Posts archived in wedding belle

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July 5, 2011

and just like that … “pouf” it’s all over! My Big Fat DIY Rustic-Chic and Vintage Whimsy Wedding Photo Recap

May 21, 2011 Andrew Hotpants and I tied the knot in an intimate outdoor ceremony at the Houston Arboretum in Houston, Texas. Afterward we dined, danced, and drank champagne at Treebeards Restaurant in downtown Market Square. What can I say about our big, fat Texas wedding? Well, it was kind of amazing. And also? I might still be swooning.

Photo recap below. All images courtesy of uber-talented photographer, Hino B. [Psst: For more of our wedding, be sure to check out Hino's photo blog]

Before the wedding, we did bridal portraits Houston’s gorgeous Hotel Icon. Although it’s a modern concept, my (totally sassy) pouf veil looks vintage in this shot.

There were so many DIY elements in my wedding. From the invitations and programs, to the flag bunting, water bottle favors, paper hand fans, ring bearer flag, flowers, bike wreaths, tissue paper pom poms, cake flags, cake stands, and even our photo booth(!)—my wedding was a handmade affair. True story: every Sunday for three months before the Big Day, I hosted Wedding Craft Sweatshop in my loft. I think my brideslaves are still recovering from glue gun burns.


Check out the bridal party! The boys bought their own suits and wore mismatched coordinating yellow ties. The girls wore yellow ruffle etsy dresses and cowboy boots. Boutineers and custom burlap clutches were made by my crafty Auntie Barb.

My father flew nearly 3,000 miles to walk me down the aisle.

My doll-faced nephew came from California. A pillow alternative, our rings were tied with trailing white and yellow ribbon attached to the base of a DIY ring bearer flag.

For one of our first dates, Andrew (a nature lover) took me to the arboretum. It was a magical moment, getting married there three years later.

After the ceremony, we went downtown for our reception. Our brilliant photographer took the liberty of snapping a few shots on the street before we made our grand entrance at Treebeards.

Because a traditional guest book just wouldn’t do, I DIY’d “wishing wreaths”. Our wreaths, made from grapevine-wrapped bike rims, were an homage to the bike shop where we met. Guests were instructed to fill out custom stamped tags (made by Mom) and pin them to the spokes with clothespins.

Although I chose not to carry a bouquet, I did DIY about 30 floral arrangements for the reception. Vases were upcycled mason jars scored on Craigslist.

Our first dance was to the Beach Boy’s classic, “God Only Knows”, because God only knows what I’d be without Andrew. He makes my heart beat fast.

Our Mother-Son, Father-Daughter dance was to Johnny Cash’s version of “You Are My Sunshine.”

By far, the most popular entertainment at our reception was the DIY photo booth! Guests waited in lines all night to take home printed strips. After the wedding, I put the digital copies in an online album.

Our adorable ruffle cake and the three smaller cakes were all differently flavored and frosted. The mini cake bunting on the ruffle cake was made to mimic the flag garland from our wedding ceremony.

At the end of the night, we made our grand exit under a shower of ecofetti. Conscientious brides: if you’re wondering if it works, it does!

Wedding vendors:
Ceremony: Houston Arboretum / Reception: Treebeards Market Square / Photographer: Hino B. / Bridal Hair and Makeup: Tara Ward /Dress: Elizabeth Fillmore “Diva” via Preowned Wedding Dresses / Shoes: sequined heart shoe clips via ban.do / Veil: Tulle Pouf Bridal Veil via Modern Romance (Etsy) / Groom’s Suit: Alfani via Macys / Bridesmaid dresses: Ananya (Etsy) / Groom + Groomsmen + ringbearer ties: Tux & Tulle (Etsy) / Bridesmaid clutches + groomsmen boutineers: Hänni’s Auntie Barb / Flowers: DIY’d by bride, blooms from H.E.B. / Cake: Joie Cakes / DJ: Daulong’s Mobile Music / Photobooth: DIY’d by the bride, software by David Cline / Paper fans: ceremony favors via Japanese Style / Confetti: Ecofetti

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May 29, 2011

Because If you are what you eat, he is burritos: a groom’s cake for hotpants.

When Andrew proposed, and I said “I do”, I knew it would be complicated. Andrew Hotpants is a passionate man. He has many loves. I am his #1 girl, but burritos are his #1 food. And Andrew *really* loves food.

My groom is full of beans, (literally!). His groom’s cake is not–it just looks that way.

Feast your eyes: a burrito cake for a burrito aficionado. Under the covers, Andrew’s fondant-wrapped burrito features yellow cake with chocolate buttercream frosting. The guacamole and Diet Dr Pepper are rice crispies in disguise. The chips, napkin, plate, beans, and greens are simply fondant, fondant, and more fondant.

If this cake doesn’t make you wanna shout, Aye Carumba!, then nothing will. (And also? You just might be a soulless cyborg–freaky!)

Vendor shout out: Many thanks to Houston-based baker, Joie Cakes. Your cake made my groom a happy, happy dude.

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January 31, 2011

I said “Yes” and then we said, “Cheese”. Here are our engagement photos.

Praise the lord and pass the pico! The lovely and talented Hino B. (Of Hino B. Photography) made my champagne wishes and photography dreams come true when he flew into Houston to do an engagement shoot of Yours Truly + one Mr. Andrew Hotpants. During the shoot—which took place on a drizzly day in Houston’s Hermann Park/Montrose/museum district—we laughed, we cried, and we rode our bikes!

(Psst: Want to see more? check out Hino’s photo blog. There’s an entire smorgasbord of Hänni + Andrew e-pics over there. Yesssss!)


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November 12, 2010

I’m ENRAGED! No, that’s not the right word…. Ring deets!

Rockstar brother recently told me I was a “demanding woman”. This was probably in response to some rant wherein I expressed indignation at not being able (easily) manipulate guide Andrew Hotpants into doing what is best, and by doing what is best, I mean doing things my way.

Cause really, is it too much to ask the man who voluntarily gathers, washes, and folds our laundry to make sure the face cloths are rolled just so in order to resemble either a bunny or dessert cake? I don’t think so.

In any event, I think bro bro’s “demanding woman” was his special way of saying I was bitchy and/or bossy.

Naturally, I took this as a compliment.

Erin Cooks is also a beyotch cut from the same cloth. Another Demanding Woman, in the wake of last week’s engagement announcement, she had this to say in comments:

Well ask and ye shall receive.

But first, a little bit about the ring:

My ring is green
If there is one thing I heard over-and-over growing up, it is that the diamond cartel—like pleat-front pants—is evil. Because my step dad ingrained that into my brain and because I am a hippie, I made sure my diamond was a conflict free. My diamond, which I think came from a Canadian mine, is both glamorous AND socially responsible … just like fabulous little me.

My ring is custom
After researching the forums on PriceScope, a consumer advocate Web site touted as “The Internets #1 diamond and jewelry resource”, Andrew and I decided to check out Brian Gavin Diamonds. Brian Gavin is a fifth generation diamond broker and also? He is awesome. Brian is a Houston-based e-tailer, selling eco diamonds and custom jewelry online. Folks who want to avoid the markups at brick and mortar stores while getting exquisite craftsmanship should definitely consider shopping online for their rings. And if you care about being socially responsible, e-tailers like Brian Gavin Diamonds, WhiteFlash and Blue Nile are no brainers. All their diamonds are conflict free as a matter of course.

My ring has its own glamour shots
Upon completion of my ring—which was custom designed and took about three weeks from start to finish—Brian Gavin Diamonds e-mailed pictures of the finished product. Truly, the ring is as unique and lovely as shown. For those who are curious about it’s vintage look and octagonal shape, the cut is called an “Asscher” and it’s been around since 1902.

And now that we have that out of the way, here you go Erin Cooks. And everybody else, feast your eyes:

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November 5, 2010

I guess he liked it (cuz he went and put a ring on it)

Living in sin was getting old anyway.


(Now, posting pics wherein my I appear to be naked—but really am not! I swear! I just have huge hair and tiny tank top straps!—we never get sick of that. Am I right?)

HÄndrew–getting engaged since 2010….This deserves an Ow ow!