Amy + Brian's Bell Tower on 34th Wedding | Houston Wedding Planner

The Bell Tower on 34th is one of our favorite venues in Houston for a few reasons. Not only was the old stomping grounds of one of our Houston planners, but it also has beauty everywhere you look. Amy and Brian used that to their advantage when planning their wedding at this gorgeous venue. The building itself is a staple in the Houston area, but add in its signature Waterwall, plus multiple ceremony and reception locations (that all look right out of Europe) and you just can’t go wrong.

The couple spent the morning leisurely getting ready surrounded by close friends and family, one of our favorite parts of the day. Starting this special day with loved ones is a must in our book! It keeps you calm, on a day that is full of emotions, plus it makes for great photos once your photographer arrives. Those special moments of getting dressed, or the little details that not everyone sees, are all a big part of your day. The day is timed down to the minute, so for couples who are structured like us, they love that they day flows like clock work. That is how we knew we would love Brian, who loves clock work so much, he even had cufflinks made of the gears of a clock!

Once everyone was dressed and ready, it was time to get some pictures marked off that to-do list. They opted not to have a first look, saving that for the walk down the aisle, but they still got plenty of photos in to help save time during the wedding itself. They did the serious photos, but they also each had fun, doing a unique photo with each member of their wedding party, and we are sure those are photos they will always treasure.

It was time for these two to finally say “I do” in the beautiful Campanille Chapel. With its towering ceiling and windows to let in the Texas sun, it gives you elements of the outdoors while enjoying the luxuries of indoor venues. As string musicians serenaded Amy down the aisle, Brian was fully focused on his bride, while we love the look of love on Brian’s mom’s face as she watched her son marry the love of his life. When the heartfelt ceremony was over, Amy and Brian were able to share some bubbles and their second kiss as husband and wife with their wedding party before heading out for more photos.

We know wedding days aren’t all about pictures, but they are certainly important and Amy and Brian wanted to take full advantage of all the spots The Bell Tower has to offer. With the guidance of Nate Messara they were able to capture so many once in a lifetime photos that will live forever in their minds, but also, be on the walls of their future home for generations to come.

The details, oh, how we love the details. When you can fit something special and personal into your wedding day it makes it even more special, and they chose to incorporate their love of traveling throughout their day. Their guest book globe was such a fun idea, but Brian’s grooms cake might be one of our favorites of all time! Not only was it beyond amazing and realistic looking, with its worn suitcase and globe with markers, but it was also super delicious and was a cookie cake!! Kelly Q’s Cakes delivered just what they wanted for Brian and for Amy and her classic and elegant tiered cake.

But we can’t just look at those details, there were so many great parts! The Carillon Ballroom, with its grand staircase, towering ceilings, and classic warm tones, just set the perfect backdrop for their day. The Secret Floral Garden accented everything with varied height centerpieces with ivory, blush, and burgundy florals along with glass and gold with warm candlelight to set the mood. To bring a bit of blue to the day, they opted with bright blue menu cards and cocktail napkins, which was just the perfect amount.

As the cocktail hour ended, guests were welcomed into the ballroom for their plated meal and all the formal activities that followed. The newlyweds entered down the grand staircase and then the festivities began. First dance over the Texas star, toasts from the Maid of Honor and Best Man, parent dances that always bring tears to at least someone’s eyes, and of course lots of kisses.

As the sunset on this beautiful day, it was time for the guests to kick back and enjoy the music of Ice House Band and celebrate the new couple. There was lots of dancing and singing before wishing the couple farewell under a shower of gold and white confetti!

Here is to forever Mr & Mrs Gravesmill ❤️

Cast of Houston Wedding Vendors

Venue: The Bell Tower on 34th Street

Floral: The Secret Floral Garden

Photography: Nate Messarra Photography

Videography: Jen Creates

Cake: Kelly Q’s Cakes

Band: Ice House Band

Hair & Makeup: Primp and Blow

Dogs in Wedding - Why and How to Include Them In Your Special Day

We are pet people at Something to Celebrate. While we love ALL weddings, we won’t lie, a wedding with a dog is just something special! You might be wondering why & how should you incorporate your fur baby into your wedding, especially if you can’t have them there in person. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

This is the easiest way to incorporate your pets because you can take them near your house and they require the shortest time commitment. Use these photos on your save the dates, or print off and frame as many as you want and display them at your ceremony and reception for everyone to enjoy!

Photo by Nancy Aidee

Photo by Nancy Aidee

YOUR ATTIRE

This one is for the guys! Have some fun but keep it classy with socks (either just with your dog breed, or even custom ones with your exact pet) and cuff links like Mike. If your wedding is a bit more on the casual side, go crazy with your tie! In this day and age of so many custom clothing options, you can almost do anything, just make sure it fits the formality level of your celebration.

Photos by Laurentina Photography

Photos by Laurentina Photography

SIGNS, STICKERS, AND MORE!

There are so many options when it comes to signage and paper products, so use your imagination and have fun! We have seen lots of creative ideas in the past, and while we would love to share them all, it would take awhile, so below are just a few recent ones.

  • Custom stamps, SO SO cute! If you have stamps, that means you can always include your pets on your invites as well.

  • Make COVID precautions a bit more fun with custom stickers to indicate how comfortable your guests are with social distancing. Hopefully this particular use will be gone soon, but stickers are here to stay!

  • Were you planning on doing assigned tables for your guests? If so, it will be one sign that you know everyone will be looking at, so of course you need your furry friends to be front and center on that sign!

  • This is a big day, it’s the official start of a new family, so why not document it with an adorable sign with ALL your family members. You could easily make a sign that you also use as a guest book and have your friends and family sign. Or you could be like Kady & Nathan and just show off your newest piece of artwork for everyone to enjoy!

  • Turn their adorable faces into photo booth props, and then they really be part of the celebration!!

YOUR BAR (AND BONUS FAVORS)!!

There are so many fun ways to include your pets into your bar and that is probably why we see this the most! Even if you are having a formal wedding, the bar is always a fun place, so you can use this area to bring in a little bit of whimsy into the evening.

  • Have cups made with an illustrated version of your four legged friend and your new married name on the back. Keep them at the bar so they can used during the wedding, but order extra because guests will want to take one (or more) home as a favor!

  • Sure, you could make a signature drink named after you or your fiance, but naming it after your pet is way more fun! It could be as simple as giving a traditional drink a new name for the night (like Kasey & Ed did with their margarita “The Willie” and old fashioned “The Carter”). Or turn your pet’s name into the drink, like Tina and Henry did with their “Zoey-Rita”!

  • If thinking of drink names is too much, or you aren’t doing a signature cocktail, we’ve still got you covered! You can name your bars! Haley & Tyler named their three bars after their three dogs, Cash, Credit, and Debit (Tyler is an accountant if you are curious).

  • If you are going to take the time to name your drinks after you dogs (or cats, anyone, maybe, one day..), you better have a sign made!! It can be a be on acrylic or printed and in a frame. The picture can look like a computer graphic, can be hand painted, can be a custom watercolor, again, the possibilities are endless.

  • Last but not least, what is a bar without koozies and beverage napkins! Skip the monogram and opt for furry face instead!

CAKE

Before you start to doubt us, yes,, you can include your dogs on the wedding cake and not just the groom’s cake! Traditionally the groom’s cake is the more “fun” one, but you can fit your furry friends into anything you want. Actually incorporate them into the cake, like Haley & Tyler’s cake eating trio), or make them a topper (in plastic, metal, or icing form). If you still want just a traditional wedding cake with a hint of your loyal companion, grab an extra beverage napkin and display it on the cake table for a beautiful (and still elegant) photo!

INCLUDE THEM IN YOUR CEREMONY

Don’t know anyone to be a ring bearer or flower girl? No worries, your pet is up to the task! But the task they are ready for is looking adorable in photos and making your guests smile. Having proper wedding etiquette is not. They might stop to literally smell (or eat) the roses, chase a squirrel, or decide to jump on that beautiful new white gown they have never seen their mom in. So whenever you have your beloved animal at your wedding, they need their very own companion. Companies like The Pet Gal can even board them when you are gone during wedding weekend and your honeymoon. On wedding day they will bring them to your ceremony just in time for photos, stay with them during the ceremony (because as much as we love them, they don’t love us enough to sit through a 20 minute ceremony), help with with post-ceremony pictures, and then take them back home. Weddings are loud and full of strangers, and that can stress your dog. So let them stay just to spend time with the two people they love most in the world, and then let them go back home for a nap!

PHOTO TIME!!

How many days of your life are spent with a professional photographer following you like a shadow? Probably not many, so take advantage!! You are both dressed to the nines, so get your furry friend the cutest bow tie, or a flower collar, and you will treasure these pictures FOREVER!!

KISSES

Last but not least, include them for the kisses. Yours or theirs, they don’t care. They just love kisses!!

Weddings to Celebrate: Katie & Ryan

Katie and Ryan exchanged vows on a beautiful January day with the Houston skyline as a backdrop for their ceremony.  I helped them plan the event, and I could not have been more pleased with the end result.  Enjoy these pretty pictures from Sharon Nicole Photography...

KR058.JPG
KR108.JPG
KR109.JPG
KR210.JPG
KR215.JPG
KR292.JPG
KR333.JPG
KR349.JPG
KR361.JPG
KR375.JPG
KR383.JPG
KR424.JPG
KR456.JPG
KR594.JPG
KR605.JPG
KR606.JPG
KR607.JPG
KR703.JPG
KR707.JPG
KR719.JPG

The incredible cast of vendor partners who made this event possible:  

Planning: Something to Celebrate, Resha Zazueta, Venue & Catering: The Grove, Photography:  Sharon Nicole Photography, Flowers & Lighting: SCF Events, DJ: Bradley David Entertainment, Cakes:  Cakes by Gina, Hair & Makeup:  Hey Lovely, Tent:  Aztec Tents

Weddings to Celebrate: Robyn & Zac

There is no higher honor than a referral, and I'm so grateful that Robyn & Marcy (Robyn's mother) were referred to me.  They are two of the most thoughtful people one could ever meet, and I had a blast helping them pull everything together for Robyn & Zac's big day.  Enjoy some eye candy from the lovely Nancy Aidee...

Happy planning!!

Resha

...Exceptional Cast of Vendors Partners...

Coordination:  Something to Celebrate, Resha Zazueta

Photographer:  Nancy Aidee Photography

Videographer:  Mason Jar Films

Venue & Catering: Hotel ZaZa

Flowers & Decor: Blooming Gallery, Scott Konitzer

Music: Divisi Strings (Ceremony) & Simply Irresistible (Reception Band)

Cakes:  Susie's Cakes

Hair/Makeup: Blush & Co

Photo Booth: My Event is the Bomb

 

Sneak Peak!! Ashley & Neal's Wedding At The Houstonian| Houston Wedding Planner

I have one word for Ashley & Neal's November wedding:  DREAMY.  I had so much fun helping Ashley and her sweet mother, Wendy, plan all the details of this incredible event.  Scott Konitzer of Blooming Gallery transformed the Houstonian Grande Ballroom with lush white carpet and draping and a clean palette of white, ivory and green.  Here are a few sneak peak pictures captured by the oh-so-talented Morgan Lynn of Morgan Lynn Photography.  Enjoy, and get inspired!!

xoxo,

Something To Celebrate

And here is the Dream Team Cast of Vendor Partners.  This event would not have been successful without each and every one.  :) 

Wedding Planner:  Something to Celebrate

Venue & Catering:  The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa

Design & Florals:  Scott Konitzer, Blooming Gallery

Photography:  Morgan Lynn Photography

Videography:  31 Films

Lighting:  Bright Star Productions

Dance Floor:  Mike's Dance Floors

Ceremony Music:  Avalon Music, string quartet

Cocktail Music:  Diana Warner

Reception Music:  Professor D (Band) & Chris, Bradley David Entertainment (DJ)

Ice Sculptures:  Ice Designs

Cake:  Susie's Cakes

Made-to-Order Donuts:  Sugar Bunch Creations

Get-Away Vehicle:  Monarch British Limos

Hair & Makeup:  Donna Abate, Jentry & Loris

Weddings to Celebrate: Elaine & Jeff at Congregation Beth Israel and Rice Crystal Ballroom

This was such a fun wedding to plan!  I loved the lively and Kate Spade-inspired color palette of hot pink, turquoise, purple, yellow, and orange and black & white stripe accents.  And I loved planning with this family even more than I loved the bright color palette.  Feast your eyes on the pretty pictures captured by the oh-so-talented Tina Lau of Agape House Studio.  She did an incredible job capturing the feel and emotion of the day, along with all the pretty details.  Enjoy!!

xoxo

The Exceptional Cast of Vendors

Coordination/Decor Design:  Resha Zazueta, Something to Celebrate

Venues:  Congregation Beth Israel & Rice Crystal Ballroom

Photographer:  Tina Lau, Agape House Studio

Videographer:  Luxe Films

Floral/Decor:  Blooming Gallery

Decor Rentals:  Elegant Beginnings, Inc

Cake & Desserts:  Susie's Cakes & Petite Sweets

Ceremony Musicians & Band:  Avalon Music & In10City Band

Lighting:  Bradley David Entertainment

Marquee Letter Rental: Marquee House of Letters

Hair/Makeup:  Blush & Co

Transportation: Transportation Consultants

Weddings to Celebrate: Lindsey & Matthew at Hotel ZaZa

If I had to describe Lindsey & Matthew in one word, it would be FUN.  I loved every minute of helping them plan their wedding, and every minute of their wedding day.  They had an intimate event with fifty of their nearest and dearest ... and every single person had a ball!  A picture is worth a thousand words.  I'll let these incredible images (captured by Agape House Studio) speak for themselves.

xoxo

The Exceptional Cast of Vendors

Planner:  Something to Celebrate, Resha Zazueta

Venue & Catering:  Hotel ZaZa

Photographer:  Agape House Studio

Florist:  Simply Charming Flowers / SCF Events

Lighting:  Bright Star Productions

Chargers:  Elegant Beginnings / EBInc

Cake:  Susie's Cakes

Harpist: Avalon Music

Gamelan Group & Band:  Show Business Entertainment (Space City Gamelan & The Royal Dukes)

Hair / Makeup: Fringe Salon

Weddings to Celebrate: Maria & Victor

I feel like a broken record - but referrals are always my favorite way to meet new clients.  Especially when those clients are siblings!  I had the pleasure of coordinating Minju & Victor G's wedding a couple of years ago...and was THRILLED when Maria & Victor L (Minju's brother) contacted me to coordinate theirs.  I would challenge anyone to find a more loving and kind family...I would coordinate a wedding for them any time!!! The oh-so-talented Sam Le (Sam Hugh Photography) did an incredible job capturing the feel of the day.  A picture is worth a thousand words; I'll let these speak for themselves.

The Incredible Cast of Vendors

Coordinator - Resha Zazueta, Something to Celebrate

Venue & Catering - La Colombe D'Or

Photography - Sam Hugh Photography

Videography - Kinsmen Productions

Florist - Simply Charming Flowers / SCF Events

Rentals - Elegant Beginnings, Inc.

DJ & Lighting - LG Entertainment

Ceremony Pianist - Scott Graham

Cake - World Catering

Hair / Makeup - Hey Lovely

Weddings to Celebrate: Lindsey & Randy

Lindsey and Randy's wedding was one for the books!  After a long and sweet courtship, they had a short three month engagement.  They came to me for help just two months out, and I was thrilled to assist.  However, the length of their engagement isn't what made their wedding so unique.  It was the number of receptions.  They were married in an intimate ceremony in Park City, Utah.  They had a small reception in Park City, and then two days later...we had reception #2 in Houston for their Texas friends and family.  But wait, there's more! (ha) The week after the Texas reception, they had  reception #3 in Los Angeles for their California friends and family.  What a whirlwind!  

They hired three planners (one in each city), and Lindsey gave me one of the best compliments of my career.  She said I was the best of the three, and she wished I had planned all of the events.  I can not properly express how much her words meant to me.  

Lindsey and Randy possess two of my favorite qualities:  They are both humble and kind.  They have great spirits, they are a join to be around, and I am forever grateful to have worked with them.  

Here are some of the gorgeous shots Chip Gillespie captured for their Texas Reception.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!  

xoxo,

And, a HUGE thank you to the incredible cast of vendors who helped pull this event together.  Each one was a dream to work with :)  

Coordinator:  Resha Zazueta, Something to Celebrate

Photographer:  Chip Gillespie Photography

Videographer:  MIA Video Productions

Venue & Catering:  Carlton Woods

Floral / Decor Rentals:  Scott Konitzer, Blooming Gallery

DJ & Lighting:  Bradley David Entertainment

Desserts:  Sweet

Late Night Snack:  Whataburger

This gorgeous Crystal Ballroom Wedding we designed for Megan and Jake is featured on Style Me Pretty!

I am excited to share that Megan & Jake's January 2015 wedding was featured on Style Me Pretty! We love Megan’s advice, “Hire a coordinator and get a hydra-facial the day before the wedding.
Check it out here. :)

Weddings to Celebrate: Amanda & Trent

I had the absolute privilege of helping Amanda & Trent plan their beautiful May wedding at Second Baptist Church and the Crystal Ballroom. Working with this sweet couple and with Amanda's parents truly was a wonderful experience. Serendipity Photography captured all of the love and excitement of this day so perfectly.

Cast of Vendors

Church: Second Baptist Church

Venue: Crystal Ballroom

Coordinator: Something to Celebrate

Photographer: Serendipity Photography

Videographer: Cinema Candy 

Florist/Linens: Blooming Gallery 

Cakes: Who Made the Cake

DJ/Lighting/Photo Booth: Jonny Black Productions

Transportation: AFC 

Weddings to Celebrate: Megan & Stephen

There are no words to properly describe how much I adore this family.  I planned Jackelyn & Zachary's wedding back in 2012 and was THRILLED when Megan (Zachary's sister) asked me to help with the planning for her wedding.  You couldn't meet a nicer group of people, and I am honored to call them friends.  They are welcoming, wonderful, open, loving and full of fun.  And Megan's wedding was all of those things times a million.  Though it was easily one of the most beautiful events I've ever planned, it was incredible because of the "vibe" in the room.  From the guests to the food to the music playing, it was a fairytale event.  I'll let the pictures tell you the rest of the story.  (If you don't know it already, Chip Gillespie is the bee's knees.)

Happy planning!!

The incredible cast of vendors.  Hands down, some of the best in the business.  Without them, this night would not have been as magical.  

Venue: Congregation Beth Israel

Coordinator:  Resha Zazueta, Something to Celebrate

Photographer:  Chip Gillespie Photography

Videographer:  Evoke Photo & Video

Caterer:  Rice Epicurean

Cakes:  Alphorn Bakery

Floral & Decor Rentals:  Scott Konitzer, Blooming Gallery

Lighting:  Bright Star Productions

Ceremony Music: Divisi Strings

Reception Music:  Professor D (booked through Show Business Entertainment)

Catering Rentals:  Swift Events

Dancefloor:  Mike's Dance Floors

Macaroon Ice Cream Sandwiches:  Ricca

Transportation:  TMI & Monarch British Limos

Alison & Pierce's Wedding featured on The Knot!

I am so excited to share the news that Alison & Pierce's wedding was featured on The Knot Real Weddings and will also be featured in the upcoming magazine edition of The Knot Texas! :) Check out the link below!

The Knot- Alison & Pierce

Weddings to Celebrate: Leah & Mark

I had an absolute blast helping Leah & Mark plan their April wedding. Each meeting truly was more fun then the last! Edmonson Photography captured this amazing celebration beautifully and were such a joy to work with!

{

Cast of Vendors

}

Venue: The Grove

Coordinator:

Something to Celebrate

, Lauren Carrillo 

Photography:

Edmonson Phtotography

Florist & Rentals:

Blooming Gallery

Tent:

Aztec 

Desserts:

Three Brothers Bakery 

Ceremony Music:

Divisi Strings 

Reception Music:

Jonny Black Productions 

Photo Booth:

Shutterbooth Houston

Transportation:

AFC

Getaway Vehicle:

Monarch British Limos

Hair & Makeup:

Blush and Co. 

Press to Celebrate!

Megan & Matt's beautiful fall wedding is featured in the latest edition of Trendy Bride's magazine

.  Yay!!  Special Thank you to Megan, Matt and their families for hiring me to help them with their planning, to Dana Fernandez for capturing such beautiful images, and to the entire vendor team for making the event fabulous!

In addition, I was quoted today in an

article for The Daily Meal

on tips for hosting an outdoor wedding.  If you are in need of tips for an outdoor wedding (or really any outdoor event), check it out!

Two Weddings by Something To Celebrated - Published!

Monday mornings are great when you wake up to not one, but TWO Something To Celebrate weddings being published. :) We love what we do, and it's just the cherry on top when other wedding pros recognize what we do as excellence. Thank you!

http://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-photos/real-weddings/sparkly-austin-banquet-wedding/i/c2ef3baaed246c45-cd6320f9c11fd175

http://www.modwedding.com/2015/06/29/texas-wedding-ballroom-glamour-at-the-houstonian/

Weddings to Celebrate: Patricia & Kyle| Houston Wedding Planner

Okay, so this one isn't an official "STC" wedding.  However, I definitely helped with all the planning.  Patricia is my youngest sister-in-law, and she and I share a special bond.  I adore her.  Gabe (my husband, her brother) and I were there when Kyle proposed, and I was honored to help her with the planning process.

Patricia and Kyle are a very laid-back couple.  Patricia's not "frilly" or traditional and likes a simple, Bohemian-style aesthetic.  She and Kyle wanted something intimate with just their closest friends and family.  I think they got exactly what they wanted :)  Here are some of the pictures captured by the team at Theo-Graphics

.  Enjoy!

Happy Planning,

Isn't she gorgeous?  Her beauty radiants from within.

Yes, that is me officiating.  No, you will never see me do this for anyone else, ever again (unless there is an emergency).

Kyle is toasting Patricia at this moment. I love the look on her face.

Awesome Cast of Vendors

Venue:  Station 3

Photographer:  Theo-Graphics

Florist:  Blooming Gallery

Rentals:  Elegant Beginnings

DJ & Lighting:  Jonny Black Productions

Catering:  BBs Cafe

Cake & Cupcakes:  Susie's Cakes

Hair / Makeup:  Your Beautiful Face

(Patricia's) and Blush & Co (Resha's)

Weddings to Celebrate: Jennifer & Ben | Houston Wedding Planner

I had such a wonderful time working with Jennifer & Ben on their February wedding at The Sam Houston Hotel

. They are such a sweet couple and I truly felt honored to be a part of the celebration. Below are some beautiful photos captured by Agape House Studio

.

{Cast of Vendors}

Venue: The Sam Houston Hotel 

Coordinator: Something to Celebrate, Lauren Carrillo

Photography: Agape House Studio

Florist: Events in Bloom

Cakes: World Catering

Ceremony & Reception Music: Royal Dukes

Photo Booth: Smrkin

Weddings to Celebrate: Courtney & Brandon

I met Courtney & Brandon last summer, and we "clicked" instantly.  I adore this couple, and helping them plan their wedding was a ton of fun.  After meeting their families, I knew why they were such great people.  They both come from exceptional stock!  :)  And they sure do know how to laugh and have a good time!

As always, Julie Wilhite

captured the day beautifully.  Feast your eyes on these pretty pictures...

Happy Planning,

Fantastic Cast of Vendors:

Coordinator:  Something to Celebrate, Resha Zazueta

Photographer:  Julie Wilhite Photography

Venue & Catering:  Bell Tower on 34th Street

Cakes: Susie's Cakes

Florist:  Stem's Custom Floral

DJ & Lighting:  LG Entertainment

Weddings to Celebrate: Angela & Drew

I had such an awesome time working with Angela & Drew on their fabulous summer wedding. Enjoy a peek into their special day from these beautiful images captured by Tess J Photography

.

{Cast of Vendors}

Church: Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church

Venue: Lakeside Country Club

Coordinator: Something to Celebrate, Lauren Carrillo 

Photography: Tessa J Photography 

Florist: Blooming Gallery

Lighting: Bright Star

Cakes: Frosted Art

Ceremony Music: Encore Strings

Reception Music: Empire 6

Transportation: Sam's Limousines 

Getaway Car: Monarch British Limousines 

Hair & Makeup: Blush & Co.