Look Out World !!!!! Here Comes Mrs. Shelby!!!!

My, My, My.. it's definitely been a minute since we last spoke as I have spent the past year immersing myself in everything "Project 3.19 or as I like to call it... "March Gladness or even sometimes, "March Madness- depending what's going on at the moment! I was sooo pressed to share along the way, but I didn't want to spill the beans so I maintained silence as much as I could. In the weeks coming, I will be unfolding tips/secrets, etc on how I did it all! 

For now, I would like show you a sneak peek (included below) shared by  my 


AWESOMELY AMAZING photographer, Rakeda Sharber . I would 


encourage each of you to log on to her site and check out her 


DYNAMIC work! Here it is...... 

It's A Celebration! {Oneika & Jamar}

Those words rang out non-stop throughout the day of Oneika & Jamar's wedding. And it really was. Joy and beauty were abundant and I'm convinced the sun was shining just for them.

The ladies began the day at the church where Simply Flawless by Brandi was on the scene for make-up application. The name doesn't lie. The ladies were, indeed, flawless.


If there is one thing I know about Oneika, it's that her shoes are always BAD! So it was no real surprise to me when she whipped out these bad boys...


While the beautiful bride was preparing herself, her little gentleman was waiting patiently. It doesn't get any cuter than this.


Isn't this a handsome group of fellas?


Then the time came for Oneika to step into the dress, with Mama, Maid of Honor and Matron of Honor there to help her.



Isn't she stunning? She just blew me away.


I caught Jamar just as he was entering the church. When I asked him if he was ready, a sincere smile spread across his face. He was ready to become the husband of the lady of his dreams.

Love is the most beautiful thing in the world to me, and I was extremely fortunate to witness Oneika & Jamar's expression of their love for each other.


When Oneika & I spoke about her wedding, she let me know that she wanted a photo of her whole family - which is VAST, to put it mildly! After the ceremony, everybody filed into the aisle of the sanctuary, squeezed in tight, and put on their brightest smiles. A pretty good looking family, huh? You guys were wonderful.

Before the brand new couple headed to the reception, I stopped them for a few more photos. Look at that ride! Nice, right?


This may be my absolute favorite of the day...



After fighting a bit of traffic, we finally arrived at the beautiful Column A Banquets & Events. The owners Vera & Robert Wright are one of the most wonderful & genuine couples I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Mrs. Wright also designed the florals for Oneika & Jamar's day. Thanks also to Couture Cakes and Perfect Petit Fours for the wonderful desserts.



Jamar's groom's cake was an ode to New Orleans.


Oneika's angelic coordinator, Tristan Mathis-Caldwell, was so wonderful to work with.


Before the food was served, Oneika, Jamar & their attendants snuck across the street for a few more photos. The light was LOVELY and there was just enough shade to make things work perfectly.

I just loved the colors. Mix silver and fuchsia, toss in the various shades of brown skin, and you've got yourself the perfect recipe for a stunning photo...


Work it, ladies!


Back inside, the celebration really began.

I don't think the dance floor was empty once the entire time. I had a blast watching it all go down through my lens.




Oneika, I really have no words. Just look at you!

Just when I thought the day couldn't get any better or contain any more joy & laughter, the Second Line began. With a brass band playing, parasols twirling and hankies waving, Oneika & Jamar brought a little piece of New Orleans to Houston in grand fashion.



After the music died down, the newlyweds were able to rest their feet for a bit.


Oneika & Jamar, thank you so much for allowing me to feel like a part of your VAST family. Your love is beautiful and your new life together will be a perfect reflection of it. Here's to a life full of peace, joy, adventure, togetherness, and each other. Cheers.

 I am SOO 

Chloe's Winter Wonderland In The City Wedding!

Today, I had the awesome opportunity of meeting with stylëvënts' December 2011 bride, Chloe. She and I became acquainted with one another through a mutual friend, and instantly bonded during our frequent fb chats & emails just talking "wedding stuff". Like me, Chloe is an event designer here in the Houston area and she is clueless as to what elements she wants to go with (as a final choice) for her "Winter Wonderland In The City" themed wedding! Yes, I know you may be thinking... "why is an event coordinator clueless about her own wedding".. Well, let me tell you that I can definitely understand where Chloe is coming from because there is a certain challenging of creativity that comes with designing an event for a regular client versus designing an event for another designer.

 As an event designer you spend so much time cultivating radical & fashionable ideas that will blow your clients away, sometimes you just lose it when it's time to go to the drawing board for yourself because there is so much in your head and you want to be sure that your concept ROCKS OUT anything you've ever done! When creating an event for yourself, you want to be sure you stay away from utilizing trends & venues that you've used with past clients (even though they were your idea), and that's exactly what I could see Chloe having the most trouble with. Overall, it's just so wierd sometimes how we can "BE" something to someone and will not allow ourselves to "BE" that exact same thing to ourselves... I wonder what thats about.. 

Anyway, Chloe and I finally had a sit down sat to overview the inspiration lookbook that I compiled for her. I wanted her to be able to overview a  few different concepts that we could possibly incorporate into her day and give her the opportunity to tweak from there instead of becoming overwhelmed looking at and thinking about 100 different concepts that she could possibly utilize for THE BIG DAY, looking through magazines! Here are a few of the ideas that were used in the lookbook. I will keep you guys posted on how think go! Stay Tuned!

I submitted this concept in Chloe's Ceremony Decor section of her lookbook!
I believe this look is as "winter wonderlandish" as we can get!  

This look was submitted to Chloe for Pre-Reception Decor Inspiration 

This look is actually one of my favorites, was submitted to Chloe,
should she decide to go with the church wedding versus Hotel Zaza

Stylistic Spotlight On "A Taste Of Terri's"

So, my little guy & I were invited to a "Costume Playdate Party", the day before Halloween at Terri Moore's, owner of "A Taste Of Terri's", which is a full service catering & decor firm here in Houston!  Upon arrival, we were led onto the back patio where the festivities were being held, where we were met with a nice beautiful breeze & a "Halloween Decor Clad Haven" . The kids (as well as the adults.. I won't lie!) were in awe at how she pulled this off!

  

                                 

The table settings for the 10 kiddos that were invited were to die for.

If you look closely, each goodie bag is personalized , & her centerpiece

 is made of hand-painted tree branches clad in candy corn and spiders! How creative is that?

Their afternoon activities of pumpkin painting, haunted house decoration and typical child's play helped them to build up the hearty appetites that they would need to be prepared to satisfy! Then, the announcement came.... "LUNCH IS SERVED", and each little kiddo quickly stopped, dropped, and scurried over to their "personalized"table setting! They were on the edge of their seats (which I believe was part hunger & part anticipation of what Ms. Terri had whipped up) as the pretzel-styled hot dogs, mini- pizzas topped w/ pepperoni smiley faces & olive eyes, and nachos were served ! It was a sight to see, believe me! 

From the moment we arrived, my little guy was amazed with this 
handmade spider (made by Terri) and wasn't the least bit concerned about 
the scrumptious goodies she had prepared in their goodie bags! 

The exterior of Terri's home was creatively permeated
with handmade spiders & their spiderwebs!  

We really enjoyed ourselves, and are always amped to see what Terri has up her sleeve  at the next events she hosts! I have provided you with a few pix from the party, but you will be able to see more at her upcoming blog, A Taste Of Terri's. In the meantime, if you are interested in having an event catered or need special decor, you can reach Terri at atasteofterriscatering@yahoo.com! 

stylishly yours,

madamestyle

My Oh So Stylish Wedding 2011 Edition

Calling all 2011 Brides & Grooms to be ..... listen up. stylëvënts is hosting it's 1st Annual "My Oh So Stylish Wedding 2011 Edition" Contest just for you! Enter TODAY!  

To enter you must submit a picture of the newlyweds to be & the following questionnaire to madamestyle@gmail.com! 

Bride's Name:

Groom's Name:

Wedding Rehearsal Date & Time:

Wedding Date & Time:

Wedding Venue:

Why do you believe your wedding will be "THE MOST STYLISH" of 2011's Finest Ceremonies? (Please be sure to thoroughly explain your vision and feel free to include pictures as well)

  

Winners will be chosen on Tuesday, November 9th and announced on the morning of November 10th. They will receive the following:

• stylëvënts Wedding Rehearsal Coordination
• stylëvënts Day of Wedding Ceremony Coordination 
• stylëvënts Bride & Groom Honeymoon "mm mm goodie bag"

Special Notes: All eligible weddings must be held in or around the Houston area.     

Stylistic Spotlight On Kirby Mack Photography & Design

A few months ago, I had the awesome opportunity of being introduced to the work of Ms. Kirby Mack of Kirby Mack Photography & Design! I LOVE LOVE LOVE her work and you guys all know that if I find something that I believe is just SUPER, I want to share it with the world, so I hope you enjoy... 

Last week, I had the chance to chat with Kirby and pick her brain for a sec, and during our interview, she shared the following:

Q: So Kirby, tell me a bit about how you got started....

A: I got started when I wanted to create a Houston event blog. I knew that If I was gonna blog about things going on in Houston, I had to have great photos to go along with it. I purchased my first DSLR with no experience in using it, grabbed some of my friends and had a shoot. The feedback I got after posting the photos on Facebook was so huge that I decided go in the direction of Photography.

                                                                                             

Q: What would you recall as being some of the most memorable oppurtunities that you've been afforded because of your hard work and product?

A: In the short time I have been shooting, I have had opportunities to shoot the Audi Fashion show, Artists like Marvin Sapp, Kathy Taylor, James Fortune, Brian Courtney Wilson, Myron Williams and Marcus D. Wiley from the Yolanda Adams Morning Show to name a few. It's been a wonderful blessed experience!

photo courtesy of Kirby Mack for Jones Magazine

Q: What would you consider to be your absolute FAV part of what you do?

A: My favorite part of what I do is to show through my photos how blessed the client is. When I shoot my client's, most of them are at a period in they're life where they have transitioned or about to transition into an awesome season. It could be a new business, marriage, new child, a new book; I feel that my job is to show the 'blessing'. It can be a smile, glow, or laughter; When you see the photo, you can't deny that its there.

Q: Last but not least, what's your life motto?

A:"Think Outside the Frame!"

For booking information, or to view more of her photography & design work, visit Kirby at http://www.facebook.com/KirbyMackPhotos ! 

Stylishly Yours, 

                          madamëstylë

Does Your Flawless Flower Girl Have stylë?

So, most of you that I have the extreme tendency to NOT be a traditional girl! Ha... that being said, I knew that I did not want my flower girls looking like all the other little ones floating down the aisle... NO wagons, NO bubble skirts with rose petals, or DB dresses (no offense to anyone meant- just my personal choice)  involved. Thus, I did some research on current flowergirl trends and attire & my oh my, did I find a few treasures!!!! 

I love the umbrella usage here!
Aren't their little silver ballet flats just super stylë-ish ?  

Color, Color, & More Color..... use it!  ( puddlescollection.com) 

This tutu is just too cute! 

stylë trend findings: 

• Color, Color, Color is what's hotter than NOT for the little girls now. However, be very careful with the usage as you could easily go overboard! Compliment their attire with subtle jewelry and hairstyles as you don't want to have them looking too "mature". 
• Tutu dresses are really HOTT !!! (shown on image 2). Many boutiques are carrying them these days, but I would recommend that you shop your options as many vendors have been found guilty of up-charging for them. 
• Ballet flats (in ivory, silver, gold, various colors & glitter, etc) are super stylish for the little princesses! 

I won't share with you what I picked just yet, but I definitely wanted to share just a few  my findings for those that are looking to showcase their stylë on their BIG day.....  

Stylishly Yours, 

madamëstylë

Officially stylëd !

I will tell you more about these a bit later, but I just had to share!!!
If you have an event coming up and just HAVE to have these,
then email me and I will make it happen!!!
Until then, you have been officially stylëd!

♥ madamestylë