Dubble Bubble Bride

I came across this uniquely fresh idea for a wedding favor and just couldn't resist sharing it. At this time of year when we all start to feel like children again, what a more perfect way to thank your guests for sharing in your special day than treating them to a mini gumball machine? Fill it with gumballs that match your colors or simply stick to traditional primary colors, either way is a fun, retro-chic way to represent the bride or the groom who can't seem to get enough of their favorite gum. *Composed By: Layne Smith...

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Tree-Chic

The perfect decor for a winter wedding is crystal-clad trees. Use them to line your aisle at the ceremony and all over your reception. Pictured here is a stunning example of how glamorous you can go. How exquisite are the crystal tear drops amongst the floating dendrobium orchids and tea-lights. Stunning! A more sizable arrangement is great for guests tables or cocktail tables This is the perfect example of a tall tree arrangement for a guest table. I love how the branches drape well above the guests line of sight and the roses at the base bring a soft, romantic finish.   Plan to dress up your bar or special display tables with a larger tree overflowing with crystals. I would love to see this tree draped with rock candy crystals highlighting...

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Pomanders: Precious vs Posh

Pomander balls are a popular (and smart!) option for flower girls to carry down the aisle. Baskets can be awkward for a small child to carry and many indoor venues won't even allow anything to be tossed down the aisle for safety reasons or care of the facility. Pomanders give you a 360 display of all those pretty buds in one precious package that's easily transportable for the most rambunctious of little girls. Yes, sweet as they may be, most every flower girl is also a bored little kid dying to run around and play! But have you ever considered using a pomander ball for your bridesmaids instead of traditional bouquets? Consider a collection of sophisticated blooms like peonies or exotic stems of dendrobium orchids. Ask your florist to size...

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Sand Ceremony

I love honoring old traditions in an updated fashion. With outdoor weddings, a beautiful ceremony to perform after exchanging rings is the sand ceremony. It comes from the unity candle tradition, in which mother of the bride and groom both light two separate candles during the pre-service. After the exchange of vows, the bride and groom each use the candle their mother lit to light one center candle and then extinguish the mother's candles to symbolize the unity of two people into one shared commitment. Sand Ceremonies are ideal in outdoor settings where wind may be a factor. It creates a beautiful visual effect for memorable photographs as well as the commemorative keepsake you take home with you. If you'd like to honor both mother of the...

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Venue with a View

For the cosmopolitan bride looking for a hot high-rise ceremony or reception, check out The Plaza Club or The Downtown Club. Both Club Corp spaces, these venues boasts skyline views and fabulous locations next to the best hotels in downtown Houston. Don't let the club corp label scare you off, these spaces are available to all brides, members or non-members. Both Jason Bailey of the Plaza Club and Brittny Campbell of The Downtown Club are talented private event directors with a friendly approach to client relations. Pictured above is the "royal table" in the Plaza Club.   A hot pink & black trendy reception at The Downtown Club   A magical winter wonderland ceremony at the Plaza Club   Classic bridal elegance at the...

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Vintage Veils

I'm a huge fan of the "birdcage" veil that is making a very strong comeback in bridal style these days. Also referred to as a demi or vintage veil, this demure accessory adds a huge statement to your overall bridal look. I particularly like how fashionable it is without any fuss. As if you are effortlessly classy and confident. You'll find them in three popular lengths of cap (to the forehead), eye-length, and blusher (to the cheekbones). The particulars of fabric are endless, but most often constructed of French net which lends itself to both delicacy and structure. Birdcage veils are wonderfully versatile. Their simplicity make it a great option for outdoor weddings, especially where there may be wind involved and you hate to have 2 yards...

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Sky Lanterns

 Looking for a fresh idea to add a "wow" factor to your ceremony or reception? Try sky lanterns! Safer than sparklers and so much more affordable than fireworks (appx $4/lantern), sky lanterns are the mini hot air balloons that are taking the european wedding market by storm. I predict we'll be seeing them as the hot new trend in America very soon... Sky lanterns are made of non flammable bio degradable rice paper and have a special designed wick for burning. Once lit, the lantern rises into the sky until the wick burns out at which time the lantern floats harmlessly back to earth. With the sun setting so early during the late-autumn and winter seasons, why not take advantage of early twilight with an unexpected...

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A "Haute" Night Out with Green Lily

Thank you to all who attended our "Something Old, Something New" trunk show and charity event at Maison de Mode this past Thursday evening! Champagne flowed freely and we all had a fabulous time, but most importantly, we substantially benefited The Fairy Godmother Project through numerous donations as well as a monetary donation from the sale of a Laura Mercier silent auction gift basket. Enjoy these highlights from the talented and lovable Morris of Morris Malakoff Photography. Maison de Mode storefront aglow in the heart of Rice Village Bridal gowns illuminated for guests to peruse Guests filled the boutique after hours The lovely Melissa modeling The Cotton Bride 2010 collection Rachel, a bride to be herself, modeling the 2010 collection...

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Hot Trend: Cotton Couture

I just love what designer Chris Kole is doing with his line of hand-sewn, natural material bridal gowns called The Cotton Bride. The collection blends an array of cotton, linen, and other natural fabrics, with hints of beadwork, lace and embroidery. Chris Kole describes The Cotton Bride as an "enlightened collection of bridal gowns embodying the spirit of our times by reflecting today's evolving values and priorities" Want to see the 2010 collection? Come to the trunk show and charity event at Maison de Mode next Thursday, November 12th from 5:30-8:30pm. We'll be unveiling the Cotton Bride 2010 along with Angel Sanchez's 2010 collection and benefiting the Fairy Godmother Project. For more information, view the invitat...

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Sweet Couture

I have to take a moment to rave about Mia Bridal Couture. I just spent some time with the owner, Emily, and adored her. What a warm, congenial woman! After our first five minutes together I felt like I had a new girlfriend. It can be hard to find high end retailers who aren't snooty or stuffy, but Emily and her intimate staff at Mia are neither. Brides are greeted at the new salon by modern white stylings with accents of mirrored elegance. The boutique is just gorgeous and done in a contemporary way that is comfortable and inviting. I loved that 27 Dresses was playing on a wall-mounted flat screen above the front desk! Emily is so caring of every bride that comes in. She thoughtfully plans her inventory to include a stunning variety of styles...

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Fashion & Philanthropy

Houston brides: grab your mom, grandmas, sisters, friends, and Save the Date for "Something Old, Something New" a Bridal Trunk Show and Charity Event brought to you by Green Lily Events and Maison de Mode. We'll be unveiling the 2010 collections of Angel Sanchez and The Cotton Bride while benefiting The Fairy Godmother Project. Check out these gorgeous gowns from Angel Sanchez's 2009 collection. You won't want to miss the introduction of his 2010 collection as well as The Cotton Bride's 2010 line by Chris Kole. Sip champagne or wine and nibble on artisan cheeses as your mingle amongst the featured gowns on display. Maison de Mode is opening their doors to guests for this beautiful event, Thursday November 12th 5:30pm - 8:30pm. Come and see...

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Hilton Post Oak

Just had a delightful morning with Rachel Hudson, Catering Services Manager for Weddings at the Hilton Post Oak. What a great venue for brides! Well, really two venues... With 19 ft ceilings and stunning Louis XIV-style crystal chandeliers, the Grand Ballroom is gorgeous! Divided into three sections, the room can accommodate up to 1000 guests open or can be sectioned off for a ceremony and reception or to better fit your size party. Hilton Post Oak will allow outside catering and has established preferred relationships with vendors specializing in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine. This is the spot for your cultural soiree! For a more intimate wedding, Hilton Post Oak offers the Vendome and the Post Oak rooms. The Vendome is historic in...

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Nancy Aidee Photography

I just had a moment to catch up with the beautiful and talented Nancy Aidee. She shared all her latest and greatest work with me and I was truly inspired by her editorial style. Nancy is passionate about utilizing natural light, rarely working with photoshop, but often shooting her clients  outdoors to capture the right effect at the right time. Enjoy some of Nancy's favorite images she shared with me...   ...

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One year!

I'm happy to report my husband, Brian, and I just celebrated our first wedding anniversary. As a tribute, and a glimpse into my own personal style and taste, I thought I would share pictures from our wedding on October 10, 2008. I actually planned two events; an original wedding on a hilltop in Austin. Unfortunately the property was sold to private owners who closed it down and canceled our wedding 4 months before the date leaving me to scramble and find any other venue with my day open. I was blessed to find Ashton Gardens, right here in Houston. A beautiful venue which brings the outdoors in. So I tell all my brides, no worries!! Things have a way of working out, no matter how bad it seems. Please enjoy photography from the talented Shannon...

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