Bridal Extravaganza Show Jan 7-8, 2012

Life-sized Houston Texan Cake Being Created to Inspire Fans at Bridal Extravaganza Show

Houston, TX -Jan. 6, 2012– Nothing would be tastier than a victory on Saturday, but the folks at the Houston Bridal Extravaganza are creating something almost as sweet — a life-sized cake sculpture of a Houston Texan player.

The 200-pound, 6-foot tall creation honors all the Houston Texan players who’ve contributed to the historic playoff birth.  Houstonians have been waiting for 17 years.

“Since the game is on Saturday and so is our show, we can’t think of a better way to pay tribute to the team than to immortalize them in flour and sugar,” says Laurette Veres, who’s been producing the show for more than a decade. “We’re proud of the winning recipe the Texans have come up with this season, but if they can get hot during the playoffs that truly would be icing on the cake.”

The cake is sweet work for Nadine Moon, owner of Who Made the Cake! She’s not just an artist; she’s a fan.

“We’ve made specialty cakes for some of the players over the years, but never anything this big. It wasn’t in any of my playbooks,” jokes Nadine. “But I love the Texans and if this cake can help rally this town around the team, it’s a project I’m happy to tackle.”

The cake is expected to take two days to create and will be carefully transported to the George R. Brown Convention Center in time for the opening of the show on Saturday.

“We’re still not quite sure how we’re going to move it,” says Nadine. “We’re thinking of moving it in two pieces and reassembling it at the Convention Center. All I know is that I can’t afford to fumble.”

The towering Texan cake will be on display throughout the two-day show and fans are encouraged to come down and take pictures next to it.

“Everyone keeps wanting to know if we’re going to cut it up and serve it,” says Laurette. “I think fans want to have their cake and eat it too. But we’re afraid that might bring bad luck. If we were going to create anything for Texan fans to devour, I’d want it to be in the shape of a Bengal.”

About the Bridal Extravaganza Show

At the Bridal Extravaganza Show, thousands of brides, bridesmaids, mothers-of-the-bride, grooms, and wedding planners have their pick of over 350 vendors in 700 display showcases who cater exclusively to the ever fashionable, stylish, and romantic wedding industry. This huge event held twice annually, draws marriage bound couples from all over Texas and beyond to find invaluable resources and to register to win honeymoons and shopping sprees.

The show is open to the public and runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Bridal Extravaganza Show announces the return of “Say Yes to the Dress” star Randy Fenoli

Bridal Extravaganza Show announces the return of “Say Yes to the Dress” star Randy Fenoli

“Say Yes to the Dress” Star Randy Fenoli will address Houston brides at the Bridal Extravaganza Show. Brides will enjoy Fenoli’s fun loving spirit, star power, and fascination with everything wedding.

Fenoli believes every couple has a story and every woman is beautiful. As the fashion director at Kleinfeld’s in New York, Fenoli meets with more than twenty brides per day. He knows how to help every bride “Say Yes to the Dress.”

“Randy has so many fans. We are honored to bring him back to the largest bridal event in the country,” says Laurette Veres, producer of the Bridal Extravaganza Show.

Brides will laugh and cry as Randy reveals outrageous behind the scenes stories. Randy’s fashion sense and honesty enable him to truthfully advise brides when making their important wedding gown decision.

Randy will be seen on Sunday, January 8. The show is open to the public and runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information about the grandest wedding celebration on Earth, The Bridal Extravaganza Show, and how to get tickets, please visit their website at www.bridalextravaganzashow.com or call 281-340-7777.

About the Bridal Extravaganza Show

At the Bridal Extravaganza Show, thousands of brides, bridesmaids, mothers-of-the-bride, grooms, and wedding planners have their pick of over 350 vendors in 700 display showcases who cater exclusively to the ever fashionable, stylish, and romantic wedding industry. This huge event, held twice annually, draws marriage bound couples from all over Texas and beyond to find invaluable resources and to register to win honeymoons and shopping sprees.

Bridal Extravaganza Show announces Couture Fashion Show on January 8

The Bridal Extravaganza Show brings the excitement of New York’s choreographed fashion shows to Houston with the Couture Fashion Show, which will take place on Sunday, January 8 at 4:00 p.m.

This is just one of the many events of the Bridal Extravaganza Show, taking place on January 7 and 8. Brides who purchase VIP Tickets will be treated to a special swag bag and a glass of champagne. They will also be the first to see the latest fashion offerings from The Princess Bridal and Winnie Couture. Houston’s own Todd Ramos, is coordinating the show.

New this year, Couture brides will be part of the Couture Procession. Beginning at the Couture Lounge and ending at the Couture stage.

At the Bridal Extravaganza Show, thousands of brides, bridesmaids, mothers-of-the-bride, grooms, and wedding planners have their pick of over 350 vendors in 700 display showcases who cater exclusively to the ever fashionable, stylish, and romantic wedding industry. This huge event, held twice annually, draws marriage bound couples from all over Texas and beyond to find invaluable resources and to register to win honeymoons and shopping sprees. Brides may walk away with a honeymoon in the Riviera Maya, or a free wedding announcement in the local paper.

Tickets are $15 at the door or are available online at www.BridalExtravaganzaShow.com

Bridal Extravaganza Show announces Fashion Show Schedule

On January 7-8, 2012, the 28th annual Bridal Extravaganza Show will be held at downtown Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center.

The Bridal Extravaganza Show brings the excitement of New York’s choreographed fashion shows to Houston. Each day, several formal fashion shows will be presented on the 60-foot runway stage. Brides will find ideas and inspiration for weddings styles for the entire wedding party.

The schedule is:

Saturday

12:00 Impression Bridal
1:00 Ventura’s Bridal
2:00 David’s Bridal/Men’s Wearhouse
3:00 The Princess Bridal

Sunday

12:00 Impression Bridal
1:00 Ventura’s Bridal
2:00 David’s Bridal/ Men’s Wearhouse
3:00 The Princess Bridal
4:00 Texas Weddings Magazine Couture Runway

At the Bridal Extravaganza Show, thousands of brides, bridesmaids, mothers-of-the-bride, grooms, and wedding planners have their pick of over 350 vendors in 700 display showcases who cater exclusively to the ever fashionable, stylish, and romantic wedding industry. This huge event, held twice annually, draws marriage bound couples from all over Texas and beyond to find invaluable resources and to register to win honeymoons and shopping sprees. Brides may walk away with a honeymoon in the Riviera Maya, St. Lucia, or a free wedding announcement in the local paper.

Tickets are $15 at the door. Discount tickets are available on-line at www.BridalExtravaganzaShow.com or at any Randall’s. For more information call (281) 340-7777.

About the Bridal Extravaganza Show

At the Bridal Extravaganza Show, thousands of brides, bridesmaids, mothers-of-the-bride, grooms, and wedding planners have their pick of over 350 vendors in 700 display showcases who cater exclusively to the ever fashionable, stylish, and romantic wedding industry. This huge event, held twice annually, draws marriage bound couples from all over Texas and beyond to find invaluable resources and to register to win honeymoons and shopping sprees.

Bridal Extravaganza Show announces largest purse in Bridal Show Industry

On January 7-8, 2012, the 28th annual Bridal Extravaganza Show will be held at downtown Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center.
Brides-to-be are eligible for major prizes including honeymoons and shopping sprees. There are 18 major prizes – one on each row. Only brides are eligible.

The list of prizes is as follows:

-Houston Chronicle: $2000 Value Wedding Announcement
-Macy’s: $1000 Value Gift Card
-Club Corp: Weekend at Barton Creek Resort & Spa
-Lashes by Lauren: Merchandise Certificate
-Celebrity China: $1000 Merchandise Certificate
-The Phoenix Design Group: Gift Certificate for Production Services
-ACE Travel: Honeymoon Giveaway
-Crossfit Roughnecks: $1000 Value Bridesmaids Party
-Houston Wellness Boutique: Flawless: Wake up with Make-up
-Makeover and semi-permanent Eyelashes
-Hotel Galvez/ The Tremont House: Galveston Getaway
-Sweetwater Country Club: Groom’s Gold package at Arnold Palmer Golf Courses
-Travel Lifestyles: Honeymoon in Mexico’s Riviera Maya
-Travel Leaders/Future Travel: Honeymoon Giveaway
-ARNE’s Texas Size Party Store: $1000 Pre-selected items
-My Fit Foods: 21-Day Couple’s Challenge
-Berkeley Eye Center: $10,000 Value His and Hers LASIK
Procedures
-Houston Marriott Westchase: $1000 Value Getaway to New
-Orleans Marriott Metairie at Lakeway
-GMS Dental Centers: $1000 Value Zoom Teeth Whitening for the Bride and Groom

“This is one of the strongest prize packages the Extravaganza has ever offered,” says Laurette M. Veres, producer. “This is one of the major reasons brides love to plan their wedding at our show. The prizes are a great incentive.”

Tickets are $15 at the door. Tickets are available at www.BridalExtravaganzaShow.com. Discount tickets are available at Randall’s. For more information call (281) 340-7777.

About the Bridal Extravaganza Show
At the Bridal Extravaganza Show, thousands of brides, bridesmaids, mothers-of-the-bride, grooms, and wedding planners have their pick of over 350 vendors in 700 display showcases who cater exclusively to the ever fashionable, stylish, and romantic wedding industry. This huge event, held twice annually, draws marriage bound couples from all over Texas and beyond to find invaluable resources and to register to win honeymoons and shopping sprees.

Billboard Bride Rachel

Bridal Bliss

Like many little girls, Rachel Ballard dreamt about meeting her Prince Charming, and knew Ryan was the one. On Oct. 8th all of her dreams came true. Not only did her Prince propose, he surprised her with a confirmed wedding date at The Bell Tower on 34th; he knew it was her venue of choice. She’ll be engaged for exactly one year when she walks down the aisle.

She’s got a lot to smile about. She has just been selected as the Bridal Extravaganza Show’s new Billboard Bride. Look for her smiling face on billboards citywide this summer.

Essentials

Steve Lee Photography 832-380-4004

Ventura’s Bridal 713-880-2364
Hilda Kershman 281-631-9090
LZ Floral  281-813-5145
The Bell Tower on 34th  713-868-2355

Rachel’s Look

Rachel’s picture will be featured on magazine covers, posters and over fifty billboards throughout the Houston area. Vendors of the Bridal Extravaganza Show worked together to make this natural beauty look her best.

The process started at Ventura’s Bridal with dress selection. “The goal was to find a gown that would really make a statement and, and this Enzoni strapless showstopper does just that,” says Taska Ventura. A perfectly placed veil completes the ensemble.

Houston’s hot, humid climate can be a bit hard on a girl’s makeup during long photo shoots, and weddings. Enter Hilda Kershman and her special talent of manually airbrushing on makeup. She created perfect balances of shades and colors that beat the Houston elements and kept Rachel looking great the entire shoot.

LZ Floral provided the flowers. Lara Zolton created three bouquets, ensuring one would
be a perfect fit for the Billboard Bride. “My approach is to create an individual bouquet for each bride,” she says.
-LMV

Lights, Camera, Couture

HOUSTON, TX (June 24, 2011) The Bridal Extravaganza Show brings the excitement of New York’s choreographed fashion shows to Houston.

Lights, Camera, Couture!

The Couture fashion show takes the Couture Stage by storm at four on Sunday. Brides who purchase VIP Tickets will be treated to a special swag bag and a glass of champagne. They will also be the first to see the latest fashion offerings from The Princess Bridal, Winnie Couture and Bengof Couture. Houston’s own Todd Ramos, is coordinating the show.

Couture Procession

New this year, Couture brides will be part of the Couture Procession. Beginning at the Couture Lounge and ending at the Couture stage, the procession will be lead to the stage.

At the Bridal Extravaganza Show, thousands of brides, bridesmaids, mothers-of-the-bride, grooms, and wedding planners have their pick of over 350 vendors in 700 display showcases who cater exclusively to the ever fashionable, stylish, and romantic wedding industry. This huge event, held twice annually, draws marriage bound couples from all over Texas and beyond to find invaluable resources and to register to win honeymoons and shopping sprees. Brides may walk away with a honeymoon in the Riviera Maya, St. Lucia, or a free wedding announcement in the local paper.

Tickets are $15 at the door. Discount tickets are available on-line at www.BridalExtravaganzaShow.com or at any Randall’s. For more information call (281) 340-7777.

Billboard Bride winner announced

Bridal Extravaganza Show announces billboard bride winner

HOUSTON, TX (June 2, 1011)  On July 16-17, 2011, the 27th annual Bridal Extravaganza Show will be held at downtown Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center.

A citywide search was conducted for the next Houston area bride to appear on billboards.  The winner is Rachel Ballard.  She appears on billboards citywide to promote the upcoming Bridal Extravaganza Show.

Rachel is a graduate of Texas State University and is planning a fall wedding at The Bell Tower on 34^th.  Billboard bride sponsors include: Ventura’s Bridal, Hilda Kershman, Steve Lee Weddings and LZ Floral Designs.

This opportunity is open to all Houston area brides in attendance at the July event. Complete information is available at www.BridalExtravaganzaShow.com

At the Bridal Extravaganza Show, thousands of brides, bridesmaids, mothers-of-the-bride, grooms, and wedding planners have their pick of over 350 vendors in 700 display showcases who cater exclusively to the ever fashionable, stylish, and romantic wedding industry.  This huge event, held twice annually, draws marriage bound couples from all over Texas and beyond to find invaluable resources and to register to win honeymoons and shopping sprees.  Brides may walk away with a honeymoon in the Riviera Maya, or a free wedding announcement in the local paper.

From cakes to stationery, from DJ’s to live music, from gowns to catering, this is the event brides plan to attend.  Brides also enjoy formal fashion shows presented on the 60-foot New York style runway.  Best of all, brides can interview Houston’s most trusted vendors and make selections.

Tickets are $15 at the door.  Discount tickets are $9.99 on-line at www.BridalExtravaganzaShow.com or at any Randall’s.  For more information call (281) 340-7777.

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Bridal Extravaganza Show Purchase Tickets

July 16-17, 2011

On line Box Office NOW OPEN

Purchase tickets on line now and save!

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Hotel Galvez Hosts Mass Wedding Vow Renewal as part of Centennial

Hotel Galvez Hosts Mass Wedding Vow Renewal as part of Centennial

As part of its ongoing centennial celebration, Hotel Galvez & Spa hosted a mass Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremony Saturday for couples who have celebrated their marriages and/or honeymoons at the historic hotel as well as other interested couples. More than 50 couples participated in the Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremony which was officiated by Galveston Justice of the Peace Jim Schweitzer. The ceremony took place on the hotel’s front lawn.

While some couples had been married for as long as 65 years some were recent newlyweds. The hotel recognized couples who traveled the farthest (Michigan) and the couple married the longest (65 years). This wedding vow renewal is part of a series of monthly centennial celebrations. For more information on the Hotel Galvez Centennial visit www.hotelgalvez100.com

Ivory Bridal Atelier

As the buzz surrounding the über-chic, West Ave mixed-use development at the crossroads of Upper Kirby and River Oaks continues to grow, West Ave announces Ivory Bridal Atelier.

I saw their booth at the January Bridal Extravaganza Show.

A chic and upscale bridal boutique offering an intimate and personalized shopping experience and one of a kind couture wedding gowns, Ivory Bridal Atelier is owned by sisters Sharon Levy and Ronit Levy Mele. Combining their backgrounds of business, marketing and fashion, the sisters know how important a bride’s wedding gown is to her special day, and have created a shopping experience that will be just as memorable as the big day itself.

We love the brands they offer: Badgley Mischka, Anne Barge, Rivini, Liancarlo, Ines Di Santo, and carried exclusively by Ivory in the Houston area are designers Lazaro, Alvina Valenta, Lela Rose, Jim Hjelm, YSA Makino and Stephen Yearick.

This shop is fashion forward.

Ivory Bridal Atelier is located in Suite 218 at West Ave. Store hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM – 6 PM and Saturday from 10 AM – 5 PM. The shop is closed on Sunday and takes appointments only on Monday. For more information, visit www.ivorybridalhouston.com or call 713-550-1622.

Trends in Photography – Submersible

Take your photo shoot down under for one-of-a-kind works of art. – Paper Dolls Photography.  Meet Donna at the Bridal Extravaganza Show.

Trends in Photography – Boudoir

This suggestive style of photography makes an excellent wedding gift. “I sell it as an option with my wedding packages,” says photographer, Donna Ahrendt of Paper Dolls Photography. “Most of my clients take it because the album makes a good wedding gift for the groom,” she says.

Paper Dolls Photography exhibits at the Bridal Extravaganza Show.

Megan McQuary Billboard Bride Jan. 8-9 2011

Counting on Love

Meet Megan McQuary the new Billboard Bride
By Laurette M. Veres
“I’m not a model, I’m an accountant, but I’m marrying a man who makes me feel like the most beautiful bride in the world.”

Megan McQuary met Jake Stephens during their internship at PriceWaterhouse Coopers in Houston. They both returned to Texas A&M for post-graduate work and started spending time together. Friendship blossomed into romance amid studies for their CPA licenses.
They spent countless weekends in Seguin, Texas at the Stephens Family’s lake house. After one perfect day: Rolando’s Super Tacos, massages at Sergio’s and margaritas at Rio Rio on the San Antonio Riverwalk, he popped the question while they were sitting in a rowboat on the lake.
Planning a wedding without a planner, Megan was overwhelmed by the to-do list. She attended the Bridal Extravaganza Show and succeeded in securing transportation, DJ, florist, and cake.
Twice each year, the Bridal Extravaganza Show selects a new face to represent the largest bridal show in the country on billboards in the greater Houston area. Megan is one of thousands of brides-to-be who applied for this honor.
The photographers at StudioCAPTURE were tapped to capture this young bride-to-be. From their studio to beautiful Buffalo Bayou, their expertise in lighting and composition provided the perfect citywide shot.
According to Taska Ventura, Billboard Bride sponsor and owner of Ventura’s Bridal, “The young ladies who apply for this honor seem to be more qualified each show.” As this promotion gains more attention, the competition becomes increasingly challenging. Megan selected her gowns for the photo shoot from the vast collection at Ventura’s Bridal.
Leah from Your Beautiful Face was on hand to create the perfect big day look. “You should look like a glamorized version of yourself on your wedding day,” she says. Leah used a blend of purples and browns to make her eyes pop.
Fantasy Florals and Sweets provided three custom bouquets for the shoot. The fall bouquet was fun and whimsical with tiny pineapples adding depth. According to Teri Butera, “a monochromatic bouquet with hints of plumb is hot this season,” she says. “We also provided a more traditional bouquet with pink roses.”

You can be the next billboard bride!

Megan will appear on billboards citywide. She will also be on hand at the next Bridal Extravaganza Show January 8-9, 2011 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. All brides-to-be in attendance are eligible for this honor.
Get this look: Gown: Ventura’s Bridal, Hair and Make-up: Your Beautiful Face, Photography: StudioCAPTURE, Bouquet: Fantasy Florals

Trends in Decor

Lighting is so ….

Darryl of Darryl and Co. believes that a room will live or die by its lighting.  Mood and accent are the effects but the real magic is how it plays on surfaces.  Flowers, mirrors, glass, and fabric all have surfaces that are dramatically enhanced by the play of light.  “You can decorate a ballroom with the best props and flowers, but if it is not lit properly and lit shockingly, [the look] dies in a ballroom,” he says.
Photo by Nhan

Raise the Bar by the Light of Day

Trends in Photography

Trends in Photography

Photos by Donna Ahrendt
Paperdolls Photography

Boudoir: This suggestive style of photography makes an excellent wedding gift. “I sell it as an option with my wedding packages,” says photographer Donna Ahrendt of Paperdolls Photography.

“Most of my clients take it because the album makes a good wedding gift for the groom.”

Trash the Dress: But another trend suggests Ahrendt, is to “trash the dress.” Rather than stuffing a wedding dress into storage, consider a photo shoot that gets one last use out of the gown by taking it to the beach, city streets and even rooftops. Brides are tossing tradition and trashing their gowns.  “I like this because it’s all about putting a bride in a situation she would not normally find herself while wearing that dress.”

Billboard Bride

BillBoard Bride
By Laurette Veres

Heather Hess, the Bridal Extravaganza Show’s newest billboard bride, was one of over five thousand women who registered to win ‘the big prize’ at George R. Brown convention center this past July.  her fifteen minutes of fame all began with a weekend trip to New York City.

The Fourth of July is Heather’s favorite holiday and she was thrilled when her boyfriend, Paul McHugh, proposed a trip to New York City.  At a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Hudson River, they enjoyed a spectacular fireworks display.  Afterwards, Paul said “I hope this makes the night even more magical.”  He lifted his hand and on his pinky finger was a ring.

The engagement weekend became surreal when Heather and Paul stood outside of the “Today Show.” Holding signs declaring “She said yes,” and “He put a ring on it,” the weather anchor interviewed them.  Heather’s phone burned with messages of congratulations. “I got to announce my engagement on national television!” she recalls.

At first, planning the wedding seemed stressful. Heather’s mom passed away two years ago.  “I was crying for the first week [of the planning process]. It’s kind of a challenge without my mom.” Her groom stepped up to the task.  “It’s becoming a more of a joyous occasion now,” she says.

Timing couldn’t have been better for her engagement. “The fact that Paul asked me two weeks before [the Extravaganza] was perfect.  I had been waiting for so long,” she says.

Set to a pallet of brown, champagne and gold, her winter wedding is planned for early 2010.  She describes her event as intimate and traditional.  The traditional aspect has surprised her.  “I don’t see myself as a traditional person, but the more planning I do, the more I realize how important traditions actually are,” she says.
Heather has saved and dried every flower Paul has given her since they started dating.  She’s going to shape them into a heart and display them in a shadow box with a poem (at the reception).

A Personal Touch
Heather will carry her mom’s diamond pendant on her bouquet of roses, orchids and hydrangeas created by Carmen’s Floral Design. And she’s adding a dash of bling to her three-tier cake with a Swarovski crystal monogram. Her cake is from Cakes by Gina. Her strapless gown from Bridal Depot is cathedral length with a sweetheart neckline.

When she heard the news about the billboard bride honor, she couldn’t contain her excitement. “It’s like I’ve won the lottery. It’s especially meaningful for my dad,” she says.

“Everything has been so perfect and amazing,” she gushes.  From the Fourth of July proposal to being on national television and featured on billboards all over Houston:  “It’s a dream come true.”

Heather will appear on billboards citywide.  She will also be on hand at the next Bridal Extravaganza Show January 9-10, 2010 at the George R. Brown Convention Center.  All brides-to-be in attendance are eligible for this honor.

Photo by Houston Photographer Evoke Photo & Video

Plan Your Houston Wedding

Bridal Trends

watch the video

What’s new in bridal this year? We asked the experts at the Bridal Extravaganza to give us a preview of nuptials to come. The coolest new trend: printing your bridal portrait on the hotel key card. Out of town guests have an instant memento from your happy occasion.