Houston Brides Modern Luxury - Spring/Summer 2009

WED DOSSIER NOW!
[The Dress] FROCK OUT!

Casa de Novia Bridal owner Luvi Wheelock, 29, is beside herself with joy. The store recently added Monique Lhuillier (worth waiting for, she notes) and she’ll soon bulk up her roster – which already includes top names like Ulla-Maija, Elizabeth Fillmore, Palazzo, and Ramona Keveza – with more chic designers.

“We’re the only boutique in Houston that has Junko Yoshioka,” she says. “I’m absolutely crazy about her collection. She’s working with a lot of celebrities like Katherine Heigl from Grey’s Anatomy.”

Spanish for “House of the Bride,” Casa de Novia, which opened in 2005, has become a staple shop for Houston brides. It’s sophisticated all-white interior, extra large dressing room and spacious racks are a refreshing departure from over-the-top stores – that means no frills and tacky beading. Wheelock stocks clean, modern silhouettes that fit and flatter. “I wanted to give Houston a place to find true couture and very sophisticated wedding designs that are elegant,” explains the bubbly boutique owner. “We carry Ulla-Maija, who’s one of my of my favorites. A lot of people don’t know that it was bought out by Charles Bunstine, former president of Barney’s New York. One of the elements I love about Charles and his designs is that he’s one of the last people to do true couture. His dresses fit amazingly – that’s the way couture is supposed to be.”

And brides can find their head-to-toe look at Casa de Novia in a snap. Wheelock assists her clients with everything from fashion advice to confidence boosters. “I’ve had clients bring in their shoes and ask me to pick which ones they should wear. I’m flattered that they feel like they can trust me with so much on their special day.” 3331 D’Amico in Houston, 713.523.9090 or casadenoviabridal.com. – Kelly Rondeau