Issuu

Fall 2019

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 Brenda Sealy Contributing Writers Crystal Wiedenfeld Ron Lehman Becca Isdale Contributing Photographers Allison Jeﬀers Photography Rebecca McCoy Photography Kaylee Hunter 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.

F�om th� Publishers

We are excited to bring you the fifth Fall 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 five 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 six already. Can you believe how much we have grown in just five years? We are beyond excited for the amazing things to come and thank everyone for being a part of our journey with us.

cheers, B�end� & C�ystal

Photo by: Alexandra Grant Photography

Find what you need with us at hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com Start planning with us on Pinterest!

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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 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-andtrue professionals in the Hill Country.Â

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 2019 issues were a success and we are excited to continue the 2020 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!

Cover by: Kayla Jane Photography Venue: Tres Molinas Ranch in Harper TX Here are the top 5 winners from top to bottom... Kayla Jane Photography, Kayla Jane Photography, Angelic Edge Photography, J. Sparks Photography and Leah Thomason Photography

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contents

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Engagement Story Apples, Apples and more Apples

Editorâ€™s Fall Photoshoot

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 from top to bottom: BT Photography, Claire Pedregon Elopement + Intimate Wedding Photography, Alexandra Christine Photography, Reigh Walker Photo and Films, Brenna Joy Photography, Priscilla Epps Photography, Sabulous Shots, Kayla Jane Photography, Limelight San Antonio Photography and Mon Christian Photography

MEET THE COVER PHOTO COUPLE... Patrick & Kris

Photos by: Kayla Jane Photography

Patrick and I had crossed paths several times over the past 4 years. Neither of us ever entertained the idea of being together. We were each working and living very busy lives but it seemed our paths started coming together more and more often. We would run into each other at Hondo’s-on-Main and at Crossroads while out with friends. One day he asked if I wanted to take a quick business trip with him to Colo-

rado. I said “no” but ended up going anyway. We had the best time! We fell madly in love with each other in just a few days and by the time we made it back to Texas I knew that he was my forever! Our relationship has been insanely amazing ever since. Everything moved quickly after that and by January we were engaged! We knew we wanted the ceremony to be small and

simple so having it at home seemed to be the best idea! We were just lucky that our home is one of the most beautiful ranches in the Hill Country! We had our wedding at the family home, also known as Tres Molinos Ranch and Resort. The planning for the wed-

ding was so easy. I knew I wanted my two best friends, Liz and Brittany, to be bridesmaids. I also had continued on page 15

ENGAGEMENT STORY

Amanda and I love going to the Austin City Limits Music Festival so much it has become one of our yearly traditions. Since we go to ACL every year and never wait for a photo opportunity with the iconic festival picture frame, I figured it would be the perfect spot to set the trap. Luckily our best friend Dede was able to help set everyPhoto by: Curtis Wiimz Gaspard

thing up, so Amanda didn’t have a clue. After waiting in line for close to 30 minutes, it was our turn next. I’ll never forget how fast my heart was racing as we stepped onto the platform. After posing for a quick photo I suddenly reached into my bag to pull out her continued on page 8 FALL 2019

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Engagement Story continued fron page 7 ring and dropped to one knee. I surprised everyone at ACL and Amanda was in tears as the cheers from the crowd got louder and louder. Of course, she said YES, so I stood up and wrapped my arms around her and lifted her up as high as I could. It was the most memorable moments of our lives and we couldnâ€™t have hoped for it to have gone any better. We will be celebrating our one-year anniversary this October and we could not be any happier than with our decision to get hitched!

Photos by: Curtis Wiimz Gaspard

ENGAGEMENT STORY

My husband and I are always enjoying the adventure of life and the moments and memories we get to make with one other along the way. I was born and raised in San Antonio and it is also the place where my husband and I met. So, the Texas Hill Country always held a special place in my heart. Our favorite thing to do on the weekends when we were still lived in San Antonio was to go to the wineries in the Hill Country along Hwy 290. The beauty of the Hill Country fed our thirst for

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adventure and good times. When it came down to our big day, the beauty of the Texas Hill Country needed to be a part of our next journey together. When we got engaged and started planning our wedding, we were living in Oklahoma City but I knew the Texas Hill Country would be the must have venue for our wedding. Planning a wedding from out of state was definitely a challenge, but it was the perfect day and place to get married to my best friend. We got married October 20, 2018

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Photo by: Stephanie Mills Photography Location: The Marquardt Ranch at the Marquardt Ranch in Boerne, TX and through our pictures, we radiate our love and passion for another.

We originally met on Match. com and even crazier, he was my first and only date that I took while on Match.com. On first our date, we met continued on page 10

Apples, Apples and Mor� Apples….

Photo By: Allison Jeﬀers Photography Rentals: CRU Vintage Apple Bar: The Cupcake Bar

Fall is just around the corner and we can not wait for cooler weather. What screams fall to you? What is a good, fun fall food? APPLES. We love apples and we have seen growing trend in food

stations, and they are fun additions to the traditional wedding. Why not book an Apple Bar at your wedding or event? Your guests get to choose the apple: red or green then they get

to pick a coating: caramel, chocolate, fudge and more and then don’t forget about the toppings: nuts, coconut, more chocolate? YES, YES and YES. After each specially prepared apple is made, it is

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sliced and presented to your guest to enjoy and share. I cannot tell you how absolutely amazing they taste and how much guest enjoy them.

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Engagement Story continued fron page 8

up at a bar (so he could make sure I was real and not faking the angelic looks in my pictures, haha). But after our first meet up, we’ve been attached at the hip ever since. After dating for a year and 9 months, Kelyn’s job required him to move to Oklahoma City and he asked me to go with him. This was the toughest decision I’ve ever had to make. Moving away from home and my comfort zone was daunting, but I moved, and it was the greatest experience I could have ever had, and I have him to

thank for it every day. Our lives just fit together so perfectly, like a puzzle piece, that we have become inseparable and continue to grow our relationship. Photos: @stephaniemillsphotography Venue: @themarquardtranch Flowers: @themarquardtranch Dress: @missstellayork Suit: @josabank Hair&Makeup: @madamemakeupandhair Cakes: @cakesandmorebakeshop

SIMPLY SERENE SALON AND SPA COME SHOP WITH US!

512 North Main St. Boerne, TX 78006 830-331-1103

www.simplysereneboerne.com FALL 2019

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Old World Charm, Modern Conveniences And A Breathtaking Hill Country Backdrop FROM INTIMATE PARTIES TO EXTRAVAGANT EVENTS, ALTSTADT BREWERY OFFERS THE BEST OF TEXAS.

More than just an award-winning brewery, Altstadt offers a wedding destination unlike any other with several indoor and outdoor venues available. Private parties up to 180 can dine from a custom menu curated by our classically trained chef and tailored to your taste buds. Our on-site event coordinator will ensure that all the details of your big day are taken care of so you can focus on what really matters. And, to top it all off, Altstadt is nestled on 120 sprawling Hill Country acres making it a wedding photographerâ€™s dream.

Learn more about what makes Altstadt an impressive yet approachable venue at AlstadtBeer.com

P R I VAT E D I N I N G R O O M

RECEPTION

B I E R G A RT E N

P R I VAT E W E D D I N G G A R D E N

ECLECTIC C E L L A R

6 1 2 0 U S H W Y 2 9 0 E A S T, F R E D E R I C K S B U R G , T E X A S 7 8 6 2 4 | 830-304-2337

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Two Splurge-Worthy Skincare Treatments to Try Before Wedding Day

Two Splurge-Worthy skincare treatments to try before your Wedding Day Don’t rely on just a good foundation and highlighter to get that glowing bride look. Here we have a few skincare secrets that might help you look fabulous on your special day. A good makeup artist helps as well of course. While we should

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all be following a routine of cleanser, moisturizers and serums, splurging on a skincare treatment shouldn’t be overlooked, especially if you want to walk down the aisle with next-level radiance. Here is the break down on two popular skincare splurges for you to consider before your wedding day.

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Dermaplaning Dermaplaning is an exfoliation treatment in which a surgical blade is used to carefully remove dead cells from the surface of the skin. When done properly, it is a highly thorough form of exfoliation and has the added benefit of removing any hair from the face as well. This helps the foundation and makeup glide

on easily and look fresh all night long. This is not something you want to do directly leading up to the wedding because it can make you red for a few days. We always advise brides to have at least one ‘test run’ dermaplaning a couple of continued on page 20

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EDITORâ€™S PICK

Photography @allisonjeďŹ€ersphotography Llamas @Susan_Leslie_Llamas Catering @timethegirlcatering Rentals @crurentals Calligraphy @lazycreekdesigns Bar @Bartenders4You Planning @hillcountryplanning Hair and Makeup @simplysereneboerne Ring @jgowenjewelry Wedding Gown @livandlovebridal Apple Bar @thecupcakebar Venue @rivenrockranchresort Napkins @lesleehallmark_drivenbydetail

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Meet the Cover Couple continued fron page 7

known Kayla for about 15 years and had used her as a photographer for years, so I knew she had to be our photographer! She also hooked me up with an amazing cake lady and helped with decorations. Our wedding day rolled around on April 1, 2019 and everything fell together perfectly. My bridesmaids and I got ready in one of the ranch’s beautiful B&Bs. We had a beautiful view, a few mimosas and just relaxed all morning. The guys went down to shoot skeet and relaxed that morning as well! That evening when it was time, everything was completely perfect, even though we both cried through our “I do’s”. We shared the rest of the evening with a few close friends and family. Our reception was full of laughs, dancing and joy. We had a delicious dinner prepared by the private chef. It couldn’t have been more perfect and we soaked up every moment we could.

Venue: Tres Molinas Ranch in Harper TX Photographer: Kayla Jane Photography Decorations: Five Star Rentals and Events in Kerrville Cake: Sweet Reservations by Melanie Catering: Julian Grisales Flowers: Barb’s Flower Barn Hair and Makeup: Kristina Richie DJ: JS Entertainment Dress: Beatitude Bridal Boutique Bridesmaids dresses: Bella Bridesmaids

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Just B�eath� By: Alexis Souza

There is a treasure found just minutes outside of downtown Boerne. A gem, some would say, or maybe more of a mineral?

Found just inside the luxury resort of Tapatio Springs, hides a unique spa with all the amenities one would expect from a prestigious, hill country venue. Ah, but this one has a big secret hidden just behind a door that opens to a whole other world. Literally, being completely shut oﬀ to outdoor environment, you walk in to the pinkish-orange glow of salt crystals from head to toe. What we commonly see at stores called “Himalayan crystals,” these Polish imported salt crystals that line the chamber-like room create an immediate, aesthetic response to everyone that enters. On the far end are trickling branches in an alcove of sorts, with delicate, white salt crystals clinging to the edges. The air inside Puresòlspa’s salt cave has a diﬀerent feeling, and there is good reason. Outside of

it just being a beautiful visual, it is actually very therapeutic. Lots of research has been done regarding the benefits of halotherapy (the use of salt in therapeutic healing), and hospitals all over Europe use it in their ducts to help sanitize the air. The salt cave is made from the very salt in a Polish salt cave that is home to the largest underground rehabilitation center in the world and known for its healing microclimate. It is a man-made, above ground made out of 20 tons of salt that recreates the unique microclimate similar to the famous, healing mine in Poland. This sealed environment is where the negative ions (these are the good guys) are disbursed in the atmosphere and absorbed by the body via the skin and the respiratory system. The benefits, beyond just being a relaxing environment,

Cave Photo by LRES Marketing, Lauren J. Keller

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include a large spectrum of positive treatments for respiratory ailments, nervous system exhaustion, sinus conditions, stress reduction and overall health. Apart from the advantageous negative ionization, the air in the salt cave includes sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, bromine and iodine. These are naturally absorbed into body during the therapy by breathing the saturated air into the lungs and thus improving the intake and increasing supply of these important elements necessary for good health, performance and overall fitness for all ages.

Chemically, the ions that the molecules of salt in the air create, become docile and take away that charged feeling so often found in the electricity of our day-to-day electronics and polluted surroundings. The specialized chairs (antigravity) that line the cave wall give you a great place just to curl up and listen to the trickling water (which actually helps keep the air around you saturated with that good salt air).

The best part for those stressed out wedding parties and families? All you have to do is breathe!!

B b h b h p t b

W u o m p t (

I o l l f c o

H e t g v S w

I Th in a s a v r u e n

Check out our website for monthly specials! www.puresolspa.com

Bride to Be Package

Groom to Be Package

(Recommended 1 month prior to big day)

(Recommended 1 month prior to your big day)

Unwind with our Signature Escape package just for you!

Experience a unique body treatment just for Men! Begin with time in our steam room infused with eucalyptus oils. Next, relax with a gentle full body salt scrub exfoliation with a hydrating and rejuvenating mask under an invigorating steam bath. Ultimate tranquility is achieved with calming head and neck massage with our unique Whiskey and Cigar scented spa products. Lastly, enjoy a Deep Tissue massage and complete your journey with a relaxing session in our Salt Cave.

Begin with an 80-minute body glow treatment. As the luminous frame for your wedding gown, your skin should look firm, hydrated and polished. This nurturing treatment ensures your entire body is silky to the touch.

Beata Hatley, owner of Puresòlspa, native of Poland and cancer survivor, brought her family tradition of working with the beautiful salt of her homeland to the hill country of Texas. (This writer believes this area, being the unofficial capital of allergy season, made it a good place for halotherapy, maybe?) Here, down the winding road covered with canopies of oak trees, they built their flagship salt cave. Since then, thanks to the popularity, they have built others in the United States and Europe, but Puresòlspa at Tapatio Springs remains Beata’s special first. When the wedding party needs a little rejuvenation, this little cave holds up to 6 people at a time. Meanwhile, there is still a full service spa just on the other side of the wall. There is state-of-the-art, European equipment with one of a kind, as in “only one in America,” Vichy capsule to perform extremely relaxing full body treatments. Unusual, luxurious treatments are offered using their unique skin care and body cosmetics (featuring make up line endorsed by JLo, girls!) It even has stuff for the boys! Beyond the obvious glow of a golf course out the window, the salt cave offers a unique twist on a day at the spa. A lot of men find themselves uncomfortable in a predominantly estrogenladen environment of typical spas. The salt cave does not have that feel. Grooms and their entourage can find themselves comfortable and catered to in the glow of the cave in a way completely unique to any other experience. Having reopened in a dazzling show of renovations, the newly remodeled clubhouse at Tapatio Springs resort, (just a two minute walk from the spa front door) offers an elegant restaurant and shop to delight your guests or just make a relaxing outing for yourself to escape. The new venue and hotel renovations also offers an enticing look at the Tapatio Spring’s tradition of being a wedding venue for over 40 years, combined with a modern look for the modern bride. Interesting note on the traditions of salt even in Bible times: The role of salt in the Bible is relevant to understanding Hebrew society during the Old Testament and New Testament periods. Salt is a necessity of life and was a mineral that was used since ancient times in many cultures as a seasoning, a preservative, a disinfectant, a component of ceremonial offerings, and as a unit of exchange. The Bible contains numerous references to salt. In various contexts, it is used metaphorically to signify permanence, loyalty, durability, fidelity, usefulness, value, and purification. There were salt covenants used in weddings where couples would combine salt to combine those references in a way that could never be separated.) **Taken directly from Wikipedia notes from “salt in Bible.”

Next, enjoy an 80-minute massage of your choice. Your journey from wedding planning to a wedding march can be demanding. A rejuvenating massage works stress relief wonders at the time when poise and charisma are essential.

3 hours $250.00

Lastly, finish with our Signature HydraFacial. You are the center of attention of your big day and your face is a focal point. This moisturizing, rejuvenating facial treatment provides a glowing complexion and will assist in keeping your make up looking fresh. This package includes a complimentary light lunch. 3.5 hours $400.00

Just For You Package

(Recommended the day of the wedding)

On this very special day take some private time just for you! Enjoy our Signature Massage in the privacy of our salt cave. Experience this treatment in a unique microclimate saturated in negative ions, minerals, and micro-elements. The pure alkaline environment will help reduce stress, calm nerves and balance your overall body system. 80 minutes $250.00

Groom’s Escape

(Recommended the day of the wedding)

Today’s the big day! Kick nerves to the curb with our relaxing Signature Massage in the privacy of our salt cave. Experience this treatment in a unique microclimate saturated in negative ions, minerals, and micro-elements. The pure alkaline environment will help reduce stress, calm nerves and balance your overall body system. 80 minutes $250.00

Ask us about our

group rate to enjoy

the Salt Cave for

the Bridal Party!

Weddings can be a particularly stressful period of time. It is also one of the best times of your life to make memories! Let us help you with both!

Located in beautiful Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort 1 Resort Way, Boerne TX 78006 (only 25 minutes from San Antonio)

(830) 537-5010 www.puresolspa.com

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

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Everyone is starting to take it back to the dark side. From blended blonde to pumpkin spice S’Ombr’e, melting those colors down to a more muted contrast is how we approach the upcoming weather change. Hair trends seems to be looking a little less tussled and a lot healthier this Fall, kind of a nice switch up. If your not afraid to take a leap of faith and go for a short cute little bob give it a try this season. If you are someone like me that likes to play it safe, Just grab a cute fun nice size clip, or hair ribbon and spice it up with that.

makeup

I must say makeup trends for the season are fairly disappointing this season. Sometimes I think the industry tries a little too hard in hopes of something sticking. Sometimes thing just “Fall Flat”Just remember less is more and a good lip with your new dark hair will always steal the show. And I’ll just keep it with that

clothing

We are seeing what I like to call the oversized coats of many colors. Oversized jacket or blazer or sweater dress’. With maybe a great knee high boot is such a cute, cozy fall fashion trend. Animal print is still hanging on by on a coattail. I even saw tiger print!! At least it’s something diﬀerent... remember be comfortable in whatever you decide to wear, confidence is what makes it look in style! Happy Fall Ya’ll

Puresolspa Ad

Fall Flowers

As we journey through the seasons, we have lots of different choices for flowers. Try to always keep it unique to your location and environment. Grasses and dried flowers scream Fall to me, what about you? Pampas is one of the top trends for this Fall. This feathery plant goes great

with a bohemian-style wedding. Other grasses such as wheat stalks, bunny tails and fountain grass make for good alternatives. The next top trend is dried flowers and it is up and coming. It goes well with a vintage or rustic style wedding. Dried lavender and baby’s breath make for a great

addition to any Fall decor and are a good way to add accents to your tables and escort cards. For bridal bouquets we like some of the rich colors found in fall and winter, with golden and burgundy Amaranthus, mustard roses, and crimson lilies. Combine dark purple and burgundy blooms with contrasting white and pink flowers for a bouquet

that’s dramatic yet soft. The feathers and leafy agonis in an arrangement give it a subtle bohemian vibe. Fresh fruit can even be added into your table centerpieces for an earthy and organic feel for Fall.

Wedding Tips Tip #1

Are you going to DIY some things for your special day? Make sure to test them out beforehand so that you can see if you are missing anything. Take a picture of how you want it set up and put it in the to-do box so that anyone can set it out for you in case you are too busy to do it. Plan early and get that DIY finished at least a month in advance so you are not stressing on the day of.

Tip #2

Talk to your planner before you start to look at venues. Yep, that’s right! After hearing your vision, wedding planners will be able to guide you to places that match what you are looking for and will save you time and possibly money as well.

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Wedding Prep for the Bride continued fron page 12

months before the wedding—that way they will know how their skin reacts to the treatment. Not all skin types are ideal for it. This the perfect service to be done a week to 4 days in advance for any big event. Your skin will be refreshed, smooth, and rejuvenated. Microdermabrasion Not happy with the scrub in your shower? Talk to your esthetician about this treatment to see if it’s a good fit for your skin type. “Microdermabrasion is like a vacuum

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for your skin. It gives the ultimate exfoliation and is geared towards delaying wrinkles and eliminating blackheads that form.” It also has the potential to reduce the appearance of dark spots or changes in pigmentation. For best results before your wedding, allow at least one week in advance, as some skin can turn red or get irritated.

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Photo By: Allison Jeï¬€ers Photography

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

Tips You Need to Know if You are Writing Your Own Wedding Vows By: Becca Isdale

One of the most personal and intimate elements you can add to your wedding is writing and reading your own wedding vows. It’s sweet, romantic, and it may make your guests shed a few tears (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing). We know that the task isn’t as easy as putting pen to paper, so we are here to give you a few tips that will hopefully make things easier for you! Write Down Notes About Your Relationship Every good project didn’t start out with all of the pieces. You have to start out with a foundation before you can build up, so this is actually a very important step! Make bullet notes, jot down thoughts as they come to you, or make a list. Reflect back on your journey together and write down anything that sticks out to you or that holds a special place in your heart. Your vows should embody the core of your relationship and how you’ve evolved together as a

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couple, so laying out all of the memories as bullet points and then building oﬀ of them can really be beneficial.

Reminisce With Your Partner Finding a quiet place to sit and talk with your partner about all that you’ve been through together can help spark memories, feelings, and thoughts about your relationship that you may want to add into your vows. Take a trip down memory lane, share a few laughs, shed a few tears,

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and allow that time to serve as inspiration. Not only that, but it will bring you both closer together, which is a great thing when it comes to the chaos of wedding planning.

Add in the Good and the Bad Every relationship has struggles and not only goes through the good times, but the bad times as well. You don’t have to give details (that’s between you and your boo), but make sure to add in that what you’ve been through together has only made you stronger as a

couple, that you’re all in during the good and bad times, and that you will always be there even during the lows. Love is an amazing thing, but the reality of it all is that love is a rollercoaster and marriage means that both of you will be buckled-in together during the highs and lows throughout life. Speak Towards The Future Not only should you bring up your past together, but you should also talk about the future you have envisioned together. Mention the dreams you have together and the things you want to accomplish hand in hand. You wedding day marks you first day together in the start of a new phase in life, so make sure to capture that elements in your vows and assure your partner how you feel moving forward. Don’t Think About Other People The moment you say your vows is all about you and continued on page 28

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FallCocktails ON WEDDING DAY!

With Fall around the corner it’s time for Fall Cocktails… The leaves are starting to turn and the air is getting cooler so why not bring on all those fall flavors like apples and cinnamon? Jennifer at Bartenders 4 You created these amazing drinks so can hook you up with the full recipes on them and more.

Grooms Cocktail

“Apple Manhattan” Crown Apple Vs Cognac Sweet Vermouth House made Grenadine Fresh squeezed Lemon Juice Fresh Cranberry Juice

Bride Cocktail

“Caramel Apple Spiked Cider” Salted Caramel Vodka Fresh Apple Cider Fresh squeezed Lemon Juice Agave Nectar Caramel Sugar Rim

Couples Cocktail

“Smoked Sage Hard Apple Cider” Gin Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice Hard Apple Cider Smoked Sage

Photos by: Allison Jeﬀers Photography Drinks by: Bartenders 4 You

Cheers and Happ� Planning! FALL 2019

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Llamas at you� TRADITIONS �dding o� event! WEDDING

How does a llama sound at your wedding or event? They sound like so much fun to me and they make for such great photo opportunities with your guests. Did you know that you can rent a

llama for your next event? The best part is you can dress these four-legged friends with top hats, bridal veils or jewels however my favorite is just a pretty floral garland.

Is there potential for some llama drama? Absolutely! And including a llama will help add a fun, light, and memorable element to your event. If you are thinking of this for your next event,

Tips of Writing Wedding Vows continued fron page 24 your fiancé. If you’re saying them during the ceremony, then yes you will have plenty of eyes on you while you’re doing so, but don’t let that cloud what you really want to say. Don’t leave anything out that you absolutely want to say because you only have one chance! Furthermore, if you’re getting help writing your vows from family or friends, make sure that whatever you’re writing down is from your heart and how you truly feel. Don’t get us wrong, we love a good writing session with the ones we love, but this day is about you and your partner and your vows should reflect that. Now that you’ve got a good place to start, let’s get those vows written! Remember, write from the heart and everything will be just fine. This is such a wonderful and special time for you and your partner, so try not to stress too much.

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make sure to check with your venue or location and make sure they are allowed but they can go just about anywhere.

Do you hav� you� cop�? 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

1. Dream Reception: a. Barn or farmhouse b. Ballroom c. Outdoors 2. Go-to Shoes: a. Boots b. Nude Pumps c. Sandals 3. Which Song Would You Choose as Your First Dance? a. Die a Happy Man by Thomas Rhett b. Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley c. Better Together by Jack Johnson

4. Must-have Wedding Day Accessory: a. Hint of Leather b. Diamond earrings c. Flower Crown 5. Home Decor Style: a. Rustic b. Minimalistic c. Boho 6. Dream Wedding Dress a. Vintage & tulle b. Asymmetrical & embellished c. Laced & relaxed

Mostly A’s: Rustic Romance With rustic elements of country life, timber, and metal; this is a wedding style for you! Venues such as barns, farmhouses, or even a dressed-up shed that is usually relaxed and less formal will be your best choice. With an emphasis on natural materials and nature, the rustic style usually has many natural beauty decorations such as string lights, mason jars wrapped with lace, and hints or burlap. Grab those boots and get ready for some good ol’ fun on your wedding day! Mostly B’s: Modern Minimalism You are going to be playing with elements of geometry and various shapes on your wedding day, but don’t let the simplicity fool you! You will make a statement, even in the smallest ways. Neutral color palettes will be your go-to wedding shades and your decorations will have a crisp and classic twist! For you, less is more and this will be a common theme throughout your wedding details. From wearing a modern wedding dress to having a naked wedding cake, your wedding will be filled with sweet, sweet simplicity. Mostly C’s: Beautiful Boho Like pictures from an enchanted book, your wedding will be one with a soft and romantic feel. Inspired from an earthy and outdoor feel, you will have many components of greenery, flowers, and flower crown on your special day! For your hair and makeup, soft waves and a natural look will be what works best for you! Your wedding day will have a feeling of free-spirit and charm that will encapture the attention of all of your guests!

FALL 2019

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How To P�epar� Fo� You� Session By: Devin Travieso at Wayfarer Photography

Whether you wear your emotions on your face or you’re a brick wall, I’ve done this long enough to know that about 99.9% of people that arrive to a photoshoot come as a nervous wreck. On the outside, you’re hoping that your super cool outfit and smooth smile are hiding the fact that inside you’re freaking out! “I don’t know what I’m doing! Will he tell me what to do? I hope he doesn’t make me do something dumb! What if he doesn’t catch my good side? What if he’s awkward? What if I’m awkward?” The thoughts on this list could go on for days, but for the sake of space, I’ll cut it there. One of my favorite moments in every session is the response to the first thing I tell people, “You don’t have to think, at all, on this shoot. I will guide you on where to look, what to do, what expression to make, where to put your hands, EVERYTHING. If I see any loose hairs, wardrobe malfunction, anything, I will fix it all for you. I want everyone I shoot with to have fun and people can only do that if they don’t have to worry, so let’s have fun!” The look of relief is priceless. The shoulders drop, the smile gets bigger, and now the excitement begins. While perfecting the exposure, getting the right angles, and exploring creative ideas are all objectives of mine, my ultimate goal for every session is to capture that person’s genuine personality. I’ve spent years learning what tools are needed to dig through the layers of

the anxiety and insecurities that come with having a camera pointed at you. While I believe that it’s our job to do most of the work on the photography end, I want to help you, the one in front of the camera, with some ways to prepare for your shoot so that the drive to your session can be one of anticipation - and not nervousness. Study Yourself What do I do when you shoot with someone that doesn’t seem to like any photos of themselves? I ask them to show me 2-3 pictures in which they like their look. It can be a selfie or a professional photo. Quality doesn’t matter. All that matters is that I can see what you see and like about that picture. When you examine photos that you like of yourself, it’s a shortcut path into what works. There’s typically a common thread in the photos. It may be that you like being captured from a certain angle. You may feel that your smile looks best when you’re laughing. You may feel like certain colors work best with your skin. Everyone is diﬀerent and that is totally ok. Compiling a list of these photos before your shoot will help you to know what you like and don’t like to see in photos of yourself. Get on Pinterest Pinterest (pinterest.com) is your best friend when it comes to any session. There’s so many ideas on there by which to get inspired. Make yourself a board of diﬀerent ideas you like. The

most helpful one to make will be a board of diﬀerent poses and expressions that you like and feel best represent you. My favorite search topic in Pinterest is “Lifestyle Photography.” Give a try and see what you find! Pack Essentials to Battle Weather Here in South Texas, perfect weather days are a rarity. In one week, we can have bright, sunny weather and the next hour, it can be rainy so I’ve learned to have people prepare for all kinds of circumstances. Bright, sunny days: Bring a pair of sunglasses. You won’t wear them for every shot but they make for a cool accessory that’s relevant to the lighting circumstance. Humid days: I can’t preach this enough, bring hair spray. Nothing is worse than hair gone flat. Windy days: Straight hair and windy weather do not go well hand in hand, unless of course you’re intentionally going for the wild, wind blown hair look. In that case, carry on but for most cases, wearing the hair curled is ideal for this circumstance. Which means bringing the curler and having a charging adapter for the car will be a life saver. Cold days: Sounds pretty common sense, but I would plan on bringing a blanket. Whenever I’m shooting in the few actual cold days we get here, I make sure to have everyone take breaks to warm up and cozy up in between shooting.

CAKE TOP TRICK

Are you and your spouse intending to save the top tier of your cake and eat it on your first wedding anniversary? A simple hack that will help keep your cake from getting messy is to set it in the freezer! Have someone you trust place the cake in the freezer for about 30 minutes before you wrap it up and it will keep the icing from sticking to your foil or container.

Less mess means less stress! 32

FALL 2019

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Calendars September

SEPTEMBER 1 7:57 PM SEPTEMBER 15 7:40 PM OCTOBER 1 OCTOBER 15

7:20 PM 7:04 PM

NOVEMBER 1 6:48 PM NOVEMBER 15 5:39PM

18th: The Grove Fall Open House Health and Wellness Fair at The Dominion Country Club 20th: Kevin Fowler and The Bellamy Brothers at John T. Floore 21st: Comfort Art Festival 22nd: Bridal Open House at Vista West Ranch 26th: Wine and Food Festival at La Cantera Resort and Spa

Sunset Times

October

November

3rd: Fall Open House at The Oaks of Heavenly 5th: The Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch at Love Creek Orchards 11th: ACL Fest weekend Texas Mesquite Arts Festival in Fredericksburg Tanya Tucker Live at Gruene Hall 19th: New Braunfels Fall into Art Festival 26th: Austin Lobster Festival Llamo River Pumpkin Float

1st: Buckfest in Bandera 2nd: Austin Tequila Fest Clay Walker at Roundup Music Venue 9th: Johnny Bush at Luckenbach 29th: Dickens on Main, Boerne TX FALL 2019

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Real Weddings

Berkle� and Sterlin Boyc� CEREMONY MUSIC: MONTE VISTA STRINGS

BEER BURROS: CROSS T RANCH

HAIR&MAKEUP: RAW MANE SALON

BAND: SHANE SMITH AND HTE SAINTS

OFFICIANT: CHAD CHAMNESS

TRANSPORTATION: DAISY SHUTTLE

CAKES & COOKIES: CAKES BY SUMMER

PLANNER: UPTOWN EVENTS

VIDEOGRAPHER: METAXY FILMS

RENTAL COMPANY: WHIM VINTAGE RENTALS: CRU

VENUE, CATERING AND BARTENDING: YO RANCH

CIGAR ROLLER: BOBALU CIGARS

FLORIST: TONI DEE CANTU

SOUND PRODUCTION: KLAYMAN PRODUCTIONS

PHOTOGRAPHER: THE COPPER COLLECTIVE

FALL 2019

DJ: WILL RHODES

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WEDDING PLANNER: QUEEN OF HARTS VENUE: PARK 31 DJ: 5150 PRODUCTIONS

SOBERANOS CATERER: THEBOX STREET SOCIAL BARTENDER:BARTENDERS 4 YOU

FLORIST: SAN ANTONIO FLORAL DESIGNS

PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEO: LIMELIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

FOLKLORICO DANCERS: MARIACHI LOS

CAKE: SWEET ELEGANCE CAKES

DESSERT CART: CORI JEAN ICE CREAM RENTALS: CRU VINTAGE RENTALS MARQUEE RENTALS CALLIGRAPHY: ISIDORE AUGUSTINE PHOTOBOOTH: MAD MAD PHOTOBOOTH HAIR & MAKEUP: PRIM & POWDER

Ethan & Amand� Banniste�

Congratulations to ou� Hill Countr� Couples

FALL 2019

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Destination Wedding Andrew and Rachel Marshall

THE DETAILS

What do you love most about your partner? We’re best friends and I can’t imagine spending my life with anyone else. He brings out the best in me and supports me to be me.

How would you describe your wedding in one or two words? Magical and full of love. Tell us about your wedding gown and how you chose it: it was the second wedding dress I tried on. I thought I wanted something simple but as soon as I tried it on (along with a veil!) I knew I wanted something more dramatic. I tried on a fair few more dresses but kept on coming back to it. The Bridal Emporium were amazing at helping me choose the beading, colours and alterations so it felt like it fitted perfectly on the day.

WEDDING FEATURE THANKS TO: BWEDDING WEDDING INVITATIONS: PAPIER DRESS: WATTERS WTOO VEIL: THE BRIDAL EMPORIUM MAKEUP: JULES DANIELS HAIR: CRAIG PARKINSON

FOOD: HOG & APPLE FLOWERS: CLOCK DANDELION PHOTOGRAPHER: LUMIERE PHOTOGRAPHIC VENUE: THE NORMANS ENTERTAINMENT: FREE TO ROAM DJ: HI-LIFE ENTERTAINMENT

SHOES: UTERQUE

CELEBRANT: SELBY REGISTRARS

BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: A RANGE

WEDDING FAVOURS: CHOCOLATE GOLD COINS FROM BETTYS

SUITES: HAWES & CURTIS

Did you do a ‘first look’ before the ceremony? No - it was all a surprise! What sort of style did you envision for your wedding day? We wanted it to really feel like ‘us’ so quite informal where all our friends and family could relax and let their hair down. We tried to keep things simple and focus on how we could spend the most time with the people we love and what would help them to have a great time. How did you come to choose the location

and venue? Rachel grew up in Harrogate so wanted to be able to get ready at home with her bridesmaids on the morning of the wedding. We stumbled across the Norman’s after a lot of searching and loved how beautiful it was whilst also being laid back. Describe the cake (including the flavors) and cake topper: The cake was made by Rachel’s best friend from university - Gayle Russell. Gayle made 3 different sized cakes, all of different flavours; white chocolate and orange, Victoria sponge and lemon and elderflower. The wooden boards were chopped down at her boyfriend’s farm! She decorated the cakes using flowers from Clock Dandelion. What flowers did you use in the bouquet and at the venue? Lots of different flowers and leaves in beautiful autumnal colours. How did you choose your table décor? Jo from Clock Dandelion gave amazing advice. We wanted to keep it simple

whilst also adding colour with the flowers in milk bottles and warmth with the tea lights. What was the menu for the reception? Yorkshire sourced antipasti sharing boards, buttermilk chicken/flat iron steak with mac & cheese and a range of salads, lemon posset. What were your favorite moments from the day? The weather being warm enough to have drinks and spend time outside, walking into the grain shed as a married couple, serving after dinner cocktails, having all our friends and family on the dance floor. Any DIY décor elements? Polaroid cameras for the guest book, blankets to keep people warm, team bride and team groom ‘tattoos’ Any sentimental personal touches? Our wedding favours were chocolate coins from Bettys - a favourite of Rachel’s and a link to Yorkshire.

FALL 2019

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Th� Getawa�... Ca�?

Photos By: Allison Jeﬀers Photography Truck: Wedding Rigs

The standard “getaway” car use to be a “Just married” sign, writing on the windows with shoe polish and tin cans hanging from the back.

There are so many options now from a Send-Oﬀ Boat, Decorated Golf Cart, Horse-Drawn Carriage, Vintage Car or Truck, to even an elephant.

Now there are lots of options for your get away vehicle for wedding night. Why not opt for a vehicle that fits your wedding style?

We are seeing lots of Vintage cars and trucks for the upcoming wedding season. Not only does it get you safely from the reception to your final hotel or destination after the wedding, but it also takes you in style. FALL 2019

Don’t forget to make sure and book the “get away” vehicle to come a little early because you probably want to get some good photos with the beauty. Book early because sometimes depending on what you want and where you are having your wedding your options could be limited.

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TOP 5 PLANNING TIPS By: Devin Travieso at Wayfarer Photography

Ever wish weddings came with a user manual? I know I sure did when my wife and I were planning ours 5 years ago. Wedding’s are funny in that there’s so much pressure and expectation for this monumental day to be perfect and run smoothly, and yet, we get one chance to get it right (often without prior experience or knowledge of how to make that happen). Looking back, there were so many quirks about our wedding day and although we can look back and laugh now, I wish we had a list of DO’s and DONT’s to help guide us along the way. This is why I love sitting with couples and helping them plan for their big day and making it as stress free as possible. I’m going to share my top 5 wedding planning tips, in hopes that it will oﬀer some help, insight, and relief in your planning endeavors.

1. DON’T SKIMP ON A PHOTOGRAPHER I’m going to go ahead and start oﬀ by addressing this one head on. When all is said and done, the decorations are packed up, the venue gates are closed, the food is eaten, and the music is over, the photos are the only thing you have left to relive one of the most important days of your lives. I know that because of what I do, I naturally have a biased opinion but far before I was a photographer, my biggest advice remained the same. Invest in your memories because they are worth it and so are you! I’ve witnessed so many unfortunate circumstances unfold for those trying to spend as least as possible on a wedding photographer: Poor editing, no shows, canceling last minute, being rude to guests at the wedding, losing photos

and refusing to return a partial refund, severely grainy images. The popular saying very much applies when in search for the right wedding photographer, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. 2. TIMELINE CAN MAKE YOU OR BREAK YOU Whenever I ask those inquiring how long they need me for, I would say 9 times out of 10 I hear anywhere from 8-12 hours. Most people assume that they need a photographer from the time they start getting ready for the day till they depart from the reception, which can make for a very costly day. Before ever sending a quote, I always go over a series of in depth questions to help the couple narrow in the time frame they’re actually needing photography for because let’s face it, no one wants photos taken before make up

is applied, hair is done, and certainly not hundred’s of photos at the end of uninhibited guests busting their best dance moves. I typically recommend a start time of 1 - 1 1/2 hours prior to the ceremony for preparation photos depending on the size of the wedding and how much time the couple prefers to have between the prep photos and the ceremony. If your preparation location is different than the ceremony or the guys and girls are getting ready in two different locations, I would plan for closer to 2 hours before the ceremony as a start time. Another important piece to consider is the end time of a wedding. If you are planning on having a send off captured, that will be your end time by default (unless you

do a mock send oﬀ earlier in the night). However, for those that either don’t do a send oﬀ or don’t wish to have it captured, I always recommend that they consider the end time about 30-45 min into the open floor dancing portion (unless there is something crucial happening afterwards) because at this point of the night, it’s a lot of the same people and moments being captured, only a little more “uninhibited.” No one wants a million pictures of Uncle Joe attempting to do the running man. 3. MAKE THE MOST OF GOLDEN HOUR Creating your wedding timeline can be a daunting task and all too often I hear, “I have no idea where to start.” There’s so many aspects of the day to factor in as you plan from start to finish so in an ideal world, I like to sim-

plify this by asking what are some of the most important photos of the day to capture and what is the best time of day for lighting? Most people would agree that the photos with family, the wedding party, and the bride & groom are the absolute most important photos of the day and it’s a given that golden hour is the best time of day for lighting. That being said, I always recommend that couples plan an hour during golden hour for these photos. 15 minutes with family, 15 minutes with the wedding party, and the remaining 30 minutes for the bride & groom photos. Doing this allows you to work backwards and forwards with ease. 4. LEAVE WIGGLE ROOM No matter how prepared you are, NO WEDDING EVER GOES EXACTLY AS PLANNED. Stuﬀ will inevitably come up and you can anticipate being thrown a curveball or two...or 5. That being said, my next piece of advice as it pertains to the timeline of a wedding is leave wiggle room between transitions. Every time I’ve done a wedding or attended one with a back to back schedule, the evening always runs behind, thus causing stress for those involved and things begin to fall in the cracks. Trust me, you would much rather be enjoying the day and relaxing than playing damage control.

WHAT TO DO 4-5:30pm // Preparation Photos 6pm-6:15pm // Ceremony 6:30-7:30pm // Family, wedding party, and bride/groom photos 7:45pm // Grand Entrance to the reception WHAT NOT TO DO 4-5:30pm // Preparation Photos 5:30pm-5:45pm // Ceremony 5:45-7pm // Family, wedding party, and bride/groom photos 7pm // Grand Entrance to the reception 5. SET THE TONE FOR THE DAY Determining the tone of your wedding draws a line in the sand, determining what compliments the dynamic of your wedding and what doesn’t. Are you wanting a small, intimate wedding where everyone gets to enjoy each other’s company? Are you wanting a big, upbeat, all night celebration? Are you wanting something more on the casual side? Once you determine this, some things to consider are: - Day of the week: This is an especially important factor for those looking to have a lively, all night party for their reception. The best days for this are Fridays and Saturdays (but note that because of this, these are the most costly days to host a wedding). I’ve been to weddings that had an end time of midnight on a

Sunday evening and despite how festive the reception was, guests began to leave by 9pm due to having work the following day. - Time of the day: I did a wedding early this year and the couple wanted a very casual, close family feel for their big day. They decided to do 10am on a Sunday morning and it felt absolutely perfect for the tone of their wedding. They preferred time to converse with family and friends over open floor dancing so having the wedding in the evening would’ve seemed out of place. The time of day you host your wedding plays a big role in the overall tone of the day. FALL 2019

- Open bar: Let’s be real, the wedding being open bar or not determines how long your guests will stay. My wife used to always tell me that people always stay the latest and dance the most at open bar weddings and I would tell her that was a myth...until I start doing photography for weddings. Now I know for a fact that she was right. I hope you found some of these tips helpful in your wedding planning. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to send me a message or an email. I would love to help! Good luck my friends.

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FALL 2019

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GENERAL

210.495.6200 girlgeneral.com @thegirlgeneral

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!

HillCountryWeddingsMagazine.com FALL 2019

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15 Uniqu� First Danc� Songs That A�en’t Overplayed! By: Becca Isdale

We know how it can be when it comes to picking the first dance song for your wedding day. You search and search, but nothing speaks to you and the anxiety starts to set in. Well, grab a drink and take some notes because we are here to take you through a list of songs that make for perfect first dance songs! The best part? They are songs that you haven’t heard over and over again!

1. Better Together by Jack Johnson

4. The Bones by Maren Morris

An airy and light acoustic folk song that will make you want to grab your partner and start dancing! This song will surely put a smile on both of your faces as well as all your guests.

This soulful pop song with hints of country reflects a strong relationship. Despite everything that may be going on around them, these two people can get through anything together.

2. Falling Like the Stars by James Arthur

5. I Will Spend My Whole Life Loving You by Imaginary Future ft. Kina Grannis

Looking for a romantic tearjerker? Well, look no further! This song has a heartwarming eﬀect that will have everyone in awe while you and your new spouse dance away! It will make you feel as if you are truly dancing with the stars! 3. From the Ground Up by Dan + Shay This song is a country love song that doesn’t get enough credit! With lyrics signifying the start of a new beginning, this is the perfect song to symbolize the new chapter of both of your lives.

FALL 2019

This folk love song truly encaptures the meaning of love between best friends and all that it entails. This one is sure to pull at some heart strings! 6. Blessed by Thomas Rhett With this slow, romantic country love song, both of you will be reminded of how lucky you both are to have each other in your lives. You can definitely feel the love in the lyrics with this one!

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7. You Are Mine by Spencer Combs ft. Holley Maher Folksy yet instrumental, this is a song that may call for tissues once it is over. The lyrics from this song seem like vows themselves and not only are they touching, but they are filled with so much love. 8. I Get to Love You by Ruelle This is another song on our list that really focuses on how appreciative and grateful one is to have the love of their life right in front of them. The reflection of loving one another forever is mirrored perfectly with this one! 9. How Would You Feel by Ed Sheeran Ed Sheeran is an artist whose songs make an appearance at a lot of weddings. With songs like “Perfect” and “Photograph,” how could they not? However, this song is one that not a lot of people turn to yet has the same heart-warming eﬀect! We like to call it a hidden gem.

10. I Choose You by Ryann Darling Saying “I do” and the union of two souls is perfectly translated in this song by Darling and makes for a beautiful first dance song. With the background music featuring the piano, this song is one that will get the water works going for everyone! 11. Crazy Love by Michael Bublé Lighthearted and feel good are words that perfectly sum up this one! This song fully captures those joyous moments and happiness in every way. If you are a couple that wants a more mirthful eﬀect, Michael Bublé is the man for the job! 12. I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz When this song came out, it had so much buzz, but for some reason it slowly faded. Well, we are here to put it back on the map! This acoustic, ebullient tune embodies positivity and hard work in a relationship. Everything a first dance song should be!

#1 DJ in San Antonio, Rated by Brides

13. Here Tonight by Brett Young If you and your partner want to truly live in the moment during your first dance, this song is a perfect song for you! With a more upbeat melody, it will definitely be one to create a heartening, romantic eﬀect. 14. Better Together by Us the Duo Every time we hear this song, we always start to sway our heads back and forth. With such a lighthearted, acoustic vibe, this song is sure to make for such a sweet moment between you two lovebirds! 15. How Long Will I Love You by Ellie Goulding Sentimental and sweet, this tune is one that focuses on the depth of the love that one has for another. The piano background music adds for a soft and romantic eﬀect that will perfectly reflect the emotions of your special day!

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

FALL 2019

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5 Tips You Need to Know While Planning a Destination Wedding 1. Visit the Venue in Advance

3. Send out Invitations well in Advance

5. Make a Checklist (passports, etc.)

We all know that scrolling through Pinterest can be mesmerizing, but when it comes to choosing your venue for your destination wedding it is better to see the site in person! Plan a trip with your partner months in advance to make sure the place is one that you both absolutely love and cherish. You will both be able to gain a feel for the area and see if it is actually somewhere you would like to start this new chapter of your lives together!

With this being a destination wedding, you’ll want to make sure your guests have a heads up in advance! Make sure to give them enough time to figure out if they are able to go, book a flight, and find a hotel around the venue. Much more planning goes into destination weddings, so making sure everyone has an ample amount of time to set everything into motion is definitely needed!

You want to make sure that both you and your future spouse have everything ready to go! With destination weddings, you want to make sure that you bring along everything you need and leave nothing behind. Start planning out your list in advance and give yourself plenty of time to pack. The last thing you want on your wedding day is to have forgotten something important!

2. A Wedding Planner is a Must

Booking with local vendors will not only lower the cost of the wedding, but it will also save you a lot of time! However, we suggest doing research before signing a contract. In addition, it will also make things easier if you have a wedding planner by your side. They have connections that will make the process of finding vendors a little less hectic!

Destination weddings can be tricky when it comes to planning everything out. Not only are you unfamiliar with the area, but the lack of connections with vendors will also put a strain on your wedding planning. Hiring a wedding planner or coordinator will not only allow for those connections to be established, but it also creates more time for both you and your partner to focus on what you need leading up to the day of your wedding.

FALL 2019

4. Use Local Vendors

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We are now oﬀering Destination Weddings! If you or someone you know is planning their destination wedding, we would love to help make this very special day easier. Head to Hill Country Planning’s website and let’s make some magic! www.hillcountryplanning.com

honeymoon

Publisher’s Pick for a Fall Honeymoon

I once had an enlightening conversation with a very prestigious and well-traveled man who told me that of all the places he has been, Italy will always be his number one destination. I have wanted to plan a trip there for as long as I can remember. Maybe it will become more than your dream destination. This fall’s honeymoon destination pick is Lake Como, Italy. In is in northern Italy’s Lombardy region. The area is about an hour’s drive north of Milan. It is an upscale resort area where you can find the perfect place to stay that is suitable for you and your new life partner. The area is known

By: Crystal Wiedenfeld

for its fantastic scenery since it is set along the Alps. The main resort town is referred to as Bellagio and at the bottom of the southwest branch of the lake is the city of Como. The entire region has endless lush greenery and perfect vintage lakeside villages that are framed by the Italian and Swiss Alps. As you explore, you will find villas, beautiful intricate gardens, and perfect quaint little churches. It is the ideal place for honeymooners to hike all around and explore together. I know this goes without saying but you are in Italy, so everywhere you turn you will find the most amazing and romantic restaurants around.

Probably the best way to hop between towns is by the frequent ferry services that operate on Lake Como. Ferries ply both arms of the lake regularly and are a neat, laidback way to get around. You can get tickets from the ticket oﬃces at each ferry terminal where you will find the daily schedules as well. This is a very convenient way to explore the area and get a grand view of the area.

thrill and a challenge to walk along and are filledwithcute, quaint shops and eateries. It’s easy to spend hours wandering the alleys that snake up from and along the shore. You can also board the local tourist train for a short trip around town. Who knows, you might even run into George or Amal on your strolls. So, go explore Italy and get to know your new spouse as you begin your new life together.

The area is full of villages that have narrow cobbled streets, built on steep slopes that are a

Man� Blessings

FALL 2019

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famil� dinne� Harvest Chicken Bowl I don’t know about you but I’m all about preparing harvest bowls for dinner using all my favorite fall ingredients. You start with rice. It can be white rice, brown rice or even cauliflower rice for those on a keto diet. Then pick your favorite protein - ahi tuna, chicken, steak or even shrimp. Next pick your favorite vegetables: carrots, corn, onions, celery, broccoli, asparagus will work. If you are in a hurry feel free to pick a freezer bag of your favorite veggie medley. Your choice of protein will determine what type of sauce or spices you will want to add. Check out my chicken bowl recipe this Fall, you love it!!! 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.

FALL 2019

Ingredients: FOR THE BOWL 1 lb. Brussels sprouts, cut in halves and trimmed 1 sliced red or white onion Garlic clove minced 2 small sweet potatoes, cut into small cubes 2 tbsp. olive oil Salt and pepper to taste 3 c. grilled chicken

Directions:

FOR THE DRESSING 2 c. Roughly chopped kale 1/2 c. dried cranberries 1/2 c. sliced almonds or nuts of your choice 3 c. cooked rice of your choice

1/4 c. apple cider 1/4 c. apple cider vinegar 2/3 c. olive oil 1/2 shallot, minced 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard 1 tsp. Honey Salt and pepper

• Preheat oven to 375. On a large, parchment lined baking sheet, mix Brussels sprouts, sweet potato and red onion and garlic with 1 tbsp olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Bake until vegetables are tender, 25-30 minutes. • Dressing - In a large bowl, whisk cider, vinegar, olive oil, shallot, mustard and honey until smooth and combined. Season with salt and pepper. • In a medium bowl, mix kale with cranberries and nuts of your choice. Add 1/3 c prepared dressing to the salad and toss. • Assemble your bowls: start with 1 cup rice and then add 1 cup of roasted vegetables, 1/2 cup salad, and 1 cup chicken. drizzle with dressing and serve.

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FALL FOODS

Fall food means toﬀee apples, mulled wine, cheese board buﬀet and a donut wall, right? Ok maybe not anything that dramatic but fall is all about mixing flavors and pairing sweet and savory. Fall is about changing from garden fresh summer food into a heartier food for fall season and don’t forget you can mix the seasonal foods as well. When picking your main entrée remember guests will be craving something warmer and comforting, just avoid serving them anything too heavy because you don’t want them lethargic

and sleepy when you want them on the dance floor having fun. For fall, swap out the lighter summertime options like fish and chicken for lamb or pork. For the vegetarians, consider oﬀering a wild mushroom risotto or a pumpkin and butternut squash ravioli. Take advantage of the fall season by choosing side dishes such as a root vegetables, squash, carrots, or potatoes. Don’t forget to add in some pumpkin, apples, and cinnamon flavors as well. Choosing the right food and drink options is essential to pulling together FALL 2019

your vision for the wedding so keep in mind the season and what flavors your guests may be expecting. The menu you choose will likely impact your style for the wedding reception whether you are serving a sit-down dinner or having a buﬀet, you will impress your guests with a simple menu card. Fall is definitely the popular time of year to get married with the cooler weather and rich colors, it makes the perfect backdrop for a wedding celebration.

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New Hom� After marriage comes the joy of buying a first time home or selling two homes and picking one for your new family to set up house in. It can be nervewracking and thrilling all at the same time. These three tips may help to make that process a little easier.

How Much Home You Can Aﬀord? Consider your income – What do you and your spouse make annually? What recurring debts do you have? Most banks will require that your monthly payment won’t exceed a percentage of your income. (28%)

Consider The Down Payment Most lenders prefer a down payment of at least 5% up to 20% or higher. For many would-be buyers, the down payment is a big factor that influences how much they can aﬀord. Find the right home for you Now that you know how much you can aﬀord and how much you’ll need to save for your down payment, you’re ready for the fun part: Finding the right home for you and your family.

There are many factors to consider, how big is your family now or what are you planning as well? What neighborhoods are you willing to consider? Are schools a factor? Is a single-family home a requirement or is a condo an option? Get Pre-Qualified By this point, you should have a pretty good idea about what kind of home you’re looking for, and the neighborhood you’d like to live in. You also know how much you’ve saved for a down payment, which in turn will

determine the type of loan you should pursue. If you’ve compared a few rates you should request a pre-qualification letter. In today’s competitive housing market, it is not uncommon for a seller to receive multiple oﬀers on their home. Having a pre-qualification letter in hand could be the diﬀerence in your ability to purchase the house you desire. It proves to the seller that you are serious and provides you with bargaining power which could give you an advantage over other buyers.

After marriage comes the joy of buying a first time home or selling two homes and picking one for your new family to set up house in. It can be nerve-wracking and thrilling all at the same time. These three tips may help to make that process a little easier.

Happily Ever After THE WHITE FAMILY

#1 Check your credit You need to know if there are any accounts that may not belong to you

hotos by Chrissi M Photography

Tom and Alina White Engagement Date: July 5th, 2017 Married October 21, 2017 Pictured with daughters, Kristen, Emily, Madelynn and newborn son, William Thomas White II, born February 22, 2019 Photos by: Laurie Adalle Photography

FALL 2019

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FALL 2019

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Photos By: Hill Country Weddings

Everlasting Lov�

It’s always fun to sit down with a couple and interview them about their long-lasting marriage but I felt particularly honored to sit down with this couple because they mean a lot to Boerne and the Hill Country. Randall and Marzi Rust were married September 9th, 1972 in Boerne at the Methodist Church (by a Presbyterian minister) because all their wedding guests didn’t fit in the Presbyterian church. They planned the wedding in 9 days and the cost was $125.00 (How AMAZING is that!) Randall grew up in Boerne and his family has been in Boerne for over 150 years. He is the fourth generation on the Rust Ranch in the Hill Country. He is one of 4 siblings with two sisters and one brother. Randall graduated from Boerne High in 1968. He went to SAC for two years before joined the Army (making $93 a month). After 10 weeks he became a sergeant over 80 guys and when he left there were 20 guys left. Everyone else was sent to Vietnam. He elected to do his OJT at Fort Hood and then made his way to Alaska where he finished up his time (18 to 19 months).

By: Brenda Sealy

The Rust’s married September 9th, 1972

Marzi was born in Clovis, New Mexico and was raised with 5 siblings. Because her father was in radio, they did lots of traveling. She joked that her parents had 6 kids in 8 ½ years and each one was born in a diﬀerent city. Her parents were together for over 50 years until her father passed away.

two kids Marley and Reese on the Rust family ranch.

Randall and Marzi met at the Kendall County Fair in 1971 and had their first dance to the song Silver Wings and never looked back. After several dates and lots of time together they went to a family dinner. As they were leaving Randall asked if his family if they were free the next weekend. They said yes and he said “Great, I will see you next weekend for my wedding.” That is how he proposed. Marzi went home to tell her parents and family and they had a wedding. After the wedding, Marzi went with Randall to Alaska where their son Reuben was born and then they came home to have two more kids, Randi Kay and Rhonda.

After 25 years or marriage they celebrated with a very large gathering (over 400) at the Kendall County Fair Grounds where they renewed their vows and had everyone come by and have a good time. For their 50th Anniversary, they are going to leave it to the kids to decide what they should do for this one.

Reuben is now in Alaska with his own family and he was blessed with two kids, Emily and Raymond Brett. Emily has two kids Kendall and Rylee. Randi Kay is in Amsterdam with her husband and Rhonda is here with her

They have seen so many changes and so much growth in Boerne and the Hill Country and they said that John Eddi Vogt said it best, “We set such a good example in Boerne, it just brought people here.”

The Rusts are now retired but working harder than ever, enjoying their time on the family ranch. Marzi says Randall is so amazing at everything he does and that

FALL 2019

includes cooking, woodwork, gardening, farming and more. Randall is a very hard-working man who is always working on something. Marzi enjoys her time sewing, beading, bible study and spending as much time as she can with the kids and teaching the grandkids all of her crafts. Marzi said Randall’s laugh is contagious and she is a better person because of him. She said he is the “Love of her Life”. Randall just knew God put Marzi in his path and it was meant to be and he worked hard to make it all work. The Rust’s recommendation for staying married all these years and advice for newlyweds is to keep working. Marriage is work and is a job that takes 100% eﬀort. It’s not a 50/50 eﬀort, it goes both ways and should be each person giving 100%.

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FALL 2019

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Photo by: Kayla Jane Photography