Ronnie: I’m visiting Houston & would really love to meet anyone that’s available for coffee, wine, a meal or just hang out. Kelsey: I'm always game to grab coffee or wine. If you wanted to pull together a quick shoot somewhere let me know.
Those two Facebook messages began a flurry of instant messages (IM) that culminated in a mini styled Mint & Gold shoot collaboration by a handful of spectacular Houston, TX wedding industry creatives from the local group of Rising Tide Society, the Houston Tuesday Together.
Kelsey Vawter, a Hair and Makeup Artist extraordinaire earned that title because this collaboration would have been impossible without her. She reached out to other creatives and our team began to form. She had a real-life power couple to model, we tossed some venues and timeline around settled on 10:30 am to give everyone a chance to get on with their valentine’s day plan.
I had a minor problem on my part though.
My original outbound Southwest Air flight conflicted with the timeline ; it was scheduled to arrive much later in the day. What’s a girl to do? Change flights of course, except it’s 2 days before departure. Enter American Airlines who happens to have an early morning but connecting flight that would get me into Houston IAD, not Hobby by 9:30 am. No time for deliberation, change flight plan already and pray there is no delay. Flight changed! Oh, remember to cancel outbound Southwest into Hobby. Canceled! And then there was the matter of the rental car, change pick up location to George Bush Airport, drop off at Hobby. Done!!. I arrived at BWI so early that I was in line even before TSA opened. #firsttimeever. Mercifully, AA arrived on time, I grabbed the rental car and thanks to the power of Waze (GPS) I made it to the venue, in time to receive the next IM: we’re inside.
Showtime!
When I first saw our real-life power couple Meaghan, an MD/Ph.D. student and Chris, an aerospace engineer, their chemistry was so strong I forgot my typical getting-to-know-you mental script. Meaghan looked so stunning in the exquisite gown provided by Christine of Private Label Wedding Dresses. Chris looked something straight out of the pages of GQ. The only question I could come up with was are you guys a real couple?. I don’t remember their response but their faces and body language said it all.
Oh, Chris, Chris, Chris
A quick touch up just to make sure her girl shines! Christine!!
Not a strand of hair out of place. Hair and Makup by Kelsey @styledbykelseyv
When you're in a sweet shop, there's only one thing to do. Did you notice the mint straws? Elizabeth!
I cannot wait to work with again with one of the best Houston’s wedding planners, Elizabeth Abshire of EA Events & Design. She was so on point with planning the day that she even picked up a new set of mint chairs to match. Just in case!
Calligraphy by Lilly and Rose Studio
This creamy goodness, to borrow from Fat Cat Creamery was by Natalie at Jade Magnolia Sweets.
What happens when several passionate creatives put their mind to a common goal? Made possible through the collaboration of these passionate wedding industry creatives:
Hair + Makeup: Kelsey Vawter - http://www.styledbykelseyv.com - @styledbykelseyv
Photography: Ronnie Bliss Photography - http://ronniebliss.com - @ronnieblissphotography
Planning: EA Events & Design - http://www.eadesignevents.com @eadesignevents
Wedding dress: Private Label Wedding Dresses - http://www.privatelabelweddingdresses.com
Calligraphy: lilyandrosestudio https://www.etsy.com/shop/LilyandRoseStudio @lilyandrosestudio
Wedding Cake: Jade Magnolia - @jade.magnolia
Models: Meaghan - @m_roars GQ model Chris - @cvdubs11
Venue: Fat Cat Creamery - @fatcatcreamery
I love to travel, see new places, meet new people. My last trip to Houston, TX did not disappoint. I met not just new people, but new friends, new places. I drove and drove some more, and had the lucky grace to meet spectacular wedding industry creatives. My adventure was so awesome, the next one is already in the works. Are you in Houston or surrounding areas mid-March? Would you like to grab a cup of coffee, wine, lunch or even dinner? I'd love to meet you. Better yet, do you have an idea we can collaborate on? Send me an email lovestories@ronniebliss.com