Counting on Love

Meet Megan McQuary the new Billboard Bride
By Laurette M. Veres
“I’m not a model, I’m an accountant, but I’m marrying a man who makes me feel like the most beautiful bride in the world.”
Megan McQuary met Jake Stephens during their internship at PriceWaterhouse Coopers in Houston. They both returned to Texas A&M for post-graduate work and started spending time together. Friendship blossomed into romance amid studies for their CPA licenses.
They spent countless weekends in Seguin, Texas at the Stephens Family’s lake house. After one perfect day: Rolando’s Super Tacos, massages at Sergio’s and margaritas at Rio Rio on the San Antonio Riverwalk, he popped the question while they were sitting in a rowboat on the lake.
Planning a wedding without a planner, Megan was overwhelmed by the to-do list. She attended the Bridal Extravaganza Show and succeeded in securing transportation, DJ, florist, and cake.
Twice each year, the Bridal Extravaganza Show selects a new face to represent the largest bridal show in the country on billboards in the greater Houston area. Megan is one of thousands of brides-to-be who applied for this honor.
The photographers at StudioCAPTURE were tapped to capture this young bride-to-be. From their studio to beautiful Buffalo Bayou, their expertise in lighting and composition provided the perfect citywide shot.
According to Taska Ventura, Billboard Bride sponsor and owner of Ventura’s Bridal, “The young ladies who apply for this honor seem to be more qualified each show.” As this promotion gains more attention, the competition becomes increasingly challenging. Megan selected her gowns for the photo shoot from the vast collection at Ventura’s Bridal.
Leah from Your Beautiful Face was on hand to create the perfect big day look. “You should look like a glamorized version of yourself on your wedding day,” she says. Leah used a blend of purples and browns to make her eyes pop.
Fantasy Florals and Sweets provided three custom bouquets for the shoot. The fall bouquet was fun and whimsical with tiny pineapples adding depth. According to Teri Butera, “a monochromatic bouquet with hints of plumb is hot this season,” she says. “We also provided a more traditional bouquet with pink roses.”

You can be the next billboard bride!

Megan will appear on billboards citywide. She will also be on hand at the next Bridal Extravaganza Show January 8-9, 2011 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. All brides-to-be in attendance are eligible for this honor.

Get this look: Gown: Ventura’s Bridal, Hair and Make-up: Your Beautiful Face, Photography: StudioCAPTURE, Bouquet: Fantasy Florals

Bridal Bliss

Like many little girls, Rachel Ballard dreamt about meeting her Prince Charming, and knew Ryan was the one.  On Oct. 8^th all of her dreams came true.  Not only did her Prince propose, he surprised her with a confirmed wedding date at The Bell Tower on 34^th; he knew it was her venue of choice.  She’ll be engaged for exactly one year when she walks down the aisle.  She’s got a lot to smile about.  She has just been selected as the Bridal Extravaganza Show’s new Billboard Bride.  Look for her smiling face on billboards citywide this summer.

Get this look

Rachel’s picture will be featured on magazine covers, posters and dozens of billboards throughout the Houston area. Vendors of the Bridal Extravaganza Show worked together to make this natural beauty look her best.

The process started at Ventura’s Bridal with dress selection. “The goal was to find a gown that would really make a statement and, and this Enzoni strapless showstopper does just that,” says Taska Ventura. A perfectly placed veil completes the ensemble.

Houston’s hot, humid climate can be a bit hard on a girl’s makeup during long photo shoots, and weddings. Enter Hilda Kershman and her special talent of manually airbrushing on makeup. She created perfect balances of shades and colors that beat the Houston elements and kept Rachel looking great the entire shoot.

LZ Floral provided the flowers. Lara Zolten created three bouquets, ensuring one would be a perfect fit for the Billboard Bride. “My approach is to create an individual bouquet for each bride,” she says.

With all elements in place, the photo session was a breeze. “Rachel is a natural,” says photographer Steve Lee. “The hardest part is choosing my favorite picture.”  – Laurette M. Veres

Essentials:

Steve Lee Photography 832-380-4004

Ventura’s Bridal 713-880-2364

Hilda Kershman 281-631-9090

LZ Floral 281-813-5145

The Bell Tower on 34^th 713-868-2355