bride
WOODLANDS WINTER 2014-15 / VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 1
ccc ccc ccc Heather’s Glen
Montgomery County’s Premier Wedding Facility
chapel ceremonies • garden weddings • elegant receptions
www.HeathersGlen.com
936.441.6611
200 East Phillips St. Conroe, Texas
WOODLANDS
bride 5Contents MEET THE PROS
PUBLISHER Woodlands Bride, LLC EDITOR Jennifer Tolbert ASSISTANT EDITOR Candice Fitzgerald BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Jessica Coleman CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Designs by Karinda Jonathan Ivy Photography Kasey Lynn Photography Kelley Craig Photography Photography By Niki Lacey Peyton Photography Memories by Maryanne CONTRIBUTORS Channing Sizemore
7 RUSTIC RETREAT STYLED SHOOT featuring Ashelynn Manor 13 SWEET SUNDAY NUPTIALS 14 SECRET GARDEN STYLED SHOOT featuring Hodge Podge Lodge 19 HOW TO PICK THE PERFECT WEDDING VENDOR 20 MAURA + SHANE featuring Memories by Maryanne
22 MEGHAN + TRAVIS featuring Kelley Craig Photography 26 MEAGAN + LANE featuring Jonathan Ivy Photography 28 BRITTANY + PAUL featuring Kasey Lynn Photography 30 DANAE + JORDAN featuring Photography by Niki
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SUBMISSION INQUIRIES We accept high quality submissions from professional photographers. For more information, visit www. woodlandsbride.com/submit. ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Email Jessica Coleman at jessica@woodlandsbride.com for information. SUBSCRIPTIONS Did you know a digital copy of Woodlands Bride Magazine can be delivered directly to your inbox? Join our mailing list to receive special offers, invitations to exclusive events and be the first to receive a digital copy of our magazine. Visit www.woodlandsbride.com to join today!
meet our cover photographer
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Karinda of Designs by Karinda
Karinda Kinsler, owner of Designs by Karinda Photography, is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Animal Science. Her passion for photography started when she interned for a livestock photography company. Karinda recently finished building her photography studio in Montgomery, TX where she specializes in weddings and newborns. Karinda accepts a very limited number of weddings each year and offers a boutique experience for each one of her brides. Woodlands Bride / Fall 2014
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Hello Lovely!
We are tossing the confetti, blowing out the candles and celebrating the one year anniversary of our magazine. The Woodlands is an amazing place to live, love and marry right now and the following pages are a reflection of that very fact. Our cover feature, a rustic and luxurious shoot at Ashelynn Manor, combines the charming Texas landscape with a romantic and elegant feel. We are also enchanted by the Secret Garden inspired shoot by the always talented team at Hodge Podge Lodge. In this issue, you will find tons of inspiration from real local weddings, meet local couples and hear from some of the experts who live and breathe weddings. Your wedding should be a time when you feel confident and loved, never stressed. So, reach out to us anytime you need recommendations or ideas; we are always here to help. After all, the real beauty of a wedding is that it's the first step to celebrating anniversaries! Best wishes, Jenn Tolbert, Editor
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Meet the Pros What is your favorite wedding tradition?
Erika Bostick-Maddison E. Maddison Events
Amanda Badgley Amanda Badgley Designs
Jen Lowrance J Low Events
Channing Sizemore Woodlands Bride Intern
I love the tradition of the parent dances. I get a little teary eyed when I watch a father and his daughter dance and talk, and sometimes cry. I know how I felt on my wedding day dancing with my dad. We talked about me starting this new life and that he'll always be there to support us now as a couple. He loved my husband like a son. Then when a son dances with his mom you can just see how much she loves him and he loves her...what a bond!
I love the wedding tradition of waiting until the big day to reveal the wedding dress to your groom. As for me this also included not seeing each other until the ceremony. The practical side of me wanted to do a first look, but my traditional side said wait. From the moment I woke up on my wedding day the anticipation started to build, I couldn't wait to see my soon to be husband’s face as I walked down the aisle. The butterflies in my stomach as I entered the church were incredible, a feeling I will never forget! I couldn't be happier I stayed true to this tradition.
Rehearsal dinner. It might sound odd, but I like the intimacy of the family time before the big day. Majority of the time, it’s the first time extended family or friends get to see each other in a while. The informal or casual atmosphere lends itself to the ‘every day’ life the couple will enjoy with the ones closest to them. Typically, the speeches and toasts given are tearjerkers or “T.M.I.” (i.e. groomsmen or siblings) but either way, they evoke emotions that are good for the soul and great kick off to wedding weekend!
My favorite wedding tradition is the bride's father walking her down the aisle. It is a special moment between the two of them before he gives her away, and I love the symbolism of the tradition.
Photograph: Tomayia Colvin Photography
CONNECT ONLINE Don't forget to visit our Premier Vendor Guide online at woodlandsbride.com/findvendors to meet more of our local wedding pros.
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Woodlands Bride / Fall 2014
Inspiration
Inspired by the warm feeling of a cabin in the mountains, this shoot combines woodland charm and soft floral arrangements in blush pink, with hints of sangria throughout. It is perfect for the bride who wants a rustic wedding with a classic and elegant touch. Photography by Designs by Karinda Styling by Karinda Kinsler and Striking Stems Floral Design
Rustic Romance
The woodsy feel of antlers and moss-draped oaks mixed with the feminine color palette, antiques, and details is perfect for a wedding that feels like a rustic retreat.
style guide Photographer: Designs by Karinda / Styling: Designs by Karinda and Striking Stems Flowers: Striking Stems / Cakes and Sweets Styling: Chocolate Encore and Bavarian Cakery / Hair and Makeup: Exquisite Reflections / Table and Desk: Rent Some Vintage / Linens: Events To Remember / Venue: Ashelynn Manor
MAKEUP BY
Keri Ann
713.775.5659 MakeupbyKeriAnn.com info@MakeupbyKeriAnn.com
Photo: Kelley Craig Photography
Perfect!
Magnolia Lake is the perfect setting for you to sit back and enjoy your event. Rehearsal Dinner Ceremony Reception Decorating Our venue will provide you and your guests with an original and unforgettable experience!
Photos by Butch Ireland Photography
for all of lifes special events!
2001 Hwy 30 East Huntsville, TX
936.294.0991 magnolia-lake.com info@magnolia-lake.com Woodlands Bride / Fall 2014
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The perfect dress. The perfect setting.
The perfect match... for your perfect day.
woodlandsresort.com | 866-317-4719
Wedding photos courtesy 12 Woodlands Bride / Edward SummerCharles 2014 Photography, Kasey Lynn Photography, Claire Miranda Photography
Trends
Sweet Sunday Nuptials Our summer intern, Channing Sizemore, shares one of her favorite wedding trends, with tips from local wedding planners, A Splendid Event.
During my internship after traveling so they are refreshed with Woodlands for your wedding. Bride, I have had the pleasure of meeting Rehearsal some fascinating Countless times wedding wedding vendors and exploring rehearsals will begin late when new trends. Some of my favorites they are held on a weeknight due have been the naked cake trend, to unpredictable traffic. This can wedding gowns with dramatic make for a stressed out bride and backs, and now, sweet Sunday groom awaiting to arrive promptly nuptials. I only recently have to their rehearsal dinner, and no learned of this new trend of local one wants a stressed out Bride and Some wedding venues, like brides opting for a nontraditional Groom 24 hours before they say Ashelynn Manor, offer a special day, like Sunday, to say their vows "I do". Choosing to get married package for Sunday ceremonies. so to grasp the details, A Splendid on a Sunday will alleviate this (Photo: Photography by Niki) Event gave me the inside scoop. issue if your venue is available for rehearsal on Saturday. One of the best tips we like to share with couples is if you are not set on a certain date for More time to party! sentimental reasons, pick a Sunday date. Here The majority of Sunday weddings begin earlier are the top 5 reasons why picking a Sunday because everyone knows their guest will be wedding benefits you and your checkbook: available all day. Starting earlier ultimately means your wedding will end in the early Save on your venue. evening, allowing you to host a more intimate It is no secret your wedding venue will consume gathering with friends. We have noticed more the largest part of your wedding budget. By and more couples are interested in having an choosing a Sunday date you will save on average after party with their closest friends. 20%- 50%. This is money you can either put elsewhere in your budget or set it aside for an Save on the Honeymoon. “emergency fund�. I told you I would make your checkbook happy! With a Sunday wedding you would leave for Time to cherish. your Honeymoon on a Monday or a Tuesday, Wedding weekends can sometimes be filled to dropping the cost of your airline tickets and the brim trying to see all of your family that has hotel cost, versus leaving on a weekend. This arrived for this glorious occasion. Choosing to makes for a happier honeymoon allowing more have your wedding on a Sunday will allow time spending money when you arrive! for your guest to visit with you, and settle in Woodlands Bride / Fall 2014 13
Inspiration
Secret Garden Photography by Lacey Peyton Photography
Similar to the history and mystery of Frances Hodgson Burnett's imaginative secret garden, Hodge Podge Lodge, the site of this storybook-like shoot, was a diamond in the rough - long overgrown and just waiting for rediscovery. Rich with history, and more than its' fair share of beauty, the grounds were lovingly restored to surpass their former glory. It’s no wonder the old world patio, and refreshing English Garden setting has become host to countless love stories through the couples that choose to say their vows beneath shady pecan trees surrounded by rows of antique roses. As pictured in this shoot, the history of Texas and quaint English charm merge seamlessly to create a perfect marriage of breathtaking British inspired beauty, and local Texan culture. We at Lacey Peyton Photography are so excited to have participated in this latest Secret Garden shoot telling the story of Michelle and Todd. You need only glimpse a few of these dreamy sets, bouquets, and details to find yourself inspired by this expert team of vendors.
style guide Venue: Hodge Podge Lodge Photographer: Lacey Peyton Photography Styling & Vintage Rentals: Sweet Tea & Linen Paper Products: Jo's Paper Kitchen Flowers: A Different Bloom Make Up: Keri Ann Reardon Hair: J Designs by Jessica Nelson Doves: Magic & Miracles
Cake: Deborah Abrego Valdez Mini Pies: Montgomery Bakehouse Bakery Dresses & Accessories: The Princess Bridal Officiant: Pastor David Kenney Models: Bride and Groom: Michelle & Todd Hammons, Bridesmaid: Destinee Williams Groomsmen: Nick Sonntag Flower girl: Aleena Burns, Ringbearer: Declan Kenney
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he team of professional bakers at Dream Cakes Inc. specializes in custom wedding cakes made with extra care and attention to ensure the cake matches your personality and style. You can choose from several flavors of cakes, fillings and icing and all of your desserts are made using the finest, natural, and wholesome ingredients. Your cake will not just be gorgeous to look at, it will also be delicious.
Photo by Kasey Lynn Photography
Contact us today and ask about your fresh first anniversary cake!
16062 Bridlewood Rd. Conroe, TX 77384 www.dreamcakesinc.com
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Shop: (936) 321-7051 Cell: (713) 504-2253
Advice
HOW TO FIND THE
Perfect Wedding Vendor
Planning a spectacular wedding is easy when you hire the right people. Many times, who you choose will mean the difference between an experience that can only be described as total bliss or a stressful, logistical nightmare. So, how do you find the vendors you can rely on? Here are our tips for finding and evaluating the best wedding vendors.
Start the Research Before you look for any other wedding vendors, start by identifying your wedding planner or venue. Your choice of vendors will be affected by those decisions. Don't waste your time researching florists when the wedding venue you choose only allows you to work with one or two preferred florists. Also, your wedding planner
may have a list of vendors they work with that could save you some time. Once you've selected your wedding planner and/or venue, the search is on for the rest of your wedding professionals. Definitely check into vendor guides. Another way to find local wedding pros is to ask each vendor you meet with for recommendations before you leave. You can get a ton of great, honest advice by asking local friends and family as well. You can also find great information and honest reviews on sites like WeddingWire. Refine the List Narrow down your list of potential vendors to your top 3 that you would like to have a facecont. on page 32
Going to the Chaplain WEDDINGS WITH STYLE AND GRACE
“As an ordained chaplain and married woman of 35 years, my desire is to help every couple not only with the ceremony, but in their journey during the months before they get to the altar, guiding them to build an emotional and spiritual foundation for a lifetime.” -Tara Dorroh
www.goingtothechaplain.com • goingtothechaplain@hotmail.com • 713.822.4510 Photo Credits: Headshot: Scott Kelley, Wedding: Minerva House
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Maura + Shane Photography by Memories by Maryanne
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Meghan + Travis
Photography by Kelley Craig Photography 28
Woodlands Bride / Winter 2013
Belle Rose Maison
2 venues for intimate & grand occasions
The perfect setting for your Woodlands wedding ...
www.bellerosemaison.com
Call 936-321-8899 for a tour today
Meagan + Lane
style guide Photographer: Jonathan Ivy Photography / Wedding Dress: Casablanca from Ventura’s Bridal / Bridesmaid’s Gowns: Bill Levkoff from Ventura’s Bridal / Ceremony Venue: St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church / Reception Venue: The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel / Hair and MakeUp: Your Beautiful Face / Florals: CM Floral Designs (now The Blooming Idea) / Cakes: Kiss the Cook Cakes / Videographer: Bella Vista Productions / DJ: Space City Entertainment 26
Woodlands Bride / Spring 2014
Photography by Jonathan Ivy Photography
Brittany + Paul Photography by Kasey Lynn Photography
style guide Photographer: Kasey Lynn Photography / Venue: Crystal Springs / Coordination: Pearl and Peony Event Design/ Linens: Linens and Events / Flowers: Pearls and Roses / Makeup: JN Co. Makeup
Danae + Jordan Photography by Photography by Niki
style guide Photographer: Photography by Niki / Venue: Hodge Podge Lodge / Styling: Sweet Tea and Linen / Invitations: Jo's Paper Kitchen / Coordination + Flowers: Treasured Spaces / Music: DJ Dave / Make up + Hair: Charmed by Tonya / Catering: Lagniappe / Cakes: Dream Cakes
Advice
How To Find the Perfect Vendor, cont. from pg. 20
to-face meeting with. Be sure to discuss price, contract terms and availability. Be sure you have a date in mind before you start meeting with potential wedding vendors.
Evaluate the Vendor Next, you need to take a good look at the vendor and decide if he or she has what it takes. According to a survey of brides across the United States, these are the four criteria brides find most important when choosing a vendor: Price: Of course, if that vendor doesn't have a package at a price point you can afford, you have to move on. I never recommend trying to haggle, however, if you aren't too far apart on price, many times the experts will help create a package to match even the tightest budget. Don't be afraid to ask! A creative and talented vendor will rise to the challenge. Promptness: This is a reflection of their organizational skills and customer service level. It is a rule for wedding vendors that they should always add joy to the
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occasion and never stress. If the vendor is difficult to get in touch with before you book them, this may not change afterwards. That being said, prompt does not always mean within the hour. Give your vendors at least one business day to respond to your email or phone call. Portfolio: You have to make a judgment call here; does the vendor have the quality you expect for your own wedding? Have they worked on a wedding before with a similar look or style? Do you feel like they can execute your vision? Personality: At the end of the day, you just have to follow your gut. Do you like this person? You will be spending a large portion of your wedding day with this vendor so you should ask yourself if you honestly can work with them on something as intimate as your big day. If they exude a positive, fun spirit, chances are you would!
Booking Blunders
(And How To Avoid Them) Booking Blunder 1 Choosing a vendor but not booking the vendor Don't assume that a vendor knows you are using them. Take the next step. There should be a contract to sign and deposit to pay. Make sure you complete the process. Booking Blunder 2 Confirm the date with the vendor, especially if it has changed several times. If anything for piece of mind, double-check with all of your vendors at one month out and at one week out to make sure they have you on the calendar for the right place, day and time. Booking Blunder 3 Blowing your budget with "hidden fees." Be sure to ask what is included in the total price and if there are suggested or required gratuity, delivery charges, etc. This will keep your budget in check!
The Lovely List
Meet our lovely advertisers. Be sure to tell them you found them in Woodlands Bride. Visit our premier vendor guide at www.woodlandsbride.com/find-vendors to find your perfect vendor. Cakes Dream Cakes 16062 Bridlewood Drive Conroe, TX 77384 (936) 321-7051 dreamcakesinc.com Catering Americas 21 Waterway Avenue The Woodlands, TX 77380 (281) 367-1492 cordua.com/americas Crave Catering and Events, LLC (281) 797-0262 cravecateringtexas.com Magnolia Lake 2001 Texas 30 Huntsville, TX 77320
(936) 294-0991 magnolia-lake.com Cinematography Five Stars Film (832) 866-2032 afivestarsfilms.com Wedding Fanatics (281) 935-4265 weddingfanatics.com DJs DJ Dave Productions (713) 806-1085 djdaveproductions.com PB &DJ (832) 233-9281 pbdjs.com
Favors + Gifts Amanda Badgley Designs (209) 683-4422 ABblingAccessories@gmail.com abbling.com Flowers A Different Bloom 15320 Highway 105, Suite 121 Montgomery, TX 77356 (936) 588-0750 adifferentbloom.com Carter's Florist 1416 S. Frazier Conroe, TX 77301 (936) 756-7222 txcarters.com College Park Flowers 3091 College Park Drive #200 The Woodlands, TX 77384 (936) 273-2700 collegeparkflowers.net LZ Floral 26600 Keith Street Spring, TX 77373 (281) 813-5145 www.lzfloral.com The Blooming Idea 25915 Budde Road, Suite 400 The Woodlands, TX 77380 (281) 292-4546 thebloomingideaevents.com Hair + Makeup Blo Blow Dry Bar 25 Waterway Avenue, Ste. 150 The Woodlands, TX 77380 (281) 465-8515 blomedry.com blothewoodlands@blomedry.com
Exquisite Reflections (281) 898-0411 exquisitereflections.info Makeup by Keri Ann (713) 775-5659 MakeupbyKeriAnn.com The Primp Bar (832) 814-1800 thePRIMPbar.com Health + Wellness Better Body for Me 17350 St. Lukes Way Suite 430 The Woodlands, TX 77384 (281) 236-7012 betterbodyforme.com Snow White Mobile Teeth Whitening (936) 494-9754 mysnowwhiteteeth.com Invitations + Papers Jo's Paper Kitchen (936) 931-7307 jo'spaperkitchen@gmail.com jospaperkitchen.com Tulip Invites karen@tulipinvites.com tulipinvites.com Zulees 9595 Six Pines Drive The Woodlands, TX 77380 (281) 419-0773 zulees.com Jewelry Stella & DotElizabeth Greever stelladot.com/sites/elizabeth
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Lighting + Decor Chaircovers-N-More (713) 291-3438 chaircoversnmore.com Officiant Going to the Chaplain (713) 822-4510 goingtothechaplain.com Parties + Showers Pinot's Palette (936) 321-ARTS pinotspalette.com/Woodlands Photobooths Good Times Texas Photobooth (832) 299-9094 goodtimestx.com Photographers
Photography by Niki (281) 798-0702 photographybyniki.com Ruddock Photography (832) 330-6939 info@RuddockPhotography.com RuddockPhotography.com Surak Kim Photography (718) 309-3910 surakkimphotography.com Rentals Rent Some Vintage (281) 827-1049 rentsomevintage.com Sweet Tea & Linen (281) 513-8413 sweettea-andlinen.com carolynmillsdesigns@gmail.com Rehearsal Dinner Venues
Binford Creative Photography 832-470-2717 binfordcreativephotography.com info@binfordcreativephotography. com
Buca di Beppo 19075 I-45 South Conroe, TX 77385 (936) 321-6262 bucadibeppo.com
Christopher Lynn Photography (281) 974-0069 christopherlynnphotography.com
Magnolia Lake 2001 Texas 30 Huntsville, TX 77320 (936) 294-0991 magnolia-lake.com
Derrick Bryant Photography (281) 799-8288 derrickbryantphotography.com Designs By Karinda (832) 250-7837 info@designsbykarinda.com designsbykarinda.com Jonathan Ivy Photography (281) 224-1937 jonathanivyphoto.com Kasey Lynn Photography kaseylynnphotography.com Kelley Craig Photography (240) 818-8633 kelleycraigphotography.com
Pallotta's Italian Grill 27606 IH-45 North Conroe, TX 77385 (281) 364-9555 pallottasitaliangrill.com Travel Agents Bella Destination Travel (832) 209-2174/ (866) 763-6288 info@belladestinationstravel.com belladestinationstravel.com Venues
(281) 252-3355 ashelynnmanor.com
(866) 317-4719 woodlandsresort.com
Belle Rose Maison 15833 Old Conroe Road Conroe, TX 77384 (936) 321-8899 bellerosemaison.com
Town Hall Texas 12194 Sleepy Hollow Road Conroe, TX 77385 info@townhalltexas.com (281) 943-4244 townhalltexas.com
Heather's Glen 200 E. Phillips Street Conroe, TX 77301 (936) 441-6611 HeathersGlen.com Hodge Podge Lodge 300 Prairie Street Montgomery, TX 77356 (936) 228-9290 hodgepodge-lodge.com Madera Estates 3201 N Frazier Street Conroe, TX 77303 (936) 441-9337 mymaderaestates.com Magnolia Lake 2001 Texas 30 Huntsville, TX 77320 (936) 294-0991 magnolia-lake.com Moffitt Oaks 20125 Cedar Lane Tomball, TX — 77377 info@moffittoaks.com (281) 370-6616 moffittoaks.com Rustic Rose 13629 Rose Road Willis, TX 77378 (936) 856-8535 rusticroseevents.com The Sanctuary at Water Oak 28600 Oaks on the Water Montgomery, TX 77356 (936) 447-6781 wateroakonlakeconroe.com/ sanctuary
Leslie Cervantez Photography (713) 452-0009 lesliecervantez.com
April Sound Country 1000 April Sound Blvd Montgomery, TX 77356 (936) 588-7213 clubcorp.com/Clubs/AprilSound-Country-Club
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott 1601 Lake Robbins Drive The Woodlands, TX 77380 (281) 681-5783 marriott.com/houmw
Memories By Maryanne (281) 583-9524 membymaryanne.com
Ashelynn Manor 25276 Nichols Sawmill Road Magnolia, TX 77355
The Woodlands Resort 2301 North Millbend Dr The Woodlands, TX 77380
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Wedding Fashion The Princess Bridal 119 Main Street Spring, TX 77373 (281) 651-9393 theprincessbridal.com Wedding Planners A Splendid Event 15833 Old Conroe Road Conroe, TX 77384 (713) 591-1490 asplendidevent.net E. Maddison Events 2611 FM 1960 W., Suite F-200 Houston, TX 77068 (832) 627-2522 emaddisonevents.com Event Solutions (281) 781-7676 EventSolutionsOnline.com J. Low Events (713) 962-7022 info@jlowevents.com jlowevents.com Treasured Spaces (713) 582-7184 treasuredspaces.net Your First Home C4 Realty-Kassi Foster, Realtor 832-655-6006 www.C4RealtyGroup.com
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