 Photo by CivicPhotos Today's Friday Favorites don't really have a theme or title to tie them all together; they are just simply a few of our favorite things from this week. We came across an engagement photo shoot we absolutely adore - sent by CivicPhotos - that was inspired by the 1950's vintage style. We'll also introduce you to a non-profit wedding ministry that we got to know this week that deserves recognition for what its doing for the community. And, lastly, we'll share some exciting events on our calendar that you don't want to miss! The offbeat engagement session of Ciara + Weston, taken by CivicPhotos, has many great elements to it which makes it such a classic shoot - fashion, timeless settings and of course, that vintage Cadillac from the 1950's. Perhaps one of our favorites to date from this talented photographer! Something Borrowed Wedding Dresses, in Montgomery, is a new organization founded in June 2012. The dress shop loans wedding dresses to brides on a budget, as a free service. The mission of this ministry is "to be a blessing to women looking for the perfect dress." Here is how Dee Dee Vaughn, owner, describes the dress ministry: "We are a Non- Profit Ministry that accepts gently worn wedding gowns, veils, shoes, slips and accessories. Some are brand new and some are gently used. My inventory is always growing and I invite you to browse my online catalog. Call or email for an appointment to try on some beautiful dresses. Every bride deserves to feel gorgeous on her wedding day but sometimes due to financial restraints a bride may not be able to afford the dress of her dreams. My goal is to help find that dress and just let her borrow it!" We have the pleasure of working with this ministry on a future style shoot. We will be sure to share the images of the dresses from the session. If you are interested in donating a gently worn, or new, wedding gown or accessories, contact Dee Dee - by e-mail or phone: (903) 277-4580 . View the dresses available here.  Dresses via Something Borrowed Wedding Dresses
Local Bridal Events
Blue By Enzoani Trunk Show - at Brickhouse Bridal (map it) Apr 26, 2013 10:00 AM - Apr 30, 2013 4:00 PM Details: April 26- May 5 The little sister to Enzoani knows how to hold its own with dramatic belts, lace, ruffles and pickups. Save 10% on your Blue by Enzoani gown during this special trunk show weekend; gowns start at $1300. Appointments are preferred for this event 281.681.3430. Hodge Podge Lodge Open House (map it) May 5th 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Details: Come stop by on Sunday, May 5th and see what Hodge Podge Lodge is all about! Take a tour through the house, stroll through the grounds, enjoy a Beer Float, visit with some of the businesses and people that we love to work with, and register to win a $50.00 gift certificate! You will also be able to register for the Gal's re"TREAT". Stella York Trunk Show - at Brickhouse Bridal (map it) May 17, 2013 10:00 AM - May 18, 2013 4:00 PM Details: Stella York features affordable individuality for today’s unique bride. An enchanting collection accompanied with dramatic beading, lovely laces and beautiful fabrics, the Stella York bride will walk down the aisle in elegance. With innovative designs catered for the destination bride in soft organzas, chiffons ,and charmeuses to the fairy tale princess wanting gorgeous satins and taffetas, the Stella York collection will meet your design needs. Save 10% on your Stella York gown during this special weekend!
 Photo via Burnett's Boards We think monochromatic wedding palettes (tints, tones, and shades of a single hue) are so sophisticated and unique, and we often wonder why they aren't as popular among brides. This taupe inspiration board we found on Burnett's Boards is elegant and smooth. The blog gives these tips for brides choosing a monochromatic theme for their wedding: The key ingredient in a monochromatic (or nearly so) wedding is mixing textures. In this inspiration board, the detailing on the dress mimics the texture on the cake and hair clip. The smoothness of the lamp, satin shoes, and ring bearer pillow are contrasts to that. Color accents for a monochromatic wedding (like blush and gold) should flow into each other, however, if you do want a pop accent color somewhere in your wedding, be sure to choose a sophisticated and unique conversation piece and use it sparingly! {via Burnett's Board blog} Our own advice for attempting this palette is mismatching elements (color, patterns and textures.) Examples include: bridesmaids with different color dresses and/or dress styles or bridesmaids with the same color floral bouquet but with different types of flower. Also, adding an unexpected element (a colorful flower pin or lipstick in a brighter shade) is a fun way to spice up this theme! For even more monochromatic wedding inspiration, check out our board on Pinterest.  Neutral Inspiration Board via Burnett's Boards
The beautiful bridals of Jessica, sent to us by CivicPhotos, brought to our attention this charming venue called The Gallery, located in the Galleria-area of Houston. This Mediterranean-style special events venue is filled with old-world charm and distinguished architecture. That, combined with the unique style of editing CivicPhotos uses, makes for some gorgeous, classy, and one-of-a-kind bridals!
We love when photographers send us styled engagement shoots! Colton + Rachel were totally game when their photographer, Amie Reinholz, suggested a photo shoot loosely inspired by the movie The Notebook and that era. The session was shot in Montgomery at Forever Faithful Ministries horse ranch. Rachel's makeup + hair was styled by Anna DeLong at Salons at the Lake. The looks, the props, the location - it is all so perfect! If you're obsessed with The Notebook like we are, you will remember the love story of Allie and Noah. Similar to how those two fell in love, Colton + Rachel's story is its own romantic comedy. The couple met through mutual friends and Colton was immediately smitten with Rachel. According to Rachel, he started "bothering" her all the time until finally he gave her a nickname she thought was cute and Rachel decided to give Colton a chance. They have been together ever since and are "obsessed with each other". The couple are getting married this July at Ashelynn Manor. We will be sure to follow this love story!
 Photo by Cory Ryan Photography Today's Friday Favorites post is all about color! Spring is one of my favorite seasons for many reasons - the beautiful, bright-colored flowers that pop up everywhere, the busy wedding planning season (which means a busy season for us!) and the fact that my birthday falls in the middle of this wonderful season.
Color can scare many brides. The thought of having more than one or two colors in your wedding may seem like a reach out of your comfort zone. Meet one couple who dared to break all the wedding color rules and incorporated their own offbeat taste and colorful personality into every aspect of their wedding. Then, see our ideas for adding a little color to your big day (without the panic attack!)
Handmade, Colorful Wedding by Cory Ryan Photography The handmade wedding of Joelle + J in Bee Cave, Texas was truly unique, according to their photographer, Cory Ryan. "Being invited to shoot a wedding for these two uber creative pump project artists was quite an honor. The groom hand made boutonnieres for himself and the groomsmen - made with a branch, succulent air plant and buttons in shades of opalescent pink and purple. The bride wore a lovely and classic strapless dress delicately ornamented with just a touch of sequenced flowers and leaves. For the ceremony, Joelle constructed a hanging wall of multi-colored yarn poms that were so original and provided a perfect photo backdrop." "Brightly colored lanterns set the stage for the venue. After the ceremony, kids were invited to have fun at the arts and crafts table. The couple constructed the single most amazing centerpieces I may have ever seen. Spray-painted horses and dinosaurs in pastel candy colors were surrounded with table numbers and frames with nested birds atop and both real and fake pom flowers inter dispensed."
Easy Ideas for Adding Color to Your Wedding
 Idea #1 (left): Serve fun, bright drinks at your reception. (And don't forget the fun straws!) {via Pinterest} Idea #2 (top middle): Incorporate patterns! For more on using patterns, check out our guest post on Bridal Detective. {via Pinterest} Idea #3 (bottom middle): Add color with a candy buffet. It's fun, keeps guests entertained and also can take the place of wedding favors. {via Embellished Events} Idea #4 (right): Top it off with a colorful cake. Alternate layers with a different color or add multi-color flowers....the ideas are endless! {via Cake Central}
This inspirational styled shoot combines 1950's glamour with shabby chic, woodlands-inspired details. What we love most about this vintage-inspired shoot, photographed by Fototails - Jeanine Thurston Photography, are the unique details and character in every shot. We hope this style session inspires you like it did us! We adore the ivory lace gown complete with over-sized vintage accessories - a look that's easy to duplicate! The ivory and pale pink sugar pearls and butter cream textured frosting add the perfect rustic touch to the wedding cake setup. The second bride went for an all-white vintage look with a feather wedding hairpiece, white pearls and a baby's breath bouquet. Incorporating baby's breath into your wedding is easy, affordable and oh so classy! Find more ways to use this flower in your wedding decor with these ideas from Intimate Weddings. What's your favorite looks from this vintage woodlands style session? We'd love to know!
Photos via Burnett's Boards
We just love this blue, brown and ivory wedding palette we found on Burnett's Boards - perfect for a farm wedding! Add rustic, easy-going details like burlap, DIY invitations and Mason Jars for the perfect country vibe. We are totally digging the blueberry chair garland...seriously, how cute would a wedding with this theme be?
Inspiration Board via Burnett's Boards
 Photo via Add a Little Sparkle Blog Spring is officially here in The Woodlands! The weather's getting hotter and the flowers are blooming. And it's time to start thinking about summer...summer plans, vacations and summer wedding makeup and beauty trends. We knew we needed the advice of a local makeup professional who could give our readers (and us) some tips for beating the Texas heat in style this summer. A makeup professional who we think you should get to know and love, like we do. Meet Keri Ann and get to know her business - Makeup by Keri Ann. Teaser: Brides, she gives a list of what to have in your wedding day emergency beauty kit!  (Previous Client of Keri Ann) Photo by Snapped with Love Photography Woodlands Bride: Tell us about your background. How did you get started as a makeup stylist and how long have you been in the beauty industry?
KA: I always enjoyed putting on makeup and wearing it, but my need for makeup began when I was suffering with a serious case of cystic acne. I needed serious coverage for a painfully embarrassing problem. I also quickly learned that makeup that covered acne well often caused more problems. Eventually I discovered the importance of quality skin care and I wanted to teach other women my age about it so I quickly became a student of makeup application. I have actually been in the cosmetics industry for almost 20 years now. What really makes me unique is that I also spent 7 years working as a corporate Chaplain.
Woodlands Bride: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
KA: Seeing a woman’s face light up when I hand her the mirror to see the finished makeover is priceless. I also know that when a woman looks good on the outside she feels more confident on the inside and that’s my gift to every client!
Woodlands Bride: What are some products every bride should have in her makeup emergency kit for the day of the wedding?
KA: • Handkerchief or tissues • lipstick and lip gloss • oil-absorbing tissues • nail glue • clear nail polish • compact mirror • pressed powder • fashion tape • breath mints • bobby pins • hairspray • pain reliever • band-aides
Woodlands Bride: Summers are so hot in Texas! Do you have advice for brides or bridesmaids who need their makeup to stand up to the Texas heat in an outdoor summer wedding?
KA: Believe it or not, avoid skin care and makeup products that contain sun protection on your wedding day. SPF products actually are light reflective and can be a problem for the camera and all those pictures you are smiling for. So many cosmetic products have spf protection, you really need to pay attention AND ask your makeup artist if he/she intends to use products with spf protection.
• Stay inside the a/c as long as possible!
• Use oil-absorbing products - moisturizers that absorb oil; primers and other mattifying products are a must during the Texas heat.
• Oil-absorbing tissues - thin “paper like” products that will absorbs the oil but won’t remove the makeup. Just blot on areas where moisture is building
• Apply very thin layers of pressed powder in areas that are needed.
 Left: Snapped with Love Photography, Right: Keri Ann Woodlands Bride: Are there things a bride can do to make sure her skin is perfect for her wedding day? And how soon should she start?
KA: Healthy and smooth skin is the perfect canvas for a makeup artist. I can’t emphasize the importance of a good skin care regimen enough. If you don’t have a good skin care routine, you need to find one that works before that ring is on your finger! It sometimes takes 6-8 weeks for skin to adjust to a new routine, so it really could take a year to get the right chemistry for your skin.
Also, make sure you drink lots of water during the day to hydrate your skin and make sure you have a nutritious diet, too.
Woodlands Bride: What can a bride expect for her day-of makeup application?
KA: The bride should have a trial makeup run weeks before the big day - this way the bride knows what to expect. (I often hear stories that sometimes 2-3 makeup artists have to be tried before the bride finds the one that’s right for her.)
The bride should be able to communicate and show her makeup artist what type of makeup look she wants. Pictures are so helpful! Application will probably take around 45 minutes for the bride - the artist should take time to really conceal, highlight and contour the face. Make sure your artist is using waterproof makeup - especially around the eyes. (I heard one story where an artist put makeup on the bride and her mother and said “O.K., you can’t cry now.” Really?!?!)
Also, I always recommend false lashes - they really add a beautiful dimension to pictures and there are so many fabulous looks to choose from. If you have a set of lashes you are in love with, bring your own lashes for the artist to apply.
If you don’t like something about your makeup - SPEAK UP! The artist will never know unless you tell them. I always take time to show my clients and get their opinions throughout the process, but many artists don’t work that way.
Woodlands Bride: Can you give us a little glimpse into your makeup bag? What 5 products can you not live without?
KA: 1. Eyeshadow primer - it keeps my eye makeup on all day!
2. Lip balm (note: not a chap stick or cold sore product) - keeps lips soft and smooth
3. Lipstick and lip gloss
4. Eye brow pencil - the most under used and forgotten product with the most dramatic results!
5. Mascara - I actually apply 2-3 different types to make lashes really stand out.
Advice by KA: I really try to educate my clients rather than selling to them. Everyone has their favorite brands or ideas about products so I really like to talk about products in a general way. I believe that women should always ask for samples and they should never be afraid to return products they don’t like/can’t use.
 Keri Ann is a freelance makeup artist in the Houston area. She offers airbrushing and traditional makeup application for all of life's special events, including weddings. Keri Ann has 19 years of experience in the cosmetic and skin care industry, and she loves helping women find new ways to enhance their beautiful God-given features. Contact Makeup by Keri Ann today to schedule a consultation! www.makeupbykeriann.com 713-775-5659 or info@makeupbykeriann.com Makeup by Keri Ann is a featured vendor. View her listing in our Vendor Guide here.
We love this concept. Looking through all the wedding photos of Gabi + John, you may stop and think, "How on earth did they find the time on their wedding day to take all those gorgeous shots?" They didn't. Katie Lamb Photography offers her clients "Day After Sessions" so that sometime after the wedding, couples can take the time to get all the shots they want, at a fun location. As Katie puts it: The stress of wedding planning is gone so the bride and groom are much more relaxed. Plus, we don't have to worry quite so much about the dress getting a little dirty.
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