styling your home

We might possibly be surrounded by some of the most creative, talented, ambitious women in the world. They are hustlers, go getters, ones that never stop creating and being motivated.  This week we got a chance to collaborate with some of the best. Marie Flanigan from Marie Flanigan Interiors, Caroline Harper of House of Harper and Mostess Box.  

We are got together to create some promotional material, as there was a looming storm that didn't allow us to shoot outside. We made lemonade people.  The reality is that the storm didn't even come till the next day, because that is what happens in reality.  You plan, plan, plan and it never quite goes the way you think.  Fast forward to today and boom.  The most gorgeous day you have ever seen and the party once again is on and moving forward.

We can't to see how it all comes together, but in the meanwhile we will show you the goodies from last week.  As any chance we get to show off our work through a professional lens is a good day.

Here's to many more collaborations with Houston's creatives and gorgeous days like today that will allow our flowers to shine.

As I develop my home garden I had the chance to use some of the goodies I have been growing.  Because I am not 100% what works with the soil and amount of sunshine we get at the new house, I have been limiting the items to mostly greens.  The highly textural items that make the difference and leave the flower growing to the professional.  At least for now.  Can you spot the home grown blooms? 

We added our caladiums to this mix for a highly textured accent.  And my gosh, what about those amazing ranunculus, flown in from Japan! Yes, Japan.  They were just as amazing, if not more, in person.

Signing off with a too be continued.  As there will be many more of these collaborations as you can never have enough!

gearing up for summer

As the winter days wrapped up a couple days ago our mind starts venturing on to the sweet summer days ahead.  Where all the outside gatherings begin and the wine just seems to taste that much better.

The queen of backyard soirees is non other than Courtney Paddock of Little Coterie.  We meet her last year as she requested florals for one of her summer shindigs and we immediately feel in love. She has an eye of attention and keen sense to what makes a party fun, interactive and memorable.

Houston weather gets hot then it becomes fire.  No joke.  And Courtney focuses on how to keep gets refreshed and cooled down during those firey nights. Keeping snacks light while focusing on a variety of different drinks hoping to make everyone happy.   Thank you Courtney, you are a fav that's for sure.

talent is talent

When I get word that Hannah Mason is coming to photograph our flowers, my flowers even get excited. This kind, generous, sweet photographer blows me away with her talent.  There are many photographers out there that do a great job and that I love dearly. But Hannah, tells a story.  

You can literally see her thinking and brainstorming about the details, pulling all elements of the wedding to photograph.  She understands the concept behind styling the wedding in a manner that catches ALL the details.  Because if you don't already know... those details are all well thought out.  Someone had to chose those details, think through them and put them all together.

The wedding collaboratively is made from all of those tiny decisions that made one evening so memorable.  To think that a photographer wouldn't give every one of those elements their own time, is a shame.  It's not validating that each step meant something to our clients. Each item was chosen with thought, and it was part of the process they took into hosting an event for their loved ones.

I get so passionate about this subject as I am in meeting after meeting with my clients and see how much this all means to them.  I see how much they enjoy it and how they speak of specific people and times in their life that make them ponder these decisions.  It might seem like just a candle, an invitation, boutonniere, the beading on a the dress, that flowing hanging ribbon, or a simple centerpiece.  But to them it was a well thought out detail that they took the time to think through and choose the perfect one for them and their loved ones.

spontaneous is still our favorite

When working with other small businesses and creatives, spontaneous events are not only the easiest but necessary.  When one of our all time favorite photographers reached out for a couple quick items to promote their new clothing line, Saltflat, we were excited to dive right in to make something to help highlight their new items. 

We love our fellow business creatives and creating for them makes our hearts sing with joy.  We know the struggle and the hard work in maintaining your own small business and helping them along the way might be one of the more important things we do.

To combine another amazing element to the mix, the model Kailey is also part owner of Saltflat and is rocking other businesses as well.  You guys she is a girl boss if I ever saw one. And to make it even better, she is the kindest, sweetest lady you could ever meet.

So did you notice that gorgeous make up and hair, well that is my girl Kailey rocking it. Let me tell you, she just started her own company helping other women with their hair and make up too... you have to check her out Etoilly Artistry. 

Not impressed yet, go check her and her sister out at their blog called Double Shot of Sass. Now do you see what I meant?  She is on fire and love how she follows her passion no matter where she goes, the hustle is real.

And let's not forget how brilliant Ling Wang is.... she surrounds herself with the hardest working visionaries of Houston and couldn't be more proud to be in her inner circle of friends that help each other along the way.  Thank you friends, can't wait to create more spontaneous shoots with you.  They are clearly becoming my favorite! XOXO Maria Maxit

kate + john [river oaks country club]

As we prepare for another wedding at the River Oaks Country Club, we can't help but share Kate and John's wedding at South Main Baptist Church and the River Oaks Country Club from last June. Photos courtesy of the insanely talented Dana Fernandez Photography. Planning by Sparkle & Shine Events.

Kate's details for her big day perfectly set the tone for how the day would magically unfold. With gorgeous shoes from Jimmy Choo and earrings and a headpiece from Maria Elena Headpieces. The always lovely ring box from The Mrs. Box adds the perfect touch, complete with the Bride's new last initial. We believe that capturing these details are pivotal and Dana always does a wonderful job utilizing loose florals to elevate the photos. Like the gorgeous capture of the couple's wedding invitation from Bering's!

When it came to the River Oaks Country Club, we know that less is more. We utilized one of our large white urns for the entry space featuring pale bush peonies, escimo and quicksand roses, and lots of greenery! We then created similar arrangements for the head table. Rentals for the day were provided by Aztec Events & Tents.

Blue berry branches, our favorite mauve, quicksand roses and peonies were found throughout the rest of the room in our compote arrangements. Additional reception vendors include the wedding cake and groom's cake from Who Made the Cake!, entertainment by Chinatown, and both a silhouette artist, Silhouettes by Cindi, and live painter, Blaire Brown Art!

For Kate's bouquet we wanted to enhance the beauty of her Oscar de la Renta gown from Joan Pillow Bridal Makeup by utilizing Bowl of Cream peonies and white Ohara roses. These lovely floral varieties always delight and we love to use them! For the Bridesmaids, we accented their grey Jenny Yoo dresses with shades of pale blush and nude. Hair and Makeup were provided by Hey Lovely Makeup.

When it comes to our Maxit grooms, we love utilizing a fluffy and cheery ranunculus boutonniere. Something with character and texture to enhance his Ralph Lauren suit. For the rest of his guys we utilize spray roses to elevate them for the special occasion. 

We also love when our Maxit couples chose to exit their reception to a rose petal toss! It is a classic touch that can be captured so perfectly! When else would you have the excuse to throw a handful of rose petals? We loved enhancing Kate and John's lovely day and are very excited to be back at the River Oaks Country club for another round soon! Cheers! XOXO.