Xochitl Chorba is the new Billboard Bride
May 3, 2012 by Laurette Veres
Filed under Bride, Columns, Lifestyle / Laurette Veres, Trends
All that glitters
Xochitl Chorba glistens at Bridal Extravaganza’s Billboard Bride photo shoot. You will see her picture on billboards all over town this summer.
Photography by Loyd’s Photography
Xochitl(pronounced Zochi) and her boyfriend, DJ Safady, were at the Civil War exhibit at the Museum of Natural Science, one of her favorite places since she was a child. They were with another couple admiring a gemstones exhibit when she noticed a display case featuring a small box with a ring inside. She was mortified when DJ started wriggling the case, fearing security would kick them out for touching the exhibit. Moments later, she realized the ring was for her! Her friends were taking pictures and DJ was on one knee. At that moment, she began planning an October wedding began.
Part of the planning involved attending the Bridal Extravaganza Show. She applied for, and was selected as the next bride to appear on billboards. “I couldn’t believe it when I got the call,” she recalls.
Loyd’s Photography and Video hosted a day-long photo shoot and captured the perfect photo. Visiting their office is like playing on a movie set. Vignettes surround the country property and provide backdrops for a variety of photos.
Three gowns from Ventura’s Bridal were selected for the shoot. Beading can’t be ignored. Two of the gowns feature beaded tops, and the third gown, the mermaid gown, is head to toe crystals. “We’ve got to have the element of bling,” says Jessica Bennett, bridal consultant.
The Bridal Extravaganza Show tapped The Bloom Room to design bouquets for the summer billboards. Kya Heinen, owner and designer created three unique bouquets for this occasion. “Dark purples are still hot,” she says. So are non-traditional colors like platinum and pewter. Kya is noting a return to simplicity and a tendency towards the vintage look.
The team at Thalio Beckham Make up Artistry was on hand to make Xochitl look and feel beautiful. Her skin was airbrushed to flawless perfection and her eyes had a particularly dramatic focus.
“Seeing my picture on the billboards should give hope to other Houston brides,” she says. “I wasn’t one of those girls who was planning my wedding my entire life,” she says. “And still I had my fairy tale. When I look at the billboards, I’ll say. I did that. It was fun.”
Get this look:
The Bell Tower on 34th Houston Wedding Venue
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http://texasweddingsmagazines.com/venues/the-bell-tower-on-34th-houston-wedding-facility.html
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J. Cogliandro Photography wins prestigious international wedding photography award
March 7, 2012 by Laurette Veres
Filed under Bride, Wedding Experts
HOUSTON, TX – Houston wedding and portrait photographer Joe Cogliandro took home the prestigious Grand Award in the Wedding Division of the 2012 Wedding & Portrait Photographers International Awards of Excellence 16×20 Print Competition last week in Las Vegas. The award was announced at the organization’s annual convention, which was attended by over 20,000 photographers from 50 different countries.
The winning photograph, which also took first place honors in the Bride and Groom category, features Houstonian Lori Hillman Knop. Using her veil to create a unique couture look, Cogliandro captured the image during Knop’s bridal portrait session at Houston’s Hotel ZaZa.
“This is just the most ultimate and the most exquisite bridal portrait I have ever seen,” said judge Roberto Valenzuela who hails from Beverly Hills, Calif, and was named to the exclusive Grace Ormonde Platinum List for 2011. “This should be at the Louvre for a photography exhibition.”
Cogliandro, who began his professional photography career in 2005, also won third place in the Landscape category of the competition. Judges base their scores on a combination of creativity, impact, storytelling, technical excellence, lighting, posing, expression, print quality and composition. These newest honors bring Cogliandro’s total awards in international competitions to 70.
Winning the Grand Award in the Wedding Division was a goal Cogliandro set for himself while attending his first WPPI convention in 2007. Realizing the goal only five years later is still inconceivable.
“I’m still wondering if I’m dreaming,” said Cogliandro of the award. “I am humbled and thrilled to be honored by such an elite group of internationally recognized photographers.”
Cogliandro has built his boutique photography studio by artistically capturing wedding stories in Texas, the United States and at worldwide destination locations. In addition, he has presented workshops at the Society of Wedding & Portrait Photographers (SWPP) Convention & Trade Show in London.
For more information and to view Cogliandro’s award-winning work, visit www.jc2photo.com or call 281.705.6152.
###
About J. Cogliandro Photography
J. Cogliandro Photography specializes in artistic storytelling through wedding and portrait photography. Since 2005, international award-winning photography Joe Cogliandro has captured the details of weddings in Texas, the United States and at worldwide destination locations.
About Wedding & Photographers International (WPPI)
Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI), a division of Nielsen Photo Group, is an organization that serves the educational and business needs of wedding and portrait photographers. WPPI is a professional organization that exists to help member photographers by providing them with exclusive information, programs and professional services to assist with their photographic artistry and business needs. WPPI routinely supplies its members with new benefits and valuable industry information enabling them to succeed in today’s active photo market business. WPPI membership gives photographers the resources they need to succeed and the tools they require to build and develop a
strong personal support network.
Billboard Bride Ericka
March 6, 2012 by Laurette Veres
Filed under Bride, Trends
It All Starts with the Gown
Ericka Engen loves sports. This Rice University graduate student gives private basketball lessons and is the Houston Texans’ # 1 Fan. Her competitive experience served her well as she successfully battled to be the next Billboard Bride.
She met her fiancée, Garrett Graham, at the University of Wisconsin where he was a tight end for football team; she played basketball. Early dates included games of “HORSE” and tossing a football. Things evolved. When he was drafted into the NFL, she knew she would be moving with him.
“Garrett and I were so excited when we found out he would be playing for the Houston Texans,” she says. They were sitting with his family in his hometown, Brick, New Jersey, when they found out. “We were both so nervous and anxious to find out where we would be living.” They love it here in Houston.
Shortly after the conclusion of last year’s football season, Garrett popped the question at Brenner’s on the Bayou. He uncharacteristically wanted to go for a walk on the luscious grounds. It was there he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.
As the new billboard bride, Ericka was surrounded by wedding professionals, each maximizing their specialty to make Erika’s photo shoot a success. Photographer Akil Bennet’s skills were called upon to capture the perfect shot. His casual studio in the Heights was the perfect setting to put Ericka at ease and get her used to smiling for the camera.
For many brides-to-be, it all starts with the gown. Our billboard bride is no exception. When the team at Ventura’s Bridal saw Ericka’s blonde hair and brown eyes they knew they had to have something fabulous. They chose two looks for the photo shoot. The first gown is Maggie Sottero from the Sottero & Midgley line. It features over-the top bling with a Swarovski Crystal encrusted bodice with full tulle skirt. According to Jessica Bennett, bridal consultant at Ventura’s Bridal, this special gown is one of the first gowns Princess Kate chose to try on during her gown selection experience. “We chose this gown because of the heavy embellishments. We thought it would really pop,” she says.
One quick costume change and Ericka’s look was completely different. “We loved the idea of the black belt and black gloves on top of a romantic lace dress,” continues Bennett. This look really encompasses the hopeless romantic look.
The floral bouquet is a key element to the billboard, providing a touch of color. “Flowers should express who the bride is,” says Sarah Cain of Sarah’s Florist. “This is the newest trend in color. Lavenders and pinks with shades of purple are on trend for 2012,” she says. Flowers such as roses, freesia, dahlias, and assorted garden flowers bring this work of art to life. As an added bonus, special jewels are added to enhance the stem.
The second bouquet is for the strong-minded bride. The colors are strong and can also be quite elegant. This bouquet features Cymbidium orchids, calla lilies, hydrangeas, gerbera daisies, roses, and cockscomb. “The touch of Swarovski Crystal jewels ads a real pop for the bride,” says Cain. The band featured on the stem can be worn as a bracelet after the wedding.
Robin Wormington of Airbrushed by Robin was tapped to transform Ericka’s hair and make-up. Robin created a modern look with dramatic eyes and a softer, more natural face. To fight Houston humidity, the hair is teased and curls are intertwined. “We believe in the perfect blend of beauty,” says Wormington. She uses airbrush makeup with traditional cosmetics to achieve a natural, flawless look. The airbrush spray foundation lasts 14-16 hours and is water and sweat resistant. “I truly believe you should be comfortable with your hair and make up artist. We are there for you,” she says.
Overall, the experience of being the billboard bride was once in a lifetime for Ericka. “This has made my wedding planning experience day even more special,” she says.
Get this look:
Ventura’s Bridal
Airbrushed by Robin
Sarah’s Florist
Akil Bennett Photography
You could be the next billboard bride! Learn more at Bridal Extravaganza Show
Bridal Extravaganza Show Jan 7-8, 2012
January 4, 2012 by Laurette Veres
Filed under Bride, Columns, Lifestyle / Laurette Veres, Trends
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
December 9, 2011 by Laurette Veres
Filed under Bride, Trends
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
December 6, 2011 by Laurette Veres
Filed under Bride, Columns, Lifestyle / Laurette Veres, Trends
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
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 Fashion Show Schedule
November 18, 2011 by Assistant Editor
Filed under Bride, Trends
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
November 16, 2011 by Assistant Editor
Filed under Bride, Trends
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.
Engage 10 The Breakers
September 12, 2011 by Laurette Veres
Filed under Bridal Videos, Bride, Columns, Lifestyle / Laurette Veres, Travel Blog
H Texas attended the Engage 10 Conference at the Breakers in Florida.
Billboard Bride Rachel
August 26, 2011 by Laurette Veres
Filed under Bride, Trends
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
Houston Photographer
August 24, 2011 by Assistant Editor
Filed under Bride, Wedding Experts
Houston Photographer
With over 12 years experience in Houston, EVOKE Photography and Video has worked in almost every church and wedding venue in town. If you’re in the market for a Houston Wedding Photographer, then you have come to the right place.
Evoke Photography & Video
713-349-9508
A&A Video/Nico Photo
July 12, 2011 by Assistant Editor
Filed under Bridal Videos, Bride
Your Beautiful Face
July 11, 2011 by Assistant Editor
Filed under Bridal Videos, Bride
Ventura’s Bridal
July 11, 2011 by Assistant Editor
Filed under Bridal Videos, Bride
Trips 2 Italy
July 11, 2011 by Assistant Editor
Filed under Bridal Videos, Bride
