hair and makeup looks paired with accessories from this season’s hottest trends. You can see more bridal fashion and meet Houston’s beauty experts at the I Do! Soiree on Thursday, February 4 at The Corinthian. Trust us, you’re not gonna want to miss out on this VIP party! Get your tickets NOW before they sell out!

12 Wedding-Day Looks 12 Wedding-Day Looks 12 Wedding-Day Looks 12 Wedding-Day Looks

Bohemian Elegance 1. Makeup & Hair: Aubrie Layne, Lucky Cat Beauty | Gown: Houston Bridal Gallery | Hair Pins: The Princess Bridal | Earrings: Sloan/Hall 2. Makeup & Hair: Tonya Riner | Headpiece: Weddings by Debbie | Earrings: Neiman Marcus 3. Makeup & Hair: Aubrie Layne, Lucky Cat Beauty | Gown: Galia Lahav | Headpiece: Now & Forever Bridal Boutique | Earrings: Neiman Marcus Romantic Waves 4. Makeup: Victoria Callaway | Hair: Dennis Clendennen | Gown: Now & Forever Bridal Boutique | Jewelry: Peran & Scannell 5. Makeup & Hair: Aubrie Layne, Lucky Cat Beauty | Gown: Parvani Vida Bridal & Formal | Headpiece & Earrings: Mia Bridal Couture 6. Makeup & Hair: Aubrie Layne, Lucky Cat Beauty | Gown: Brickhouse Bridal | Headpiece Mia Bridal Couture | Earrings: Sloan/Hall | Necklace: Neiman Marcus Fresh & Dewy Makeup: Victoria Callaway | Hair: Dennis Clendennen 7. Hat Giovanni | Jewelry: Nazar’s Fine Jewelry 8. Gown: The Princess Bridal | Earrings: Nazar’s Fine Jewelry 9. Hat: Giovanni | Earrings: Zadok Jewelers Bold & Dramatic 10.  Makeup: Victoria Callaway | Hair: Dennis Clendennen | Gown: Mia Bridal Couture | Jewelry: Zadok Jewelers 11. Makeup: Victoria Callaway | Hair: Dennis Clendennen | Earrings: Shannon Fine Jewelry 12. Makeup: Tonya Riner | Hair: Aubrie Layne, Lucky Cat Beauty | Earrings: Neiman Marcus

Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography

When Brittney first met Taylor through a mutual friend while they were both attending Texas A&M, she wasn’t so sure about dating the “old” guy. Six months later, that changed. Brittney decided to text Taylor to see how he was doing and the rest was history. Taylor planned the perfect proposal in Paris that completely swept Brittney off of her feet. “We stayed in a quaint little hotel near the Eiffel Tower and he told me that we were doing an 8 AM Eiffel Tower tour but he wanted me to look nice so we could take some pictures beforehand. At 7 AM, we stood in Trocadero Square where the Eiffel tower sits beautifully in the background attempting to take selfies. A photographer walked by offering to take pictures of us and it turns out, Taylor had been talking to this photographer and coordinated this whole plan. I had no idea. The photographer’s line was “the lighting is perfect now” and that is when Taylor got on his knee and asked me to marry him.” Looks like dating an “older” guy isn’t so bad after all, huh. It was only appropriate for the pair to plan their Houston wedding around the Texas A&M color palette of maroon, gray and white, which complemented their gorgeous wedding venue, The Corinthian, perfectly. Just wait until you see the beautiful photos from their wedding, thanks to J. Cogliandro Photography. You’ll be swooning for sure. Congrats Brittney and Taylor, we wish you a lifetime of happiness!

Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography Maroon, Gray & White Wedding at The Corinthian by J. Cogliandro Photography

Photos: J. Cogliandro Photography ~ Venue: The Corinthian ~ Caterer: Jackson and Company ~ Bridal Gown: Alvina Valenta from Ivory Bridal Atelier ~ Wedding Shoes: Rene Caovilla ~ Bridesmaids Dresses: Brickhouse Bridal ~ Rings & Jewelry: Donoho’s Jewellers