daily musings from the girls...

Tracie's 50th Birthday!!

2011-07-06T09:57:00.000-05:00

Friday, June 1st started our month with a fun loving lady's birthday! Tracie our flexible friend from Yoga Rasa in Clear Lake celebrated her birthday with her wonderful family and friends in our Lounge upstairs in Live. Chef John, our pastry chef created a "50" cake that dazzled! Thank you all for joining us in her birthday celebration!

Congratulations Graduates!!

2011-05-31T17:01:00.000-05:00

The local schools have been busy with their graduating classes and that means we have been too!!
We've been hosting dinners, proms, graduation parties and even reunions these past few weeks.
The balloons and streamers have been in the air non stop! We still have the month of June to go.
If you have a celebration you want to make extra special, have it here at Cullen's!

Leah Mayon Wedding!

2011-05-20T14:01:00.000-05:00

Here are a few pictures from the Leah Mayon Wedding

Yummy Candy!!!

Party Season in Full Spring!!

2011-05-19T14:59:00.001-05:00

It's been a while since we have blogged, so this is just a little shout out to let all of our loyal followers know that we are still here, and busier then ever! We have revamped the events department here at Cullen's and added some new wonderful faces. Hilary, Sara Jane and Elizabeth are the new it girls for all things to celebrate!
The past couple of weekends have been filled with tons of events!

Janie and Curtis tied the knot with us with a fabulous reception, and the same day we celebrated Leah's dream wedding in our grand ballroom. Later that night, we rang in a happy birthday for Misha thanks to her wonderful husband Andy. Across the restraurant, Courtney helped her husband Brandon celebrate his 30th birthday in the lounge of our nightclub. Can't forget some of our brave soldiers from Ellington field who celebrated a promotion on our partio, ah'em I mean patio! All this happened in just one night!!!

We danced the night away with Lutheran South Acadamy at their junior and senior prom with DJ Johnny Bravo the other evening, and welcomed Mayor Johnny Isbell of Pasadena for a wonderful reception. We are looking forward to being able to "gab" about your event so let's make some wonderful memories happen!!!!

Prohibition-Era Elegance

2011-05-19T14:57:00.000-05:00

The stylish new show is Boardwalk Empire! Feel free to take a wedding style cue from the dapper fashion of the 1920s. Think dusty nude and lace dresses for your bridesmaids and wing-tip shoes for the guys. And it wouldn't feel like the Prohibition era without alcohol. To reinterpret the boozy nights of the Roaring '20s, serve up "moonshine" and Prohibition "bathtub gin" in your very own speakeasy bar, all while guests dance the night away to jazz (naturally!).

What's Hot for Your Wedding?

2010-10-14T15:52:00.000-05:00

Colors...
Theme colors are one of the tougher choices you will be making for your special day. You want colors that 'go' without being too matchy-matchy, and that make your wedding stand out, without screaming at your guests.

Spring: Pink and Green

Summer: A Luau Theme

Autumn: Natural Fall Leaf Colors

Winter: Traditional White Wedding

Cakes...
Non-traditional cake toppers are a great way to show the humor and fun of your relationship, while staying classy.

A Groom's cake is where your hubby-to-be can bring in his creativity, without having foam fingers as your wedding favors.

Dresses...
Strapless gowns are 'in' for 2010, and will continue into 2011. Sticking with an A-line will give you a classic look you can not go wrong with!

If you are looking to stand out a little more on your wedding day, try on a mermaid style dress or something with special details!

Michelle & Jared's Wedding Day

2010-09-30T12:28:00.000-05:00

The Countdown Begins...

2010-08-10T12:42:00.000-05:00

Love has officially filled the office! Well, it was always here, but now it is OFFICIAL! Why? You ask. Well, let me be the first to say that I will be expecting my invitation in the mail very soon for a very special wedding! I don't want to disclose the date for fear of swarming papparazi and those ever dreaded wedding crashers a la Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, but be assured this wedding will be bigger than Chelsea Clinton's! Soon dahling all details will be revealed...

Happy 16th Birthday Coronado

2010-08-02T13:35:00.003-05:00

We've got tons to share about Coronado's lavish affair...

Here is a sneak preview on what's to come.

Sydney & Matt

2010-08-02T13:30:00.000-05:00

Congrats to the newlyweds Sydney & Matt Hammersky!

Surrounded by close family in friends, they wed in 1987 and the wedding reception in our 2008 ballroom followed.

Pictures from the wedding including the beautiful wedding cake, complete with Swarovski Crystal brooch and the groom's bass cake will be posted soon!

Banquet Photos

2010-07-30T10:31:00.003-05:00

Thanks to our friend Akil Bennett for providing us with such great photos of our ceremony and wedding reception space!

1000 Paper Cranes - An Intimate Wedding

2010-07-27T08:41:00.002-05:00

An ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted one wish. The crane in Japan is one of the mystical or holy creatures (others include the dragon and the tortoise), and is said to live for a thousand years. In Asia, it is commonly said that folding 1000 paper origami cranes makes a person's wish come true.

Our lovely bride folded and hung cranes from the chandeliers as a surprise to her groom. What a sweet idea.

Room 1964

Cakes By Cullen's

Space... The Final Frontier

2010-07-26T12:38:00.000-05:00

Being located so close to NASA is one of the best perks about Cullen's. Nichelle Nicols, also known as Lieutenant Uhura in the famous television series Star Trek, dined on our delicious lunch cuisine.

She was one of the kindest celebrities to visit Cullen's. Check out her surprise dessert created by our executive pastry chef, John.

Tyler's 16th Birthday Party

2010-07-20T12:53:00.000-05:00

Save the date...

2010-07-12T21:16:00.000-05:00

Please join us for our Bridal Open House

When: Sunday July 18, 2010 from 1-4 PM
Where: Cullen's Upscale American Grille
Cost: Absolutely free!

Cullen's offers many of beautiful wedding settings. It is the one place that can serve all your needs perfectly, from the bridal shower, rehearsal and ceremony to the wedding reception! Tour the venue and get inspired by designs from Houston's top wedding professionals. Champagne, hors d'oeuvres, and cake tastings... YUM!

RSVP
Erica (281)991-2010

Hope to see you there!

First Date leads to Something More

2010-06-29T09:21:00.000-05:00

Guys - If you need a recommendation for a first date, try Cullen's, it'll leave a lasting impression.

Nearly a year ago, Josh planned a great evening and a nice dinner for two in our formal dining room. A great first impression was not the only thing Josh made. When the dessert course came, Josh said, "Okay... You're the one!". She grinned ear to ear.

I sat down with Josh & Jenna yesterday to go over wedding plans! Yes, the happy couple is tying the knot!

We can't wait to update you with photos of the couple on the biggest date in their lives (aside from the first of course).

Stay tuned....

Sweet, Small & Sentimental

2010-06-28T10:08:00.000-05:00

The tradition of distributing wedding favors is a very old one. It is believed that the first wedding favor, common amongst European aristocrats, was known as a bonbonniere, a small trinket box made of crystal, porcelain, and/or precious stones. The contents of these precious boxes were generally sugar cubes or delicate confections, which symbolize wealth and royalty. (In this era, sugar was an expensive commodity and was treasured only among the wealthy. It was believed that sugar contained medical benefits). As the price of sugar decreased throughout centuries, the tradition of providing gifts to guests reached the general populace and was embraced by couples of modest means.

As sugar became more affordable, bonbonnieres were replaced with almonds. For centuries, almonds were commonly distributed to wedding guests to signify well wishes on the bridegroom’s new life. In the thirteenth century, almonds coated with sugar, known as confetti, were introduced. Confetti soon transformed to sugared almonds, which later evolved into the wedding favor for modern day weddings. Traditionally, five Jordan almonds are presented in a confection box or wrapped in elegant fabric to represent fertility, longevity, wealth, health and happiness. The bitterness of the almond and the sweetness of the coated candy exemplify the bitter sweetness of a marriage.

With wedding sites like shopgetmarried.com, favors are now super easy to order and customize.

Stefanie & Geoff - Teeing Off Together

2010-06-21T11:46:00.001-05:00

We met Stefanie & Geoff after Bridal Extravaganza in January when they had just begun planning for their big day. They couldn't have been more of a joy to work with!

The two met at Texas A&M, became best friends, golf partners, and eventually husband and wife. Congrats Stefanie & Geoff!

Here are a few pictures from their very special day. Kudos to Chase Pedigo of Pedigo Photography and his team for working with us and providing such great photos. We can't wait to work with them again!

Ceremony - Cullen's Live

Reception - 2008 Ballroom @ Cullen's
Photographer - Pedigo Photography
Wedding Cake - Cullen's
Groom's Cake - Cullen's
DJ/Emcee - DJ's Unlimited

Sarah & Chris - Two Families Coming Together as One

2010-06-16T15:53:00.000-05:00

With both Sarah & Chris having children from previous marriages, they chose a sand ceremony. The blending of the sand represented the union not only of them but their children and families as well. As the minister explained, separate sands once poured into the unity vase can never be put back into their separate vases. They are forever entwined just as the lives and loves of the bride and groom. The children had a smaller vase each in a different color and participated in the touching ceremony as well. Here are some photos from their happy day. Sarah made such a beautiful bride.

Congratulations to all!

Cheers!

2010-06-03T09:45:00.002-05:00

I know it may seem cheesey, but we just love LOVE. We couldn't resist sharing photos of our favorite happy couples we've had the privilege of getting to know over the last few months.

Chris & Sarah

Ruth & Ryan

Paul & Ivanna

Our very own Clayton & Lauren

Shelly & Greg

Valeh & Leo

Evan & Tejal

Countdown to Summer

2010-05-20T11:33:00.002-05:00

Students, teachers and coaches from organizations such as baseball, choir, tennis, softball, band and more joined Cullen's this month to celebrate the End of Year! The countdown to summer break begins.

Best Wishes to all the 2010 Graduates!

Cullen's CARES

2010-05-19T08:40:00.001-05:00

Everyone is having a hard time raising money whether it is choir, baseball, cheerleaders, churches, schools or simpy charities. It is May and we have already exceeded our contribution budget for the rest of the year because the demand has been so overwhelming and that certainly does not help your organization to meet its needs.

Therefore, we are starting a brand new program IMMEDIATELY to help every organization that wants to participate in raising up to $5,000 per year. It's called the Cullen's Cares Program. We are going to donate our profit to your organization for all food and non-alcoholic beverage purchases made at Cullen's by your organization for an entire year.

That's right, simply register your organization and receive a Cullen's Cares Card for your members. Every time a member eats at Cullen's, whether in The Grille, bar or main dining room and presents their card, Cullen's will write a check f or 10% of the food and non-alcoholic beverage purchases to your organization at the end of each calendar quarter.

So, if your organization has 100 members, each member with their family and friends, would need to average $42 per month at Cullen's in order to raise $5,000. This can be done with several meals a month (either lunch or dinner) or a family meal once a month or any combination. You can come enjoy yourself and help raise money for your organization at the same time!
We have several baseball teams that need the money to travel for tournaments and many only have 10 to 15 members. Obviously, it makes it harder to reach $5,000 with less members but some of the 12 member baseball teams seem to be doing the best at raising money with their Cullen's Cares Card. Each member took 10 cards and gave them out to grandparents, neighbors, business associates and friends explaining to them that they would receive 10% of all purchases at Cullen's if they would show the card.

We have found many 10 member organizations with 100's of people using their cards to raise money for their organization with the help of Cullen's. So, put everyone to work you know, it not a bad job simply enjoying the great food at Cullen's.

If you need a registration form you can call us at 281.991.2000 or email us at Events@CullensHouston.com

We want you to know that Cullen's Cares.

Get Beachy

2010-05-18T08:36:00.000-05:00

Learn how to tousle curly hair from Herbal Essences with Tousle Me Softly styling products. Get step by step how-to's from celebrity stylist Charles Baker Strahan.

DIY Favor Bags

2010-05-17T08:03:00.002-05:00

I'm so delighted to share an adorable DIY project with you all. I'm pretty sure I'm going to be making these time and again because they are too cute to resist. And super simple!

Materials

Ink Jet Color Printer

5×7 White Paper Bags

Treats

Instructions

1. Download the bag graphic and type in names and wedding date in spaces provided. Follow the directions in the PDF for printing with an Ink Jet Printer. If you don’t have an Ink Jet or if your printer doesn’t allow you to print odd formats, you can print directly onto sticker paper (found at office supply stores) and post apply to the bag.

2. Help maintain freshness and keep sweets from leaving oil stains on the paper bag by lining with a glassine envelope.

3. Add a little more detail to the bags and scallop the top with a pair of pinking shears or rotary cutter.

4. Fill bag with treats and serve!

For more goodies, visit the Twig & Thistle shop on Etsy.

Love.Love.Love

Classified

2010-05-13T16:36:00.005-05:00

Cullen's is quickly becoming the destination for foreign travelers this week. Visitors hailing from Norway, France, Germany, and lest we forget Russia (the 1st Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Sergei Ivanov to be exact) have experienced fine dining in our own backyard. It's not every day you can say you've had a world leader chompin' down on shrimp from the Grille menu.

Maxim, Boris, and Mr. Ivanov were very impressed and had only wonderful things to say about Cullen's.

-E

We Will Rock You

2010-05-12T10:28:00.002-05:00

This week Cullen's had the privilege of hosting an event for a company based in Oslo, Norway. The weeklong training and product launch kicked off with a rockin' party complete with a live band featuring Alice Cooper, concert food, custom lighting, sound and graphics, Harley Davidson motorcyles, a life sized ice motorcyle, and an airbrush tattoo artist!

Special thanks to our fabulous vendors that made this event a success:
Elegant Beginnings
Bright Star Productions
DJ's Unlimited
San Jacinto Harley Davidson
Danny D's Guitar Hacienda
Ice Designs
Advanced Screen Printing

Wedding Season Is Here!

2010-05-09T17:49:00.002-05:00

It's official.

How you ask? Two weddings in one day. Guests were greeted with a stunning array of fresh fruit, crudites, and domestic artisan cheeses. I loved how bushels of rich, red roses in black vintage urns stood as scattered centerpieces with mini vanilla candles and fresh roses filled tabletops throughout. Tiffany & Steve were all smiles when they entered the live music venue.

Next - a ceremony and reception both at Cullen's.

The decor was clean and simple. Look at the inspiration for the centerpieces.

The fresh cut lemons are such a great summer wedding idea, and the aroma was delish! Like a fresh squeezed glass of lemonade... Sherrie made the most gorgeous of brides, and Don was adorable!

Ruth & Ryan

2010-04-21T09:38:00.005-05:00

Here are pictures courtesy of Adam Nyholt Photography. Ruth & Ryan were super fun and easy to work with.

Well hello there!

2010-04-06T22:05:00.000-05:00

As the event planners for one of Houston's largest restaurants, we're thrilled to share our daily adventures with you on our very own blog! Stay tuned for updates on our weddings, corporate events and more.