Central Texas Engagements Jan. 2021

January 2021

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Engagements C entral T exas

The Art of Planning a Wedding: Benefits of Having a Coordinator 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 Elisa Lopez Photography

Photo by Shelly Taylor Photography

The Chapel at Caliber Oak Salado, TX

weddings + receptions www.caliberoak.com

Features innovative concepts | creative design organized planning | Flawless execution

7 The Art of Planning a Wedding Five wedding experts tell us why it’s important to hire a planner.

22 Local Wedding Amanda & Henry 24 LocalWedding NaTasha & John

Submit your real wedding at www.TexasEngagements.com

254.716.5809 info@brunerevents.com

www.brunerevents.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

The Art of Planning a Wedding: Benefits of Having a Coordinator

By Rachel Kistner

According to recent studies, a majority of couples don’t typically budget for a planner or coordinator for their wedding. The truth is, hiring a wedding coordinator is less of a luxury and more of a necessity. We talked to some local, highly-rated wedding planners for some first-hand experience in the art of planning a wedding. These five wedding experts illustrate why it’s important for every bride to have a coordinator to lean on.

They Are a Good Investment Regardless of Budget Shauna Pittman-Hamby, owner of Weddings by Shauna, has worked with brides “at every end of the budget spectrum,” she says. While many brides may think they are saving money by not hiring a wedding planner, Shauna tells us that isn’t the case. “A wedding planner can guide you toward the right vendor for your budget because they have relationships with these vendors,” she explains. Some vendors are more affordable just because a wedding planner is in the mix. “A lot of times when I work with certain vendors and they know I’m the planner, they will give [the bride] some sort of discount just because they’re using my services,” Kathy Thorman of Before I Do explains. Also, the average person may not know a fair price for a bouquet, but a wedding planner does. Kathy states, “I’ll know if a quote is too high and how to negotiate that quote.”

They Keep Your Wedding a Stress-Free Zone A bride should be fully present on her wedding day, and face as little stress as possible in the planning process. “It alleviates stress off the bride knowing that there’s someone there on the wedding day to handle problems that arise that the bride won’t even have to know about because you hired a wedding coordinator,” says Bricker Bruner, owner of Bruner Events. It is essential to have someone to bounce ideas off of, to answer questions, and to find solutions for any wedding-related situation so that the bride isn’t burdened with those tasks herself. Kathy explains this multi-faceted role best: “I can be their sounding board, I can be their advocate, I can be their solution finder. And if they don’t have somebody that can do all three of those, they’re the ones that’ll be doing it on their own wedding day.”

www.TexasEngagements.com

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They Know What You Want Better Than You Do Even a bride that knows exactly what she wants may not be aware of the more detailed aspects of planning a wedding that often get overlooked by the average person. “A lot of brides don’t know where to start and how to go about the planning process,” Shauna shared with us. “At first meetings with a bride, I ask tons of questions that they are often times surprised by. ‘Oh, I didn’t think about that.’ I hear that response a lot, that they didn’t think of those details. A planner will think about all of those details because for us, those details are at the forefront of our mind.”

Additionally, having someone that truly understands your vision can help you execute it in a way you may not have been able to do alone. Bricker tells us that, “your coordinator knows you, knows what you like, and what you don’t like and that’s why you hire them.” He shared a story with us about a wedding he coordinated that had some last-minute vendor cancellations due to COVID-19. Because he knew his bride’s vision so well, he was able to quickly swap those vendors with others that were readily available that he knew the bride would approve. Had it not been for the wedding coordinator, that bride would have been scrambling to solve that problem herself—and without a wedding planner’s vendor connection, she may not have been able to come to a solution so quickly, or at all.

They Help Navigate the Family Dynamics Every wedding planning process is bound to have some family disagreements along the way. When there are too many people involved in the decisionmaking process, it hardly ever goes smoothly.

Kathy describes a wedding planner as that “one go-to person for everyone to come to, especially when you’re trying to navigate the family dynamics, because sometimes, they’re not all in agreement— like when you have ten people giving you an opinion and it really only needs to be two people.” That planner is there to field questions and opinions of both the bride and the family and friends involved. This means wedding discussions with the family can be enjoyable and beneficial rather than counterproductive and full of disagreement.

They Save Tons of Time It’s no secret that planning a wedding is a time-consuming process. Whether you have months to prepare or just weeks, you need someone who knows how to get things done efficiently, effectively, and affordably. A wedding coordinator is the best person for that job. Some wedding coordinators cut down on time even more by working directly with party and event rental companies. Celebrations Wedding Planning and Event Rentals out of Temple, TX is one of those businesses that offers such a useful connection. Alysse Rinaldi-Roepke, a wedding coordinator at Celebrations, says that “wedding planners not only come with themselves, but they also come with connections in the industry.”

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She also mentioned that, if you book their services, you get a planner and vendor accommodations all bundled in one package.

This feature can be highly convenient; working with one company versus several keeps things simplified, organized, and efficient.

They Are Pros at Putting All the Pieces of the Picture Together A wedding is more than just a couple big parts tied together—it is a puzzle with many delicate pieces that fit together. No one is more familiar with and prepared for those pieces than a wedding coordinator. You know that you and your guests will notice the big things—the food, the music, the venue—but it takes many small, behindthe-scenes efforts to pull together those memorable outcomes. In order for the bride to recall her wedding day and think only of positive memories, she needs someone else to focus on those small puzzle pieces. Denise Wall-Babcock runs the show at The Whole Bridal Affair. She explained that “going into the details is really what coordinators can help make sure you get done.” For example, Denise said, “if you want a certain type of music to be played, or if you want to make sure that certain people get recognized.” She also mentioned that the photography aspect often requires the help of a coordinator. “If you don’t have a coordinator there to make sure those people are there to get their pictures taken, then you miss out on some of those things, and I do think that, at the end of the day, the things that sometimes count the most are those pictures.”

It’s time to stop thinking of a wedding planner as a luxury or extra perk when they really are your much-needed sidekick, ready to provide you with all of the knowledge and resources you need to achieve your dream wedding.

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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Share Your Local Wedding

WITH FRIENDS & FAMILY IN

Engagements C entral T exas

Photo by www.ShellyTaylorPhotography.net

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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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Amanda Robison & Henry Ramirez November 28, 2020 | Waco, TX

Photographer: ELISA LOPEZ PHOTOGRAPHY Caterer: BLANEK’S CUSTOM CATERING Dress: GEORGIO’S Floral: WOLFE FLORIST Music/DJ: WALL OF SOUND PRODUCTIONS Rentals/Lighting: ARC EVENTS Venue: DEERFIELD ESTATES Wedding Planner/Designer: WEDDINGS BY SHAUNA

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NaTasha Smith & John Brace October 3, 2020 | China Spring, TX

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Photographer: ASHTON STEELE PHOTOGRAPHY Bridesmaids’ Dresses/Tuxedos: GEORGIO’S Designer/Rentals: PENDLEY PARTY PRODUCTIONS DJ/Lighting: WALL OF SOUND PRODUCTIONS Floral: WOLFE FLORIST Venue: BILLY’S BARN

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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

BLANEK’S

CUSTOM CATERING

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

Weddings Rehearsal Dinners Special Events Corporate Events www.blaneks.com

254.405.4268 | www.CaseyNystrom.com CaseyNystromPhotography@gmail.com

Photo by Loved Memories Photography Hair by La Bella Salon & Beauty Lounge - Courtney Percivill

www.TexasEngagements.com

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

254.541.8702

revyn@ivorybelloral.com Photo by Ashley Munn Photography

Wedding planning at your fingertips!

Find local vendors.

Be in the know on upcoming events.

Learn about hottest trends.

254-366-2620

@weddingsbyshauna | www.weddingsbyshauna.com

Follow us: facebook.com/CentralTexasEngagements instagram.com/centraltexasengagements

Catering Private Events Weddings 10600 N. River Crossing Woodway, TX 28

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

twitter.com/TXEngagements pinterest.com/TXEngagements

Find it... Use it... Love it!

www.TexasEngagements.com

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 Babcck, 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.......................................... 27 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

Fitness

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

Limousines & Chauffeur Services

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

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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...................................... 27 Lauren Crose Photography......................................... 21 Loved Memories Photography & Videography.......... 19 Shelly Taylor Photography........................................... 12

Services

Heart O’ Texas Federal Credit Union.......................... 28

Venues

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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Tenroc Ranch 512-947-9218

32 by Phil Lena Photography Photo

|

Salado, TX

|

www.Tenroc.com