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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