2010 :: A Year to Celebrate!

Whew - what a year! Resha launched our Houston office with enormous success. My adorable son was born (swoon!). And, we won The Knot's "Best of Weddings" for the fourth time! I'll say it again, Whew - what a year! :)

We coordinated some amazing weddings and events this year, and worked with over 400 vendors. Our events wouldn't be nearly as fabulous if it wasn't for some of these fabulous vendors, so we've narrowed down the list to our favorite ~150 vendors of 2010. Our own little "Best Of" list. :) Of course, be sure to talk to your coordinator about which vendor is the best fit for your style and budget, and remember this list is limited to only those we worked with in 2010. It'd be closer to 1,000 if we listed our favorite vendors of all-time!

To our awesome vendors - thank you for making our job a delight. We look forward to working with you in the future!

Much Love,
Jessica, Resha, Lorena and Lauren


babysitters
Grandparents Unlimited

cakes & desserts
Amy's Ice Cream
Austin Cake Balls
Cake Lady Bakery
Cakes by Gina
Edible Designs by Jessie
Jim-Jim's Water Ice
Joie Cakes
Krissy's Cakes
Le Duc Bakery
Matty Cakes
Michelle's Patisserie
Simon Lee
Supreme Kakes & More
The Chocolate Lounge
Tiff's Treats

caterers
Audie’s Catering
Circle C Café and Catering
Crave Catering
Dagar’s Catering
Glorious Cuisine
Gourmet Gals and Guys
Magnolia Hotel
Mighty Cone
Pappas Catering - Houston
Party Thyme Catering
Primizie Catering
Royal Fig

flowers
Art House Design
Bouquets of Austin
Clear Lake Flowers
Darryl and Co.
Dream Bouquet
Events in Bloom
Exquisite Petal
Flora Fetish
Green Petals Florist
Last Petal - Andrew
Last Petal - Melanie
Merveille Flowers
Prive Floral
Rosehip Flora
Simply Charming Flowers
The Glass Fountain
Verbena
Wedding Flowers by Lisa

hair/makeup
Deborah Lira
Frenchy's Beauty Parlor
Hush Salon
Jen Hoover
Maris Malone Calderon
Mel at Zig Zag Salon
Modern Muse Makeup Artistry
Pamela's Beauty Secrets

invitations
Invitation Solutions
The Inviting Pear

lighting
Altared Wedding Productions
Bright Star Productions
Ilios
Impressive Events - Joe Zuniga

music
Acoustic Production
Arundel Ensemble
Austin Wedding Jookbox
Avalon Music
Blind Date
Brent Warnock
Category 5 Productions - Larry
Complete Music - Coy Galloway
Divisi Strings
DJ Simcha
DJs Unlimited - Darrell, Jason
Friends of Sound
Full Circle Media - Kevin, Mike, RJ
Groove Labs - Kit
Hues by Heather - Devon
LG Entertainment - Lewis, Jose, Caesar
Look No Further - Ross
Los Brillantes
Mariachi Estrella
Mark Cruz
Minor Mishaps Marching Band
Platinum Band
PRP Entertainment Company - Brad, Phillip, Damion
Radio Star
Rock N Robin
Route 66 Band
Sauce
Suede
Tunes Across Texas - Jim

novelty vendors
Mancino Iron
The Cigar Room
Travis County Sheriffs

officiants
Catholics without a Church - Bishop Patrick
Mike Rinehart
Rabbi Folberg
Rachel Young
Rev. Joe Calovic
Rev. John Connor

photographers
Ben Godkin
Buller Photography / Sweet Spirit
Chris Carson
David Finkel Photography
Eric Hegwer
John Ly Photography
Kreative Angle - Huz
Lab L Artsf - Erik & Maite
Natural Expressions
Schmitt Photography
Shannon Cunningham Photography
She-N-He
SMS Photography
Stacy Cross Photography
Studio 563 Austin - Eric Von
Studio 563 Houston - April, Craig, Chip & Mathew
Sweet Caroline
The Mill Photography

photobooths
Booth 66
Party Booth Pix
Say Cheese

rentals
Any Occasion Party Rental
Elegant Beginnings
Green Petals Florist
Linens by Lisa
Marquee Event Group
Over the Top Linen
Premiere Party Central

transportation
Monarch British Limousines
Transportation Consultants
Uptown Valet

venues
AT&T Conference Center
Camp Lucy
Chateau Polonez
Congregation Beth Israel
Emmaus Catholic Church
Four Seasons
Grace Covenant Church
Horseshoe Bay Resort
Hotel Galvez
Laguna Gloria
Lakeway Activity Center
Lakeway Resort & Spa
Magnolia Hotel
Mansion at Judges Hill
One World Theatre
Red Corral Ranch
St. Mary Cathedral
Star Hill Ranch
Texas Old Town
The Allan House
The Bell Tower on 34th Street
The Gallery
The Grand Hall
The Houstonian
The Inn at Wild Rose Hall
The Omni
The Palm Door
The Parador
The Terrace Club
Vintage Villas
Wildflower Center

videographers
Alexander Wedding Films
BTL Productions
Capital Wedding Video
Joe Simon Weddings Films
Sweet Spirit Productions

Things I Love for 2011!

With the new year just days away, it got me thinking, what is inspiring me for 2011? Above is a collection of items I am madly in love with for your spring 2011 wedding!

1. Essie's Spring 2011 Collection is inspired by french glamour! The colors include French Affair, Sand Tropez, Coat Azure (Your something blue!), Nice is Nice, Topless and Barefoot & Kisses and Bises. Tres chic!

2. Vera Wang has teamed up with David's Bridal to create White by Vera Wang. Her designs will be available in David's Bridal stores in February.

3. I am currently obsessed with all things french! Macaroons are the perfect addition to the dessert bar at your wedding or a lovely take home treat for guests.

4. Nudes and neutrals are on trend for spring 2011. These Christian Louboutin Canon 140's in Nude would pair nicely with any wedding gown and you can wear them again and again after the big day!

5. Jennifer Behr hair accessories! All of Jennifer's exquisite pieces are handmade in a small network of studios in Brooklyn and Manhattan. They are sold in 100 boutiques nationally and internationally, and can also be purchased online.

Happy 2011!

Lauren Carrillo

What to do on New Years Eve

One of the best times I've ever had on New Years Eve was back in college. A group of friends and I decided to stay at a hotel for the evening. We attended a New Years Eve party in the hotel ballroom, and were then able to retreat upstairs without the hassle (and scare) of driving home. One of my favorite hotels in Houston is hosting a New Years Eve Gala this year. If you haven't finalized your New Years plans, I would highly recommend checking into The Houstonian. Here are all of the details: The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa

Happy New Year!!! May 2011 bring you nothing by happiness :-)

Cheers, Resha

photo credit

Merry Christmas!

Ahhh, my favorite holiday. The Christmas season makes everyone smile and the world seems like a gentler place. I love spending the holiday with my family, and I hope that you're able to be with the ones you love today.

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas!
jessica (and Kenneth and Aubrey and Hudson)

Weddings to Celebrate :: Stirling + Josh!

Stirling and Josh hired me one year ago to help with some planning and the day-of coordination for their Laguna Gloria wedding. They were planning long-distance from NYC, but by the time their wedding day came, they were living here in Austin! Austin is lucky to have them. :)

Working with Stirling and Josh was a treat. And seeing them enjoy their wedding day was such a pleasure!

Thank you, Stirling and Josh, for making my job the best job in the world. Please stay in touch!!

Love,

Email from the bride the day after:
More soon, but I wanted to write you quickly and say thank you for everything. It was fabulous.
Sent from my iPhone

Check out the ring bearer's tux - same tux worn by the groom as a tot. :)

Pictures by Chris Carson Photography.

Cast of vendors:
Coordinator - Something To Celebrate
Caterer - Primizie
Photographer - Chris Carson
Videographer - BTL Productions
Cakes - Michelle's Patisserie
Flowers - Last Petal
Lighting - Ilios
Mariachi - Los Brillantes
Band - Sauce
Buses - Transportation Consultants
Tents & Rents - Marquee

Love from a Mother of the Bride

This weekend I received the sweetest thank you email from a Mother-of-the-Bride (Morgan's mother - from Morgan & Chris' wonderful wedding over Halloween weekend). It made my day, and I wanted to share it with all of you. This is why I love doing what I do.

Resha,


I just wanted to tell you how very much our family appreciated all your help during Chris and Morgan's wedding in October. Truly we can all say that we could not have done it without you. During the entire process you had everything under control and made Morgan and Chris feel that they didn't have to stress over so many details. Your
experience and confidence were very calming and assuring and I could tell that from the beginning Morgan really trusted your judgement. You offered Morgan and Chris suggestions and opinions, without trying to "run the show." They were able to bounce ideas off of you and your advice was always just what they needed to hear. At the wedding you and the other sweet young lady (I am sorry because I have forgotten her name.) were making sure that everything ran smoothly and were very discreet in the way that you did so. You kept a very low profile, "working the room" and keeping everyone on task. Thanks so much for being very instrumental in making this day so special for all of our family.


Many thanks and God bless you in your "new territory" - H-town.




Terry

xoxo, Resha

The Knot "Best Of Weddings" 2011

Well, it's official! Both STC offices made The Knot's "Best of Weddings" 2011. Thank you so much to all of our fabulous clients who made this possible. We are so excited, and so thankful to have worked with each and every one of you.

Brides Against Breast Cancer

If you are looking for an alternative to the normal preservation of

your dress after the big day why not donate it for a good cause. The Making Memories for Breast Cancer Foundation has developed the fundraising program Brides Against Breast Cancer where donated wedding dresses are sold to help fulfill a wish and make dreams come true for women and men who are losing their fight against breast cancer. Donated dresses are sold in over 32 showings annually across the nation with prices ranging from $99-$799. This unique opportunity gives brides-to-be a chance to find the dress of their dreams at an incredible price, while helping to bring a moment of joy into the world of someone for whom a cure is too late.

Visit http://www.makingmemories.org/ for more information.

Lauren Carrillo

Weddings to Celebrate: Sonia & Charles

If you know me at all, you know how much I love history and historic places. I grew up in a home that has been in my family for over 100 years, and was built before Texas was a part of the United States. I have taken vacations for the soul purpose of viewing plantations and other places from our past. Therefore, I’m sure you can imagine my excitement when Sonia and Charles told me they planned to get married in Marmion Park and have their reception at the Heights Fire Station. I was THRILLED to act as their day-of coordinator, and help them pull everything together. The result was fantastic: a fabulous couple with fantastic friends and family all having a ball.

Here are a few of the amazing pictures the VERY talented Erik of Lab L Arts captured. There were so many great shots, I had a hard time narrowing them down!












Guys - thank you so much again for allowing me to be a part of your big day. I had so much fun! I have no doubt your marriage will last a lifetime.

xoxo, Resha

Cast of Vendors:

Officiant: Catholics without a Church
Venues: Marion Park & Heights Fire station
Coordinator: Something to Celebrate
Caterer: Audie's Catering
Photographer: Lab L Arts
Florist: Last Petal
Rentals: Elegant Beginnings
DJ: Category 5 Productions
Trolley & Antique Car: Jordan Limousines

Five Years Ago Today

Five years ago today, I married the greatest man I've ever known (with the exception of my Daddy). Five years ago today, I married the love of my life. Five years ago today, I married the father of my children. Five years ago today, I married the person I want to share my life.



Have we endured obstacles? Absolutely. Everyone does. However, marriage is not about the amount of obstacles life throws you. It's about who you want to stand beside you when those obstacles arrive. I can not imagine walking through life with anyone else.



Five years ago today, I stood at the alter and professed my love in front of my God, my friends, and my family. And on this day, five years later, I am more in love than I was the moment I said I do. I hope that the same will ring true for all of you.

Happy Planning!

Resha

Weddings to Celebrate: Morgan & Chris - Part 2

From the moment I spoke to her, I knew I loved Morgan. She is her own person. She stands out in a crowded room - for all the right reasons. And after meeting Chris, I can see these two make the perfect pair.

Morgan and Chris chose to get married over Halloween weekend, and they gave their celebration a very appropriate theme – The Day of the Dead. This is one of those themes that could have gone wrong very quickly. However, Morgan did an amazing job on the centerpieces, and I think it could not have turned out better. I had so much fun helping them pull everything together. As promised a few weeks ago, here are a few pictures of the details, taken by the very talented Abdul of Kreative Angle Photography. I wish you guys could see the overview of the entire room: super cool venue; linens in fuchsia, peacock, and yellow; lighting in the perfect shade of pink; a “day of the dead” gobo; a killer light show on the venue’s movie screen, and a yummy buffet of fajitas with all the trimmings.








Guys - thank you so much again for allowing me to be a part of this fantastic event. I wish you a lifetime of love & laughter. xoxo, Resha

Cast of Vendors:

Venue: The Heights Theater
Coordinator: Something to Celebrate
Caterer: Pappas Catering
Cake Baker: Cakes by Gina
Photographer: Kreative Angle Photography
DJ & Lighting: LG Entertainment
Rentals: Elegant Beginnings

Bridesmaids Revamped

Gone are the days were bridesmaids all wore the same exact dress or even the same exact color. When shopping for your bridesmaids dresses think outside the box! Pick different shades of one color, or a color palette and let your girls pick what color and style flatters them best! You want them all looking good for the groomsmen, dont you?

Use these photos from Cinderella Project for inspiration

Lorena Alexandria

Shamelessly asking for your love

Dear Clients - past and current,

The Knot is hosting a sort of competition, comparing each city's vendors against each other in order to produce a "best of" list. Sure, we've won this "competition" three consecutive years, but we're not resting on our laurels. And, ok, we might be a bit competitive. ;) A bit.

The competition ends TOMORROW! They use the reviews posted on the wedding channel website to gauge the awesomeness of the competing vendors. If you've got a minute (and, really, it takes just a minute!), would you please post a review? The star rating is most important, then just add a line or two of comments (or more, if you'd like!). We hope that you love working with us and that you're willing/wanting to tell the world! :) And if your mom wants to write a review to, we hope she will! And your dad, and your maid of honor, and your ushers, and.... there's no limit on who can love us. Haha!

Here are the links:
Austin - Something To Celebrate WeddingChannel.com online profile Austin
Houston - Something to Celebrate WeddingChannel.com online profile Houston

Thank you! GO STC, GO!!!