The Details
Venue - Bell Tower on 34th
Photography - Evoke Photography
Flowers - Floral Events
Linens / Rentals - Darryl & Co.
Erika and Patrick are a perfect match, and all-around great couple! She is a teacher, and he is a firefighter, and they each have a passion for not only their professions, but also their life together. I had a great time working with Erika on her wedding at the incredible Bell Tower on 34th, and even with a complete Houston monsoon outside, she stayed calm, cool, and collected... literally not letting it rain on her parade. Erika is a close friend of my husband's family. She contacted me about 2 months before her wedding in a panic. Her planner was a no-show, and needed a "day of" coordinator. Luckily, I left 2 weekends available in April for my son's birthday, so I was able to step in!
If you have never had the pleasure of attending or hosting an event at the Bell Tower on 34th, you are missing out! From the ambience, to the staff, I love it! I had the pleasure of working with the awesome Donna at the venue, and she is always detail oriented and great to coordinate with.
Erika and Patrick had their ceremony in the traditional chapel at The Bell Tower. I love that she brought her minister from her college, Texas Lutheran University, to preform the ceremony. It added such a personal element to their vows. Her walk down the aisle was adorned with a sting quartet, provided by the talented musicians at Divisi Strings.
The wedding ceremony was intimate and detailed, but when it was over, it was time to party! Erika's original plan was to have her cocktail hour on the Bell Tower on 34th's water wall. The unpredictable Houston weather had a different idea. We just moved to plan B (there is always a plan B when having anything outdoors in Houston). We flipped part of the reception ballroom into her cocktail hour. Divisi Strings delighted guests with their performance, while everyone enjoyed cocktails and appetizers. The wedding party, along with the bride and groom, sat at a "head table," and Erika and Patrick had such cute "Mrs. and Mr." signs to accessorize their seats.
Once the bride and groom made their grand entrance, and after they danced their first dance, Erika's parents welcomed their guests. Her father moved the crowd with a touching welcome and toast, and I'm sure it was a moment Erika will always remember.
After enjoying a buffet dinner (delicious), the dance floor was open, and, WOW, did the guests have a blast dancing! Thanks to Darryl at DJ U, guests hit the dance floor, and the night flowed. Even the photographer joined in for a few songs. The reception was underway, and everyone was able to take notice of many of Erika's details and personal touches. She brought in lounge furniture to give a laid back feel in one area of the Chandelier Room. They also had a photo booth with TONS of great props... guests had a blast getting wild with their pictures! Placed around the ballroom were photos of the couple as well as Erika's bridal portraits (beautiful). There were also flip-flops offered to anyone who wanted to kick off their shoes and dance the night away as well as Koozies for guests to take as favors.
Erika's cake was designed by a teacher that she works with, and was delicious! It stood 4 tiers high, and sat on a gorgeous silver cake stand. Patrick's groom's cake was, of course, the fire fighter's logo, and was spectacular (and yummy)!
My favorite part of the night was the couple's unique getaway.... that's right... a classic fire truck! (We did have to check ahead of time to make sure it could make it through the driveway area). I loved this personal element, and the couple looked great as they were showered with rose petals, and drove away to their honeymoon.
All images by Evoke Photography
Meredith and Davis {Vintage with a Modern Twist}
Words cannot even begin to describe how much I loved the style of this wedding. Okay, so words cannot describe how much I loved the bride's style either. Meredith was first referred to me through a sorority sister, who was a mutual friend of the bride and her sister. We met at her venue, and from the moment I walked in, I knew this wedding and I would click. While I love weddings of all kinds, this bride decided to buck tradition and have her wedding reception (which followed a traditional Episcopalian ceremony in her church) at a bar. Nouveau Antique Art Bar to be exact. The ambiance is funky and creative, while using all of the antique lighting to also be romantic. Advice I always tell brides, is to keep your wedding true to who you are. When wedding planning, it is easy to get caught up in wanting to please everyone - your own family, his family, friends, keeping up with friends. Whatever the case may be, straying away from your personal style is common. I admire that Meredith kept with her own style, and truly made this wedding her own. Her personal touches really put the icing on the cake. By the way, her cake was spectacular!
The colors - Ivory and Gold, with touches of lace
The venue - Nouveau Antique Art Bar
The flowers - Southern Floral Company
The cakes - Susie's Cakes
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| {Meredith and her beautiful bridesmaids} |
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| {In the heart of downtown Houston, just after saying, "I do."} |
Meredith and Davis were married at the historical Christ Church Cathedral in the heart of downtown Houston, which was the perfect backdrop for the lovely bride and groom.
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| {Cannot resist a father and bride picture!} |
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| {The entire wedding party} |
Upon entering the reception, guests were greeted with a gorgeous spray of ivory roses and lighting, and the entry was adorned with signage painted by the very talented bride.
As guests entered the reception, they were asked to make a wish for the bride and groom on their wishing tree (in lieu of a guestbook), and caught a glimpse of the absolutely gorgeous bridal portrait on display.
The bride's cake was a focal point of the décor, and, like I mentioned, looked spectacular! Cakes by Susie.... cheers to you! The bride chose a five tiered gold cake, and it caught the attention of everyone in the room.
Along with her personal touches, the bride and groom love Mexican food, and wanted to give their guests a little bit of their personal flavor to their guests. Pappa's Catering served fajitas, guacamole, and chips with queso and salsa - all were delicious!
For wedding favors, the bride and groom had a beautiful candy bar set up by a family friend. But wait... there's more! There were also cookies brought in by Austin bakery, Polka Dots, where the bride worked while she was in college.
There was even something for the men. Outside, there was a cigar bar setup for the guys, and it was definitely a hit of the evening! For those wanting to enjoy some of the outdoor patio, the bride had a trunk full of blankets set out with some hand painted signage, and gold painted Mason jars filled with lighted candles lined the patio.
Guests ate, drank, and danced the night away! The wedding was perfect. The bride's father offered a heart warming toast that brought his guests to tears. The bride's sister, Caroline (love!!), and the best man, Tom, also gave funny and sentimental toasts to the bride and groom. We were all truly in the presence of love that evening.
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| {Mr. and Mrs. Davis Zapfee!} |
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| {Cheers!} |
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| {Davis and his new father in law... a great moment} |
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| {Dancing the night away} |
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| {Meredith and her sister, Caroline... both so gorgeous} |
The couple departed with 200 guests holding sparklers, and showering them with lavender (which smelled amazing.... I miss having the lavender sashes stored in my house).
Every single aspect of the wedding ceremony and reception, down to the smallest detail was a reflection of the bride and groom. This was by far one of my favorite weddings to be a part of! But, I saved the best for last... the bride's wedding dress. Meredith's dress was made by her mother (who, by the way, I adore), and it was stunning!!
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All of the images for Meredith and Davis's wedding were taken by Kitty Sanchez Photography. She is awesome! She truly captures the story of the couple.
Cheers to Meredith and Davis.... a true match!
Enjoying some pre-wedding moments...
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| {What a beautiful trio! Meredith with her mom and sister} |
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| {Meredith and her bridesmaids dressing at The Magnolia Hotel before the wedding} |
Beth + John {Classic and Lovely}
I have known "of" Beth for many years, through her (now) mother-in-law, who is a great family friend. When I say that Beth is absolutely charming, I mean it! As a couple, she and John compliment and balance each other so well. Beth is personable and witty, while John is a total comedian. Both are so down to earth, and truly enjoy life! These two are a match made in heaven.
For their wedding, they each had definite ideas about what they each wanted. One thing was for sure, this was going to be an intimate gathering of their closest family and friends. Beth and John were married in June at Westminster United Methodist Church in Houston, and the reception was held at Maggiano's. Beth wanted this to be a truly special wedding to share with those closest to the couple, and that is exactly what she got! Originally, her thought was to not have dancing at the reception, but rather, a quiet dinner. After giving it some thought, she decided to include a DJ because she did not want to miss out on the dance with her father, a moment she will truly cherish forever.
While she was getting ready for her walk down the aisle, Beth was composed, relaxed, and really enjoying time with her bridesmaids and family!
(Seriously could not get enough of this adorable flower girl)!
Check out all of the awesome vendors that made Beth and John's wedding rock!
Ceremony
Reception
Photography
(So, Kori is all over my blog... check out her amazing work! LOVE)!
Cake
(Leslie is another awesome talent... she's all over my blog too)!
Music
(A local celebrity you have heard giving you your traffic on 92.9)
Floral Design
(Abraham did my wedding also)
(Kori snuck in a picture of my hubby and I, hard at work)!
Robin + Elijah
{Spring Soiree}
Robin and Elijah Owens are a couple that I had the absolute privilege to work with, and befriend throughout their wedding planning. My initial meeting was with Robin, where I found her waiting with her planning binder, complete with ideas, checklists, and spreadsheets. As an event coordinator, and a generally organized person, I found a bride after my own heart!
As planning was underway, I met with both Robin and Elijah to design their wedding invitations. I was shocked when Elijah used the term “embossed,” and knew immediately that he and my husband would become instant friends… both men with an affinity for football as well as the finer things in life!
The beautiful couple first met in Tyler, Texas, where their May wedding took place, but luckily, life brought them both to Houston where we were able to plan for their big day! Along the way, I had the pleasure of getting to know some of those closest to Robin and Elijah, including Robin’s sister and maid of honor, Audrey (who gave a great toast at the reception). I also LOVED getting to know Elijah’s parents, Janet and Alan, both of whom I had so much fun with and adore! What I loved so much, aside from the couple themselves, is that throughout the planning, Robin and Elijah stayed true to themselves. They incorporated elements that suited each of their personalities and that complimented their individual styles.
The wedding details
The couple was married at the prestigious Hollytree Country Club in Tyler, Texas in a beautiful golf course ceremony. Guests were escorted to the ceremony site by golf carts, where they arrived to personalized water bottles to help them beat the heat, and were treated to music played by some of Robin’s closest friends. Before the ceremony, Robin was calm and collected as she took a private moment with her father before making her entrance. She was absolutely stunning as she walked down the aisle in her corset strapless gown. The couple’s music selections were reflective of who they are, and the styles they love. Robin made her entrance to an instrumental version of “I’ll Be,” by Edwin McCain, and the newlyweds recessed down the aisle to “Good Day,” by Nappy Roots to get their guests ready to party!
The ceremony was followed by an exuberant reception where the dance floor was never empty! Robin and Elijah LOVE to dance, and had a blast with their friends and family! Their ceremony and reception was packed full of lush flowers dripping with crystals. Greenery, flowers, and crystals draped the country club’s chandeliers as well. The bride selected a five tier square ivory cake that was traditional and elegant, while Elijah decided to mix it up by choosing a casino themed cake that was incredible! The most unique element to their reception were their guest favors, Butt Sketchers! These were a hit of the night! Brandi Burkett, a Tyler photographer, was there every step of the way to capture the evening's events. The newlyweds left for their honeymoon by way of their guest showering them with rose petals, and A LOT of cheers!
Congratulations to Robin and Elijah!
All of the photos featured in Robin and Elijah's wedding by: Brandi Burkett Photography
A Special Thanks
Hollytree Country Club (Site of the ceremony and reception)
Brandi Burkett Photography (AMAZING to work with and captured the day perfectly)
PH Designs (Houston, Texas)
Lonestar Light and Sound (Thanks Arnie!)
Designs by D’Anne (Cakes in Jacksonville, Texas)
The Original Butt Sketch
The Flower Girl (Tyler, Texas)
All American Party and Tent (Tyler, Texas)
Amy + James
{Hill Country Chic}
I went to college with this long time couple at the University of Houston, and cannot say enough awesome things about them! We became close as we planned each detail of their wedding, and traveled to the hill country and Austin area several times to lay out the details.
These two are such a balance and compliment to each other! They chose to get married outside of Austin, in Dripping Springs, Texas. Growing up with a home on the Guadalupe river (just down the street from my own family’s river house), James loves the scenery of the hill country, and wanted to share that view with family and friends at their wedding. Amy was a bride with a free spirit, and loves the offbeat atmosphere of Austin. After looking at many venues, Amy and James fell in love with Memory Lane in Dripping Springs where they could incorporate elements of Amy’s signature style in with the spectacular hill country views!
Wedding Details!
For their spring wedding, the couple chose pale tones of coral, green, and pink with pops of yellow, and created a luminous and romantic atmosphere that really captured their style. Their ceremony was held outdoors in March under a unique pergola dressed with Peonies in various colors. Bridesmaids wore coral strapless dresses that looked incredible! Amy was dressed in a strapless gown lined with a whimsical floral design that looked amazing, and her wispy hair was adorned with a flower for a fresh touch! She was a gorgeous bride! Down the aisle, Amy carried a hand-tied loose bouquet made up of Peonies, Ranunculus, and Hydrangeas in blush shades of pink, coral, and green with touches of orange and Dusty Millers to add texture. The groom and his groomsmen wore light gray suits with ties to compliment the bridesmaids, and it was the perfect color combination for spring.
Many of the guests were from the east coast, and the bride and groom wanted to treat them to Texas fajitas and margaritas at the reception, catered by Royal Fig in Austin. Of course, no fajita and margarita combo would be complete without a chips, salsa, and queso bar for guests to enjoy as well! Amy chose a three tier wedding cake cascading with three peonies, and a double stacked middle tier adding an extra element of style to the look. James (with the last name Reese), opted for a cake in the shape of a Reese’s Peanut Butter cup for a witty addition to the dessert table! Guests walked away with an assortment of Reese’s candies from the couple’s candy bar. Amy has such a creative mind, and was able to incorporate many “DIY” inspirations into their big day! Amy used her “do it yourself” talents to make wooden reserved signs to compliment the rustic feel of the inside of the reception pavilion. The tables each held one of three centerpieces, all of which incorporated a mixture of clear bud vases containing Billy Balls, Peonies, Ranunculus, and Hydrangeas in the couple’s wedding colors. One of my favorite pieces of the reception was a large photo board that outlines Amy and James in pictures throughout their relationship. To keep the kids at the wedding entertained, a kid’s table was setup with butcher paper, markers, candy, and pinwheels where they could have fun all evening! Guests had a blast dancing and sharing in the occasion with the couple, and all even joined in an impromptu conga line that wrapped around the pavilion! As the night came to a close, no one was ready to leave! The party continued in Austin following the reception!
A Special Thanks!
Memory Lane Event Center (Thank you, Rachel and Thaila)
Wild Poppy Floral Design
Meridith Kohut Photography
Classic Cakes by Lori
Royal Fig Catering (Kristen and Dan Stacey)
Henry Gallipp (DJ and entertainment)
Now and Forever (Bridal Attire)
Now and Forever (Bridal Attire)
Montage (Bridesmaid Attire)
Milano (Groom and Groomsmen Attire)
Milano (Groom and Groomsmen Attire)
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