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 a candy bar buffet.

Bling out your place cards and welcome guests into your reception with a dazzling display.

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 them larger and accent with crystals or a bracelet-like loop for a handle. Send your bridesmaids down the aisle solo with one hand on their hip, the other hand draped with the pomander ball. You'll have your ceremony looking more like a posh runway and your bridesmaids feeling fabulous.

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 bride and mother of the groom, you can have them walk down the aisle before the ceremony with a small vessel of sand to place beside a larger empty vessel for the ceremony. You may also wish to coordinate the color of sand with your wedding colors. Or think of a room in your house you will wish to display your unity sand sculpture in and then coordinate with the style and decor of that room.

I like the example displayed here. This couple chose to fill an hour glass to signify the beginning of a new time in both their lives. Long after their wedding day is over, the hourglass remains in their home office as a discreet keepsake.

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 Downtown Club

 

The Plaza Club boasts 49th floor views of the west. Perfect for sunset

 

The lights of Houston are a glowing backdrop through the floor-to-ceiling wall of windows at the Plaza Club.

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 of tulle flying around your face while saying "i do". Yet it's sophisticated elegance translate it to a great option for the most formal of affairs. For a fashionista, embellish with feathers, or tie in a little bling with dots of crystals or a dazzling Swarvorski broach.

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 and extraordinary sky lantern display. For lots of drama, outsource a professional company to release a display of sky lanterns in the distance, mimicking a fireworks show. For a more personal experience, provide each guest with a sky lantern of their own to release. You could do this at the close of an outdoor ceremony at sunset or invite your guests to step outside during an evening reception.

To be symbolic, I would suggest a bride and groom release just two during a private moment alone. What a wonderful memory and tribute to your future together as newlywed husband and wife.

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 of Angel Sanchez

Guests enjoyed mini-makeovers by Jennifer Aronson

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 invitation

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 and price points to accommodate a range of preferences and budgets. Any bride with an appointment at Mia is in for a treat! You will get the special service you deserve.

Fashion & Philanthropy

Houston brides: grab your mom, grandmas, sisters, friends, and Save the Date November 12th 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 you 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 their gorgeous boutique with floor to ceiling windows off Rice Blvd, exposed brick architecture, plush seating vignettes and discerning racks of bridal gowns. Indulge in mini-makeovers, style tips, and goody bags. Bid on a generous Laura Mercier gift basket up for silent auction.

And while you're enjoying this night of fashion, what could be better than adding a dash of philanthropy? The Fairy Godmother Project takes donations of gently-used formal gowns and accessories, such as shoes, purses, and jewelry, and gifts them to underprivileged Houston high school students for their senior prom. I know every one of us has some once worn formal gown in the back of our closet we swear we'll wear again, but rarely ever do. Why not transform your something old into a deserving students something new? Bring your donations to the event. Maison de Mode will remain open through the weekend, Nov 13-15, as a donation location for The Fairy Godmother Project.

We hope to see you there!

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 it's vintage wood paneling and has a sophisticated, French chateau feel. The Post Oak rooms are ideal for a mid-size affair with an established bar and and striking columns.

Raising the "Bar" at Your Reception

Bars and stations have been the trend for receptions and is an easy way to showcase individual's personalities. I love them as an alternative to buffets or traditional desserts. To check out some of the most amazing dessert buffets I have ever seen, visit Amy Atlas. Some of her amazing work is pictured here. See below for some of the many great ideas for bars you could use to personalize your reception. What's the best bar/buffet display you've seen?

It's been going strong for years:
The Candy Bar
(ala Amy Atlas)

Fresh-baked Cookie Bar:
print the recipe's out
as part of your favours













The latest twist on the Sweets Buffets: A Gourmet Popcorn Bar! Mmmm....

Love the Ice Cream Bars! Don't you adore this signature Amy Atlas style? Her creations are just so perfect!

For savory treats, marry a martini bar with your favorite comfort food: Pictured here is a martini glass full of mashed potatoes and all the fixin's. Try a Mac N Cheese Martini Bar or the more classic Seafood Bar.

Have a cigar rolling station or a cigar display for guests to enjoy one after dinner or to take home as a favour

Ice Bars with your monogram are so hot! They bring that "wow" factor to guests. You can have the whole bar made of ice or just the martini luge. Serve your signature cocktail off it.

For those of you who aren't liquor fans, try a Beer Buffet. You can order your own custom labels to coordinate with your wedding style and apply them to your favorite brews. Ice 'em down in various size buckets and arrange them on a table. Tie ribbon around the buckets with a personalized tag displaying the beers true name. Position a few jars of your favorite bar munchies as a cute addition!

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...