Texas Weddings Winter 2025 by Bridal, Weddings, City Magazines Houston, Texas

Real Weddings

In Every Issue

Travel

Inspiration

HAPPY

wedding Planning

The winter is an exciting time of year as so many couples become engaged. Once you say “yes,” everything changes. Suddenly you notice flowers, suddenly you carry bridal magazines with you and pin all your favorite things.

For the team here at Texas Weddings Magazine and the Houston Bridal Extravaganza, this is another day at the office. Explore our favorite things, spot trends in our real weddings section. Be inspired by our fashion layouts and plan your honeymoon.

Here at Texas Weddings Magazine, we find trends to make your special day, well, special.

Look at the many photo shoots in this magazine, our team worked all summer with you in mind. And be sure to check out our advertisers — they are the best in the business. Like us, they are obsessed with YOU and making your big day the best it can be.

P.S. This special group of ladies are members of the Delta Zeta sorority at Texas A&M University. Over the years we’ve received graduate degrees, got married and had children. In this pic, we are attending Kari Loth’s daugher’s wedding. Turn to page 34 to see the details of Courtney & Jacob’s wedding. Our babies are growing up!

ON THE COVER Billboard Bride Jennifer, Photo by Weddings Unlimited

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Laurette M. Veres

MANAGING EDITOR

Tom Flynn

DESIGN

Nicholas Nguyen

Contributors

Grace Hare

Elisa Irish

Kari Loth

Zenah Al-Naimi

Amelia Hall

Dayna Penna

Jesse Garcia

Manny Cisneros

Texas Weddings Magazine PO Box 667547

Houston, TX 77266

texasweddingsmagazines.com info@houstonbe.com

PHOTO BY NATHAN AND ZOEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Laurette

PHOTO BY IVAN GARCIA STUDIO

832-230-2869. Katy, Tx

HAT BAR EVENTS

HOST A LIVE ACTION HAT BAR AT YOUR EVENT

Hats, On Site Shaping, Ribbons, Playing cards, Branding Irons, Feathers, Hat Bands, Cowboy Toothpicks, and more!

Great entertainment for your guests and a party favor to remember your special day for years to come!

ALSO OFFERING CUSTOM HANDCRAFTED HATS

Our Hatter can make the hat of your dreams for your special day. Our 50x and 100x fur felt hats are hand-crafted to order.

We can outfit the bride, groom, or whole wedding party!

WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

We are a small family owned company based out of Katy, TX and are looking forward to meeting you and outfitting both you and your guests!

LWXcustomhats.com

Keep the Celebration Flowing

You’ll never convince me that champagne towers are out of style. The most celebrated of drinks deserves to be a centerpiece. They are great for a photo opp and an interactive activity for your guests.

Scent of a Wedding

Scentbird created a one stop shop hub for finding your fragrances for weddings. Whether you’re the bride or groom, in a wedding party, or attending the festivities, these Scentbird selected fragrances will make your special day even more memorable. Check out #WeddingTok Shop where you’ll find all the love-inspired gifts that everyone is sure to love.

Tea for Two

There’s nothing like a warm cup of tea to reduce your stress. Gift your loved ones Amazon’s #1 rated Glass Teapot this year from VIVA VIVA’s popular Recharge Pro , the perfect way to make coffee and tea on the go. Its built-in Smart Brewer system and patented steep control allow you to make your favorite tea from anywhere and makes the perfect gift for those with busy schedules.

Become a Wedding Influencer

New app Wedfluencer will help you monetize the knowledge you have acquired during the wedding planning process. WF promotes and inspires collaboration throughout every wedding planning experience, setting new standards for customization and content creation in the wedding industry.

The founder of Mraya Beauty is passionate about clean, premium ingredients and created a makeup brand with nourishing formulations to promote skin health, empower confidence, and celebrate natural beauty. Mraya Beauty & Beyond offers a range of vegan makeup products for your face, eyes, and lips, along with a selection of makeup brushes. All products are halal-friendly, free of animal testing, parabens, and sulfates, and are offered in sustainable packaging. (@mraya.co)

ELISSA’S EDIT

by Elissa Irish

Bows on Bridesmaid Dresses

Everything with a bow is so on trend right now, even in weddings. Add a touch of elegance and grace to a wedding party with bridesmaid dresses adorned with bows. They accentuate silhouettes and create a feminine look that enhances the beauty of each bridesmaid. Whether tied at the waist, the neckline, or anywhere else, bows complement any gown so well!

Hydrangeas in Flower Arrangments

Transform a wedding into a fairytale affair with the timeless charm of white and blue hydrangeas These delicate flowers exude grace and sophistication, creating an enchanting ambiance that will captivate guests. Whether in centerpieces, bouquets, or arches, they are beautiful and symbolize purity, love, and harmony.

Checkered Dance Floor

A checkered dance floor at a wedding reception to me is *chefs kiss*. As guests twirl and sway, the checkered pattern adds a touch of vintage allure and timeless elegance to the celebration. Whether a rustic barn wedding or a classy church wedding, dancing the night away on a checkered dance floor sets the stage for joyous festivities and picture-perfect memories.

Mocktail Bar

Worthy of raising my glass to is a wedding reception with a mocktail bar, intertwining creativity and taste to craft refreshing drinks for all to enjoy. Perfect for guests of all ages and preferences, a mocktail bar offers a vibrant array of alcohol-free beverages. From fruity punches to zesty spritzers, each concoction is crafted with fresh ingredients and artistic flair. As a unique and flavorful alternative to alcoholic beverages, a mocktail bar promises to be a fun highlight of a wedding where connections and conversations are fostered as friends and family gather around it.

360° Photo Booth

Capture every angle of joy and love at a wedding with a 360° photo booth, where memories come to life in panoramic perfection. Unlike traditional photo booths, this immersive experience allows guests to step into the spotlight and strike a pose, surrounded by a whirlwind of excitement and laughter. Each spin captures the essence of the special day from every angle, ensuring that no moment goes undocumented. With a 360-degree photo booth, the magic of a wedding will be sure to live on.

Live Painter

Elevate the magic of a wedding day with the enchanting presence of a live painter. Capturing the essence of love and the beauty of the special day in real-time with each stroke of the brush, a live painter adds a unique and personal touch to any celebration. As guests mingle and toast to happiness, the artist transforms the ambiance into a gallery of cherished moments. This masterpiece will be treasured for generations to come. With a live painter, a wedding becomes not just an event, but a true work of art.

The Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants by Maeve

MW Curated: The Center of Attention Marquise

Huggies

These understated, elegant 14-karat gold plated earrings were an exciting purchase at this year’s Bridal Extravaganza, and have become a beloved staple of mine that adds a shimmer to my everyday look. I love the unique marquise shape of the simulated diamond and the wearability of these earrings. This classic set is available in both a 12 mm and 15 mm diameter size, as well as in gold and silver. In my experience, the assistance of the MW Curated team was superb. I was engaged in purposeful conversation that helped me to find high-end jewelry in both its quality and practicality. You will leave with full confidence in your beautiful new purchase. Peruse the full collection of their jewelry online. ($50; mwcurated.com.)

These stylish, colorful & comfortable Maeve pants can be found in Anthropologie, and are known for their top-tier ability to sculpt as it stretches. With perfectly placed pockets, a high waist, and no side seams; these functional and adorable trousers are the perfect basic to dress up or down for the fall. Available in a variety of exciting colors and patterns, Maeve has a lower price point than many other pairs of comfortable and functional trousers. For this fall, I chose the turquoise blue. I love to pair them with a snuggly sweater, a dressier blouse, or a colorful tank. They’re wearable to school, to work, or for a dinner out. Available at Anthropologie, the fall colors are out, and I want more! ($120; anthropologie.com)

PHILIPS

SmartSleep Sleep and Wake-Up Light

This is the dream alarm for the early birds. Whether you need an alarm for starting the workday, the school day, or just a quiet moment before the chaos- this is the perfect morning alarm for you. This alarm wakes you up gently with a growing, warm glow fifteen minutes before it begins beeping. Unlike an iPhone, the Philips alarm allows you to avoid the harshness of a phone screen waking you up or the fallibility of turning off your alarm for good in an accidental bout of early morning brain fog. Instead, the Philips SmartSleep alarm keeps the warm glow of the ring light on, even after you turn off the beeping. I chose this alarm because it meets the functionality of a standard alarm clock, but has the elevated experience of a gradual wake-up call. I’ve noticed a heightened sense of awareness in my early mornings, and the simplicity of the alarm cuts out the complications and frustrations of other similar alarms on the market.

($199.99; amazon.com)

W e d d i n g P l a n n i n g a n d C o o r d i n a t i o n

w w w . w e d b y a n d r e a . c o m | 8 3 2 - 7 9 7 - 6 3 5 3

h e l l o @ w e d b y a n d r e a c o m

PLAN THE

OF YOUR wedding

DREAMS

America’s Largest Wedding Planning Event and Houston’s Local Resource has everything you need to plan your big day.

story

by Grace Hare • photos by Manny

Cisneros and Jesse Garica

Are you a bride-to-be? Have you found your wedding planning to be more burdensome than bountiful? Are you tired of stalking a bride’s Instagram account to find out where she found her cake, dress, and dreamy venue?

If that’s you, let us tell you more about the Bridal Extravaganza!

This July marked the 40th anniversary of Houston’s Bridal Extravaganza, a bi-annual event where brides can find their dream vendors, shop, and plan the details of their big day.

Extravaganza offers two ticketing options for guests. The General Admission ticket is an inexpensive option for access during the show hours. With this ticket, you

can see the full range of show vendors, participate in watching and winning during the fashion show and Bridescan giveaways, and dress up with your squad for a chance to win prizes.

If you choose to upgrade, you can purchase VIP tickets. In addition to the GA perks, these tickets allow you early entrance to the event: perfect for beating the lines and surveying the booths while they’re quiet. There are also many special surprises in store for the VIPs.

The fashion shows, sponsored by some of the beautiful bridal boutiques present at the show, have giveaways and a vast variety of wedding dresses for brides to see and consider. From boho and contemporary, to clean and classic, there are styles to see for everyone.

With the simple download of the Bridescan app, you can connect with vendors by scanning a QR code. You can also scan and be entered into various vendor giveaways.

The show will be back at the George R Brown Convention Center this June. This is the event of the season for couples, families, and friends. With options for every budget, bring your best bride squad outfits, your phone to scan to win, and an appetite for cake samples and champagne.

Communication, sex, money, and resolving conflict are common hot-button topics, even in the happiest marriages. Learn how to approach these subjects with your new spouse and apply time-tested principles for a fulfilling marriage that lasts.

Preparation for Marriage is a one-day class on Sat, Mar 2 for couples who are intentional about creating a marriage that lasts. The class offers insight and best practices for what happens after you say, “I do.”

93% of couples attending our programs over the last 15 years are still married.

Princess

in the

PRESIDENTIAL

SUITE

Bridal Extravaganza welcomes the next billboard bride: Jennifer

Dayna Penna photos by Weddings Unlimited

PROPOSAL

After five years of dating, Jennifer found herself at a crossroads as her and Zèta’s lease was coming to an end. Deciding to take a leap of faith, she decided to move out and trust that God would bring them together if their relationship was meant to be. Shortly after, Zèta surprised her with a sweet proposal at The Post with a beautiful view of the Houston skyline, and precious words that had her saying “yes.”

Jennifer, thinking they were just going to have a nice dinner, followed Zèta upstairs to the garden confused as to why they were not going to the restaurant. As Zèta began his proposal, she had no idea what was happening until she spotted a videographer filming them and it registered that he was proposing. She turned around and he was on one knee, and she immediately said yes. Their wedding date is set for March 2025.

BRIDAL EXTRAVAGANZA EXPERIENCE

Not feeling up to doing anything, Jennifer almost didn’t attend the Bridal Extravaganza. Deciding that she had nothing better to do as her electricity was out after Hurricane Beryl’s sweep through Houston, she decided to attend and make the most out of the situation. After having a great time on Saturday creating content and socializing with fellow influencers, she decided to attend Sunday as well.

With no intentions of applying to be the next Billboard Bride, she learned about the program – just before the application deadline. As the weeks passed, she grew increasingly nervous, overthinking whether she was even qualified. However, she eventually received an email that she had made it to the next round, and ultimately, the final round.

In August, the finalists met at Ventura’s Bridal Fashions and it was there that Jennifer had a feeling that she was the next Billboard Bride. Sure enough, within a few days she received the call. She returned to Ventura’s to find the perfect gown for the photo shoot. She was especially thrilled to wear the sassy short gown – an option she hasn’t considered before.

GET THIS LOOK:

Gowns: Ventura’s Bridal Fashions

Venue: Intercontinental Houston

Hair and Makeup: Hues by Heather Floral and Décor: Oowl Events

Planner: Dayna Penna for Bridal Extravaganza

BILLBOARD BRIDE PHOTOSHOOT

On the 21st floor of the Intercontinental Houston, Jennifer got ready in the presidential suite for her big photoshoot. The room was buzzing with excitement as Heather from Hues by Heather created the perfect look. The creative team from Oowl Events was busy designing a table scape and floral décor fit for a princess.

Despite being a social media influencer who is frequently in front of a camera, she felt nervous, but spoke passionately about her desire to be the next Billboard Bride. She wants to be an example for young girls by showing that you can achieve your dreams with the right mindset and embracing self-belief and persevering through any circumstance. Reflecting on her past as a refugee from Africa, Jennifer serves as an example of how far you can go in life with determination.

photo by : nhan photography

Planning an Unforgettable Wedding

&COURTNEY LOTH JACOB DAVIS

September 7, 2024

If I had one word to describe Courtney and Jake’s wedding, it would be FUN! As a veteran wedding planner, I get to coordinate some really magical and memorable events. But planning my own daughter’s wedding was a whole new level of special.

Courtney chose a colorful backdrop for her classy, garden party themed wedding. The pinks, oranges and yellow floral details by Millie May Blooms paired perfectly with the stunning white chapel and reception hall at the Nest at Ruth Farms. The eight bridesmaids adorned champagne-colored dresses while the gentlemen wore classic black suits. The ladies looked stunning with hair and makeup by She is Art Beauty.

by Kari Loth

The September evening provided the perfect weather as colorfully clad guests mingled after the ceremony, sipping on champagne or the bride’s signature drink, a Ranch Water from HD Liquid Catering.

After a short cocktail hour, partygoers were ushered inside to be wowed by a literal garden-scape with trees covered in pinks and pastels. Hundreds of candles donned the tables where guests dined on delish Tex-Mex fare from Blue Mesa.

After the bride danced with her dad to an acoustical version of “Sweet Child of Mine,” (the pair went to a Guns and Roses concert together when Courtney was a teen), the band opened the dance

Photography

Nathan and Zoey photography

REAL WEDDINGS

floor for the 280 guests, and it was never empty! Courtney and Jake were in a rock band together in college a Texas A&M and so it was only fitting that Intensity Band rocked the night away.

In between the rock-concert dance fest, guests could enjoy a photo booth by Meraki Light Booth, another drink at the bar, and a latenight snack of quesadillas.

Nathan and Zoey photography, Fansler media, and Southern Bash Content Creation captured it all on film, including the packed Aggie War Hymn and bubble send off, accompanied by band horn players. I, the veteran planner, actually got to enjoy the entire event as mother of the bride and let my team at Southern Bash take care of all the details. This was a night to never forget…

Bride’s Advice: ”Do a first look!! This gets the nerves out. We were able to take our photos beforehand and we actually got to enjoy our cocktail hour.”

Photography

Nathan and Zoey photography

March 12, 2023

&TORIE KROLL AUSTIN SMITH

by Grace Hare

After meeting through online dating, Torie and Austin had their first date at the warm, cozy quaintness of a Starbucks café. They shared a vanilla iced latte, and even though it’s not Austin’s regular- he tried it for Torie.

The date was a success! Within the next couple months, the couple fell hard for one another. Finally, while home together and decorating the Christmas tree, Austin took his opportunity to get on one knee.

“He held my hand and said the sweetest words to me that I have ever heard in my life,” Torie says. “Asking me to be his wife was the best question I have ever been asked.”

Through tears, Torie said yes.

The rest of the wedding planning for the ceremony in March 2023 came together wonderfully. With the help of the mother of the bride, Torie and Austin selected Big Sky Barn as their ceremony, a historical building on acres of land with pine trees and hardwood. The combination of forestry, stones, and chandeliers created the perfect atmosphere.

Tori found her gorgeous dress pictured at the Spring ceremony at Whittington Bridal in Kingwood. With the help of her bridesmaids, she found a dress that she felt confident in and will cherish the memories of for a lifetime. She paired her bridal gown find with a sentimental veil that her mother made her, incorporating pieces of her own vintage wedding dress.

For the rest of the details of the big day, Torie and her family members made the drive from Conroe to Houston for the January Bridal Extravaganza.

“We spent several hours walking around and gaining knowledge of exactly what I wanted and what I didn’t want. I booked two of my vendors there and it was a huge relief to know that I had knocked those off of my planning list,” Torie says.

One of those vendors, Stephanie Davis with SD Photography, became a key part of the wedding celebrations.

“I knew I needed to find someone that I would be comfortable with, but would also bring some fun to our experience,” Torie says. “She is not only

Photography

Stephanie Davis, SD Photography

professional, but she was energetic, remembered everyone’s names and gave us some wonderful images to help us reminisce how perfect our wedding day was. And after receiving my final images, we ordered her album and loved that even more!”

Bride’s Advice: ”I would say, start planning early! Even if you like to plan and organize, you need to find someone to delegate some responsibility to. It can become overwhelming without your people to assist you. Not everything will go the exact way you expect. But, if you hire the right vendors, you might not even know that something didn’t go according to plan. At the end of the day, all that matters is...you are marrying your person, the one who your heart has chosen. We did not do some if the traditional events throughout our evening, because it just wasn’t us. Our photographer helped us create the perfect timeline to be fun, flow and efficient at the same time.”

Every facet of C Baldwin, from our meticulously curated interiors to our culinary offerings, reflects a deep appreciation for the rich fusion of Houston's history and culture Our esteemed design and culinary partners have collaborated to craft a setting where modern indulgence seamlessly intertwines with timeless charm Immerse yourself in the allure of the C Baldwin, where luxurious materials, refined details, and unparalleled hospitality converge to create an unforgettable experience

Color Analysis

‘Perfect White’

Best 1M colors

Best Makeup colors

Best Hair Colors

Best Jewelry Metals

Style Analysis

Best Fabrics

Best Dress Length

Best Jewelry Size

Best Hairstyle

Best Shoe Designs

&VICTORIA GRACE RODRIGUEZ

ANTONIO DE JESUS FLORES

October 29, 2023 by

Grace Hare

The Happiest Moment in the Happiest Place on Earth

It’s a crisp day in late October, and Victoria and Antonio are in the place where many dreams come true, Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

It’s the place where magic comes to life, and this is certainly true for the couple who have anticipated this special day for a long time, especially after the engagement began with a proposal in front of the Magic Kingdom firework show.

As soon as they became engaged, Victoria introduced Antonio to the Disney Wedding Pavilion, a dreamy, open space where the two could become one.

With the big, bay windows to let in the light, and the opportunity to wander the Disney grounds for the perfect picture, the couple knew it was the right place for them.

At 5:00 a.m., the couple woke up early and headed to the park to take their portrait photos. By beating the crowds, Victoria and Antonio agreed the quiet moment together was well worth the wake-up call.

Victoria walked down the aisle in the Pocahontas Wedding Dress, a long, A-line wedding dress with detailed floral applique from Ventura’s Bridal. The dress is part of the Disney Collection, an exclusive wedding dress line the bridal shop carries.

After the ceremony, the couple and their guests enjoyed cake made by the Disney bakery chefs.

“It was a simple cake with flowers and the castle was a topper. It was Disney churro flavor, the best choice for the cake!” Victoria says.

They kept the reception quick, because they were looking forward to a moment together in Epcot, drinking around the world to finish the night!

With the honeymoon afterwards also in Orlando, spent at Disney and Universal Studios, the couple made the most of their travel and had an absolute blast.

Bride’s Advice: “If anyone ever wants to have destination wedding and people are telling you not to do it, trust us, it is so worth it!”

Photography by

Taylor, from Disney

May 28, 2023

&SAMANTHA SWAN CORY CHAPMAN

by Zenah Al-Naimi

A Tale of Two Young Lovers:

: From High School Sweethearts to Husband and Wife

Cory Chapman and Samantha Swan met on the first day of 6th grade at Cypress Christian Middle School in 2012 and have been inseparable ever since. Starting off friends as young lovers tend to do, Cory who is now a Mechanical Engineer and Samantha an Executive Assistant with a background in wedding planning, saw the beginning of their relationship before their freshman year of high school began.

After being together for a decade Cory decided it was time to pop the question to Samantha after spending the entire day with family, celebrating Samantha’s birthday. Worried that she may have suspected that he was up to

something, Cory had been taking his soon to be wife on nice dinners the entire month. So, when the day June 4, 2022, a day that will forever hold significance to the couple, arrived and he told her to get ready for dinner Samantha did not suspect a thing.

He took her to the Houstonian Hotel where they ate at the Tribute, and after, he asked her to go on a walk. Samantha quickly realized they were about to be engaged! The couple walked to the property’s beautiful lit up tree where Cory got on one knee and asked his high school sweetheart to be his wife.

The bride has a background in wedding planning, and was

excited to finally plan her own wedding.With a date set of May 28, 2023 the couple picked The Farmhouse as their wedding location. “We selected our location based on proximity to family and style of venue.” The family-oriented couple held their rehearsal dinner at Cory’s aunt and uncle’s home in Memorial.

The bride was dressed in a Martina Liana gown from Brickhouse Bridal. Here party adorned an array of mixed style of dresses, a unique touch the couple decided to include for their wedding, as well as blue and white florals and plates. Desserts by Holly created the couple’s wedding cake. Using her own advice the bride picked

Photography

Sarah Tribett Photography

a photographer she loved by the name of Sarah Tribett, someone she trusted to capture the moments of her special day with her family, friends and her new husband.

The day came and went and after celebrating their love with family and friends, the couple had their Honeymoon at the Westin Reserva Conchal in Costa Rica.

Bride’s Advice: ”Be creative! Let everyone that is involved in the planning process choose three things that mean the most to them, and focus on those things. Create a vision for what you want the day to look and feel like. And most of all choose a photographer you love.”

T A K E Y O U R E V E N T T O T H E N X T L V L .

D a y - o f C o o r d i n a t i o n

W e d d i n g M a n a g e m e n t

W e d d i n g C o a c h i n g

P a r t i a l P l a n n i n g

F u l l S e r v i c e P l a n n i n g

B u d g e t A n a l y s i s

C o n t r a c t R e v i e w

E v e n t D e s i g n

T i m e l i n e C r e a t i o n

F l o o r P l a n D e s i g n

S e t u p / B r e a k d o w n

L i n e n / R e n t a l P a c k a g e s

P r e f e r r e d V e n d o r L i s t

V e n d o r D i s c o u n t s & M o r e !

@ n x t l v l h o u s t o n

( 3 2 1 ) 7 4 9 - 5 4 7 4

n x t l v l h o u s t o n @ g m a i l c o m

w w w n x t l v l w e d d i n g s c o m

August 27, 2022

&HEIDI OLIVIA WITTENMYER

DONALD RYAN REED

by Elissa Irish

A Fairy Tale on the Barn

by Gary Blake

Photography

Heidi and Donald loved the idea of a rustic and elegant look. Driving through Santa Fe, Texas, Willowynn Barn, a modern/rustic chic venue caught their eye. With only a small glance, they knew where Heidi was going to take Donald’s last name.

Heidi chose her beautiful gown from Brickhouse Bridal made by Martina Liana; an elegant V-neck gown with a train of love.

At the ceremony, she was photographed holding her bouquet of beautiful purple and white flowers, made by Heidi and her mom, with a special locket tied on the bouquet. After losing her dad before the ceremony, Heidi kept a picture of her dad inside the locket. It was a beautiful way to commemorate and have him with her on her special day.

With a shot donkey during cocktail hour, a jar full of date nights and advice, a ginger snap photo camper, and cocktail napkins with their dogs faces on it saying “We do too!” the couple had their special night full of unique details and adventure!

Heidi is a bride that loves all the small details, “It’s okay to be the Pinterest bride and have fun with finding creative ways to showcase your personal touches in your wedding,” she says.

Heidi cherished all the moments from the rehearsal dinner at the barndoninium to the late night private dinner after the big day. “I loved that time when it was just us and we actually got to taste our food.” she says.

Bride’s Advice: “Be sure to take in all the moments of your big day because the big day goes by so fast. Don’t skimp on a photographer. They cost a lot but it’s worth it since pictures last forever and it keeps the memories alive. It’s okay to splurge on your day; I had so many telling me I needed to budget, but it’s your day to shine and have what your heart wants.”

beautiful invitations laser folders vellum wraps lined envelopes hand pressed wax seals fast turnaround time

Love Conquers All

…Even a Texas Tornado

June 1, 2024

&MARGARET NANCE CAMERON BAIN

by Amelia Hall

“Everything happens in threes,” Margaret’s Matron of Honor always said, and Margaret adopted that belief throughout her engagement. It helped her stay calm and prepared when the caterer’s business burned down, the bridesmaid dress shop went under, and even when war broke out where they had planned their honeymoon. Margaret thought she had seen it all, until the wedding day.

First, Margaret’s mother-in-law’s car broke down, arriving late and smoking to the venue. Then, one of the bridesmaids arrived with both ankles sprained, but still ready to stand by her side. As if that wasn’t enough, another bridesmaid realized she had ordered the wrong shade of green for her dress. She thought the bad luck trio was complete.

But just two hours before the ceremony, a tornado swept through the area, leaving streets flooded and the venue without power. Guests couldn’t make it, and the lights went out just as Margaret

was finishing her make up. Her bridesmaids held up phone lights, and her photographer, Collen Vavra, reassured her that everything would be okay.

During the ceremony, the water pumps failed, and the venue grew hotter, but when Margaret saw Cameron at the end of the aisle, all the stress vanished. Cameron’s teary eyes reminded her that this was the moment that truly mattered.

The reception turned out to be a success, thanks to Margaret and Cameron’s incredible vendors. The bar had plenty of ice for drinks, the DJ kept the music going with a battery pack, and the photographer brought extra lights to illuminate the dance floor. Despite the chaos, Margaret and Cameron celebrated into the evening.

Bride’s Advice: “Though it may feel silly, please ask if the venue has a generator, and if your vendors have battery operated equipment. Just in case.”

Photography

Collen Vavra

Small weddings

Bachelor/bachelorette parties

Family reunions

Corporate retreats

Hunting trips

Special interest groups

Destination holidays/experience gifts

DECOMPRESS IN Door County

As you make honeymoon plans, allow us to introduce you to a hidden gem in the Midwest. Known for years to folk in Chicago and Green Bay, Door County provides a respite from big city life. With quick flights from Houston and Dallas, Door County is quite accessible to Texan couples.

A collection of charming, waterfront towns are situated alongside Lake Michigan. As you explore the area, you’ll find that there’s no better place for a romantic getaway. Spend your days hiking hidden trails and cherry orchards, enjoying locally prepared meals, or hop from bar to winery to pub.

Depending on the time of year, cherry blossoms may be in bloom. Do not miss the chance to capture this breathtaking site on the many roads in town, or drop by the Seaquist Orchards Farm Market for the perfect photo opp.

Story and photos by Laurette M. Veres Above: Lake Michigan

Rachel Driskell Photography

STAY

The DoRR hotel is a sleek, Scandinavian-inspired hotel in the heart of the Sister Bay area of Door County. This hotel has it all: great water views, walking accessibility to bars, restaurants, and attractions.

ENJOY

Local wine makers and distillers have found a home in door county and are expanding their offerings daily. The rapidly expanding spirits scene provides choices from barrel-aged wine to hand made glutenfree ciders. These artisans infuse passion into their processes and products. On this journey, variety is the spice of life, and each location provides unique tasting options.

SWAY BREWING + BLENDING

Since opening in 2022, Sway has created simple, easy-drinking beers. According to Matt Sampson, “it's the closed vessel fermentation that traps in aromas and flavors and they are slowly reabsorbed in the beer.” These refreshing beverages are served directly from the fermentation cell to your table at the inviting beer garden.

HATCH DISTILLING CO.

The wine program specializes in mead which is made from fermented honey instead of fermented grapes. One of the standouts is the Dandelion Mead made from hand foraged dandelions. Hatch prides itself on being part of the local ecosystem, using wheat, barley and corn and sending unused portions of these ingredients back to farmers. Be sure to try the single malt whiskey crafted from three unique varieties of malted barley.

ONE BARREL BREWING CO.

At this expansive beer garden, enjoy your One Barrel beer, cider, seltzer, or soda alongside tasty pizza from Pizza Bros, conveniently located inside the tap room. Try one of their numerous rotating fresh brews or sip on a gluten-free hard cider, fresh out of the barrel.

ANCHORED ROOTS WINERY

Owners Eric and Amy Gale met in college. “I was a biology, chemistry kid who grew up dairy farming,” says Eric. Amy's background is in communications, events, coordination, fundraising, nonprofits, etc. And so, the winery was born. “We planted three acres in 2020. In the spring of 2021, we planted three more acres.” The winery serves Washington State wines,

Top to bottom: DoRR Hotel; Sway Brewing + Blending

and is expanding with wine from grapes grown on their six-acre property each season.

LAUTENBACH'S ORCHARD COUNTRY

WINERY & MARKET

Celebrate cherry blossom season at arguably one of the best places in Door County to see the spectacular sight of rows, upon rows of cherry blossoms. Carrie Lautenbach and her relatives have been harvesting and producing different food products since 1955. “We got our start from our great grandma who used to come up on the Greyhound, from the pier, and would help us with our harvest, take care of the kids, and sell food by the roadside.” This family business still celebrates the cherries after all these years, “as you walk around our market, you'll find all those different products. Cherry barbecue dressing, cherry barbecue sauce … you can do a lot with it. A lot of people come and pick their own tart cherries during

the summer season: mid-July through early August,” she says. “In 1999, we planted our first vineyard and in 2004, we released our first estate grown grape wine,” says Carrie. The family tradition continues.

STONE’S THROW WINERY

Just 2500 miles northeast of Napa Valley, you’ll find a whole other wine country. Since 1993, Russell Turco has been crushing California grapes at his Stone’s Throw Winery. He invites you to sample his fine wines made from premium California grapes in the traditional one-barrel-at-a-time manner. It’s an ideal spot for couples to unwind and reconnect with one another.

BREAKFAST AT AL JOHNSON’S

SWEDISH RESTAURANT

Al Johnson’s is an authentic Swedish family-owned restaurant where you can find goats grazing the sod roof. As you top the hill and head down the

Clockwise from top: Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant; Stone’s Throw Winery; Seaquist Orchard

main street in Sister Bay, you’re sure to get excited. The grassy roof and those goats draw tourists and locals alike. The menu features items such as Swedish pancakes and meatballs served with Swedish lingonberries. Breakfast is served all day.

MACREADY ARTISAN BREAD CO.

Jenny MacReady’s grandmother wrote her a poem on her wedding day called “Jenny and Mike Bake Bread.” Even before the bakery opened, grandma knew. The final line in the poem became the bakery’s tagline: A Good Recipe for a Happy Life. Breads, cookies, quiches, are all baked from scratch. Drop in for a fresh sandwich, bread pudding, or a double chocolate cookie. The happy hippie cookie, which is an original recipe, is like a granola cookie or a muffin cookie with cranberries.

DINNER WITH A VIEW AT CARRINGTON AT THE LANDMARK

The Carrington offers a full bar and award-winning food, featuring favorites like the line-caught walleye and beef tenderloin with a cabernet sauvignon demiglacé. Located on top of the bluff, every seat in the house offers an outstanding view of the Green Bay.

FISH BOIL

It is Saturday night in the village of Ephrin, Door County, Wisconsin. Right behind the Old Post Office Hotel, the long-standing fish boil tradition lives on. At the turn of the century a boil was an economical way to feed a lot of people. Today, fish, potatoes and onions are boiled in huge bins in a bonfire type setting. Diners gather around the pot and learn about Door County history. Then, fish is de-boned and served table side with Cole slaw, bread and a slice of cherry pie.

From honeymoons and anniversary trips to weekend jaunts, Door County is the perfect spot for your travel escape. For more information log onto doorcounty.com

Clockwise from top: A fish boil in Ephrin; The view and meal at The Carrington

Custom couture gowns designed for every bride. Choose from our sample styles in-store or customize and design your own!

Exquisite designer wedding gowns, dresses for bridesmaids, mother of the bride/groom, and a variety of elegant evening gowns.

Fashion takes Center Stage at

Pine Lake Ranch

GET THIS LOOK:

Venue: Pine Lake Ranch

Makeup/Hair: Bella Expressions

Cake: For Heavens Cake

Bridal Gown: Ventura’s Bridal Fashion

Flowers: Wildbloom Wedding & Events

Decor & Linens: Affordable Linens & Decor

Photography: Cabrera Photography

Design & Coordination: Visit the Venues

PHOTOS

DOWNTOWNGlam

Houston’s city center is such an urban setting, we love every unique part.

GET

THIS LOOK:

Bridal Gown: Ventura’s Bridal Fashion Makeup/Hair: Hues by Heather

Photography: Manny Cisneros and Jesse Garcia

5802 Lynn Elliott Ln , College Station, TX

130

www.theengagementboutique.com

@theengagementboutique

Photo credits: Elle Belle Branding, Swish & Click, RKM

Photography

HOW VERY

Texan

Photography by Manuel Cisneros OF YOU

Although a cowboy hat cannot be considered a new wedding trend; Laura Wilcox, owner of LWx Custom Hats is adding her own spin to this iconic symbol. Through her traveling hat bar, couples can offer customized gifts to their wedding party. Typically, the couple will gift the price of the hat, and the bridesmaids pay for any additions like hatbands or feathers.

—Laurette M. Veres

T H E S W E E T & S A L T Y W A Y

Soft Pretzel Catering

Baked On Site

Salt / Cinnamon Sugar with choice of drizzle!

COCKTAIL HOUR LATE NIGHT SNACK

Not Your Ordinary Cakes

Winning Couples Enjoy Photoshoots at Wedding Show

by Grace Hare

Picture your perfect engagement photos. For many, it involves ﬁnding the perfect photographer, picking a romantic setting that allows you to capture the playfulness of love, and the joy of engagement, and likely spending a lot of money and time on all of the details.

This year, Bridal Extravaganza o ered an opportunity to win that moment and the rewarding photos, completely for free. The parameters? Sharing your love story.

We received applications from hundreds of beautiful couples, and we spent hours reading through the stories, and struggling to pick our favorites. There were so many special meeting places, so many beautiful and intimate proposals. Hearing from our couples is such a special part of Bridal Extravaganza!

The four photoshoots took place inside a reserved part of the convention center.

Photography: WDR Imagery Hair & Makeup: Allured Beauty Studio

Photography: HNG Studio

Hair & Makeup: Salon Efrain

Photography: Weddings Unlimited Hair & Makeup: Simple Beauty Artistry

FEATURES

Sectioned o , The Haven decorated the space with a romantic, dreamy backdrop, a soft couch, and gold accents of furniture.

We worked with four di erent photographers to catch the shoot, hoping that working with a variety of di erent styles would help us capture the uniqueness of each couple.

We also elevated the experience by ﬁnding beauticians from the show that could heighten the natural beauty of our winners and style their hair and makeup for the photoshoot.

This experience was so much fun for us! Celebrating the love and beauty of couples at extravaganza is why we love the event, and ﬁnding a way to capture the moments was a treasure.

Photography: Ali Iqbal Photography Hair & Makeup: Hues by Heather

Photo + Video

Bridal Show Special: FREE Engagement Session, Plus $100 OFF our most popular package!

Premium Package

1 Photographer & Videographer Up to 8 Hours of Coverage Drone Footage (Weather Permitting) +FREE Engagement Session

RedRockVisuals.com 713-367-4068 Redrockvisuals@gmail.com

From“I Do” to the Last Puff

Luxury Cigar Bars by Nice

Ash

Your wedding day is one of the most special moments of your life—why not make it even more unforgettable with a personalized cigar experience?

At Nice Ash Cigar Lounge, we specialize in curating luxurious cigar bars with custom premium cigar selections tailored to suit every taste. A perfect touch to add sophistication, style, and fun to your celebration.

Whether you’re looking for an elegant experience or a unique way for guests to unwind, our cigar bars are designed to complement your wedding’s vibe and leave an everlasting impression. unique way for guests to unwind, our cigar bars are

Eazy Peazy Events

INTENTIONALLY HONEST and UNDENIABLY YOU

h t t p s : / / f o r j o y p h o t o g r a p h y c o m

@ f o r j o y p h o t o g r a p h y

j o y @ f o r j o y p h o t o g r a p h y c o m

Love Beyond Words

The way you express your love each day, whether through words or actions, strengthens your relationships and makes those close to you feel valued. Love can be expressed in many ways: a knowing glance, a kind deed, shared memories, a thoughtful gift, or words of encouragement.

Getting life insurance is an expression of love that goes beyond words. It shows your loved ones—with certainty—that you care about protecting their future.

So, do you need life insurance?

If someone depends on you financially, you are most likely someone who needs coverage.

Life insurance provides cash to your loved ones in the event you pass away. This lets your nearest and dearest remain on firm financial ground even though your earnings have stopped. They can use this cash to pay for expenses like funeral costs, a mortgage, college tuition and more.

It’s time to express love beyond words with life insurance.

Photo Booth

Sophia Margaret

@sophiamargaretphoto

photography

Keeping the life and color forever engraved in your pictures so that you look back on these memories years from now and remember your day just the same.

HQT Bridal + Tailoring

At HQT Bridal, we specialize in creating bespoke gowns that celebrate individuality

Whether you ' re dreaming of a vibrant gown in rich hues or something entirely unique, we’ll design a custom piece that reflects your style and story Prefer a more traditional touch? Explore our collection of house designs blending classic elegance with avantgarde artistry.

Your wedding day should be seamless and so should your dress Bridal Concierge Services bring a personal tailor on-site to handle last-minute adjustments, gown steaming, and anything else you need to look and feel flawless Already have a dress? Our expert alteration services ensure the perfect fit, so you walk down the aisle with confidence.

After the celebration, preserve your gown’s beauty and memories with our in-house cleaning and preservation services Using meticulous techniques and museum-quality preservation boxes, we’ll keep your gown stunning for years to come Let us help you turn every moment of your wedding journey into a masterpiece

What’s the

Buzz?

by Grace Hare

The night before Bridal Extravaganza, while the vendors and brides prepare themselves for the excitement and action of the busy weekend ahead, skillful and energized influencers buzz around the George R. Brown Convention Center snapping photos, speaking into their microphones, and sipping champagne.

From a variety of platforms and social media presences, each influencer takes an exciting unique approach to capturing the beauty and anticipation of the event to share.

While offering VIP giveaways, behind the scenes footage, and perspective into their own VIP experiences- their presence at the event poses the question: who are our Bridal Extravaganza influencers?

Cooking in the Kitchen & in Content @jennifersebasigari

Meet Jennifer: an open-fire content creator and passionate chef, a Texas barbecue enthusiast, and a 2025 bride. With her following of over three hundred thousand, Jennifer brings her bright smile, buoyant personality and creativity to everything she does! A prepared and quick-witted social media influencer and professional, the Bridal Extravaganza was brought to the spotlight by Jennifer’s presence and content.

Joy & Jubliance at the Show with Jennifer @j3nniibaby

This chic, trendy, and well-traveled blogger brought a love of romance and glamor to our July show. Jennifer fit in perfectly at our social media event wearing a pale blue floral dress and ribbons in her hair. With her Instagram page dedicated to her Disney adventures, trying new places around the globe, and her fairytale love story with her fiance; Jennifer was a warm, welcoming energy and style inspiration at the Extravaganza.

All in the Details with Divyaa @divyaaraviofficial

This year we were joined by Divyaa, a model, health enthusiast, and brand ambassador. With her interest in

@marisabyers

@ourblissfulbites

exploring different cultures, venues and local events, as well as meeting new people, she made an exciting impact at our Bridal Extravaganza. Her page is vibrant and colorful, inviting everyone to follow along on her adventures, and her expertise in highlighting the beauty of the details highlights so many meaningful moments at the Extravaganza.

Meeting Marisa: An Eye for Every Event @marisabyers

Marisa is a native Houstonian, mother of two boys, lifestyle and travel writer, and an entrepreneur. She’s been part of Bridal Extravaganza for the past few years, and always comes prepared to highlight the excitement and opportunity available for brides at the show. With her eye for finding the beauty in every booth and captivating the special moments at the extravaganza, she brings an invaluable amount of enthusiasm and experience.

Sajira’s Adventures with her Soulmate @ourblissfulbites

Sajira, with her page full of the best bites and date nights, has an abundance of creativity and enthusiasm for creating an energized social media page. Her presence on social media, and in person, is kind, compassionate and full of ideas to bring attention to every event. In her own “wedding planning era”, she has devoted part of her page to exactly what Bridal

Extravaganza is about: planning the perfect wedding with ease and accessibility.

Capturing the Sweetness with Swati

@swastar.glam

A fashion mogul, social media influencer, and designer gown model- Swati has an eye for luxury. At the influencer event, she captured the drama and effort of many vendors to make the Bridal Extravaganza a true experience into striking photos that she featured across her glimmering Instagram page. Prepared to create from the moment she arrived, Swati delivered a vision that drew an eye to the endless possibilities of meeting the vendors at the Extravaganza. Her outreach to the brides brought a focus on the Extravaganza that would have been lacking without her.

Vibrant Videography with Vicki @vickitravelgirl

The founder of her own cheer program and gym, Vicki is both an entrepreneur and an athlete. With thirty years of professional experience, Vicki has worked to develop her athletes into confident, competitive young women. Additionally, Vicki has a wide outreach network as a lifestyle writer and a social media influencer. With a personal stake in Bridal Extravaganza, Vicki has attended the show over the past ten years, and continues to bring her enthusiasm and skill to every influencer event.

@vickitravelgirl

Bridal Suite Church Your perfect wedding starts with us.

Our Amenities: Groom’s Room

Groom’s Room

Beautiful wedding venue stage under a Heritage Oak Tree

A Bridal Suite

The Twin Oaks Casino Room for the Groom

Twin Oaks Dance Hall and Bar

About us About us

The entire grounds are available for photo opportunities

Twin Oaks Ranch was previously owned by the late Charles Thomas, the former owner of the Houston Rockets. The ranch was visited by many celebrities. The new owners, The Gustafsons, have endeavored to create an unforgettable experience that reflects your unique love story. Conveniently located between Houston and Austin, gathering the family has never been easier.