Coastal Wedding Connection

Wedding

Coastal

Complimentary

Spring 2018

C o n n e c t i o n s

We d d i n g M a g a z i n e f o r C o r p u s C h r i s t i & t h e C o a s t a l B e n d

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Wedding

Coastal

C o n n e c t i o n s

Your Complete Source for Weddings in Corpus Christi & the Coastal Bend

CoastalWeddingConnections.com For Advertising Information

Call 361-944-5074 Publisher/Owner: Ginger Rodriguez

Marketing/Owner: Arcilia Garcia

Contributing Photographers: Virginia Ann Photography Kelly Costello Photography

Cover Photo Info Couple: Cynthia and Ryan du Plessis Photographer: Virginia Ann Photograhy Florist: Weddings in Bloom Venue: Gruene Estate

Coastal Wedding Connections 361-944-5074 CoastalWeddingConnections@gmail.com www.Facebook.com/CoastalWeddingConnections Spring 2018 - Coastal Wedding Connections -

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Mr. & Mrs. du Plessis

On March 17, 2018, Ryan and Cynthia began their lives together

The Proposal The Proposal: Ryan had spent some time planning this out.

He proposed to me in South Africa at Addo Elephant Safari park October 17th 2016. The day leading up to the proposal was kind of rushed. We had just landed in Port Elizabeth from Johannesburg. We were trying to locate our car rental and then we went to the nail salon. Weird right? LOL. We had been in South Africa going on 3 weeks so my manicure was looking pretty rough. I had complained to him about my nails looking bad the day before we flew to Port Elizabeth and he was so keen for me to go get them redone. That should have been a red flag and I should have known he was proposing.

But it didn’t click. After finding a nail salon (which isn’t that easy over there) and getting my nails done, we rushed to our hotel to drop off the bags, freshen up quickly and rush out to make our private elephant safari tour. I actually did my make up on the way there, while he was speeding up a mountain, and the road was all gravel. When we got there, I told him to go in and get us checked in. I had to finish my mascara now that the car was stopped. It worked out for him because he was able to make sure they had everything ready for him to pop the question. Once we were checked in, they walked us over to a raised platform where the elephants walk by for us to get on. We each had our own elephant and enjoyed a sunset safari thru the African bush. After the tour was over my elephant proceeded to a hill where it got down on its knees and I slid off. We were getting ready to pose for a picture on the elephant and that’s when Ryan popped the question.

It was so magical!! To be proposed to in a place that means so much to him. Being from South Africa and showing me how he grew up, meeting his friends, to becoming engaged was all so special. After the proposal we spent the following 3 weeks enjoying the coast and making our way through the South African wine country to Cape Town.

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Tips: I was a hands-on bride.

I did a lot of DIY and planned everything on my own, down to the music selection for the ENTIRE wedding all while managing a full-time job. A lot of heart, sweat, and tears went into making my dream wedding. My one big piece of advice would be to hire a wedding planner.

Not just a day of coordinator but someone to manage all your How did you meet? Ryan How did you meet? Ryan and I met in the fall of 2011. I worked at night as a cocktail waitress at a fancy River Oaks cigar and scotch bar. Ryan worked as a manager at the restaurant next door. Our kitchens had a connecting door and sometimes Ryan and his buddy Vite (one of the bartenders) would come over towards the end of their shifts for a drink. I happened to be in the kitchen refilling a water pitcher when they walked in. Ryan turned to Vite and asked him “who is that?” so Vite introduced us. In the coming weeks I noticed Ryan coming over just to say hi or pretend to need something more than usual. After getting the courage to ask me out for a drink I (regrettably) turned him down... twice. On the 3rd time, I said “okay why not.” I guess I found his persistence a bit sexy. Our

vendors, contracts, timeline, and those small details you may overlook because you have so many other things going on. If I could go back, I would invest in a wedding planner.

Our plans together moving forward: Keep traveling the world together and start a family. Maybe adopt another cat :)

first date was at his workplace, after they closed up we stayed there drinking after hours and just talking. Before we knew it the sun was coming up. After our first date we both knew the chemistry was there and we were inseparable after that.

We were officially “BF/GF” December 9th 2011. About 2 weeks after that we went to Colorado for a ski trip with his friends. That’s when I knew he was the one for me.

Best part of planning the wedding: The food tasting and the linens. I found those to be the easiest and most enjoyable.

Favorite part of the wedding day: The garter removal. Only because Ryan is not a dancer, BUT he busted out some magic mike moves which shocked everyone. That and our first dance was my favorite part.

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Wedding Colors: Sage, Blush, Wine tones, and gold.

Ceremony and Reception Locations: Gruene Estate Rehearsal: Gruene Cottages

Officiant: Robert McLachlan Head Pastor at One Vineyard Church Myerland. (fun fact: he is the groom’s uncle) Wedding Dress: Whittington Bridals in Kingwood, TX Essence of Australia D2147 Champagne/Ivory Tuxedos: Jos. A. Bank Rings: James Allen NYC Jewelry and Accessories: Bracelet and earrings are Kendra Scott. Shoes are Nina. Garter is from Etsy shop LoveLikeStyle.

Hair piece is from Etsy shop USA Bride.

Bridesmaid Dresses: Bill Levkoff and MoriLee. They were purchased at Venturas Bridals Houston, TX Hair and Makeup: Knot and Veil

Wedding Planner: I planned every aspect of the wedding. I had a vision of what I wanted our wedding day to look like and I made it happen. Decor, theme, style, etc. All me :) The venue does provide a day of coordinator to help keep the timeline going.

Flowers: Weddings in Bloom Decorations and Rentals: Vintage furniture was Mintage Rentals in New Braunfels. Linens - House of Hough, Houston TX. The white runners were made by my mother. But the sage linens, the sweetheart table, the napkins, and the generation table linens are all rentals. Nothing else was rented. All DIY Photographer: Virginia Ann Photograhy Entertainment: Hype Rhythm from Austin TX Catering: Fritz Catering from New Braunfels Cake: 2 Tarts from New Braunfels Wedding Favors: Custom Pint Glasses Honeymoon: Greece (Athens, Mykonos, Santorini)

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Venue Coordinator or Wedding Coordinator?

Lets make it clear, it is important for brides to understand the difference between a Venue Coordinator and a Wedding Coordinator, so that they won’t get stressed out or be disappointed on their wedding day.

Venue Coordinator A venue coordinator works for the venue, not directly for the couple. They’ll act as a liaison between you and the venue’s operations team, which means they’ll show you the venue, help coordinate any services offered on-site (from in-house catering to security), process the final invoice, etc.

This is the most crucial part any Venue Coordinator can be placed into. Let me tell you the reason why. Most brides don’t quite understand that the

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venue coordinator is just there for the VENUE, not you. (Not to sound totally harsh, but true) Don’t get me wrong, If they tell you they can handle things on the day of your wedding, it’s true- they can, but it’s only within a certain scope. A venue coordinators #1 role is looking out for the best interest of the venue. Most venue coordinators stay until the meal is served, and leave after. Some may stay until the cake is cut and served and there are those few that will until the last person leaves. A Venue Coordinator may contact vendors that have to do with setup of the reception, must not assume that your photographer, MUA, DJ/Band etc will be contacted by your Venue Coordinator. Over all a Venue Coordinator is there to make sure that your Wedding Day is special and memorable. Successful Wedding, Happy Couple!!

Wedding Coordinator Wedding Coordinators can help you with the full planning of Your Wedding, simply Day-of Coordination or anywhere in between. Wedding Coordinators are there to help give you peace of mind and help you to be able to relax through out your wedding planning. They are an excellent source for vendor referrals, planning out the perfect timeline and can provide tips to help your wedding run smoothly. Most Wedding Coordinators have planned many weddings and know what to expect and be able to help you fix any unexpected issues should they arise.

When working with a Wedding Coordinator, you are provided access to vendors that you may have not known of before, the beauty of a Wedding Coordinator is that they have acquired relationships Whatever your wedding budget is, we strongly with quality professionals that you know you can suggest that you hire at minimum a Day-of trust and can save you a lot of time and possibly Coordinator. And please… Hire a professional. money.

Wedding Coordinating oversees the last minute details of YOUR Special Day so you can relax and enjoy every moment instead of worrying about what comes next. The bottom line is this… Enjoying your ceremony, reception and all of the events surrounding the wedding is EASY when you work with a professional Wedding Coordinator. Shouldn’t you be able to have a beautiful, stress-free time on one of the biggest and best days of your life?

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Real Weddings

Cynthia Mack Photography

Natalie Nicole Photography

Cynthia Mack Photography Dat One Studio

Lindsey Baker Photography Maxwell Bocanegra LovnLife Productions

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Jennifer Ryals Photography

Chelsea Wilmot Photography Adam Delgadillo Photography

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Mr. & Mrs. Johnston

On March 24, 2018, Clayton and Tara began their lives together When did you know they were the one for you?

Bride: When I saw how very sweet and loving Clayton was. He has such a big heart and passion for helping others and it really shows.

Groom: When I took her on a trip to Austin, Texas and told her “I love you” in front of the famous “I love you so much” mural wall.

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How did you meet? I met Clayton in college through mutual friends.

First Date: Willie Neslon concert Amphitheater in New Braunfels.

at

WhiteWater

Who proposed and how? Clayton proposed at the Blue Hole in Wimberly, Texas. He told me it was our “Christmas pictures” we were going to take and then surprised me next to the river! We both love the hill country so it was very sweet and we were the only ones in the park.

Best part of planning your wedding? Everything!

Being able to spend time together while we plan.

Favorite Part of Your Wedding Day? When we both said “I do” Tips for Brides & Grooms: Don’t stress the small things!

Really take time to enjoy every part of wedding planning and the wedding day because it goes by so fast.

Plans for your lives together? To keep enjoying the married life! We are both looking forward to traveling to new places together and to start a family.

Wedding Colors: blush and navy Ceremony & Reception Locations: The Reserve at Dancing Elk Rehearsal Dinner Location: The Reserve at Dancing Elk Officiant: Ramiro Martinez Invitations: Minted Wedding Dress: Blush Bridal in Austin, Texas Tuxedos: Al’s Formal Wear Rings: Jared the Galleria of Jewelry Jewelry & Accessories: Kendra Scott (earrings & bracelet) Jared’s (necklace) Bridesmaid’s Dresses: David’s Bridal Hair & Make-up: Sharon Garza with Sharon Marie Makeup Wedding Planner: Laced with Grace, Brandi Urbanik.

Flowers: Weddings in Bloom Decorations & Rentals: Razzle Dazzle, Linens and Events Photographer: Kelly Costello Photography Entertainment: DJ Fabian Photo Booth: DJ Fabian Catering: The Reserve at Dancing Elk Cake: Fillingood Bakery Wedding Favors: Guests - Personalized Hershey Bars from WH Candy, Bridesmaids - Bridesmaid robes and wine glasses, Groomsmen - Whiskey glasses Honeymoon: Sightseeing and traveling across Europe from Rome, Italy all the way to London, England.

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Wedding Timeline Congratulations, You are Engaged!!

various Food Options to fit everyone’s preferences including both vegetarian and meat options. << Chose Bridesmaid’s Dresses – they can take several months to come in and may need alterations. << Register for Gifts. << Start a Healthy Diet and Exercise Regime: You want to be Healthy and Glowing on Your Wedding Day. << Send out Your Save the Date Cards. << Submit Engagement Photos to Your local Magazines and Newspaper for Engagement Announcements.

Now lets get started planning!!

Six Months:

Chances are you have never planned a wedding before and need a little help. Now what do you need to do first? We have put together a list of things you must do before your wedding and added a few suggests to make life a little easier during the planning process.

<< Select and Purchase Invitations-

Ten to Twelve Months: << Pick Your Wedding Date. << Decide what Style of Wedding You <<

<< << << << <<

<< << <<

would like to have and pick your Color Palette.

Set a Wedding Budget. Determine what you have to spend and how much you want to designate to each aspect of Your Wedding.

Pick your Wedding Party and come up with a Fun way to ask them.

Choose & Reserve your Ceremony & Reception Venues.

Start making a Guest List.

Book your Officiant – the person performing the Wedding Ceremony and making it all legal.

Purchase Your Dress - the average Wedding Dress takes 7 to 8 months to come in after purchasing it.

Allow any time to have alterations done as needed.

Research Wedding Vendors Photographers, Bands/DJs, Florist, Decorators, Caterers, etc.

Start a Binder or Pinterest Page to Clip or Pin Ideas & Inspiration Hire a Wedding Planner - Wedding Planner can make planning a whole lot easier from the Biggest Decisions

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to the Tiniest Details, they will be able to help You with every decision You make along the way. << Look into Pre-Marital Counseling – This is a great way to talk about all the important couple’s topics to insure a Long and Happy Life Together!

Eight Months: << Hire a Photographer and Video-

grapher and schedule Engagement Photos. << Book Entertainment – There are so many amazing options from Live Band, DJ and Musicians, get them booked for Your Wedding Date and begin compiling a List of Songs that You would like played at the Reception. << Explore Catering Options - Most Caterers will offer tastings to let You sample their food. Consider

allowing time for addressing, this can be time consuming. Make sure to include Deadline for when all accepted invitations must be returned. << Start planning a Honeymoon – Contact a local Travel Agent for best Destinations and Deals. Consider signing up for a Honeymoon Registry, this allows your Family

and Friends to send a monetary gift that will help you pay for Your Honeymoon. << Meet with Your Officiant – Go over Ceremony and confirm details, learn about important documents and details for the day. << Book Your Florist; Before you go have Your Color Palette already selected and go in with an idea of what Types of Bouquets and Arrangements you would like. << Arrange Transportation to Ceremony to Reception for Bride & Bridal Party as well as Family Members as needed. << Develop a working Schedule for Your Wedding Day that you can share with those involved. << Book Your Decorator and decide on Linens, Decorations and Rental Items needed.

Four Months: << Book Rehearsal Dinner Venue. << Visit Bakeries – Begin Sampling, this is the Fun Part!

<< Dress Fitting – be sure to have Your Shoes as You will need these to make accurate alterations << Get Groom and Groomsmen’s clothes ordered. << Schedule Your Hair and Makeup Professionals; think about having them come to You at Your Wedding Location. Have a sample Hair and Makeup run done so that you can determine the palette and style you want for Your Big Day. << 1st Dance Song – Chose a Song that has Special Sentiment to You and Your Fiancé. << Think about Cultural Traditions from both sides of the Family to include in Your Wedding Day. Incorporate Traditions and begin Your Own on this Special Day. << Look into Wedding Insurance – this is a great idea in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

Three Months: << Finalize Menu with Caterer. << Order Wedding Favors and Bridal

Party Gifts. << Plan Presentations like Toasts and Readings – Who is doing what? << Purchase Your Wedding Rings. << Send Your Wedding Day Schedule to Your Wedding Vendors so You can all be on the same page. << Begin thinking about merging Bank Accounts and adding Spouse to Health Insurance.

Two Months: << Take Your Bridal Portraits and

discuss preferences with your Photographer. << Make sure Your Band or DJ has Your Music preferences and look over their sample Playlists they have created for Your day and revise as needed. << Mail out Your Wedding Invitations. << Submit Your Wedding Announcements to Local Paper. << Enjoy Bridal Showers and plan Your Bachelorette Party.

One Month: << Keep up with RSVPs coming in

and Your Guest List – tally up the numbers of Guests that have RSVP’d already and begin to send these numbers to Your Wedding Coordinator. << Get Your Marriage License for County Clerk’s Office. << Last Dress Fitting – remember Shoes and Undergarments that You

will be wearing on You Wedding Day. << Confirm times for all Wedding Vendors. << Pick out Wedding Day Jewelry. << Write Thank You Notes for Bridal Shower Gifts. << Write Vows if not using Traditional ones.

Week of Wedding: << Touch base with Wedding Vendors

and Wedding Party about times and places; give a final head count to Venue, Caterers, Florist, and Baker. << Make appointments to have a for Manicure and Pedicure. << Wear your Wedding Shoes for a few hours to break them in. << Pack for Your Honeymoon. << Schedule a Facial or Massage to ensure you are Relaxed and Fresh for Your Wedding. << Have Your Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed and Something Blue. << Plan one last Romantic Date with Your Fiancé before You are Husband and Wife.

Wedding Day: Relax, have the Best Day of Your Life, and Enjoy Yourself!!

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Bakery

The Reserve at Dancing Elk

Cakes 2 Dy 4

313 County Road 351, Mathis (361) 946-4812 www.TheReserveAtDancingElk.com

(361) 993-0303 6040 SPID, Corpus Christi

Fillingood Bakery (361) 225-4663 3819 S. Alameda www.FillingoodBakery.com

The Pavilions at Rockport Beach 911 Navigation Circle, Rockport (361) 729-6661 www.RockportBeach-Texas.com

The Ranch at San Patricio

Catering & Restaurants

20489 CR 1740, Mathis (361) 816-7337

Diamond Point Catering (361) 884-1399 1002 Santa Fe Street, Corpus Christi www.DiamondPointCatering.com

Decorations & Rentals Rental World (361) 855-7368 3729 Saratoga Blvd, Corpus Christi www.RentalWorld.com

Event Centers The Courtyard at Gaslight Square 1002 Santa Fe Street, Corpus Christi (361) 884-1399 www.thecourtyardatgaslight.com

Richard M Borchard Regional Fairgrounds 1213 Terry Shamsie Blvd, Robstown (361) 387-9000 www.RMBFairgrounds.com

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www.RanchatSanPatricio.com

Florist Weddings in Bloom (361) 944-5074 Flowers for Weddings & Special Events weddingsinbloom.cc@gmail.com www.WeddingsinBloomTX.com

Photographers Cynthia Mack Photography (432) 940-4626 Corpus Christi Facebook.com/CynthiaMackPhotographer

Advertising Space Available Starting at $199 yearly

Call (361)944-5074 for more information

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Everything You Do Matters!

by Jennifer Gamboa Eason especially us ladies when the majority of our “Everything You Do Matters!” I heard a lady day is consumed by meeting the needs of our make this statement once and it has rung in my home, family, work and friends. We are multiheart and spirit ever since; I pray it resonates in taskers! Life is a gift that should be handles you too. I know this may have been a loaded with care, grace, laughter and a lot of heart. statement, but it is so true. Our daily choices, It matters if you wake up early to prepare commitments and maybe the lack there of yourself for the day. Get your heart and mind carry some significant weight. set before the hustle and demands of the day.

It matters what attitude and temperament you set in your home. It matters what you wear each day, you represent yourself and your family. It matters if you are kind or judge harshly - Ouch I know!

Just recently a decision I made over 20 years ago is having a rippling affect today. Has my path been perfect? Is my path the only way, Heck No! But it has definitely brought me on a journey of life that would not have existed today.

Your YES and NO can be life changing.

How you choose to handle life’s situations does matter. You can either choose to handle it with grace and mercy or with hate and resentment.

The power is yours; this doesn’t mean it won’t hurt or sting a little but I’m here to tell you it does matter!

Everyday that you live, you have the power to choose if today will be a good or a fantastic day! Make your day about someone else, our human nature is to take care of our self first.

Yes, we can all be a little selfish sometimes; 21

So how do I make my choices matter?

Read a good book, knowledge is power! Make some personal goals and make a plan to achieve those goals. Take a new fitness class or make better health choices; this is the only body you have so take care of it. Volunteer at a women’s shelter, hospital or non-profit organization.

Prepare a meal for a family and give that busy mom a night off. It costs nothing to smile, text a word of encouragement or make a phone call. As you begin to realize the power of your choices and decisions, you will see how it all “Really Does Matter”.

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Tim and Isaac make a huge pile of pillows and blankets to jump on to (sweet) and being a referee when they both jump at the same time and knock heads (sour). Baby Sarah is quick to remind me every few hours to nurse her and will coo and laugh with me (sweet) until she poops (sour), and then laughs some more at me. The amount of diapers I go through a day with 2 littles still in diapers is ridiculous.

After lunch everyone takes a nap. I think most people will admit that kids look the sweetest when they’re sleeping. Some days I nap with Tim (sweet), other days I decide to tackle the dishes or work on the pile of laundry my kids create (sour). Then I wake them up to drive to get Noah (because I’m not walking 2 miles in 100 degree South Texas weather with all the kids). Now, that pick up line is something else: it seems no matter what time you make it in the line you end up waiting at least 20 minutes, and then occasionally our A/C goes out when the Suburban isn’t moving (oh so sour moments).

The rest of the day is a blur. I just try to keep the boys from hurting each other until Nathan comes home, feed and bathe them, and then put the boys to bed. This is usually when baby Sarah wants to tell me about her day, so we chat and giggle at each other (sweet)… These days aren’t glamorous, but they’re mine.

These days are demanding and not always encouraging, but I know that even though I have some sour moments, I’m guaranteed some sweet moments too.

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t&

ee Sw

ur So

Kids

By Amanda Gerber school, and he chats with me about his new You know those Sour Patch kids commercials? friends and recess (these walks are so sweet).

“First they’re sour, then they’re sweet.” That’s As soon as he walks inside the school doors about what it’s like every day with kids.

I realize how freakin’ hot it is at 7:30 in the morning in April and sweat like a pig on the My day usually starts around 3:00AM (sour) walk back (sour). with a wake up call from my baby Sarah letting me know she’s ready to nurse. I usually groan, The rest of my morning is filled with watching hit my cell so I can use it as a flashlight, then get my baby girl and make my way to the couch. As I nurse her, sometimes I’ll scroll through Facebook, sometimes I’ll close my eyes and doze off again, but other times I’ll choose to soak in the moment. I look down at my (sweet) baby girl and realize she will never be this little again, she will never need me as much as she does now again, and I kiss her cute little cheeks before putting her back in her Pack n Play while I crash back in my bed next to my sleeping husband.

Then my alarm goes off at 6:15AM telling me it’s time to start getting ready to take Noah to school. I snooze it a couple of times, knowing Nathan will be up and starting breakfast for everyone (thanks, babe). I finally drag myself out of bed in time to make Noah lunch and see how crazy his bedhead is to fix it. We walk to Coastal B end Women

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husband’s need then we will be able to shift our way of thinking and lay down the baggage.

lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.” - Proverbs 31:11-12 (ESV)

We have to know what makes us change from the Here is what The Godly Wife godly wife we were destined to be to the toxic wife does for her husband: that causes harm. For me I have noticed that I grow • She allows and encourages her husband to lead increasingly impatient with my husband. Things • She treats her husband as the man of God he that wouldn’t typically bother me begin to annoy was created to be, she doesn’t try to make him the tarnation out of me. I start checking out of what she thinks he should be conversations as soon as they begin. My desire to be • She finds beauty and joy in everything her around him begins to dim. These are the first signs. husband does • She openly and intentionally listens to the needs Instead of running with those and just letting “life” play out, I have to make the conscience choice to lean of her husband on what God says I ought to be doing. When those • She is focused on others and places her own wants to the side for the sake of living as Jesus symptoms enter my mind it is up to me to bring them to the feet of Jesus.

Christ did • She prays without ceasing for the Lord’s will to be done in her husband’s life • She speaks life into him, she doesn’t tear him down • She is led by the Word of God and not her own emotions • She is gentle and loving in her actions • She is supportive of him and walks alongside him as his helper “The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no

Things to do when The Toxic Wife Syndrome tries to take over:

• Ask God to come into the situation • Pray for wisdom on how best to navigate the emotions you are having • Get into God’s Word (This one seems obvious but when the moment arises it’s often one of the last things we do) • Speak biblical truth over your marriage and your identity • Apologize to your husband for the way you may have mistreated him • Forgive yourself (In order to fully shift from the toxic wife to the godly wife we have to leave all guilt and shame at the cross) “A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” - Proverbs 18:22 (HCSB)

You and I can both be the wife God calls us to be.

You and I can be the wife our husband needs. We are highly favored daughters of the King and that means something. Our marriage is our mission field. We need to be cautious to not get into a rut. We have got to be intentional in making God the cornerstone, the centerpiece and the foundation of our relationship.

It’s not our job to make our husbands behave the way we think they should. It is our job to make ourselves into the woman God always intended us to be.

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The Toxic Wife

By Morgan Bartel It happened without me even realizing. I never fathomed I would be the cause of such pain. For as long as I can remember I have wanted nothing more than to make my husband happy. That wasn’t happening though. He was feeling like I didn’t care what he had to say. He felt like I didn’t think he was doing anything right. I was being emotionally irresponsible. I was being a toxic wife.

My words weren’t life giving or edifying; they were ripping apart the foundation of our relationship.

There have been times throughout my marriage that instead of acting the way God created me to I chose to manipulate the situation to get the result I wanted. I would use guilt with a self-seeking goal in mind. That’s what the toxic wife does.

Here is what The Toxic Wife does for her husband:

• She tries to control her husband • She treats her husband as if he were inferior • She finds fault in everything her husband does • She plays the “victim card” with her husband • She is focused on herself and nobody else • She ignores the needs of her husband • She doesn’t take the time to do things with him • She thinks she is always right and never apologizes • She tears him down in conversations • She is not supportive of him

“A good wife is her husband’s pride and joy; but a wife who brings shame on her husband is like a cancer in his bones.”

- Proverbs 12:4 (GNT)

The toxic wife is someone we can easily become if we aren’t cautious. I share this with you not to say I am doing it right all the time or to bring condemnation, but to tell you we have to be alert and ready to stop the toxic wife syndrome in it’s tracks.

It’s not fun to own up to it when we find ourselves living in the toxic wife cycle. I’ll be blunt....it stinks to admit that you are being controlling and self-centered. The good thing about admitting this issue though is what comes next, if you’ll allow it. The moment you address and recognize the problem for what it is God steps in and begins to transform your heart all while breathing love and life back into the relationship. Just because we have been or may be acting as the toxic wife does, doesn’t mean we are destined to be that way forever.

If we step back and ask God to stir our hearts and open our eyes as to how we can become the wives our

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Cabbage

•

Brussels Sprouts

•

Cauliflower

•

Getting your baby on the right formula and identifying foods that don’t agree with your baby may take a little bit of time. Once you figure it out, you and your baby will be happier.

It is very important to understand that I believe in baby led newborn sessions, which means that I never force or deny a feeding. Newborns should be fed before the session starts, but if your baby is hungry, there is plenty of time to stop and feed them.

#3 Get Comfy.

When I photograph babies, I use a space heater to make the area around baby very cozy and warm. For many poses, baby is naked or in just a wrap or diaper cover. If the baby feels chilly they’ll be uncomfortable and fussy.

The same is true at home.

Keep your home at a comfortable temperature (between 68 to 72 F). Be careful not to over-bundle your baby.

When babies are too warm, they will be uncomfortable, and it can also be dangerous. A good rule of thumb is to dress the baby with one layer more than you are wearing yourself.

A cozy sleep environment will help your baby sleep well. I recommend using warm flannel fitted sheet for your baby’s crib regardless of the season. Soft one-piece footed sleepers will help your baby stay warm from head to toe.

#4 Turn Up the Sound!

If I had a dollar for every time parents order a “Baby Shusher” or a sound machine during their session, I’d have A LOT of dollars. As I have mentioned a lot of these tips come from the concept that your baby is in their “4th

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Trimester” and is still adjusting to life outside the womb. A white noise machine is one of my favorites, it helps to simulate the noises your baby was used to hearing in the womb. White noise not only helps relax babies but it helps to soften environmental sounds that can disrupt sleep, so you don’t have to tiptoe around the whole house when baby is sleeping.

Whether your baby sleeps through the entire session or is wide awake, we will get beautiful images that you will treasure forever.

Last but not least…

#5: Deep Breath.

When parents come in for a newborn session, I want them to be nice and relaxed. Newborns generally respond to your energy and therefore the more relaxed and comfortable you are the more chances of a successful newborn session we can expect to have.

The same is true at home. It’s normal, especially for first time parents, to feel a little bit anxious and to second guess

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yourself. Take a deep breath and trust that your instincts are good and that you are doing an amazing job taking care of your baby. You and your baby will be happier because of it.

Many parents worry that their babies may not sleep through their session.

This isn’t a problem! I’ve photographed babies that are wide awake the entire time. I can usually still achieve some amazing images, especially if they are wrapped. You also don’t have to worry about crying. Babies are babies and they will cry! I do everything I can to soothe and comfort them and surround them with a comfortable environment. I want your newborn session to be a treasured memory and will do everything I can to make it relaxing and enjoyable.

No matter what the internet and parenting articles may tell you, you are doing an amazing job and Momma knows best.

If you would like to set up a session with Sweetest Snaps Photography, feel free to visit www.SweetestSnaps. com. I would love to meet you!

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What’s Your Secret?!

By Ashlee Struchen

(Sweetest Snaps Photography)

Very often, during their newborn session, parents will comment that they can’t believe how sleepy and content their baby is. They call me The Baby Whisperer. They ask if I can come home with them.

It’s not just luck or by chance that most babies are calm and peaceful for the majority of their session with me.

Over the years, I’ve learned a number of tricks to soothe and comfort babies and surround them with a comfortable environment. These same techniques that I use during sessions can be used at home to make your baby comfortable.

Alright, let’s get started with

Tip #1: Swaddle My first tip for you is don’t stop swaddling when you leave the hospital. There’s a reason that the nurses and midwives swaddle babies in the hospital. From birth to about

four to five months, babies have a natural startle reflex that makes them feel like they are falling. This feeling can make the baby jerk suddenly and if they are sleeping, it will often wake them up. Keeping a tight swaddle makes newborns feel safe and secure, it prevents them from startling themselves awake and helps them sleep more deeply and for longer.

I love to photograph swaddled newborns. Swaddling gives you a sense of just how tiny they are and is a great option if the baby is awake because it keeps them from waving their hands in front of their faces.

#2 Let’s Eat! Whether you nurse, use formula or do a combination of the two, feeding a newborn can be stressful. Are they getting enough? Are they crying because they are still hungry? Is the breast milk or formula upsetting their tummy? Every single baby is unique in their own way. I always suggest consulting your Pediatrician, Doula

or Lactation consultant with any concerns.

If you’re nursing, you may find that some foods that you eat, don’t agree with your baby. For this reason, I recommend that mom’s keep a bland diet 24-48 hours before your session and that they eat comfort foods, such as breads, pastas, potatoes and whole grains to keep your baby comfortable.

This list is a helpful guide of common foods to avoid while nursing. These foods typically affect babies under 6 weeks. As they get older, introduce foods one at a time to see how they are accepted. Please use this list at your own discretion and consult your doctor when needed.

Try to watch what you eat.

Citrus Acidic foods and drinks such as:

Ketchup

•

Tacos, Spicy / Mexican Foods, Salsa

•

Tomatoes and tomato products

•

Strawberries

•

Lemons

•

Oranges

•

Grapefruit

•

Pineapple

•

Cranberries

•

Restrict Foods Such As: Soda, Coffee, Tea, Wine & Beer Check with your Doctor to see if Dairy is an issue.

Gassy Vegetables such as:

Broccoli

•

Sweet Potatoes

•

Asparagus

•

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Spring 2018

“Because we don’t make time for it.” Again, so simple and so true.

day… Take care of your gift.

Practice at your art. Make time for creativity.

“In high school you Don’t feel guilty for making aren’t worried about the time to write or dance or mortgage payment, how garden or sing or paint or your kid is doing in school, bake (or whatever your the pile of debt that gift is!) because you’re not doesn’t seem to be getting getting paid for it. Keep life any smaller, or if you’re enjoyable. Do what makes a good wife and mom… your heart come alive.

You’re just a kid trying to I’m not saying quit your fullmake good grades. You time job and work on your made time to be creative. hobby. But I do think if your Sure, it was easier to find hobby is what stirs a fire in the time then, but you can still write just as good now, even better. You just your soul, that could eventually be what produces your income. Not just by wishing it to happen, but have to make time for it.” working at it consistently… little by little, day by The same advice applies to myself. I can’t expect day, week by week. to ever write a book if I can’t even keep up with a blog. I have to schedule time for it. Whether it’s a How about it? Will you take some time to be few hours one time a week or few minutes every creative today? What does that look like for you?

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Express Yourself: Ta k i n g T i m e f o r C r e a t i v i t y

to tears… Who knew that this song written by this

By Amanda Gerber We were making small talk while rummaging 15-year-old girl would be so profound? But then through this huge bin of papers. There were old again, of course it could. photographs, certificates from school, and spirals So, we get done reading it, decide to just toss the upon spirals of songs, poetry, and thoughts. My rest of the bin since she found her treasured item, sister, Rachel, was looking through her bin of and she asks, “Why don’t I write anything like this childhood treasures and was on the hunt for a anymore? I feel like I haven’t written something particular journal that had a particular song. this good in years.” The answer is quite simple I thought it was a hopeless case. I pulled out that I almost felt bad about saying it, but it applies papers that would obviously go in the trash pile to me as well. while she looked through different notebooks hoping to come across her song. Now, there were lots of notebooks of songs, but not THE song.

I realize this might not be the norm for some kids… but for Rachel her time was spent in drawings, reading, and singing. Mine was spent reading and writing. I wrote poetry, short stories, or just jotted down my thoughts. Basically, what would be now blog posts and tweets before that even existed.

Back in those days, you just wrote for yourself and for the art of it. I didn’t write thinking anyone else would read it and would rarely share my writing.

I dreamed of writing novels until one day I heard it’s not a reliable profession, so I squashed that dream at 17, and I’m just now rekindling that fire at 30 years old.

Anyways, moving on. We’re digging through this bin, and about 10 minutes in she finds it. We read it, and it’s powerful enough to bring a grown man 29

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Spring 2018

the Coastal Bend Women by supporting the magazine while allowing us to help you advertise your business at the same time. For more information please contact us, we would love to meet with you!!

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WOMEN Empowering Women of the Coastal Bend

Back by Popular Demand!!

So many local women loved the magazine and sent us letters and emails about the magazine.

Thank you so much for that, we were really touched!! We have been planning this for the last year and a half and wanted to bring the magazine back for you!! Thank you for supporting the magazine and encouraging us to bring it back!

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Corpus Christi, TX

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