Central Texas Engagements February 2021

February 2021

FREE!

Engagements C entral T exas

Picking the Perfect Caterer: Questions to Ask See article page 7

www.TexasEngagements.com

The Hall at River Square Center

WACO’S PREMIER EVENT SPACE

Dressed up or dressed down, The Hall at River Square Center will transform your event into something truly extraordinary.

N Specializing in N REHEARSAL DINNERS & RECEPTIONS

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TO BOOK YOUR EVENT: 254.870.5017

WWW.THEHALLWACO.COM 217 MARY AVE., WACO, TX

www.TexasEngagements.com

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RSVP

EVENT EQUIPMENT RENTAL 426 Towne Oaks Dr., Waco, Texas

www.rsvpwacotx.com

254-772-5667 Photo by Tori Matthews Photography

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Contents

on pti 0 e c e 0 + Rt $1,9 g n a di ed ting W Star

On the Cover Photo by Shelly Taylor Photography

Photo by Shelly Taylor Photography

The Chapel at Caliber Oak Salado, TX

weddings + receptions www.caliberoak.com

BLANEK’S

CUSTOM CATERING

Features 7 Picking the Perfect Caterer 21 Questions to ask

22 Local Wedding Kyndel & Tanner 24 Local Wedding Amy & Hunter

We are a local family-owned catering company that specializes in creating your dream wedding meal.

Weddings Rehearsal Dinners Special Events Corporate Events

Submit your real wedding at www.TexasEngagements.com

www.blaneks.com

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Photo by Lauren Crose Photography

Publisher: Michele Berger Creative Director: Jerri Denson Office Manager: Melissa Talbert Contributing Writer: Rachel Kistner Advertising Information: Michele Berger (254)723-3696

Floral Boutique www.bloomingalsfloralboutique.com

Next Deadline February 5th For March & April Issues Contact us Phone: (254)848-8308 office@bergerpublishing.com

Simply a Taste of Sweetness

Kathy Tucker, Owner

254-644-4413

By Appointment Only

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Central Texas EngagementsTM 2021. All copy, photographs and information contained herein is protected by copyright and not to be reproduced. Publisher reserves the right to decline any advertisements.

www.kakesbykat.com info@kakesbykat.com

21 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Caterer

By Rachel Kistner

A

fter choosing a date and venue, the next major decision in the wedding planning process is choosing what vendors will help you create your dream wedding. Today we’re focusing on catering—because what’s a party without some good food?

When choosing a caterer, it’s important to already have an idea of what you want and need from them.

How much food do you need to feed your guests? Do you want a waitstaff to serve them, or will they serve themselves? Is your proposed budget reasonable for the services you want and for the number of guests you’ll have? These are all good questions to ask yourself—and anyone else involved in the planning process—before choosing a catering service.

Once you have a clear idea in mind, it’s time to find a caterer that can make that idea come to life—and the “right” caterer is easier to find than you think! Just remember, don’t make any decisions without asking plenty of questions first.

Don’t know what questions to ask? Check out these suggestions for what to ask caterers that you are considering for your wedding. Their answers will help you determine if they are a good fit for your event.

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Are you familiar with/have you previously catered at the venue I have chosen?

What precautions are you taking to keep guests safe during COVID-19?

Do you only offer preset menus, or can I create a custom menu for our event?

Do you specialize in certain food types or event themes?

Do you offer a food tasting before being hired?

Will you provide details such as plates, napkins, silverware, etc.? If so, do these items cost extra?

Do you require an on-site kitchen? If the venue does not have one, do you charge extra for bringing your own equipment?

8. Do you have any pictures of previous food setups so I can get an idea of the style?

9. What décor do you provide (if any) for appetizer stations or buffet tables?

10. Do you charge a cake-cutting fee?

11. Do you do wedding cakes? If so, is this included in any packages you offer?

12. Do you offer décor extras, like tablecloths, chair coverings, etc.?

13. How do you handle any leftover food at the end of the event?

14. Are you licensed to serve alcohol?

15. Who provides the alcohol? Can we provide our own for a separate price?

16. How many bartenders does your service include?

17. How long will alcohol be served?

18. If my event runs over the expected time, what are your overtime fees?

19. Do you charge extra for setting up and breaking down the event?

20. When are all fees and payments due?

21. Are there any fees not included in the package that I should be aware of?

www.TexasEngagements.com

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Share Your Local Wedding

WITH FRIENDS & FAMILY IN

Engagements C entral T exas

Photo by www.ShellyTaylorPhotography.net

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SUNDAY March 21

11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

BASE

at Extraco Events Center 4601 Bosque Blvd., Waco, TX 76710

www.TexasEngagements.com

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Rustic Acres

Photography by Legacy Imaging

Weekend rentals (Friday - Sunday at noon) 5500 sq. ft. facility holds over 300 people Tables & chairs included in rental fee Indoor & outdoor ceremony site options

8513 Fox Road, Belton, TX www.RusticAcresEventCenter.com RusticAcresEventCenter@hotmail.com

Let us design all of your wedding floral needs

254.752.3351

Photo by Micaela Grace

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1500 Primrose Dr., Waco, TX 76706 www.wolfe-florist-waco.com

Located south of Hillcrest Hospital on I-35 service road

www.TexasEngagements.com

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www.ShellyTaylorPhotography.net

Legacy Limousines of Waco Quality Services at Affordable Prices

Catering

locally-owned and operated by Josh Hale and Scott Studer

Events Large & Small Bartending Services Large Customizable Menu Experienced Professionals Free Consultation

254-799-0027

4713 Bellmead Dr., Waco, TX www.LoneStarSteakhouseWaco.com

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Weddings | Proms | Nights Out on the Town Out-of-Town Trips Wedding Party & Guest Shuttles

254-253-0198

www.LLofWaco.com

254.284.0070 | www.DeerfieldVenue.com

254-314-2415 893 E. FM 93, Temple, TX www.celebrationsshoppe.com

Hours: Tues. - Thurs. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and by appointment at client’s convenience

www.RioBrazosCatering.com

254-235-9136 / 254-424-2416

www.TexasEngagements.com

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Weddings Receptions Special Events Planning Rental Items

Wedding & Event Venue 254-718-2583 | 2121 Wahle Ln., Temple, TX www.whisperingponds.com

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www.TexasEngagements.com

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Photo by Shelly Taylor Photography

Weddings Rehearsal Dinners Reunions Parties

Included in venue rental: Tables & 90� White Table Cloths Chiavari Chairs Unlimited Nugget Ice 2500 Washington Ave., Waco, TX For reservations call: 254-498-1015 / 254-498-3770 www.castleheightsbijoux.com

Smile Down

Wedding planning & floral design including FREE decor rentals Kathy Thorman

254.723.3354 | BeforeIdoWaco@gmail.com

e Aisle!

Josh M. Knowles, D.D.S., M.S.D.

Specialist: Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Diplomate American Board of Orthodontics Dr. Knowles is your board-certiďŹ ed orthodontist practicing in the greater Temple area.

*2017 & 2018 Invisalign Top Provider

www.smileattheworld.com 16

254-773-8028 2027 S. 61 , St. Ste. 111, Temple, TX st

Classical & Spanish guitar from the 1400s to present for your special occasion Weddings | Receptions Special Events exumguitarstudio@gmail.com

254-776-8188

www.FrankExum.com

AA Sugar’d Up Specialty Cakes & Desserts

Photo by Hannah Haston

Photo by Shelly Taylor Photography

CARLO H. BANDA

@allsugardup

254-644-9492 | 6320 N. 19th St., Waco, TX

254-285-8707 www.wosproductions.com

www.TexasEngagements.com

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254.709.5245 | www.lovedmemories.com

Let Us Be A Part

Let us cater your rehearsal dinner.

of Your Special Day! Wedding Rates From per night

. Complimentary suite for bride/groom . Onsite event coordinator to handle your group needs . Transportation to/from venue . Banquet Room Available

Photo by Lauren Crose Photography

254-757-0885 www.olivebranchwaco.com 215 S. 2nd Street, Waco, TX

Make an appointment today!

254.773.8400

4301 S. General Bruce Dr., Temple

www.TexasEngagements.com

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Wedding Planning Checklist ∙∙∙12 months out∙∙∙ Visit www.texasengagements.com and start planning your wedding Sign-up for our wedding planning e-news Establish a budget Set a date (have a 2nd choice just in case) Choose and reserve a venue for both ceremony and reception Get connected with a wedding planner Book a photographer Select an officiant for the ceremony Find vendors and get all details in writing: Caterers, Cake Designers, Floral Designers, Music/DJ’s, Stationers Write up a guest list Choose and notify your wedding party Consider creating a wedding website Start planning your honeymoon Shop for and order dress *Bridesmaids should also get a dress at this time.

∙∙∙6-9 months out∙∙∙ Decide on a theme *colors, décor, flowers Plan the reception Set up bridal registries and update your wedding website Shop for and purchase rings Schedule tasting with your cake designer Finalize guest list/send out save-the-dates Reserve transportation *limo, guest shuttle, etc.

Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests

∙∙∙3-6 months out∙∙∙ Decide on invitation wording and order invitations Make honeymoon plans/reservations *don’t forget passports Arrange rehearsal dinner Decide on and reserve men’s apparel Hair and makeup trials

∙∙∙1-3 months out∙∙∙ Send invitations (at least 8 weeks in advance) Finalize and order flowers, décor, and cake Choose/reserve hair and makeup artist(s) Finalize rehearsal and reception menu Dress fitting *Encourage bridesmaids to get a fitting as well.

Confirm details with all vendors Order gifts for wedding party

∙∙∙1-3 weeks out∙∙∙ Obtain marriage license Prepare and thank you cards for all gifts already received Pick up rings Confirm groom’s attire is ready Relax before the big day!

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E

Just $500 to Save Your Date!

Offer expires 2/28/2021

AC/Heat Indoor Outdoor Cedar Chapel Day & Weekend Packages Covered Patio with Stage & Grill On-Site Guest House with Bridal Suite Photo by Loved Memories Photography Call for an appointment: 254-315-8874

www.billysbarnwaco.com

12485 Wortham Bend Rd., Waco

www.laurencrosephotography.com

Knob Creek Chapel & Recepti Hall We Just Look Expensive! $2,250 for 3-Day Facility Rental Open by appointment. Call today!

Weddings | Receptions | Anniversaries | Banquets Reunions | Corporate Meetings | Quinceañeras Set on eight landscaped acres with a picturesque pond and tree-lined drive Gazebo for outside and chapel for inside functions | Reception hall with capacity for up to 175 | Liberal hours - day before, day of, day after Tables & chairs furnished. We set up, take down, & clean up | Bride/groom dressing rooms | Lighted parking for 80 cars

7196 E. FM 436, Temple,TX

254.983.0020

www.knobcreekchapel.com

www.TexasEngagements.com

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Kyndel Plemons & Tanner Witt September 12, 2020 | China Spring, TX

Photographer: SHELLY TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY Caterer: LONE STAR TAVERN & STEAKHOUSE CATERING Dress: JOANN’S BRIDAL Floral: H-E-B BLOOMS Rentals: ARC EVENTS Venue: FOSSIL CREEK RETREAT Wedding Planner: CMDesigns WEDDINGS

www.TexasEngagements.com

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Amy Ridling & Hunter Pitts September 26, 2020 | Clifton, Texas

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Photographer: SHELLY TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY Dress: JOANN’S BRIDAL Floral: BLOOMINGALS Venue: MARKET AT THE MILL

www.TexasEngagements.com

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Photo by Loved Memories Photography

We Find the Perfect Gown to Make You Feel Beautiful

Schedule your appointment online today!

Airbrush Makeup Flawless, natural and timeless beauty for your wedding day Photo by Megan Smart Photography

Lauren Owen Call or text: 254-715-8434

www.shesallaboutthatface.com

@joannsbridal

254-826-5715 | www.joannsbridal.com I-35 access road, Exit 353, West, TX

The Perfect Venue for your Special Event Weddings + Parties + Showers + Corporate Events

Exclusive Shopping for Unique Items Gifts Gifts + + Jewelry Jewelry + + Home Home Decor Decor + + Clothing Clothing

317 W. 3rd Street Clifton, Texas www.marketatthemillclifton.com 254-715-8160 254-744-4517 Photo by @nbarrettphotography

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Historic Charm with Today’s Amenities

Photo by Lauren Crose Photography Hair & Makeup by La Bella Salon & Beauty Lounge - Dahlia Rendon

Wedding planning at your fingertips!

Find local vendors.

Be in the know on upcoming events.

Learn about hottest trends.

Follow us: facebook.com/CentralTexasEngagements

Find it... Use it... Love it! www.TexasEngagements.com

instagram.com/centraltexasengagements twitter.com/TXEngagements pinterest.com/TXEngagements

www.TexasEngagements.com

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Ivory Bell Floral Revyn Marburger {Owner} Photo by Shelly Taylor Photography

254.541.8702

revyn@ivorybellfloral.com Photo by Ashley Munn Photography

254-366-2620

@weddingsbyshauna | www.weddingsbyshauna.com

Catering Private Events Weddings 254.405.4268 | www.CaseyNystrom.com CaseyNystromPhotography@gmail.com

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10600 N. River Crossing Woodway, TX

254-848-8138 Hours: Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

1226 Washington Ave.

Waco, TX

Venues with Value Affordable Rentals Unique to Waco

254-753-4900 ext. 216 www.missionwaco.org

Budget-Friendly Coordinator Fresh & Silk Florals Décor Rentals Photo by Taylor Nicole Photography

Denise Wall Babcock, Owner 254-214-3625 TheWholeBridalAffair@gmail.com

Harpist Enchanting Salado & All of Bell County Wedding Ceremonies Receptions Rehearsal Dinners Parties & Special Events

254-699-9050

www.centexharpist.com

610 Fit Training Studio

Empowering you to BE STRONG through faith & fitness

Aerobics | Personal Training Small Group Personal Training Nutrition Coaching

Hand Lettering | Chalkboard Art Floral Design | Creative Projects

254-644-1280

www.610FIT.com

254-855-3294

Photo by Loved Memories Photography

hortonhousestudio@gmail.com

Mirror Me Photobooth & DJ Service DJ Karaoke Kim & DJ Famous John High-Quality Digital Prints | Fun Props & Red Carpet Weddings | Quinceañeras | Corporate & Special Events

254.495.1997

www.TexasEngagements.com

KandSEntertainment.com

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Index By Categories Beauty

La Bella Salon & Beauty Lounge................................ 27 Radiate Joy.................................................................. 29 She’s All About That Face........................................... 26

Bridal & Formal Wear

Georgio’s..................................................................... 14 JoAnn’s Bridal.............................................................. 26 Pat’s Gowns................................................................. 11

Cakes & Desserts

All Sugar’d Up.............................................................. 17 Kakes by Kat.................................................................6 The Olive Branch......................................................... 19

Caterers

Blanek’s Custom Catering............................................5 George’s Restaurant & Catering................................ 10 Lone Star Tavern & Steakhouse Catering................. 12 Rio Brazos Cuisine Custom Catering......................... 13 The Olive Branch......................................................... 19 Triple B’s Smokehouse............................................... 28

Legacy Limousines of Waco....................................... 12

Music/DJ’s

Frank Exum Solo Guitarist.......................................... 17 Gretchen Williams/Harpist......................................... 29 K & S Entertainment................................................... 29 The Salado Trio............................................................ 28 Wall of Sound Productions......................................... 17

Orthodontics

Smile at the World...................................................... 16

Photo Booths

K & S Entertainment................................................... 29 Wall of Sound Productions......................................... 17

Photographers

Casey Nystrom Photography...................................... 28 Lauren Crose Photography......................................... 21 Loved Memories Photography & Videography.......... 19 Shelly Taylor Photography........................................... 12

Events

Services

Fitness

Venues

With this Ring Bridal Extravaganza..............................9 610 Fit ��...................................................................... 29

Floral Design

Before I Do................................................................... 16 Bloomingals...................................................................6 Hewitt Florist............................................................... 14 Ivory Bell Floral............................................................ 28 The Whole Bridal Affair............................................... 29 Wolfe Florist................................................................. 10

Gifts

Crop – Paper – Scissors............................................. 28 Market at the Mill........................................................ 26 Scribbles...................................................................... 29

Hand Lettering & Calligraphy

Horton House Studio.................................................. 29

Hotel Accommodations / Lodging

Billy’s Barn................................................................... 21 Residence Inn by Marriott – Temple.......................... 19

Invitations / Stationery

Crop – Paper – Scissors............................................. 28 Scribbles ..................................................................... 29

Karaoke

K & S Entertainment................................................... 29

Lighting

K & S Entertainment................................................... 29 Wall of Sound Productions......................................... 17

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Limousines & Chauffeur Services

Heart O’ Texas Federal Credit Union.......................... 28 Billy’s Barn................................................................... 21 Carleen Bright Arboretum.............................................3 Castle Heights Bijoux.................................................. 16 Deerfield Estates......................................................... 13 George’s Restaurant & Catering................................ 10 Knob Creek Chapel & Reception Hall........................ 21 Market at the Mill........................................................ 26 Residence Inn by Marriott – Temple.......................... 19 Rustic Acres Event Center.......................................... 10 The Chapel at Caliber Oaks..........................................5 The Chapel at Meyer Center....................................... 29 The Clifton House........................................................ 17 The Exchange Event Center....................................... 11 The Hall at River Square Center...................................2 The Olive Branch......................................................... 19 Triple B’s Smokehouse............................................... 28 Whispering Ponds....................................................... 14

Wedding & Event Planners

Before I Do................................................................... 16 Bruner Events................................................................5 Celebrations Wedding Planning & Event Rentals..... 13 The Whole Bridal Affair............................................... 29 Weddings by Shauna.................................................. 28

Wedding Supply & Equipment Rentals

Before I Do................................................................... 16 Celebrations Wedding Planning & Event Rentals..... 13 Pendley Party Productions & Rentals........................ 31 The Whole Bridal Affair............................................... 29 RSVP Party Rentals.......................................................4 Wall of Sound Productions......................................... 17

Pendley Party Productions

h tep yS b oto Ph

hy rap g o ot Ph ris h &C

Unique Décor Rentals 15,000 sq. ft. of Party Rentals

Antique Sofas/Loveseats Circular Arches/Arbors Wooden Vineyard Tables Beautiful Draping Harlow Stands Candelabras

www.PendleyParty.com 254.772.2757

www.TexasEngagements.com

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Photo by Lauren Lee Photography

Tenroc Ranch 32

512-947-9218

|

Salado, TX

|

www.Tenroc.com