2012 Trend: Step Aside Roses!

Over the past 6 months, one of the fast growing trends is the modern vintage combined with a organic under tone in the design of weddings.  Brides want different, interesting and unique! One of the most impactful design components is with flowers.  Roses, calla lilies and orchids are beautiful and truly classic.  However, the modern bride wants her flowers to stand out with style and a chic impact.  Almost in an understated way.  In 2011, it was all about the bling, crystals, and anything that glittered.  2012 is about texture, softness and unique, "out of the box" ideas. 

Enter great flowers such as succulents, Queens Anne lace, carnations, baby's breathe, cotton, and wheat. Some may refer to these flowers as weeds or cheap flowers.  However, when created in a tasteful way, they can be very beautiful and unique. And the best part, is that they can be quite affordable to your budget. 
 bouquet featuring wheat and lotus pods by Holly Chapple

Photo Credit: Melissa Schollaert

Photo Credit: Red Loft Studios

Wedding Trends: Lighting Is Everything

When designing the decor for an event, the first step is to establish a budget.  From there, I want to work with the client to determine their design style.  We generally discuss their likes, dislikes and review numerous pictorial examples.  From there, I want to see the space so I can walk it and envision what they have described.  This step is truly important as I can pull inspiration from anything; drapes, window shapes, details on the exterior. 

For most of my evening events, I strongly recommend to almost all of my clients some type of lighting effect; monogram gobo, gobo patterns on the wall, ceiling or frame the dance floor and even just simply uplighting.  For a company party or convention, you could use the company colors and/or the company name on the wall. Its truly one of the most cost effective design elements that has the biggest impact on a design.  Such companies as Texas Events and ILD Lighting are among the most talented in Texas.

Photo Credit:
Akil Bennet
D.Jones Photography
Shawn Fashion Photography
Love Lee Photography
Studio Capture

Celebrating the Brides Magazine Choice Awards

I recently learned that we were amoung a few of the most honored wedding professionals in Houston to be selected and honored by Brides Magazine. Congratulations to all those who were honored.

Here's the scoop.....

In the Fall/Winter 2011 issue of Brides Houston, we announced the winners of our first-ever Editor's Choice Awards.

It's a way for the editorial staff and me to officially recognize the amazing, forward-thinking, art-creating, call-returning, trend-making wedding vendors who inspire and delight us every time we craft an issue of our magazine. And, most importantly, we're excited to share this winning list with all of you—it's a great place to start assembling your dream team. —Julie Raimondi

See the full list of winners after the jump.

RECEPTION SITES
Garden/Outdoors:
The Gardens of Bammel Lane
Hotel/Resort:
Hotel ZaZa
Museum/Art Gallery:
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Unique Venue:
Downtown Aquarium
Special Events Space:
Briscoe Manor
Loft/Raw Space:
The Gallery
Restaurant:
Brenner's on the Bayou

CATERERS
A Fare Extraordinaire
Jackson & Company

CAKE DESIGNERS
Cakes by Gina
Who Made the Cake
SatinSlices

FLORIST
Bergner & Johnson

HAIR & MAKEUP
Adorne Artistry
Jennifer Aronson Makeup

ENTERTAINMENT
Rock N Robin

WEDDING PLANNERS
SoireeBLISS!


BRIDAL SALONS
Mia Bridal Couture
Bella Bridesmaid
Maison de Mode


INVITATIONS
Invitation Solutions

JEWELRY
De Beers
I W Marks

PHOTOGRAPHERS
Corinna Raznikov Photography
Lisa Rigby Photography
Joyelle West Photography

VIDEOGRAPHER
31Films
Blue Star Video

Soireebliss! Event couldn't have achieved as much as we have over the past four years of business without an amazing team of women and the wonderful clients who entrust their wedding to us. Words can not express the great amount appreciation, honor and gratitude!!!

DIY - How to Address Wedding Invitations Beautifully

I have had a long time love affair with all things paper related. One specifically is calligraphy! Calligraphy is such a beautiful piece of artwork that can make all the difference to a wedding invitation, program cover, menu and escort cards. It's like the perfect pair of shoes for that Valentino black dress.

A few years ago, I took on the challenge of attempting to learn calligraphy. I thought for sure that my artistic skills would lend me to successfully learning such a skill. After weeks of trying, I realized that calligraphy isn't just a skill it's a talent. I'm left 'awestruck' by such artists as Pendance, Calligraphy by Jennifer, and The Left Handed Calligrapher. The beauty and originality which they bring to their designs is gorgeous. Your guests will be impressed from the moment they receive your invitation.

For those who would love to take on the challenge of addressing your wedding invitations with calligraphy, but may not have the budget allocated for this detail, you may consider a DIY option. I recently found the most helpful blog entry by Angie's Roost: (read on.....)