Paper City Article

Tried %26 True %26 Made Anew

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:54:46 GMT

Our top knot-tying experts say it%26rsquo;s high time for a modern spin on those classic, never-out-of-style wedding traditions. Here, the best of the best in planning, catering, florals and more share their tips for freshening up the most conventional I-do details.

Todd Fiscus, Todd Events

Event design, planning and creative services

If you are for sure keeping your gown as a keepsake, embroider a ribbon and have it sewn in the hem of your dress in blue thread. Write a wish to you and your new husband %26mdash; it could be a sweet moment to remember.

When throwing the bouquet and garter, do the garter moment in private. You can then throw the bouquet as you get into your getaway car. It makes for a great picture %26mdash; and the crowd loves the moment.

Go for a %26ldquo;wow statement%26rdquo; by using flowers in fewer places. One of my favorite design elements is to create two amazing and huge Smart Car-sized florals on pedestals and then surround them with tables featuring candles and gardenia details. Photo by Stephen Karlisch.

%26nbsp;

Jaime Jones, Bella Flora of Dallas

Event planning and floral design

Replace traditional cake toppers with ones that showcase the couple%26rsquo;s personality.

For out-of-the-ordinary invites, have the calligraphy penned at a slant. Photo by Sara Donaldson.

Offer a traditional seated dinner for the first course, but buffets for the main course. We had salads pre-placed at the guest tables, then the buffets were opened for the entrees.

Go with a donation made to a charity of the couple%26rsquo;s choice in lieu of a favor. Photo by Sara Donaldson.

%26nbsp;

Carra Freeman, Lombardi Family Concepts Catering

Event planning and floral design

Injecting the bride and groom%26rsquo;s heritage into the menu is a great way to infuse classic traditions with modern ideas. Take two different cultures, mix them together and offer different stations, such as an Italian pasta bar with a Spanish paella station.

The art of traditional and old-fashioned cocktails with a twist is a huge trend right now. Taking something simple such as a champagne cocktail and adding Elderflower updates a traditional drink in a more modern %26mdash; and delicious %26mdash; way.

Instead of a traditional chocolate groom%26rsquo;s cake and white bride%26rsquo;s cake, offer different dessert options, such as a bar with different pies or mini-desserts like French macaroons and cake balls. Image: Swap the cake and go with these sweet treats from The Original Cake Ball Company. Photo by Alan Penn.

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Katherine Mathes, Mathes and Co. Events and The M Collection

Event planning, custom invitation design and floral design

Incorporate several songs and dances into a first dance mash-up. It is something new and different and keeps guests wanting more.

In the wedding program, instead of printing the bride and groom%26rsquo;s new address, attach a removable calling card with their new information. The guest can take it and save it for their Rolodex.

Order mini tambourines and accent them with satin ribbons in the wedding colors, and attach a saying by the couple for the send-off.

Instead of printing a standard paper wedding program, one of our brides opted to purchase large antique doors, on which we installed mirrors. With a vinyl application, the program was applied to the mirror and displayed at the entrance of the ceremony for all guests to see.

%26nbsp;

Heather Wiese-Alexander, Bell%26rsquo;Invito Letterpress Studio

Custom letterpress, engraved and printed invitations

Etiquette states that the bride and groom have six months to write their thank-you notes, but nowadays making someone wait six months before they know you received your gift seems inconsiderate. Use lovely preprinted cards, known as gift confirmation notes, and drop them in the mail immediately when a gift arrives.

Rethink the program. Let%26rsquo;s be honest, everyone wants to know what was blue, and which sentimental things you carried down the aisle. What%26rsquo;s something personal you can share while we patiently wait in a pew for the party to follow?

Instead of a head table, set a honeymoon table for two next to the dance floor for the bride and groom. It saves space and resolves the %26ldquo;who gets to sit at the head table?%26rdquo; question. It%26rsquo;s intimate and gives the couple a moment to enjoy their reception, take in some needed food and sit across from each other.

The usually white-and-satin bridal guest book is evolving into a more handsome, less frilly, typically leather-bound book fashioned for the bride and groom%26rsquo;s permanent residence. Image: Leather-bound guest books available through Bell%26rsquo;Invito.

With This Ring and a Bell …

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:34:25 GMT

Just when we thought we could only be wowed by one Schlegel wedding, parents Myrna and Bob impressed again with the opulent elegance of second daughter Kari%26rsquo;s marriage to Troy Kloewer. The Schlegels called upon event designer Todd Fiscus of Todd Events and wedding coordinator Mary Wright Shah to bring to life an unforgettably beautiful day. We now pronounce the details.

%26ldquo;I have always loved Monique Lhuillier. I knew right away I wanted her to make my dress.%26nbsp; I had a very good idea of what I wanted, so my mom, sisters and I took a trip to Los Angeles to meet her and design the dress. Troy wore my dad%26rsquo;s cuff links and shirt studs %26mdash; they were his %26lsquo;something
borrowed.%26rsquo;%26rdquo;%26nbsp; %26mdash; Kari Schlegel Kloewer

%26ldquo;Kari%26rsquo;s nephew, JR, was one of the most darling parts of the ceremony. When that sweet boy walked in ringing that bell, and after the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and Chorus had just blown your mind %26hellip; it was pure wedding magic! That small sound of a ringing bell to announce Kari was perfection.%26rdquo; %26mdash; Todd Fiscus%26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, led by maestro Jaap van Zweden, made a sophisticated backdrop to the wedding party. The bridesmaids%26rsquo; dresses were designed by Michael Faircloth; the groomsmen%26rsquo;s tuxedos were from Culwell %26amp; Son.

Dozens of perfect Phalaenopsis orchid stems create Kari%26rsquo;s cascading bouquet.

Bronwen at Frosted Art created the almost eight-foot-tall bridal cake.

A demitasse of soup from Food Glorious Food as the amuse-bouche enticed everyone to be seated for a welcome from the father of the bride. The china and silverware
were sourced from Ducky Bob%26rsquo;s Cannonball Rentals.

Mere seconds after the ceremony at Highland Park United Methodist Church ended, a 40-by-12-foot gray carpet was moved into position, connecting the church to the reception.

The church runner was in greige velvet, and Tara Jones Calligraphy hand-painted the %26ldquo;S%26rdquo; bridal monogram at the entry and a %26ldquo;K%26rdquo; groom monogram at the top. %26ldquo;A bride on entry should never walk over her soon-to-be monogram, but can marry in front of it %26mdash; good luck and great taste,%26rdquo; Fiscus says.

The menu, produced by Rhonda Warren of Color Box Designs, reflects the shape of the mirror in the ceiling. The men received a beef main course, and the ladies, a sea bass, so two menus were printed %26mdash; a male and a female version.

Glorious Gowns

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:24:39 GMT

You%26rsquo;ve been presented the ring, and you%26rsquo;ve set a date. Now, time to find the dress of your dreams. Where to begin? Right here, with our top-notch list of bridal trunk shows.

%26nbsp;

The Bridal Salon at Neiman Marcus Downtown

1618 Main St., 214.573.2663; neimanmarcus.com

February 3 %26ndash; 4: Kenneth Pool

February 10 %26ndash; 11: Vera Wang

February 17 %26ndash; 18: Christos

February 24 %26ndash; 25: Monique Lhuillier

March 2 %26ndash; 3: Lea-Ann Belter

March 9 %26ndash; 10: Liancarlo

March 16 %26ndash; 17: Romona Keveza

March 23 %26ndash; 24: Reem Acra

March 30 %26ndash; 31: Carolina Herrera

%26nbsp;

The Bridal Salon at StanleyKorshak

500 Crescent Court, 214.871.3611; stanleykorshak.com/bridal-salon/

February 4 %26ndash; 5: Liancarlo bridal and evening

February 10 %26ndash; 11: Legends by Romona Keveza

February 17 %26ndash; 18: Jenny Packham; Aruna Seth Shoes; PA by Aruna Seth

February 24 %26ndash; 25: Tulle; PA by designer Lia McNar

March 2 %26ndash; 3: Reem Acra

March 9 %26ndash; 10: Lovely Veils %26amp; Hair Accessories with Fiona Wysocki PA

April 21 %26ndash; 22: Rivini

May 4 %26ndash; 5: Badgley Mischka

May 18 %26ndash; 19: Jenny Packham

%26nbsp;

Carolina Herrera

31 Highland Park Village, 214.219.6060; carolinaherrera.com

May 3 %26ndash; 5:%26nbsp; Spring 2013

%26nbsp;

LuLu%26rsquo;s Bridal Boutique

2728 Routh St., 214.871.9610; stardustcelebrations.com

February 3 %26ndash; 5: Mon Cheri

February 10 %26ndash; 12: Casablanca Bridal

February 17 %26ndash; 19: Allure Bridal

%26nbsp;

Nordstrom at NorthPark Center

8687 N. Central Expressway, 214.231.3900; shop.nordstrom.com

February 10 %26ndash; 12: Aire

%26nbsp;

Oscar de la Renta

8687 N. Central Expressway, 214.346.0400; oscardelarenta.com

March 23 %26ndash; 24: Bridal

%26nbsp;

StarDust Celebrations

6464 West Plano Parkway, Plano, 972.781.1619; stardustcelebrations.com

February 3 %26ndash; 5: St. Pucchi

February 10 %26ndash; 12: Bliss by Monique Lhuillier

February 17 %26ndash; 19: Victoria Nicole

February 24 %26ndash; 26: James Clifford

March 2 %26ndash; 4: Jim Hjelm

March 9 %26ndash; 11: Watters; WToo

March 16 %26ndash; 18: Lazaro

March 23 %26ndash; 25: Matthew Christopher

March 23 %26ndash; 25: Paris veils and accessories

March 30 %26ndash; April 1: Eve of Milady

%26nbsp;

Terry Costa

12817 Preston Road, 972.385.6100; terrycosta.com

February 3 %26ndash; 5: Mori Lee

February 10 %26ndash; 12: Maggie Sottero; Sottero %26amp; Midgley

February 24 %26ndash; 26: Tony Bowls

Warren Barr%26oacute;n Bridal

53 Highland Park Village, 214.526.08400; warrenbarron.com

Through February 4: Mon Vieve veils

February 2 %26ndash; 4: Marchesa

March 8 %26ndash; 10: Elizabeth Fillmore

March 15 %26ndash; 25: Lela Rose

April 5 %26ndash; 7: Monique Lhuillier

May 10 %26ndash; 12: Vera Wang

May 15 %26ndash; 27: Mon Vieve veils

Image: Watters

Timeless Style

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:50:49 GMT

Love is in the air at Cartier. The first new engagement-ring design in five years, the Cartier D%26rsquo;Amour collection continues the French house%26rsquo;s tradition of working with platinum (after all, Cartier was the first jeweler to master the metal). The solitaire is set in a micro-pav%26eacute; setting that%26rsquo;s both modern and sleek %26mdash; and intended to awe from every angle. Pair it with a pav%26eacute; band; options vary from platinum to every hue of gold. Engagement rings from $3,550; full-diamond-pav%26eacute; bands from $3,250, at the Cartier boutique.

Image: Cartier D'Amour sparkler

Stephanie Styles

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:19:57 GMT

If you find yourself in need of expert advice concerning your look on a certain big day, hail the professional services of fashion stylist Stephanie Quadri. Yes, that Stephanie Quadri, the former D Magazine style director who made a living dressing gals for bridal editorials in the pages of D Weddings. %26ldquo;I realized,%26rdquo; Quadri says, %26ldquo;that real brides who read magazines would love to have access to the looks they saw, so who better to help than a stylist who put those looks together.%26rdquo; To address your wedding-day wardrobe aspirations, sit down with Ms. Quadri for a one-on-one, hour-long consultation, then, depending on your exact needs, she%26rsquo;ll go to work, securing advance samples and lookbooks. Don%26rsquo;t forget your bridal party or honeymoon %26mdash; Quadri is fully prepared to style your %26lsquo;maids or suggest breezy pieces perfect for that Grecian getaway. 214.564.2792; stephaniequadri.com.

%26nbsp;

Past Era Patterns

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:11:22 GMT

For his latest crystal creations, designer William Yeoward looked to screen sirens of the %26rsquo;20s and %26rsquo;30s for his inspirational muses. The American Bar glassware collection debuts this month, with patterns named after Hollywood starlets such as Corinne, Dakota, Greta, Lillian and Marlene. With an Art Deco feel to all five patterns, the price points reflect a bygone era as well: from $21 for a Corinne shot glass to $150 for a Lillian cocktail jug. At Madison, Neiman Marcus.

Image: Corinne shot glass by William Yeoward

To Have and to Hold … For Four Days or Eight

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:55:46 GMT

Ladies, it%26rsquo;s time to face the cold, hard truth: No matter how much money you spend on a bridesmaid dress, you will never wear it again. Short of buying yet another dress destined to gather dust, what are you to do? Rent it. Yes, renttherunway.com, the brainchild of two Harvard MBAs (women, naturally), is essentially the Netflix of dress renting. The site allows you to choose an outfit for any occasion from more than 150 top international designers. We think the concept lends itself best to bridesmaid dresses. For example, you can rent a Roksanda Ilincic silk column gown (retail: $2,300) for just $300 for four days. Or perhaps the bride would like to see you in a little Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti cocktail dress (retail $895), renting for $125. Confused about sizing? Never fear, two sizes will be sent, just in case you guessed wrong. The renttherunway.com buyers purchase a wealth of inventory, so even if you have a party of 10, you%26rsquo;ll likely find all the dresses you need for the weekend you desire. Then when the proverbial clock strikes midnight, pack it back into the prepaid envelope and deposit it in any post-office mailbox. Dress rentals from $40, accessory rentals from $10, at renttherunway.com.

Image: Moschino Cheap %26amp; Chic

The Bride’s Little Blue Book

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:05:26 GMT

BRIDAL SHOPS

Belle Mari%26eacute;e Bridal, 2509 River Oaks Blvd., 713.523.0068; bellemarieehouston.com
BHLDN, Highland Village, 4056 Westheimer Road, 713.599.1917; bhldn.com
Brickhouse Bridal, 200 Valleywood, The Woodlands, 281.681.3430; brickhousebridal.com
Casa de Novia Bridal Couture, 3331 D%26rsquo;Amico St., 713.523.9090; casadenoviabridal.com
Ivory Bridal Atelier, West Ave, 2800 Kirby Dr., 713.550.1622; ivorybridalhouston.com
Joan Pillow Bridal Salon, Highland Village, 4001 Westheimer, 713.622.1122; joanpillowbridal.com
Kate Spade, Galleria, 713.876.1918; katespade.com
Mia Bridal Couture, 1958 W. Gray St., 713.622.2022; miabridalcouture.com
Now and Forever Bridal Boutique, 3701 Kirby Dr., 713.218.0369; nowandforever bridalbtq.com
The Wedding Suite at Nordstrom, Galleria, 832.201.2700; nordstrom.com. By appointment.
Winnie Couture, 5152 Buffalo Speedway, 713.782.9316; winniecouture.com. By appointment.

CUSTOM BRIDAL, ATTENDANT CLOTHING, MADE-TO-MEASURE TUXEDOS %26amp; SHIRTS

Arend Couture, 713.523.0943
Atrium Ready to Wear, 3331 D%26rsquo;Amico St., 713.520.0206; atriumrtw.com
Beautiful U Bridal, 3637 W. Alabama., 713.963.8213. By appointment.
Bella Bridesmaid, 2611 Greenbriar Dr., 713.528.2778; bellabridesmaid.com
Billy Reid, Galleria, 713.552.0333; billyreid.com. Custom tuxedos and suits by appointment.
David Peck Collection, 512.415.3666
Elizabeth Anthony/Esther Wolf, 1180-08 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.622.1331; estherwolf.com
Established Custom Clothing, 832.287.1207; establishedcustomclothing.com
Festari for Men, 1800 Post Oak Blvd., 713.626.1234; festariformen.com
Hamilton Custom Shirtmakers, 5700 Richmond Ave., 713.264. 8800;
hamiltonshirts.com.
Jenny Kim Bridal Couture, 2524 Amherst St., 713.528.0500; jkbridal.com
Linda Cunningham, 3310 Edloe St., 713.621.3232; lindacunningham.com
Nick Lopez Tailoring, 2680 Sage Road, 713.621.5411; nicklopeztailoring.com.
Q Custom Clothier, West Ave, 2800 Kirby Dr., 713.523.8333; qcustomclothier.com
Wayne Jones Custom Suit and Shirt Makers, 713.622.2452.
Winnie Couture, 5152 Buffalo Speedway, 713.782.9316; winniecouture.com. By appointment.

TUXEDOS

A. Taghi Fine Apparel, 5116 Westheimer, 713.963.0884; ataghi.com
Ermenegildo Zegna, Galleria, 832.308.3494; zegna.com
Festari for Men, 1800 Post Oak Blvd., 713.626.1234; festariformen.com
Giorgio Armani, Galleria, 713.961.2659; giorgioarmani.com. Custom tuxedos available.
Gucci, Galleria, 713.961.0778; gucci.com
Harolds in the Heights, 350 W. 19th St., 713.864.2647; haroldsintheheights.com
Louis Vuitton, Galleria, 713.960.0707; louisvuitton.com
M. Penner, 1180-06 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.527.8200; mpenner.com
Neiman Marcus, Galleria, 713.621.7100; neimanmarcus.com
Norton Ditto, 2425 W. Alabama St., 713.688.9800; nortonditto.com
Ralph Lauren, Galleria, 713.850.9330; ralphlauren.com. Tuxedos to order.
Saks Fifth Avenue, Galleria, 713.627.0500; saksfifthavenue.com
Versace, Galleria, 713.623.8220; versace.com
Yves Saint Laurent, Galleria, 713.840.7006; ysl.com

RINGS

Katy Briscoe, Inc., 1455 W. Loop South; 713.662.9886; katybriscoe.com. By appointment.
Bailey, Banks %26amp; Biddle, 700 Town %26amp; Country Blvd., 713.647.8045; baileybanksand biddle.com
Bulgari, Galleria, 713.622.7574; bulgari.com
Cartier, Galleria, 713.871.0177; cartier.com
Chard%26eacute;, 5600 Kirby Dr., 713.668. 6350; chardejewelers.com
David Yurman, Galleria, 713.622.5799; davidyurman.com
De Beers, Galleria, 713.960.9030; debeers.com
Deutsch %26amp; Deutsch, 3747 Westheimer, 713.627.7787; deutschdeutschjewelers.com
DeVille Fine Jewelry, 5700 Woodway, 281.501.3810; devillefinejewelry.com
Donoho%26rsquo;s Jewellers, 9590 Six Pines Dr., The Woodlands, 281.367.9050; donohos.com
Gems by Chao, Galleria, 713.626.0431; gemsbychao.com
I W Marks, 3841 Bellaire Blvd., 713.668.5000; iwmarks.com
Judith Ann Jewels, 4721 Westheimer, 713.871.1074; judithannjewels.com
Lewis Jewelers, 16972 Highway 3, Webster; 281.332.8433; mylewisjewelers.com
Nazar%26rsquo;s Fine Jewelry, 5887 Westheimer, 713.952.5444; nazarsfinejewelry.com
Neiman Marcus, Galleria, 713.621.7100; neimanmarcus.com
Paul Carter Jewels, 1141-02 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.627.7495; CityCentre, 12848 Queensbury, 713.465.5353; paulcarter
jewels.com
Reiner%26rsquo;s Fine Jewelry, 2210 Westheimer, 713.520.1212; reinersjewelry.com
Saks Fifth Avenue, Galleria, 713.627.0500; saksfifthavenue.com
Tiffany %26amp; Co., Galleria, 713.626.0220; tiffany.com
Zadok Jewelers, 1749 Post Oak Blvd., 713.960.8950; zadokjewelers.com

ESTATE JEWELRY

A.A. Benjamin Ltd., 1775 St. James Place, 713.965.0555; aabenjaminjewelry.com
Past Era Antique Jewelry, 3433 W. Alabama, 713.621.3433; pastera.com
Queen of Heirs Jewelry, 4901 Locust St., Bellaire, 713.666.6683; queenofheirs.com
Tenenbaum %26amp; Co., 1801 Post Oak Blvd., 713.629.7444; tenenbaumandco.com
Wayne Smith Jewelry, 1121-11 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.524.0100; smithandcompanyjewels.com
Valobra Jewelry %26amp; Antiques, 4078 Westheimer, 713.961.4500; valobra.net

CAKES

Acadian Bakers, 604 W. Alabama St.., 713.520.1484; acadianbakers.com
Bavarian Cakery, 8815 Solon Road, 281.469.3116; bavariancakery.com
Cakes by Gina, 14165 Bissonnet St., 281.495.9400; cakesbygina houston.com
Crave Cupcakes, 1151-06 Uptown Park Blvd. and 5600 Kirby Dr., 713.622.7283; cravecupcakes.com
Dacapo%26rsquo;s Pastry Cafe, 1141 E. 11th St., 713.869.9141; dacapospastrycafe.com
Dessert Gallery Bakery %26amp; Cafe, 3600 Kirby Dr., 713.522.9999; 1616 Post Oak Blvd., 713.622.0007; dessertgallery.com
Michael%26rsquo;s Cookie Jar, 5330 Weslayan St., 713.771.8603; michaelscookiejar.com
More Than Cakes, 1100 W. Dallas St., 713.652.5135; morethancakes.com
Ooh La La The Dessert Boutique, 700 W. Sam Houston Parkway N., 713.465.6338; oohlalasweets.com
Petite Sweets, 2700 W. Alabama, 713.520.7007; petitesweetshouston.com
Sprinkles Cupcakes, 4014 Westheimer, 713.871.9929; sprinkles.com
Susie%26rsquo;s Cakes, 12280 Westheimer, 281.493.3222; susiescakes.com
Three Brothers Bakery, 4036 S. Braeswood Blvd., 713.666.2253; 3brothersbakery.com
Who Made the Cake!, 1811 S. Shepherd Dr., 713.528.4719; whomadethecake.com
World Cakes %26amp; Catering, 1073-B Silber Road, 713.780.4351; worldcatering houston.com

CATERERS

A Fare Extraordinaire, 2035 Marshall St., 713.527.8288; afehouston.com
Abuso Catering, 6729 Stella Link Road, 713.660.6617; abusocatering.com
Acute Catering %26amp; Events, 6729 Stella Link Road, 713.528.1133; acutecatering.com
Armandos Taco Truck, 2630 Westheimer, 713.520.1738; armandosrestaurant.com
Catering by Culinaire, 3900 Milam St., 713.524.2337; cateringbyculinaire.com
City Kitchen, 8101 Airport Blvd., 713.847.8004; citykitchencatering.com
Crew Staffing, 4617 Montrose, 713.526.2739; crewstaffing.com
Jackson and Company, 707 Hawthorne St., 713.523.5780; jacksonand company.com
La Villette Catering %26amp; Special Events, 1716 Bissonnet St., 713.521.7550; lavillettecatering.com
M%26eacute;lange Catering %26amp; Special Events, 6803 Wynnwood Lane, 713.869.0066; melangeevents.com
Rosemary%26rsquo;s Catering, 9401 Knight Road, 713.796.2680; rosemaryscatering.com
The Stone Kitchen Catering %26amp; Special Events, 2112 Waugh Dr., 713.521.3500; stonekitchencatering.com
Tony%26rsquo;s Catering, 3755 Richmond Ave., 713.622.6778; tonyshouston.com

COMPLETE EVENT PRODUCTION

Bergner %26amp; Johnson Design, 519 Pecore St., 713.662.3769; bergnerandjohnson.com
Darryl %26amp; Co., 483 W. 38th St., 713.863.0400; darrylco.com
Design %26amp; Inspiration, 713.880.3613; designand inspiration.net.
DGLS Events ... at Your Service, 5001 Woodway, 713.851.5577; dglsevents.com
Elias Events, 6214 Beverly Hill, 713.334.1800; eliasevents.com
The Events Company, Richard Flowers, 1237 N. Post Oak Road, 713.426.5800; theeventsco.com
Events in Bloom, 633A West 19th St., 713.880.1475; eventsin bloom.com
Oulala! What an Event, 713.855.8755; oulalaevents.com
Michael Cord%26uacute;a Events, 2411 Fountainview, 713.961.0911; cordua.com
A Style Collective, astylecollective.com
Swift + Company, 2137 W. Alabama St., 713.526.7600; swiftevents.com

FLORAL DESIGNERS

Aubrey Sellers Flowers and Gifts, 1545 Peden St., 713.880.1919; classicromance.com
The Byrd Collective, Ashley Bailey, 512.981.8526; thebyrdcollective.com
Breen%26rsquo;s Florist, 1050 N. Post Oak Road, 713.668.2376; breens florist.com
Bergner %26amp; Johnson, 519 Pecore St., 713.662.3769, bergnerand johnson.com
Central Market, 3815 Westheimer, 713.386.1700; centralmarket.com
David Brown, 1180-10 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.664.0466; davidbrownflowers.com
The Empty Vase of Houston, 2511 River Oaks Blvd., 713.529. 9969; emptyvasehouston.com
Events in Bloom, 638A West 20th St., 713.880.1475; eventsin bloom.com
In Bloom, Inc., 814 Fairview St., 713.523.3553; inbloominc.com
Johnathan Andrew Sage, 3900 Polk St., 713.227.7300; jasinctx.com
Lexis Florist, 6102 Skyline Dr., 713.774.8080; lexisflorist.com
Plants %26rsquo;n Petals, 3810 Westheimer, 713.840.9191; plantsnpetals.net
Stems Custom Floral, 4711 Gibson St., 713.574.1250; stemscustomfloral.com

INVITATIONS

Ann Werme Stationers, 2400 Augusta Dr., 713.339.4511; annwermestationers.com
Avalon Stationery and Gifts, 2604 Westheimer, 713.528.0052
Bering%26rsquo;s, 6102 Westheimer, 713.785.6400; 3900 Bissonnet St., 713.665.0500; berings.com
Cartier, Galleria, 713.871.0177; cartier.com
Embossed Graphics of Texas, 6435 Gulfton Dr., 713.777.1336
%26nbsp;Events, River Oaks Shopping Center, 1966 W. Gray St., 713.520.5700; eventsgifts.com
Houston Invitation Service, 2503 River Oaks Blvd., 713.522.2757; invitationservice.com
%26nbsp;Invitation Solutions, 713.864.5573; invitationsolutions.com
Jawda and Jawda, 6111 Kirby Dr., 713.419.8018; jawdaandjawda.com
Jenny Wakefield, 713.529.6161.
Katie %26amp; Company, 4500 Washington Ave., 713.802.1345; katie-co.com
PH Design Shop, 2414 Rice Blvd., 713.522.8861; phdesignshop.com
The Pretty Penny, 14534 Memorial Dr., 281.493.2430; theprettypenny.com
Simple Difference, Daniela Weil, 713.278.1994; simple difference.com. By appointment.
Tanglewood Gifts and Stationery, 5750 Woodway Dr., 713.266.1006; tanglewoodgifts.com

DETAILS: CALLIGRAPHY, ETC.

Anne Cheney, 713.782.3708; 123acheney@comcast.net. Calligraphy.
Avalon Gifts and Stationery, 2604 Westheimer, 713.528.0052. RSVP services.
Bright Star Productions, 2420 Center St., 713.529.2757; brightstarproductions.com. Custom lighting and sound.
Calligraphy and Engraving by Mark, 281.840.7939; calligraphybymark@yahoo.com
Calligraphy by Patricia, 3701 West Alabama St., 713.621.9595; patleith@sbcglobal.net
Karla Hamilton, 713.868.5087; karlahamilton@me.com. Calli-graphy.
Houston Invitation Service, 2503 River Oaks Blvd., 713.522.2757; invitationservice.com
PenDance Calligraphy %26amp; Engraving, Maureen Vickery, 281.558.7856; pendance.us
Tanglewood Gifts and Stationery, 5750 Woodway Dr., 713.266.1006; tanglewoodgifts.com

MUSIC BOOKERS

Allen Hill Entertainment, 713.426.2741; allenhill entertainment.com
Avalon Music, 713.529.2672; theavalonmusic.com
Gulf Coast Entertainment, 2017 W. Gray St., 713.523.7004; gulfcoastentertainment.com
Marshall Maxwell Entertainment Agency, 713.522.3514; marshallmaxwell.com
Simply Entertainment, 713.807.0202; simplyentertainment.biz

RECEPTION LOCATIONS

Alden Houston, 1117 Prairie St., Catherine Bradley at 832.200.8807; aldenhotels.com
Bell Tower on 34th, 901 W. 34th St., 713.868.2355; thebelltoweron34th.com
Briscoe Manor, 5801 FM 723, Richmond, 281.238.4700; briscoemanor.com
Courtyard on St. James Place, 1885 St. James Place, 713.621.0555; courtyardonstjames.com
Four Seasons Hotel Houston, 1300 Lamar St., Elisa Sosa at 713.652.6263; fourseasons.com/houston
Hilton Americas%26ndash;Houston, 1600 Lamar St., Ingrid Menendez at 713.739.8000; hilton.com
Hilton Houston Post Oak, 2001 Post Oak Blvd., Virginia Schlitt at 713.968.1325; hilton.com
Hotel Derek, 2525 W. Loop South, Shona Mitchell at 713.297.4301; hotelderek.com
Hotel Galvez %26amp; Spa, 2024 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, Angie at 409.765.7721; wyndham.com
Hotel Granduca, 1080 Uptown Park Blvd., Laura Buehler at 713.418.1036; granducahouston.com
Hotel Icon, 220 Main St., Mary Taube or Michael McVey at 832.667.4464; hotelicon.com
Hotel ZaZa Houston, 5701 Main St., Lisa Hudson at 713.526.1991; hotelzazahouston.com
The Houstonian Hotel, Club %26amp; Spa, 111 N. Post Oak Lane, Jim Gray or Evangelia McCarthy at 713.680.2626; houstonian.com
InterContinental Houston, 2222 W. Loop South, Chantal Lavin at 713.850.2800; ichouston.com
The Lancaster, 701 Texas Ave., Kathy Sanchez at 713.228.9500; thelancaster.com
The Magnolia Hotel, 1100 Texas Ave., Natalie Monk at 713.221.0011 (ex. 72664); magnoliahotelhouston.com
Omni Houston Hotel, 4 Riverway, Silvia San Martin at 713.871.8181; omnihotels.com
St. Regis Hotel, Houston, 1919 Briar Oaks Lane, Matthew Vesley at 713.840.7600; stregis.com/houston
Hotel Sorella, CityCentre, 800 W. Sam Houston Parkway North, Nancy Alonzo at 713.973.1600; hotelsorella-citycentre.com
The Westin Galleria, 5060 W. Alabama St., Adam Rineer at 713.960.8100; westin.com/galleria
The Westin Oaks, 5011 Westheimer, Adam Rineer at 713.960.8100; westin.com/oaks

Or, try these sites:

The Capital at St. Germain, 705 B Main St., 713.492.2454; thecapitalhouston.com
The Corinthian, 202 Fannin St., Boyd Bryan at 713.222.2002; thecornithianhouston.com
The Crystal Ballroom at the Rice Lofts, 909 Texas Ave., Jamie Purpera at 713.227.7423; sambucacatering.com
Cullen%26rsquo;s Upscale American Grill, 11500 Space Center Blvd., Elizabeth Harris at 281.991.2037; cullenshouston.com
DiverseWorks, 1117 E. Freeway, Jon Read at 713.223.8346; diverseworks.org
Fifty-Two Twenty-Six, 5226 Elm St., Bellaire, 713.529.4900; 5226elm.com
The Gardens of Bammel Lane, 2807 Bammel Lane, Alison at 713.418.7243 bammel.com
Gremillion %26amp; Co. Fine Art Gallery, 2501 Sunset Blvd., Brian Freeze at 713.522.2701; gremillion.com
The Grove, 1611 Lamar St., Tatiana Escobar at 713.337.7321; thegrovehouston.com
Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St., Denise Wright at 713.315.2512; thehobbycenter.org
The Hofheinz House, 3900 Milam, Tracy Bowers, 713.524.2337; cateringbyculinaire.com/hofheinzhouse.html
Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Dr., Leslie Goode or Nancy Lauletta-Bowen at 713.639.4749; hmns.org
Julia Ideson Library, 500 McKinney Ave., Julie Williams, 713.660.0772; preservationpartners@ideson.org
The Junior League of Houston, 1811 Briar Oaks Lane, Donna Marcum at 713.622.4191, ext. 1; juniorleaguehouston.org
La Colombe d%26rsquo;Or, 3410 Montrose Blvd., Ed Bodee at 713.469.4750; lacolombedor.com
Las Velas, 5714 Fairdale Lane, 713.977.5773
Lillie %26amp; Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonnet St., 713.639.7300; mfah.org
McClain Gallery, 2242 Richmond Ave., Sharon Lott, 713.520.9988; mcclaingallery.com
Poissant Gallery, 5102 Center St., Meg Poissant, 713.880.5553; poissantgallery.com
River Oaks Garden Club, 2503 Westheimer, Anne Burroughs at 713.523.2483; riveroaksgardenclub.org

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Alexander%26rsquo;s Fine Portrait Design, 312 Birdsall St., Linda Rogers, 713.682.6000; alexandersportraits.com
Alvin Gee Photography, 911 Town %26amp; Country Blvd., 713.647.0911; alvingee.com
Barron %26amp; Barron, 713 Second St., League City, 409.939.1498; barronandbarron.com
Bates Photographic Studio, 713.449.6491; dbphotographics.com
Brooke Schwab Photography, 1113 Vine St., 713.560.8266; brookeschwabphotography.com
Chris Bailey Photography, 713.518.1452; cbailey photography.com
Chris Wineinger Photography, 832.372.3456; chriswphoto.com
D. Jones Photography, 2005 Mason St., 713.521.1550; djonesphoto.com
Evin Thayer Studios, 405 Avondale St., 713.524.0199; evinthayer.com
Gittings, 1121-10 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.965.9301; gittings.com. Portraits only.
Goodlight Photography, 713.818.7829; goodlight photography.com
Home Video Productions by Gary Bolton, Missouri City, 281.437.4088; homevideo productions.com
Jenny Antill Photography, 832.877.4476; jennyantill.com
John Lewis Weddings, 281.384.8633; johnlewisweddings.net
John Ly Photography, 4808 Bellaire Blvd., 281.701.7939; johnlyphotography.com
Karen Sachar Photography, 2110 South Blvd., 713.523.1150; ksachar.com
Ladyflash, Ashley Chiles, 512.585.3939; ladyflash.com. Video.
Legacy Multimedia, 281.381.9550; legacymultimedia.com
Michael Carr Photography, 5701 Woodway, 713.461.2862; michaelcarrphotography.com
Michael Martinez Photography, 713.355.5345; martinezphoto.com. By appointment.
Nhan Nguyen Photography, 1710 Waugh Dr., 713.523.3887; nhanphotography.com
Phyllis Hand Photography, 713.861.9327; phyllishand.com
PWL Studio by Fulton Davenport, 805 Welch St., 713.521.7022; pwlstudio.com
Simon Roderick Gentry Photography, 832.661.7363; simongentry.com
Steve Lee Weddings, 1330 Yale St., 832.380.4004; steveleeweddings.com
Steve Schmid Photography, 3939 Essex Lane, 713.960.9839; steveschmidphotography.com
Terry Blackburn Photography, 1260 Blalock Road, 713.464.0094; blackburnstudios.com

WEDDING COORDINATORS

Bobbi Asarch, 713.728.3336; bobbiasarch.com
Belle of the Ball, 4010 Blue Bonnet Blvd., 713.528.9966; belleevents.com
Design Wedding Consultants, 4545 Bissonnet, 713.661.3374, desi-gn.com
Elias Events, 6214 Beverly Hill #24, 713.334.1800; eliasevents.com
For Your Memories, 1901 Post Oak Blvd., 713.532.8100; foryourmemories.com
Keely Thorne Events, 2449 South Blvd., 713.807.8188; keelythorne.com
Mary Beth Events, 713.542.0080; marybethevents.com
Rita Holland, 713.965.0936; r.holland@sbcglobal.net
Schwartz %26amp; Woodward, 713.780.1282; schwartzwoodward.com
Two Be Wed, 2611 Greenbriar, 713.572.3030; twobewed.net
Ann Whittington, 713.461.8424; annevents.com

%26nbsp;

Images:

Lazaro at Ivory Bridal Atelier, Joan Pillow Bridal Salon

Oscar de la Renta at Casa de Novia Bridal Couture

Carolina Herrera at Joan Pillow Bridal Salon

Elizabeth Fillmore at Belle Mari%26eacute;e Bridal, Casa de Novia Bridal Couture

J.Crew

Vera Wang at Casa de Novia Bridal Couture, Joan Pillow Bridal Salon

Ralph Lauren

Ermenegildo Zegna

Bell Tower on 34th. Photo by RSVP Studio.

Jenny Antill Photography

Tiffany %26amp; Co.

DeVille Fine Jewelry

%26nbsp;

Cartier

Past Era Antique Jewelry

Deutsch %26amp; Deutsch

Zadok Jewelers

Van Cleef %26amp; Arpels

I W Marks

David Yurman

Tenenbaum %26amp; Co.

Lewis Jewelers

Chris Bailey Photography

Crave Cupcakes

Michael%26rsquo;s Cookie Jar

Arend Couture

Tried %26 True %26 Made Anew

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:31:31 GMT

Richard Flowers, The Event Company

Complete event production

Recently at an outdoor affair, we used the family’s heirloom formal china and stemware atop organic burlap linens, with 18-inch napkins replicating
great-grandmother’s linen handkerchief with a beautiful embroidered edge.

Black-and-white classic glamour from the ’30s has made a comeback, with a splash of just one color added as an accent. Our choice: yellow or coral.

Coming: a return to intimate afternoon weddings.

The coupe champagne glass instead of the flute — it’s just asking to be held. Image: Juliska.

Shorter formal receptions, followed by a great after-party, allow the bride to change her clothes.

A small destination wedding, followed at a later date by a larger reception in town.

And coming: a return to afternoon weddings with smaller guest lists.

Keely Thorne, Keely Thorne Events%26nbsp;

Wedding coordination

While departing from the reception in a white 1960s Rolls Royce is classic, many couples have been driven away in cars — vintage or otherwise — owned by relatives for a personal touch. Image: Chris Bailey.

Couples are switching up the three-course seated dinner, still offering a place setting for everyone but providing a station with myriad options for the entree. Other alternatives include French-style service, which allows waiters to present platters for guests to serve themselves, as well as family-style dining.

The going-away dress has made a comeback. Many brides are opting for multiple wardrobe changes. Some have donned up to three dresses: the church gown, an
11 o’clock dress and an exit dress.%26nbsp;

Heirloom veils from the bride’s family are something borrowed, while shoes with a touch of blue follow tradition — the entire shoe, just the sole or a portion that’s bejeweled with blue crystals. “Something new” often includes a traditional sparkler — perhaps a new bracelet, necklace or earrings.

Darryl Murchison, Darryl %26amp; Co.

Complete event production

Family recipes are a big hit. Whether it’s grandmother’s favorite cookie or a heritage soup recipe, brides are asking caterers to make dishes from their family’s past to serve at the reception or give away as favors.

More brides are reinventing their mother’s wedding dress, incorporating a bit of lace or panels from her gown to fashion a new one.

Some couples have incorporated special plates, cups or milk-glass vases from their parents or grandparents into the table settings or centerpieces.

When it came to tossing the bouquet, one bride wished to include several of her single girlfriends, so we tied the bouquet in a loose knot. She untied it shortly before she threw the bouquet. As it soared through the air, it separated and 13 single stem flowers were unfurled allowing them all to “catch the bouquet.”

One bride’s father had given her mother a single rose once a week for 20 years. At the reception, the groom asked that we provide a single long-stemmed rose to carry on the tradition.

Mary Beth Burrow, Mary Beth Events

Wedding coordination

Replace the traditional hand-addressed inner envelope with a new element that serves the same purpose but adds a modern, decorative look, such as the paper belly band — a strip of decorative or colored paper that wraps the invitation. Highlight the colors in your invitation suite or add text for a custom, personalized belly band. Image: Cameron Clark.

Instead of a traditional guest book, capture guests’ sentiments in the pages of a cookbook (perfect for the culinary couple), signed maps, wishing trees or an atlas. Image: Cameron Clark.

Rethink your getaway vehicle. For the island bride, pedal away on a beach cruiser or hop in a golf cart. For the city bride, rent a vintage car. For the rustic bride, hire a horse and carriage to ride off with your beloved.

At a recent wedding, I took the skirt from the mother of the bride’s vintage wedding gown and used it to drape the sign-in table. Mixing the look of vintage lace with clean, modern decor —think sleek glass cylinders and tall candles — gives a new look to a passed-down heirloom. One bride wanted to use her parents’ crystal wedding flutes at her reception but was looking for a way to make them her own. I suggested she have their custom monogram etched into each glass to add a personal touch.

Chris Promecene and Amanda Hayes-Valentine, PH Design Shop

Custom invitations and stationery

At-home cards announce the bride and groom’s new address and the date it becomes effective. (Today it does double duty, clarifying whether the bride will take the groom’s last name, hyphenate or keep her own, too.)%26nbsp; Often couples are choosing to send an at-home card later as a post-wedding announcement.

As a twist on classic, gilded invitations with a golden edge, couples are opting to edge-stain their thick cardstock with a color they adore. Coordinate it with an envelope liner for heightened drama and pop. Image: Kennon Evett.

Couples who wish to adhere to the old tradition of tissue overlays on their invitations (once used to prevent smudging) can update things by using a colored tissue in lieu of classic white. Also consider a vellum overlay with a printed pattern or motif pulled from the invitation’s design.

A process known as duplexing allows two pieces of card stock to be bonded to each other. Back your invitations with a colored or patterned card stock to add texture and weight.

Use your save-the-date announcement (usually sent six months prior) to set the tone and inform guests of planned festivities and accommodation options. Choose a unique format like a folded or rolled poster, an accordion- or tri-folded mailer. Modern save-the-dates are more casual, with a focus on the celebration.

David Brown, David Brown Flowers

Floral design

Endearing the in-laws: On the wedding day, the groom should send the mother of the bride an arrangement with a lovely handwritten note.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

Giant bouquets — as in, dragging the floor — are making a reappearance. The look isn’t for everyone, but bouquets used to be much bigger than they have been the past decade. Image: Donna Newman.

We’re seeing the comeback of blooming plants massed into lush garden settings in lieu of cut floral arrangements in the church.

Given Houston’s strict ordinances regarding the use of candles, there are amazing new LED and battery-operated candles that can be used to amazing effect … The first generation was pretty cheesy, but the technology has gotten so much better.

Elizabeth Swift Copeland, Swift + Company%26nbsp;

Event catering

We’re bringing back linen napkins and cloths. Real, Irish hemstitched linens. We invested in several sizes and more than 13 colors, in fact. It’s a luxury that makes a beautiful
difference. Image: Jesus Reyes / 713 Photography

Many venues don’t allow traditional rice throwing, so rose petals are always pretty — especially when offered in handmade doily cones. Or take the tradition and
add some drama: We did a wedding reception at a lake house, and the bride and groom left amid fireworks and music in a speedboat.

Grooms are choosing their own dessert stations in lieu of the traditional Southern groom’s cake. One of the best was for a groom whose family they often enjoyed pie for dessert. We served his favorite types at the same time the cake was served. We’ve been asked to do the same with warm cobblers and ice cream. Image: Adam Nyholt.

Jackson Hicks, Jackson and Company%26nbsp;

Event catering

Employing old-fashioned cakes from other countries around the world: perhaps a croquembouche, a pyramid of tiny cream puffs in the French tradition, or British wedding fruitcakes.

We’re seeing a return to the intimacy of home weddings and receptions.

Couples incorporating personal pieces from their past, such as gathering antique lace tablecloths from both sides of their families to use as overlays on the guest seating tables, while another bride used her grandmother’s collection of cut-glass vases for the centerpiece arrangements.

Modernizing the Southern tradition of a groom’s cake by serving one of his favorite foods, such as a French-toast station instead of a cake.

The Big White Dress

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:01:53 GMT

It%26rsquo;s the costliest dress many women will ever invest in. Joan Pillow, owner of the bridal salon in Highland Village that bears her name, takes the task of shopping for wedding gowns very, very seriously. A regular front-row guest at the most notable bridal runway shows each season, she says we%26rsquo;ll be seeing more floaty, romantic, light dresses with inventive layers of tulle this year. Vera Wang brought a whimsical look to the Fall 2012 runway, marching models in black and blush dresses (which will turn up in stores translated to ivory tonalities) with fabrics ingeniously utilized. For example, Wang layers Chantilly lace with sheer layers of tulle %26mdash; far from the puffy ballerina skirts we%26rsquo;d seen in decades past. Always a trendsetter, Wang has brought back the plunging halter-neck cut with another tulle-layered gown. Monique Lhuillier recognizes that while sometimes a strapless dress is preferred, it%26rsquo;s not always the most suitable cut for a bride or her religious circumstances. For Fall 2012, Lhuillier uses a stretch tulle around the shoulders to essentially cover a strapless dress. In another instance, she creates a shrug with three-quarter sleeves, also in tulle but studded with scattered beading, to wear as a cardigan or bodice cover with myriad dress styles. Lhuillier, among others, is also using loads and loads of lace in the most modern of ways. Designer Jenny Lee, a Joan Pillow exclusive in Houston, has gone back through her archives to refabricate her most-sought-after silhouettes from past seasons, with lower prices, for Fall 2012. Finally, Charles Bunstine, the former president of Barneys New York who%26rsquo;s head designer for Anna Maier~Ulla-Maija, is all about using lace in the most ethereal of ways. See it all on the racks of Joan Pillow Bridal Salon, Highland Village.

Images:

Joan Pillow. Photo by Jenny Antill.

Monique Lhuillier

Vera Wang

Going to the Chapel

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:57:55 GMT

One can rent Rolls-Royces, diamonds and even gowns for that picture-perfect day. Now chapels and sanctuaries have joined those leasable ranks via the Web site rentmychurch.com. The Dallas-based site boasts a savvy, mightily detailed search engine for brides and grooms seeking the holiest of ceremony and reception venues. There are even checkboxes for those with discerning requirements. Alcohol allowed? Check. Outside minister permitted? Check. Outdoor space and catering on hand? Check and check. As for the Rolodex of churches listed for hire, they range from as far away as Anchorage, Alaska, to as close as our own Lovers Lane. All that%26rsquo;s left to say is %26lsquo;I do.%26rsquo; rentmychurch.com.

Bridal Trunk Shows

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:52:59 GMT

Belle Mari%26eacute;e Bridal

2509 River Oaks Blvd., 713.523.0068; bellemarieehouston.com

February 24 %26ndash; 25: Badgley Mischka

March 9 %26ndash; 10: Jorge Manuel

March 30 %26ndash; 31: Modern Trousseau

April 27 %26ndash; 28: Ines Di Santo

July 6 %26ndash; 7: Modern Trousseau

July 14 %26ndash; 15: Sara Gabriel veils and accessories

%26nbsp;

Brickhouse Bridal

200 Valleywood, The Woodlands, 281.681.3430; brickhousebridal.com

February 10 %26ndash; 11: Pronovias Feature Weekend

February 24 %26ndash; 25: Watters %26amp; WTOO bridal and attendant

March 2 %26ndash; 3: Simone Carvalli Spring 2012

March 9 %26ndash; 10: Maggie Sottero Feature Weekend

March 16 %26ndash; 17: Justin Alexander

April 13 %26ndash; 14: Enzoani

April 26 %26ndash; 28: Saison Blanche Couture

May 18 %26ndash; 19: Blue by Enzoani

June 8 %26ndash; 9: Jim Hjelm Spring 2012

June 22 %26ndash; 23: Watters

Casa de Novia Bridal Couture

3331 D%26rsquo;Amico St., 713.523.9090; casadenoviabridal.com

February 2 %26ndash; 4: Best of Vera Wang

February 24 %26ndash; 25: Lanvin

March 1 %26ndash; 3: Elizabeth Fillmore

March 22 %26ndash; 24: Monique Lhuillier Spring 2012

May 10 %26ndash; 12: Vera Wang Spring 2013, straight from the runway

%26nbsp;

Ivory Bridal Atelier

West Ave Shopping Center, 2800 Kirby Dr., 713.550.1622; ivorybridalhouston.com

February 2 %26ndash; 4: Rivini Spring 2012

February 16 %26ndash; 18: Reem Acra Spring 2012

March 16 %26ndash; 17: Anne Barge Spring 2012

March 30 %26ndash; 31: Badgley Mischka Spring 2012

%26nbsp;

Joan Pillow Bridal Salon

Highland Village, 4001 Westheimer, 713.622.1122; joanpillowbridal.com

February 2 %26ndash; 4: Romona Keveza Fall 2012

February 16 %26ndash; 18: Anna Maier ~ Ulla-Maija Fall 2012

March 8 %26ndash; 10: Romona Keveza Legends Fall 2012

March 15 %26ndash; 17: Carolina Herrera Fall 2012

May 31 %26ndash; June 2: Monique Lhuillier Spring 2013

%26nbsp;

Mia Bridal Couture

1958 W. Gray St., 713.622.2022; miabridalcouture.com

February 10 %26ndash; 11: Watters

February 17 %26ndash; 18: Rivini

March 9 %26ndash; 10: Judd Waddell with PA by Judd Waddell

April 8: One Day Only Sample Sale

April 27 %26ndash; 28: Amsale %26ldquo;Straight from the Runway%26rdquo;

May 18 %26ndash; 19: Kenneth Pool

June 29 %26ndash; 30: Rivini

July 20 %26ndash; 21: Christos

Now and Forever BridalBoutique

3701 Kirby Dr., 713.218.0369; nowandforeverbridalbtq.com

February 17 %26ndash; 18: Blush by JLM

February 24 %26ndash; 25: N%26amp;F Collection

March 2 %26ndash; 3: Hayley Paige

March 23 %26ndash; 24: Best of Tara Keely by Lazaro

April 27 %26ndash; 28: Best of Jane Wang

May 25 %26ndash; 26: Hayley Paige

The Wedding Suite at Nordstrom

Galleria, 832.201.2700; nordstrom.com

February 17 %26ndash; 19, 11 am %26ndash; 4 pm: Rosa Clara and Aire

Priceless Advice

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:51:48 GMT

Sometimes you have no idea what you don%26rsquo;t know till you sit down with a pro. That%26rsquo;s how I felt after chatting with wedding planner Ann Whittington, who has been helping brides plan everything from the engagement party to the post-nuptial brunch for more than 13 years. Whittington accompanies brides to every vendor appointment. (Her flat fees range from $4,000 to $18,000.) Since I%26rsquo;m assuming the role of bride myself this spring, she shared this priceless advice:

Budget: Have one from the start. You can use up to 40 vendors for an event, and you%26rsquo;ll need to go over every line item to determine what takes precedence financially.

Photographers: Shockingly, there are photographers who won%26rsquo;t take a meeting to go over a shot list with the bride and groom to figure out who are the important players the week before the curtain drops. That%26rsquo;s bad form. Whittington believes it%26rsquo;s crucial that the photographer talk through the details face to face, so they snap the pictures you envision, know who%26rsquo;s who on the guest list and, most importantly, can shoot the event quickly instead of so slowly that they only get stiff, posed shots with frozen smiles.

The Dry Run: %26ldquo;I always suggest that at least six weeks prior, the bride does a complete run-through, from hair and makeup to dress, veil and shoes to shoot a bridal portrait,%26rdquo; says Whittington. %26ldquo;I can%26rsquo;t tell you how many times a bride will realize she hates her hair, her makeup is too dramatic, her shoes hurt or the photographer isn%26rsquo;t right.%26rdquo;

Shoes: The happiest brides elect to wear heels that don%26rsquo;t tower, especially considering they%26rsquo;ll be on their feet for 8 to 10 hours. (Most veer to Jimmy Choo.) Forgo flats that will change your gait.

Transportation: If a good portion of your guests are winging in from out of town, consider hiring a bus or trolley to take them from one central location to the church then reception and, if necessary, back to their hotel at the end of the event.

Image: Photo by Michael Carr Photography

Room to Grow

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:49:52 GMT

Robin Lindberg, owner of the jewel-box boutique Queen of Heirs, has recently expanded her Bellaire shop. Known for her gorgeous, well-priced estate pieces, Lindberg and company now have twice the space to dazzle brides and prospective grooms with engagement rings and bridal jewelry alike. They even serve coffee and stock drinks and wine for customers trying on rings and perusing catalogs for his band style. 4901 Locust St., Bellaire, 713.666.6683; queenofheirs.com.

Put it in Writing

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:48:48 GMT

A lot of us at PaperCity have commissioned the talented Pat Leith, a former president of the Houston Calligraphy Guild, to pretty up all sorts of paper pieces, from baby announcements to wedding suites, scrapbooks and more. Although her specialty is a style called copperplate, she can scale it back to a simple block or bring out all the flourishes to create something quite formal and dazzling. Every piece is carefully done with an oblique dip pen and inks blended to match your paper suite, old-school style, although some enlist her to create a master copy of their invite that%26rsquo;s later engraved and printed on stiff, luxurious cardstock. Oh, the options%26hellip; Calligraphy by Patricia, 713.621.9595; calligraphyandcards.com.

Image: Photo by Jenny Antill

The Prop Shop

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:47:44 GMT

Chums Kirbi Knop and Tina Sanford had an inspired idea. Obsessive amassers of fabulous flea-market finds, they pooled their resources and collections to create a novel prop shop for those desiring to add a little splash to any event. Their collaboration, A Style Collective, is a one-stop Houston shop aimed at anyone planning a party, as well as editors, photographers and do-it-yourselfers. You can rent all kinds of unique items for your big day, or even hire the duo to style it for you. Check out their blog for ideas about
how to use their props at your next soirée. Information astylecollective.com.

Scenes from a Wedding

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:03:06 GMT

Scenes from five extraordinary weddings, to be exact, that captured our imagination with spontaneous energy, romantic detail and joyful exuberance.

%26nbsp;

The Couple: Tricia Solberg and Lee Zieben

Wedding Date: April 4, 2009
Venue: The Arrabelle at Vail Square
Flowers: Petals of Provence, Vail
Music: Reception: Soul X, Denver
Divine Details:
%26nbsp;%26bull; Married at the Vail Chapel with an alphorn playing traditionalAustrian wedding music as guests arrived.
%26bull; The wedding-day lunch was ski-in, ski-out.
%26bull; Before exchanging their vows, the couple passed their rings in a pouch around the small chapel for all to bless.
%26bull; In lieu of a guest book, Lee and Tricia asked guests to sign a coffee-table book: Vail: Triumph of a Dream.
%26bull; The next day, the bride put her dress back on and shushed down the slopes with the groom in his wedding tuxedo, while a new friend took a few fantastic impromptu pics.
%26bull; The groom%26rsquo;s Oreo ice cream cake (his favorite) was topped with a Lego house (his favorite childhood toy) built by the bride%26rsquo;s nephew.
%26bull; The bride%26rsquo;s mother glued a wedding veil to Tricia%26rsquo;s ski helmet to wear during their wedding week.
Notes from a wedding: When the reception was over, the couple left through a tunnel of sparklers and boarded a snowcat, which the hotel had stocked with slices of wedding cake and champagne. The driver took them to the top of the gondola where Lee had proposed to Tricia. A cold but romantic jaunt.

%26nbsp;

The Couple: Amy Spalding and Robert Urquhart
Wedding Date: June 20, 2009
Venue: Ceremony: St. Luke%26rsquo;s United Methodist Church. Reception: Houston Country Club
Event Production: Kristin McShane, Keely Thorne Events
Flowers: Events in Bloom
Music: Blind Date, Austin
Divine Details:%26nbsp;
%26bull; Lavish candy bar of apothecary jars chock-full of Hot Tamales, M%26amp;Ms, Twizzlers.
%26bull; Tissue balls fashioned into blooming flowers of sunny citrus hues dangling above the porte coch%26egrave;re at the reception entrance.
%26bull;%26nbsp; Late-night mini burgers passed on silver trays.
%26bull; The couple%26rsquo;s initials spelled out in tight masses of flowers.
%26bull; Bubbly goodbyes.
Notes from a wedding: Amy and Robert Urquhart tied the knot in the same Houston church where Amy%26rsquo;s parents had strolled down the aisle 29 years earlier.

%26nbsp;

The Couple: Bevin Bering and Dan Dubrowski
Wedding Date: October 17, 2009
Venue: Ceremony: The Chapel of St. Basil at The University of St. Thomas. Reception at a museum, dinner at a gallery.
Wedding Coordinator: Alia Rdissi, Belle of the Ball
Flowers: Bergner %26amp; JohnsonCatering: A Fare Extraordinaire
Cake: Susie%26rsquo;s Cakes
Music: Ceremony: Alejandro Manega from Houston Grand Opera. Procession: Los Mariachis Juventil. Reception: 27-piece Richard Brown Orchestra
Divine Details:%26nbsp;
%26bull; Wedding cake was designed to look like a Dan Flavin installation from the Monument series.
%26bull; Orchids on long stems in clear cylindrical vases filled with tinted water to mirror the colors of Flavin%26rsquo;s light pieces that surrounded the tables, with glass rocks between the vases %26mdash; a nod to artist Robert Smithson%26rsquo;s work.
%26bull;%26nbsp; Round tin canisters with crosses filled with five Jordan almonds %26mdash; a traditional gift at Italian, Greek and Middle Eastern weddings.
%26bull; Shots of iced cappuccinos after 10 pm and tequila after 10:30 pm. %26ldquo;Coffee + tequila = lots of dancing.%26rdquo; %26mdash; Bevin Bering Dubrowski
Notes from a wedding: You could say it was art that brought Bevin Bering and Dan Dubrowski together. At the time, Bering was the director of Bering %26amp; James gallery; Dubrowski was an art patron in the market for new work when he walked into Bering %26amp; James. The pair bonded over contemporary collections and artful inspiration. Naturally, their wedding reflected their shared passion.

%26nbsp;

The Couple: Nicole Spevak and Evan Katz
Wedding Date: November 14, 2009
Venue: The Corinthian
Event Production: Todd Events, Dallas
Catering: Jackson and Company
Music: Reception: Earth, Wind %26amp; Fire; Dallas-based Frank Sinatra%26ndash;like crooner Goga; international Persian Elvis, Andy; 27-piece Richard Brown Orchestra
Divine Details:%26nbsp;
%26nbsp;%26bull; The soaring space transformed from cream and candlelight to rich jewel-toned colors outside the columns.
%26bull; Replicated an enchanted fairy-tale forest between the soaring columns of The Corinthian
%26bull; More flowers than you can imagine, starting with a chuppah topped with thousands upon thousands of white phaleonopsis and dendrobium orchid blossoms.
%26bull; Handmade chandeliers dripping with lemon-leaf garlands and rose pav%26eacute; orbs, illuminated with pillar candles and fairy lights.
%26bull; Custom-embroidered dinner napkins.
%26bull; A cocktail-hour feast of caviar and seafood, artisan cheeses and lamb station with Persian jewel rice (studded with dried barberries and saffron).
%26bull; An elegant dinner surrounded by the lush trappings of an enchanted forest, with a trio of stunning desserts (candied pear with gold gilt leaf, spiced maple leaf cookies sandwiched with pumpkin mousse and a chocolate truffle).
%26bull; The wedding cake by Benny Daniels was cut under the chuppah as tea and miniature desserts were served in a Persian tea lounge.
%26bull; Would it surprise you to know the party went on till 4 am?%26nbsp;

For more amazing photos of wedding details, click 'launch slideshow' above.

The Bride's Little Blue Book

Fri, 27 May 2011 12:21:16 GMT

Gowns

Bea Harper at The Fitting Room, 214.520.3600
Bella Bridesmaid, 214.999.9311; bellabridesmaid.com
A Bridal Blossom, 4410 W. Lovers Lane, 214.902.0800; abridalblossom.com
Bridal Boutique, 139 W. Main St., Lewisville, 972.219.8500; bridalboutiquelewisville.com
Bridal Collections by Stella, 5813 Preston Road, Plano, 972.781.0020; bridalcollectionsbystella.com
The Bridal Salon at Neiman Marcus Downtown, 1618 Main St., 214.573.2663; neimanmarcus.com
The Bridal Salon at Stanley Korshak, 500 Crescent Court, 214.871.3611; stanleykorshak.com
Carolina Herrera, 31 Highland Park Village, 214.219.6060; carolinaherrera.com
LuLu%26rsquo;s Bridal Boutique, 2728 Routh St., 214.871.9610; stardustcelebrations.com
Michael Faircloth, 469.227.9333
Mockingbird Bridal Boutique, 5602 E. Mockingbird Lane, 214.823.6873; mockingbirdbridal.com
Nicolas Villalba Couture, 214.655.6820; nicolasdesigns.com
Oscar de la Renta, NorthPark Center, 214.346.0400; oscardelarenta.com
Patti Flowers Design Studios, 214.369.7027
Patsy%26rsquo;s, A Bridal Boutique, 4244 Oak Lawn Ave., 214.528.1227; patsysbridal.com
Priscilla of Boston, 4000 Villanova St., Preston Center, 214.691.0669; priscillaofboston.com
Richard Brooks Fabrics, 214.739.2772; richardbrooksfabrics.com
Rosa Clar%26aacute;, 214.432.9034; rosaclara.es
StarDust Celebrations, 6464 W. Plano Pkwy., Plano, 972.781.1619; stardustcelebrations.com
Terry Costa, 12817 Preston Road, 972.385.6100; terrycosta.com
Valentino, NorthPark Center, 214.750.5707; valentino.com. By special order.
Warren Barr%26oacute;n Bridal, 53 Highland Park Village, 214.526.8400; warrenbarron.com
Watters, 4801 Spring Valley, 972.991.6994; watters.com
The Wedding Suite at Nordstrom, NorthPark Center, 214.231.3900; nordstrom.com. By appointment only.
The White Gown Showroom at The Wedding Party Studio, 2422 Allen St., 214.296.4908; twpstudio.com
%26nbsp;
Tuxedos

Barneys New York, NorthPark Center, 469.221.4700; barneys.com
Boss Hugo Boss, NorthPark Center, 214.210.1100; hugoboss.com
Culwell %26amp; Son, 6319 Hillcrest Ave., 214.522.7000; culwell.com
Daniel Taylor Clothier, 3699 McKinney Ave., 214.521.0433; danieltaylorclothier.com
Forty Five Ten, 4510 McKinney Ave., 214.559.4510; fortyfiveten.com
Gucci, Galleria Dallas, 972.387.3357; NorthPark Center, 214.706.0510; gucci.com
Hadleigh%26rsquo;s, 74 Highland Park Village, 214.770.4743; hadleighsbespoke.com
Ken%26rsquo;s Man%26rsquo;s Shop, 309 Preston Royal Village, 214.369.5367; kensmansshop.com
Mister Tuxedo, 6625 Snider Plaza, 214.363.1871; mistertuxedoinc.com
Neiman Marcus, Downtown, 214.741.6911; NorthPark Center, 214.363.8311; The Shops at Willow Bend, Plano, 972.629.1700; neimanmarcus.com
Pockets Menswear, 46 Highland Park Village, 214.368.1167; pocketsmenswear.com
Q Custom Clothier, 85 Highland Park Village, 214.780.0555; 3699 McKinney Ave., 214.780.9888; qcustomclothier.com
Ralph Lauren, 58 Highland Park Village, 214.522.5270; polo.com
Saks Fifth Avenue, Galleria Dallas, 972.458.7000; The Shops at Willow Bend, Plano, 469.443.3450; saks.com
Stanley Korshak, 500 Crescent Court, 214.871.3600; stanleykorshak.com
Valentino, NorthPark Center, 214.750.5707; valentino.com
Versace, Galleria Dallas, 972.385.9155; NorthPark Center, 972.591.5730; versace.com
%26nbsp;
Rings

Bachendorf%26rsquo;s, Galleria Dallas, 972.392.9900; The Plaza at Preston Center, 214.692.8400; The Shops at Legacy, Plano, 972.596.2090; bachendorfs.com
Bulgari, NorthPark Center, 214.414.9666; bulgari.com
Calame Jewelers, 11 Highland Park Village; 214.528.2866
Carter Malouf Private Jeweler, 214.750.5395; cartermalouf.com
Cartier, NorthPark Center, 972.726.7670; cartier.com
David Yurman, NorthPark Center, 469.232.4500; davidyurman.com
De Beers, NorthPark Center, 214.361.0666; debeers.com
deBoulle, 6821 Preston Road, 214.522.2400; deboulle.com
Diamond Doctor, One Galleria Tower, 13355 Noel Road, 972.342.6663; diamonddoctor.com
Eiseman Jewels, NorthPark Center, 214.369.6100; eisemanjewels.com
Graff Diamonds, 214.315.4047; graffdiamonds.com
Harry Winston, 19 Highland Park Village, 214.647.5830; harrywinston.com
J. Pacetti Precious Jewels, 214.521.0815; jpacetti.com.
Jayshree Dalal, 214.651.8800; jayshreedalal.com
Judith Ripka, 45 Highland Park Village, 214.219.0200; judithripka.com
Kelly Mitchell Fine Jewelry %26amp; Gifts, 11 Highland Park Village, 972.345.0255; kellymitchelljewelry.com
Leverington Co., 4341 Lovers Lane, 214.526.1934; leverington.com
Markham Fine Jewelers, 8355 Gaylord Pkwy., Frisco, 214.705.9913; markhamfinejewelers.com
Matthew Trent, The Plaza at Preston Center, 214.871.9170; matthewtrent.com
Naomi Designs, 8066 Park Lane, 972.385.8985; naomidesigns.com
Neiman Marcus, Downtown, 214.741.6911; NorthPark Center, 214.363.8311;
The Shops at Willow Bend, Plano, 972.629.1700; neimanmarcus.com
Olschwanger Designs, 972.458.8352; olschwangerdesigns.com
Pampillonia Jewelers, 640 N. Coit Road, Richardson, 972.792.8100; pampilloniajewelers.com
Saks Fifth Avenue, Galleria Dallas, 972.458.7000; The Shops at Willow Bend, Plano, 469.443.3450; saks.com
Shaw Diamonds %26amp; Designs, 2633 McKinney Ave., 214.646.8666; davidshawdiamonds.comBy appointment only.
Skibell Fine Jewelry, 8411 Preston Road, 214.691.5123; skibellfinejewelry.com
Stanley Korshak, 500 Crescent Court, 214.871.3600; stanleykorshak.com
Sue Gragg Precious Jewels, 214.630.1422; suegraggpreciousjewels.com
Susan Saffron Fine Jewelry, 5550 W. Lovers Lane, 214.373.6602; saffronjewelry.com
Tiffany %26amp; Co., Galleria Dallas, 972.458.2800; NorthPark Center, 214.378.9800; tiffany.com
William Noble Rare Jewels, 214.526.3890; williamnoble.com
Ylang 23, Galleria Dallas, 972.980.0819; ylang23.com
%26nbsp;
Cakes

Bronwen Weber Frosted Art Bakery %26amp; Studio, 1546 Edison St., 214.760.8707; frostedart.com
Dallas Affaires Cake Company, 2307 Abrams Road, 214.826.9409; dallasaffairescakeco.com
Delicious Cakes, 14819 Inwood Road, Addison, 972.233.2133; 2364 E. Northwest Hwy., Southlake, 817.310.0474; deliciouscakes.com
Fancy Cakes by Lauren, 11111D N. Central Expy., 214.828.9030; fancycakesbylauren.com
Jackie Spratt Cakes, 1901 N. Haskell Ave., 214.780.0404; jackiesprattcakes.com
La Duni Latin Kitchen %26amp; Baking Studio, 4264 Oak Lawn Ave., 214.520.6888; laduni.com
Le Gateau Cakery, 3128 Harvard Ave., 214.528.6102; legateaucakery.com
Panini Bakery %26amp; Cakes, 6063 Sherry Lane, 214.363.1225; paninicakes.com
Rush Patisserie Cake Salon and Pastry Boutique, 1201 El Dorado Ave., 214.749.4040; rushpatisserie.com
Society Bakery, 3426B Greenville Ave., 214.827.1411; societybakery.com
Tart Pastry Boutique %26amp; Studio,%26nbsp;5219 W. Lovers Lane, 469.335.8919; tartbakerydallas.com
%26nbsp;
Caterers

Andrew Ormsby Catering, 214.841.1917; ormsbycatering.com
Beyond the Box, 214.828.2228; foodbeyondthebox.com
Cassandra Fine Catering, 214.613.0131
The Catering Company, 214.942.2287; notafraidofflavor.com
Central Market, 214.252.5905; heb.com
The Classic Gourmet, 817.557.2700; theclassicgourmet.com
Culinary Art Catering, 972.744.0660; culinaryartcatering.com
Daryl%26rsquo;s By Design, 214.655.1444; dwazoo.com
Doug Boster Gourmet Catering, 214.752.2022; bostercatering.com
EClaire Catering, 214.616.8138; eclairecatering.com
Eddie Deen Catering, 214.741.4211; eddiedeen.com
The Festive Kitchen, 214.363.5111; festivekitchen.com
Food Company, 214.521.7193; foodcompanytx.com
Food Glorious Food, 214.368.3855; specialeventcatering.com
George Catering, 214.752.6851; georgecatering.com
Kent Rathbun Catering, 214.663.5504; kentrathbun.com/catering
Lisa Garza Taste Studio, 214.282.0165; lisagarzataste.com
Lombardi Family Concepts, 214.748.5566; lombardifamilyconcepts.com
Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, 214.559.2100; mansiononturtlecreek.com
The Spice of Life Catering, 972.417.1755; thespiceoflifecatering.com
Superfly Pies Catering by Nathan Burke, 214.289.6842; superflypies.com
Suze Restaurant %26amp; Catering, 214.350.6135; suzerestaurant.net
Taste Catering %26amp; Events, 214.256.9122; tastecateringandevents.com
Two Sisters Catering, 214.823.3075; twosisterscatering.com
Wendy Krispin Caterer, 214.748.5559; wendykrispincaterer.com
Wolfgang Puck Catering, Nasher Sculpture Center 214.242.5141; Union Station 214.741.7825; wolfgangpuckcatering.com
Wynnwood Catering %26amp; Special Events, 214.628.0000; wynnwood.com
%26nbsp;
Event Designers/Wedding Coordinators

AK Event Design, 214.502.0890; akeventdesign.com
Amazing Events, 972.931.1955; amazingeventsdallas.com
The Bridal Salon at Stanley Korshak, 214.871.3611; stanleykorshak.com
Sharon Coston, 214.352.0609
Cymbidium, 972.462.9093; cymbidiumflowers.com
DFW Events, 214.505.9142; dfwevents.com
Events, 3, 214.528.8282
Favors with Chris Brown, 214.369.3836; favorsspecialevents.com
Freesia, 214.658.9757; freesiadallas.com
Harold Hand, 214.745.8888; haroldhand.com
Holly Tripp Event Design, 214.403.0031; hollytrippeventdesign.com
Jordan Payne Events, 214.577.5880; jordanpayneevents.com
Liland%26rsquo;s Special Events, 214.748.1191; lilandssep.com
Beyond, 972.458.7569; beyondld.com
Marc Events, 214.749.1999; marcevents.com
The Party %26amp; Event Designers, Inc., 214.747.0025; partyeventdesigners.com
Premier Special Events, 972.306.0459; premierspecialevents.com
Rusty Glenn Designs, Inc., 214.219.2016
StarDust Celebrations, 972.781.1619; stardustcelebrations.com
Todd Events, 214.749.0400; toddevents.com
Tom Addis Productions, 214.528.9337
%26nbsp;
Floral Designers

Anthos by Haile Wossen, 2610 1/2 State St., 469.360.3648
Apples to Zinnias and Zen Floral Design, 4024 Villanova, 214.361.2200; applestozinnias.com
Avant Garden, 4 Highland Park Village, 214.559.3432; avantgarden.com
Bella Flora of Dallas, Inc., 2010 Century Center Blvd., 972.445.1200; bellafloraofdallas.com
Botanical Art, 1240 Profit Dr., 214.243.8584; botanicalartdesign.com
Bows and Arrows, 1925 Greenville Ave., 214.828.2697; bowsandarrowsdeluxe.com
Bridal Blooms %26amp; Creations, 2431 Shorecrest Dr., 972.907.8804; bridalblooms.com
Cebolla Fine Flowers, 4415 Lovers Lane and 5610 Maple Ave., 214.369.7673; cebollafineflowers.com
Central Market, 5750 E. Lovers Lane, 214.234.7000; centralmarket.com
Cymbidium, 412 W. Bethel Road, Coppell, 972.462.9093; cymbidiumflowers.com
Di Fiori, 214.207.9157; difiori.com
Dr. Delphinium Designs %26amp; Events, 5806 W. Lovers Lane, 214.522.9911; drdelphinium.com
Enflowerment, 214.884.9701; enflowerment.com
F%26ecirc;te des Fleurs, 127 Leslie St., 214.651.1113; fetedesfleurs.com
Five Star Floral Design and Events, 214.522.2271; fivestarfloral.com
Freesia, 1621 Dragon St., 214.658.9757; freesiadallas.com
The Garden Gate, 2615 Routh St., 214.220.1272
Kabloom of Dallas, 14675 Midway Road, Addison, 972.661.2199; kabloomofdallas.com
Mockingbird Florist, 5606 E. Mockingbird Lane, 214.821.1433; mockingbirdflorist.com
Petals, A Florist, 5805 Preston Road, Plano, 972.781.0878; flowersbypetals.com
Shane Walker Design, 214.335.7255; shanewalkerdesign.com
Stems of Dallas, 214.564.8542; stemsofdallas.com
The Urban Blossom, 5035 Addison Circle East, Addison, 972.763.0808; theurbanblossom.com
Urban Flower/Grange Hall, 4445 Travis St., 214.443.0600; urbanflowergrangehall.com
Village Garden %26amp; Gallery, 1350 Manufacturing St., 214.741.1470; villagegardengallery.com
The Wildflower, 2720 W. Mockingbird, 214.357.5364; thewildflower.com
%26nbsp;
Invitations, Calligraphy and Details

Bell%26rsquo;Invito Letterpress Studio, 214.741.1717; bellinvito.com
Barb Biddle, 214.369.2399; barbarabiddledesign.com
Sue Bohlin, 972.977.8301; suebohlin.com
The Bridal Salon at Stanley Korshak, 214.871.3611; stanleykorshak.com
Calligraphic Arts Design Studio, 214.522.4731; calligraphicarts.com
Calligraphy by Valerie Bell, 214.526.1371
Campbell Stationers, 214.692.8380
Cartier, 972.726.7670; cartier.com
Color Box Design and Letterpress, 972.743.8455
Cymbidium, 972.462.9093; cymbidiumflowers.com
F%26ecirc;te Set, Inc., 214.750.8880
Laurie Harper, 214.528.2638
Tara Jones, 214.724.0545; tarajones.com
The Left Handed Calligrapher, 214.202.7594; thelefthanded calligrapher.com
Love Letters Calligraphy, 214.708.6039; loveletters calligraphy.net
Madison, 214.528.8118; kkmadison.com
Missing Q Press, 214.673.8857; missingqpress.com
Needle in a Haystack, 214.528.2850; needleinahaystack.biz
Neiman Marcus Downtown, 214.741.6911; neimanmarcus.com
Nest, 214.373.4444; nestdallas.com
Nuvo, 214.522.6886; nuvodallas.com
Boo Owens at Custom Calligraphy, 214.526.3015
Paper Affair, 214.654.9545; paperaffair.com
Paper %26amp; Chocolate, 214.357.2737; paperandchocolate.com
Papyrus, NorthPark Center, 214.265.7187; Galleria Dallas 972.386.8744; papyrusonline.com
Paradise Design Co., 972.234.3722; paradisedesignco.com
The Prather Pen, 214.691.2010
St. Michael%26rsquo;s Woman%26rsquo;s Exchange, 214.521.3862; stmichaelexchange.com
Suzanne Roberts, 214.369.8336; suzannerobertsgifts.com
Tiffany %26amp; Co., Galleria Dallas, 972.458.2800; NorthPark Center, 214.378.9800; tiffany.com
27, 877.470.2727; twentyandseven.com
Write Selection, 214.750.0531; writeselection.net
%26nbsp;
Music Bookers/Entertainment

Absolute Entertainment, 214.871.9900; absolutedfw.com
Andy Austin Entertainment, 972.742.3869; andyaustin.com
Beyond, 972.458.7569; beyondld.com
Bold Entertainment, 972.943.9427
Bravo Entertainment, 972.960.2525; bravo4u.com
Carol Marks Music, 972.231.4091; carolmarksmusic.com
Center Stage Band/Encore Productions, 972.317.2336; centerstageband.com
Dallas Gigs, 214.954.7520; mydallasgigs.com
DJ Deluxe Productions, 214.823.1424; djdeluxe.com
DJ Lucy Wrubel, lucywrubel.com
Ed Bernet Entertainment, 214.691.0001; edbernet.com
Phonophreaks Music, 214.478.8009; phonophreaksmusic.com
Hunter Sullivan, 214.680.7299; huntersullivan.com
Whitenoise Inc., 972.571.1674
Wynne Entertainment, 214.520.1111; wynneentertainment.com
%26nbsp;
Reception Locations

129 Leslie, 129 Leslie St., 214.748.5559; 129leslie.com
The Adolphus, 1321 Commerce St., 214.742.8200; hoteladolphus.com
Aldredge House, 5500 Swiss Ave., 214.368.0087; aldredgehouse.net
The Apartment, 1444 Oak Lawn Ave., 214.749.0400; theapartmentdallas.com
Arlington Hall at Lee Park, 3333 Turtle Creek Blvd., 214.520.0977; arlingtonhallatleepark.com
The Belo Mansion and Pavilion, 2101 Ross Ave., 214.220.0239; belomansion.com
The Crescent Club, 400 Crescent Court, 214.953.4387; crescentcourt.com/club.cfm
Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road, 214.515.6513; dallasarboretum.org
Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood St., 214.922.1382; dallasmuseumofart.org
Dallas World Aquarium, 1801 N. Griffin St., 214.720.2224; dwazoo.com
The Fairmont Dallas, 1717 N. Akard St., 214.720.2020; fairmonthotels.com/dallas
Fashion Industry Gallery, 1807 Ross Ave., 214.748.4344; fashionindustrygallery.com
Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, 4150 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, 972.717.2451; fourseasons.com/dallas
The Hall of State at Fair Park, 3939 Grand Ave., 214.461.7190; hallofstate.com
Hickory Street Annex, 501 Second Ave., 214.828.1414; hickorystreetannex.com
Hilton Anatole, 2201 Stemmons Fwy., 214.748.1200; hilton.com
Hilton Dallas Park Cities, 5954 Luther Lane, 214.368.0400
Hotel Palomar Dallas, 5300 E. Mockingbird Lane, 214.520.7969; hotelpalomar-dallas.com
H%26ocirc;tel St. Germain, 2516 Maple Ave., 214.871.2516; hotelstgermain.com
Hotel ZaZa, 2332 Leonard St., 214.468.8399; hotelzazadallas.com
Hyatt Regency, 300 Reunion Blvd., 214.651.1234; dallasregency.hyatt.com
The Joule, A Luxury Collection Hotel, 1530 Main St., 214.261.4493; luxurycollection.com/joule
The Magnolia Hotel, 1401 Commerce St., 214.915.6500; magnoliahoteldallas.com
Marie Gabrielle Restaurant %26amp; Gardens, 2728 N. Harwood St., 214.871.2097; marie-gabrielle.com
Meadows Museum, 5900 Bishop Blvd., 214.768.2516; meadowsmuseumdallas.org
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St., 817.738.9215; themodern.org
Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St., 214.670.3600; dallassymphony.com
Nasher Sculpture Center, 2001 Flora St., 214.242.5100; nashersculpturecenter.org
Nylo, 8201 Preston Road, Plano, 972.624.6990; 1001 W. Royal Lane, Las Colinas, 972.373.8900; nylohotels.com
129 Leslie, 129 Leslie St., 214.748.5559; 129leslie.com
Park City Club, 5956 Sherry Lane, 17th Floor, 214.373.0756; parkcityclub.net
The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, 2121 McKinney Ave., 214.922.0200; ritzcarlton.com
Rosewood Crescent Hotel, 400 Crescent Court, 214.871.3200; crescentcourt.com
Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, 2821 Turtle Creek Blvd., 214.559.2100; mansiononturtlecreek.com
Rough Creek Lodge %26amp; Resort, 5165 County Road 2013,
Glen Rose, 877.907.0757; roughcreek.com
Sheraton Dallas Hotel, 400 N. Olive St., 214.922.8000; sheratondallashotel.com
The Stoneleigh Hotel, 2927 Maple Ave., 214.871.7111; stoneleighhotel.com
Studios 1019, 2278 Monitor St., 214.748.1019; studios1019.com
Three Three Three First Avenue, 333 First Ave., 214.826.0467; threethreethreefirstavenue.com
Tower Club, 1601 Elm St., 214.220.0403; towerclub.com
The Trammell %26amp; Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art, 2010 Flora St., 214.979.6437; crowcollection.org
Union Station, 400 S. Houston St., 214.741.7825; unionstationdallas.com
W Dallas %26mdash; Victory, 2440 Victory Park Lane, 214.397.4100; whotels.com/dallas
Warwick Melrose Hotel, 3015 Oak Lawn Ave., 214.521.5151; warwickmelrosedallas.com
The Westin Galleria Dallas, 13340 Dallas Pkwy., 972.934.9494; westin.com/galleriadallas
The Women%26rsquo;s Museum, 3800 Parry Ave., 214.915.0860; thewomensmuseum.org
%26nbsp;
Rentals

BBJ Linen, 214.651.9020; bbjlinen.com
Celebration Event Rental, celebrationeventrental.com
Ducky-Bob%26rsquo;s Event Specialists, 972.381.8000; duckybobs.com
Posh Couture Rentals, 972.818.3200; poshcouturerentals.com
Suite 206 Luxury Lounge Rentals, 214.749.0400, ext. 104; suite206.com

Makeup Artists

Absolute Radiance, 214.695.5556; absoluteradiance.com
Beauty on Call, 312.335.5350; beautyoncall.com
Lenore Caulton Downey, 972.306.4700
Sara Domi, Kim Dawson Agency, 214.638.2414
Jeanna Doyle, 214.202.3303; jeannadoyle.com
Elan Make-Up, 214.370.3333; elanmakeup.com
Fabulous Faces, 972.618.0221; myfabulousfaces.com
Susie Gray, 214.455.6512; susiegray.net
Ja%26rsquo;Maal Buster Cosmetics, 310.651.4344; jamaalbuster.com
Kim Rozell Makeup Design, 214.363.9088; kimrozell makeupdesign.com
L.B. Rosser, 214.638.2414
Paul Neinast, 214.999.0400; neinastsalon.com
Penny Sadler, 214.797.9600; pennysadler.com
Nikki Wynn, 214.675.5559; themakeupjunkie.com
Russ Brouse Makeup/Hair Artist, 972.808.6764; russbrouse.com

Registry

Ant%26eacute;ks Home Furnishings, 1135 Dragon St., 214.528.5567; antekshome.com
Champagne%26rsquo;s Luxe, 5201 W. Lovers Lane, 214.352.7777; champagnesluxe.com
The Copper Lamp, Preston Royal Shopping Center, 214.369.5166; copperlamp.com
D. Porthault, through Madison, Highland Park Village, 214.528.8118; dporthault.fr
Designer Door Peacock Alley, 2050 Postal Way, 214.744.0399; peacockalley.com
Duo, 7721 Inwood Road, 214.884.2979; duoallthingsculinary.com
Forty Five Ten, 4510 McKinney Ave., 214.559.4510; fortyfiveten.com
Grange Hall, 4445 Travis St., 214.443.0600; urbanflowergrangehall.com
Herm%26egrave;s, Highland Park Village, 214.528.0197; hermes.com
The Ivy House, Snider Plaza, 214.369.2411; theivyhouse.com
The Linen Boutique, 5600 W. Lovers Lane, 214.352.5400; linen-boutique.com
Madison, Highland Park Village, 214.528.8118; kkmadison.com
Napa Home, 4012 Oak Lawn Ave., 214.520.4880; napahometx.com
Neiman Marcus, Downtown, 214.741.6911; NorthPark Center, 214.363.8311; The Shops at Willow Bend, Plano, 972.629.1700; neimanmarcus.com
Nest, 4524 McKinney Ave., 214.373.4444; nestdallas.com
Pratesi at Stanley Korshak, 500 Crescent Court, 214.871.3677; pratesi.com
Ralph Lauren, 58 Highland Park Village, 214.522.5270; polo.com
Saks Fifth Avenue, Galleria Dallas, 972.458.7000; saks.com
Stanley Korshak, 500 Crescent Court, 214.871.3611; stanleykorshak.com
Stephanie Anne, 2 Highland Park Village, 214.368.3025; stephanieanne.com
Sur La Table, 4527 Travis St., 214.219.4404; surlatable.com
Suzanne Roberts Gifts, Snider Plaza, 214.369.8336; suzannerobertsgifts.com
Tiffany %26amp; Co., Galleria Dallas, 972.458.2800; NorthPark Center, 214.378.9800; tiffany.com
Williams-Sonoma, Galleria Dallas, 972.233.9702; 51 Highland Park Village, 214.219.1753; NorthPark Center, 214.378.6216; williams-sonoma.com
Yves Delorme, 4270 Oak
Lawn  Ave., 214.526.2955; yvesdelorme.com
%26nbsp;
Photographers

Andrea Polito Photography, 214.748.1888; politoweddings.com
Anne Silverman Photography, 214.533.5868; annesilvermanphotography.com
Greg Blomberg, 214.549.0001; blombergweddings.com
Brooke James Photography %26amp; Design, 917.304.2793
Charis Portrait Studio, 214.353.9922; cherisdallas.com
Debra O%26rsquo;Brien Portraiture, 214.373.1703; debraobrien.com
F8 Studio, 972.669.2274; f8studioblog.com
George Fiala, 214.674.8218; fialafoto.com
Gittings Portraiture, 214.350.5581; gittings.com
Haynsworth Photography, 214.559.3700; haynesworthphotography.com
James French Photography, 214.720.0990; jamesfrenchphotography.com
Jay Conlon Photography, 512.771.9797; jayconlon.com
Jennifer Lipshy Photography, 214.499.1568; lipshy.com
John Derryberry Photography, 214.357.5457; johnderryberry.com
John Tilley Photography, 214.358.4747; johntilleyphotography.com
Karlisch + Wrubel, 214.224.9995; 214.460.1100; karlischwrubel.com
KJ Images, 972.672.1663; kjimages.com
KristiScot Photography, 214.995.0395
Michael Clements Photography, 214.417.6858; michaelclements.com
Jessica D%26rsquo;Onofrio, 972.207.2232; jessicadonofrioweddings.com
Paper Tape Films, 877.600. 1965; papertapefilms.com
Photographique, 214.999.1120; photographique.com
Richard M. Lighty Photography, 214.720.0256; lightyphotographers.com
Ryan Portraiture, 214.726.6921
Scott Hagar Photography, 214.520.8182; scotthagar.com
Larry Sengbush, 214.363.3264; sengbush.com
Jason Wynn, 214.673.4422; jasonwynnphotography.com
Thisbe Grace Photography, 214.749.4036; thisbegrace.com

A Spot of Flower Power

Fri, 27 May 2011 11:47:01 GMT

It all took root in the backyard of a Highland Park home. Kate Hooper, along with business partner and fellow Texas A%26amp;M alum Katy Utley, had turned Hooper%26rsquo;s parents%26rsquo; backhouse into a makeshift floral shop. The young duo%26rsquo;s quirky, feminine style %26mdash; think shabby-chic arrangements with dusty-pink roses and dainty daisies %26mdash; quickly caught on, blooming their biz into a coveted floral design shop for weddings and celebrations of all kinds. But it wasn%26rsquo;t until a Vogel Alcove charity function brought Hooper and Utley in contact with Shinsei restaurant owners Lynae Fearing and Tracy Rathbun that their new workshop came to be. Rathbun and Fearing were putting the finishing touches on their event/retail space, Duo All Things Culinary, when they offered Stems of Dallas a slice inside. Hooper and Utley quickly bid farewell to the backhouse, trading it for a glass-doored space with a glittering chandelier. Now, Stems of Dallas is in full force, by appointment only, whipping up everything from flowery table toppers to the flora decorating your wedding reception. For DIY flower-doers, Hooper and Utley hold monthly Flower Happy Hour design classes, where you can sip wine, snip stems and arrange your own bouquets for a cool $75. Mark your calendar for Thursday, June 9. For information and appointments, ring 214.564.8542 or click to stemsofdallas.com.

Image: A bouquet worth catching from Stems of Dallas. Photo by Jess Graham.

Sense %26 Civility

Fri, 27 May 2011 02:00:55 GMT

Nevertheless, the idea of M-A-R-R-I-A-G-E has crossed your mind. Whether you%26rsquo;re shopping for the big white dress or setting up house on your own, these words of wisdom will serve you well.

Image: Louis Philippe marble-top commode from France, circa 1860. Credit: Jenny Antill
Invest in one great piece of furniture each year. Make a wish list of the pieces you covet, be they mid-century classics or European antiques (or both mixed together %26mdash; how marvelous!) and store it in the back of your mind. Trust us: Just when you%26rsquo;re not looking, you%26rsquo;ll stumble upon a piece you%26rsquo;ve longed for. If you discipline yourself to only purchase prized pieces you both truly love, in a decade your home will be filled with 10 pieces that will grow with you and make every move you make. Think about starting with a three- or four-drawer commode. It%26rsquo;s one of the most versatile pieces you can acquire, and can move from an entry to the living room to a hallway or a bedroom.

Give presents for no apparent reason. Don%26rsquo;t wait for a Hallmark holiday to do something sweet for your sweetie. Pick up his favorite chocolate bar or buy a pair of shoes she%26rsquo;s been longing to own for no reason other than because you can. Who doesn%26rsquo;t love a true surprise?

Image: Monogrammed dinner napkins at Madison
Use cloth napkins every day. We don%26rsquo;t have to tell you it%26rsquo;s better for the environment than using paper napkins. But investing in them, of course, using 100 percent cotton or linen napkins every day (ditto for guest towels in the powder room) is a little luxury, coupled with pulling out your good silver and china, that we all should do daily. It%26rsquo;s terribly civilized %26mdash; and they don%26rsquo;t have to be starched white damask to count.

Image credit: Jack Thompson
Sleep atop the best bed linens you can afford. It stands to reason, if you spend a third of your life asleep, you should do so atop a comfortable mattress and between cozy sheets (pressed and starched %26mdash; all the better). Invest in great sheets in linen, sateen or gorgeous percale (by Frette, Leontine Linens, Pratesi, Matouk, Area or Sferra), and you%26rsquo;ll get years of wear. For the ultimate treat, send your sheets out to be professionally pressed, and change them twice a week.

Pull out the bank statements and checkbook ledgers. It%26rsquo;s time to reveal all. If you cannot talk openly and honestly with your future spouse about how you each handle money, bring in an impartial independent financial consultant, who can get the conversation rolling before you say %26ldquo;I do.%26rdquo; Navigate the financial terrain of how you%26rsquo;ll spend and save, as well as divvy up the bills before they flood your mailbox. Remember, if you don%26rsquo;t talk about money before you get married, it%26rsquo;s all you%26rsquo;ll talk about afterward.

Treat yourself to fresh flowers %26mdash; frequently. Bring something ephemeral %26mdash; cut flowers, succulents or a tall willowing tree %26mdash; into your domain to make it truly feel like home.

Image credit: Jack Thompson
You%26rsquo;ll never go wrong with white china. We%26rsquo;re talking pure-white bone china or porcelain devoid of any ornamentation whatsoever. Purchase a set of 12 place settings %26mdash; eight is far too few. Food looks marvelous on a palette of unfussy white china. As your taste develops or you come upon other patterned sets you love, you%26rsquo;ll have a base to mix and match. Invest in patterns such as a dressy Wedgwood White or versatile Pillivuyt; both are sturdy and beautiful basics. For larger serving pieces and oven-to-tableware, go for Crate %26amp; Barrel%26rsquo;s all-white platters, casseroles, covered dishes and more %26mdash; %26ldquo;you can never have enough.

Image: Keith Carter%26rsquo;s "White Roses," 1998, at Photographs Do Not Bend
Invest each year in a piece of art that makes your heart sing. As the late, great art patron Dominique de Menil was reputed to have said, %26ldquo;You%26rsquo;ll always spend more than you intend to, but you%26rsquo;ll never regret it.%26rdquo; Artists considered wonderful first acquisitions by our fine-arts editor, Catherine D. Anspon, include: Beaumont%26rsquo;s legendary lensman Keith Carter (Photographs Do Not Bend), whose black-and-whites, starting at $1,200, are imbued with haunting grace; Texas painter Aaron Parazette%26rsquo;s adroit geometric abstractions (Dunn and Brown Contemporary) that reference everything from surf lingo to the facets of a diamond, from $5,500; dynamic Dallas talent Christopher Martin, whose creations conjure ribbons of light with metallic halide photo prints, starting at just $350; and, for the very avant-garde collector, L.A.%26ndash;based Mark Todd (Plush Gallery), whose comic-book paintings are little gems of pop culture, from $400. Or attend Heritage Auctions%26rsquo; twice-yearly sales of contemporary and modern treasures, and vie for top lots such as a rare Vernon Fisher acrylic on vinyl from 1974, which went on the block last month with an opening bid of a mere $2,000.

Image: 6626 Lakeshore Drive in Dallas: a three-bedroom Dines and Kraft Tudor, $635,000, through Briggs Freeman.
Live smaller yet better. This is Texas, where we live large and make bold statements. Realize you can have a big life but still live in a jewel box surrounded by beautiful collectibles, art and the luxurious comforts that mean something to you. Don%26rsquo;t get caught up in the trappings of lots of square feet beneath your own, but think about the quality of the life you desire to live amidst and let that inspire you. (We feel the same way about weddings. Consider an intimate f%26ecirc;te for those nearest and dearest, and splurge on indulgences you would never have considered for a party attended by a hundred or more guests.)

The time. Many a bride chooses to gift her groom with a new watch on their wedding day %26mdash; like this Patek Philippe beauty. Just remember: When the two of you are getting spiffed up for a black-tie gala, let him wear the watch; it%26rsquo;s verboten for a woman to wear a timepiece to a formal affair. Shown, Patek Philippe 5153G white-gold men%26rsquo;s Calatrava, price upon request, available this fall at deBoulle.

Image: Jenny Antill
Don%26rsquo;t worry about investing in fussy stemware. If Mumsy hands down a set of vintage etched cocktail glasses or cut-crystal wine goblets, all the better. (And don%26rsquo;t worry if she only has five or seven; mixing and matching enlivens a table decor.) Keep in mind that Riedel and Spiegelau make beautiful, even dishwasher-safe wine glasses with thin lips %26mdash; imperative to appreciate the full body and bouquet of any bottle. And don%26rsquo;t forget to register for some versatile double old-fashioned and highball glasses, too.

Learn to cook. No, this isn%26rsquo;t some %26rsquo;50s singleton imperative %26mdash; it%26rsquo;s our sage advice. Take a few cooking classes and develop an interest in where food comes from. As a result, you%26rsquo;ll become a more knowing, sophisticated diner who%26rsquo;s open to new tastes. Your whole world might just get a little wider, too.

Invest in great knives. Put a little more toward purchasing high-carbon, stainless-steel blades by W%26uuml;sthof or one of the Japanese cult favorites, then take care of them (don%26rsquo;t put them in the dishwasher!), and they%26rsquo;ll last a lifetime. Every kitchen should have an eight- to 10-inch chef%26rsquo;s knife and serrated bread knives, several paring/utility knives, poultry scissors and a seven-inch Santoku knife that feels good in your hand, plus a steel to keep them sharp. (The occasional professional upkeep will keep their edges pristine.)

Know your number. Never has it been more important to have stellar credit, so think of your FICO score an extension of your desirability. (If only we could wear an 820 score as a physical attribute, we might have a ripped six-pack or exquisitely toned biceps to reward us for our financial responsibility.) When one becomes two, your partner%26rsquo;s credit rating affects your mutual big-ticket purchases, and his or her debt becomes your debt. The takeaway: Live below your means and with an emergency fund that will sustain you for a year. And check your credit score annually. Don%26rsquo;t worry about keeping up with the Joneses; they%26rsquo;re not keeping track anyway.

Be prompt. As Louis XVIII once said, %26ldquo;Punctuality is the politeness of kings.%26rdquo; Show others respect for their time and be there %26mdash; anywhere %26mdash; when you promise. The exception: If you%26rsquo;re invited to a dinner or cocktail party, it%26rsquo;s permissible (and actually advisable) to arrive fashionably late %26mdash; 10 to 15 minutes after the invitation%26rsquo;s start time.

Image: Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad, India
Travel. See the world %26hellip; or as much of it as you possibly can. You%26rsquo;ll broaden your perspective, understand others better (and maybe even yourself), and along the way, you%26rsquo;ll collect memories and mementos you%26rsquo;ll treasure for a lifetime.

Invest in top-of-the-line appliances. Whether you%26rsquo;re searching for a hush-hush Bosch dishwasher or Miele washing machine, check critical, unbiased reviews such as Consumer Reports and invest in the best brands money can buy. One catch: You%26rsquo;ll do well buying the basic models. Skip all the bells and whistles. The more fancy features you add, the less apt you are to use them, and the more tedious it is to repair them when they fail. (This advice applies to motor vehicles, too %26mdash; just ask any good mechanic.)

Image credit: Steve Wrubel
Organize your closets. Live large in a small place by being mindful of the space you inhabit. We recommend hiring a closet designer whose career is devoted to figuring out brilliant ways to maximize whatever storage space you do have. Trust us, it will change your life. Companies such as Closet Factory and California Closets can tackle every closet in your home and make you wonder why you didn%26rsquo;t do it sooner.

A happy home smells good, too. While the scent of fresh cookies wafting through your house is intoxicating, the lingering aroma of last night%26rsquo;s dinner is not. Not terribly fond of those awkward bamboo sticks, we prefer a room spray that%26rsquo;s not too cloying or Lysol-like, as well as quality candles burning. Jo Malone does both quite well, Diptyque%26rsquo;s room sprays are superb, while Agraria makes a nice potpourri. (The inexpensive stuff just won%26rsquo;t do.)

Image credit: Jenny Antill
Send handwritten notes. After an intimate dinner at a friend%26rsquo;s house or in response to a thoughtful gift, nothing is more soign%26eacute; than sending a heartfelt note of thanks. Write it in longhand (remember that?) on your personalized stationery %26mdash; everyone should have some. Instead of starting with the words %26ldquo;thank you,%26rdquo; initially relay what the gift means to you, then dig deep and express your humble gratitude.

Image credit: Jack Thompson
Set out a gracious drinks tray or cart. Nothing is more generous (not to mention terribly chic when done well) than a drinks tray stocked with the
requisite gin, bourbon, vodka, scotch, rum, tequila, bitters, soda and tonics. Don%26rsquo;t forget all those marvelous luxe accoutrements, from cocktail shakers and silver jiggers to an ice bucket and a pile of linen cocktail napkins. Register for a vintage silver gallery tray or go mod with a sleek, lacquered tray.

Image at top: This Horst P. Horst photograph of a young bride, perhaps preparing a dinner party at her new home, graced the cover of House %26amp; Garden%26rsquo;s May 1949 issue. Credit: From "The Well-Lived Life" by Dominique Browning (Assouline, 2003); photo by Horst P. Horst

%26nbsp;

Sense %26 Civility

Fri, 27 May 2011 02:02:06 GMT

Nevertheless, the idea of M-A-R-R-I-A-G-E has crossed your mind. Whether you’re shopping for the big white dress or setting up house on your own, these words of wisdom will serve you well.

Image: Louis Philippe marble-top commode from France, circa 1860. Credit: Jenny Antill
Invest in one great piece of furniture each year. Make a wish list of the pieces you covet, be they mid-century classics or European antiques (or both mixed together — how marvelous!) and store it in the back of your mind. Trust us: Just when you’re not looking, you’ll stumble upon a piece you’ve longed for. If you discipline yourself to only purchase prized pieces you both truly love, in a decade your home will be filled with 10 pieces that will grow with you and make every move you make. Think about starting with a three- or four-drawer commode. It’s one of the most versatile pieces you can acquire, and it can move from an entry to the living room to a hallway or a bedroom.

Give presents for no apparent reason. Don’t wait for a Hallmark holiday to do something sweet for your sweetie. Pick up his favorite chocolate bar or buy a pair of shoes she’s been longing to own for no reason other than because you can. Who doesn’t love a true surprise?

Use cloth napkins everyday. We don’t have to tell you it’s better for the environment than using paper napkins. But investing in them, of course, using 100 percent cotton or linen napkins every day (ditto for guest towels in the powder room) is a little luxury, coupled with pulling out your good silver and china, that we all should do daily. It’s terribly civilized — and they don’t have to be starched white damask to count.

Image credit: Jack Thompson
Sleep atop the best bed linens you can afford. It stands to reason, if you spend a third of your life asleep, you should do so atop a comfortable mattress and between cozy sheets (pressed and starched — all the better). Invest in great sheets in linen, sateen or gorgeous percale (by Frette, Leontine Linens, Pratesi, Matouk, Area or Sferra), and you’ll get years of wear. For the ultimate treat, send your sheets out to be professionally pressed, and change them twice a week.

Pull out the bank statements and checkbook ledgers. It’s time to reveal all. If you cannot talk openly and honestly with your future spouse about how you each handle money, bring in an impartial independent financial consultant, who can get the conversation rolling before you say “I do.” Navigate the financial terrain of how you’ll spend and save, as well as divvy up the bills before they flood your mailbox. Remember, if you don’t talk about money before you get married, it’s all you’ll talk about afterward.

Treat yourself to fresh flowers — frequently. Bring something ephemeral — cut flowers, succulents or a tall willowing tree — into your domain to make it truly feel like home.

Image credit: Jack Thompson
You’ll never go wrong with white china. We’re talking pure-white bone china or porcelain devoid of any ornamentation whatsoever. Purchase a set of 12 place settings — eight is far too few. Food looks marvelous on a palette of unfussy white china. As your taste develops or you come upon other patterned sets you love, you’ll have a base to mix and match. Invest in patterns such as a dressy Wedgwood White or versatile Pillivuyt; both are sturdy and beautiful basics. For larger serving pieces and oven-to-tableware, go for Crate %26amp; Barrel’s all-white platters, casseroles, covered dishes and more — you can never have enough.

Images: Mark Kline’s "Eros," 2010, at Meredith Long %26amp; Company. Credit: Courtesy the artist and Meredith Long %26amp; Company; Aaron Parazette’s "Color Key #22," 2011, at McClain Gallery. Credit: Courtesy the artist and McClain Gallery
Invest each year in a piece of art that makes your heart sing. As the late, great art patron Dominique de Menil was reputed to have said, “You’ll always spend more than you intend to, but you’ll never regret it.” Artists considered wonderful first acquisitions by our fine-arts editor, Catherine D. Anspon, include: Aaron Parazette (McClain Gallery), whose latest “Cloud Break” series of adroit geometric abstractions evokes landscapes and the facets of a diamond, from $5,500; Mark Kline (Meredith Long %26amp; Company), creator of extraordinary encaustic canvases that conjure ancient civilizations and nature, from $6,000; Frances Trotter (Hello-Lucky), who paints lyrical, ethereal offerings starting at $1,800 (drawings from $60); and Tara Conley (Laura Rathe Fine Art), who is often commissioned to do artful sculptural phrases rendered in bronze or sterling silver, from $1,250.

The time. Many a bride chooses to gift her groom with a new watch on their wedding day — like this A. Lange %26amp; Sohne beauty. Just remember: When the two of you are getting spiffed up for a black-tie gala, let him wear the watch; it’s verboten for a woman to wear a timepiece to a formal affair. Shown, A. Lange %26amp; Sohne 1815 18K yellow-gold watch with leather strap, price on request, at Lewis Jewelers.

Image: 208 Emerson Street in Houston: an American Four-Square home on the National Register of Historic Places, $599,000 through John Daugherty Realtors (MLS#46289594)
Live smaller yet better. This is Texas, where we live large and make bold statements. Realize you can have a big life but still live in a jewel box surrounded by beautiful collectibles, art and the luxurious comforts that mean something to you. Don’t get caught up in the trappings of lots of square feet beneath your own, but think about the quality of the life you desire to live amidst and let that inspire you. (We feel the same way about weddings. Consider an intimate fête for those nearest and dearest, and splurge on indulgences you would never have considered for a party attended by a hundred or more guests.)

Image: Jenny Antill
Don’t worry about investing in fussy stemware. If Mumsy hands down a set of vintage etched cocktail glasses or cut-crystal wine goblets, all the better. (And don’t worry if she only has five or seven; mixing and matching enlivens a table decor.) Keep in mind that Riedel and Spiegelau make beautiful, even dishwasher-safe wine glasses with thin lips — imperative to appreciate the full body and bouquet of any bottle. And don’t forget to register for some versatile double old-fashioned and highball glasses, too.

Learn to cook. No, this isn’t some ’50s singleton imperative — it’s our sage advice. Take a few cooking classes and develop an interest in where food comes from. As a result, you’ll become a more knowing, sophisticated diner who’s open to new tastes. Your whole world might just get a little wider, too.

Invest in great knives. Put a little more toward purchasing high-carbon, stainless-steel blades by Wüsthof or one of the Japanese cult favorites, then take care of them (don’t put them in the dishwasher!), and they’ll last a lifetime. Every kitchen should have an eight- to 10-inch chef’s knife and serrated bread knives, several paring/utility knives, poultry scissors and a seven-inch Santoku knife that feels good in your hand, plus a steel to keep them sharp. (The occasional professional upkeep will keep their edges pristine.)

Know your number. Never has it been more important to have stellar credit, so think of your FICO score an extension of your desirability. (If only we could wear an 820 score as a physical attribute, we might have a ripped six-pack or exquisitely toned biceps to reward us for our financial responsibility.) When one becomes two, your partner’s credit rating affects your mutual big-ticket purchases, and his or her debt becomes your debt. The takeaway: Live below your means and with an emergency fund that will sustain you for a year. And check your credit score annually. Don’t worry about keeping up with the Joneses; they’re not keeping track anyway.

Be prompt. As Louis XVIII once said, “Punctuality is the politeness of kings.” Show others respect for their time and be there — anywhere — when you promise. The exception: If you’re invited to a dinner or cocktail party, it’s permissible (and actually advisable) to arrive fashionably late — 10 to 15 minutes after the invitation’s start time.

Image: Image: Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad, India
Travel. See the world … or as much of it as you possibly can. You’ll broaden your perspective, understand others better (and maybe even yourself), and along the way, you’ll collect memories and mementos you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

Invest in top-of-the-line appliances. Whether you’re searching for a hush-hush Bosch dishwasher or Miele washing machine, check critical, unbiased reviews such as Consumer Reports and invest in the best brands money can buy. One catch: You’ll do well buying the basic models. Skip all the bells and whistles. The more fancy features you add, the less apt you are to use them, and the more tedious it is to repair them when they fail. (This advice applies to motor vehicles, too — just ask any good mechanic.)

Image credit: Steve Wrubel
Organize your closets. Live large in a small place by being mindful of the space you inhabit. We recommend hiring a closet designer whose career is devoted to figuring out brilliant ways to maximize whatever storage space you do have. Trust us, it will change your life. Companies such as SpaceMan and California Closets can tackle every closet in your home and make you wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

A happy home smells good, too. While the scent of fresh cookies wafting through your house is intoxicating, the lingering aroma of last night’s dinner is not. Not terribly fond of those awkward bamboo sticks, we prefer a room spray that’s not too cloying or Lysol-like, as well as quality candles burning. Jo Malone does both quite well, Diptyque’s room sprays are superb, while Agraria makes a nice potpourri. (The inexpensive stuff just won’t do.)

Image: Jack and Lulu boxed stationery set $18, custom personalized papers to order, at PH Design Shop. Credit: Jenny Antill
Send handwritten notes. After an intimate dinner at a friend’s house or in response to a thoughtful gift, nothing is more soigné than sending a heartfelt note of thanks. Write it in longhand (remember that?) on your personalized stationery — everyone should have some. Instead of starting with the words “thank you,” initially relay what the gift means to you, then dig deep and express your humble gratitude.

Image credit: Jack Thompson
Set out a gracious drinks tray or cart. Nothing is more generous (not to mention terribly chic when done well) than a drinks tray stocked with the requisite gin, bourbon, vodka, scotch, rum, tequila, bitters, soda and tonics. Don’t forget all those marvelous luxe accoutrements, from cocktail shakers and silver jiggers to an ice bucket and a pile of linen cocktail napkins. Register for a vintage silver gallery tray at Pillsbury-Michel or Phyllis Tucker Antiques, or go mod with a sleek, lacquered tray.

Image at top: This Horst P. Horst photograph of a young bride, perhaps preparing a dinner party at her new home, graced the cover of House %26amp; Garden’s May 1949 issue. Credit: From "The Well-Lived Life" by Dominique Browning (Assouline, 2003); photo by Horst P. Horst

Then and Now

Fri, 27 May 2011 01:10:37 GMT

But %26mdash; isn%26rsquo;t there something so fabulously proper about weddings with dignity and decorum? A polished, serene ceremony. A glorious supper. Getaway cars that gleam with history. Herewith, all the new ways to achieve old-school wedding perfection.

Sartorial slip-on: The groom should mark the special occasion with monogrammed velvet evening slippers embroidered with 18K-gold-wire thread. Stubbs %26amp; Wootton bespoke evening slippers, starting at $900, at Stubbs %26amp; Wootton, 212.249.5200; stubbsandwootton.com.

Images: Kate Middleton in Alexander McQueen; Romona Keveza at Joan Pillow A Bridal Salon; Monique Lhuillier at Casa de Novia and Joan Pillow A Bridal Salon; Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier, 1956
The dress, divine: Lace + Grace + Kate = the most ravishing way to walk the aisle. Lace is officially, beautifully back.

The just-right jewelry: Jacqueline Kennedy, the Duchess of Kent and Queen Elizabeth all wore classic pearls on their wedding day %26mdash; you should, too. (Think of them as bits of wisdom, kept close.) Mikimoto one-of-a-kind pearl necklace, to order at I W Marks, Zadok Jewelers.

The sublime shoe: Walk like a lady in the definitive wedding-day shoe by Manolo Blahnik, the Sedaraby stiletto. At Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue.

The new standard: Kate and Wills%26rsquo; oh-wow nuptials have moved the wedding bar firmly into the 21st century. The details were equal parts established and edgy. Middleton%26rsquo;s marvelous dress? A thoroughly modern silhouette in satin gazar, designed by Sarah Burton for the house of Alexander McQueen, but augmented with lace that had been hand-worked using an 1820s Irish technique. The prince%26rsquo;s scarlet tunic celebrated his newly minted status as a Colonel of the Regiment of the Irish Guards, but it was made by the same British firm that supplied uniforms to both armies in the Battle of Gettysburg. The music for the daytime ceremony was laden with traditional British compositions, but the nighttime reception was headlined by 24-year-old Ellie Goulding, whose first album %26mdash; a whirl of %26ldquo;electro-folk-pop%26rdquo; %26mdash; debuted just last year. Even the cars that whisked the wedding party around (contemporary Bentleys and Jaguars mixed with pedigreed old Rolls-Royces) made for a parade of the past and present, seamlessly blended. What to take away from it all? When it comes to your big day, cleave to honored traditions, but touch off a few new ones, too.

The fabulous flowers: Carry a small posy of lily of the valley: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy did.

"%26hellip; the chauffeur wears a small bunch of white flowers on his coat, and white gloves, and has all the tires painted white to give the car a wedding appearance.%26rdquo;%26hellip; the chauffeur wears a small bunch of white flowers on his coat, and white gloves, and has all the tires painted white to give the car a wedding appearance.%26rdquo; %26mdash; from Etiquette In Society, In Business, In Politics, And At Home (1922) by Emily Post

Image: Grace Kelly arriving for her wedding, 1956
The most romantic ride: Miss Middleton got to the church (on time) in a vintage Rolls-Royce. Princess Grace and Prince Rainier paraded to the reception in their new one, circa 1956. Forgo a limousine in favor of a terribly proper icon %26mdash; with patina. Information monarchlimousines.com, jordanlimousines.com.

Images: Past Era; Queen of Heirs; Wayne Smith; Tennenbaum %26amp; Co.
The ring of history: If you don%26rsquo;t have a family heirloom diamond to pass down, you can always acquire a piece with provenance. Platinum Art Deco cluster ring with a natural, unheated Burmese sapphire, Old Mine%26ndash;cut diamonds, openwork gallery and engraved shoulders and sides, circa 1920, at Past Era Antique Jewelry; marquise diamond ring at Wayne Smith Jewelers; diamond ring in white-gold mounting with handcrafted filigree undercarriage, circa 1940s, at Queen of Heirs Jewelry; sapphire-and-diamond ring at Tenenbaum %26amp; Co.

The tasteful tunes: Grace and Rainier had Georgia Gibbs. Jackie and John had Meyer Davis. Everybody else had Lester Lanin. Thanks to iTunes, you can have them all at your reception %26mdash; from Gibbs crooning %26ldquo;My Old Flame%26rdquo; to Davis steering his orchestra through %26ldquo;The Night They Invented Champagne.%26rdquo; Prim, percolating, perfect.

Image: Jackie %26amp; John, 1953
The lush location: Nothing feels as deliciously old-school as an outdoor reception. Host yours in a beautiful garden, as Jackie and John did in 1953 at her stepfather%26rsquo;s estate in Newport, Rhode Island. Plan your day at Bayou Bend Collection %26amp; Gardens, 14 acres of lushness owned by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

The elegant whiff: Creed%26rsquo;s unforgettable Fleurissimo %26mdash;%26nbsp;a concoction of tuberose, violet, Florentine iris and Bulgarian rose %26mdash; commissioned from the French fragrance house by a certain prince of Monaco for his certain graceful bride. It will give your day an air of royalty, indeed. 2.5 ounces $225, at neimanmarcus.com.

Place settings with pedigree: Use the family silver to create a more meaningful and intimate touch. Event designer Richard Flowers once used a family%26rsquo;s Amari collection, that was started by the bride%26rsquo;s great grandmother, as part of the centerpieces on each of the tables at the reception.

Requesting the honor of their presence: Achieving the essential, traditional invitation.

For your save-the-date:
%26bull; Send six to eight months ahead of the wedding. %26bull; Only include the names of the couple to be married %26mdash; no parents. %26bull; Set the tone for the invitation to come, without revealing too much. %26bull; Send six to eight months ahead of the wedding.

For your invitation:
%26bull; When talking to your stationer, ask that the minimum weight of the card stock be 600 g/sm (grams per square meter) for European paper and 200 lb for domestically produced paper. %26bull; Painted or gilt-edged papers are a lovely way to add color, dress up or finish off a formal wedding invitation. %26bull; The outer mailing envelope should be lined if there is no inner envelope, and should not be lined if there is an inner envelope.%26bull; Your invitation should contain the appropriate, traditional wording, fully spelled out %26mdash; dates and all. %26bull; An all-script or calligraphy invitation has historically been required. A well-designed, properly spaced invitation that mixes no more than two opposite typestyles is appropriate. %26bull; Printing should be engraving or letterpress. %26bull; The cost of postage should be covered by a single, elegant stamp. Never affix multiples.

Image at top: Photograph Thom Jackson for Photo Division, Dallas. Model Alex Long for Kim Dawson Agency. Styling Jon Tutolo, makeup Ro Vielma, both for Kim Dawson Agency. Hair Mateo Sifuentes for Halo Salon. Alex wears Ralph Lauren lace ruffled blouse with crystal detail $3,298, at the Ralph Lauren boutique, Neiman Marcus. Custom headpiece, special order through Grange Hall.

Mrs. John L. Strong Redux

Fri, 27 May 2011 12:19:27 GMT

We were abuzz a year and a half ago when news broke of the sale of the lauded stationery company Mrs. John L. Strong and we heard on the tom-toms that Jacqueline Kotts (daughter of Houston and New Orleans residents Colleen and John Kotts) had purchased the storied 80-year-old firm. After all the papers were signed and the luxury brand was saved from the brink of bankruptcy, Kotts inherited more than a legacy stamped with a venerable history. Getting away from the trendy fashion detour the brand had taken, Kotts is looking to the past, resurrecting the traditions its founder held strong and poring through the archives as she moves the company forward. This fall, expect the opening of Mrs. John L. Strong%26rsquo;s first teeny-tiny atelier (literally 100 square feet) on the ground floor of the Madison Avenue building that, five floors up, has been headquarters for the bespoke brand for the last three decades. Meanwhile, if the recent Houston trunk show is any indication of the longing many still have for pristine papers, you might just see more intimate traveling shows pop up all over the country.

So what, in Kotts%26rsquo; opinion, is du jour for wedding stationery? %26bull; French folds are making a comeback. But MJLS takes that big sheet of paper folded once, then again, and adds a blind-embossed monogram atop the last fold that%26rsquo;s visible before you open it. %26bull; Kotts also sees a swing to script-style fonts. Those who prefer calligraphy are commissioning an artist to perfectly hand-letter the invite, which Mrs. John L. Strong then turns into a steel die used to hand-engrave each card. %26bull; Mrs. John L. Strong %26mdash; holder of the trademark %26ldquo;Ready to Write%26rdquo; %26mdash; now has an e-commerce site where you can order correspondence cards and the like for your stationery wardrobe, while custom stationery orders are still handled on a one-to-one basis. %26bull; Perennially popular is the creamy-white Strong%26rsquo;s Vanilla hue of MJLS%26rsquo;s archival-quality paper, which is milled especially for MJLS and available in two finishes, as well as several weights, including a wonderfully weighty four-ply %26mdash; the company%26rsquo;s thickest. %26bull; Last, for those who can%26rsquo;t bring themselves to choose from the more than 300 dies, Mrs. John L. Strong recently added two more to make your decision harder: a classic Ferrari and a heart emblem. Information mrsstrong.com.

Glass Slippers, Oscar’s Way

Fri, 27 May 2011 12:11:52 GMT

Oscar de la Renta has long been the fairy godfather to modern-day Cinderella brides. While his gowns are most notable for starring in countless happily-ever-afters, it%26rsquo;s the designer%26rsquo;s collection of bridal chaussures that have us gushing. Glide down the aisle in a pair of these chic slippers. At the Oscar de la Renta boutique, NorthPark Center, 214.346.0400; oscardelarenta.com.

Glass Slippers, Oscar’s Way

Fri, 27 May 2011 11:56:28 GMT

Desserts that Wiggle and Wow

Thu, 26 May 2011 01:54:44 GMT

For gelatin concoctions of the most enlightened leanings, commission the Jellymongers to design an architectural %26mdash; and fully edible %26mdash; work for your next affair. The two edgy Brits, Sam Bompas and Harry Parr, have released their latest book, jammed with gelatin recipes, jelly lore and the duo%26rsquo;s own wobbly, wondrous creations. The title almost says it all: Jellymongers: Glow-in-the-Dark Jelly, Titanic Jelly, Flaming Jelly. After all, we%26rsquo;re talking about gents who have custom-molded gelatin into bridges, cathedrals, even a Madrid airport terminal %26mdash; complete with jelly jets. Information jellymongers.co.uk; book through amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, borders.com.

I Do’s (and Don’ts)

Fri, 27 May 2011 11:54:32 GMT

Quick, before you lose your head over whether your bouquet should bloom with peonies or posies or if your bridesmaids should don teal or tangerine, let us give you a little tip: Thursdays at Bella Flora of Dallas. Get there. Each week, BF%26rsquo;s wedding-planning pros reserve hour-long time slots for what they%26rsquo;re calling the %26ldquo;Do%26rsquo;s and Don%26rsquo;ts When Saying I Do,%26rdquo; a one-on-one consultation %26mdash; with a flute or two of bubbly %26mdash; where you can pose your most pressing bridal questions. Expect expert answers and insightful tidbits on everything from overall wedding style to creating a seasonal color palette. %26ldquo;Brides come to us,%26rdquo; says Bella Flora wedding consultant Jaime Jones, %26ldquo;and we help save them unneeded stress by narrowing down their options.%26rdquo; Jones%26rsquo; stance? Ask away. No question is too outlandish; they%26rsquo;ve heard it all. Is it a good idea to have an outside wedding in August? Can you please look out for my fianc%26eacute;%26rsquo;s stalker? (We%26rsquo;re not making that up.) Pencil in your Thursday appointment. It may be the smartest $200 you%26rsquo;ll spend for your big day. 2010 Century Center Blvd., Suite 22 (in Irving), 972.445.1200; bellafloraofdallas.com.

Image: A must-do bouquet from Bella Flora. Photo by Thisbe Grace.

Have a Ball at the St. Regis

Fri, 27 May 2011 12:16:32 GMT

The St. Regis Hotel has%26nbsp; whomped up its Astor Ballroom with a $6.4 million renovation. ForrestPerkins, the Dallas-based architecture firm also responsible for the redesign of the property%26rsquo;s 232 guest rooms and suites, relied heavily on the Texas culture and landscape to update the 10,000-square-foot space %26mdash; from the leather-upholstered furniture (with detailing reminiscent of hand-stitched cowboy boots) to the carpet design (woven with abstract western themes) %26mdash; where 250 can perch for dinner and 400 can clink cocktails.%26nbsp; One highlight of the ballroom is a statement chandelier designed with 4,400 strands of glistening jewels %26mdash; an abstraction of the aforementioned cowboy-boot stitching that%26rsquo;s used throughout the hotel, from the stenciled ceilings of the guest rooms to the inlaid marble floor of the second-floor lobby. To book the Astor Ballroom for your wedding or reception, contact Tobias Rimkus, catering director, 713.840.7600.

This Takes the Cake

Fri, 27 May 2011 12:13:45 GMT

At an art collector%26rsquo;s wedding, you can have your cake and eat it, too. Just commission Whitney Biennial/Texas talent Franco Mondini-Ruiz to memorialize your romance and nuptial moments in a one-of-a-kind art piece. Stacked into 13 hand-painted canvas layers to resemble an actual baked confection, each sculptural Couture Cake is $5,000, through Colton %26amp; Farb Gallery.

This Just In: Tiara Madness

Fri, 27 May 2011 11:50:35 GMT

The most important emerald-and-diamond tiara to appear at auction in 30 years sold on May 17 for the highest price ever achieved for a tiara %26mdash; just 18 days after the royal wedding. A coincidence? We think not. Six bidders competed for the circa-1900 head bauble, which belonged to Princess Katharina Henckel von Donnersmarck. It sold for $12,736,927.

Casa de Novia Locks in Lanvin

Fri, 27 May 2011 12:09:37 GMT

Casa de Novia Bridal Couture now carries Lanvin Blanche bridal collection exclusively in Houston. This chic collection is%26nbsp; thoroughly modern with stylish short wedding dresses and a sleek Bianca Jagger-esque white suit we adore. Exclusively at Casa de Novia Bridal Couture, 3331 D%26rsquo;Amico St., 713.523.9090; casadenovia.com.

Image: Lanvin Blanche.

How to Royal Your Ride

Fri, 27 May 2011 11:48:42 GMT

It was the most inspired moment of the day: William%26rsquo;s best man, Harry, decorated a certain princely Aston Martin with a jolly license plate out back, an %26ldquo;L-plate%26rdquo; out front (for %26ldquo;learner,%26rdquo; required in the U.K. on cars piloted by new drivers) and traditional ribbons %26mdash; at once turning Wills and Kate into every newlywed couple, everywhere. We found the identical plates in a wedding-car decoration kit on British Amazon and British eBay, from seller welovecards. A few clicks on PayPal (the kit is about $20 U.S., including international shipping) and your getaway car will be as brilliant.

Do You, David, Take Thee, Vera?

Fri, 27 May 2011 12:08:00 GMT

They do! Renowned bridal designer Vera Wang takes her chic luxury style to David%26rsquo;s Bridal with her debut collection of lower-priced wedding gowns. The White by Vera Wang collection is at 150 David%26rsquo;s Bridal shop-in-shops across the country, including several in the Houston area. With styles ranging from classic ballroom skirts
to modern slim silhouettes, prices from $600 to $1,400, and sizes 0 to 14, Vera Wang has made the dream of wearing Vera on one%26rsquo;s wedding day come true for more brides than ever. For local stores, visit davidsbridal.com.

Image: Vera Wang White

The Bride's Little Blue Book

Fri, 27 May 2011 12:22:32 GMT

Bridal Shops

Belle Mariée Bridal, 2509 River Oaks Blvd., 713.523.0068; bellemarieehouston.com
Brickhouse Bridal, 200 Valleywood, The Woodlands, 281.681.3430; brickhousebridal.com
Casa de Novia Bridal Couture, 3331 D’Amico St., 713.523.9090; casadenoviabridal.com
Ivory Bridal Atelier, West Ave, 2800 Kirby Dr., 713.550.1622; ivorybridalhouston.com
Joan Pillow A Bridal Salon, Highland Village, 4001 Westheimer, 713.622.1122; joanpillowbridal.com
Maison de Mode, 2431 Rice Blvd., 713.527.8285; maisondemode.com
Mia Bridal Couture, 1958 W. Gray St., 713.622.2022; miabridalcouture.com
Now and Forever Bridal Boutique, 3701 Kirby Dr., 713.218.0369; nowandforeverbridalbtq.com
Priscilla of Boston, 1131-10 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.526.1886; priscillaofboston.com
The Wedding Suite at Nordstrom, Galleria, 832.201.2700; nordstrom.com. By appointment.
Winnie Couture, 5152 Buffalo Speedway, 713.782.9316; winniecouture.com. By appointment.

Custom Bridal, Attendant Clothing, Made-to-Measure Tuxedos %26amp; Shirts

Atrium Ready to Wear, 3331 D’Amico St., 713.523.0206; atriumrtw.com
Beautiful U Bridal, 3402 Mercer St., 713.963.8213. By appointment.
Elizabeth Anthony/Esther Wolf, 1180-08 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.622.1331; estherwolf.com
Festari for Men, 1800 Post Oak Blvd., 713.626.1234; festariformen.com
Hamilton Custom Shirtmakers, 5700 Richmond Ave., 713.264.8800; hamiltonshirts.com. Custom shirts.
Jenny Kim Bridal Couture, 2524 Amherst St., 713.528.0500; jkbridal.com
Linda Cunningham, 3310 Edloe St., 713.621.3232; lindacunningham.com
Nick Lopez Tailoring, 2680 Sage Road, 713.621.5411; nicklopeztailoring.com. Custom tuxedos.
Wayne Jones Custom Suit and Shirt Makers, 713.622.2452. By appointment.
Winnie Couture, 5152 Buffalo Speedway, 713.782.9316; winniecouture.com. By appointment.

Tuxedos

A. Taghi Fine Apparel, 5116 Westheimer, 713.963.0884; ataghi.com
Ermenegildo Zegna, Galleria, 832.308.3494; zegna.com
Festari for Men, 1800 Post Oak Blvd., 713.626.1234; festariformen.com
Giorgio Armani, Galleria, 713.961.2659; giorgioarmani.com. Custom tuxedos available.
Gucci, Galleria, 713.961.0778; gucci.com
Harolds in the Heights, 350 W. 19th St., 713.864.2647; haroldsintheheights.com
M. Penner, 1180-06 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.527.8200; mpenner.com
Neiman Marcus, Galleria, 713.621.7100; neimanmarcus.com
Norton Ditto, 2425 W. Alabama St., 713.688.9800; nortonditto.com
Ralph Lauren, Galleria, 713.850.9330; ralphlauren.com. Tuxedos to order.
Saks Fifth Avenue, Galleria, 713.627.0500; saksfifthavenue.com
Versace, Galleria, 713.623.8220; versace.com
Yves Saint Laurent, Galleria, 713.840.7006; ysl.com

Rings

Katy Briscoe, Inc., 1455 W. Loop South; 713.662.9886; katybriscoe.com. By appointment.
Bailey, Banks %26amp; Biddle,700 Town %26amp; Country Blvd., 713.647.8045; baileybanksandbiddle.com
Bulgari, Galleria, 713.622.7574; bulgari.com
Cartier, Galleria, 713.871.0177; cartier.com
Chardé, 5600 Kirby Dr., 713.668. 6350; chardejewelers.com
David Yurman, Galleria, 713.622.5799; davidyurman.com
De Beers, Galleria, 713.960.9030; debeers.com
Deutsch %26amp; Deutsch, 3747 Westheimer, 713.627.7787; deutschdeutschjewelers.com
DeVille Fine Jewelry, 5700 Woodway, 281.501.3810; devillefinejewelry.com
Donoho’s Jewellers, 9590 Six Pines Dr., The Woodlands, 281.367.9050; donohos.com
Gems by Chao, Galleria, 713.626.0431; gemsbychao.com
I W Marks, 3841 Bellaire Blvd., 713.668.5000; iwmarks.com
Judith Ann Jewels, 4721 Westheimer, 713.871.1074; judithannjewels.com
Lewis Jewelers, 16972 Highway 3, Webster; 281.332.8433; mylewisjewelers.com
Nazar’s Fine Jewelry, 5887 Westheimer, 713.952.5444; nazarsfinejewelry.com
Neiman Marcus, Galleria, 713.621.7100; neimanmarcus.com
Paul Carter Jewels, 1141-02 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.627.7495; and CityCentre, 12848 Queensbury, 713.465.5353; paulcarterjewels.com
Reiners Fine Jewelry, 2210 Westheimer, 713.520.1212; reinersjewelry.com
Saks Fifth Avenue, Galleria, 713.627.0500; saksfifthavenue.com
Tiffany %26amp; Co., Galleria, 713.626.0220; tiffany.com
Zadok Jewelers, 1749 Post Oak Blvd., 713.960.8950; zadokjewelers.com

Estate Jewelry

A.A. Benjamin Ltd., 1775 St. James Place, 713.965.0555; aabenjaminjewelry.com
Past Era Antique Jewelry, Antique Pavilion, 2311 Westheimer, 713.524.7110; pastera.com
Queen of Heirs Jewelry, 4901 Locust St., Bellaire, 713.666.6683; queenofheirs.com
Tenenbaum %26amp; Company, 1801 Post Oak Blvd., 713.629.7444; tenenbaumandco.com
Wayne Smith Jewelry, 1121-11 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.524.0100; smithandcompanyjewels.com
Valobra Jewelry %26amp; Antiques, 4078 Westheimer, 713.961.4500; valobra.net

Cakes

Acadian Bakers, 604 W. Alabama St., 713.520.1484; acadianbakers.com
Bavarian Cakery, 8815 Solon Road, 281.469.3116; bavariancakery.com
Crave Cupcakes, 1151-06 Uptown Park Blvd. and 5600 Kirby Dr., 713.622.7283; cravecupcakes.com
Dacapo’s Pastry Cafe, 1141 E. 11th St., 713.869.9141; dacapospastrycafe.com
Dessert Gallery Bakery %26amp; Cafe, 3600 Kirby Dr., 713.522.9999; 1616 Post Oak Blvd., 713.622.0007; dessertgallery.com
Mia Sorella Cakes, 832.372.8701; miasorellacakes.com
Michael’s Cookie Jar, 5330 Weslayan St., 713.771.8603; michaelscookiejar.com
More Than Cakes, 1100 W. Dallas St., 713.652.5135; morethancakes.com
Ooh La La The Dessert Boutique, 23920 Westheimer Parkway, Katy, 281.391.2253; oohlalasweets.com
Sprinkles Cupcakes, 4014 Westheimer, 713.871.9929; sprinkles.com
Susie’s Cakes, 12280 Westheimer, 281.493.3222; susiescakes.com
Three Brothers Bakery, 4036 S. Braeswood Blvd., 713.666.2253; 3brothersbakery.com
Who Made the Cake!, 1811 S. Shepherd Dr., 713.528.4719; whomadethecake.com

Caterers

A Fare Extraordinaire, 2035 Marshall St., 713.527.8288; afehouston.com
Abuso Catering, 6729 Stella Link Road, 713.660.6617; abusocatering.com
Acute Catering %26amp; Events, 6729 Stella Link Road, 713.528.1133; acutecatering.com
Armandos Taco Truck, 2630 Westheimer, 713.520.1738; armandosrestaurant.com
Catering by Culinaire, 3900 Milam St., 713.524.2337; cateringbyculinaire.com
City Kitchen, 8101 Airport Blvd., 713.847.8004; citykitchencatering.com
Crew Staffing, 4617 Montrose, 713.526.2739; crewstaffing.com
Jackson and Company, 707 Hawthorne St., 713.523.5780; jacksonandcompany.com
La Villette Catering %26amp; Special Events, 1716 Bissonnet St., 713.521.7550; lavillettecatering.com
Mélange Catering %26amp; Special Events, 6803 Wynnwood Lane, 713.869.0066; melangeevents.com
The Stone Kitchen Catering %26amp; Special Events, 2112 Waugh Dr., 713.521.3500; stonekitchencatering.com
Tony’s Catering, 3755 Richmond Ave., 713.622.6778; tonyshouston.com

Complete Event Production

Bergner %26amp; Johnson Design, 519 Pecore St., 713.662.3769; bergnerandjohnson.com
Darryl %26amp; Co., 483 W. 38th St., 713.863.0400; darrylco.com
Design %26amp; Inspiration, 713.880.3613; designand inspiration.net
DGLS Events ... at Your Service, 5001 Woodway, 713.851.5577; dglsevents.com
Elias Events, 6214 Beverly Hill, 713.334.1800; eliasevents.com
The Events Company, Richard Flowers, 1237 N. Post Oak Road, 713.426.5800; theeventsco.com
Events in Bloom, 633 W. 19th St., 713.880.1475; eventsinbloom.com
Oulala! What an Event, 5400 Bellaire Blvd., 713.855.8755; oulalaevents.com
Michael Cordúa Events, 2411 Fountainview, 713.961.0911; cordua.com
Swift + Company, 2137 W. Alabama St., 713.526.7600; swiftevents.com

Floral Designers

Aubrey Sellers Flowers
and Gifts, 1545 Peden St., 713.880.1919; classicromance.com
Breen’s Florist, 1050 N. Post Oak Road, 713.227.3367; breensflorist.com
Bergner %26amp; Johnson, 519 Pecore St., 713.662.3769, bergnerandjohnson.com
Central Market, 3815 Westheimer, 713.386.1700; centralmarket.com
David Brown, 1180-10 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.664.0466; davidbrownflowers.com
The Empty Vase of Houston, 2511 River Oaks Blvd., 713.529.9969; emptyvasehouston.com
Events in Bloom, 633A W. 19th St., 713.880.1475; eventsinbloom.com
In Bloom, Inc., 814 Fairview St., 713.523.3553; inbloominc.com
Johnathan Andrew Sage, 3900 Polk St., 713.227.7300; jasinctx.com
Lexis Florist, 6102 Skyline Dr., 713.774.8080; lexisflorist.com
Plants ’n Petals, 3810 Westheimer, 713.840.9191; plantsnpetals.net
Stems Custom Floral, 4711 Gibson St., 713.574.1250; stemscustomfloral.com

Invitations

Ann Werme Stationers, 2400 Augusta Dr., 713.339.4511; annwermestationers.com
Avalon Stationery and Gifts, 2604 Westheimer Road, 713.528.0052
Bering’s, 6102 Westheimer Road, 713.785.6400; 3900 Bissonnet St., 713.665.0500; berings.com
Cartier, Galleria, 713.871.0177; cartier.com
Sicily Eason, 713.528.6693
Events, River Oaks Shopping Center, 1966 W. Gray St., 713.520.5700; eventsgifts.com
Embossed Graphics of Texas, 6435 Gulfton Dr., 713.777.1336
Houston Invitation Service, 2503 River Oaks Blvd., 713.522.2757; invitationservice.com
Invitation Solutions, 713.864.5573; invitationsolutions.com
Jawda and Jawda, 6111 Kirby Dr., 713.419.8018; jawdaandjawda.com
PH Design Shop, 3306 S. Shepherd Dr., 713.522.8861; phdesignshop.com
The Pretty Penny, 14534 Memorial Dr., 281.493.2430; theprettypenny.com
Simple Difference, Daniela Weil, 713.278.1994; simpledifference.com
Tanglewood Gifts and Stationery, 5750 Woodway Dr., 713.266.1006; tanglewoodgifts.com
Jenny Wakefield, 713.529.6161. Katie %26amp; Company, 4500 Washington Ave., 713.802.1345; katie-co.com

Details: Calligraphy, etc.

Anne Cheney, 713.782.3708; 123acheney@comcast.net. Calligraphy.
Avalon Gifts and Stationery, 2604 Westheimer, 713.528.0052. RSVP services.
Bright Star Productions, 2420 Center St., 713.529.2757; brightstarproductions.com. Custom lighting and sound.
Calligraphy by Mark, 281.840.7939; calligraphyby mark@yahoo.com
Calligraphy by Patricia, 3701 West Alabama St., 713.621.9595; patleith@sbcglobal.net
Houston Invitation Service, 2503 River Oaks Blvd., 713.522.2757; invitationservice.com
Karla Hamilton, 713.868.5087; karlahamilton@me.com. Calligraphy.
PenDance Calligraphy %26amp; Engraving, Maureen Vickery, 281.558.7856; pendance.us

Music Bookers

Allen Hill Entertainment, 713.426.2741; allenhillentertainment.com
Avalon Music, 713.529.2672; theavalonmusic.com
Gulf Coast Entertainment, 2017 W. Gray St., 713.523.7004; gulfcoastentertainment.com
Marshall Maxwell Entertainment Agency, 713.522.3514; marshallmaxwell.com
Simply Entertainment, 713.807.0202; simplyentertainment.biz

Reception Locations

Alden Houston, 1117 Prairie St., Catherine Bradley at 832.200.8807; aldenhotels.com
Bell Tower on 34th, 901 W. 34th St., 713.868.2355; thebelltoweron34th.com
Courtyard on St. James Place, 1885 St. James Place, 713.621.0555; courtyardonstjames.com
Four Seasons Hotel Houston, 1300 Lamar St., Elisa Sosa at 713.652.6263; fourseasons.com/houston
Hilton Americas–Houston, 1600 Lamar St., Ingrid Menendez at 713.739.8000; hilton.com
Hilton Houston Post Oak, 2001 Post Oak Blvd., Rachel Hudson at 713.968.1325; hilton.com
Hotel Derek, 2525 W. Loop South, Shona Mitchell at 713.297.4301; hotelderek.com
Hotel Galvez %26amp; Spa, 2024 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, Angie at 409.765.7721; wyndham.com
Hotel Granduca, 1080 Uptown Park Blvd., Sylena Willoughby at 713.418.1036; granducahouston.com
Hotel Icon, 220 Main St., Mary Taube or Michael McVey at 832.667.4464; hotelicon.com
Hotel ZaZa Houston, 5701 Main St., Lisa Hudson at 713.526.1991; hotelzazahouston.com
The Houstonian Hotel, Club %26amp; Spa, 111 N. Post Oak Lane, Jim Gray or Evangelia McCarthy at 713.680.2626; houstonian.com
InterContinental Houston, 2222 W. Loop South, Chantal Lavin at 713.850.2800; ichouston.com
La Torretta Lake Resort %26amp; Spa, 600 La Torretta Blvd., Montgomery, Patti Culwell at 936.448.3031; latorrettalakeresort.com
The Lancaster, 701 Texas Ave., Adrienne Solomon at 713.228.9500; thelancaster.com
The Magnolia Hotel, 1100 Texas Ave., Natalie Monk at 713.221.0011, ext. 72664; magnoliahotelhouston.com
Omni Houston Hotel, 4 Riverway, Alice Small at 713.871.8181; omnihotels.com
St. Regis Hotel, Houston, 1919 Briar Oaks Lane, Tobias Rimkus at 713.840.7600; stregis.com/houston
Hotel Sorella, CityCentre, 800 W. Sam Houston Parkway North, Lisa Wathen at 713.973.1600; hotelsorella-citycentre.com
The Westin Galleria, 5060 W. Alabama St., Adam Rineer at 713.960.8100; westin.com/galleria
The Westin Oaks, 5011 Westheimer, Adam Rineer at 713.960.8100; westin.com/oaks

Or, try these sites:

The Corinthian, 202 Fannin St., Boyd Bryan at 713.222.2002; thecorinthianhouston.com
The Crystal Ballroom at the Rice Lofts, 909 Texas Ave., Paula Foreman or Jamie Purpera at 713.227.7423; sambucacatering.com
DiverseWorks, 1117 E. Freeway, Jon Read at 713.223.8346; diverseworks.org
The Grove, 1611 Lamar St., Tatiana Escobar at 713.337.7321; thegrovehouston.com
Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St., Denise Wright at 713.315.2512; thehobbycenter.org
The Hofheinz House, 3900 Milam, Luzia Turner at 713.524.2337; cateringby culinaire.com/hofheinzhouse.html
Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Dr., Leslie Goode or Nancy Bowen at 713.639.4749; hmns.org
The Junior League of Houston, 1811 Briar Oaks Lane, Donna Marcum at 713.622.4191,
ext. 1; juniorleaguehouston.org
La Colombe d’Or, 3410 Montrose Blvd., Ed Bodee or Hannah Kramer, 713.469.4750; lacolombedor.com
Lawndale Art Center, 4912 Main St., Emily Link, 713.528.5858; lawndaleartcenter.org
Lillie %26amp; Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonnet St., 713.639.7300; mfah.org
River Oaks Garden Club, 2503 Westheimer, Sherry McCarty at 713.523.2483; riveroaksgardenclub.org

Photographers

Alexander’s Fine Portrait Design, 312 Birdsall St., Linda Rogers, 713.682.6000; alexandersportraits.com
Alvin Gee Photography, 911 Town %26amp; Country Blvd., 713.647.0911; alvingee.com
Brooke Schwab Photography, 1113 Vine St., 713.560.8266; brookeschwabphotography.com
Chris Bailey Photography, 713.518.1452; cbaileyphotography.com
Chris Wineinger Photography, 832.372.3456; chriswphoto.com
D. Jones Photography, 2005 Mason St., 713.521.1550; djonesphoto.com
Evin Thayer Studios, 405 Avondale St., 713.524.0199; evinthayer.com
Gittings, 1121-10 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.965.9301; gittings.com. Portraits only.
Goodlight Photography, 713.818.7829; goodlightphotography.com
Home Video Productions by Gary Bolton, Missouri City, 281.437.4088; homevideoproductions.com
Jenny Antill Photography, 832.877.4476; jennyantill.com
John Lewis Weddings, 281.384.8633; johnlewisweddings.net
John Ly Photography, 4808 Bellaire Blvd., 281.701.7939; johnlyphotography.com
Karen Sachar Photography, 2110 South Blvd., 713.523.1150; ksachar.com
Legacy Multimedia, 281.381.9550; legacymultimedia.com
Michael Carr Photography, 5701 Woodway, 713.461.2862; michaelcarrphotography.com
Michael Martinez Photography, 713.355.5345; martinezphoto.com. By appointment.
Nhan Nguyen Photography, 1710 Waugh Dr., 713.523.3887; nhanphotography.com
Phyllis Hand Photography, 713.861.9327; phyllishand.com
PWL Studio by Fulton Davenport, 805 Welch St., 713.521.7022; pwlstudio.com
Simon Roderick Gentry Photography, 832.661.7363; simongentry.com
Steve Lee Weddings, 1330 Yale St., 832.380.4004; steveleeweddings.com
Steve Schmid Photography, 3939 Essex Lane, 713.960.9839; steveschmidphotography.com
Temple Webber Photography, 4605 Post Oak Place, 713.621.9320; templewebber.com
Terry Blackburn Photography, 1260 Blalock Road, 713.464.0094; blackburnstudios.com

Wedding Coordinators

Bobbi Asarch, 713.728.3336; bobbiasarch.com
Belle of the Ball, 4010 Blue Bonnet, 713.528.9966; belleevents.com
Robin Berry, 281.827.4182; robinberry@gmail.com
Design Wedding Consultants, 4545 Bissonnet, 713.661.3374, desi-gn.com
Elias Events, 6214 Beverly Hill #24, 713.334.1800; eliasevents.com
For Your Memories, 1901 Post Oak Blvd., 713.532.8100; foryourmemories.com
Keely Thorne Events, 2449 South Blvd., 713.807.8188; keelythorne.com
Rita Holland, 713.965.0936; r.holland@sbcglobal.net
The Master Plan Weddings, Lauren Swarts, 713.826.4743
Schwartz %26amp; Woodward, 713.780.1282; schwartzwoodward.com
Mary Martha Steed, Event Consultant, 713.526.0085
Two Be Wed, 2611 Greenbriar, 713.572.3030; twobewed.net
Ann Whittington, 713.461.8424; annevents.com

Save the Date

Fri, 27 May 2011 01:58:07 GMT

Belle Mari%26eacute;e Bridal
2509 River Oaks Boulevard, 713.523.0068; bellemarieehouston.com
June 24 %26ndash; 25: Badgley Mischka
July 8 %26ndash; 9: Anne Barge
July 15 %26ndash; 16: Sara Gabriel Accessories
July 29 %26ndash; 30: Ines Di Santo
Nov. 18 %26ndash; 19: Ines Di Santo
Nov. 25 %26ndash; 26: Anne Barge
Dec. 2 %26ndash; 3: Badgley Mischka

Brickhouse Bridal
200 Valleywood, The Woodlands, 281.681.3430; brickhousebridal.com
June 24 %26ndash; 25:%26nbsp; Watters %26amp; Wtoo Bridal and Attendants
Aug. 12 %26ndash; 13:%26nbsp; Simone Carvalli Bridal and Bridesmaid
Nov. 30 %26ndash; Oct. 1: Martina Liana %26amp; Ella
Nov. 21 %26ndash; 26: Pronovias
Dec. 4: Off-The-Rack Sample Sale (gowns from $99)
Dec. 16 %26ndash; Jan. 1: Watters %26amp; Wtoo Bridal and Attendants

Casa de Novia Bridal Couture
3331 D%26rsquo;Amico Street, 713.523.9090; casadenoviabridal.com
June 24 %26ndash; 25: Elizabeth Fillmore (with designer appearance)
July 29 %26ndash; 30: Monique Lhuillier
Sept. 29 %26ndash; Oct. 1: Melissa Sweet
Oct. 27 %26ndash; 29: Oscar de%26nbsp; la Renta
Nov. 17 %26ndash; 19: Monique Lhuillier%26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;%26nbsp;
Dec. 1 %26ndash; 3: Palazzo (with appearance by designer Jane Hamidi)

Ivory Bridal Atelier
West Ave, 2800 Kirby Drive, 713.550.1622; ivorybridalhouston.com
June 10 %26ndash; 11: Best of Lazaro
Aug. 19 %26ndash; 20: Jim Hjelm Fall 2011
Sept. 23 %26ndash; 24: Badgley Mischka
Sept. 30 %26ndash; Oct. 1: Anne Barge Fall 2011
Oct. 28 %26ndash; 29: Alvina Valenta

Joan Pillow A Bridal Salon
Highland Village Shopping Center, 4001 Westheimer Road, 713.622.1122; joanpillowbridal.com
June 2 %26ndash; 4: Monique Lhuillier Bridal and Special Occasion
June 17 %26ndash; 18: Best of Vera Wang
July 15 %26ndash; 16: Romona Keveza Legends
Aug. 5 %26ndash; 6: Anna Maier-Ulla-Maija
Aug. 19 %26ndash; 29:%26nbsp; Carolina Herrera
Sept. 9 %26ndash; 10: Monique Lhuillier
Sept. 23 %26ndash; 24: Vera Wang
Nov. 11 %26ndash; 12: Victoria Nicole
Dec. 16 %26ndash; 17: Romona Keveza Couture

Maison de Mode
2431 Rice Boulevard, 713.527.8285; maisondemode.com
June 24 %26ndash; 25: Eugenia Couture

Mia Bridal Couture
River Oaks Shopping Center, 1958 W. Gray St., 713.622.2022; miabridalcouture.com
June 3 %26ndash; 4: Kenneth Pool
June 20 %26ndash; 25: Christos Feature Week%26nbsp;
July 31:%26nbsp; Couture Off-The-Rack Sample Sale (gowns from $699)
Aug. 5 %26ndash; 6: Watters Brides
Aug. 26 %26ndash; 27: Rivini
Sept. 16 %26ndash; 17: Amsale
Oct. 7 %26ndash; 8: Christos
Nov. 4 %26ndash; 5: Kenneth Pool
Dec. 22 %26ndash; January 5: Debutante Event featuring Amsale %26amp; Christos gowns

Now %26amp; Forever Bridal Boutique
3701 Kirby Drive, 713.218.0369; nowandforeverbridalbtq.com
June 17 %26ndash; 18: Angel by Angel Sanchez
June 22 %26ndash; 23: Carmen Marc Valvo
June 24 %26ndash; 25: David Meister
July 22 %26ndash; 23: Tara Keely
Aug. 5 %26ndash; 6: Jane Wang (with designer appearance)
Aug. 26 %26ndash; 27: Justina McCaffrey
Sept. 16 %26ndash; 17: Tara Keely
Sept. 23 %26ndash; 24: N%26amp;F Collection
Nov. 4 %26ndash; 5: Carmen Marc Valvo
Nov. 9 %26ndash; 10: David Meister
Nov. 11 %26ndash; 12: Angel by Angel Sanchez

Priscilla of Boston
1131-10 Uptown Park Boulevard, 713.526.1886; priscillaofboston.com
June 1 %26ndash; 6: All Designer Trunk Show featuring Melissa Sweed, Vineyard Jewel and Priscilla of Boston Platinum
June 17 %26ndash; 20: Traveling trunk show; designers to be revealed at show

The Bride’s Little Blue Book

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 04:57:43 GMT

Bridal Shops

Belle Mari%26eacute;e Bridal, 2509 River Oaks Blvd., 713.523.0068; bellemarieehouston.com
Brickhouse Bridal, 200 Valleywood, The Woodlands, 281.681.3430; brickhousebridal.com
Casa de Novia Bridal Couture, 3331 D%26rsquo;Amico St., 713.523.9090; casadenovia bridal.com
Impressions Bridal Salon, Highland Village, 4001 Westheimer, 713.622.1122; impressionsbridalsalon.com
Ivory Bridal Atelier, West Ave, 2800 Kirby Dr., 713.550.1622; ivorybridalhouston.com
Maison de Mode, 2431 Rice Blvd., 713.527.8285; maisondemode.com
Mia Bridal Couture, 1958 W. Gray St., 713.622.2022; miabridalcouture.com
Now and Forever Bridal Boutique, 3701 Kirby Dr., 713.218.0369; nowand foreverbridalbtq.com
Priscilla of Boston, 1131-10 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.526.1886; priscillaofboston.com
The Wedding Suite at Nordstrom, Galleria, 832.201.2700; nordstrom.com. By appointment only.
Winnie Couture, 5152 Buffalo Speedway, 713.782.9316; winniecouture.com. By appointment.

Custom Bridal, Bridesmaid %26amp; Made-to-Measure Tuxedos %26amp; Shirts

Beautiful U Bridal, 3402 Mercer St., 713.963.8213. By appointment.
Billy Reid, Galleria, 713.552.0333; billyreid.com. Custom tuxedos/suits by appointment.
Elizabeth Anthony/Esther Wolf, 1180-08 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.622.1331; estherwolf.com
Hamilton Custom Shirtmakers, 5700 Richmond Ave., 713.264.8800; hamiltonshirts.com. Custom shirts.
Jenny Kim Bridal Couture, 2524 Amherst St., 713.528.0500; jkbridal.com.
Linda Cunningham, 3310 Edloe St., 713.621.3232; lindacunningham.com
Nick Lopez Tailoring, 2680 Sage Road, 713.621.5411; nicklopeztailoring.com. Custom tuxedos.
Wayne Jones Custom Suit and Shirt Makers, 713.622.2452. By appointment.
Winnie Couture, 5152 Buffalo Speedway, 713.782.9316; winnie couture.com. By appointment.

Tuxedos

A. Taghi Fine Apparel, 5116 Westheimer, 713.963.0884; ataghi.com
Ermenegildo Zegna, Galleria, 832.308.3494; zegna.com
Festari for Men, 1800 Post Oak Blvd., 713.626.1234; festariformen.com
Giorgio Armani, Galleria, 713.961.2659; giorgioarmani.com. Custom tuxedos available.
Gucci, Galleria, 713.961.0778; gucci.com
Harolds in the Heights, 350 W. 19th St., 713.864.2647; haroldsintheheights.com
Louis Vuitton, Galleria, 713.960.0707; louisvuitton.com
M. Penner, 1180-06 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.527.8200; mpenner.com
Neiman Marcus, Galleria, 713.621.7100; neimanmarcus.com
Norton Ditto, 2425 W. Alabama St., 713.688.9800; nortonditto.com
Ralph Lauren, Galleria, 713.850.9330; ralphlauren.com
Saks Fifth Avenue, Galleria, 713.627.0500; saksfifthavenue.com
Versace, Galleria, 713.623.8220; versace.com
Yves Saint Laurent, Galleria, 713.840.7006; ysl.com

Rings

Katy Briscoe, Inc., 1455 W. Loop South; 713.662.9886; katybriscoe.com. By appointment.
Bailey, Banks %26amp; Biddle, 700 Town %26amp; Country Blvd., 713.647.8045; baileybanks biddle.com
Bulgari, Galleria, 713.622.7574; bulgari.com
Cartier, Galleria, 713.871.0177; cartier.com
Chard%26eacute;, 5600 Kirby Dr., 713.668. 6350; chardejewelers.com
David Yurman, Galleria, 713.622.5799; davidyurman.com
De Beers, Galleria, 713.960.9030; debeers.com
Deutsch %26amp; Deutsch, 3747 Westheimer, 713.627.7787; deutschdeutschjewelers.com
DeVille Fine Jewelry, 5700 Woodway, 281.501.3810; devillefinejewelry.com
Donoho%26rsquo;s Jewellers, 9590 Six Pines Dr., The Woodlands, 281.367.9050; donohos.com
Gems by Chao, Galleria, 713.626.0431; gemsbychao.com
I W Marks, 3841 Bellaire Blvd., 713.668.5000; iwmarks.com
Judith Ann Jewels, 4721 Westheimer, 713.871.1074; judithannjewels.com
Lewis Jewelers, 16972 Highway 3, Webster; 281.332.8433; mylewisjewelers.com
Nazar%26rsquo;s Fine Jewelry, 5887 Westheimer, 713.952.5444; nazarsfinejewelry.com
Neiman Marcus, Galleria, 713.621.7100; neimanmarcus.com
Paul Carter Jewels, 1141-02 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.627.7495; paulcarterjewels.com
Reiners Fine Jewelry, 2210 Westheimer, 713.520.1212; reinersjewelry.com
Saks Fifth Avenue, Galleria, 713.627.0500; saksfifthavenue.com
Tiffany %26amp; Co., Galleria, 713.626.0220; tiffany.com
Zadok Jewelers, 1749 Post Oak Blvd., 713.960.8950; zadokjewelers.com

Estate Jewelry

A.A. Benjamin Ltd., 1775 Saint James Place, 713.965.0555; aabenjaminjewelry.com
Past Era Antique Jewelry, Antique Pavilion, 2311 Westheimer, 713.524.7110; pastera.com
Queen of Heirs Jewelry, 4901 Locust St., Bellaire, 713.666.6683; queenofheirs.com
Tenenbaum %26amp; Company, 1801 Post Oak Blvd., 713.629.7444; tenenbaumandco.com
Wayne Smith Jewelry, 1121-11 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.524.0100; smithandcompanyjewels.com
Valobra Jewelry %26amp; Antiques, 4078 Westheimer, 713.961.4500; valobra.net

Cakes

Acadian Bakers, 604 W. Alabama St., 713.520.1484; acadianbakers.com
Bavarian Cakery, 8815 Solon Road, 281.469.3116; bavariancakery.com
Cakes by Macauley, 832.754.0674; cakesbymacauley.com
Crave Cupcakes, 1151-06 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.622.7283; cravecupcakes.com
Dacapo%26rsquo;s Pastry Cafe, 1141 E. 11th St., 713.869.9141; dacapospastrycafe.com
Dessert Gallery Bakery %26amp; Cafe, 3600 Kirby Dr., 713.522.9999; 1616 Post Oak Blvd., 713.622.0007; dessertgallery.com
Mia Sorella Cakes, miasorellacakes.com
Michael%26rsquo;s Cookie Jar, 5330 Weslayan St., 713.771.8603; michaelscookiejar.com
More Than Cakes, 1100 W. Dallas St., 713.652.5135; morethancakes.com.
Ooh La La The Dessert Boutique, 23920 Westheimer Parkway, Katy, 281.391.2253; oohlalasweets.com
Sprinkles Cupcakes, 4014 Westheimer, 713.871.9929; sprinkles.com
Susie%26rsquo;s Cakes, 12280 Westheimer, 281.493.3222; susiescakes.com
Three Brothers Bakery, 4036 S. Braeswood Blvd., 713.666.2253; 3brothersbakery.com
Who Made the Cake!, 1811 S. Shepherd Dr., 713.528.4719; whomadethecake.com

Caterers

A Fare Extraordinaire, 2035 Marshall St., 713.527.8288; afehouston.com
Abuso Catering, 6729 Stella Link Road, 713.660.6617; abusocatering.com
Acute Catering %26amp; Events, 6729 Stella Link Road, 713.528.1133; acutecatering.com
Armandos Taco Truck, 2630 Westheimer, 713.520.1738; armandosrestaurant.com
Catering by Culinaire, 3900 Milam St., 713.524.2337; cateringbyculinaire.com
City Kitchen, 8101 Airport Blvd., 713.847.8004; citykitchen catering.com
Crew Staffing, 4617 Montrose, 713.526.2739; crewstaffing.com
Jackson and Company, 707 Hawthorne St., 713.523.5780; jacksonandcompany.com
La Villette Catering %26amp; Special Events, 1716 Bissonnet St., 713.521.7550; lavillettecatering.com
M%26eacute;lange Catering %26amp; Special Events, 6803 Wynnwood Lane, 713.869.0066; melangeevents.com
The Stone Kitchen Catering %26amp; Special Events, 2112 Waugh Dr., 713.521.3500; stonekitchencatering.com
Tony%26rsquo;s Catering, 3755 Richmond Ave., 713.622.6778; tonyshouston.com

Complete Event Production

Bergner %26amp; Johnson Design, 519 Pecore St., 713.662.3769; bergnerandjohnson.com
Darryl %26amp; Co., 483 W. 38th St., 713.863.0400; darrylco.com
Design %26amp; Inspiration, 713.880.3613; designand inspiration.net
DGLS Events ... at Your Service, 5001 Woodway, 713.851.5577; dglsevents.com
Elias Events, 6214 Beverly Hill #24, 713.334.1800; eliasevents.com
The Events Company, Richard Flowers, 1237 N. Post Oak Road, 713.426.5800; theeventsco.com
Oulala! What an Event, 713.855.8755; oulalaevents.com
Michael Cord%26uacute;a Events, 1050 N. Post Oak Road, 713.961.0911; cordua.com
Swift + Company, 2137 W. Alabama St., 713.526.7600; swiftevents.com

Floral Designers

Aubrey Sellers Flowers and Gifts, 1545 Peden St., 713.880.1919; classicromance.com
Breen%26rsquo;s Florist, 1050 N. Post Oak Road, 713.668.2376; breensflorist.com
Bergner %26amp; Johnson, 519 Pecore St., 713.662.3769, bergnerandjohnson.com
Central Market, 3815 Westheimer, 713.386.1700; centralmarket.com
The Cutting Garden, 9039 Katy Freeway, 713.465.9145; mycuttinggarden.com
David Brown, 1180-10 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.664.0466; davidbrownflowers.com
The Empty Vase of Houston, 2511 River Oaks Blvd., 713.529.9969; emptyvasehouston.com
Events in Bloom, 638A West 20th St., 713.880.1475; eventsinbloom.com
In Bloom, Inc., 814 Fairview St., 713.523.3553; inbloominc.com
Johnathan Andrew Sage, 3902 McKinney St., 713.227.7300; johnathanandrewsageinc.com
Lexis Florist, 6102 Skyline Dr., 713.774.8080; lexisflorist.com
Lily, 909 Willard St., 713.521.7738
Plants %26rsquo;n Petals, 3810 Westheimer, 713.840.9191; plantsnpetals.net
Stems Custom Floral, 4711 Gibson St., 713.574.1250; stemscustomfloral.com

Invitations

Allie Fields %26amp; Molly Johnson Designs, 713.478.4438
Ann Werme Stationers, 2400 Augusta Dr., 713.339.4511; annwermestationers.com
Avalon Stationery and Gifts, 2604 Westheimer Road, 713.528.0052
Bering%26rsquo;s, 6102 Westheimer, 713.785.6400; 3900 Bissonnet St., 713.665.0500; berings.com
Cartier, Galleria, 713.871.0177; cartier.com
Events, River Oaks Shopping Center, 1966 W. Gray St., 713.520.5700; eventsgifts.com
Houston Invitation Service, 2503 River Oaks Blvd., 713.522.2757; invitationservice.com
Embossed Graphics of Texas, 6435 Gulfton Dr., 713.777.1336
Invitation Solutions, 713.864.5573; invitation solutions.com
Jawda and Jawda, 713.419.8018; jawdaandjawda.com
Jenny Wakefield, 2233 W. Alabama St., 713.529.6161
Katie %26amp; Company, 4500 Washington Ave., 713.802.1345; katie-co.com
PH Design Shop, 3306 S. Shepherd Dr., 713.522.8861; phdesignshop.com
The Pretty Penny, 14534 Memorial Dr., 281.493.2430; theprettypenny.com
Sicily Easton, 1911 W. Alabama St., 713.528.6698; sicilyeaston.com
Simple Difference, Daniela Weil, 713.278.1994
Tanglewood Gifts and Stationery, 5750 Woodway Dr., 713.266.1006; tanglewoodgifts.com.

Details: Calligraphy, etc.

Anne Cheney, 713.782.3708; 123acheney@comcast.net. Calligraphy.
Avalon Gifts and Stationery, 2604 Westheimer, 713.528.0052. RSVP services.
Bright Star Productions, 2420 Center St., 713.529.2757; brightstarproductions.com. Custom lighting and sound.
Calligraphy by Mark, 281.840.7939; calligraphybymark@yahoo.com
Calligraphy by Patricia, 3701 West Alabama St., 713.621.9595; patleith@sbcglobal.net
Houston Invitation Service, 2503 River Oaks Blvd., 713.522.2757; invitationservice.com
Karla Hamilton, 713.868.5087. Calligraphy.
PenDance Calligraphy %26amp; Engraving, Maureen Vickery, 281.558.7856; pendance.us
Susan Petty, 713.784.8888. Calligraphy.
Tanglewood Gifts and Stationery, 5750 Woodway Dr., 713.266.1006; tanglewoodgifts.com.

Music Bookers

Alden Houston, 1117 Prairie St., Catherine Bradley at 832.200.8807; aldenhotels.com
Four Seasons Hotel Houston, 1300 Lamar St., Elisa Sosa at 713.652.6263; fourseasons.com/houston
Hilton Americas%26ndash;Houston, 1600 Lamar St., Erica Rodriguez at 713.5739.8000; hilton.com
Hilton Houston Post Oak, 2001 Post Oak Blvd., Rachel Hudson at 713.968.1325; hilton.com
Hotel Derek, 2525 W. Loop South, Maria Murdock at 713.297.4301; hotelderek.com
Hotel Galvez %26amp; Spa, 2024 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, 409.765.7721; wyndham.com
Hotel Granduca, 1080 Uptown Park Blvd., Sylena Willoughby at 713.418.1036; granducahouston.com
Hotel Icon, 220 Main St., Mary Taube or Michael McVey at 832.667.4464; hotelicon.com
Hotel ZaZa Houston, 5701 Main St., Lisa Hudson at 713.526.1991; hotelzazahouston.com
The Houstonian Hotel, Club %26amp; Spa, 111 N. Post Oak Lane, Jim Gray or Evangelia McCarthy at 713.685.2626; houstonian.com
InterContinental Houston, 2222 W. Loop South, Chantal Lavin at 713.850.2800; ichouston.com
La Torretta Lake Resort %26amp; Spa, 600 La Torretta Blvd., Montgomery, Patti Culwell at 936.448.3042; latorrettalakeresort.com
The Lancaster, 701 Texas Ave., Adrienne Solomon at 713.228.9500; thelancaster.com
The Magnolia Hotel, 1100 Texas Ave., Natalie Monk at 713.221.0011 (ex. 72664); magnoliahotelhouston.com
Omni Houston Hotel, 4 Riverway, Alice Small at 713.624.4814; omnihotels.com
St. Regis Hotel, Houston, 1919 Briar Oaks Lane, Tobias Rimkus at 713.840.7600; stregis.com/houston
Hotel Sorella, CityCentre, 800 W. Sam Houston Parkway North, Lisa Wathen at 713.973.1600; hotelsorella-citycentre.com
The Westin Galleria, 5060 W. Alabama St., Adam Rineer at 713.960.8100; westin.com/galleria
The Westin Oaks, 5011 Westheimer, Adam Rineer at 713.960.8100; westin.com/oaks

Or, try these sites:

The Corinthian, 202 Fannin St., Boyd Bryan at 713.222.2002; thecornithianhouston.com
The Crystal Ballroom at the Rice Lofts, 909 Texas Ave., Paula Foreman or Jamie Purpera at 713.227.7423; sambucacatering.com
The Cullen Sculpture Garden at The Museum of Fine Arts Houston, 1001 Bissonnet St., 713.639.7399; mfah.org
Cullen%26rsquo;s Upscale American Grill, 11500 Space Center Blvd., Erica Esparza at 281.991.2037; cullenshouston.com
DiverseWorks, 1117 E. Freeway, Jon Read at 713.223.8346; diverseworks.org
Gremillion %26amp; Co. Fine Art Gallery, 2501 Sunset Blvd., Brian Freeze at 713.522.2701; gremillion.com
The Grove, 1611 Lamar St., Tatiana Escobar at 713.337.7321; thegrovehouston.com
Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St., Denise Wright at 713.315.2512; thehobbycenter.org
The Hofheinz House, 3900 Milam, Luzia Turner, 713.524.2337; cateringbyculinaire.com/hofheinzhouse.html
Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Dr., Leslie Goode or Nancy Lauletta-Bowen at 713.639.4629; hmns.org
The Junior League of Houston, 1811 Briar Oaks Lane, Donna Marcum at 713.622.4191, ext. 1; juniorleaguehouston.org
La Colombe d%26rsquo;Or, 3410 Montrose Blvd., Ed Bodee or Hannah Kramer, 713.469.4750; lacolombedor.com
Lawndale Art Center, 4912 Main St., Emily Link, 713.528.5858; lawndaleart center.org
McClain Gallery, 2242 Richmond Ave., Leigh Manley, 713.520.9988; mcclaingallery.com
Poissant Gallery, 5102 Center St., Meg Poissant, 713.880.5553; poissantgallery.com
River Oaks Garden Club, 2503 Westheimer, Sherry McCarty at 713.523.2483; riveroaksgardenclub.org

Photographers

Alexander%26rsquo;s Fine Portrait Design, 312 Birdsall St., Linda Rogers, 713.682.6000; alexandersportraits.com
Alvin Gee Photography, 911 Town %26amp; Country Blvd., 713.647.0911; alvingee.com
Brooke Schwab Photography, 1113 Vine St., 713.560.8266; brookeschwabphotography.com
Chris Bailey Photography, 713.518.1452; cbailey photography.com
Chris Wineinger Photography, 832.372.3456; chriswineingerphoto.com
D. Jones Photography, 2005 Mason St., 713.521.1550; djonesphoto.com
Evin Thayer Studios, 405 Avondale St., 713.524.0199; evinthayer.com
Gittings, 1121-10 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.965.9301; 930 Main St., 713.759.9100; gittings.com. Portraits only.
Goodlight Photography, 713.818.7829; goodlight photography.com
Home Video Productions by Gary Bolton, Missouri City, 281.437.4088; homevideoproductions.com
Jenny Antill Photography, 832.877.4476; jennyantill.com
John Lewis Weddings, 281.384.8633; johnlewisweddings.net
John Ly Photography, 7141 Thrush Dr., 281.701.7939; johnly photography.com
Karen Sachar Photography, 2110 South Blvd., 713.523.1150; ksachar.com
Legacy Multimedia, 281.381.9550; legacymulti media.com
Michael Carr Photography, 5701 Woodway, 713.461.2862; michaelcarr photography.com
Michael Martinez Photography, 713.355.5345; martinezphoto.com. By appointment.
Nhan Nguyen Photography, 1710 Waugh Dr., 713.523.3887; nhanphotography.com
Phyllis Hand Photography, 713.861.9327; phyllishand.com
PWL Studio by Fulton Davenport, 805 Welch St., 713.521.7022; pwlstudio.com
Simon Roderick Gentry Photography, 832.661.7363; simongentry.com
Steve Lee Weddings, 832.380.4004; steveleeweddings.com
Steve Schmid Photography, 3939 Essex Lane, 713.960.9839; steveschmid photography.com
Temple Webber Photography, 4605 Post Oak Place, 713.621.9320; templewebber.com
Terry Blackburn Photography, 1260 Blalock Road, 713.464.0094; blackburnstudios.com
Wedding Stories Photography, 713.521.7667; weddingstories.com

Wedding Coordinators

Bobbi Asarch, 713.728.3336; bobbiasarch.com
Belle of the Ball, 4010 Blue Bonnet, 713.528.9966; belleevents.com
Robin Berry, 281.827.4182; robinberry@gmail.com
Design Wedding Consultants, 4545 Bissonnet, 713.661.3374, desi-gn.com
Elias Events, 6214 Beverly Hill #24, 713.334.1800; eliasevents.com
For Your Memories, 1901 Post Oak Blvd., 713.532.8100; foryourmemories.com
Keely Thorne Events, 2449 South Blvd., 713.807.8188; keelythorne.com
Rita Holland, 713.965.0936; r.holland@sbcglobal.net
The Master Plan Weddings, Lauren Swarts, 713.826.4743; masterplanevents.com
Schwartz %26amp; Woodward, 713.780.1282; schwartzwoodward.com.
Mary Martha Steed, Event Consultant, 713.526.0085; mmsteed.com
Two Be Wed, 2611 Greenbriar, 713.572.3030; twobewed.net
Ann Whittington, 713.461.8424; annevents.com

The Bride's Little Blue Book

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:48:43 GMT

Bridal Shops

%26nbsp;

A Bridal Blossom, 4410 West Lovers Ln., 214.902.0800; abridalblossom.com

Bridal Boutique, 139 W. Main St., Lewisville, 972.219.8500; bridalboutiquelewisville.com

Bridal Collections by Stella, 5813 Preston Road, Plano, 972.781.0020; bridalcollectionsbystella.com

The Bridal Salon at Neiman Marcus Downtown, 1618 Main St., 214.573.2663; neimanmarcus.com

The Bridal Salon at Stanley Korshak, 500 Crescent Court, 214.871.3611; stanleykorshak.com/bridal-salon/

Bridal and Bridesmaids by Watters at Stanley Korshak, 500 Crescent Court, 214.871.3600; stanleykorshak.com; also through watters.com

Carolina Herrera, 31 Highland Park Village, 214.219.6060; carolinaherrera.com

LuLu’s Bridal Boutique, 2728 Routh St., 214.871.9610; stardustcelebrations.com

Mockingbird Bridal Boutique, 5602 E. Mockingbird Lane, 214.823.6873; mockingbirdbridal.com

Oscar de la Renta, NorthPark Center, 214.346.0400; oscardelarenta.com

Patsy’s, A Bridal Boutique, 4244 Oak Lawn Ave., 214.528.1227; patsysbridal.com

Priscilla of Boston, 4000 Villanova St., Preston Center, 214.691.0669; priscillaofboston.com

StarDust Celebrations, 6464 W. Plano Pkwy., Plano, 972.781.1619; stardustcelebrations.com

Terry Costa, 12817 Preston Road, 972.385.6100; terrycosta.com

Valentino, NorthPark Center, 214.750.5707; valentino.com. By special order.

Warren Barrón Bridal, 53 Highland Park Village, 214.526.8400; warrenbarron.com %26nbsp;

Watters, 4801 Spring Valley, 972.991.6994; watters.com

The Wedding Suite at Norstrom, NorthPark Center, 214.231.3900; Nordstrom.com. By appointment only.

The White Gown Showroom at The Wedding Party Studio, 2422 Allen St., 214.296.4908; twpstudio.com

%26nbsp;

Custom Bridal and Bridesmaid Gowns

All are by appointment only.

Bella Bridesmaid, 3015 State St., 214.999.9311; bellabridesmaid.com

Matthew Earnest, 214.520.7176

Michael Faircloth, 469.227.9333

Bea Harper at The Fitting Room, 4111 Lomo Alto Dr., 214.520.3600

Nicolas Villalba Couture, 2366 Irving Blvd., 214.655.6820; nicolasdesigns.com

Patti Flowers Design Studios, 214.369.7027

Richard Brooks Fabrics, 214.739.2772; richardbrooksfabrics.com %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Tuxedos %26nbsp;

Barneys New York, NorthPark Center, 469.221.4700; barneys.com

Boss Hugo Boss, NorthPark Center, 214.210.1100; hugoboss.com

Culwell %26amp; Son, 6319 Hillcrest Ave., 214.522.7000; culwell.com. Also rents tuxedos.

Daniel Taylor Clothier Inc., 3699 McKinney Ave., 214.521.0433; danieltaylorclothier.com

Forty Five Ten, 4510 McKinney Ave., 214.559.4510; fortyfiveten.com

Gucci, Galleria Dallas, 972.387.3357; NorthPark Center, 214.706.0510; gucci.com

Hadleigh's, 74 Highland Park Village, 214.770.4743; hadleighsbespoke.com

Ken’s Man’s Shop, 309 Preston Royal Village, 214.369.5367; kensmansshop.com

Mister Tuxedo, 6625 Snider Plaza, 214.363.1871; mistertuxedoinc.com. Also rents tuxedos.

Neiman Marcus, Downtown, 214.741.6911; NorthPark Center, 214.363.8311; The Shops at Willow Bend, Plano, 972.629.1700; neimanmarcus.com

Pockets Menswear, 46 Highland Park Village, 214.368.1167; pocketsmenswear.com

Q Custom Clothier, 85 Highland Park Village, 214.780.0555; qcustomclothier.com; 3699 McKinney Ave., 214.780.9888

Ralph Lauren, 58 Highland Park Village, 214.522.5270; polo.com; 3699 McKinney Ave., 214.219.2301

Saks Fifth Avenue, Galleria Dallas, 972.458.7000; The Shops at Willow Bend, Plano, 469.443.3450; saks.com

Stanley Korshak, 500 Crescent Court, 214.871.3600; stanleykorshak.com

Valentino, NorthPark Center, 214.750.5707; valentino.com. By special order.

Versace, Galleria Dallas, 972.385.9155; NorthPark Center, 972.591.5730; versace.com %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Rings

%26nbsp;

Bachendorf’s, Galleria Dallas, 972.392.9900; The Plaza at Preston Center, 214.692.8400; The Shops at Legacy, Plano, 972.596.2090; bachendorfs.com

Bova Diamonds, 214.744.7668; bovadiamonds.com

Bulgari, NorthPark Center, 214.414.9666; bulgari.com

C.M. Yater %26amp; Sons Fine Jewelry Manufacturing, 6137 Sherry Lane, 214.696.3355; cmyater.com

Calame Jewelers, 11 Highland Park Village; 214.528.2866

Carter Malouf Private Jeweler, 214.750.5395; cartermalouf.com. By appointment only.

Cartier, NorthPark Center, 972.726.7670; cartier.com

David Yurman, NorthPark Center, 469.232.4500; davidyurman.com

De Beers, NorthPark Center, 214.361.0666; debeers.com

deBoulle, 6821 Preston Road, 214.522.2400; deboulle.com

Diamond Doctor, One Galleria Tower, 13355 Noel Road, 972.342.6663; diamonddoctor.com

DJR Precious Jewelry, 200 Crescent Court, 214.871.3711

Eiseman Jewels, NorthPark Center, 214.369.6100; eisemanjewels.com

Graff Diamonds, 214.315.4047; graffdiamonds.com. By appointment only.

Grayson Allen Fine Jewelers, 1560 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake, 817.416.0825; graysonallen.com

Haltom’s, 317 Main St., Fort Worth, 817.336.4051; haltoms.com

Harry Winston, 19 Highland Park Village, 214.647.5830; harrywinston.com

J. Pacetti Precious Jewels, 214.521.0815; jpacetti.com; By appointment only.

Jayshree Dalal, 214.651.8800; jayshreedalal.com

Judith Ripka, 45 Highland Park Village, 214.219.0200; judithripka.com

Leverington Co., 4341 Lovers Lane, 214.526.1934; leverington.com

Lola Jewelry, 100 Crescent Court, 214.459.2964; lolajewelry.com

Markham Fine Jewelers, 8355 Gaylord Pkwy., Frisco, 214.705.9913; markhamfinejewelers.com

Matthew Trent, The Plaza at Preston Center, 214.871.9170; matthewtrent.com

Naomi Designs, 8066 Park Lane, 972.385.8985; noamidesigns.com

Neiman Marcus Precious Jewels Salon, Downtown, 214.741.6911; NorthPark Center, 214.363.8311; The Shops at Willow Bend, Plano, 972.629.1700; neimanmarcus.com

Olschwanger Designs, 972.458.8352; olschwangerdesigns.com. By appointment only.

Pampillonia Jewelers, 640 N. Coit Road, Richardson, 972.792.8100; pampilloniajewelers.com

Park Cities Jewelers, 2500 Cedar Springs Rd., 214.520.6148; parkcitiesjewelers.com

Saks Fifth Avenue, Galleria Dallas, 972.458.7000; The Shops at Willow Bend, Plano, 469.443.3450; saks.com

Sam’s Fine Jewelry, Firewheel Town Center, Garland, 972.495.2521; samsfinejewelry.com

Shaw Diamonds %26amp; Designs, 2633 McKinney Ave., 214.646.8666; davidshawdiamonds.com. By appointment only.

Skibell Fine Jewelry, 8411 Preston Road, 214.691.5123; skibellfinejewelry.com

Stanley Korshak, 500 Crescent Court, 214.871.3600; stanleykorshak.com

Sue Gragg Precious Jewels, 214.630.1422; suegraggpreciousjewels.com. By appointment only.

Susan Saffron Fine Jewelry, 5550 W. Lovers Lane, 214.373.6602; saffronjewelry.com

Tiffany %26amp; Co., Galleria Dallas, 972.458.2800; NorthPark Center, 214.378.9800; tiffany.com

William Noble Rare Jewels, 100 Highland Park Village, 214.526.3890; williamnoble.com. By appointment only.

Ylang 23, Galleria Dallas, 972.980.0819; ylang23.com %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Antique %26amp; Estate Rings

%26nbsp;

Jayshree Dalal, 214.651.8800; at Stanley Korshak, 214.871.3600; jayshreedalal.com

The Jewel Box, 6613 Hillcrest Ave., 214.368.0808; thejewelbox.us

Rene Escobar, reneescobar.com

%26nbsp;

Cakes %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Bronwen Weber Frosted Art Bakery %26amp; Studio, 1546 Edison St., 214.760.8707; frostedart.com

Dallas Affaires Cake Company, 2307 Abrams Road, 214.826.9409; dallasaffairescakeco.com

Delicious Cakes, 14819 Inwood Road, Addison, 972.233.2133; 2364 E. Northwest Hwy., Southlake, 817.310.0474; deliciouscakes.com

Fancy Cakes by Lauren, 11111D N. Central Expy., 214.828.9030; fancycakesbylauren.com

Jackie Spratt Cakes, 1901 N. Haskell Ave., 214.780.0404; jackiesprattcakes.com

La Duni Latin Kitchen %26amp; Baking Studio, 4264 Oak Lawn Ave., 214.520.6888; laduni.com

Le Gateau Cakery, 3128 Harvard Ave., 214.528.6102; legateaucakery.com. By appointment only.

Panini Bakery %26amp; Cakes, 6063 Sherry Lane, 214.363.1225; paninicakes.com

Rush Patisserie Cake Salon and Pastry Boutique, 1201 El Dorado Ave., 214.749.4040; rushpatisserie.com

Society Bakery, 3426B Greenville Ave., 214.827.1411; societybakery.com

Tart Pastry Boutique %26amp; Studio,%26nbsp;5219 W. Lovers Lane, 469.335.8919; The Shops at Legacy, Plano, 972.673.0446; tartbakerydallas.com %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Caterers

%26nbsp;

Andrew Ormsby Catering, 3121 Ross Ave., 214.841.1917; tuckeraoc.com

Beyond the Box, 325 N. St. Paul St., 214.828.2228; foodbeyondthebox.com

Cassandra Fine Catering, 214.613.0131

The Catering Company, 1407 N. Zang, 214.942.2287; tcc-dallas.com

The Classic Gourmet, 1111 Wet N Wild Way, Arlington, 214.906.6852; theclassicgourmet.com

Culinary Art Catering, 14370 Marsh Lane, Addison, 972.744.0660; culinaryartcatering.com

Daryl’s By Design, 214.655.1444; dwazoo.com

Doug Boster Gourmet Catering, 2025 Irving Blvd., 214.752.2022; bostercatering.com

EClaire Catering, 701 Commerce St., 214.616.8138; eclairecatering.com

Eddie Deen Catering, 944 South Lamar, 214.741.4211; eddiedeen.com

The Festive Kitchen, 972.437.1523; festivekitchen.com

Food Company, 4115 Lomo Alto, 214.521.7193; foodcompanytx.com

Food Glorious Food, 6522 E. Northwest Hwy., 214.368.3855; specialeventcatering.com

George Catering, 2777 Stemmons Fwy., 214.752.6851; georgecatering.com

Kent Rathbun Catering, 214.663.5504

Lisa Garza Taste Studio, 1409 S. Lamar St., 214.282.0165; lisagarzataste.com

Lombardi Family Concepts, 214.748.5566; lombardifamilyconcepts.com

PartyMaker, 469.232.9151; dallaspartymaker.com

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, 2821 Turtle Creek Blvd., 214.559.2100; mansiononturtlecreek.com

The Spice of Life Catering, 1055 Trend Drive, 972.417.1755; thespiceoflifecatering.com

Superfly Pies Catering by Nathan Burke, 214.289.6842; superflypies.com

Suze Restaurant %26amp; Catering, 4345 W. Northwest Hwy., 214.350.6135; suzerestaurant.net

Taste Catering %26amp; Events,%26nbsp;214.256.9122; tastecateringandevents.com

Two Sisters Catering, 2633 Gaston Ave., 214.823.3075; twosisterscatering.com

Wendy Krispin Caterer, 1025 N. Stemmons Fwy., 214.748.5559; wendykrispincaterer.com

Wolfgang Puck Catering, at Nasher Sculpture Center, 214.242.5141; at Union Station 214.741.7825; wolfgangpuckcatering.com

Wynnwood Catering %26amp; Events, 2711 N. Haskell Avenue, 214.515.5184; wynnwood.com %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Event Designers

%26nbsp;

AK Event Design, 3523 McKinney Ave., 214.502.0890; akeventdesign.com

DFW Events, 2410 Ball St., 214.505.9142; dfwevents.com

Favors with Chris Brown, 5012 Abbott Ave., 214.369.3836; favorsspecialevents.com%26nbsp;

Freesia, 1621 Dragon St., 214.658.9757; freesiadallas.com

Harold Hand, 157 Pittsburg St., 214.745.8888; haroldhand.com

Liland’s Special Events, 1421 Riverfront, 214.748.1191; lilandssep.com

Beyond, 100 Oak Lawn Ave., 972.458.7569; beyondld.com

Marc Events, 1130 Dragon St., 214.749.1999; marcevents.com

Rusty Glenn Designs, Inc., 201 Lucas Dr., 214.219.2016

The Party %26amp; Event Designers, Inc., 214.747.0025; partyeventdesigners.com

Todd Event Design Creative Services, 1444 Oak Lawn Ave., 214.749.0400; toddevents.com

Tom Addis Productions, 214.528.9337 %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Floral Designers %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Absolutely Blooming by Marion Marshall, 1409 S. Lamar, 214.426.6360; absolutelyblooming.com

Anthos by Haile Wossen, 2610 1/2 State St., 469.360.3648

Apples to Zinnias and Zen Floral Design, 4024 Villanova, 214.361.2200; applestozinnias.com

Avant Garden, 4 Highland Park Village, 214.559.3432; avantgarden.com

Bella Flora of Dallas, Inc., 2010 Century Center Blvd., 972.445.1200; bellafloraofdallas.com

Botanical Art, 1240 Profit Drive, 214.243.8584; botanicalartdesign.com

Bows and Arrows, 1925 Greenville Ave., 214.828.2697; bowsandarrowsdeluxe.com

Bridal Blooms %26amp; Creations, 2431 Shorecrest Dr., 972.907.8804; bridalblooms.com

Cebolla Fine Flowers, 4415 Lovers Lane, 214.369.7673; 5610 Maple Ave.; cebollafineflowers.com

Central Market, 5750 E. Lovers Lane, 214.234.7000; centralmarket.com

Cymbidium, 412 W. Bethel Rd., Coppell, 972.462.9093; cymbidiumflowers.com

Di Fiori, 214.207.9157; difiori.com. By appointment only. %26nbsp;

Dr. Delphinium Designs %26amp; Events, 5806 W. Lovers Lane, 214.522.9911; drdelphinium.com

Enflowerment, 214.884.9701; enflowerment.com

Fête des Fleurs, 127 Leslie St., 214.651.1113; fetedesfleurs.com

Five Star Floral Design and Events, 214.522.2271; fivestarfloral.com

Freesia, 1621 Dragon St., 214.658.9757; freesiadallas.com

The Garden Gate, 2615 Routh St., 214.220.1272

Kabloom of Dallas, 14675 Midway Road, Addison, 972.661.2199; kabloomofdallas.com

Mockingbird Florist, 5606 E. Mockingbird Lane, 214.821.1433; mockingbirdflorist.com

Petals, A Florist, 5805 Preston Road, Plano, 972.781.0878; flowersbypetals.com

Shane Walker Design, 2952 Commerce St., 214.335.7255; shanewalkerdesign.com. By appointment only.

Stems of Dallas, 214.564.8542; stemsofdallas.com

The Urban Blossom, 5035 Addison Circle East, Addison, 972.763.0808; theurbanblossom.com

Urban Flower/Grange Hall, 4445 Travis St., 214.443.0600; urbanflowergrangehall.com

Village Garden %26amp; Gallery, 1350 Manufacturing St., 214.741.1470; villagegardengallery.com

The Wildflower, 2720 W. Mockingbird, 214.357.5364; thewildflower.com

%26nbsp;

Invitations, Calligraphy and Details

%26nbsp;

Barb Biddle, 214.369.2399; barbarabiddledesign.com. Hand calligraphy.%26nbsp;

Sue Bohlin, 972.977.8301; suebohlin.com. Hand calligraphy only.

The Bridal Salon at Stanley Korshak, 500 Crescent Court, 214.871.3611; stanleykorshak.com

Calligraphic Arts Design Studio, 5025 N. Central Expressway, 214.522.4731; calligraphicarts.com.%26nbsp;Custom invitations, hand calligraphy and gift wrap.

Calligraphy by Valerie Bell, 214.526.1371. Hand calligraphy only.

Campbell Stationers, 6131 Luther Lane, 214.692.8380

Cartier, NorthPark Center, 972.726.7670; cartier.com

Color Box Design and Letterpress, 972.743.8455

Cymbidium, 412 W. Bethel Road, 972.462.9093; cymbidiumflowers.com %26nbsp;

Fete Set, Inc., 5646 Milton St., 214.750.8880

Laurie Harper, 214.528.2638. Hand calligraphy and invitation design.

Tara Jones, 214.724.0545; tarajones.com.%26nbsp;Hand calligraphy and invitation design.

The Left Handed Calligrapher, 214.202.7594; thelefthandedcalligrapher.com

Love Letters Calligraphy, 214.708.6039; loveletterscalligraphy.net

Madison, 45A Highland Park Village, 214.528.8118; kkmadison.com

Jason McDaniel, 9983 Monroe Drive, 214.673.8857; missingqpress.com. Invitation design and custom letterpress.

Needle in a Haystack, 6911 Preston Road, 214.528.2850; needleinahaystack.biz

Neiman Marcus Downtown, 1618 Main St., 214.741.6911; neimanmarcus.com

Nest, 4524 McKinney Ave., 214.373.4444; nestdallas.com

Nuvo, 3900 Cedar Springs Road, 214.522.6886; nuvodallas.com

Boo Owens at Custom Calligraphy, 214.526.3015.%26nbsp;Hand calligraphy and custom invitations.

Paper Affair, 5710 W. Lovers Lane, 214.654.9545; 5809 Preston Road, Plano, 972.398.8888; paperaffair.com

Paper %26amp; Chocolate, 5460 W. Lovers Lane, 214.357.2737; paperandchocolate.com

Papyrus, NorthPark Center, 214.265.7187; Galleria Dallas 972.386.8744; papyrusonline.com

Paradise Design Co., 972.234.3722; paradisedesignco.com

The Prather Pen, 214.691.2010. Hand calligraphy and invitation design.

St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange, 5 Highland Park Village, 214.521.3862; stmichaelexchange.com

Suzanne Roberts, 6718 Snider Plaza, 214.369.8336; suzannerobertsgifts.com

Tiffany %26amp; Co., Galleria Dallas, 972.458.2800; NorthPark Center, 214.378.9800; tiffany.com

27, 877.470.2727; twentyandseven.com.%26nbsp;Custom invitations.

Write Selection, 314 Preston Royal Village, 214.750.0531; writeselection.net %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Music Bookers/Music Entertainment %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Absolute Entertainment, 214.871.9900; absolutedfw.com

Andy Austin Entertainment, 972.742.3869; andyaustin.com

Bold Entertainment, 972.943.9427

Bravo Entertainment, 972.960.2525; bravo4u.com

Carol Marks Music, 972.231.4091; carolmarksmusic.com

Center Stage Band, 972.317.2336; centerstageband.com

Dallas Gigs, 214.954.7520; mydallasgigs.com

DJ Deluxe Productions, 214.823.1424; djdeluxe.com

Ed Bernet Entertainment, 214.691.0001; edbernet.com

Phonophreaks Music, 214.478.8009; phonophreaksmusic.com

Hunter Sullivan, 214.680.7299; huntersullivan.com

Whitenoise Inc., 972.571.1674

Wynne Entertainment, 214.520.1111; wynneentertainment.com %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Reception Locations %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

The Adolphus, 1321 Commerce St., 214.742.8200; hoteladolphus.com

Aldredge House, 5500 Swiss Ave., 214.368.0087; aldredgehouse.net

The Apartment, 1444 Oak Lawn Ave., 214.749.0400; theapartmentdallas.com

Arlington Hall at Lee Park, 3333 Turtle Creek Blvd., 214.520.0977; arlingtonhallatleepark.com

The Belmont Hotel, 901 Fort Worth Ave., 866.870.8010; belmontdallas.com

The Belo Mansion and Pavillion, 2101 Ross Ave., 214.220.0239; belomansion.com

The Crescent Club, 400 Crescent Court, 214.953.4387; crescentcourt.com/club.cfm

Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road, 214.515.6513; dallasarboretum.org

Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood St., 214.922.1382; dallasmuseumofart.org

The Dallas Petroleum Club, 2200 Ross Ave., 214.871.1500; thedallaspetroleumclub.com

The Fairmont Dallas, 1717 N. Akard St., 214.720.2020; fairmonthotels.com/dallas

Fashion Industry Gallery, 1807 Ross Ave., 214.745.4344

Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, 4150 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, 972.717.0700; fourseasons.com/dallas

The Hall of State, 3939 Grand Ave., 214.461.7190; hallofstate.com

Hickory Street Annex, 501 Second Ave., 214.828.1414; hickorystreetannex.com

Hilton Anatole, 2201 Stemmons Freeway, 214.748.1200; hilton.com

Hilton Dallas Rockwall Lakefront, 2055 Summer Lee Dr., Rockwall, 214.771.3700; hilton.com

Hilton Dallas Park Cities, 5954 Luther Lane, 214.368.0400; hilton.com

Hotel Lumen, 6101 Hillcrest Ave., 214.219.2400; hotellumen.com

Hotel Palomar Dallas, 5300 E. Mockingbird Lane, 214.520.7969; hotelpalomar-dallas.com

Hotel St. Germain, 2516 Maple Ave., 214.871.2516; hotelstgermain.com

Hotel ZaZa, 2332 Leonard St., 214.468.8399; hotelzazadallas.com

House of Blues, 2200 N. Lamar, 323.769.4691; hob.com/dallas

Hyatt Regency, 300 Reunion Boulevard, 214.651.1234; dallasregency.hyatt.com

The Joule, A Luxury Collection Hotel, 1530 Main St., 214.261.4493; luxurycollection.com/joule

LandCo Designs/7 Senses, 1202 N. Industrial Blvd., 214.742.2333; 7senses.biz

129 Leslie, 129 Leslie St., 214.748.5559; 129leslie.com

The Magnolia, 1401 Commerce St., 214.915.6500; magnoliahoteldallas.com

Marc Events, 1130 Dragon St., 214.749.1999

Marie Gabrielle, 2728 N. Harwood St., 214.871.2097; marie-gabrielle.com

Meadows Museum, 5900 Bishop Blvd., 214.768.2516; meadowsmuseumdallas.org

Mediterranean Villa, 1111 Wet N Wild Way, Arlington, 214.557.7009; mediterraneanvilla.net

Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St., 214.670.3600; dallassymphony.com

Nana, Hilton Anatole, 2201 Stemmons Freeway, 214.761.7470; nanarestaurant.com

Nasher Sculpture Center, 2001 Flora St., 214.242.5100; nashersculpturecenter.org

Nylo, 8201 Preston Road, Plano 972.624.6990; 1001 W. Royal Lane, Las Colinas, 972.373.8900; nylohotels.com

Omni Mandalay Hotel at Las Colinas, 221 E. Las Colinas Blvd., 972.556.0800; omnimandalay.com

Park City Club, 5956 Sherry Lane, 214.373.0756; parkcityclub.net

The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, 2121 McKinney Ave., 214.922.0200; ritzcarlton.com

Rough Creek Lodge %26amp; Resort, 5165 County Road 2013, Glen Rose, 877.907.0757; roughcreek.com

Rosewood Crescent Court, 400 Crescent Court, 214.871.3200; crescentcourt.com

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, 2821 Turtle Creek Blvd., 214.559.2100; mansiononturtlecreek.com

Splashlight Studios/Bolt Productions, 1346 Chemical St., 214.234.8423; boltproductions.com

The Stoneleigh Hotel, 2927 Maple Ave., 214.871.7111; stoneleighhotel.com

Studios 1019, 2278 Monitor St., 214.748.1019; studios1019.com

Three Three Three First Avenue, 333 First Ave., 214.826.0467; threethreethreefirstavenue.com

Tower Club, 1601 Elm St., 214.220.0403; towerclub.com

The Trammell %26amp; Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art, 2010 Flora St., 214.979.6437; crowcollection.org

Union Station, 400 S. Houston St., 214.741.7825; unionstationdallas.com

W Dallas — Victory, 2440 Victory Park Lane, 214.397.4100; whotels.com/dallas

Warwick Melrose Hotel, 3015 Oak Lawn Ave., 214.521.5151; warwickmelrosedallas.com

Westin Galleria, 13340 Dallas Pkwy., 972.934.9494; starwoodhotels.com

The Women’s Museum, 3800 Parry Ave., 214.915.0860; thewomensmuseum.org %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Rentals %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

BBJ Linen, 1444 Oak Lawn Ave., 214.651.9020; bbjlinen.com

Ducky-Bob’s Event Specialists, 3200 Belmeade Dr., 972.381.8000; duckybobs.com

M%26amp;M The Special Events Company, 2161 Hutton Dr., 214.350.5373; mmspecialevents.com

Posh Couture Rentals, 972.818.3200; poshcouturerentals.com

Suite 206 Luxury Lounge Rentals, 1444 Oak Lawn Ave., 214.749.0400, ext. 104; suite206.com %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Photographers

%26nbsp;

Andrea Polito Photography, 214.748.1888; politophotography.com, politoweddings.com

Anne Silverman Photography, 214.533.5868; annesilvermanphotography.com.%26nbsp;Bridal portraits only.

Brooke James Photography %26amp; Design, 917.304.2793

Charis Portrait Studio, 214.353.9922; cherisdallas.com

Debra O’Brien Portraiture, 214.373.1703; debraobrien.com. Bridal portraits only.

Donnalynn %26amp; Company Photographic Artisans, 214.739.6937; donnalynnphotography.com

F8 Studio, 972.669.2274; f8studioblog.com

Gittings Portraiture, 214.350.5581; gittings.com. Bridal portraits only.

Greg Blomberg, 214.549.0001; blombergweddings.com

Haynsworth Photography, 214.559.3700; haynesworthphotography.com

James French Photography, 214.720.0990; jamesfrenchphotography.com.%26nbsp;Bridal portraits only.

Jason Wynn, 214.673.4422; jasonwynnphotography.com

Jay Conlon Photography, 512.771.9797; jayconlon.com

Jennifer Lipshy Photography, 214.499.1568; lipshy.com

John Derryberry Photography, 214.357.5457; johnderryberry.com

John Tilley Photography, 214.358.4747; johntilleyphotography.com

Karlisch + Wrubel, 214.224.9995; for Stephen Karlisch, 214.224.9995; for Stephen Wrubel, 214.460.1100; karlischwrubel.com.

KJ Images, 972.672.1663; kjimages.com

Larry Sengbush, 214.363.3264; sengbush.com

Michael Clements Photography, 214.417.6858; michaelclements.com

Paper Tape Films, 877.600.1965; papertapefilms.com

Photographique, 214.999.1120; photographique.com

Richard M. Lighty Photography, 214.720.0256; lightyphotographers.com

Ryan Portraiture, 214.726.6921. Bridal portraits only.

Scott Hagar Photography, 214.520.8182; scotthagar.com

Thisbe Grace Photography, 214.749.4036; thisbegrace.com %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Wedding Coordinators

%26nbsp;

Amazing Events, 972.931.1955; amazingeventsdallas.com

The Bridal Salon at Stanley Korshak, 214.871.3611; stanleykorshak.com

Sharon Coston, 214.352.0609

Cymbidium, 412 W. Bethel Road, Coppell, 972.462.9093; cymbidiumflowers.com

Dallas Contemporary, 161 Glass St., 214.821.2522, dallascontemporary.org

DFW Events, 2410 Ball St., 214.505.9142; dfwevents.com

Diamond Affairs Weddings %26amp; Special Events, 3000 Carlisle, 214.740.1818; diamondaffairs.com

Events 3, 214.528.8282

Holly Tripp Event Design, 16135 Preston Road, 214.403.0031; hollytrippeventdesign.com

Jordan Payne Events, 2633 McKinney Ave., 214.577.5880; jordanpayneevents.com

Premier Special Events, 25 Highland Park Village #100-746, 972.306.0459; premierspecialevents.com

Rebecca Hackl Events, 4038 Lemmon Ave., 972.355.6556; rebeccahackl.com

Party Service, 15560 Dallas Pkwy., 214.363.9366; partyservicedallas.com

StarDust Celebrations, 6464 W. Plano Pkwy., 972.781.1619; stardustcelebrations.com %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Registry

%26nbsp;

Antéks Home Furnishings, 1135 Dragon St., 214.528.5567; antekshome.com

Champagne's Luxe, 5201 W. Lovers Lane, 214.352.7777; champagnesluxe.com

The Copper Lamp, Preston Royal Shopping Center, 214.369.5166; copperlamp.com

D. Porthault, through Madison, Highland Park Village, 214.528.8118; dporthault.fr

Designer Door Peacock Alley, 2050 Postal Way, 214.744.0399; peacockalley.com

Duo, 7721 Inwood Road, 214.884.2979; duoallthingsculinary.com

Forty Five Ten, 4510 McKinney Ave., 214.559.4510; fortyfiveten.com

Grange Hall, 4445 Travis St., 214.443.0600; urbanflowergrangehall.com

Hermès, Highland Park Village, 214.528.0197; hermes.com

The Ivy House, Snider Plaza, 214.369.2411; theivyhouse.com

The Linen Boutique, 5600 West Lovers Ln., 214.352.5400; linen-boutique.com

Madison, Highland Park Village, 214.528.8118; kkmadison.com

Napa Home, 4012 Oak Lawn Ave., 214.520.4880; napahometx.com

Neiman Marcus, Downtown, 214.741.6911; NorthPark Center, 214.363.8311; The Shops at Willow Bend, Plano, 972.629.1700; neimanmarcus.com

Nest, 4524 McKinney Ave., 214.373.4444; nestdallas.com

Pratesi at Stanley Korshak, 500 Crescent Court, 214.871.3677; pratesi.com

Ralph Lauren, 58 Highland Park Village, 214.522.5270; polo.com

Saks Fifth Avenue, Galleria Dallas, 972.458.7000; saks.com

Stanley Korshak, 500 Crescent Court, 214.871.3611; stanleykorshak.com

Stephanie Anne, 2 Highland Park Village, 214.368.3025; stephanieanne.com

Sur La Table, 4527 Travis St., 214.219.4404; surlatable.com

Suzanne Roberts Gifts, Snider Plaza, 214.369.8336; suzannerobertsgifts.com

Tiffany %26amp; Co., Galleria Dallas, 972.458.2800; NorthPark Center, 214.378.9800; tiffany.com

Williams-Sonoma, Galleria Dallas, 972.233.9702; 51 Highland Park Village, 214.219.1753; NorthPark Center, 214.378.6216; williams-sonoma.com

Yves Delorme, 4270 Oak Lawn  Ave., 214.526.2955; yvesdelorme.com %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Wedding Databases %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Strictly Weddings, strictlyweddings.com

%26nbsp;

Makeup Artists %26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

Absolute Radiance, 214.695.5556; absoluteradiance.com

Beauty on Call, 312.335.5350; beautyoncall.com

Lenore Caulton Downey, 972.306.4700

Sara Domi, Kim Dawson Agency, 214.638.2414

Jeanna Doyle, 214.202.3303; jeannadoyle.com

Elan Make-Up, 214.370.3333; elanmakeup.com

Fabulous Faces, 972.618.0221; myfabulousfaces.com

Susie Gray, 214.455.6512; susiegray.net

Ja'Maal Buster Cosmetics, 310.651.4344; jamaalbuster.com

L.B. Rosser, 214.638.2414

Kim Rozell Makeup Design, 214.363.9088; kimrozellmakeupdesign.com

Paul Neinast, 214.999.0400; neinastsalon.com

Penny Sadler, 214.797.9600; pennysadler.com

Nikki Wynn, 214.675.5559; themakeupjunkie.com%26nbsp;

Wedding Moments

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:34:46 GMT

The Couple: Cynthia Hunt and Thomas Mixon

Wedding Date: June 26, 2010
Venue: Regency House high-rise gardens
Flowers: Designer Jeff Bass, Kroger Buffalo Speedway
Catering: Ruggles Green, a favorite neighborhood haunt of the couple
Music: DJ Johnny Blue Dots
Photographer: Barron and Barron
Dress: Anne Barge
Notes from a wedding, from friend and bridesmaid Laurann Claridge: Through the years, I%26rsquo;ve seen bubbly and beautiful Cynthia Hunt, one of my nearest and dearest friends, through life%26rsquo;s exciting twists and turns. When I first met the local television news reporter, she had landed in the big city a few years earlier and was working diligently to lose her sweet Alabama drawl as she made a name for herself in Houston. Meanwhile, I was juggling talk radio and a new job at PaperCity. When TV-ratings seasons hit, her boss would invariably send her out to track down hard-hitting stories such as %26ldquo;Where can single men meet single women in Houston?%26rdquo; %26mdash;%26nbsp;and, for some reason, she came to us for the answer.

The engaged Hunt wasn%26rsquo;t personally interested in meeting someone new to date (and, honestly, we knew precious little about how to help). She wed shortly afterwards because, like many young women in their 20s, she felt it was the right thing to do. Unfortunately, it didn%26rsquo;t turn out that way. The couple amicably parted, and Hunt struggled, as many women in their 30s do, to find a like-minded man %26mdash; another soul who shared her unique brand of joie de vie.

As clich%26eacute; as it sounds, love struck when and where she least expected it: at home in her high-rise, while she was walking her five-pound Chihuahua, Maxwell. Who should Hunt meet on the grounds of the Regency House but Thomas Mixon, who walked his own dog, a bulldog named Duke, nearly every night. Hunt and Mixon started meeting nightly as they walked their dogs and found themselves talking for hours about their busy lives and everything beyond, becoming closer and closer in the process. When Hunt ventured off to do a dating reality show that summer, it seemed something between them was changing. Although he was technically involved with someone else far away, the quiet Mixon found himself cringing at the viewing party as he politely watched Hunt, one of his closest friends, arm in arm with another man.

The gig was up. There was obviously more to their story than they%26rsquo;d admitted before. And as one of Hunt%26rsquo;s best friends, I realized if anyone could inspire Mixon to utter those three little words and change the course of their friendship, it was Hunt. Soon afterwards, all she could talk about was getting married as quickly as they possibly could %26mdash; after all, they%26rsquo;d already named their future children. And marry they did, on the 26th of June under an old live oak tree on the sprawling back lawn where they had met.

Hunt%26rsquo;s first wedding ceremony and reception had been more formal and exorbitantly expensive, the culmination of months of planning. This more intimate garden-style gathering united two people who felt truly connected to everyone in their presence. And as you might have guessed, pups Maxwell and Duke even strolled down the aisle %26mdash; dressed, no less, in tuxedo bibs.

In real life: Bride Cynthia Hunt is a freelance broadcast and print journalist and mother to newborn baby girl, Harper. Thomas Mixon owns 9C, a modern-spec-house venture. An architect and design enthusiast, surfer and skater (he started Southside skate park in his early 20s), he has invested in both commercial and residential real estate over the years, often refurbishing vintage bungalows for resale.

%26nbsp;

The Couple: Jennifer Ward and Vinod Hopson

Wedding Date: November 6, 2010, 3 pm
Venue: Ceremony, the historic St. James Episcopal Church (1855), La Grange; Reception, Sengelmann Hall (1894), Schulenburg, restored by artists and owners Dana Harper and Hana Hillarova Harper
Cake: Tabitha Kikoska
Cupcakes: Celebrity Cupcakes (organic)
Wedding Decor: Natural woodlands decor by Stevie Thompson, The Garden Company, Schulenburg
Day-of Wedding Coordination: Kelly Balfour, Eventology, Houston
Photographer: Laura Burlton
Caterer: Sengelmann Hall
Notes from a wedding: This traditional Hill Country wedding celebrated. with due reverence, the two families%26rsquo; histories. The decor had a handmade elegance %26mdash; much of it crafted by the bride and groom, from the felted birds that functioned as escort cards at the reception to the wedding favors: Mason jars of Texas honey from Stroope Honey Farms in Alvin, boxed with a banana-bread recipe from the couple.%26nbsp;

In real life: The bride and groom work at FotoFest, where Jennifer is a curator and exhibitions coordinator, and Vinod is the press and Web site coordinator. They co-curated the 2006 FotoFest exhibition %26ldquo;Native Sons %26mdash; Talent in Texas.%26rdquo;

%26nbsp;

The Couple: Paige Perrin and Matt Kenny

Wedding Date: November 20, 2010
Venue: Ceremony: The Church of St. John the Divine; Reception: The Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Event Production: Keely Thorne Events
Dress: Angel Sanchez
Floral designer: Lucia Joklova
Caterer: Swift + Company
Band: Dysfunkshun Junkshun, booked through Gulf Coast Entertainment
Photographer: Brooke Schwab Photography
Divine Details:
%26bull; Custom M%26amp;Ms reading %26ldquo;Marry Me 11/20/10%26rdquo; and %26ldquo;Paige %26amp; Matt.%26rdquo;
%26bull; The groom, a fine artist, painted a portrait of his bride, which was displayed at the reception.%26nbsp;
%26bull; In lieu of a guestbook, Paige and Matt asked guests to sign the art book Texas Artists Today.
%26bull; The bride switched out of her wedding-day stilettos and into a pair of edgy Miu Miu studded jazz shoes.
%26bull; Paige and Matt, who live in New York City, gifted guests with copies of the Sunday New York Times as they left the reception.
%26bull; Mini milkshakes splashed with liqueur were a late-night hit.
%26bull; Flowers galore at the wedding, yet no two arrangements were the same.
%26bull; Bucking tradition, the groom did see the bride in her wedding gown before her trip down the aisle: They posed for pictures with each other and their attendants at the MFAH before the ceremony.

Notes from a wedding, penned by bride Paige Perrin: It was really important that the wedding feel like %26ldquo;us,%26rdquo; even though it was being held in Houston and was going to be a %26ldquo;big Texas wedding%26rdquo; in some ways. My mom was so excited that we wanted to get married in Houston that as soon as we announced it, she took us to the Lillie and Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden at the Museum of Fine Arts,%26nbsp; on the way out of town to the airport. We love to spend our time in Houston visiting the museums, and we knew from our first view of the space %26shy;%26mdash; with its acres of trees, sloping walls and lawns that form a brilliant frame for outdoor sculpture by such artists as Ellsworth Kelly, Henri Matisse, Joan Mir%26oacute; and Pablo Picasso %26mdash; that the sculpture garden would also perfectly frame our wedding reception.

We went on a road trip to Marfa by way of Austin for our honeymoon, which was really fun. It was so nice not to have to re-pack and go to the airport after the wedding. We just jumped in my grandmother%26rsquo;s Cadillac and hit the road.

In real life: Bride Paige Perrin is from Houston, a graduate of St. John%26rsquo;s and UT. She works in the production department of fashion designer Marc Jacobs in NYC. Matt, a working artist, is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design. The couple lives in Brooklyn.

%26nbsp;

The Couple: Karen Pulaski and Steve Tyrell

Wedding Date: December 26, 2010, 6 pm
Venue: Ceremony and champagne reception at The Carlyle, Versailles room, NYC; Dinner, cake and music downstairs in Caf%26eacute; Carlyle
Catering: The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel, coordinated by Caitlin Cruz of The Carlyle
Cake: Gail Watson, NYC. %26ldquo;White, off-white, pale blue ... golden to match the room and flowers ... ethereal and winter white.%26rdquo; %26mdash; Karen Tyrell
Flowers: L%26rsquo;Olivier Floral Atelier, NYC
Music: %26ldquo;Chris Gillespie and his band were playing as we arrived. Eight tables of guests mixed together nicely %26hellip; golden overlays on the tables with simple flowers to accent the antique and soulful murals on the walls. Snow coming down and down outside. So fun! Steve also had his band play, and he sang %26ldquo;This Guy%26rsquo;s in Love%26rdquo; and %26ldquo;The Way You Look Tonight.%26rdquo; Barry Mann was one of our guests, and he wrote the song %26ldquo;I Don%26rsquo;t Know Much%26rdquo; and got up and performed it, too. He rarely sings in public. A treat to hear him. Tony Desare also stopped by and sang a song he wrote. He was performing next door at Bemelmans Bar.%26rdquo;%26nbsp; %26mdash; Karen Tyrell
Dress: Monique Lhuillier. %26ldquo;Craig Lidji of Tootsies found it for me. He is the best! Loved the dress. The color was latte, so it was not too white and not too beige %26hellip; It was three different pieces, so I was comfortable and didn%26rsquo;t feel like I was wearing a wedding dress exactly, but it was worthy of the day. The lace with embroidery and the silk %26hellip; lovely. My shoes were Christian Louboutin pumps covered in topaz-colored Swarovski crystals. Felt like Cinderella is those shoes.%26rdquo;%26nbsp; %26mdash; Karen Tyrell
Photographer: Steven Brahms, NY
Divine Details:
%26bull; %26ldquo;A swirling, magical snowstorm unfortunately kept many of our guests from attending but was so beautiful.%26rdquo; %26mdash; Karen Tyrell
%26bull; %26ldquo;Bill, Hilary and Chelsea Clinton came to see Steve%26rsquo;s show the eve of Christmas Eve. No advance notice. although we knew someone was coming because of the security taking over the bar area. My kids had gone to dinner with Steve%26rsquo;s kids and my sister. I was going to take my only %26lsquo;night off%26rsquo; before the wedding. Steve was warming up for his show in the suite when we got the call that the Clintons would all be there for him that night. I jumped up and got dressed and came downstairs as soon as I could. We texted our kids that they should get back by 10 pm to meet the former president and Hillary and Chelsea. The secret service gave me their table to watch the show since the show was sold out. Steve was beyond touched. He had sent them his version of %26ldquo;The Way You Look Tonight%26rdquo; with a personal message for Chelsea%26rsquo;s wedding. and that was the first song they played at her wedding.%26nbsp;Bill has been a fan and friend of Steve%26rsquo;s for years. Steve%26rsquo;s friend and famous photographer Neil Leifer just happened to be a guest that night and took several pictures. When Steve sang %26ldquo;The Way You Look Tonight,%26rdquo; Chelsea got up from her seat and sat next to her dad. holding his hand. It was so touching. Bill was teary-eyed during the entire evening. They stayed after and took photographs with our entire family and were lovely and generous with their time and themselves. It was beyond exhilarating. The New York Times ran it the next day because Neil Leifer took the pictures, and he called the editor that night. So fun!%26rdquo; %26mdash; Karen Tyrell

Notes from a wedding, penned by bride Karen Tyrell: Guests arrived on the second-floor foyer at 6 pm, mingled and had a glass of champagne. At 6:30, everyone was seated. All of our family was there, as well as a few friends who made it before the snowstorm. We were married under a chuppah covered in fruit blossoms and hanging votive candles with a golden hue. The ceremony was officiated by a reverend who was referred to us by Martha Stewart%26rsquo;s wedding editor, Darcy Miller. Her name is Jeddah Vailakis. She spent a lot of time with Steve over the last few months, and both of us were very comfortable with her. Steve%26rsquo;s two daughters and son, as well as my two daughters, were in the wedding. My girls wore ivory dresses, and his girls wore ruby-red dresses. We lit unity candles to honor Steve%26rsquo;s traditions of Catholicism. Jeddah spoke a lot about the beauty of joining two families together. Steve%26rsquo;s sister Roz Pactor did a reading from Corinthians 13, and my sister Barbara Frisbie did a reading by Bruce Springstein. Steve stepped on a wine glass at the end of the ceremony, too. He stomped on it!

Around 11 pm, several of the drivers popped in to say that if they were going to get their guests home, they would have to leave right then.%26nbsp;The snow was crazy at that point. Joe Torre and his wife and daughter drove in from Westchester, so they decided they would try and get home (which they did safely). Regis and Joy Philbin also drove in. Most everyone else was staying at The Carlyle, so they stayed with us for the rest of the evening.

Steve and I and the kids went outside for some crazy snow photos, came back in and cut the cake. Steve sang to me %26ldquo;The Way You Look Tonight%26rdquo; while we danced. Multitasking!

Around midnight, I went upstairs to change into jeans and a T-shirt with an Oscar de la Renta chinchilla vest. We joined many of the guests in Bemelmans Bar and listened to Tony Desare and his band, and Steve sang with them, too. %26nbsp;Lots of yummy champagne and laughs.

Steve and I stayed in a private residence that The Carlyle recently purchased back for the hotel to rent out. It%26rsquo;s called the Empire Suite and was designed by Thierry Despont %26mdash; a %26nbsp;two-story amazing contemporary apartment overlooking Central Park. My girls stayed with my family for the night. and his kids stayed in our normal suite, so everyone was safe and sound in The Carlyle during the snowstorm, but we had this heavenly place for just the two of us. We ended up extending our stay in that apartment and entertained for a few days and nights after the wedding, since the guests were all snowed in at the hotel.

In real life: Bride Karen Pulaski Tyrell is a Houston-based interior designer and owner of the firm Tribute Goods Design. Steve Tyrell, born in Houston, is a Grammy Award%26ndash;winning vocalist and producer who took over the late Bobby Short%26rsquo;s 36-year reign at Caf%26eacute; Carlyle for the coveted winter-month run of November and December. He produces and writes for Burt Bacharach, Rod Stewart and other legends, and his performance singing %26ldquo;The Way You Look Tonight%26rdquo; in Father of the Bride, starring Steve Martin, pushed him center-stage as a vocalist, with live performances and a recording career.

For more amazing photos of wedding details, click 'launch slideshow' above.

'I Do, I Do!' (But First, the Details)

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:30:57 GMT

Image: A gorgeous 1950s Rolls-Royce whisked Callahan and Shaw from their ceremony at Highland Park Presbyterian Church to the reception at Brook Hollow Golf Club.

Ashley Callahan and Jonathan Shaw

Photography Stephen Karlisch

There are certain moments a girl remembers. For Ashley Callahan, daughter of Dallasites Heather Furniss and John Callahan, the day she said, %26ldquo;I do%26rdquo; to Jonathan Shaw, son of North Carolinians Laura and Whit Shaw, was certainly one for the books. But it was another lasting memory from several years prior that inspired the couple%26rsquo;s beautiful Big Day. Recalls Callahan: %26ldquo;I was in third grade. My mother took me to Kappa Tablescapes, and I fell in love with a table designed by Todd Fiscus. Driving back to elementary school that day, I thought, %26lsquo;Todd has to do my wedding.%26rsquo;%26rdquo; It was no surprise, then that Callahan quickly rang Fiscus and his partner Sara Fay Egan at Todd Events Design Creative Services with a simple request: something fresh, something happy. The translation? Anything but simple, from the Bell%26rsquo; Invito invitations adorned with hand-painted silk ribbon to the band Musical Fantasy that flew in from Alabama (Callahan and Shaw met while attending UA) to ensure that the entire reception party was, indeed, dancing by night%26rsquo;s end.

%26nbsp;

Image: Paying homage to Auffenberg and Hill%26rsquo;s Fourth of July engagement meant trading flower petals for sparklers to help see the couple off after reception%26rsquo;s end.

Lauren Auffenberg and Austin Hill

Photography Stephen Karlisch

Talk about fireworks: It was Fourth of July weekend, 2009. Oklahoman Lauren Auffenberg, daughter of Janice and Daniel Auffenberg, and Highland Park native Austin Hill, son of Patricia and John Hill, were vacationing on Grand Lake, Oklahoma, in their fifth year of dating. Hill asked for Auffenberg%26rsquo;s hand, and it wasn%26rsquo;t long before the save-the-dates (by Julie Holcomb of Needle in a Haystack) went out for July of the following year. It was a return to Oklahoma for a summery celebration that balanced family traditions with the couple%26rsquo;s youthful spirit. A touch of the old? During the ceremony at Holy Family Cathedral, a vocalist sang %26ldquo;Ave Maria,%26rdquo; the same song sung at Lauren%26rsquo;s parents%26rsquo; wedding. A blast of the new? For late-night munchies, banana pancakes and open-faced grilled-cheese bites were the fare. Old and new weren%26rsquo;t the only sparks that flew. Tulsa event planner Talmadge Powell combined Dallas elements with Tulsa flair: Jenny Torres of Michael Flores Salon in Dallas jetted in to see to the bride%26rsquo;s hair and makeup, and the groom%26rsquo;s cake was from Le Gateau Cakery, while Oklahoma-based Von Wedding Films captured it all for posterity. Even the two monsignors were a TX/OK pairing: Tulsa%26rsquo;s Gregory Gier joined Dallas%26rsquo; Milam Joseph in officiating the beautiful ceremony.

%26nbsp;

Image: Nazro, left, and Friske, right, in their wedding-day duds. %26ldquo;Sam Saladino at Neiman Marcus got us geared up,%26rdquo; says Nazro of his Etro jacket and Isaia tie. For Friske, it was Etro, too, but with a cravat from Gucci.

Neal Friske and Phillips Nazro

Photography Phillip LeConte, arkdog.com

From the moment that first ferry deposited its guests (all 100 revelers traveled for this one) to the Sunday brunch where everybody said their goodbyes, it was a long, laid-back, September wedding weekend for Neal Friske, a designer at Emily Summers Design Associates, and Phillips Nazro, an attorney %26mdash; and that%26rsquo;s precisely what they wanted. For years, the gents endured long-distance dating between Austin and Dallas until Friske finally caved and moved to Big D %26mdash; but, as he says, %26ldquo;the first time we ever spent a full week together was in Provincetown.%26rdquo; That%26rsquo;s where they returned to tie the knot, surrounded by friends and family. And while the rings were Cartier and the champagne was Schramsberg, the ramped-down rehearsal dinner (lobster rolls washed down with Boston pale ale) and the copious amounts of playtime (some guests went bike-riding over sand dunes after the lunchtime wedding) sent a different signal altogether. %26ldquo;It wasn%26rsquo;t very fussy,%26rdquo; Friske says. %26ldquo;The whole weekend was very freeform. But the details? Now, those were very planned.%26rdquo;

%26nbsp;

For more amazing photos of wedding details, click 'launch slideshow' above.

Do We Hear Wedding Bells at Nordstrom?

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 04:10:23 GMT

Wearing a bright new sparkler on your left hand? Then head to The Wedding Suite at Nordstrom for everything you’ll need for the big day. This shop-in-shop includes capsule collections of bridal, bridesmaid and special-occasion dazzlers by ML Monique Lhuillier, Notte by Marchesa, Milly, Kate Spade and Trina Turk, plus jewels, suits, underpinnings and the like. Nordstrom has opened Wedding Suites in 14 of its stores — including ours at the Galleria. By appointment. Nordstrom, Galleria, 832.201.2700; nordstrom.com.

Image above: Nicole Miller pin-tucked jacquard fishtail gown

Gowns Galore!

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 04:29:07 GMT

Falling in love has never been easier: Should all the stars align at these must-attend trunk shows, you may go mad for a Marchesa or be bowled over by a Badgley Mischka.

The Bridal Salon at Stanley Korshak
500 Crescent Court, 214.871.3611; stanleykorshak.com/bridal-salon
February 4 %26ndash; 5: Badgley Mischka
February 11 %26ndash; 12: Kenneth Pool
February 25 %26ndash; 26: Romona Keveza Couture
March 4 %26ndash; 5: Legends by Romona Keveza
March 8 %26ndash; 21: Francesca Miranda
March 24 %26ndash; 26: Angel Sanchez
April 1 %26ndash; 2: Christos
May 13 %26ndash; 14: Liancarlo
May 20 %26ndash; 21: Ines Di Santo
June 16 %26ndash; 25: Jenny Packham

Carolina Herrera
31 Highland Park Village, 214.219.6060; carolinaherrera.com
May 5 %26ndash; 7: Carolina Herrera New York Bridal Spring 2012

LuLu%26rsquo;s Bridal Boutique
2728 Routh St., 214.871.9610; stardustcelebrations.com
February 11 %26ndash; 13: Casablanca
February 18 %26ndash; 20: Mori Lee by Madeline Gardner
February 25 %26ndash; 27: Allure Bridals
March 4 %26ndash; 6: Maggie Sottero
March 18 %26ndash; 20: Aire by Rosa Clar%26aacute;

The Bridal Salon at Neiman Marcus Downtown
1618 Main St., 214.573.2663; neimanmarcus.com
February 4 %26ndash; 5: Romona Keveza
February 11 %26ndash; 12: Christos
February 18 %26ndash; 19: Monique Lhuillier
February 25 %26ndash; 26: Liancarlo
March 4 %26ndash; 5: Ulla-Maija
March 18 %26ndash; 19: Anne Barge
March 25 %26ndash; 26: Amsale
April 1 %26ndash; 2: Kenneth Pool
May 6 %26ndash; 7: Reem Acra
June 3 %26ndash; 4: Claire Pettibone

Oscar de la Renta
NorthPark Center, 214.346.0400; oscardelarenta.com
February 11 %26ndash; 12: Oscar de la Renta
Bridal Collection Spring 2011 and
Fall 2011 Preview

Stardust Celebrations
6464 W. Plano Pkwy., 972.781.1619; stardustcelebrations.com
February 11 %26ndash; 13: James Clifford Collection
February 18 %26ndash; 20: Birnbaum %26amp; Bullock
February 25 %26ndash; 27: Matthew Christopher
March 4 %26ndash; 6: Lazaro
March 11 %26ndash; 13: Eve of Milady
March 18 %26ndash; 20: Bliss by Monique Lhuillier
March 25 %26ndash; 27: St. Pucchi
April 1 %26ndash; 3: Jim Hjelm Bridal
April 15 %26ndash; 17: Watters and Wtoo

Terry Costa
12817 Preston Road, 972.385.6100; terrycosta.com
February 15 %26ndash; 27: Tony Bowls
March 18 %26ndash; 20: Mori Lee by Madeline Gardner
March 25 %26ndash; 27: Maggie Sottero
April 1 %26ndash; 3: House of Wu
April 8 %26ndash; 10: Jovani bridal, mother of the occasion

Warren Barr%26oacute;n Bridal
53 Highland Park Village, 214.526.8400; warrenbarron.com
February 3 %26ndash; 5: Elizabeth Fillmore
February 24 %26ndash; 26: Lela Rose
March 10 %26ndash; 12: Marchesa
March 31 %26ndash; April 2: Monique Lhuillier
April 28 %26ndash; 30: Vera Wang

Images at top: Lela Rose at Warren Barr%26oacute;n Bridal. Monique Lhuillier at Neiman Marcus Downtown, Warren Barr%26oacute;n Bridal

Do We Hear Wedding Bells at Nordstrom?

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 04:08:31 GMT

Wearing a bright new sparkler on your left hand? Then head to The Wedding Suite at Nordstrom for everything you%26rsquo;ll need for the big day. This shop-in-shop includes capsule collections of bridal, bridesmaid and special-occasion dazzlers by ML Monique Lhuillier, Notte by Marchesa, Milly, Kate Spade and Trina Turk, as well as jewels, suits, underpinnings and the like. In turn, Nordstrom has opened boutiques in 14 of its stores nationwide %26mdash; including ours at NorthPark Center. Shop The Wedding Suite by appointment only. Can%26rsquo;t leave your desk? Click to nordstrom.com. Nordstrom, NorthPark Center, 214.231.3900.

Wishing Well

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 06:19:19 GMT

Some girls grow up tearing photos out of bridal magazines, dreaming of their big day; for others, it%26rsquo;s an occasion that%26rsquo;s seems hopelessly out-of-reach. Enter Wish Upon a Wedding. This nationwide nonprofit with a Houston chapter provides weddings and vow renewals, regardless of sexual orientation, to those facing terminal illness and serious life-altering circumstances. Funding comes from generous donations from individuals, as well as in-kind gifts from local vendors in 15 communities across the country, such as Events in Bloom, LG Entertainment, Elegant Custom Invitations, La Torretta Lake Resort and Spa, Who Made the Cake, Al Torres Photography and more. The tales of love and commitment will break your heart then fill you with happiness as you read about the day these dream weddings came true. To donate, volunteer and learn more, go to wishuponawedding.org.

Image: Photo by damionhamilton.com.

House Party

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 04:07:03 GMT

Brides-to-be, take note: There%26rsquo;s an artful addition to the soir%26eacute;e scene that is serious about its approach to throwing a party. Meet Hotel ZaZa%26rsquo;s Art House and Social Gallery, where styling your own mixer, dinner, bridal shower or engagement party for up to 200 has never been so freeing. Anything you can dream up is possible here. A cluster of chairs dangling from the ceiling? Live swans parading around the room? All in the name of entertaining. (And good eating, with catering options galore.) Remarkably, Art House combines this open-ended creative indulgence with a very ZaZa-esque assortment of works by artists including Ashley Collins (Blythe Danner and Ringo Starr are among her fans) and has additional art installations scheduled via a partnership with Santa Fe-based Turner Carroll Gallery. With all the art and artistic freedom, it%26rsquo;s impossible not to be inspired to create an over-the-top party concept. But if you do happen to need a boost, not to worry: The oh-so-creative minds at ZaZa have a few fantasies up their sleeves. (Moroccan dinner escape, anyone?) Stay ZaZa Art House and Social Gallery, 214.468.8399; hotelzazadallas.com.

Image: Stay ZaZa Art House and Social Gallery. Photo by Bruno.

Wedding Wow: All the News

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 04:15:30 GMT

The latest whirl of bridal buzz spins with everything from the destination-wedding planner you must ring for your glam Mexican getaway to a new collection of minaudi%26egrave;res just begging for a bride. Cue the wedding bells! First, jot down this address for your red-hot reception: 129 Leslie, the former Light %26amp; Sie gallery, now known as caterer Wendy Krispin%26rsquo;s new event venue. Dubbed by Krispin as a %26ldquo;blank canvas%26rdquo; for events of all kind, 129 Leslie boasts crystalline Chiavari chairs, 16-foot ceilings and skylights that accentuate the sleek white space. The approved list of caterers here includes a Who%26rsquo;s Who of foodies, from Kent Rathbun Catering to Lombardi%26rsquo;s Gourmet Catering and, of course, Krispin%26rsquo;s eponymous catering biz. But the real reason we know 129 Leslie is worth its weight in f%26ecirc;tes has to do with its first bash, which was hosted there last month in honor of two Idlewild debutantes. If it%26rsquo;s posh enough for those girls, it%26rsquo;s perfect for brides with exquisite taste. Call 214.748.5559 or see 129leslie.com %26hellip; Should you want to say your vows south of the border %26mdash; in Puerto Vallarta, to be exact %26mdash; set up an appointment with Eventful Moments Vallarta. This fall, the wedding/event-planning firm (it%26rsquo;s the oldest of its kind in Puerto Vallarta) opened a new U.S. base right here in Uptown, where it%26rsquo;ll make the arrangements for everything from event design and logistics to planning and catering for your big day booked in Mexico. Margaritas and wedding cake? We%26rsquo;re in. Ring 214.432.5979 or click em-vallarta.com %26hellip;%26nbsp; Add Neiman Marcus Downtown to your to-do list on February 18 and 19, as Judith Leiber debuts its Wedding Collection of sparkling clutches during a must-attend trunk show. A crystal-covered minaudi%26egrave;re shaped like a bouquet? That will give your wedding-day florals a run for their money. Preview the collection at judithleiber.com %26hellip; Web-savvy brides must click to this address: veiledenvy.com, the online sample sale site that launches on Tuesday, February 1, with gown gems from Vera Wang and Anne Barge. How it works? Veiledenvy.com partners with exclusive boutiques to secure fabulous never-been-worn gowns at sample-sale prices %26mdash; imagine this as the Gilt Groupe of bridal gowns. All you have to do is pick the one.

Image: 129 Leslie. Photo by Marty Pearlman.

Nuptial Trends in Todd Land

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 04:46:07 GMT

Instead, it%26rsquo;s Todd Events Design Creative Services that is making news, with the announcement of its new wedding director, Mary Wright Shah, the event-planning mega-star formerly of her own firm, Diamond Affairs. So we rang our favorite wedding whizzes %26mdash; creative director Todd Fiscus, director of sales Sara Fay Egan and their new addition, Shah %26mdash; for the scoop. While we had them on the line, we proposed a Big Question of our own: What should brides and grooms say %26ldquo;I do%26rdquo; to this season? Herewith, the team%26rsquo;s top trends:

1. Decor that blends vintage lace mixed with pinks, bones, creams and ivories, but balanced with dark woods, to maintain a feminine-to-masculine ratio.

2. The Gustavian look: whitewashed grays, ice blue, gray-and-white damask, vintage zinc fixtures and lots of monochromatic single-bloom florals.

3. For guests to grab on their way home? Little fried donuts and frosty iced lattes.

4. Over-the-top entertainment and visual displays. %26ldquo;Brides will look for that out-of-the-box element to surprise their guests,%26rdquo; says Fiscus, %26ldquo;such as aerial performers dancing from the ceiling or walking waiters that greet guests on sky-high stilts!%26rdquo;

5. For the groom%26rsquo;s style? Hand-tied bow ties.(The new ones come pre-tied and are beautiful.)

6. Go red all the way: red linens, red florals, red velvets, red roses.

7. Seated dinners and micro-courses to keep it short, with fun food stations for desserts and late-night noshes.

8. Royal wedding fever: With the upcoming nuptials of Kate and William on April 29, 2011, it%26rsquo;s all about %26ldquo;fairy-tale bling,%26rdquo; say our experts, with crystal and monograms to celebrate the traditions of the royal family.

Do You, David, Take Thee, Vera?

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 04:18:30 GMT

They do! World-renowned bridal designer Vera Wang takes her chic luxury style to David%26rsquo;s Bridal with her debut collection of wedding gowns. The White by Vera Wang line will be displayed at 150 David%26rsquo;s Bridal %26ldquo;shop-in-shops%26rdquo; across the country, while other locations will offer the line to order. With styles ranging from classic ballroom skirts to modern slim silhouettes, prices from $600 to $1,500, and sizes 0 to 14, Vera Wang is making the dream of wearing Vera on one%26rsquo;s wedding day come true for more brides than ever. At select David%26rsquo;s Bridal locations.

Jewels of Engagement

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 04:16:54 GMT

We could all use a pick-me-up of the sparkle variety to make waiting out the winter months a little less dull. (Something in a yellow briolette diamond pendant, perhaps?) The gem dandies at Park Cities Jewelers have just the fix: swoon-worthy pieces from luxury brands such as Charriol, Baccarat, Tacori, Jacob %26amp; Co. and Maurice Lacroix — all situated in a marble-floored, modern boutique that owner Ahmed Saleh revamped after The Goss-Michael Foundation relocated to its new digs in the Design District. True, the contemporary art is gone, but here, where Park Cities Jewelers has unpacked its wares from its former McKinney Avenue location, there’s no shortage of brilliant objets d’art, whether you’re coveting a Swiss-made watch, a vintage necklace or a bejeweled beauty from the extensive bridal collections. And ladies, did we mention PCJ is located directly next door to a place famous for its bubbly-filled brunches? Here’s to landing an engagement ring with that fourth mimosa. Park Cities Jewelers, 2500 Cedar Springs Road, 214.520.6148; parkcitiesjewelers.com.

Image: Photo by Sam Alba.

Bridal Portrait

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 04:02:12 GMT

Spritz Fr%26eacute;d%26eacute;ric Malle%26rsquo;s latest edition, Portrait of a Lady (created with the nose of Dominique Ropion), above your clavicle, and you%26rsquo;ll walk down the aisle in a glorious cloud of rose and cassis mixed with cinnamon, sandalwood and musk. The scent, reminiscent of the exotics of the Orient, is feminine, yet it lets you feel seductive, too. From $200, at Barneys New York.

Spanish Rose

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 04:13:31 GMT

Its fashionable pedigree is rooted in Barcelona %26mdash; and it counts renowned French couturier Christian Lacroix as its top collaborator. So it%26rsquo;s no surprise that Rosa Clar%26aacute; is coveted by worldly brides. Now, our city%26rsquo;s own engaged gals have Rosa Clar%26aacute;%26rsquo;s elegant collections at their fingertips as the Spanish collection makes its stateside debut with the opening of its first U.S. shop in the Knox-Travis neighborhood, at 3205 Knox Street. The boutique%26rsquo;s inspired decor comes by way of Spanish design team Claudio Arquitectos y Associados, the Barecelona-based firm responsible for all of Rosa Clar%26aacute;%26rsquo;s 95 shops located from Paris to Portugal, London to Panama. As for the gorgeous gowns? Think breathtaking creations of silk brocade, organza, voile and more from Rosa Clar%26aacute;%26rsquo;s in-house collections as well as designs by Lacroix and Spanish designer Jes%26uacute;s del Pozo. Information rosaclara.es.

Image: Two by Rosa Clar%26aacute;

Nuptial News

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 04:49:50 GMT

Richard Flowers, COO The Events Company
%26bull; The Polaroid camera is taking the place of photo booths. Guests walk around with the camera, snap fun photos of the reception (dance-floor shots are huge hits) and put them onto scrapbook pages with a note for the bride and groom to keep as a memento of their reception.
%26bull; In lieu of a wedding album, couples are creating coffee-table books of their wedding weekends.
%26bull; No more separate bachelor/bachelorette parties. Couples are having a bachelor/bachelorette weekend together.
%26bull; Specialized choirs and musicians at the ceremony, from gospel choirs to French horns.
%26bull; Time changes. At the beginning of the reception, couples cut the cake, have their first dance and dance with their parents %26mdash; all in a 30-minute time span.
%26bull; To send off the couple, a bang of fireworks at the end of the reception.
%26bull;Unconventional gift registries such as charitable donations.
%26bull; Mix-and-match bridesmaids dresses. Brides are choosing a color but letting their bridesmaids chose which dress style complements their body types.
%26bull; The return of traditional wedding rings.

Jackson Hicks, founder and CEO, Jackson and Company
%26bull; We%26rsquo;re getting lots of interest in black-and-white wedding themes to evoke Hollywood glamour.
%26bull; For those who have the room, receptions at home. They%26rsquo;re personal, intimate.
%26bull; Better-than-average champagne (the real deal from France).
%26bull; Brides who are savvy about the farm-to-table movement and want fare that reflects that.
%26bull; Adding American heartland and comfort foods to the menu, such as fabulous mac and cheese, but with a little truffle added, or tiny meat loafs with mashed potatoes. The lines will form at once.
%26bull; Whoopie pies instead of cupcakes.
%26bull; The trend I would like to create: a return to elegance. Formal afternoon weddings with gentlemen in cutaway tail coats, luncheon or afternoon tea as refreshment, a string orchestra, the best champagne in a bottle.

Syma Levy, proprietress of Oulala! What an Event
%26bull; Frilly, feminine wedding dresses %26agrave; la Black Swan. Think prima ballerina %26mdash; lots of feathers, tulle and sparkle.
%26bull; Smaller weddings, but more formal.
%26bull; Very traditional ceremonies. Couples are going back to their roots and embracing their traditions %26mdash; celebrating one%26rsquo;s own ethnicity and rich traditions.
%26bull; Choreographed first dances, with a pro showing you all the right moves weeks prior.
%26bull; Out: Chair covers. In: Louis Ghost chairs.
%26bull; Lighting design %26mdash; especially a pattern such as damask on the ceiling, created by special lighting.
%26bull; Lots of small details %26mdash; more personalized for each guest.
%26bull; Menu cards, with vegetarian and vegan choices included.

Jason Woos the Brides

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 04:12:05 GMT

Luxury e-tailer Net-a-Porter.com has launched an exclusive bridal collection with fashion designer Jason Wu. This is Wu%26rsquo;s first foray into designing bridal, and he%26rsquo;s included five ivory-colored looks for every type of bride %26mdash; from a chic shift dress tailor-made for a date at the courthouse to a fabulous floor-length, with layers of cascading tulle that%26rsquo;s perfect for the church house. $795 to $4,000, on net-a-porter.com.

Required Reading

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 04:19:58 GMT

On the eve of two bounteous royal weddings %26mdash; Prince Albert of Monaco to Charlene and Prince William to Kate %26mdash; you%26rsquo;ll need to dust off your wedding ideology. We recommend Oleg Cassini: The Wedding Dress (Rizzoli, $60), a lavish pictorial of the Russian count who famously dressed Jackie Kennedy; dressed and was affianced to Grace Kelly; and undressed multitudes of film stars. This 300-pager is packed with black-and-white photos of royal brides %26mdash; both the monarch and Hollywood variety. Favorite chapter: %26ldquo;The Best Weddings in the World,%26rdquo; which details the nuptials of Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra (to Mia), Judy Garland, Julie Andrews, Mick Jagger and Elvis Presley, as well as hundreds of bridal gowns Cassini designed over the years.

Bridal Bits

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 04:05:46 GMT

Did you celebrate your wedding or spend your honeymoon at Galveston%26rsquo;s historic Hotel Galvez %26amp; Spa? If so, you%26rsquo;re invited to participate in a mass Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremony on the front lawn, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, on Saturday, February 12, at 1 pm. A reception with champagne and wedding cake will follow. To participate, notify the hotel in advance at 409.765.7721 or dcanton@wyndham.com %26hellip; Belle Mari%26eacute;e Bridal now carries bridal collections by Anne Bowen and Elizabeth Fillmore %26hellip; Casa de Novia now stocks Reem Acra Bridal %26hellip; Impressions Bridal Salon has expanded its selection of Carolina Herrera bridal gowns and added new lace Italian veils by Monvieve Milano.

Destination: Wedded Bliss

Thu, 27 May 2010 01:29:26 GMT

%26nbsp;

Lauren Elizabeth Stimmel %26amp; Matt Reynolds Musselman

March 13, 2010, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

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The design genes run deep with this divine duo %26#8212; Lauren Musselman spends her days surrounded by the stars of fashion at Forty Five Ten, and Matt%26#8217;s preternaturally stylish mother is Forty Five Ten%26#8217;s co-owner Shelly Musselman; he is co-founder of a web-consulting and design firm.

%26nbsp;

%26#8220;Matt and I have always wanted a really beautiful springtime wedding in Mexico %26#8212;%26nbsp;one where everyone would have fun and spend a lot of time outdoors with family and friends. We stayed at the Esencia Hotel, originally the home of an Italian Duchess who still occasionally visits, and many of our guests stayed at the Fairmont Mayakoba and Rosewood Mayakoba resorts. Pi%26#241;a Coladas, Mayan decor and DJ Lucy Wrubel? Our dream come true.%26#8221;%26nbsp;%26#8212;%26nbsp;Lauren Stimmel Musselman

%26nbsp;

Ceremony and reception venue: Esencia Estate, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Event production/wedding planner: Gonzalo Bueno and Mauricio Lobeira of TEN+3
Invitations: Megan Reinhardt of Reinhardt Creative, Dallas
Flowers: Gonzalo Bueno and Mauricio Lobeira of TEN+3; bridal flowers by Brian Bolke

%26nbsp;

Catering and cake maker: Esencia Estate

Music: DJ Lucy Wrubel; Cancun-based band La Mata

Photographer: Steve Wrubel Photography

Videographer: Blue Habanero
Dress: Reem Acra, then a short Azzedine Ala%26#239;a dress from Forty Five Ten

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Bridesmaid attire: The Vineyard Collection from Priscilla of Boston

Groom%26#8217;s and groomsmen attire: Q Custom Clothiers, Dallas
Wedding party gifts: Earrings by Rebecca Lankford; monogrammed ostrich passport covers by Alexandra Knight
Party favors for guests: Tequila Alacran in matte black bottles with customized canvas bags and matching shot glasses

%26nbsp;

Margaret "Meg" Harriet Munson %26amp; Joseph Patrick McGonigle
April 10, 2010, Palm Beach
These two noble names of Dallas did the right schools, the right clubs, and they certainly planned, to the tiniest detail, the perfect wedding. Meg (Camp Waldemar, Hockaday, Pi Beta Phi, Idlewilde Deb, Junior Dallas Garden Club, Junior League) to Patrick (Greenhill, MBA in Finance from SMU Cox, chairman Avante- Garde Society of Nasher Sculpture Center). %26nbsp;It all began with the proposal. %26#8220;Patrick loved modern art, and he told me we needed to attend a dinner party at the Nasher for the new museum director. We walked in, and the staff said we were the first to arrive and we could go to the Sculpture Garden where the party was located. Outside, I saw a long, white carpet and a tall gazebo fashioned of flowers and a three-foot-in-diameter pav%26#233;d flower ball, all by Junior Villanueva at the Garden Gate. As we walked toward it, I saw the table was set for two. I couldn%26#8217;t believe it %26#8212; was this really happening? Suddenly, he was on one knee, lovingly proposing marriage, and afterwards he stood up and waved his arms and exclaimed, %26#8220;C%26#8217;mon out, everybody!%26#8221; To my amazement, a photographer appeared from behind a tree, and our family ran out outside towards us %26#8212; even my sister, who had flown in from NY. We all had a fabulous seated dinner in that magical gazebo. The menu was titled Meggie%26#8217;s favorites and consisted of foods I loved. On top of everything, the music that Patrick played were all my favorite songs.%26#8221; The wedding: %26#8220;My grandmother, mother and both my sisters were married at Highland Park United Methodist Church, but when I called to reserve a Saturday night, it was potentially a year before we could have our wedding. So I started thinking outside of the family box. I knew if I ever broke tradition, it would only be for one place: Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach. There is nowhere, in my opinion, more beautiful. Every single aspect of this wedding was personally designed: one-of-a-kind Crane%26#8217;s engraved save-the-date books, custom-blended ink for the invitations, sparkler fountains illuminating our favorite pastries at the Viennese table and eight-foot-tall gold palm trees with trunks of pav%26#233;d white hydrangeas, white orchids, white roses and gold seashells. We loved personalizing everything, even the dinner menu, which featured items like lobster and filet mignon with Tabasco (my dad%26#8217;s favorite), homemade peppermint ice cream (my grandmother%26#8217;s favorite) and Patrick%26#8217;s favorite Key lime pie (his request in lieu of a groom%26#8217;s cake!).%26#8221; %26#8212;%26nbsp;Meg Munson McGonigle

%26nbsp;

Ceremony and reception venue: Mar-a-Lago, the historic estate of the late Marjorie Merriweather Post, now owned by Donald Trump, Palm Beach
Event production/wedding planner: Carmen Graff of Mar-a-Lago; Cheryl Clisby, Palm Beach
Invitations: Kerri Davis of Anna Grace Designs, Dallas. Calligraphy by Boo Owens, Dallas

%26nbsp;

Catering and cake maker: Overseen by Mar-a-Lago%26#8217;s executive chef, Jeff O%26#8217;Neil

Music:%26nbsp; Encore Chamber Players%26#8217; string sextet, Palm Beach; GDO Soul featuring Greg Denard, NYC
Photographer: Chris Moseley Photography, Dallas
Dress designer: Anne Barge through Neiman Marcus Bridal Salon

%26nbsp;

Bridesmaid attire: Custom-designed gowns from Nicolas Villalba Couture, Dallas

Groom%26#8217;s attire:%26nbsp; Giorgio Armani tuxedo through Barneys New York; shirt from Q Custom Clothier, Dallas
Wedding party gifts: Mother-of-pearl shell tray from Madison with a calligraphed note from Boo Owens on the bottom and sterling-silver-dipped seashell from Thistle %26amp; Bee; mother-of-pearl and sterling-silver stud set from Ari D. Norman of London and a black bow tie from David Donahue
Party favors for guests: Oversized heart-shaped cookies with an %26#8220;M%26#8221; monogram

%26nbsp;

Lucy Ann McCulloch %26amp; Christopher James Semple
March 13, 2010, Goshen and Fayetteville, Arkansas
They met at UT, but it was many years later at Javier%26#8217;s in Dallas that they connected. Lucy, now a teacher, was born in Little Rock, grew up in Arlington, married Chris in Fayetteville. Chris, a VP at Goldman Sachs, grew up in Fort Worth, and now both bride and groom live in Dallas. It may be circuitous, but it came full circle.

%26nbsp;

%26#8220;Our amazing wedding designers and suppliers covered three states %26#8212; Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma %26#8212; and the wedding weekend would not have been the same without them. The red barn behind Pratt Place Inn in Fayetteville was the inspiration behind the whole wedding. I stayed at the inn for my mom%26#8217;s 60th birthday and fell in love with the barn before ever being engaged.%26nbsp;It%26#8217;s a beautiful place that our floral designer transformed using linens and draping and my favorite flowers %26#8212;%26nbsp;bells of Ireland and hydrangeas, and the paper designers personalized absolutely everything from the save-the-dates to the guest boxes in hotel rooms.%26#8221; %26#8212; Lucy McCulloch Semple

%26nbsp;

Ceremony venue: Stone Chapel at Matt Lane Farm, Goshen, AR
Reception venue: The Barn at Pratt Place Inn, Fayetteville, AR
Event production/wedding planner: Jenessa Bailey of J. Bailey Occasions, Fayetteville, AR
Invitations: Amy Hannon of Sincerely Yours Paper, Springdale, ARFlowers: Designs by Tanarah, Little Rock, AR

%26nbsp;

Catering: The Catering Connection, Tulsa, OK

Cake maker: Shelby Lynn%26#8217;s Cake Shoppe, Springdale, ARMusic: Cuv%26#233;e, Dallas
Photographer: Andrea Polito Photography, Dallas
Wedding dress: Vera Wang from Warren Barr%26#243;n Bridal, Dallas
Bridesmaid attire: Priscilla of Boston strapless party dresses in sea glass, with antique brooches

%26nbsp;

Groom%26#8217;s and groomsmen attire: Charcoal gray suits from Jos. A. Banks

Wedding party gifts:%26nbsp;Custom earrings or cuff bracelets designed by Mary McNeill of Mary
Gold Designs, Plano; neckties

Party favors for guests: Three custom cookies %26#8212; the red barn where the reception was held, the save the date icon, and the shape of Texas with a hand-iced %26#8220;S%26#8221; in the center

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Divine Details

Thu, 27 May 2010 01:01:54 GMT

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Wedding Date: January 1, 2010

Ceremony: St. Mark%26#8217;s Episcopal Church
Reception: Old Clubhouse at Hermann Park
Wedding Planner: %26#8220;Me, my mom and help from dear friends%26#8221;
Catering: Swift %26amp; Co.
Wedding Cupcakes: Ooh La La Dessert Boutique, Katy
Reception: Old Clubhouse at Hermann Park
Flowers: Bergner %26amp; Johnson
Photography: Karen Sachar Photography
Music: Grady Gaines %26amp; the Texas Upsetters, booked through Gulf Coast Entertainment
Invitations: High Cotton Design, highcottonhouston.com%26nbsp;

No design detail was overlooked at the festive New Year%26#8217;s Day nuptials of Emily Watkins Baker and Keith Aaron Ries. Designer genes are in abundance, as Emily is the offspring of architect Jay Baker and interior designer Julie Baker, and with antiquarian Babs Watkins as a grandmother, the style quotient is sky-high. A photographer and graphics designer, Emily and her new husband just returned from a road trip through California with dog Moses.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

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Stationery Sweet
From the save-the-date cards to the invitations and wedding program, Emily hand-illustrated the designs and produced them through printplace.com. %26#8220;I had so much fun doing them and got so much great feedback that I%26#8217;ve actually started a design studio called High Cotton Design with two other artists,%26#8221; she says.

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Well Groomed %26amp; Vera Lucky
Emily discovered her Vera Wang strapless organza gown at a bridal sample sale, while Keith picked up his sharp three-piece gray suit at Banana Republic. Vera Wang bridal collection at Impressions A Bridal Salon.

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Take Two
Sometimes you need a second take in order to get that perfect shot %26#8212;%26nbsp;or, in this case, another great shot for the wedding album. When the photographer asked the happy couple to repeat their church exit, the minister joined the groom instead, to laugh-out-loud results.

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Keep It in the Family
The silk fringe shawl that Emily wore for her portraits and on her wedding day has been in her family for four generations. Her great grandfather picked up it up for her great grandmother in Paris, 1927.

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Well Served
%26#8220;There%26#8217;s nothing worse than waiting in a buffet line,%26#8221; says this bride. The Clubhouse didn%26#8217;t provide enough room for a seated dinner, however, so Emily worked with her caterer to create a menu of bite-sized comfort foods including sliders, French fries, mac %26#8216;n%26#8217; cheese and panini sandwiches. Then she hired enough servers to keep guests satisfied.

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All She Wants to Do is Dance
This couple propped up a tent outside the clubhouse that they admit was smaller than it should have been, making it too loud for small talk. As the bride says, %26#8220;If you can%26#8217;t have a conversation, all you can do is dance!%26#8221;

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Something Blue
The bright-blue tissue-paper pom-poms hanging high at the reception were discovered on clearance at Michael%26#8217;s.

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Topper
%26#8220;I thought that a %26#8216;Day of the Dead%26#8217; bride-and-groom cake topper would be a way to pay respect to a time-honored tradition but do something fun and quirky at the same time,%26#8221; Emily says. Cake topper from Casa Ramirez Imports, 241 W. 19th St., 713.880.2420. Cupcakes by Ooh La La Dessert Boutique, Katy.%26nbsp;

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Just Their Type
Antique typewriters, lit by vintage lamps, were used in lieu of a guestbook. %26#8220;It was so much fun to read all the messages when we returned from our honeymoon,%26#8221; the bride says.

I Do, I Do

Wed, 26 May 2010 06:23:20 GMT

That vintage cushion-cut ring is so fetching. Yet the brilliant canary diamond takes our breath away. Not sure what ring style says %26#8220;Till death do us part%26#8221;? Take a gander at some of our glittering picks. (And don%26#8217;t forget your bridal jewelry, too. Create a trousseau of bracelets, brooches and earrings you can one day pass down to another bride in the family.)

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Queen of Heirs%26#8217; vintage and antique bands include, from top: 1930s platinum-and-ruby band with round diamonds; 18K-gold channel-set emerald band; platinum ring with milgrain edge and one carat total weight of diamonds; 18K-gold band with channel-set square Burmese rubies; circa-1950 ring with a double row of diamonds in a 14K setting; sapphire-and-diamond platinum band with scroll detail. Prices upon request, at Queen of Heirs.

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Delicate and demure, these antique Victorian English carved pink coral feather brooches with 18K white gold and diamond spines would look fetching on any gown. $1,950 to $2,450 each, at Smith %26amp; Company Jewels.%26nbsp;

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March down the aisle in these: David Yurman%26#8217;s quatrefoil pearl earrings in 18K white gold and diamonds. $5,800, at David Yurman.%26nbsp;

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For the girl who wears big, bold pieces, we adore Diane von Furstenberg%26#8217;s classic Sutra large-link bracelet in 18K white gold set with pav%26#233; diamonds. DVF for H. Stern $81,900, at Zadok Jewelers.

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Wear this late Victorian gold, pearl and diamond starburst pin dangling from a pearl choker chain with that strapless dress you have your eye on. Pin $1,295, chain $795, both from Past Era Antiques.

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Designer Erica Courtney created this coral necklace in three distinct pieces, which include two diamond studded enhancers, a flower design in 18K gold and a detachable coral drop, each sold separately. This necklace is $3,360; detachable adornments range from $6,000 for the coral drop to $9,300 for the flower. At Judith Ann Jewels.

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Tiffany %26amp; Co.%26#8217;s little blue box comes complete with an18K-gold-and-platinum engagement ring with an 8.65-carat square step-cut fancy intense yellow diamond. Or perhaps she%26#8217;ll say yes to an 18K-gold-and-platinum ring with a 7.12-carat cushion-cut fancy vivid yellow diamond and diamond half-moons. Prices upon request, at Tiffany %26amp; Co.

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Design a ring like royalty. Grace Kelly said %26#8220;Yes%26#8221; to Prince Rainier%26#8217;s proposal when he gave her this Cartier ring. (Specifically, the emerald-cut, 10.47-carat diamond set in platinum, seen here on her left hand.) What%26#8217;s old is really new again with Cartier%26#8217;s %26#8220;set for you%26#8221; engagement rings. At Cartier.%26nbsp;

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The groom will love receiving Glycine%26#8217;s bold Airman watch from his thoughtful bride. $5,325, at
I W Marks Jewelers.

I Do, I Do

Wed, 26 May 2010 04:06:51 GMT

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You don%26#8217;t have to utter a word; let Harry Winston make a statement for you. This platinum engagement ring set with a square, emerald-cut, three-carat diamond will take your breath away. Price upon request, at Harry Winston.

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The groom will love receiving Glycine%26#8217;s bold Airman watch from his thoughtful bride. $5,325, at de Boulle.

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Dangle these as you march down the aisle: David Yurman%26#8217;s quatrefoil pearl earrings in 18K white gold and diamonds. $5,800, at David Yurman.%26nbsp;%26nbsp;

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For the girl who wears big, bold pieces %26#8212; even on her wedding day %26#8212; we adore Diane von Furstenberg%26#8217;s classic Sutra large-link bracelet in 18K white gold set with pav%26#233; diamonds. DVF for H. Stern $81,900, at Neiman Marcus, NorthPark Center.

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Cathy Waterman%26#8217;s amethyst Arabesque earrings in 22K blackened gold and diamonds. $2,980, at Ylang 23.

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All Gown-ed Up

Wed, 26 May 2010 03:36:39 GMT

Eeny meeny miny moe, which gown or tux should stay, and which should go? However will you choose? Here are a few dresses and suits that captured our hearts.

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Left to right: Monique Lhuillier at Casa de Novia, Impressions A Bridal Salon; Ralph Lauren; Carolina Herrera at Impressions A Bridal Salon; Amsale at Mia Bridal Couture; Oscar de la Renta at Casa de Novia Bridal; Salvatore Ferragamo

Did you Know …

Wed, 26 May 2010 01:51:12 GMT

If you love the vibe of Anthropologie and yearn to replicate that hippie-chick look at your nuptials, you%26#8217;re in luck. Anthropologie%26#8217;s parent company, Urban Outfitters, has announced a new concept for Spring 2011 that will offer heirloom wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, shoes, bags, jewels, intimate apparel, invitations, decorations, gifts and accessories. Expect the collection, with dresses and wedding gowns priced $200 to $5,000, to debut online initially, with select U.S. locations as well.

All Gown-ed Up

Wed, 26 May 2010 01:59:57 GMT

Eeny meeny miny moe, which gown or tux should stay, and which should go? However will you choose? Here are a few dresses and suits that captured our hearts.

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From left to right: Lela Rose at Warren Barr%26#243;n Bridal; Ralph Lauren at the Ralph Lauren boutique in Highland
Village; Carolina Herrera at the Carolina Herrera boutique; Salvatore Ferragamo through the Salvatore Ferragamo boutique; Vera Wang at Warren Barr%26#243;n Bridal

Nuptial Production

Wed, 26 May 2010 01:58:24 GMT

Lite Dallas %26#8212; the in-demand biz revered for lighting the most extravagant weddings %26#8212; is changing things up with a new name and stellar set of new skills. Now known as Beyond, the company, owned by Ryan Kelley, is turning up its repertoire and moving into full-fledged event production. Though still experts in luxurious lighting %26#8212; sparkling chandeliers, paper lanterns, LED accents, pattern projections, more %26#8212; Beyond now offers high-definition videography, DJs and emcees, plus audio and visual perks such as televisions, sound systems and projectors. After all, it wouldn%26#8217;t be a modern couple%26#8217;s big day without Blu-ray documentation and live streaming video. 100 Oak Lawn Ave., 972.458.7569; beyondld.com.

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Image:%26nbsp; Lights fantastic: The ballroom at the Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, with lighting design by Beyond. Photo by Stephen Karlisch.

A Girl’s Best Friend Gets Even Better

Wed, 26 May 2010 01:49:56 GMT

Golden rule: One should never attend a gown-worthy event without first consulting Oscar de la Renta%26#8217;s look books. This also holds true for those in need of the perfect wedding dress. Luckily, beginning this September, Oscar-seeking brides will only have to travel to NorthPark Center to find the designer%26#8217;s stunning collection of nuptial couture. The existing boutique will join just two other Oscar shops (one in Madrid, the other in Los Angeles) when it adds wedding collections in-store, and will be the only shop of any kind at NorthPark to carry bridal. Yes, the entire collection %26#8212;%26nbsp;including shoes, jewelry, handbags and veils %26#8212; will be available to order, plus there will be a selection of white and ivory wonders in stock, much like the other ready-to-wear pieces. Till then, we%26#8217;ll be dreaming of all that pearly silk taffeta, lace and tulle. Information 214.346.0400; oscardelarenta.com.

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Image:%26nbsp; Oscar de la Renta, available in September at the Oscar de la Renta boutique

Picture Perfect

Wed, 26 May 2010 01:45:21 GMT

Da Vinci had his Mona Lisa. Vermeer had his girl with a pearl earring. But for fashion illustrator Anne Underwood, the perfect muse is a blushing bride. The Louisiana native and Fashion Institute of Technology grad will whip up a pencil, ink and pastel sketch of you in all your white-gown finery. The result is a timeless, elegant and %26#8212; dare we say %26#8212; perfectly idealized wedding-day keepsake. How it all works? Send Underwood your photograph of choice %26#8212; no posing or portrait sittings necessary %26#8212; and she will create a handcrafted work of art, where the focus is on the gown, draping, lace and details. Definitely love at first sight. Information 225.763.1839; underwoodillustrations.com.

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Image:%26nbsp; You, in pencils, inks and pastels: a bridal portrait by Anne Underwood

Belle Mariée Bridal

Wed, 26 May 2010 06:08:03 GMT

Keys to the Door: Owner Erika Ferretti; managing partner Jillian Plachy.

Stocked Goods: Parsons-trained retail designer Erika Ferretti once crafted in-store boutiques for a bevy of bold-named designers at Neiman Marcus in Dallas. Now she brings her expertise to a new French-inspired shop, Belle Mari%26#233;e Bridal, tucked into the former Carlton House space on River Oaks Boulevard. The salon %26#8212; its name means %26#8220;beautiful bride%26#8221; en fran%26#231;ais %26#8212; offers a refuge from the maddening rush to find a perfect dress. Flax-colored, linen-covered French-style furnishings soothe the eye, while a wall of floor-to-ceiling mirrors and chandeliers cast a flattering glow. Oversized dressing rooms can accommodate any jittery bride-to-be and her entourage, along with all the white-dress possibilities she can imagine. Twirl in a layered silk-taffeta concoction by Anne Barge, a crystal-studded Badgley Mischka, a sleek Ines Di Santo or a cutting-edge design by emerging talent such as Jorge Manuel, Selia Yang, Nashville%26#8217;s Karen Hendrix or Acquachiara. Ferretti, a mother of two, says she was inspired to open a bridal shop because wedding gowns tell a story. Of course, it%26#8217;s up to you to embellish the tale with all the great details %26#8230; 2509 River Oaks Blvd., 713.523.0068; bellemarieehouston.com.

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Images: Erika Ferretti at Belle Mari%26#233;e Bridal. Badgley Mischka heels. Photos by Jenny Antill

Bathing Beauty

Wed, 26 May 2010 06:22:04 GMT

By day, she wore an itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny blue polka-dot bikini on the Costa Rican shore. $118, at La Mode Swim.

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Image: Photo by Jenny Antill

No More Cookie-Cutter Cakes

Wed, 26 May 2010 06:00:25 GMT

Raspberry linzers, butter twists, almond Florentines, chocolate biscotti, coconut macaroons and nutty pav%26#233;s. Yes, big cookie cakes are all the rage these days. Houston-based bakery Michael%26#8217;s Cookie Jar can create a towering cookie display apropos for a groom%26#8217;s cake or for your lavish dessert buffet at the reception. How about favors such as %26#8220;save the date%26#8221; calendar shortbread cookies or an edible replica of your wedding or bridesmaid dresses that you can send to everyone on your guest list? A cookie display that serves 120 people starts at $175, while large custom wedding cookies ring in upwards of $2.25 a piece. 713.771.8603; michaelscookiejar.com.

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Image: Photo by Adam Nyholt

Branding the Big Day

Wed, 26 May 2010 05:58:59 GMT

One of the biggest trends in weddings is branding %26#8212; a buzzy marketing term that modern couples have taken from the boardroom to the ballroom. It%26#8217;s an inspired tactic best left to pros such as Amanda Hayes-Valentine and Chris Promecene of PH Design Shop. These two know that any matrimonial event can benefit from the subtle yet intentional tie-ins created by a graphic artist, threading through the obvious invites (engagement, rehearsal dinner, ceremony) and thank-you notes to the menu cards, place cards, votive-candle and vase wraps, programs, cocktail napkins, matches, drink stirrers, wine-bottle wraps, hotel gift bags for out-of-town guests, custom ribbons, even photo backdrops and guestbooks. The possibilities are endless. Whether you want to stylize your initials or create an iconographic image that feels so Mr. %26amp; Mrs., branding your big day can make it all feel a little more complete. 3306 S. Shepherd, 713.522.8861.

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Image: Photo by Kennon Evett

Pucker-Up Pretty

Wed, 26 May 2010 01:55:29 GMT

Perfect your pout with Tonya Riner%26#8217;s latest lip-color endeavor. The Houston-based makeup artist has readied many a face for that big walk down the aisle. Now she%26#8217;s one of the names behind a new line called Beauty For Real. Her team has devised the Perfect Lip Pencil ($14) in, naturally, your true lip tone. Her Illuminating Lip Glosses ($22) are fortified with antioxidants that regenerate the skin, while marine collagen plumps your pucker. Have we mentioned that an LED light and mirror are attached? Genius %26#8212; it makes touch-ups from the church to the reception a breeze. At Marnie Rocks.

Q: What Should He Take on the Honeymoon (Besides You)?

Wed, 26 May 2010 01:56:38 GMT

A: All the grooming gear, First Class tickets and champagne bottles he can, stuffed inside this terribly dapper travel bag by Tardini, made of soft alligator hide by an Italian house that%26#8217;s been crafting leather goods since 1958. (Note: This is exactly what Gianni Agnelli would%26#8217;ve toted. Case closed.) At Hadleigh%26#8217;s, 47 Highland Park Village, 214.770.4743; hadleighsbespoke.com.

J.Crew Bridal Goes Boutique

Wed, 26 May 2010 01:54:05 GMT

J.Crew ties the knot this month with the opening of its first bridal boutique, located on Madison Avenue in New York City. The two-story, French-style salon, by appointment only, stocks bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses, jewelry created exclusively for J.Crew Bridal by Fenton Fall, Miriam Haskell and Lulu Frost; headpieces by Albertus Swanepoel and Leah C; and stylish intimates including Cosabella lingerie and Wolford hosiery. The first floor showcases a carefully edited assortment of cashmere, J.Crew collection pieces, cocktail dresses and evening gowns. 769 Madison Ave. at 66th St., New York, 212.824.2500.

Blowing Bubbles

Wed, 26 May 2010 06:01:52 GMT

Bubbles blown at the bride and groom while making a mass exodus from the chapel has been done, done, done! But hold on %26#8230;%26nbsp;We%26#8217;ve found some softly scented ones created by master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian that are anything but ordinary. Shake, twist and blow on the delicate wand and watch translucent orbs float by. Burst a few on the tip of your nose, and cut herbs, pears or cool mint waft through the air. $18 a bottle, at Neiman Marcus.

Bridal Buzz

Wed, 26 May 2010 06:01:00 GMT

Now %26amp; Forever Bridal Boutique (n%26#233;e 2006) has relocated near the corner of Richmond and Kirby. The airy new atelier, bathed in natural light, features designs by emerging wedding-gown designers such as Jane Wang, Liancarlo, Nicole, Tara Keely, Blush by J.L.M and Modern Trousseau. Not to mention sparkling tiaras, jewelry and shoes to pair with your white dress. 3701 Kirby Dr., 713.218.0369; nowandforeverbridalbtq.com %26#8230; The girls at Two Be Wed recently relocated their wedding-planning boutique to 2611 Greenbriar (in Willow%26#8217;s former bungalow). Designed to be an affordable prenuptial destination to help you plan every aspect of your wedding, Two Be Wed has all the connections to make your day most memorable, including photographers (J Cogliandro, Love Lee Casa de Camera); videographers (31 Films, Scott Charlson Videography); invitation experts; floral and decor sources (Events in Bloom); confectioners (Carrie Made The Cake, Elegant Cakes by Lisa); culinary and bar-service pros (Acute Events %26amp; Catering, Excel Pours); entertainers; equipment rentals; health and beauty consultants (Solution For Hair); fashion boutiques; limousine services; and other specialty services.

The Honeymoon Suite

Wed, 26 May 2010 01:44:08 GMT

A mere three-hour flight from Houston or Dallas to San Jos%26#233; will deliver you to Costa Rica%26#8217;s luxe Four Seasons Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, which is fast becoming the de rigueur destination for honeymooners longing for unspoiled beaches, wildlife in its natural habitat or a challenging Arnold Palmer golf course. In fact, when the newly betrothed check in, they%26#8217;ll find a mini wedding cake awaiting them. (Even better, if you send the hotel%26#8217;s pastry chef a photo and details of your actual wedding cake ahead of time, she%26#8217;ll make a replica. Talk about memorable details.) Information fourseasons.com/costarica.

The Bride's Little Blue Book

Wed, 26 May 2010 01:26:13 GMT

Bridal Shops

Belle Mari%26#233;e Bridal, 2509 River Oaks Blvd., 713.523.0068; bellemarieehouston.com
Brickhouse Bridal, 200 Valleywood, The Woodlands, 281.681.3430; brickhousebridal.com
Casa de Novia Bridal Couture, 3331 D%26#8217;Amico St., 713.523.9090; casadenovia bridal.com
Impressions A Bridal Salon, Highland Village, 4001 Westheimer, 713.622.1122; impressionsbridalsalon.com
Maison de Mode, 2431 Rice Blvd., 713.527.8285; maisondemode.com
Mia Bridal Couture, 1958 W. Gray St., 713.622.2022; miabridalcouture.com
Now and Forever Bridal Boutique, 3701 Kirby Dr., 713.218.0369; nowandforeverbridalbtq.com
Priscilla of Boston, 1131-10 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.526.1886; priscillaofboston.com
Winnie Couture, 5152 Buffalo Speedway, 713.782.9316; winniecouture.com. By appointment.

Custom Bridal, Bridesmaid %26amp; Made-to-Measure Tuxedos %26amp; Shirts

Beautiful U Bridal, 3637 W. Alabama St., 713.963.8213. By appointment.
Billy Reid, Galleria, 713.552.0333; billyreid.com. Custom tuxedos by appointment.
Elizabeth Anthony/Esther Wolf, 1180-08 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.622.1331; estherwolf.com
Hamilton Custom Shirtmakers, 5700 Richmond Ave., 713.264.8800; hamiltonshirts.com. Custom tuxedo shirts.
Jenny Kim Couture, 2524 Amherst St., 713.528.0500; jkbridal.com. Appointment recommended.
Linda Cunningham, 3310 Edloe St., 713.621.3232; lindacunningham.com
Nick Lopez Tailoring, 2680 Sage Road, 713.621.5411; nicklopeztailoring.com. Custom tuxedos.
Wayne Jones Custom Suit and Shirt Makers, 713.622.2452. By appointment.
Winnie Couture, 5152 Buffalo Speedway, 713.782.9316; winniecouture.com. By appointment.

Tuxedos

A. Taghi Fine Apparel, 5116 Westheimer, 713.963.0884; ataghi.com
Festari for Men, 1800 Post Oak Blvd., 713.626.1234; festariformen.com
Giorgio Armani, Galleria, 713.961.2659; giorgioarmani.com
Gucci, Galleria, 713.961.0778; gucci.com
Harolds in the Heights, 350 W. 19th St., 713.864.2647; haroldsin theheights.com
M. Penner, 1180-06 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.527.820; mpenner.com
Neiman Marcus, Galleria, 713.621.7100; neimanmarcus.com
Norton Ditto, 2425 W. Alabama St., 713.688.9800; nortonditto.com
Ralph Lauren, Galleria, 713.850.9330; ralphlauren.com
Saks Fifth Avenue, Galleria, 713.627.0500; saksfifthavenue.com
Versace, Galleria, 713.623.8220; versace.com
Yves Saint Laurent, Galleria, 713.840.7006; ysl.com

Rings

Katy Briscoe, through Saks Fifth Avenue, Galleria, 713.662.9886, or by appointment at Katy Briscoe, 713.662.9886; katybriscoe.com
Bulgari, Galleria, 713.622.7574; bulgari.com
Cartier, Galleria, 713.871.0177; cartier.com
Chard%26#233;, 5600 Kirby Dr., 713.668.6350; chardejewelers.com
David Yurman, Galleria, 713.622.5799; davidyurman.com
De Beers, Galleria, 713.960.9030; debeers.com
Deutsch %26amp; Deutsch, 3747 Westheimer, 713.627.7787; deutschdeutschjewelers.com
Deville Fine Jewelry, elizabeth.glanville@devillefinejewelry.com
Donoho%26#8217;s Jewellers, 9590 Six Pines Dr., The Woodlands, 281.367.9050; donohos.com
Gems by Chao, Galleria, 713.626.0431; gemsbychao.com
I W Marks, 3841 Bellaire Blvd., 713.668.5000; iwmarks.com
Judith Anne Jewels, 4721 Westheimer, 713.871.1074; judithannjewels.com
Nazar%26#8217;s Fine Jewelry, 5887 Westheimer, 713.952.3687; nazarsfinejewelry.com
Neiman Marcus, Galleria, 713.621.7100; neimanmarcus.com
Paul Carter Jewels, 1141-02 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.627.7495; paulcarterjewels.com
Reiners Fine Jewelry, 2210 Westheimer, 713.520.1212;reinersjewelry.com
Saks Fifth Avenue, Galleria, 713.627.0500; saksfifthavenue.com
Smith %26amp; Company Jewels, 2736-C Virginia St., 713.524.0100; smithandcompanyjewels.com
Tiffany %26amp; Co., Galleria, 713.626.0220; tiffany.com
Zadok Jewelers, 1749 Post Oak Blvd., 713.960.8950; zadokjewelers.com

Estate Jewelry

A.A. Benjamin Ltd., 1775 Saint James Place, 713.965.0555; aabenjaminjewelry.com
Louis Tenenbaum Estate Jeweler, 1801 Post Oak Blvd., 713.629.7444
Past Era Antique Jewelry, Antique Pavilion, 2311 Westheimer, 713.524.7110; pastera.com
Queen of Heirs Jewelry, 4901 Locust St., Bellaire, 713.666.7467; queenofheirs.com
Smith %26amp; Company Jewels, 2736 C, Virginia St., 713.524.0100; smithandcompanyjewels.com
Valobra Jewelry %26amp; Antiques, 4078 Westheimer, 713.961.4500; valobra.net

Cakes

Acadian Bakers, 604 W. Alabama St., 713.520.1484; acadianbakers.com
Bavarian Cakery, 8815 Solon Road, 281.469.3116; bavariancakery.com
Cakes by Macauley, 832.754.0674; cakesbymacauley.com
Crave Cupcakes, 1151-06 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.622.7283; cravecupcakes.com
Dacapo%26#8217;s Pastry Cafe, 1141 E. 11th St., 713.869.9141; dacapospastrycafe.com
Dessert Gallery Bakery %26amp; Cafe, 3600 Kirby Dr., 713.522.9999; 1616 Post Oak Blvd., 713.622.0007; dessertgallery.com
French Gourmet Bakery and Cafe, 2250 Westheimer, 713.524.3744; fgbakery.com
Mia Sorella Cakes, miasorellacakes.com
Michael%26#8217;s Cookie Jar, 5330 Weslayan St., 713.771.8603; michaelscookiejar.com
More Than Cakes, 1100 W. Dallas St., 713.652.5135; morethancakes.com. By appointment.
Ooh La La Bakery, 23920 Westheimer Parkway, Katy, 281.391.2253; oohlalasweets.com
Susie%26#8217;s Cakes, 12280 Westheimer, 281.493.3222; susiescakes.com
Three Brothers Bakery, 4036 S. Braeswood Blvd., 713.666.2253; 3brothersbakery.com
Who Made the Cake!, 1811 S. Shepherd Dr., 713.528.4719; whomadethecake.com

Caterers

A Fare Extraordinaire, 2035 Marshall St., 713.527.8288; afehouston.com
Abuso Catering, 6729 Stella Link Road, 713.660.6617; abusocatering.com
Acute Events %26amp; Catering, 2711 Kipling St., 713.528.1133; acuteevents.com
Armandos Taco Truck, 2630 Westheimer, 713.520.1738; armandos restaurant.com
Catering by Culinaire, 3900 Milam St., 713.524.2337; cateringbyculinaire.com
City Kitchen, 8101 Airport Blvd., 713.847.8004; citykitchencatering.com
Crew Staffing, 4617 Montrose Blvd., 713.526.2739; crewstaffing.com
Jackson and Company, 707 Hawthorne St., 713.523.5780; jacksonandcompany.com
La Villette Catering %26amp; Special Events, 1716 Bissonnet St., 713.521.7550; lavillettecatering.com
M%26#233;lange Catering %26amp; Special Events, 6803 Wynnwood Lane, 713.869.0066; melangeevents.com
The Stone Kitchen Catering %26amp; Special Events, 2112 Waugh Dr., 713.521.3500; stonekitchencatering.com
Tony%26#8217;s Catering, 713.622.6779; tonyshouston.com

Complete Event Production

Bergner %26amp; Johnson Design, 519 Pecore St., 713.662.3769; bergnerandjohnson.com
Darryl %26amp; Co., 483 W. 38th St., 713.863.0400; darrylco.com
Design %26amp; Inspiration, P.O. Box 7866, 713.880.3613; designandinspiration.net
DGLS Events ... at Your Service, 5001 Woodway, 713.301.0158; dglsevents.com
Elias Events, 6214 Beverly Hill #24, 713.334.1800; eliasevents.com
The Events Company, Richard Flowers, 1237 N. Post Oak Road, 713.426.5800; theeventsco.com
Michael Cord%26#250;a Events, 1050 N. Post Oak Road, 713.961.0911; cordua.com
Swift + Company, 2137 W. Alabama St., 713.526.7600; swiftevents.com

Floral Designers

Aubrey Sellers Flowers and Gifts, 1545 Peden St., 713.880.1919; classicromance.com. By appointment.
Breen%26#8217;s Florist, 1050 N. Post Oak Road, Ste. 280, 713.668.2376; breensflorist.com
The Cutting Garden, 1846 Westheimer, 713.465.9145; mycuttinggarden.com
David Brown, 1180-10 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.664.0466; davidbrownflowers.com
The Empty Vase of Houston, 2511 River Oaks Blvd., 713.529.9969; emptyvasehouston.com
Events in Bloom, 638A West 20th St., 713.880.1475; eventsinbloom.com
In Bloom, Inc., 814 Fairview St., 713.523.3553; inbloominc.com
Johnathan Andrew Sage, 3902 McKinney St., 713.227.7300; johnathan andrewsageinc.com
Lexis Florist, 5785 San Felipe, 713.774.8080; lexisflorist.comLily, 909 Willard St., 713.521.7738
Plants %26#8217;n Petals, 3810 Westheimer, 713.840.9191; plantsnpetals.net
Stems Custom Floral, 4711 Gibson St., 713.574.1250; stemscustomfloral.com

Invitations

Ann Werme Stationers, 2400 Augusta Dr., 713.339.4511; annwerme stationers.com. By appointment.
Avalon Stationery and Gifts, 2604 Westheimer Road, 713.528.0052
Bering%26#8217;s, 6102 Westheimer, 713.785.6400; 3900 Bissonnet St., 713.665.0500; berings.com
Cartier, Galleria, 713.871.0177; cartier.com
Events, River Oaks Shopping Center, 1966 W. Gray St., 713.520.5700; eventsgifts.com
High Cotton Design, highcottonhouston.com. By appointment.
Houston Invitation Service, 2503 River Oaks Blvd., 713.522.2757; invitationservice.com
Hurst Engraving, 6435 Gulfton St., 281.449.2412
Invitation Solutions, 713.864.5573; invitationsolutions.com. By appointment.
Jenny Wakefield, 2233 W. Alabama St., 713.529.6161. By appointment.
Katie %26amp; Company, 4500 Washington Ave., 713.802.1345; katie-co.com
La Casa de Letras, 713.527.4415; info@casa-letras.com. By appointment.
PH Design Shop, 3306 S. Shepherd Dr., 713.522.8861; phdesignshop.com
Simple Difference, Daniela Weil, 713.278.1994. By appointment.
The Pretty Penny, 14534 Memorial Dr., 281.493.2430; theprettypenny.com
Tiffany %26amp; Co., Galleria, 713.626.0220; tiffany.com

Details: Calligraphy etc.

Anne Cheney, 713.782.3708; 123acheney@comcast.net. Calligraphy.
Avalon Stationery and Gifts, 2604 Westheimer, 713.528.0052. RSVP services.
Bright Star Productions, 2420 Center St., 713.529.2757; brightstarproductions.com. Custom lighting and sound.
Calligraphy by Patricia, 3701 West Alabama St., 713.621.9595; patleith@sbcglobal.net
Houston Invitation Service, 2503 River Oaks Blvd., 713.522.2757; invitationservice.com
Karla Hamilton, 713.868.5087. Calligraphy.
PenDance Calligraphy %26amp; Engraving, Maureen Vickery, 281.558.7856; pendance.us
Susan Petty, 713.784.8888. Calligraphy.

Makeup Artists

Amanda Paige Makeup, 713.418.0261; contact@amandapaige.us
Jennifer Aronson with Nars at Solution for Hair, 1800 Westheimer, 713.526.4545; solutionforhair.com
Cer%26#243;n Salon, Olga Reza, 1180-12 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.892.8330; ceronsalon.com
Cynthia Christ and Melissa Sellers at Sensia Studio %26amp; Japanese Day Spa, 1711 Post Oak Blvd., 713.627.0070; sensiastudio.com
Renee Diaz, Yvette Fowler and Darcie Teasley at Trellis, The Spa at The Houstonian, 111 N. Post Oak Lane, 713.685.6790; houstonian.com
Sherrie Evett, 713.385.0373; sherriebaby@comcast.net
Jose Montalvo of One Salon, 3621 W. Alabama, 713.529.3002; onesalonhouston.com
Janie Pollock at Let%26#8217;s Make-Up, Inc., 4899 Montrose Blvd., 713.523.2520
Tonya Riner, 713.582.0625; tonya@beautyforreal.com
Edward Sanchez at Urban Retreat Skin Care Center, Haddon Square, 1701 S. Shepherd Dr., 713.523.1701; urbanretreat.com
Rachel Tate at Urban Retreat Salon, 2329 San Felipe, 713.523.2300; urbanretreat.com
Heidi Schulze at Solution for Hair, 1800 Westheimer, 713.526.4545; solutionfor hair.com
Sarah Tucker Make-up Artistry, 713.822.3812; sarahtuckermakeup.comDarcie Teasley, 979.492.4200; info@makeupbydarcie.com
Corinne Williams at Fa%26#231;ade, 1101-03 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.552.1545; facadeuptown.com
Dyanna Wilson at 35 Make Up Design, 5600 Kirby Dr., 713.660.7600; 35makeupdesign.com

Music Bookers

Allen Hill Entertainment, 713.426.2741; allenhill entertainment.com
Avalon Music, 713.529.2672; theavalonmusic.com
Gulf Coast Entertainment, 2017 W. Gray St., 713.523.7004; gulfcoastentertainment.com
Marshall Maxwell Entertainment Agency, 713.522.3514; marshallmaxwell.com
Simply Entertainment, 713.807.0202; simplyentertainment.biz
Ward %26amp; Ames Special Events, 7500 San Felipe, 713.266.9696; wardand ames.com

Reception Locations

A wedding in the house you grew up in %26#8230; nothing is more personal and gracious. However, if your living room or garden is out of the question, a hotel ballroom or private club might be most apropos.

Alden Houston, 1117 Prairie St., Amanda Johnston at 832.200.8803; aldenhotels.com
Four Seasons Hotel Houston, 1300 Lamar St., Elisa Sosa at 713.652.6263; fourseasons.com/houston
Hilton Americas%26#8211;Houston, 1600 Lamar St., Jennifer Huerta at 713.577.6064; hilton.com
Hilton Houston Post Oak, 2001 Post Oak Blvd., Rachel Hudson at 713.968.1338; hilton.com
Hotel Derek, 2525 W. Loop South, Stacy Lillis at 713.297.4345; hotelderek.com
Hotel Granduca, 1080 Uptown Park Blvd., Heather Hickman at 713.418.1000; granducahouston.com
Hotel Icon, 220 Main St., Mary Taube or Michael McVey at 832.667.4464; hotelicon.com
Hotel ZaZa Houston, 5701 Main St., Lisa Hudson at 713.526.1991; hotelzazahouston.com
The Houstonian Hotel, Club %26amp; Spa, 111 N. Post Oak Lane, Jim Gray or Evangelia McCarthy at 713.685.6878; houstonian.com
InterContinental Houston, 2222 W. Loop South, John Olkley at 713.850.2800; ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental
The Lancaster, 701 Texas Ave., Stacy Schmidt at 713.228.9500; thelancasterhouston.com
The Magnolia Hotel, 1100 Texas Ave., Claudia Behring at 713.221.0011; magnoliahotelhouston.com
Omni Houston Hotel, 4 Riverway, Desiree Tapping at 713.624.4814; omnihotels.com
St. Regis Hotel, Houston, 1919 Briar Oaks Lane, Tobias Rimkus at 713.840.7600; stregis.com/Houston
Hotel Sorella, CityCentre, 800 W. Sam Houston Parkway North, LIsa Wathen at 713.973.1600; hotelsorella-citycentre.com
The Westin Galleria, 5060 W. Alabama St., 713.960.8100; westin.com/galleria
The Westin Oaks, 5011 Westheimer, 713.960.8100; westin.com/oaks

Or, try these sites:

The Corinthian, 202 Fannin St., Boyd Bryan at 713.222.2002; thecornithianhouston.com
The Crystal Ballroom at the Rice Lofts, 909 Texas Ave., Paula Foreman or Jamie Purpera at 713.227.7423; sambucacatering.com
Cullen%26#8217;s Upscale American Grill, 11500 Space Center Blvd., Megan Cantini at 281.481.3463; cullenshouston.com
DiverseWorks, 1117 E. Freeway, Jon Read at 713.223.8346; diverseworks.org
Gremillion %26amp; Co. Fine Art Gallery, 2501 Sunset Blvd., Brian Freeze at 713.522.2701; gremillion.com
The Grove, 1611 Lamar St., Ivonne Marquez at 713.337.7321; thegrovehouston.com
Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St., Annalisa Minnitti at 713.315.2428; thehobbycenter.org
The Hofheinz House, 3900 Milam, Luzia Turner, 713.524.2337; cateringbyculinaire.com/hofheinzhouse.html
Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Dr., Leslie Goode or Nancy Lauletta-Bowen at 713.639.4749; hmns.org
La Colombe d%26#8217;Or, 3410 Montrose Blvd., Ed Bodee or Hannah Kramer, 713.524.7999; lacolombedor.com
Lawndale Art Center, 4912 Main St., Karen Olds, 713.528.5858; lawndaleartcenter.org
McClain Gallery, 2242 Richmond Ave., Leigh Manley, 713.520.9988; mcclaingallery.com
Poissant Gallery, 5102 Center St., 713.868.9337; poissantgallery.com
River Oaks Garden Club, 2503 Westheimer, Sherry McCarty at 713.523.2483; riveroaksgardenclub.org

Photographers

Alexander%26#8217;s Fine Portrait Design, 312 Birdsall St., Linda Rogers, 713.682.6000; alexandersportraits.com
Alvin Gee Photography, 911 Town and Country Blvd., 713.647.0911; alvingee.com
Bohemian Photography, 801 William St., 713.344.0415; bohemianphotography.com
Brooke Schwab Photography, 1137 East 11th St., 713.863.0100; brookeschwabphotography.com
Chris Wineinger Photography, 832.372.3456; chriswineingerphoto.com
D. Jones Photography, 2005 Mason St., 713.521.1550; djonesphoto.com
Evin Thayer Studios, 405 Avondale St., 713.524.0199; evinthayer.com
Gittings, 1121-10 Uptown Park Blvd, 713.965.9301; gittings.com. Portraits only.
Goodlight Photography, 713.869.8168; goodlightphotography.com
Home Video Productions by Gary Bolton, Missouri City, 281.437.4088; homevideoproductions.com
Jenny Antill Photography, 832.877.4476; jennyantill.com
John Lewis Weddings, 281.384.8633; johnlewisweddings.net
John Ly Photography, 7141 Thrush Dr., 281.701.7939; johnlyphotography.com
Karen Sachar Photography, 713.523.1150; ksachar.com
Legacy Multimedia, 281.381.9550; legacymultimedia.com
Michael Carr Photography, 5701 Woodway, 713.461.2862; michaelcarr photography.com
Michael Martinez Photography, 713.355.5345; martinezphoto.com. By Appointment.
NHAN Photography, 1710 Waugh Dr., 713.523.3887; nhanphotography.com
Phyllis Hand Photography, 713.861.9327; phyllishand.com
PWL Studio by Fulton Davenport, 805 Welch St., 713.521.7022; pwlstudio.com
Simon Roderick Gentry Photography, 832.661.7363; simongentry.com
Steve Lee Photography, 713.443.7058; stevelee weddings.com
Steve Schmid Photography, 3939 Essex Lane, 713.960.9839; steveschmidphotography.com
Temple Webber Photography, 4605 Post Oak Place, 713.621.9320; templewebber.com
Terry Blackburn Photography, 1260 Blalock Road, 713.464.0094; blackburnstudios.com
Tomas Ramos Photographers, 5920 Fairdale #6, 713.975.1457; tomasramos.com
Wedding and Portrait Stories, 713.521.7667; weddingstories.com

Wedding Coordinators

Bobbi Asarch, 713.728.3336; bobbiasarch.com
Belle of the Ball, 4010 Blue Bonnet, 713.528.9966; belleevents.com
Robin Berry, 281.827.4182; robinberry@gmail.com
Design Wedding Consultants, Shena Cherian, 832.493.1129
Elias Events, 6214 Beverly Hill #24, 713.334.1800; eliasevents.com
For Your Memories, 1800 Augusta, 713.532.8100; foryourmemories.com
Keely Thorne Events, 2449 South Blvd., 713.807.8188; keelythorne.com
Rita Holland, 713.965.0936; r.holland@sbcglobal.net
The Master Plan Weddings, Lauren Swarts, 713.826.4743; masterplanevents.com
Schwartz %26amp; Woodward, 713.780.1282; schwartzwoodward.com. By appointment.
Silver Spoon Events, Dianne Famoff, 281.320.0750
Mary Martha Steed, Event Consultant, 713.526.0085; mmsteed.com
Two Be Wed, 2611 Greenbriar, 713.572.3030; twobewed.net
Ann Whittington, 713.461.8424; annevents.com

Behind the Scenes at Five Chic Weddings

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 05:37:15 GMT

%26nbsp;

The Couple: Annie Bayer and Scott Goldberg

Wedding Date: July 4, 2009
Location, location: The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas for the ceremony and reception
Our favorite details:
%26#8226; Neiman Marcus at The Shops at Willow Bend inspired the decor, which included strands of white butterflies suspended from the ceiling, trees and walls %26#8212; even a cannon filled with colorful butterflies that exploded onto the dance floor during the horah dance.
%26#8226; The couple exited the ceremony to %26#8220;Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I%26#8217;m Yours)%26#8221; by Stevie Wonder, with %26#8220;Can%26#8217;t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe%26#8221; by Barry White as their first dance.
%26#8226; Annie surprised Scott with a groom%26#8217;s cake from Le Gateau Cakery, topped with a fondant replica of his hometown of Greenwood, Mississippi.%26nbsp;
%26#8226; The Fourth of July holiday was celebrated the night of the wedding with red, white and blue vodka-spiked snow cones. Upon the couple%26#8217;s departure, guests held sparklers as Annie and Scott ran through and climbed into the family%26#8217;s red Mercedes convertible.
Who they called to make it happen: Wedding coordination Mary Wright Shah, Diamond Affairs %26#183; Flowers Bella Flora of Dallas %26#183; Lighting Lite Dallas %26#183; Music Ken Arlen Orchestra %26#183; Rentals Ducky Bob%26#8217;s %26#183; Linens Bella Flora of Dallas %26#183; Catering The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas %26#183; Cakes Le Gateau Cakery %26#183; Photography Karlisch Photography %26#183; Videography Turquoise Video Productions %26#183; Bridal makeup L.B. Rosser%26nbsp; %26#183; Oscar de la Renta gown Warren Barr%26#243;n Bridal %26#183; Badgley Mischka bridesmaid dresses Patsy%26#8217;s, A Bridal Boutique

%26nbsp;

The Couple: Nina Knell and Patrick %26#8220;Deck%26#8221; Sachse

Wedding Date:%26nbsp; July 11, 2009
Location, location: Quigley%26#8217;s Chapel of St. James in Chicago for the ceremony; Four Seasons Hotel Chicago for the reception
Our favorite details:
%26#8226; Nina wore a Carolina Herrera gown, from Carolina Herrera in Highland Park Village, adorned with abstract flowers; the lining of Deck%26#8217;s Isaiah evening jacket, from Stanley Korshak, was embroidered with his initials and their wedding date.
%26#8226; Artist Patricia Van Essche of PVE Design captured scenes of the day in watercolor %26#8212; from the vows at Quigley%26#8217;s Chapel of St. James to the reception at the Four Seasons Hotel.
%26#8226; As a nod to her Sicilian roots, the entrance to the Italian garden-like reception was lined with cypress trees.
%26#8226; Besides music from the Ken Arlen Orchestra, the bride%26#8217;s parents surprised the couple by flying in the Los Angeles%26#8211;based Jersey Boys to entertain the crowd, complete with go-go dancers.
%26#8226; At 11 pm, Nina changed into a black Carolina Herrera dress for the after-party across the hall %26#8212;%26nbsp;a black and pink club-like atmosphere inspired by her favorite jeweler, Chrome Hearts, with mini cheeseburgers, French fries and milkshakes for late-night snacking.
Who they called in Chicago to make it happen: Wedding coordination Birch Design Studio %26#183; Flowers Flower Firm %26#183; Lighting Frost Lighting %26#183; Music The Ken Arlen Orchestra and Jersey Boys %26#183; Linen rentals Tabletoppers, Inc. %26#183; Rentals Hall%26#8217;s Rental %26#183; Catering Four Seasons Hotel Chicago %26#183; Cakes Take the Cake %26#183; Photography Garbo Productions %26#183; Bridal makeup Regina Sneor and Rosie Scianna %26#183; Hair Robyn Tornabeni and Ginger Damato %26#183; Car service Classic Chassis

%26nbsp;

The Couple: Cindy James and Paul Kirkpatrick

Wedding Date: October 10, 2009
Location, location: Prairie Dog Imports for the ceremony; Nasher Sculpture Center for the reception
Our favorite details:
%26#8226; Forty family members and friends dined at the T-Room at Forty Five Ten for the rehearsal dinner, with chef Greg O%26#8217;Neill in charge of the cuisine. Polaroid photos of the guests%26#8217; names served as place cards, as a nod to Cindy%26#8217;s love of photography.
%26#8226; Paul%26#8217;s father officiated the service at Robert Bellamy%26#8217;s compound, Prairie Dog Imports. In keeping with the nature-inspired surroundings, river stones were placed atop programs in the guest seats.
%26#8226; The couple mailed a piece of canvas to each guest that asked, %26#8220;What does love mean to you?%26#8221; In return, they received nearly 90 works of art that were pieced together to create a tapestry displayed at the entrance to the reception at the Nasher Sculpture Center.
%26#8226; A photo booth was stationed near the bar for instant snaps, with Cindy and Paul%26#8217;s wedding logo printed on the bottom of each strip.%26nbsp;
Who they called to make it happen: Wedding coordination Mathes and Co. Events, Emily Rembert %26#8226; Flowers Jack Collins at Urban Flower Grange Hall %26#8226; Lighting Lite Dallas %26#8226; Music Divisi Strings and Black Joe Lewis %26amp; The Honeybears %26#8226; Photo booth DFW Photo Booths %26#8226; Linens and rentals Celebration Event Rentals %26#8226; Catering Wolfgang Puck %26#8226; Cakes Frosted Art Bakery %26amp; Studio %26#8226; Photography Alex Ham %26#8226; Invitations Bella Figura %26#8226; Car service Gold Crown Valet

%26nbsp;

The Couple: Abbie Steffler and Dawson Oswalt

Wedding Date: May 2, 2009
Location, location: First Presbyterian Church in downtown Fort Worth for the ceremony; Thistle Hill (1904) for the reception
Our favorite details:
%26#8226; Their decadent Southern menu consisted of deviled eggs, shrimp and grits with collard greens and bacon, Vidalia onion tarts, mini crab cakes and handmade margaritas %26#8212; shaken that very evening by the father of the bride.
%26#8226; The Cr%26#232;me de la Cr%26#232;me cake was styled with an old-world sugar floral arch and a vintage %26#8217;60s cake topper with lace from the bride%26#8217;s mother%26#8217;s veil, handmade by the bride%26#8217;s great-grandmother.
%26#8226; The guestbook table was strewn with glass cloches filled with garden roses, geranium and ivy topiaries, bridal and family portraits, and an array of peonies, tulips, peaches and clusters of maidenhair fern.
%26#8226; The save-the-date card, napkins, amenity boxes for hotel guests and the Southern toffee given as final favors all featured the couple%26#8217;s silhouettes.
%26#8226; An activity table kept the children occupied with white paper, markers and crayons, books, toy cars, figurines and colorful pinwheels.
%26#8226; A vintage white Cadillac whisked the bride and groom away after the reception.
Who they called to make it happen: Wedding coordination and flowers Todd. Event Design. Creative Services. %26#183; Lighting Switch Lighting Group %26#183; Music Gallery String Quartet and The Roof Raisers %26#183; Linens Wildflower Linen and Tablewraps %26#183; Tents and rentals Ducky Bob%26#8217;s %26#183; Catering EuroCater %26#183; Cakes Cr%26#232;me de la Creme Cake Company%26#183; Photography Jason Wynn Photography %26#183; Videography Michael Burr %26#183; Bridal hair and makeup The Makeup Junkie, Nikki Wynn %26#183; Getaway car service Dallas Dream Cars %26#183; Valet Gold Crown Valet Parking%26nbsp;

%26nbsp;

The Couple:%26nbsp; Martha Glasgow and Steve Greenberg

Wedding Date: May 2, 2009
Location, location: Dallas residence of Lisa and Steve Lieberman for the ceremony and reception
Our favorite details:
%26#8226; Martha and her father followed a Glasgow family member playing the bagpipes en route to the chuppah, which was constructed of birch branch and suspended candles for thedusk ceremony.
%26#8226; Tart provided the bride%26#8217;s cake and the groom%26#8217;s cupcakes (topped with the bride and groom%26#8217;s monogram from their wedding invitation), with Wendy Krispin Caterer passing Dovebars (Steve%26#8217;s favorite sweet) to guests for dessert.
%26#8226; Martha slipped out of her Priscilla of Boston wedding gown into a white Billy Reid button-down oxford and jeans midway through the reception as rain had drenched her dress, making it too heavy for late-night dancing.
%26#8226; Family friends wove through the reception with overflowing baskets of brightly colored pashminas (picked up in New York City by the bride%26#8217;s mom) for each guest to choose a favorite color as a take-home favor.

Who they called to make it happen: Wedding coordination and flowers Bella Flora of Dallas %26#183; Lighting Absolute Entertainment %26#183; Music Kathy Richardson Strings and Top Entertainment %26#183; Tent M%26amp;M The Special Events Company %26#183; Linens and rentals Ducky-Bob%26#8217;s %26#183; Catering Wendy Krispin Caterer %26#183; Cakes Tart Pastry Boutique %26amp; Studio %26#183; Photography George Fiala %26#183; Videography Elixir Entertainment %26#183; Bridal makeup Sandra Sebag %26#183; Car service R.P. Valet-Parking, Inc.

%26nbsp;

For more amazing photos of wedding details, click 'launch slideshow' above.

%26nbsp;

Letter from the Editors

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 03:39:44 GMT

Around here, we are crazily obsessed with details. The color of a sequin. The stitch pattern on a gearshift knob. The watermarks on creamy stationery. So when it came time to plot the February issue and its bounty of weddings, we thought of one thing: the details. Brooke set forth and ferreted out the tiniest touches, the littlest luxuries that our featured newlyweds obsessed over for their Big Day. Can you imagine the entire town of Greenwood, Mississippi, as a cake topper, rendered in fondant icing? Neither could we %26#8212; but now you can, beginning on page 26. What other vow wows tickled our fancy? The white Cadillac convertible (%26#8217;60s chic!) at the Oswalt wedding, the Jersey Boys (complete with go-go dancers) booked for the Sachse wedding and the 90 (90!) miniature works of art on canvas painted ahead of time by guests at the Kirkpatrick nuptials, all visual answers to the query %26#8220;What does love mean to you?%26#8221; Wait till you learn who changed out of one Carolina Herrera and into another, who served vodka-spiked snow cones and who sent their guests home swaddled in pashmina wraps (we kid you not). Crazily obsessed with wedding-day details? Our kind of people.

Bridal Trunk Shows

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:18:40 GMT

Warren Barr%26#243;n Bridal

53 Highland Park Village, 214.526.8400; www.warrenbarron.com%26#160;

%26#160;

January 21%26#160;%26#8211; 23, 10 am%26#160;%26#8211; 6 pm: Lela Rose bridal trunk show

%26#160;

February 4%26#160;%26#8211; 6, 10 am%26#160;%26#8211; 6 pm: Marchesa bridal collection trunk show exclusively available at Warren Barr%26#243;n%26#160;

February 18%26#160;%26#8211; 20, 10 am%26#160;%26#8211; 6 pm: Elizabeth Fillore bridal collection trunk show %26#160;

%26#160;

March 4%26#160;%26#8211; 6, 10 am%26#160;%26#8211; 6 pm: Vera Wang bridal collection trunk show

March 11%26#160;%26#8211; 13, 10 am%26#160;%26#8211; 6 pm: Angel Sanchez bridal collection trunk show %26#160;

%26#160;

April 1%26#160;%26#8211; 3, 10 am%26#160;%26#8211; 6 pm: Monique Lhuillier bridal collection trunk show %26#160;

%26#160;

May 13%26#160;%26#8211; 15, 10 am%26#160;%26#8211; 6 pm: Oscar de la Renta bridal collection trunk show

Impressions - A Bridal Salon

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 05:39:39 GMT

Highland Village Shopping Center
4001 Westheimer, second floor
713.622.1122
Visit Website
Keys to the Door: Owner Joan Pillow and Houston partner Anita Gaylor.
Something New: The Atlanta-based bridal couture salon opens this month in a new 2,600-square-foot second-story space in Highland Village at the corner of Westheimer and Drexel. Painted in a cream-puff palette of taupes, the Art Deco%26#8211;inspired boutique owned by Joan Pillow with Houston partner Anita Gaylor (Gaylor was creator/owner of the former bridal shop Louise Blum), will carry top-of-the-line bridal designers such as Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang, Ulla-Maija and Lazaro, as well as an edited collection of wedding shoes, veils and jewelry.%26nbsp; Brides can expect plush dressing rooms, three-way mirrors, sofas for mothers of the bride and ladies in waiting, and commissioned art, including a classic sketch by artist Allie Fletcher. Romanian artist Zoran is designing and installing a confectionary Venetian-plaster entryway to complement the Deco calla-lily chandelier that Pillow found, after a three-month hunt for the perfect light fixture, in her own attic.

Pen to Paper

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:15:26 GMT

Marjorie Maxfield is a wedding, stationery and correspondence expert, and now she%26#8217;s added %26#8220;author%26#8221; to her r%26#233;sum%26#233;, too. In The Write Stuff: A Modern Guide to Personal Stationery %26amp; Weddings (MMM Signature Press, 2009), the owner of Tanglewood Gifts %26amp; Stationery revels in the increasingly neglected art of the handwritten note. She even queries Texas notables about their personal penned signoffs. Former First Lady Barbara Bush, Maxfield reveals, is fond of closing her notes with %26#8220;Warmly,%26#8221; while hubby George sticks to %26#8220;Sincerely.%26#8221; Joanne King Herring faithfully writes %26#8220;May God continue to bless you and yours,%26#8221; while coach Jimmy Jones prefers %26#8220;Always the best.%26#8221; And it only makes sense that lawyer Richard %26#8220;Racehorse%26#8221; Haynes cleverly scribbles %26#8220;Call for a jury panel.%26#8221; Maxfield even mentions our own style contributor, Ceron, on page 28. It seems our darling Edward Scissorhands possesses plenty of paper for all occasions, both at home and in his salons %26#8212; all the better to dutifully dash off thank-you notes and lovely %26#8220;darling, it%26#8217;s been too long; don%26#8217;t we need to touch up those roots%26#8221; reminders. Laurann Claridge