Get to know the Occasio Ladies…. This Week Myrla!

This Summer we wanted you to get to know the Occasio Ladies!  This week Myrla, our dancing queen, will be taking over our blog and Instagram and talking about her favorite things!

We thought we would start with her favorite foods since who doesn’t enjoy a good meal!

Favorite Appetizer: David Cordua’s Tikki Masala Angel Wings from Cordua Catering

Favorite Entree: Osso Bucco from Ibiza

Favorite Snack: Braised Beef Cheeks from Backstreet Cafe

Favorite Dessert: Warm Double Chocolate Fondant from Masarrafs 

Favorite Cocktail: Mint Julep from Brennan’s of Houston

Diana and Edward – An Evening in the Garden

Diana and Edward’s definition of fun can be described in one word…dancing, and dancing their guests did. Their rehearsal dinner was hosted by a close friends residence in the Museum district.  WV’s Event Services set up a tent in the …

PINK Quinceañera

 

A Quinceañera only happens once, so why not celebrate it in style? Myrla Vanegas along with Dulce Torres planned and designed a lavish Victoria’s Secret PINK inspired celebration on the Fourth of July. Leaving no detail out, this Quinceañera was definitely unforgettable. Blooming Gallery transformed the San Luis Hotel’s  front lawn into a stunning ceremony space. With the waves of the ocean and a slight breeze, DaKine Films and Michelle Able Photography captured the sacred moments while this religious ceremony took place.

After the ceremony, guests were invited to join the Torres family at the San Luis Convention Center for the celebration of a life time.

The guests were surprised by many customized items such as two ice bars with Dulce’s monogram by Ice Designs, a PINK inspired cake by Edible Designs by Jessie , custom candelabras and stunning décor by Blooming Gallery,   Chocolate Fountain’s legendary churros and of course their chocolate fountains.  Alongside all her surprises, Dulce wowed guests with a dress change, an unforgettable dance with her father and a traditional crowning from both her parents.

Guests joined the dancing with songs from two esteemed Tejano bands: Tropical Panama and La Leyenda, all while entertained by two aerialist and roller skaters.  After dinner, dancing, a popcorn bar and Victoria’s Secret shopping bag cookies, guest didn’t know what to think of when the City of Galveston provided a beautiful array of fireworks in celebration of the fourth of July…and of course Dulce Torres!

 

 

From Ballroom Dance Partners to Husband and Wife

 

From ballroom dance partners to husband and wife, Kimberly Dice and Antonio Conde said their “I Do’s” in the beautiful River Oaks Garden Club  surrounded by their closest family and friends but most importantly, by their daughter.  This romantic garden setting was exquisitely captured by Katie Lamb Photography. Guests were captivated by the harpist from Divisi Strings that gracefully set the mood during the prelude.   Events In Bloom brought the garden to life with grand arrangements shaping the front of the garden for the ceremony. After the vows were exchanged, guest were treated to a cocktail hour by silverStone Catering.

Following the ceremony and cocktail hour guest joined Kimberly and Antonio along with their families at The Junior League of Houston for a breathtaking reception.  Events in Bloom was able to bring in an elegant garden feel to the ballroom, with luxury lounge furniture and life size hedges, allowing guests to dance the night away amongst greenery and chandeliers. The guests dined, laughed, and danced the night away with a ravishing bridal cake and the Venezuelan/USA/Texas inspired groom’s cake from Edible Designs by Jessie  and music from Yelba and the Latin Fire.

Mary and Sam

 Mary Tolentino and Sam Caban embody the class and appeal of the sizzling 20’s. The collection of romance, silhouette and beauty that Michelle Able Photography captured for their wedding is breathtaking!

Brenner’s on the Bayou provided a small gazebo that was perfect for a small intimate wedding. A cobble stone path lined with lanterns leading up to the gazebo. Beautiful flowers and greenery from Blooming Gallery framed the gazebo. At the end of the ceremony flower petals were thrown as Mary and Sam left for the reception in a white Rolls Royce.

Blooming Gallery was able to mix the glitz and garden look that Mary wanted! Guest were treated to dinner and dancing at Hotel Granduca and Delishes chocolates for Araya Artesian Choclates.  Myrla Vanegas did a wonderful job putting together this wedding in three weeks!

 

Mary’s mom gave her a secondary dress that she changed into for the reception that stole Sam’s heart away.  Their guest danced the evening away to Salvadorian and Puerto Rican favorites.

Best Night Ever

Every year ExxonMobil challenges us to come up with something new and fresh for their End of Year Holiday Party.  We  decided that Hotel Zaza would be the  perfect setting for the evening we were about to claim as the “BEST NIGHT EVER”.  A perfect match paired with Hotel Zaza’s signature champagne cocktail THE BUBBLEBERRY.  What would be the BEST NIGHT EVER without Joseph West Photography to capture the evening and tell the story.

As we prepared for the BEST NIGHT EVER we knew that everyone working the party would have to play a role to help rely the message.  In proper Occasio fashion we made fabulous hats for all our ladies and had suspenders, bowties, and matching hats for all of the staff.  As guest arrived they knew it was a party!

We also created with Katie and Co. fun conversational branding that would tie into our theme.  Who wouldn’t like to blame the mustache or cheers with gusto?

With a fantastic white tent we decided to highlight it with colors of black and pink.  We brought in draping and lighting to highlight the space and give a focal point to the pool area.

We had a fantastic DJ paired with live Swirrlers.

We can’t forget Dessert!  How better to serve it than on a strolling table.

 

Nacho’s Forty-Tenth Birthday

Mr. Torras “Nacho” a gentleman from Spain, also a past grooms father, wanted nothing more but to share his love for food and wine with his closest friends for his Forty-Tenth Birthday.  He brought his favorite Chef, Luis Roger, from Spain to wine and dine guest.  Chef Luis Roger, studied under the celebrated Ferran Adria at elBulli and spent his tenure at Mas Anglada Winery and Resort.

Nacho also announced that his love for food and wine had led him to open a fine dining restaurant in Houston, BCN, that is scheduled to open in September.

Nacho wanted a handsome late lunch that reflected the Spanish countryside.  The private event was held in his home under a striking white tent.  Blooming Gallery brought in over 12,000 orange tulips to fill this handsome space.   Wooden chairs and wooden chargers adorned with a sprig of rosemary from the houses garden finished off this stylish look.

He dazzled guest with the taste and traditions of Spain such as:  Arroz Caldoso del Mar (The Fisherman’s Lobster), Arroz de la Huerta (Arichokes, Apsaragus, Green Peas, Mixed Bell Peppers, Porcini Mushrooms), Boquetes en vinagre emollido (Green Olive  / Anchovy / Tomato and Black Olive Tapenade) Calamari a la Andaluza (Adaluza Style Calamari), Montadito de Anchovies (Queso fresco / Cantabrico Anchovy /Cherry Tomato. Basil), Montadito de Tortilla de Patatas (Tortilla de Patatas / Tomato Paste), Tapa de Guisote de Patatas con cebolla y rape (Caramelized Onion and Potatoes / Braised Monkfish), Mackrel de Escabeche (Pickled Mackerel in Vinegar) and Huevo de cordoniz con espuma de patata y trufa (Quail Poached Egg / Potato Foam / Black Truffle .

Bussels of lavender, rosemary, and lemons decked the Cheese Table featuring Spanish Cheeses along with a candy table that provided guest with Nacho’s favorite Spanish Candies.    Guest enjoyed cognacs, cappuccinos, coffee, and cigars into wee hours of the evening.  All guest were given an apron with the door of BCN on it as their favor.

Chanel Inspired Bridal Shower

We were so excited when Priscilla Lopez called us to plan a bridal shower with her mom for her sister in law to be Priscila Cano in El Paso, Texas. Priscila, the bride, is such a classic beauty so we decided she needed something classic and chic but still hip. That is when we decided a Chanel Inspired Shower was all to perfect! Priscilla’s last name was Cano so we decided to create a logo that we would use to brand through the entire shower, one that resembled the logo of Chanel.

At the entrance to their beautiful backyard was a gate that was embellished with a floral garland made up of hanging amaranths, antique hydrangeas, anemones, peonies and garden roses. Guest were given the option of a lovely rose name “Bubbly Lovely” or a Priscila Cano monogrammed water.

No detail was overlooked for this shower. Custom Macarons by Macaron’s by Patisse were made with the logo in different shades of pink that were placed in a bird cage at each place setting. The linens were by Elegant Beginnings . and the flowers were designed by Laura Carillo. We styled the wedding to show off the femininity of Chanel and Priscilla dainty darling personality.

Ardovino’s Dessert Crossing prepared a whimsical collection of seasonal food and herbs. Guest loved the quiche, spicy shrimp stuffed arancini’s, grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup, cucumber sandwiches, stuffed chicken and banana bread French toast.

Guest loved the drool-worthy mini cupcakes topped with Macaroons, Cake Pops and Couture Designed Cake by Manjar and perfume bottle cookie by Michael’s Cookie Jar.  Branded Cocktail Napkins, Stickers, Stirrers, and Water-bottles were designed by Katie & Co.

As every shower needs an ice breaker we decided on a perfume bar. Each box was custom made for each guest with their name on it and the date of the shower No. 12. Ladies were able to test their scents on samples and finish their custom scent in their very own bottle.

Cristina Navarro Photography

An Elegant Garden Wedding

Ale and Jose wedding was nothing short of a dream. We were honored when the families asked for us to plan and design this beautiful wedding at the Grooms Family’s Private Residence in Houston. The only thing was that we had three months! The evening we met with both families we were immediately intrigued by their overwhelming hospitality and enthusiasm for a FUN wedding! Ale coming from a Chilean and Nicaraguan background and Jose from a Spanish and Mexican background we didn’t have to worry to much on making sure it was going to be fun just that is was going to be everything they wanted and more. We were fast to our feet and during the process got to know and love their families.

We quickly began planning this elegant outside affair. Ale’s personality and quick wit entertained both us and our vendors at meetings. Her vision and taste was impeccable her love for Venetian glass with mixed metals was carried though in our design as well as her attraction to linen and orchids. Jose was working in San Pao Brazil and would check in with us on Skype, he was a familiar soul. Both coming from large families they decided to only have sisters and brothers as party of their wedding party. Ale selected an emerald green for their beautiful custom dresses, while she wore a beautiful gown from Casa De Novia.

 

Guest were greeted by a doorway dripping in floral designed by the ever so great Scott Konitzer, with Blooming Gallery, as Mariachi’s sang the traditional Mexican Ballads. As guest entered through the residence they were greeted with candles, running fountains and the bride and grooms favorite appetizers and cocktails for Cordua Catering.  A beautiful cheese table was set up and paired with an jamon serrano, that was carved for the guest.

The tent was nothing short of intoxicating beauty set for 600 guest.

Jessie Lopez, Edible Designs, never ceases to impress us.  She is so incredibly talented and careful with her work that you can’t but help walk away in aw.

Guest Danced into the morning with latin rhythms from Grupo Kache and moderns rhythms from the DJ brought in from Mexico City.

“La Torna Boda” included bites from Tacos Julio and A Mexican Beer Bar with signs and napkins by Katie and Co.

Here is a sneak peak from behind the scenes:  Our setup began 10 days prior to the wedding. The tent by Aztec Tents and Events and white carpet was 16,000 square feet and encompassed over 26,000 feet of Silver Satin for the ceiling. Here are a few pictures of our setup.

Bohemian Hacienda Wedding

This was a bride and groom after our own heart. We planned the wedding with Elizabeth and her mother, Gail, who were equal parts fun, smart and beautiful. Being able to share our passion with people who are so genuine and full of life truly makes our job the best job in the world! Hopewell, their Hacienda, in Montgomery, Texas was the backdrop for this master crafted bohemian hacienda wedding that Pinky Promise Photography captured oh so well!

The bride and bridesmaids sipped on champagne and sweets while Elizabeth, owner of Elm Beauty and Makeup Artistry, got the entire bridal party ready. Elizabeth and her parents built each table and bar to represent a secret garden.

The ceremony dripped of fuschia bougainvillea. The couple performed a tree ceremony that would later be planted in front of their house.

 

The mossed and velvet paneled walls and paired with the chiffon draping and lighting by Blooming Gallery! Lori Holley from Special Arrangements put her special touch on the event and designed eclectic tablescapes that were filled with birdcages, birds, moss and swoon worthy floral centerpieces. The dancefloor was created with hanging smylak and adorned birdcages.

 

 

No detail was to small.  We thought of everything from the pashminas to the cigar wrappers.

The bride’s family from Barbados and grooms family from Texas made this an affair to remember. Cordua Catering provided a lavish seafood bar along with their famous Churrasco.  Her sister cooked up delectable desserts from scratch for the affair.

 

Lined luminarios walkways and Calypso tunes took guest into the wee hours of the morning. What’s a wedding without a little late night indulgence? We turned the cocktail area into their favorite food courts. Spicy Senora and Spicy Senor Cocktail Napkins along with Finger Licking Good Cocktail Napkins branding by Katie and Co. complimented the late night grub of Buffalo Wild Wings and Taco’s Julio.