New Twist on Your Engagement Session

One of the most common activities for couples after getting engaged is to shoot an engagement session. For some couples, they want to have this shoot very soon after they are engaged. Others wait until 2-3 months prior to the wedding. The engagement session allows you and the photographer the opportunity to get better acquainted. The more comfortable you are around your photographer, the more relaxed you will be and your pictures will look better. (Photo Credit: Christine Tremoulet)

With most things related to weddings, there is an exciting evolution; trend per say that is moving away from the tradition ways of which our Mothers did them. As a planner, I am starting to see more and more couples who want to make their wedding truly unique to reflect their style and personality. Even if that style means something completely outside the box such as a camping destination weekend wedding or a picnic wedding in the middle of the day. For me, I absolute love this as it allows me to reach a higher level of creativity.

If you are one of these couples, you may love something new that is replacing (in some cases it's an additional session) the engagement session - Couples Boudoir Session. Of course, you have to feel completely comfortable with your photographer. A couple's boudoir session can be romantic, sultry, sexy and very intimate for you and your fiance. The pictures from the boudoir session can truly reflect a very artistic creative and become pieces of artwork. (Photo Credit: Jamie's Photography)

(Photo Credit: Photography by Talitha A. Tarro)

(Photo Credit: Kyle Hepp Photography)

Judd Waddell Trunk Show: Mia Bridal Couture

Mark you calendars ladies, one of the best designers in the wedding world is going to be at Mia Bridal Couture. Mia Bridal Couture is one of the best bridal boutiques in Houston. So you will be assured to receive the most personally fulfilling experience when picking out the dress of your dreams. Emily and her staff are highly trained to assist you in selecting the dress best fit for your style and shape. Emily works directly with the designers to know every detail of the structure of the gowns.

Judd Waddell is best known for his classic designs that are flattering, with many organza and lace silhouettes. If you happen to be a bit larger in the chest region, his strapless gowns are designed for fuller coverage.

Inspired to Plan,

Samantha Darr

Bride's Houston Magazine Article Part II: Venue Guide

With the most recent post being such a big hit, I have decided to do a blog post series of all the magazine articles I have done since launching in 2008. Today's post is the very first article I collaborated on Kim Forrest (Bride's Magazine Editor).

Looking back on this article, I chuckle a bit. When I was asked by Kim to provide my expert opinion on venues, Soireebliss! Events had only been officially opened for 4 months. With being a new business owner, I was absolutely ecstatic with such a great opportunity. I quickly went to work researching and touring venues to determine my top 3 venues that would fit the criteria provided by Kim. It was such a great networking opportunity.

For the article; "Top Sites for Every Guest List", I chose the following venues:

1. Artista - Unique restaurant with a great food
2. Hotel ZaZa - In my opinion, Dallas and Houston's locations are absolutely FABULOUS
3. Briscoe Manor - Perfect for the couple who wants to entertain a large guest list and show some Texas hospitality

Read the full Bride's Houston Fall/Winter 2008 article: (Link)

Stay tuned as there's many more articles packed full of helpful information.

Blissfully Inspired,

Samantha Darr

Let Me Introduce the Soiréebliss! Events Team

With any business comes growth! I am very lucky and quite fortunate to have withstood the trials of a new business, a new market, a few life changes and a bad economy. A day doesn't go by that I don't miss counting my blessings. A big part is acredited to the wonderful team of talented women who have joined my team. We share common work ethic, goals passion for events and whom equally strive to provide our clients the best possible experience on their big day. And honestly, they're just so fun to be with as well.

Over the past few months, I've been working on redeveloping Soiréebliss!'s brand to reflect the chic whimsical style which it's developed over the past three years. With that, I thought it best to share with other who makes the magic happen. Many, many, many thanks to Steve Lee Photography for spending a few hours with us on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

Here are some of our favorites:

The Team in front of our new studio space. This is a long time dream in the making.

The superstars that make the magic happen: Traci Riley, Brenda Cooper and Sarah St. Lawrence. Many thanks to them as they so generously give up their weekends to assist when needed. Without their loyal dedication and commitment, events just wouldn't happen. I can not put into words just how blessed I feel to have them apart of my life and company. We were sad that 3 of of members were unable to be apart of the shoot; Diana Liepold, Kristi Gomez and Julie Clark.

And of course, me, proud owner of SB! Events

Many thanks to my significant other, Todd Rankin. Without him, the office just wouldn't run quite as well as it does. He's our IT Guru and Master Toolsman who can MacGyver anything. Litterly! Without his loving support through the many long hours, missed weekend activities and unwavering belief in me, none of this would be possible.

Big Hugs All-Around,

Samantha Darr

Black & White Wedding: Bring Chic Back

One of my most favorite color combinations is black and white. Its chic, simplistic elegance can speak volumes in the style department. One of my favorite designers, Carolina Herrera incorporates black in many of her wedding gowns. Z Gallerie being one of my most favorite furniture stores has an endless array of items to incorporate into your wedding decor. Walking through their doors is like a kid in a candy store for me. I'm absolutely exhilarated as I begin to visualize 2-3 different event themes.

When choosing a black and white theme or color palette, it's important to remember that it's not a prom. It should not be matchy-matchy. We are past the age of Granimals. (Although, I will agree, Granimals is a great tool for young children.) Focus on texture, small details and play up the way which the black and white is incorporated together. Not every element in the design scheme has to include black and white together. Bringing in a touch of color gives your design a more metropolitan look. As most know, I am very partial to green or yellow. If you're like me and love green, try to avoid the apple green. Go for a deeper green such as kelly green or grass green. The apple green has a little more yellow and is past the trend phase of 2008 & 2009.

For a more unique look, bring in some non-typical items to your centerpieces. As mentioned before, Z Gallerie has some fabulous decor pieces. I say use them around the main item of your centerpiece. Not everything in the centerpiece has to be a candle or vase with flowers. It's important to present a visually interesting design to "WOW" your guests.

And most importantly, remember the details. Drink stirrers are new trend that adds a fun twist on the signature drink. There are some great designers on Etsy.com who can easily provide custom items. You may even consider a drink stirrer with fun romantic phrases to fit your theme. If you are having an Old Hollywood theme, list romantic couples from the movies. Or make them truly unique and personal by sharing funny tid-bits about each other.

And most importantly, be bold and incorporate the black into your attire. In today's fashion world, anything is possible and is perfectly acceptable. Have fun with it and make your look truly your own. You may even consider staying traditional for the ceremony and switching out your headpiece, shoes and jewelry for the reception. Adding a belt or brooches to your dress can make the biggest difference as well.

Blissfully Inspired!

Samantha Darr

Houston Bride's Magazine: Best Venue's for A Budget

One of my favorite pastimes during a cold and gloomy day is to grab a vanilla latte and some of the most recent interior design and wedding magazines at a bookstore. As I was making my way through the magazine section at Barnes & Noble, flipping through Bride's Houston magazine. My heart jumped when I read my name in an article. I was instantly walking on cloud 9 when I realized I had been published. It feels like months ago since I worked with Kim Forest (editor at the magazine) at Bride's Magazine on the article. I'm quite flattered and humbled by her continued interest in the endless amount of tips and expert knowledge I can share. And as all my clients to testify, the endles rolling reel of ideas never stops.

The article discusses the best venues in Houston that give you the biggest bang for your buck. As many know, in this economy, that is a pretty high priority for a lot of couples. With so many options in Houston, it truly was challenging narrowing the list down to 3. My hope is that with sharing a bit of my expert knowledge, it will help a few couples to de-stress and find the venue of their dreams.

1. Ashelynn Manor
2. Tuscany Villa
3. The Gallery

To read the full article click here.


Blissfully Inspired,

Samantha Darr

How'd We Get Our Name?

Since launching in January of 2008, we've received wide range of responses to our company name. Many have asked how we chose it. Other's have proven quite humorous by the different ways it's pronounced. And of course, some just absolutely love the originality. It's a name that sticks with you.

For me, when thinking about a company name, I wanted something original and different that was a reflection of my "think-outside-the box" design style. I tried endless combination of words that can be associated with party planning, details of decor and numbers. It finally dawned on me that having my own business was a dream come true at which point was truly the happiest I had been in my career. Hence the word "bliss".

Now everybody knows, your name should reflect what you do. So I sought the help of the Google translator tool to test every word associated with parties. From there, Soiréebliss! Events was born.

However, you may still be left wondering why the exclamation mark. For me Soiréebliss! has emotion and makes me think of and an expression. So, this is what I leave you with;

Soiréebliss! (swore ā bliss). adj. 1. The state of pure and memorable happiness experienced during a grand celebration. 2. An expressive emotion felt during a period of high emotional joy surrounded by perfection.

Always Inspired to Plan!

Samantha Darr