Events to Celebrate: Frances' 70th Birthday, Private Residence Party | Houston Event Planners

I had such a wonderful time helping Frances' two children plan her 70th Birthday Party at the families stunning property in Camden, TX. The color palette of lime green and coral truly popped against the lush green backdrop the property provided. From a raw seafood bar to an elaborate fireworks show, this birthday party was one for the books! Below are some beautiful images captured by Nikki Tran of Caught Studios.

Amazing Cast of Vendors

Florist: David Kurio Designs

Coordinator: Something to Celebrate, Lauren Carrillo

Photographer: Caught Studios, Nikki Tran

Caterer: Behind the Bash

Rentals: Aztec Events & Tents

Lighting: Bright Star Productions

Band: Jitterbug Vipers

Valet: Bluebonnet Valet

Fireworks: Illumination Fireworks

Weddings to Celebrate: Kim & Chris, Palmer Episcopal and Cohen House | Houston Wedding Planning

I had oodles of fun helping Kim with the decor and day-of details for her September wedding.  I had even more fun on the actual wedding day.  She had such a great group of family and friends, and the rain didn't stop it them from having a ball!!  Below are just a few of the awesome pictures Julie Wilhite captured :-)

xoxo,

Chris is a firefighter.  Can you tell??  Love that they incorporated a little of him in the getaway details.

Cast of Awesome Vendors

Planner:  Something to Celebrate, Resha Zazueta

Venues:  Palmer Episcopal Church / Cohen House

Photographer:  Julie Wilhite

Florist:  Last Petal

Lighting:  Impressive Events

Rentals:  Elegant Beginnings

Band:  Route 66

Photobooth:  Say Cheese

Weddings to Celebrate: Jackelyn & Zachary, Congregation Beth Israel Wedding | Houston Wedding Planner

I have tried to write this blog post several times, and the proper words just don't ever seem to surface.  When I met Jackelyn, Zachary and their amazing parents, I knew we all connected.  I could not WAIT to help them start planning their wedding festivities.  However, I had no idea how much they would end up meaning to me.  I am honored to call them friends now, and I will never be able to properly express how thankful I am that God brought them into my life.  I super duper puffy heart this amazing group of people. 

Narrowing down the extraordinary pictures of their wedding day was extremely difficult.  I have said it before, and I will say it again:  If you don't know Chip Gillespie, you need to.  Stat.  He is a fabulous photographer, and a fabulous person.  Here are just a few of the shots he captured.  Enjoy!

Exceptional Cast of Vendors

Venue:  Congregation Beth Israel

Planner:  Something to Celebrate, Resha Zazueta

Photographer:  Chip Gillespie Photography

Videographer:  Evoke Videography

Flowers & Decor:  Darryl & Co

Lighting:  Impressive Events

Catering:  Rice Epicurean

Cakes:  Alphorn Bakery & Sessy's Sweets

Band:  Sauce

Transportation:  TMS & Wash Antique Limos

xoxo,

Pantone's Color of the Year!!! | Texas Wedding Planning

Drum roll please..... Step aside Tangerine Tango, Pantone has announced 2013's color of the year- EMERALD! This lush jewel tone is going to make for some gorgeous wedding palettes. The pairings and ways of incorporating this beautiful color are endless. I can not wait!

Below is the complete Pantone collection for 2013:

Happy Coloring!!!

Lauren

Weddings to Celebrate:: Stacee & Thomas, UT Alumni Center Wedding | Austin Wedding Planning

Stacee & Thomas- Wishing you all the love and happiness in the world and congratulations on your marriage :) Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your day!

Fantastic Cast of Vendors::

Venue:: UT Etter-Harbin Alumni Center

Coordination:: Something to Celebrate, Jacklyn Rudd 

Photographer:: Lauren Reynolds Photography

Officiant:: Rev. Ken White

Catering:: Catering by Rosemary

Desert:: Austin Cake Ball

Floral:: Central Market Floral

Music:: The Austin DJ

Hair & Makeup:: Erica Gray

Transportation:: Austin Carriage

Cigar Rollers | Texas Live Event Planning

Although the wedding day tends to be the Brides day, it can always be fun to include a few things for the Groom. Ways to include the Groom's taste into the wedding could be by picking his favorite food and/or dessert to serve at the wedding or incorporating his favorite color into the color theme. Another way to include the Groom is to have something special for him and the other men at the wedding. One way to do this is to have a cigar roller at the reception. Every time we have a cigar roller at one of our weddings, the men love it! As soon as the guys are told about it, many of them head straight over and pick up a freshly rolled cigar.

Happy Planning!

Breanna

Happy New Year! Top 10 Bridal Fashion Trends for 2013 | Texas Wedding Planning

Happy New Year from the STC family to yours! Engagement season is in full swing, so to all you ladies who received a sparkler over the holidays, congratulations! What better way to celebrate but with some bridal fashion trend news. The 2013 designs show some beautiful new details that I know brides will be excited about. Let's jump right in!

1. Baby Got Back: This isn't what you think:) This year there is a major focus on the back of the dress--sheer illusion panels embroidered with lace, a delicate line of buttons, interesting cut-outs and fluid drapes of fabrics.

BHLDN Divine Downpour gown

BHLDN Mickael gown

Lela Rose

2. Sleeves: You might think this sounds matronly, but just remember the Duchess of Cambridge and remind yourself that it's chic! Sleeves are an excellent way to bring in more decoration to your gown--think gorgeous lace. Or if you don't want a full sleeve, do a cap sleeve or a beaded topper. After all, don't they always say that we ladies must leave something to the imagination?

BHLDN Lita

Jenny Packham

Marchesa

Monique Lhuillier

3. Peplums: This trend is definitely a carry-over from the runway that we've seen for a season or two. But isn't it perfect for the stylish bride?

Alvina Valenta

Austin Scarlett

Amsale

4. 2 for 1: We know that many brides have been loving the reception dress trend, so some designers are capitalizing on that idea and making dresses that transform from one dress to another-- think removable overskirt. It's a little 80s to me, but whatever floats your boat:)

Anne Barge

Lazaro

5. Color: This is another one we've seen for a few seasons, but this year the focus is on pastels, like light blue and blush tones. Vera Wang has taken it to the next level with red, burgundy and purple, and for the daring bride, it sure is pretty.

BHLDN Crashing Waves

Maggie Sotero

Oscar de la Renta

Vera Wang

6. Accessories: Belts continue to be popular. Beaded belts have been all the rage, but this year softer, more ethereal belts are taking the lead. Wear one belt for your ceremony, maybe a little more understated, then change to a blingtastic one for your reception. Or layer belts for a softer look. Headpieces are also a gorgeous way to set your bridal look apart. Instead of a veil (or in addition to one) they add some interest to your do, and just like your belts, you can switch it up between ceremony and reception by just moving it around.

All from BHLDN

7. Different necklines: Strapless has been king of the bridal neckline for years, but this season, designers have shown several variations like one-shoulder looks, corset bodices, and off the shoulder gowns. Gorge!

Amsale

BHLDN Mille Petals

Marchesa

Monique Lhuillier

8. Lace: Again, a fabric that has been all over the wedding world for years, and this season doesn't disappoint. It's a nod to the fashions seen in Downton Abbey and the Great Gatsby and worn by Kate Middleton (her influence isn't going away any time soon as she continues to wear one knock-out after another:). Ladylike, modest, and breathtaking.

Carolina Herrera

Marchesa

Watters Wtoo

9. Embellishment: This season there are a lot of ruffles, 3-D flowers, beading and layers upon layers of tulle.

BHLDN Divine Downpour

Jenny Packham

Lazaro

10. Straight as an Arrow: The Sheath dress made several appearances, and is a nice foil to the pouffy ballgown. Sleek and chic!

Theia

Oscar de la Renta

Enjoy, and remember, the most important thing when shopping for a wedding dress is to wear what you feel most beautiful in, no matter what is trendy. Let the shopping begin!

Special thanks to my sister in law Lindsay who works at BHLDN for giving me up to the minute advice:) What a fun job, huh?!?

--Katie

Photos from Martha Stewart Weddings, BHLDN.com, The Knot and WWD

Weddings to Celebrate: Shannon & Dustin, Brookwood Community | Houston Wedding Planning

Shannon and Dustin had their beautiful July wedding at Brookwood Community. This sweet couples  day was full of so much love and fun. I absolutely loved Shannon's choice of bright colored flowers for the reception, they looked so gorgeous against Blooming Gallery's champagne confetti linens. Below are some images captured by Alison Carlino of Carlino's Photography.

Shannon & Dustin- It was an absolute pleasure working with you! I wish you a lifetime full of happiness :)

Cast of Vendors

Venue & Caterer: Brookwood Community

Planner: Something to Celebrate, Lauren Carrillo

Florist & Linens: Blooming Gallery

Photographer: Carlino's Photography, Alison Carlino

Videographer: A&A

DJ: DJ's Unlimited

Cake: Sweet Delights Wedding Cakes

Transportation: SLL Transportation

Weddings with Lanterns | Texas Wedding Planner

Lanterns are a trend for weddings, and it is a trend that I really like. They give a nice touch and romantic ambiance to any ceremony or reception and they are also on the affordable side (starting at an average of $5 dollars for the small sizes and $20 for the larger ones)

Lanterns can be used in so many different ways. Here are some of my favorite uses:

Lanterns at the Ceremony:

Lantern Centerpieces:

Hanging Lanterns:

Paper Lanterns and Flowers:

*all the pictures used were found on Pinterest boards*

Use some lanterns on your wedding and experience the magical touch that they bring!! have fun...

Gaby Di Nardo 

Weddings to Celebrate: Alexis & Trent, The Vista on Seward Hill | Austin Wedding Planner

These two were such a delight to work with. Alexis is a friend of a friend so I was honored that her and Trent chose me to coordinate their special day, and now I can count them both as my friends:). They put a lot of thought into all the details--Trent even made sure their Tiffany blue get-away car fit in with their color scheme. Gotta love that in a man!

They chose the gorgeous Vista on Seward Hill as their venue. Even with a massive downpour (that literally started the minute the ceremony began), everything was beautiful--Last Petal did a great job of transforming the inside space to be just as lovely as the outdoor space the couple originally chose.

It was a fantastic evening and I'm so glad I got to be a part of it. Enjoy these awesome photos by Tyler of The Mill Photography (it was so hard to choose which ones to show!).

Alexis and Trent, I wish you many days of happiness ahead. XO!

--Katie

Alexis gave her maids these jeweled sashes to wear with their bridesmaid dresses. The perfect touch of Tiffany blue!

Something old: Alexis wore this charm on her bouquet

I love those post-ceremony moments!

Spiked lemonade...yum!

The car was a surprise: I love the look on Alexis' face!

Cast of Vendors

Coordinator: Katie Netherton, Something to Celebrate

Venue and DJ: The Vista on Seward Hill

Florist: Last Petal

Catering: RK Group

Cake: Michelle's Patisserie

Photographer: The Mill

Ceremony Music: Arundel Ensemble

Rentals: Marquee

Get-Away Car: Vintage Rides of Austin

Photobooth: Shutterqube

Weddings to Celebrate :: Denise and Joe, Wild Onion Ranch | Austin Wedding Planning

Denise and Joe live in Chicago and chose Austin for their "Cinco de Mayo" inspired celebration at The Wild Onion Ranch. These two were a blast to work with! And their wedding was the perfect party for these two and their crew. Check out some of the pictures captured by InTandem Photography, below.

Denise and Joe - Thank you for choosing me as your day-of wedding coordinator! It was a joy to work with you. :)

xoxo,

Jessica

Weddings to Celebrate: Kelly & Andrew, Briscoe Manor | Houston Wedding Planner

Kelly & Andrew's stunning September wedding took place at the beautiful Brisoce Manor. The neutral rustic colors of the venue made the perfect back drop for the couples color palette of bright yellow, blue  & white. These colors came to life with Blooming Gallery's gorgeous arrangements and ceremony back drop. Below are some images captured by the AMAZING Julie Wilhite of Julie Wilhite Photography.

Kelly & Andrew- I had such a great time working with you on your special day! You are such an amazing couple and family :)

The AMAZING Cast of Vendors

Venue: Briscoe Manor, Stephanie Mahler

Planner: Something to Celebrate, Lauren Carrillo

Photographer: Julie Wilhite Photography

Videographer: Perry Evan Films

Florist & Linens: Blooming Gallery

Caterer: Behind the Bash

Cakes: Susie's Cakes

Lighting: Bright Star Productions

Ceremony Music: Divisi Strings

Reception Music: Jonny Black Productions

Transportation: Monarch British Limousines

Hair & Makeup: Blush and Co.

Stationery: Invitation Solutions

Unique Bouquets | Texas Wedding Planning

I have to confess that since I started working in weddings I became obsessed with flowers. Playing with the different types of flowers, their shapes and colors is always fun. They can definitely give a special touch to your wedding ceremony or reception. 

In the other hand, if you are a person like me who is always trying to find unique ways to change traditional things, it might have come to your mind the question "does it always need to be flowers?". Although I consider that flowers are very important at any wedding, I do believe that you can have fun with things like your bouquet and your bridesmaids bouquets. 

Here are some ideas of how you can change the flowers for something more unique. 

Jewelry Bouquets

I find this bouquet so elegant. You can add your favorite pieces of jewelry and play with different colors and textures. 

Origami Bouquets 

I'm an origami fan and this has to be one of my favorite bouquets. Specially if you are planning to have a DIY wedding 

Pine Cone Bouquets

These will look nice at a winter wedding! simple and rustic

Dried Flowers Bouquets

I have always been a fan of rustic weddings, and I LOVE this bouquet. You can be sure that these flowers will last forever.

Ribbon Bouquets

Have fun playing with ribbons and their different textures and colors. If you have some free time on your hands you can also distract your mind by creating some of these beautiful flowers. 

 *All the pictures were found on Pinterest*

Have fun, enjoy and create! 

Gaby 

Live Painting! I love it :-) | Texas Wedding Planning

If you are looking for a unique twist on tradition, consider hiring a painter for your wedding, anniversary or birthday party.  Not only will it become a cherished heirloom, but watching the painter will entertain your guests all evening.  :-)  One of my October clients hired Agnes Csiszar Russ, and she was beyond fantastic.   Here is a snapshot of the breath-taking portrait she painted for their wedding.  I can't take my eyes off it!!

Happy planning!

Can Wedding Parties be Uneven? | Texas Wedding Planning

Of Course! So many times brides worry about having the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen match and they end up stressing about picking more people or less to fit a certain number. But it does not have to be that way! My own personal experience has taught me that it is better to have an uneven wedding party than have people who are not close to you in your wedding or exclude someone who is important to you.

Some of the concerns when having an uneven wedding party can be about what will happen when they walk down the aisle or how will the photographs look, but these are not things to stress about. You can always have all the groomsmen walk after the groom and the bridesmaids walk down the aisle individually or two groomsmen can escort a bridesmaid and visa versa; there are multiple options. Photographs should not be worried about either, having one less bridesmaid or groomsmen will not take away from anything in the pictures.

photo

So if you have three best friends and your fiancé wants four groomsmen, do not worry about finding another person to stand there or make you fiancé choose only three because it is more important to have who you really want, rather than cutting some out or choosing someone to just full in and make photographs balance. The main thing to remember is that you should have the people that mean the most to you standing next to you and supporting you on your big day.

Happy Planning

Breanna

Styled Shoot for Bliss Bridal Magazine | Austin Wedding Planning

I'm so excited to announce Something to Celebrate's styled shoot featured in Bliss Bridal Magazine's winter issue. It's out on stands now, and online, but I thought I'd show you some shots that you won't see anywhere else! I had so much fun putting together the English-inspired shoot with Last Petal, Sugarpaper Press, Marquee, Simon LeeLoot and Sweet Sunday. Thanks to everyone who contributed!

My inspiration was my fascination with all things English, from Downton Abbey to Wills and Kate. I also infused some 1920s glamour and an antique feel. Because it was for the winter issue, I chose a rich jewel-tone palette of deep purple, fuchsia, reds and oranges, gray, and black and white, with accents of gold and brass. I designed a head table, an escort card table and a dessert table, all in the lovely setting of Antebellum Oaks. I think it turned out beautifully, and I hope you enjoy the photos (by Azulox Photography) as much as I enjoyed putting this all together!

Best news is, the magazine is free! Here is where you can pick up a copy (or two!):  http://blissmagatx.com/distribution/

Keep your eyes open for a behind-the-scenes video on Bliss' website soon, by Crooked Tie Studios.

Enjoy!

Katie

Should I assign tables at my reception? | Texas Wedding Planning

It's a common question - to assign, or not to assign. Most of the time, my answer is YES, but it's really not a one-size-fits-all question. Here are some Pros and Cons to weigh as you consider assigning seats or assigning tables for your guests at your wedding reception.

CONS:

  • It's certainly more work for you, as you'll need to spend quite a bit of time determining and organizing the best placement for each of your guests.

  • Changes are a pain. It is almost guaranteed that you'll have RSVP changes late in the game - even the day before the wedding. Which means those assignments will need to be redone.

  • Assigned tables might be a bit more formal than what you're aiming for, depending on your style (though assigning tables is less formal than assigning seats).

PROS:

  • Groups get to be together. Your guests will arrive at the tables at different times, as some are involved in post-ceremony pictures. Assigning tables ensures that those families/groups that want to be together, will get to sit together.

  • It's easy to communicate dietary concerns to the catering staff ("one guest with a peanut allergy at table seven").

  • There's no need for extra seats when you assign tables/seats. When you do not assign, guests will skip a chair between groups (like we do at movie theaters!), resulting in an unused excess as most guests will have at least one guest with them, rendering those single seats uesless. When you assign tables or assign seats, you eliminate that excess, which will save you on the costs of tables, chairs, place settings, linens, centerpieces, etc.

  • With a spot reserved for them, your guests feel welcomed. It's obvious you've put a great deal of intention and thought into their placement, making sure they're with people they know or would enjoy getting to know - and they appreciate your concern!

  • Guests don't worry about someone taking their seat when they leave to go to the bar. I can't help but cringe when I see someone "save" a seat in a gorgeous ballroom, by tilting a chair! Not only does it look tacky and create the opposite of a welcoming atmosphere, but it will trip some poor unsuspecting passerby. Nobody wants to see Grandma trip because her dress snagged on a chair leg jutting out from a table!

So, what do you think? Will you assign seats at your reception? Or just assign tables? Or allow open seating?

Happy planning!

jessica

Weddings to Celebrate: Lindsey & Jared - the sneak peek, The Houstonian | Houston Wedding Planner

Lindsey & Jared's wedding was just last Saturday, but I couldn't wait any longer to share a few of the pictures Elizabeth Sullivan captured.  They are of my favorite part of this wedding's decor:  the chair covers!!!  Custom designed especially for Lindsey, I think they set the tone for the room.  Special thank you to Francesca of Distinctive Details for all her hard work creating them, and to Elizabeth Sullivan for sending me these teaser pictures in record time.  :-)   

The beautiful chuppah and the rest of the flowers & lighting were created by Abraham of Plants N Petals

I plan to tell you all about Mrs. Lindsey and her sweet mother Hildy later.  Awesome really doesn't begin to describe them :-)  And I can't wait to share more pictures with you!

xoxo,