Love Lee Photography for a Lovely Bride!

There are a ton of Houston Wedding Photographers...a dime a dozen, but Margaret Lee of Love Lee Photography stands a part as one of the best! She has the full package and by that, I don't mean engagement sessions, bridal sessions, and album choices (although, she gets two thumbs up in that department too)!

She is a pleasure to work with and I can always count on her getting the shots that my clients melt over. Her photography style is playful and thoughtful and her images vibrant, colorful, and alive! Margaret is dedicated to the client's wishes and desires, but also in tuned to their needs and provides photography packages that are suitable to every bride's budget.

Love Lee Photography will follow you to the ends of the world for destination weddings and also specializes in boudoir sessions.

Visit http://www.loveleephotography.com/ to view online galleries and to make an appointment to meet with Margaret!

Michael's Cookie Jar: Cookie Favors Done Right!

I am so excited to welcome Michael's Cookie Jar to the Two Be Wed family! Michael Savino is a trained pastry chef from the Culinary Institute of America. He is on a mission to create and introduce the yummiest and finest cookies in Houston and doing a fabulous job I might add!

Michael is best known for his elaborate cookie displays he calls "The Cookie Buffet" and "The Cookie Cake." They are perfect for your wedding reception and a nice change from the usual groom's cake.

Michael's Cookie Jar has three collections of cookies

1) Americana collection- the kind of cookies you prayed were waiting for you when you got home fro

m school! Delicious "chunky chocolate chip, fresh oatmeal raisin, and old fashioned peanut butter!

2)Fancy collection- European inspired cookies, petite, bite-size, and just beautiful. From raspberry buttertwists, cocoanut macaroons, and chocolate biscotti to Mexican wedding cake and Almond Florentine. The perfect gift for the hostess of the party!

3) Seasonal Collection- Michael's seasonal cookies are adorable and just too pretty to eat until you take a bite and then, well, you know how it goes! His wedding collection includes the couple's monogram, a wedding cake, and a cookie decorated with the bride and groom's picture.

Check out Michael's Cookie Jar at http://www.michaelscookiejar.com/. To schedule a cookie tasting contact Michael at michael@michaelscookiejar.com or 713.771.8603.

Your Houston Wedding Planners

Ok, Future Bride-to-Be....tell the truth! Is your wedding planning driving you nuts? Do you wish you had someone (knowledgeable, trustworthy, honest, and capable) to help you with all the tasks and decisions that have to be made before you walk down the aisle?

Fret no more! The creative minds at Two Be Wed are Houston wedding planners that you can trust to make your planning process exciting and the day-of, unforgettable! Call or email for a complimentary consultation. If you book a planning service we will offer you a $250 credit towards your package.

houston@twobewed.net
713.572.3030

Houston's Newest Event Venue: The Patio On Mercer

The Patio On Mercer is Houston's Newest Event Venue located in the West End District near Greenway Plaza. This is the perfect venue for engagement parties, showers, rehearsal dinners, intimate weddings, and post wedding brunches!

It boasts a 4,000 square foot covered and climate controlled patio with ammenties that are sure to impress your guests!

The Grand Opening event is on Thursday, May 28th from 6:30-8:30pm. Enjoy cocktails, lite bites, and good music. Floral delights by Events in Bloom! http://www.eventsinbloom.com

Visit http://www.patioonmercer.com/ for more information and to view the online gallery! To schedule a tour email Natalie Dawley at info@patioonmercer.com.

Grand Ideas for Your Grand Entrance

Grand Entrances should capture your guests. This is the first introduction as husband and wife at the reception...make it memorable!

1) Play a song that builds excitement! My clients Jason and Amanda played the Rocky theme song as they were raised up from the lift at Hotel ZaZa...their guests were going crazy! Dunna, duh, Dunna, duh, Dunna, duh, Dunna, duh!! (me trying to hum the song)

2) Do a little jig or a signature dance move! Have fun with the entrance...it sets the tone for the reception.

3) If you're a little more conservative then take your time. Don't rush to your seat. Let the entire song play and reach out to some of your guests to give them hugs or shake their hands. Seriously, this is your presidential moment!!

4) Please go straight to the dance floor!!!! There is nothing worse than building up the momentum and then coming to a screeching hault by sitting down. You already have everyone's attention so milk it for what it's worth and give them the dance of your life!

5)Smile, Kiss, and make it a photo worthy moment!! Guys, twirl your girl or dip her and when you lift her up meet her with a kiss! Seriously, you'll get the "Most Romantic" guy award and points with your honey!!

We would love to hear your unique ideas for Entrances....stay connected for ideas on the Grand Exit!!

Part 2: Reception Rooms that POP!

I am sure you are in suspense waiting for suggestion two, ha ha ha. Ok, here it is... LIGHTING!

Reception rooms will of course have some type of lighting… some better than others. Provided that your venue does not offer colored or effect lighting, suggestion two may work just perfect for you.

Lighting can add depth and excitement to a reception room. The lighting industry is filled with exciting options that will blow your mind. Depending on your budget you can invest quite a bit with things like table spot lighting, custom gobos, glowing furniture, moon balloons, sparkle drape, chandeliers, enhanced dance floor or stage lighting and so on. All of these options are fabulous and if you have the budget, totally go for it.

We suggest the very minimum to add what is known as Par Cans, which will come with a gel color of your choice. A gel is basically a colored film that goes over the light to illuminate the designated color. The Par Can is usually used to up-light or spot light an area. By adding even just a few to your reception room, it will take your room from whatever to WOW.

No matter what lighting you choose to do, consult an expert. Lighting can get complicated and someone by your side with experience in this area will get the great production results you are after.

*Photo courtesy of http://www.rhondalewisphotography.com/

Part 1: Reception Rooms that POP!

Feeling a little blah about your reception room? Not loving the hotel ballroom carpet? Want your reception room to impress your guests?
We are going to share with you our top five ideas to make your reception room POP!

The first suggestion is simple. Instead of using the venues basic linens, kick it up a notch by ordering colored or textured linens from your local distributor. What makes this suggestion so exciting is the linens that are offered to the event industry are beautiful and creative.

Imagine walking into a reception room with basic ivory linens, nice but... Now imagine walking into a room that has upgraded at minimum to a polyester solid color like rust, raspberry or chocolate...yes!

The most cost effective upgrade is the polyester linen which is offered in a huge selection of colors. From there you can upgrade to different fabric blends like Lamours, Bichons or Damasks and so on depending on your budget.

Important Linen Notes:

Please, please make sure that your linens go to the floor. It is very important to know what table size you are dealing with. There is nothing more frustrating than seeing the ugly metal legs of the table peaking out, yuck.

It is always best to have a iron or steamer on hand to remove the folding crease. Please consult your linen distributor before applying heat to fabrics.

Keeping all the tables the same when it comes to the linens will assure a much cleaner look.

*Photo courtesy of Rhonda Lewis Photography