A day that is grand with Ijorere invitations

Get noticed from the very start with these gorgeous invitations. Once your guest see your invitations they'll know what a grand wedding it will be. Their collections are fantastic with an array of possibilities and each one is stunning. Not to mention they're green! They were also voted Brides Choice Awards of 2010 and have been featured in Chicago Social Brides Modern Luxury and much more. And if you're having trouble pronouncing their name don't worry its easy and fun to say! E-jaw-ray-ray! So, if you're looking for that extra special something to start off your wedding go to Ijorere The Invitation.

By: Allison Geary-Weisenhorn
Wedding Coordinator
Green Lily Events

Casa de Novia Bridal Couture

I recently visited Casa De Novia to view their Spring 2010 Collection. Carmen Rideau greeted me as soon as I entered the inviting boutique. The flow of the salon was open and relaxing unlike some salons that are divided into many separate sections. It was apparent from the moment I walked in that the employees at Casa de Novia would do anything to make a bride-to-be’s dream come true. Casa de Novia has a wide selection of designer gowns, ranging from Junko Yoshioka to Monique Lhuillier. There were three dresses in Casa de Novia’s selection that especially caught my eye.

This artsy bridal gown from Monique Lhullier’s Platinum Collection is ideal for the bride who wants to stand out when she walks down the aisle while maintaining a feminine aura. “Sunday Rose” is perfect for the woman who wants her dress to say it all! She is fierce, fashion-forward and has an impeccable flair for style.  It is an ivory silk satin organza gown priced at $9500.

The picture of this elegant Oscar de la Renta gown does not do it justice. This silk taffeta and tulle v-neck dress is embroidered with sequins that really make it shine. With every hint of movement this gown flickers so subtly and would look exquisite at a candlelit ceremony and reception. I cannot stress enough that this dress must be seen in person to really get the full effect of its beauty. The bride who wears this gown loves a little sparkle in her life and wants to feel like royalty on her wedding day. The gown is runway look #22 in Oscar de la Renta’s Spring 2010 Collection (Style # 12E02).

This organza Palazzo gown, Tess, was my favorite gown in the whole boutique, and they received it a few hours before I got there! I am glad I went when I did because this dress is just perfect in every way.  This gown is for the bride who wants to showcase her true beauty rather than the dress attracting all of the attention. At first glance it is simple but it has the exact amount of detail in the back to be extraordinary. This delicate dress is meant for a woman who wants a truly romantic evening without being over the top. It costs $4200.

Casa de Novia Information:

3331 D’Amico

Houston, TX 77019

713.523.9090

www.casadenoviabridal.com

Owned by: Luvi Wheelock

Upcoming Trunk Dates: (view website for more dates)
Junko Yoshioka will make a personal appearance February 25^th-27^th. Brides will receive 10% off the regular price if they purchase a dress at the trunk show!

Experience Elizabeth Fillmore’s 2010 collection Saturday March 13^th. Elizabeth’s exquisite avante garde taste & chic silhouettes are one-of-a-kind and a must see! 

Sarah Chesley 

Wedding Coordinator

Summer Wedding with a Watermelon Twist!

An outdoor summer wedding should be laid back, a ton of fun, and beautifully reflective of the season. A typical bride in this economy desires the wedding of her dreams without spending a lot of money. A backyard picnic-themed wedding set in the enjoyable summer season is just the answer!

What is a backyard picnic without watermelon? Not only is watermelon a refreshing treat to serve to your guests to beat the summer heat, it also provides the perfect color palette for your wedding. You can serve a fruity pink cocktail with a watermelon garnish or you can serve the champagne for your toast from a watermelon keg.

For the centerpieces, place your favorite pink and white, in-season flowers in vintage watering cans. Spend a relaxing day with your fiancé bargain hunting for watering cans at local antique shops. Be green and save money by reusing glass jars to use as candle holders. Pair the country-style bouquet centerpieces with the candle jars to complete the finishing decorative touch to your rustic tables. To create a truly magical wedding look, use reused glass jars as lanterns by placing candles inside the jars, tying wire around the tops, and hanging them from surrounding trees. 

Cut costs by having a simple meal like sandwiches, potato salad, and fruit catered by a local deli or prepared by someone close to you. Place all of the meals in picnic baskets with silverware and napkins, tie with ribbon, and let the guests keep the baskets as wedding favors. 

Personalize your wedding to your budget, your wants, and your needs. Don't become overly stressed about your wedding; it should be enjoyable and the beginning of a wonderful new chapter of your life. Whatever you are considering for your wedding, remember that it is your day and anything that you want is within reach. You might just need to get a little creative!

Sarah Chesley

Wedding Coordinator

Winter Love

Red is the color of love and love is what a wedding is all about. What better colors to have than white to represent the beauty of a new beginning, brown to represent the start of a new season, and red for the passion of things to come. Great colors for a winter wedding are green and red, or white and silver. My favorite color is red so I wanted to create something that wasn't necessarily conventional but still illustrated a love two individuals have for each other. This is definitely a wedding scheme for no one other than a romantic. 

Red has such an intensity that it can easily over power anything, but by only using it subtly you can acquire the full scale of romance and charm. If you decide to use such a strong tone as red, then an ivory wedding dress is a must have. The combination of an ivory dress and a bouquet full of different red hues compliment each other wonderfully without taking over the bride. My inspiration for the center pieces was exactly what you see in winter. Everything is bear but it has a surreal beauty unlike any other season. Also, using the compilation of white linens allows you to have the perfect blend of everything that is romantic.

Astrid

Wedding Coordinator