Issuu

Summer 2018

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY Hill Country Weddings & Events Magazine Publishers Brenda Sealy Crystal Wiedenfeld Editors Ron and Cheryl Lehman Graphic Design/Art Direction Brenda Sealy Advertising Sales Lisa Bourgeois Jessica Clark Brenda Sealy Contributing Writers Crystal Wiedenfeld Ron Lehman Contributing Photographers Allison Jeﬀers Photography Rebecca McCoy Photography Alexandra Grant Photography Straughn Photography Hill Country Weddings is published quarterly and promotes city, community, and business activities in and around the Texas Hill Country. Our mailing address and editorial oﬃce is located at: 512 N. Main St. Boerne, TX 78006 Ph # 830-816-5215 info@hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com sales@hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com submissions@hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com www.hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com © Hill Country Weddings Magazine

Send queries about articles or photographs to Hill Country Weddings Magazine at 512 North Main St, Boerne TX 78006. For advertising information call (830) 816-5215; email sales@hillcountryweddingsmagazine. com. NEWS POLICY Hill Country Weddings Magazine encourages submission of news and event announcement items. News and event announcements must include contact name and contact phone number. All news and event items must be for activities that occur inside the Texas hill country and are subject for review prior to submission. Publication cannot be guaranteed. If you would like to submit an item to Hill Country Weddings Magazine, email us at info@hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com or call us at (830) 816-5215. The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the Hill Country Weddings Magazine. All products and services advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental handicap, political affiliation or other nonmerit factor of purchaser, user or patron. Any publication of Hill Country Weddings Magazine, whether draft or final is sole property of the Hill Country Weddings Magazine and cannot be reproduced or distributed in any way, whether in print or electronically, without the express permission and written consent of the Hill Country Weddings Magazine.

From the Publishers

We are excited to bring you the fourth Summer issue of the premier Hill Country Weddings & Events Magazine! We are pleasantly overwhelmed with the positive response from readers of our previous issues! We are excited that we have officially made it over the four year hump. Thank you so much for your support. We hope that you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed preparing it for you. Brenda Sealy, a Boerne native and owner of Hill Country Planning, the premier wedding and event planner in the Texas Hill Country, has over ten years experience and enjoys all aspects of the industry. Brenda has dreamed of planning special events since she was little. Now that she is doing what she loves, she has decided to expand her dreams into something larger. Crystal Wiedenfeld has always had a love for fashion and style, whether it is hair and makeup or clothes and design. After doing what she loved for over ten years she opened Simply Serene Salon and Spa in her hometown of Boerne, TX. She spent years telling anyone who would listen about her fashion tips and hair trends. As sisters they put their heads together to create a

magazine where they could both grow and continue their dreams. Hill Country Weddings & Events Magazine features everything from weddings to events, style, fashion and more. Nothing could be more exciting or anticipated than a bride’s walk down the aisle! If you’re planning on tying the knot, the Texas Hill Country has proven to be an ideal location to say your I Do’s! We have provided all the resources you will need to plan your special day. If there’s one piece of advice that continues to ring true, it’s this: take time to enjoy your engagement, plan a wedding that reflects you as a couple and get a wedding planner. This is just the beginning. Other unique ideas, columns and features will be added as we continue growing and expanding Hill Country Weddings & Events Magazine. We started our magazine with just thirty-six pages and have increased to fifty two already. Can you believe how much we have grown in just four years? We are beyond excited for the amazing things to come and thank everyone for being a part of our journey with us.

cheers, Brenda & Crystal

Photo by: Alexandra Grant Photography

Find what you need with us at hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com

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Start planning with us on Pinterest!

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Join the Fun!

REAL WEDDINGS See what others have done for their special day and the pros that helped to make it happen. Send photos and vendors information to us at submissions@hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com

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We have done our homework, so you donâ€™t have to! Look out for the Hill Country Weddings Button of Approval when booking vendors for your next wedding or special event. We want to make sure your event goes exactly as planned with some of the best, tried-and-true professionals in the Hill Country.Â

Cover Photo by: Pine and Blossom Photography at Sisterdale Dance Hall

Cover Photo Contest TOP FIVE COVER PHOTOS

Hill Country Weddings & Events Magazine holds a contest on our Facebook page inviting all fans to post their favorite Hill Country Wedding photos for a chance at the cover. Our 2017 issues were a success and we are excited to continue the 2018 issue contests! Hill Country Weddings staff will select up to 100 photos to highlight in an album to be posted and will then invite our entire Facebook community to “vote” for their favorite photo by liking and/or sharing the photo. The Top 10 pictures will be chosen and then the committee will narrow down to the Top 5! The Top 5 will be published in the magazine and one lucky winner will be featured on the cover once chosen by the committee. So find your favorite photo and share it on our Facebook page for a chance at the cover! Here are the top 5 winners from top to bottom... Rae Vision Photography, Pine and Blossom Photography, Tara Smith Photography, Stephanie Rogers Photography and J. Sparks Photography

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Photography at Sisterdale Dance Hall

contents

Summer News 8

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Notes from a DJ Flowers Editorâ€™s Summer Pick Professional Officiant

The Texas Hill Country is one of the most sought after locations in the United States to host your happiest memories. Here is a map of all the local possibilities.

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Engagement Photo Contest TOP 10 ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

For a chance to be in the magazine, send your engagement photos to submissions@hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com

Photos by: Benjamin Garrett Photography, Brittany Nicole Photography, Hallie Sosolik Photography, J. Sparks Photography, Jessi Davis Photography, Lucille Photography, Marissa Mayberry Photography, Nicole Woods Photography, Rae Vision Photography and Samantha Casas Photography

MEET THE COVER PHOTO COUPLE... Daniel & Kaitlin Photos by: Pine and Bloosm Photography

Our story began back in 2012. Daniel and I met when I was just a simple girl bartending at a local dancehall in Selma, TX where we both lived. Daniel chased me weekend after weekend trying to get my attention and I wouldn’t have anything to do with it… Until one day we realized we had mutual friends and started to all hang out together outside of the dancehall. Once I finally gave him the time of day, I then realized how much the feel-

ing was completely mutual. We decided we would give “us” a try in March of 2013, but if it didn’t work out, we swore we would continue to be friends no matter what! Little did I know, Daniel was the man of my dreams; right under my nose that whole time! Now fast forward three and a half years from the day we decided to be a couple. It was October 29, 2016 and we were helping put together a

huge surprise party for our best friend’s birthday (Halloween themed, of course). Little did I know, the surprise was all on me. With our best friends, we decided as couples we would all be the Flintstones and have matching costumes! They were Fred and Wilma and we were Barney and Betty Rubble. As we partied the night almost away, we started to play the game “LOLz”. This is the game with the mouth pieces and you have to guess what

the person is saying with the mouth piece in. We all took turns going, but when it got continued on page 15

WEDDING STORY

Katie is doing the initial planning for vendors now, but we will have a month-of coordinator to assist with the execution. We fell in love with the resort last year when we stayed there for a family member’s birthday celebration. It is a special place in that it truly feels like a staycation. It encompasses the natural rustic beauty of Hill Country with gorgeous views of rolling hills, two sprawling golf courses, and even downtown San Antonio

if you look hard enough. We knew our family would love and enjoy the infinity pools and scattered fire pits throughout the grounds, in addition to the privacy of the resort. The overall intended them is a classy and romantic yet rustic feel with lots of succulents and regional plants. Our wedding is medium-sized with four bridesmaids in champagne and four groomsmen in blue with floral ties. continued on page 8 SUMMER 2018

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WEDDING STORY

continued from page 7 We hope to have our new Goldendoodle pup as the ring-bearer. Katie’s family lives all over so it will be a destination wedding for them, however Adam’s family is mostly all in the local area! We will have a mariachi band during cocktail hour to en-

compass some San Antonio flare, and food will be buffetstyle topped off by a fourtier cake and ice cream bar. Vendors include Blume Haus (flowers), DPC Event Services (lighting), Sweet Traditions (cake), DJ Masquerade, WeddingBug (videographer), and

Joyous442 Event Planning (month-of coordinator, Vicki Thayer). We are getting married on Saturday, November 3, 2018. It will be at La Cantera Hotel & Resort (ceremony on the El Fortin Lawn at the hotel and the reception at the

Palmer golf course clubhouse patio). It will be an alloutdoor event. We both love the outdoors and our families love golfing and hiking, so we wanted to avoid the traditional ballroom reception!

had changed.” Little did she know, he had the most magical proposal planned. Matt took her back to that very same classroom they met at and asked her to be his wife.

our wedding in the heart of Houston and are so excited that our beautiful church and venue complement our naturally elegant theme.”

ENGAGEMENT STORY

Matt and Emily met in September of 2012 in an anthropology class at Texas State University. They were both business majors taking the course for an easy elective. Little did they know that this class would change their lives forever! Emily sat down before class began one day and Matt was a row behind her talking on his phone. After a few minutes of eavesdropping, she realized he was on the phone with her

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best friend, Steffani. When the conversation was done, Emily turned around and introduced herself and the rest is history. Fun fact: Matt told Steffani that day he was going to marry Emily. Five years later in September of 2017, Matt planned a trip for them to see a Texas State football game. Before heading to the game, Matt wanted to “go see how much of campus

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Matt and Emily’s wedding will be in Houston, Texas on November 3, 2018. They will be married at St. Anne Catholic Community and the reception will be held at The Parador. Emily said, “We are thrilled to be having

Paige Vaughn, their wedding and engagement photographer, met Emily in 2015 as she captured Emily’s graduation photos at Texas State. She is so excited to be capturing this next step for Emily and Matt - it’s been a long time coming!

Hill Country Wedding’s Best of the Best Choice Awards By popular vote, we present the winner’s of the “Best of the Best Choice Awards!” Venue: Camp Comfort and Park 31 Food & Catering: Smoke in the Hills BBQ Photography: Al Gawlik Photography Music/Entertainment: 5150 Productions Bridal Shop: Live & Love Bridal and Beatitude Bridal Minister: Texas Wedding Ministers Florals: The Elegant Bee Rentals: Cru Vintage Rentals Wedding Planner: Hill Country Planning Beauty: Simply Serene Salon and Spa Photobooth: MBP Photobooth Cake: Creations Cake Shop

As always, thanks to our readers for submitting your votes, and to these vendors for creating the Texas Hill Country as one of the best places to start a new life together. SUMMER SUMMER 2018 2018

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WHAT I WISH THE BRIDE AND GROOM KNEW BEFORE SITTING DOWN WITH THE DJ By: Benji Bisnov of Cedar & Oak Entertainment & Events

Ask any professional in the wedding industry what the most important aspect of a great wedding is and they will tell you the truth; that it’s their field of expertise. A venue host knows that the setting will be remembered for years to come. A caterer sees the importance of sharing a delicious meal

with your loved ones. A wedding planner stays meticulously organized so the guests of honor can be relaxed and carefree.

Ask a professional DJ what the most important aspect of a great wedding is and they will describe what it looks like to see two lovers, surrounded by the most important

people in their lives, dancing and singing until the shoes come off and it hurts to sing! Any wedding professional should be passionate about their specialty, and that’s doubly true for the DJ. That passion should be visible throughout the planning process, and it should spill over into the wedding itself. That being said, here are a few things I wish my brides and grooms knew before sitting down with me.

A great DJ is also a great Master of Ceremonies. Are you expecting a small amount of energy and crowd interaction from your DJ? Or are you looking for a party starter that will teach your grandparents how to do the Cha Cha Slide? Don’t be afraid to tell your DJ & MC exactly what you’re looking for. A great DJ is trainable enough to be exactly what you ask for. A Professional DJ Comes with professional equipment. Have you entertained the

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thought of handing the aux cord over to your cousin who said he has an iPod shuffle and “bangers for days”? This would be a great idea for Sunday brunch, but not so much for one of the most important days of your life. When you secure a professional DJ, you should also be securing top of the line speakers, DJ equipment, microphones, planning software, consultations and customer service; all of which

are included in any Cedar & Oak package. The right DJ will make you feel confident about the entertainment at your wedding. In any facet of life, working with a professional will help put your mind at ease. You’d expect your doctor to have an M.D. somewhere near their name, just as you’d expect a police officer to have a badge. Hold your wedding DJ to a similar standard. We’re not

out here to save lives, but we’re sure trying to make them more fun! The takeaway: A great DJ is worth the time and the investment. Working with a professional means you have one less thing to worry about on your wedding day. Your DJ should make you feel confident in (arguably) the most important part of the festivities. Don’t be afraid to lock down a DJ early on, the

good ones go fast! To all the brides I will work with in the future, you just have to promise me one thing: at some point during all the fun, you’ll take a break from dancing to eat something!

THE VENUE AT RAFTER E RANCH

Fredericksburg’s premier event center,”The Venue”, is located on a private ranch with breathtaking views of the Texas hill country and the Pedernales valley. Nestled amongst majestic oak trees and wildlife and only minutes away from Fredericksburg’s historic district and the vineyard trails! The Venue at Rafter E will be exactly what you envision for your special event. Our dream is now your dream come true. The Venue is a brand new barn uniquely designed using reclaimed woods and tin. This tastefully designed facility has a rich feel of an elegant lodge. There is

7,500 square feet of air conditioned and heated area with another 3,000 sq. ft. of covered porch. The covered porches face west and south allowing for cool evening breezes. Imagine yourself taking in the the hill country views with your closest friends and family while enjoying your favorite beverage. This family owned company is run by 6th generation Texans who continue to carry on the tradition of farming and ranching at the Rafter E Ranch. The desire to allow others to enjoy the views at the ranch played a large role in the idea leading to the creation of “The Venue”.

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needs and desires.

Wild Bunches has been serving the wedding and event industry since 2007. Floral designers at Wild Bunches are ready to use their more than 25 years of combined floral experience to make your event spectacular. We delight in the opportunity to create stunning floral designs to meet each client’s unique

Located in Dripping Springs, Texas, Wild Bunches works with a variety of different venues providing service to Austin, Dripping Springs, Kyle, Buda, Wimberley, San Marcos and surrounding Hill Country areas. One of our favorite things about the floral industry when it comes to weddings is the changing trends and designs. In 2018, one of the things we are seeing is

Wild Bunches of Flowers

unique floral hanging structures. Whether the floral structure is hanging inside the reception or the backdrop to your ceremony, it can make a huge impact and create a wonderful statement piece for your wedding. Another aspect that we are seeing a lot of is the use of natural greenery and greenery garlands throughout the entire wedding design. Greenery can be more cost effective but really creates a beautiful look for your special day! When choosing flowers, choosing in-season floral can make a big difference in the

overall budget. Brides typically spend 10-12% of their overall wedding budget on flowers. If a bride loves a premium flower like a peony or garden rose, we recommend using them only in her bouquet to help keep the cost down. Doing this makes her bridal bouquet stand out and be more special while keeping the overall floral cost down. We always offer free consultations to our brides so we can meet and discuss their individual needs to help them get the vision they want while staying within their floral budget!

Summer Wedding Attire for Guests

Figuring out what to wear to a summer wedding is always tricky. Our first rule of thumb is to look at the invitation and check to see if there’s a dress code listed. Then, analyze where the wedding will be held (outside or inside; ranch or venue) and time of day (morning or evening). All these factors play a huge role in perfecting your wedding guest attire.

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Once you have a clear idea on the overall vibe, start thinking colors. Are you feeling more bright and cheerful or more pastels and low key? Since we’re talking summer here, we definitely recommend picking out something that will help keep you cool – perhaps a maxi dress with a cold shoulder or spaghetti straps. Anything light and flowing will be your best friend.

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And now for the fun factor! Have you seen the new pleated sleeves this season? This style can really make your dress pop this summer. Don’t be afraid to get bold and try something new. Take your classic black dress and upgrade it for an off-theshoulder dress to show off your curves and spice it up a bit.

And last but NEVER least, don’t forget your jewelry! Accessories can take your outfit to the next level and totally complete your wedding guest outfit. Have fun!

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EDITORâ€™S PICK Photography: Allison Jeffers Photography @allisonjeffersphotography Jewelry: Green Bull Fine Jewelry Couture @thegreenbullfinejewellery Planning: Hill Country Planning @hillcountryplanning Wedding Dress: Beatitude Bridal @beatitude_bridal Dress designer: @eddyk_bridal Venue: Wildseed Farms @wildseedfarms Hair and Makeup: Simply Serene Salon and Spa @simplysereneboerne Flowers: Boerne Flower Shop @flowershopboerne Stationary: The Girl General @thegirlgeneral

Meet the Cover Couple continued fron page 7

to Daniel’s turn, he did not read what his card said. Instead, he was saying, “Kaitlin, will you marry me?” I had absolutely no idea what he was saying until he got down on one knee and I instantaneously stopped breathing (thank God there was a chair behind me to sit down on)!! It couldn’t have been more of a surprise and more perfectly put together! I started to plan the wedding right away, knowing I couldn’t wait to marry the man of my dreams! Our wedding day was March 3, 2018.

My mother and I planned everything so meticulously and perfectly! When I saw it all come to life the day of the wedding, it was absolutely more beautiful than I had ever imagined in my wildest dreams – from the songs we chose for each part, to the flowers everywhere, to the perfect custom designed pieces I had specially made for the event (such as the groomsmen’s bowties and my personal bouquet made of wooden flowers. The day was a dream come true. Reading our vowels to one another and seeing my about-to-be husband stumble through his

tears to get the words out was the most perfect moment I wish I could relive every day.

“Our

wedding day was by far the best day of our lives.”

GENERAL

210.495.6200 girlgeneral.com @thegirlgeneral

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SUMMER PHOTO SHOOT

Venue: Rafter E Ranch Jewelry: Green Bull Invitation: Girl General Models: Jessica and Ryan Dress: Liv and Love Hair and Makeup: Simply Serene Salon and Spa Rentals: CRU Vintage Photographer: Straughan Photography Bar: Bartenders 4 You Flowers: Blumenhandlers Cake: Sophieâ€™s Video: Dayna De Hoyos

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Messina Hof Hill Country

The romance of the Messina Hof provide world-class service in Hill Country Winery is the ideal planning almost every aspect venue of rustic elegance for your of your special day. wedding. Messina Hof Hill Country ofOur on-site event planners fers custom tailored wedding can help you put together the packages to suit your specific ceremony or reception you have needs. From bridesmaids’ always imagined... bouquets to linens and décor, our professional coordinators PICTURE YOURSELF IN will be with you to help plan TEXAS WINE COUNTRY... every step of the way. DeRomance, one of Messina Hof ’s signer upgrades also available, cornerstones, comes to life such as hot air balloon or under the Messina Hof Wedding helicopter departures. Tree and inspires memorable weddings in Texas wine counThe Hill County location try. Whether you’re planning is capable of handling more a full wedding or looking for than just intimate weddings something more intimate, Mes- but they do specialize in them sina Hof ’s expertly trained staff as well.

onsite event coordinators ceremonies | receptions | elopements custom designed packages commemorative wine labels

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INTIMATE WEDDINGS

UPGRADES

For groups of 15 or less, Messina Hof Hill Country Winery offers the following package:

Add any of these upgrades to make your day extra special:

Ceremony Location Reception Location Floral Package Wedding Cake Officiant Reception Dinner Wine Package Solo Violinist White Linens One night stay at Manor Haus Cottage

Photobooth Chair Jackets Specialty China Dessert Bar Hot air balloon or helicopter departure Private Winery Tour of three wineries Live Band

hair

Style & Beauty Tips for Summer By: Crystal Wiedenfeld All my picks can be purchased at Simply Serene Salon and Spa. www.simplysereneboerne.com

Let’s leave a little texture this spring, easy peasy. Wash and wear is the way to go. Just add a little product to tame your main and control the frizz and let it go. The head scarf is really on trend this spring and I must say this is one thing I absolutely want to try. There are so many options on how to wear this look. Let your imagination go to work on a style that works with your mood. For your color, pick a blonde, brown, black or silver tone. It seems to be looking like the non -dimensional colors are what’s we are still seeing a lot of for this spring. Remember you don’t always have to follow the crowd, so do what suits you and your personality.

makeup

Your fresh clean skin is what we are wanting to see for the season. This will make things much easier for us all. Do a nice light brow, some gloss and a touch of blush or bronzer for that healthy sun kissed glow, put a touch on your lid to finish up your look if you please. I think we are all ready for the sun to kiss our winter white skin away, I know I am!

clothing

I’m seeing a lot of robes or maybe something light like a kimono. Whether it’s over your clothes or over your swimmy, you are going to see this look a lot. We are also being very patriotic this season so let’s start with something that’s a little Red, White, and Blue. Outside of that, it’s a bright season full of colors and pastels. The textures will be light and flowy just like the season. Wishing you all a fabulous Spring.

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AFFORDABLE

Wedding & SPECIAL EVENT

Floral

WishandWhimsyFloral.com

Looking to expand your business into the Texas Hill Country? We are the Hill Countryâ€™s premiere wedding magazine featuring the best of this region and spanning over 100 miles. Talk to us about advertising your business and let us bring the Hill Country to you!

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Photo by: Straughan Photography

Pro Tip #1

Pro Tip #2

Engagement Photo

Wedding Photo Tip

When deciding on a location for your engaement session, think about locations that mean something to you as a couple (where you met, had your first date, where you like to hang out, etc.) Choosing a location that is special to you will help make the session personal and fun! If you need help brainstorming, we’ll be glad to help! We’ve been at this a while and have been known to come up with some pretty great ideas.

Have FUN! Photos are better when you are genuinely having a good time. So be playful – hug, kiss, talk, dance… forget about the camera as much as you possibly can! We’ll capture your TRUE personalities and you’ll love your images that much more.

PS - For more wedding photo tips, search this hashtag! #BTLWeddingTips

By: Bend the Light Photography

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PS - For more wedding photo tips, search this hashtag! #BTLWeddingTips

Engagement Story cont’d from page 7

JC and I met when we were students at Texas A&M, but that’s as far as it went until 6 years later in 2015 when I wrote happy birthday on his Facebook wall. He was about a year into Physical Therapy school and I had just gotten my 2nd bachelor’s degree in Medical Lab Science and was working in a hospital lab as a Medical Lab Scientist. I didn’t expect any kind of reply, I was just bored and thought he was still a mighty good lookin’ fella. But it sparked a conversation which continued for a month. I was in a wedding in the San Antonio area so we decided it was a good opportunity to finally meet up, which is when we went on our first of many dates: walking around the Alamo in the pouring rain, dinner, and Top Golf. Fun fact (which I realized a couple years into dating) is that I had a Top Golf card from 2013 in my wallet that I never used with the exact same date as our first date: June 22nd. Long distance dating isn’t my cup of tea, especially with me being on night shift the whole first year of our dating (oh my sanity) and him in graduate school, but we would take turns visiting each other, going back and forth between Fort Worth and San Antonio. (Texas, why are you so big?) It was hard - physically and emotionally exhausting - but we had our fun and I fell more and more in love with his

goofy, sweet, kind, smart, and feisty self. He finally had a clinical rotation in my DFW area in 2017, which is when I think our relationship accelerated up to the moment he decided on forever with me. In September 2017, I was working my birthday weekend, so when he suggested we go to Pedernales Falls the weekend after my birthday when I was off (where we had previously been on our oneyear dating anniversary in 2016), I wasn’t suspicious of his proposal intentions. Plus, we’re outdoorsy and like to take little trips when we can. We hiked down to a secluded spot in Pedernales Falls State Park; a cute little spot tucked away in the rocks and boulders of the semi-dry river bed, surrounded by green hills. It was the most beautiful weather: 70 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. I’m always taking pictures with my phone, so he suggested I just put it on video and screenshot the moments I liked instead of doing selftimer (brilliant, sneaky man). When I set my phone against a rock and went to go pose with him, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him with music playing on his phone - a song by Cody Johnson with lyrics, “I’ve got a diamond in my pocket and my baby’s got a heart of gold.”

surprised I kept saying “whaaaaat?!” and forgot to answer him. We then went to a brewery, just ourselves, to bask in our happiness together. For dinner we ate at Chili’s (my favorite) where, to my surprise, our families were waiting for us. Can’t wait to marry this sweet manly man of mine!

SMOKE IN THE HILLS A family owned and operated business striving to serve the highest quality food. This starts with meats that are pit smoked for more than twelve hours and sides that are made from scratch. They can accommodate events from an intimate dinner party to a corporate event of 1000.

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Special

MOMENTS

Sophisticated. Modern. Elegant. Trendy. H-E-B BLOOMS® has everything you need to create a look and feel that reflects your personal style on your special day. For a location near you visit heb.com/blooms

RING INSURANCE

Not only can you insure your wedding day, but now you can also insure your engagement or wedding rings! Putting a policy on your ring might sound like no fun, however knowing it’s insured sure does relieve some stress from your shoulders. If your engagement or wedding ring is priced $500 to $50,000, there is a policy waiting for you. You will need to provide

the receipt and appraisal to the insurance company so they can get the value in place. The cost is normally $1 or $2 per $100 for the cost to replace. (Example: for a $7,000 ring, you would pay $70 to $140 a year). Once you have settled on your engagement ring or wedding band, try calling the insurance company to ask about rates and coverage. When you go shopping for this policy, make sure you

Want to reallyyy up the fun factor at your wedding? Say hello to llamas and alpacas. We’ve been seeing these furry friends at weddings and can’t get enough of their cuteness. Your guests will be delighted and have a blast taking photos with them. Of course, always check with your venue

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prior to coordinating something like this. But seriously guys, how fun are these animals to “invite” to your wedding? We can’t think of a better way to make your wedding the most talked about event of the year.

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are insured sure does eliminate some stress!

Photo’s by: Straughran Photography

Llamas and Weddings

always read the fine print. Having peace of mind and knowing these precious items

Summer Cocktails ON WEDDING DAY!

Photo’s by: StraughnPhotography / Bartenders 4 You - Tipsy

“VODKA BLACKBERRY SPRITZ”

In Texas you can’t go wrong with an Arnold Palmer, which mixes iced tea, lemonade, and a splash of vodka. Summer also screams sangria, which we love to mix with a little extra fruit in the rosé. This incorporates super fun and fresh flavors. Add a splash of rum or brandy for your guests.

1.5 ounces blueberry flavored vodka 1tablespoon simple syrup 1 (12 ounce) can lemon-flavored sparkling water lemon slices fresh blueberries rosemary sprig

In a cocktail shaker, combine the blueberry vodka and simple syrup with ice, and shake or stir vigorously until chilled. Strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with lemonflavored sparkling water. Garnish as desired.

Summertime calls for fresh fruit, lemonade, spritzers and lots of ice. With the temperatures heating up in the summer months, make sure you provide your guest with a nice chilled cocktail to cool them down.

Cheers

And last but not least, there’s no way we can leave out a classic mojito in the summer! Crushed berries and fresh mint with rum is almost always a crowd favorite.

and Happy Planning!

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Photo by: Allison Jeffers Photography

Photo by: Straughran Photography

Photo by: Allison Jeffers Photography

Photo by: Straughran Photography

What is HC Cryocherapy? Who is HC Cryotherapy in Boerne? HC Cryotherapy is the first Whole Body Cryotherapy and the first Float Therapy in Boerne. We offer a host of services because we understand how important it is to feel your best! Whether your goal is to recover faster, feel better, or look better, HC Cryotherapy wants to help you achieve your goals! Check out the services that we offer in Boerne! • Whole Body Cryotherapy • Float Therapy • Nutrition • Infrared Sauna • NormaTec Compression

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Do you have your copy?

Take a picture with the magazine and send it to us for your chance to be featured in Hill Country Weddings & Events Magazine! submissions@HillCountryWeddingsMagazine.com

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WEDDING QUIZ

What wedding style are you?

Venue Style

Table Settings

Bouquets

Dessert Options

A. Beach house B. Country escape C. Industrial meets modern venue D. Traditional ballroom

A. Creative B. Rustic C. Vintage D. Classic

A. Wildflowers B. Simple elegance C. Dramatic D. Brooches

A. S’mores and donuts B. Apple pie C. Over-the-top cupcake assortment D. Old-style cake

Mostly B’s: Southern Romance Your ideal wedding setting is at your family’s ranch with rustic décor. Backyard trees and simple elegance will serve you well. Mostly C’s: Classy City Your ideal wedding setting is in the city at a grand venue with luxurious décor. Mostly D’s: Traditional Old-town You’re a classic, timeless bride, but far from boring! Add some flair to your fashion and wow your guests with an embroidered piece. You’ll make an entrance at your ceremony with an elegant train but will dance the night away in a more form-fitted gown!

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Photo by: Straughran Photography

Mostly A’s: Beachy Bohemian Your ideal wedding setting is in a garden, in the backyard or on the waterfront with a church ceremony.

Photo by: Straughran Photography

HOW TO HIRE THE PERFECT BRIDAL BEAUTY PRO FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY

By: Jennifer Trotter, Pro Makeup Artist & Bridal Beauty Expert

Hiring the right bridal beauty professional is crucial to looking gorgeous on wedding day, but how do you find the best artist for the job? Start your search by making a list of experienced artists who focus on weddings. A lot of weddings. Bridal hair and makeup needs to whipped out quickly and consistently, all while looking flawless and lasting 12 hours or more. This is NOT the time to take a chance on an amateur who “does her own makeup really well” or a stylist who only does bridal hair twice a year. Think of your wedding day as the Super Bowl… If you want to win the game, you need the top players in the NFL, not the guys who play in the weekend recreational league! Pros who do weddings regularly have mastered the latest hair and makeup styles you want,

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plus they can handle the pace and pressure required to pull off getting your entire crew gorgeous in record time. Now you know that you need an experienced bridal pro… How do you find one? GET REFERRALS Ask your planner, venue, and photographer for their preferred beauty pros… Vendors will only send to you to artists they really trust. Recently married friends, magazines and wedding review sites are also great resources to get a list started! STALK INSTAGRAM Anyone can fake a slick website, but Instagram will reveal a lot more. Red flags include: excessive selfies, no recent work, no diversity, photo shopped images, and trendy, outdated or just plain awful hair and makeup.

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Instead, look for: recent posts, real brides, tags from other trusted vendors in your market from real weddings, and plenty of flawless hair and makeup that you like. BOOK A TRIAL Once you’ve found an artist you like, book a trial session to do a practice run of your desired look. (Tip: Schedule your session on date night to maximize the pretty!) Look for someone who shares your energy level and sense of humor… Conversation should flow easily. Bring photos of looks that speak to you, and don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for exactly what you want, including any tweaks or changes. Your

artist should follow proper sanitation practices and have a well-stocked kit, and they should NEVER ask you to bring your own cosmetics. Don’t feel like you have to choose an artist who shares your skin tone or hair type! A professional artist should be able to work confidently with any skin tone or hair texture, so if you’re considering someone who seems unsure in any way, keep looking. Choose an experienced and reputable bridal makeup artist whose style fits YOU. It takes a bit of research, but the gorgeous results on wedding day will be 100% worth it!

Author Short Bio: Jennifer Trotter is the owner and principal artist behind Lip Service Makeup, an award-winning bridal beauty team based in Dallas/Fort Worth. A sought after bridal beauty expert with over 25 years of experience, Jennifer has worked with over 1200 brides and is a featured speaker and business coach within the wedding industry.

Calendars June 9th & 10th: Boerne Market Days

14th: Oaks of Heavenly Open House 15th, 16th & 17th: Boerne Berges Fest 21st: Paint and Sip Smoothies - HC Nurtrition 23rd: Bacon and Beer Fest - Random Beer Garden

July 4th: Robert Earl Keen on the River 5th: Backroads Music Fest at Rocker B Ranch 7th: Wine Blending Experience - Flat Creek 23rd: Texas Hill Country Bass Camp 28th: Sunset at The Venue - Rafter E Ranch

Sunset Times JUNE 1ST JUNE 15TH

8:29PM 8:35 PM

JULY 1ST JULY 15TH

8:37PM 8:35PM

AUGUST 1ST AUGUST 15TH

8:26 PM 8:14 PM

August 4th: Prohabition Murder Mystery Dinner - Messina Hof 10th: Hill Country Fair Rodeo and Dance 18th: Bat Fest 24th: Harvest Festival SUMMER 2018

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Real Weddings

Dylan & Madison McMurray BAND ROYAL DUKES BAND

FLOWERS THE HEIRLOOM TABLE

RENTALS & DECOR BEE LAVISH

CAKE HILL COUNTRY CAKERY

HAIR & MAKEUP KISS BY KATIE

VENUE HIDDEN RIVER RANCH

CALLIGRAPHY ARTEMISALETTERING CATERING WHIM CATERING

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PLANNER IVORY AND VINE EVENT CO. PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHANIE BRAZZLE PHOTOGRAPHY

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BAND OH SO GOOD BAND CATERING LA CANTERA RESORT FLORIST COUTURE DEZIGNS OFFICIANT TEXAS WEDDING MINISTRIES

PHOTOGRAPHY ALLISON JEFFERS PHOTOGRAPHY PLANNER HILL COUNTRY PLANNING PROGRAM GIRL GENERAL VENUE LA CANTERA RESORT

Rodney and Carrie Myers

Congratulations to our Hill Country Couples

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Love Story

THE PROPOSAL

During the year leading up to our engagement, Dilshan had moved to Melbourne for work. At that time, we had both met each other’s parents and we were starting to discuss the prospect of sharing our lives together. Our six-year anniversary came and went. We had a romantic dinner reflecting back on our relationship. A middinner call from my father to Dilshan’s phone did arouse my sneaky suspicions, but at the end of the evening, there was still no proposal, nor a ring.

Abirami & Dilshan VENDORS INCLUDED:

INVITATIONS & STATIONARY

DECOR

DJ & LIVE MUSIC

B WEDDING INVITATIONS

VIP DECORATING FLOWERS BY DROSIA

SYSTEMATIC SOLUTIONS VENUE CATERING

MIRAMARE GARDENS

HAIR & MAKEUP

SURJIT’S INDIAN RESTAURANT

SERGEANTS MESS

GATHER AND STITCH

TAJ CATERERS

THE KINGSBURY HOTEL

BEAUTY

CAKE

PHOTOGRAPHY

HENNA ARTIST

PAINTBRUSH PATISSERIE

CINEMATOGRAPHY

REEMA’S HENNA

SPLENDID PHOTOS & VIDEO

DESIGNS

TRANSPORT JC LIMOUSINES

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A couple of weeks later, my girlfriends wanted to organise a catch up at my apartment, but little did I know that Dilshan was orchestrating this ‘catch-up’ behind the scenes. Friday night came, and the girls played their roles well, routinely texting me saying they were on the way. When the doorbell rang, I buzzed the girls up and was busy doing some last minute frantic cleaning. I was mid-way through unloading my dishwasher and in burst Dilshan, who had secretly flown in from Melbourne that afternoon! I was in such a state of shock that I didn’t even register the fact that he was down on one knee, holding in his hand the most beautiful diamond ring, set in a rose gold band (exactly like the one I had dropped so many hints about). When it all finally sunk in, of course, the answer was yes! I did love that he was successfully able to outwit my cluey and suspicious nature. He told me to pack an overnight bag and whisked me away to a romantic dinner at Flying Fish Jones Bay Wharf, which boasted magnificent views of Sydney harbor.

FAVORITE MOMENTS... Our favorite moments of the wedding.. Our favorite moment was when we first saw each other at the Hindu wedding, we could not stop grinning at each other. We were completely oblivious to all the other wedding commotion happening around us. We had the most fun... We had epic levels of fun during our first dance. We had choreographed a special number to the song You Give Me Something by Jamiroquai, which incorporated plenty of twirls to show off my layered lehenga skirt. It was such an upbeat way to open up the dance floor for the evening. I cried when... I was overcome with emotion during my reception speech as I looked around the room at our family and closest friends. We were grateful beyond measure to have so many loved ones celebrating our love with us. My wedding style was... Modern and elegant, staying true to key traditional elements. It was most important to me that... Making sure that our personality as a couple was reflected in our wedding events. We wanted to keep things simple, fun and above all, we wanted our loved ones to relax and enjoy the celebrations. SUMMER 2018

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Five Reasons

to Hire a Professional Wedding Officiant

F 2 A wedding officiant is often overlooked in the grand scheme of wedding planning. The budget gets put towards the vendors that you want on your wedding day, but what about the one vendor that you need? While it is true almost anyone can go online and become legally able to marry you but if you’re not going to hire an amateur DJ or photographer, why hire an amateur officiant?

They understand that your wedding day is a huge deal! They know that going in and they are not going to suddenly get cold feet as the day gets closer. If something goes wrong, your friend won’t have a backup that can cover them at the last moment- but a professional will. If your officiant can’t make it, you won’t be able to get married!

A professional wedding officiant dedicates their time to you as a couple from the day you meet to the day your marriage license is signed- and further! It is their job and their livelihood on the line and they know their reputation relies on their reliability. There isn’t another job that takes priority, they are here to help you make your ceremony perfect.

They know how to collaborate with other vendors on the day. Many of the responsibilities overlap at your ceremony and a professional officiant understands how all aspects of your wedding day work. The officiant has to work with the DJ, photographer and wedding planner to ensure everything runs smoothly.

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If something goes wrong, the training and experience that a professional officiant offers can be the difference between an uncomfortable situation and a memorable one. Whether it’s an overbearing guest, a technical difficulty or a loud child, a professional officiant can take it in their stride and keep the ceremony on track.

A professional officiant works for you! You don’t have to answer to them or change your vision of what your ceremony will be. A family member may have their own idea of what they think should be said and it can be hard to say no to them, while a longtime church official may be bound by a certain doctrine that doesn’t resonate with your beliefs. A professional officiant is only bound by the law and your vision.

Your wedding officiant is there for more than reading a 20-minute script, you are entrusting them with your love story to share with your family and friends and to start your marriage. Their training and experience can make your ceremony into the memorable and love-filled experience that it deserves to be.

Choosing Your Bridal Hairstyle

When preparing for your wedding day hair trial, the most important tip is to create a mood board of photos. This is the best way to describe your vision. It helps both you and your stylist understand your dream and bring it to life. By sharing photos, your stylist should be able to tell you upfront whether or not the style is feasible for his or her skills. And ladies, please be realistic! If your hair is short or fine, achieving long or big curls is going to be an obstacle. In this situation, we recommend exploring extensions for length and volume. Highlights can also assist with adding dimension to your hair and help to achieve a fuller look.

So, start with some photos and go from there! If you have questions, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask. Communication is key, especially when dealing with one of the biggest days of your life!

Post Wedding Brunch

Hosting a post-wedding brunch is like hosting a mini honey moon – but for your bridal team. Your wedding day is filled with seemingly endless details, timeframes, people to see, photos to take -- you get the picture. As fun as it is, your big day can be quite stressful! Having brunch the day after your wedding is a great way to end the festivities on a more relaxed and light note. Your post-wedding brunch is a nice thank you to your bridal party and any guests you choose to invite. It also allows you to spend more quality time with your closest friends and family that you maybe didn’t get to visit with as much as you would have liked to the night before.

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We recommend keeping the brunch casual. After a late night of drinking, dancing and fun, most people are a little (or a lot) tired and just want to relax. Hanging out and mingling don’t need to be complicated or elaborate. You just planned a big wedding with tons of details, so keep this one simple and don’t go overboard.

Happy Brunching! hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com

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What are three things every couple should know about oﬀering an open bar? By Jennifer Smith, Bartenders4you LLC. Just because you offer an open bar doesn’t mean it’s going to be a drunk fest. This is why you hire a reputable bar service that will follow all local and state alcohol laws and serve responsibly. Responsible service is the key, no matter if you are serving just beer and wine or beer, wine and liquor. Open bar is not an invitation to drink as much as you want. Open bar is not as expensive as you think, especially if you choose a venue that allows you to provide the alcohol for your guests and not have to purchase the alcohol through the venue or the venue’s in-house caterer. This will save you thousands. One of the biggest misconceptions is that beer and wine are more budget friendly to serve. This is proven to be wrong. A bottle of wine serves four glasses and an average couple will spend $10.00 a bottle, which equates to $2.50 a serving. You can purchase a name brand, mid shelf bottle of rum 1.75L for $22.98 and will get 39 mixed drinks from that bottle. That is only $.60 per drink. By adding the mixer, garnishes and cups, the total will still not even be close to $2.50 a serving. The math speaks for its self!

#1 DJ in San Antonio, Rated by Brides

What does a typical open bar include? Your typical open bar should include the basics: 2-3 beer choices, 2-3 wine choices, and your basic liquors such as whiskey, bourbon, vodka, rum, gin, scotch and tequila. Basic mixers include juices, tonic, club soda, assorted sodas, and sweet and sour garnishes. With these basic ingredients, a mixologist can make hundreds of cocktails. What are some budget-friendly ways to have an open bar? Hire an independent bar company whose expertise is bartending/ mixology. Find one that allows you to purchase your own alcohol and supplies.

THE FOUR STAR DIFFERENCE: • An attitude that puts you first. • We simply focus on providing the best music entertainment in Texas. • FREE cocktail hour and dinner hour music when you hire us for your reception. • Professionalism is our trademark

Start planning the celebration of your dreams:

210-326-0649 www.fourstardj.com

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Decide on a budget for alcohol and stick to it. Offer the best bar you can for what your budget allows for. The best ways to save money on your bar are to cut down on your serving time, skip cocktail hour and serve after dinner. Another way to save money is foregoing champagne toast. Let them toast with what they are already drinking. Are there any etiquette rules associated with having an open bar? Open bar should mean just that. Your guests should not have to pay for their drinks at any point including a tip. When you are hosting an open bar, you should take care of your guests and including the tip in the bar bill is a part of that. Food, music and drinks! The DJ has them dancing and the bartenders are interacting with your guests. Your bar service is the only wedding professional you will hire that will interact with your guests one-on-one multiple times throughout the night. You need to invest in the best that will not only have your best interest in heart but also keep your guests having a great, safe time.

Why Hire a Wedding Planner?

Let’s face it: weddings are an investment. It is a one time, once in a lifetime magical event for two people to celebrate their union. It is also important to note that no wedding is perfect, or will be perfect. It just doesn’t exist. But one way to get really close is to hire a professional wedding planner. The bottom line: venue coordinators are there because they are hired by the venue to maintain and manage the venue only. They work for the venue and not you. Their main goal is to ensure the facility runs smoothly. The feedback from vendors I have worked with says more times than not, there is a huge difference between weddings with a planner

vs. ones with out. Not only are the finishing touches and design usually better, but also the flow of the event and communication between the parties. Although venues have vendor recommendations, a wedding planner has a vast list of professional vendors that they work with and know. They know which ones show up on time, communicate effectively, and are passionate about their services. They are able to look over contracts, negotiate prices, and be the go-between. These are things a venue manager would not necessarily be involved in. The process of vendor research is extremely time consuming but

Mother of the Groom

Duties

a wedding planner is there to help you decide and bring you the resources that best fit your needs. A few more reasons to hire a planner… You need a mediator. A planner is a good third-party mediator in tricky family situations. It is impossible to please everyone; however, at least a planner can give an unbiased opinion to help navigate problems. Most often I hear “I have family and friends who have volunteered to help me day-of.” While this is a nice gesture, unless your family member is a professional wedding planner, it will not be

Historically speaking, the mother of the groom’s “role” was to sit back, relax and show up on wedding day. Fast forward to today and it’s safe to say the old rules have been nixed. It’s a good idea for the mother of the groom to touch base with the mother of the bride to find out what they feel is actually wanted and/or needed. This helps to make sure no one is stepping on someone else’s toes in the process. The future mother-in-law is normally responsible for the

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fine. They are your guests and should not be working on your wedding day. They will be preoccupied with socializing, drinking a little too much champagne, admiring how beautiful you look, taking hundreds of photos and not focused on the important details that make the event run smoothly. A planner can save you money and time. They put together a realistic budget including discounts from vendors that they have developed relationships with. Give your family a break, a gift to yourself and a gift to your family. You deserve it!

rehearsal dinner plans, but it might be fun to have her throw the engagement party or postwedding brunch as well. The groom’s parents normally help financially with these events (rehearsal or wedding brunch), however these rules are becoming much more relaxed as well. The best rule of thumb when dealing with wedding duties is to communicate – and communicate clearly! It’s all about figuring out what works best for each couple and honoring that.

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Happily Ever After THE GIBSON FAMILY

Engaged on May 10th, 2014 Married October 11th, 2015 Cole Richard Gibson born March 17th, 2018 to Kyle and Allison Gibson

Photos by: Sara K Blanco Photography

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n o n

Night Photos

I can’t get over the amazing night photos taken during balmy summer weddings. With the right photographer who understands how to capture photos with very little light, these shots can turn out to be the most whimsical of your wedding photos. Add night photos to your list of wants on your wedding day and think outside the box when it comes to getting the perfect shot. We’ve been seeing everything from dreamy, starry skies to breathtaking fireworks included in these night shots. Have fun with it!

Smoke Bombs Everyone has done sparklers, rose petals, lavender or bubbles and now we keep seeing smoke bombs. How fun to get the color of your choice for your wedding day or portrait photos! Check out this new trend and see if it’s something you are interested in doing.

Photos by: Allison Jeffers Photography

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Photos by: Straughran Photography

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Photos by: Straughran Photography

VENDORS INCLUDED:

CATERING @TIMTHEGIRL

FASHION

VENUE @PARK31EVENTS

FLOWERS @FRESHURBANFLOWERS

PHOTOGRAPHY @STAUGHAN_PHOTOGRAPHY

CAKE @JENTHECOOKIECHICK

FLOWER GIRL DRESSES @FRANKIEANDFERN

PHOTOGRAPHY @ADAMSWIFTPHOTOGRAPHY VIDEOGRAPHY @STELLA.HAUS. WEDDING.FILMS PLANNING AND DESIGN @VIRIDIANDESIGNSTUDIO

VINTAGE RENTALS @LAURIELOVEVINTAGE HAIR AND MAKE-UP @SIMPLYSERENEBOERNE

STATIONERY @THEGIRLGENERAL AIRSTREAM @SOUNDCREAMAIRSTREAM

BRIDESMAID GOWN/SILVER GOWN @KARSENKOEHLER GROOM @CORDARROW HOT PINK JUMPSUIT @NATTYTHEBLOG WHITE SHIRT @KARLPEPPITT

LLAMAS LESLIE LANE LLAMAS

BRIDAL ATTIRE @OLIVIAGRACEBRIDAL

SILVER WEDDING GOWN @MARJESCA_CARICIA

BRIDESMAIDS ATTIRE @GRAYCELN-

WHITE WEDDING GOWN/BLUE

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family dinner Caprese Balsamic Grilled Chicken PUBLISHER’S NOTE: There is nothing more important than time with your family. That is why we have decided to do a recipe page. Pick a favorite recipe you would like to make and get your family together. Use this time cooking to bond and create memories. Don’t forget to have fun and take pictures or even include a short story on how much fun you had together. Submit your recipes and photos to submissions@hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com for a chance to share with your Hill Country Weddings friends.

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It’s no secret that cooking at home is often healthier for you than dining out. What might come as a surprise, though, is that cooking with your partner has its own set of benefits. It can also reduce stress levels and build self-esteem and when you cook with your spouse, those dividends are even greater. This combines the classic caprese salad and grilled chicken in one. It’s quick and easy and perfect for summer with lots of flavor.

Ingredients: 4 - 6oz Boneless chicken breasts ½ cup balsamic vinaigrette 1 sliced Tomato ¼ cup sliced basil

¼ balsamic reduction 8oz fresh mozzarella sliced Salt and Pepper

Directions: Marinate the chicken in the balsamic vinaigrette overnight. Season chicken with salt and pepper and grill. Top grilled chicken with a slice mozzarella and slice of tomato letting it heat and melt on top. Serve topped with the basil and a drizzle of balsamic reduction over the top hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com

honeymoon

Most honeymooners enjoy a little sun and somewhere to splash around. However, the Caribbean is typically not where you would plan to go in the summer as hurricane season (June to November) can throw a wrench in your plans. But let us consider Bermuda. It’s less susceptible to early season hurricanes so it’s actually an inviting honeymoon location from June to August. Whether it’s a pink sandy beach that feels like silk between your toes or the best cuisine you’ve ever placed on your palate, Bermuda has much to offer for your romantic escape. Bermuda’s summer temperatures range from around 85° in the daytime to 75° at night, making it a honeymoon paradise day and night. Bermuda’s unique landscape was birthed from an interesting geological history, firstly made by tumultuous volcanic activity and secondly having crystal caves created during the latest ice age. Talk about exploring romance… What could be more enticing than that? So pack your bags for Bermuda and enjoy your trip away as newlyweds.

Publisher’s Pick for a Summer Honeymoon By: Crystal Wiedenfeld

Everlasting Love

By: Crystal Wiedenfeld

Janet Rae Schempp met her Prince Charming over 50 years ago by chance. James Fredrick Unruh knew immediately she was the one for him. He said, “When it’s the right one, it’s the right one.” As a matter of fact, he knew so well that the couple met on January 11 and were engaged on January 22 of the same year! Jan was attracted to Jim’s intellect, and him being tall and handsome didn’t hurt. In school Jim went all the way, as far as receiving his PHD. Jan was definitely right about his intelligence! He retired from Southwest Research Institute in 2009 after working there for 35 years. Jan was a teacher up until the two decided to have children – Amy, Annie and JT. Jan stayed home and raised her babies until they were ready for college. She then went back to teaching until finally retiring in 2004. Jim now spends his time doing wood working and cowboy action shooting. Jan spends her time quilting,

bowling and reading. They both enjoy cruising and staying busy with the grandkids, which they think the world of. When the couple shared their advice on a long-lasting marriage, both Jan and Jim agreed that accepting each other for who they are is so important; to try not to change one another. They also said to make your family and kids your top priority. The couple recently celebrated 50 years with an amazing dinner their children put together at Leon Springs Grill with all their friends and family. A big thanks to the Unruhs for their love story. I know them personally and they are amazing parents and grandparents. Their children are very lucky to have such great role models in their lives. Here’s to Happily Ever After!

The Unruh’s married May 4, 1968 SUMMER 2018

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hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com Photo by: Pine and Blossom Photography