Winter 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 Michele Chebib Contributing Writers Crystal Wiedenfeld Ron Lehman Becca Isdale Kristin Voss Contributing Photographers Allison Jeffers Photography Rebecca McCoy Photography Kaylee Hunter Photography Shy Laurel 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 fifth Winter 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, Brenda & Crystal
Photo by: Kaylee Hunter Photography
Find what you need with us at hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com Start planning with us on Pinterest!
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Join the Fun!
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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 don’t have to! Look for the Hill Country Weddings Seal 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 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: Ashley Medrano Photography Venue: Park 31 Here are the top 5 winners from top to bottom... Callie Ring Photography, Ashley Medrano Photography, Megan Smart Photography, Sabulous Shots and Studio HTown Photography
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Engagement Story Planning a Wedding During Lunch
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Editor’s Winter Photoshoot
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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.
Midnight Snack
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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: Mayra Eads Photography, BT Photography, Aubree Lorraine Photography, Quinn Fortson Photography, Aubree Lorraine Photography, Mayra Eads Photography, Katherine Elaine Photography, Limelight San Antonio, Limelight San Antonio and BT Photography
MEET THE COVER PHOTO COUPLE... Luke & Kaylee Photos by: Ashley Medrano Photography
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Luke and I met 4 years ago while volunteering as camp counselors at our church’s high school summer camp. He was a friend of my younger brother and at first I would not give him the time of day. However, the more time I spent with him at camp, the more he grew on me. Following camp we spent more and more time together that summer and he continually pursued me. On June 29, 2016 he asked me
to be his “whole girlfriend” (an inside joke we have with one of my college roommates). Our relationship grew and he quickly became my absolute best friend and I knew he was the one. He then proposed a couple of years later on December 15, 2018 in front of the beautiful Christmas tree at the Pearl Brewery. Both of our families and a few friends were there to surprise me after Luke popped the question.
Following the proposal we immediately started our wedding planning. The first venue we toured was Park 31. We immediately fell in love with the venue and knew it was where we wanted to get married. We then chose November 1, 2019 as our wedding date and the real fun began! We quickly
decided that we would need to call in some more help for planning so we contacted Jessica Zaccaria with Hazel & continued on page 15
ENGAGEMENT STORY
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Michael and Cayce met four years ago. Cayce was good friends with Michael’s brother at college. Michael’s brother brought her home to lend a helping hand with a big catering job his family business had in Austin. It did not take long for Michael and Cayce to realize that they were meant to be together. They spent one of their first official dates at the Christmas Lights in Johnson City. This was the beginning of their Photo by: BT Photography Location: Eagle Dancer Ranch
long-distance relationship while she completed school at University of Mary Hardin Baylor in Belton. This included lots of miles traveled and FaceTime conversations. The next three years were filled with trips to the lake, skiing and of course dinner at their favorite place, Chili’s! January of this year was the start of Cayce’s last semester at college. While she was visiting during her continued on page 8 WINTER 2019
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Engagement Story continued fron page 7 break, Michael took her hiking with friends and family to Joshua Springs Park. When they got to the waterfall, she insisted they go to the top. This was exactly what Michael was hoping. Once they got to the top, Michael dropped to one knee and proposed. Cayce, of course, said yes. Michael’s sister caught the entire thing with her camera. Having worked in the wedding industry, Michael realized that getting a venue booked was important and they quickly chose Eagle Dancer Ranch in Sisterdale and picked the date. We are now about one month from the wedding, January 11, 2020. After graduation in May, Cayce moved to Boerne and has been working at the family catering company with Michael.
Photo by: BT Photography Location: Eagle Dancer Ranch
ENGAGEMENT STORY
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Hurricane Harvey had just wreaked havoc on the greater Houston area, including Summer’s childhood home. Flood waters subsided and clean up had just begun going into Labor Day weekend. Initially they had a weekend get away to San Antonio planned, but Summer wanted to change plans to stay and help her dad demo his home. Ryan (along with family and friends) insisted they still go on their trip as planned. Without a solid plan of when he would ask and his inability to keep a secret long Ryan decided to ask at dinner our first night giving them the rest of the weekend to celebrate. Ryan asked the manager of the restaurant to take a couple
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pictures with his phone. The manager walked up to the table and held the phone directly up tipping Summer off and blocking Ryan in his seat forcing him to propose across the table. Summer said yes without hesitation and they had a great laugh. From that, Summer made Ryan agree to always hire a professional photographer! In keeping with their love of travel the couple eloped six months later to Big Sur, CA. With a professional photographer of course. They had me accompany them to Big Sur, and it was amazing! Love this couple they’re Fabulous!
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Photo by: Amanda Pomilla Photography
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PlanningaWeddingDuring a Lunch Break
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Wouldn’t it be fabulous to plan your wedding during a lunch break? Well, with the right planner that can be done. All you need to do is schedule a 20 to 30-minute phone call during lunch to talk with your planner and let them know what vendors are still pending, what still needs to be done and then let them get to work.
You get to check out vendor proposals and information with your family and fiancé as the proposals come in over the week. You will be able to figure out when everyone is available for the food or cake tasting and organize sit-down meetings with vendors as needed. You will have time to schedule a follow-up call and inform a vendor what times or days you may be avail-
able and when they can start scheduling and planning.
worries on picking the right vendors.
With the right planner’s help, you can eliminate much of the running around and stress involved in the planning process …..and not to mention it’ll save you time and money. Fewer days you must ask off work, less stress of trying to organize it all around your schedule and no
Leave it to the professionals so you still get to enjoy the pre-wedding bliss, you just show up for some food, cocktail or cake tastings and you can still enjoy the process.
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Craft Beer is the New Trend for Alcohol at the Wedding!
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Forget the Miller Light and imports, everyone is loving craft beers. They can provide a variety of seasonal offerings to suit any beer drinker’s taste. It’s a great way to shop local and support your small businesses as well. Not to mention the fun of going on some tasting trips around the Hill Country.
Boerne Brewery, Cibolo Creek Brewing Co, Dodging Duck Brewhaus, and the new Tusculum Brewery. These locations provide some great homemade beer selections and most offer tasty food to go along with their equally tasty quaff. Check out their calendars for special events and music.
Some examples and great locations to look at include: Altstadt Brewery in Fredericksburg - did you know you can go for a tour, have some food and sample lots of amazing homebrew not to mention homemade pretzels and music as well. The brewery not only has a variety of their own craft beers, it also looks like a castle and makes for a perfect wedding or event location to boot. Also on the list, we have
There are more than 50 individual breweries in the San Antonio – Austin area and many have great food and bands to spice up a tasting tour. If you are looking for an all-in-one location, check out the Old Pearl Brewery complex in San Antonio, it is sure to please.
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This is just a sample of what the Hill Country has to offer so don’t forget to go on that craft beer tour to pick your
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favorite. This is a tasting I guarantee your fiancé or groom would not mind attending. Guys go for the beer tour and ladies do the wine tour but don’t forget to book an uber or bus. You won’t want to be driving after your first stop on this tour!
Vendors: Sweet Laurel Weddings & Events Wild Revival Co. Alstadt Brewery Shy Laurel Photography Nicole Mera Jewelry Beatitude Bridal Boutique Cakes Courture Vintage Rentals Erica Gray Beauty
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 photographer’s dream.
Learn more about what makes Altstadt an impressive yet approachable venue at AlstadtBeer.com
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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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Least Expensive is Not Always Best
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When it comes to one of the most important days of your life do you really want to go for the cheapest vendors? We get it weddings are expensive and add up quickly and everyone is trying to stay within their budget however when you go for a major heart surgery or procedure do you call around and ask pricing or do you go for the best most experienced? Planners - Can you get a friend or new planner for day of for $500 probably but do you really want the person running your special day to be a newbie? Don’t get me wrong everyone has to start somewhere but we also know there are so many people out there that got married and love weddings and think they can just be a planner it doesn’t work that way. Are they certified (trained), do they have insurance, how
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many weddings have they done and how long have they been in business those are the questions you should be asking? Yes, be price savvy as well but you also get what you pay for. Local venue owner Kristin Voss at Kendall Plantation can vouch for that new planner as she just had that $500 planner friend and it almost destroyed the bride’s special day. Do your homework and see who the venues recommend and know are trained, certified, insured and experienced. We recently have encountered several new DJs at our events and let me just say silence at a wedding in the middle of everything makes for some awkward moments. True professional DJ’s know how to change the music, make announcements and
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keep the party going not to mention they have the music and knowledge to fill in for something you may have missed. We just had one the other day that we asked to play music as the guests took their seats and we were told that the couple didn’t pick those songs. So, its silence? I think not and luckily, we were there to resolve that issue however an experienced DJ would have had those songs or had a list to just play some traditional pre wedding music. Same goes for all other wedding vendors do you want a inexperienced bartender or uninsured company serving your guests alcohol and making drinks? I know I sure don’t.
What about that cheap catering company with not so good food or cake? Flowers Flowers and good floral companies can make for such gorgeous decor. A good florist also knows the tricks of the trade on where to get the freshest flowers, how to care for those flowers and keep them alive and looking fabulous and how to decorate or display them and still for within your budget. If they are a trained florist, they also know how to make that garden rose look like peonies to fit within that budget. We are not saying cheaper sometimes isn’t better we are just saying do your research. Don’t forget you can also look for our seal of approval because we have done the research for you and know our vendors are all the best of the best.
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EDITOR’S PICK
Photography @allisonjeffersphotography Planning: @hillcountryplanning Calligraphy: @lazycreekdesigns Invitation Suite: @thegirlgeneral Venue: @theoaksatheavenly Food: @heavenlygourmetcatering Model: Madelyn and Peyton Hair and Makeup: @simplysereneboerne Cake: @creationscakesshop Officiant: @txwedminister Donkeys: South Paw Guest House Bar Service: @bartenders4you Cigar Bar: @livecigarbar Rentals: @crurentals
Meet the Cover Couple continued fron page 7
she helped make the whole process so much smoother. November 1 came quickly and Luke and I were so ready to tie the knot! My bridesmaids were made up of some high school friends, some college friends, some post grad friends, and of course my sweet baby sister. Luke’s groomsmen consisted of his brother, a few of his best friends and all 5 of my brothers. We were surrounded by all of our favorite people on our special day. Luke and I were married at 5:30 in the afternoon by Luke’s mentor, Chris Emmitt. During our ceremony we took communion together as a couple, had a time of worship (led by some special friends) and were prayed over by all of our parents. My PaPa pronounced us man and wife and then we got the party started! We ate, drank, and danced the night away! Our night ended with mine and Luke’s last dance and a sparkler send off. It truly was a magical day which would not have been possible without the help of some very special vendors:
Venue: Park 31 Coordinator: Hazel & Bloom Events Photographer: Ashley Medrano Photography Florist: Reiley & Rose Dress: Bella Bride Boutique Hair and Makeup: Blush’d Beauty Catering: Anne Marie’s Cake: Cake’s Couture Bar-: Bartenders & Dreams DJ: Ayer Media SA
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Winter Wedding Floral Tips How does floral décor rank on your list of must-haves for your wedding or event? Here are our tips for keeping you on top of your floral decisions this winter.
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Be picky about your florist. Choosing your florist wisely can have a large impact on both your budget and the overall feel of your event. Your florist will help you pick flowers that are in season, in style, and in your budget! Ask to see your florist’s portfolio. Check out some of their work from previous events in the same season or location so you can figure out if they will be able to achieve the look you’re going for.
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Think outside the flower box. Incorporate some non-floral elements in your bouquets, such as white pepper berries, snowberries or hypericum. This will add dimension and individuality to your flowers. Mix touches of sage and lamb’s ear to get the frosty effect that reflects the season.
winter. All white weddings are quite popular this time of year. We’re seeing a lot of soft antique looks paired with very pale hues. If you want to stick to the season’s notorious color of red, consider pairing it with a broad palette of colors such as plum, ruby and wine. This will add depth and richness to your package.
Consider monochromatic aesthetics. Although there is no shortage of gorgeous possibilities to reflect the season, very simple looks are trending this
Save money by choosing flowers in season. Winter wedding flowers include: Carnations, Evergreen, Holly Berry, Narcissus, Pansy, Rose, Amaryllis, Star of Bethlehem and Poinsettias. Photo by: Shy Laurel Photography
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Don’t forget the personal touch! Family broaches or ribbons are great additions to personalize your flower arrangements. Attaching a picture of the family members who couldn’t be with you on your special day is another way to add that extra sentimental and personal touch.
Wash Away the Stress
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You survived the holidays and the pressures they bring. You are putting together an event that will be remembered for a lifetime, and that is a pretty stressful procedure, no matter how many tricks you can find to ease the process. It is important to look out for your wellbeing when you are this sort of pressure pushes on your nerves. Thankfully, the Texas Hill Country is full of spas and sources to help melt away those stressors. A total, intense detox is a great way to bring your body and mind back to a centered balance after (and before) the stressors of putting together a wedding. There is one unique method that has recently become available just outside of Boerne at Puresòlspa located in Tapatio Springs Resort. Paired with their already well known salt cave, that acts like a powerful dry sauna, the spa now offers the only, state-of-the-art, Vichy bath to compliment with a soak.
This is the first and only Vichy spa in Texas! It allows for a variety of different soaks and exfoliations in a relaxing atmosphere meant to exclude all those stresses found outside its capsule. Picture a full jacuzzi tub with Swedish water jets and chromotherapy… but that’s barely scratching the surface. With all the knowledge about the healing properties of water, light and heat, users have access to treatments of hydrotherapy, as well as the opportunity to positively affect their emotional state by means of color, light, music and a variety of flavors. The spa is putting together herbal soaks that cater to your individual needs, as well as a beer soak or wine soak for something more fun.
As a quick run down, look at the options available: Hydrofusion. An efficient and very mild effect of combined steam and infrared heat on the human body. The skin, muscles and joints are deeply warmed, activating blood circulation and the lipolysis process, eliminating toxins and waste products from the body. Hydrofusion function increases the effectiveness of body wraps – delicate steam film prevents cosmetic composition from drying, while the infrared heat promotes deeper penetration of nutrients into the skin. Vichy shower/ hand shower. The curative Vichy shower normalizes the function of internal organs, eliminates of beauty defects, and provides complete relaxation or a surge of vitality. Depending on the treatment, you can adjust the temperature, pressure and direction of the water. Strong streams will rapidly and effectively massage the problem area, while gentle, soft drops will remove stress and help get rid of insomnia.
Full body wrap with the use of cosmetic masks. In the SPA-capsule, you can carry out treatments for figure correction, enriching the skin with vitamins and minerals, as well as partial wraps for treating or preventing diseases. Vibromassage. Vibromassage can be either fast pulsating or mild and billowy. During the vibrating session, the whole body is simultaneously massaged, from neck to toes. The treatment has a positive impact on the neuro-muscular system and possesses a strong anti-stress effect. Vibromassage is also an effective mean of physical rehabilitation after injuries, improves posture and body shapes. Underwater manual massage. Water massage fills the body with energy, restores skin’s elasticity and is effective for the prevention of many diseases.
To introduce this new experience to the hill country, Puresòlspa is offering a special to try out this new experience. Call us to schedule your two-hour total detox!
Texas’ Premiere Salt Cave Spa & State-of-the-Art Full Service Spa Located at Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort (830) 537-5010
Book online at puresolspa.com
Regular Price $215 $145 for 50-minute body treatment $35 for 30-minute herbal water soak $35 for 30-minutes in salt cave Vichy Special $175 (20% off) For over two hours of super detox! Special price valid through March 31, 2020 (Reference Hill Country Weddings for booking this rate!)
hair
Still keep your visible roots, not necessarily an ombre, however a root smudge is a great touch to a not so fresh highlight. We still aren’t about a too uptight look. I must say, I’m thankful those days are long gone. And good riddance, lol, because it was a lot of work.
Style & Beauty Tips for Winter By: Crystal Wiedenfeld
Long tousled, straight hair is everywhere right now. For most of us, unless you have been preparing for two years, maybe it’s time to add a few hair extensions to your maintenance routine Hello again. High pony, high bun, or even some kind of braided pony. Most anything high on top of the head is where the focus is for this holiday season. A tight but slightly tussled look helps you to look put together yet still keeping it effortless.
makeup
‘‘Tis the season” For clean, clear skin Ladies! Maybe do a little light matching lip, cheek, lid. Stay neutral on this look or a light shimmer. Careful because too much all over can be overwhelming, however done right can really look great on your nice clean canvas The wine stained lip is back! My favorite. Remember, the key to pulling off just a simple lip is always to make sure your brows are perfect. Outside of that, just clean clear skin is kind of what will be the showcase. Other than that, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Beauties!!
clothing
All my picks can be purchased at Simply Serene Salon and Spa. www.simplysereneboerne.com
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Seems as though we are still wearing hats, hoodies and caps through the season. So, yeah for no bad hair days It’s a time for business casual pin-striped suits and jackets but kind of oversized and baggy not put together too tight Or go for long dresses and coats, kind of draped like a freeflowing cloak. Not form fitting, which is great for the season, so maybe you can say yes to that extra piece of pie Make sure and add a little Camo green to your winter look or collection. This color is perfect with our makeup look. Green always makes a good lip pop.
Puresolspa Ad
Winter Flowers
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When you think of winter flowers, think of pinecones, spruce trees and greenery. You don’t really want that tropical look or those vibrant spring colors in winter. Can you do it? Yes, but you will need to work closely with your florist and designer to pull it off and it may get very pricey. Wedding planners
like to pick the flowers and decor based on the style of the venue, season and the couple’s interest. The pick for winter this year is greenery and pinecones with just a little pop of color - nothing bright. Talk with your florist. Many have connections around the
world and can get whatever flower you want. They can get flowers not only in season but out of season - but remember, that will come with a price. A good florist can help you find alternate choices to use in the place of the flower you had in mind and that are in season so your floral decorations won’t break
the bank or the budget. Let your designers and florist do the work for you. Come with your ideas, colors, budget in mind and let the professionals help with the design that meets your needs and wishes. Photo by: Shy Laurel Photography
Wedding Tips Tip #1
Tip #2
Talk to a planner before looking at venues. Yep, that’s right! After hearing your vision, wedding planners will be able to guide you to places that match your decription and will save you time going places that don’t.
Buy a custom hanger for your dress photos. It looks alot cleaner than a wire or plastic hanger and gives you the most beautiful pictures.
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Winter Weddings
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Winter is finally here after a very long, hot summer and we are ready for just a little cooler weather here in Texas. Think of all the things you would enjoy if you were a guest at a winter wedding! I know if I were at a winter wedding, I would love to have a nice warm beverage. You could have a coffee bar, hot cocoa bar, hot apple cider or maybe even some wassail as we get closer to December. Remember if you have this out before the ceremony you will need to make sure there is an area for them to leave the cups or trash behind - because you don’t want your guests to have cups in hand or on the floor/ground for picture time. Are you having an outdoor wedding this winter? Be prepared, it could be 70 degrees or it could be 30. No matter the weather, if you have some nice blankets or throws out, some of your guests will make use of them for additional warmth, especially if a cold front blows through on your wedding day.
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They also will make for a great take away or departing gift for your guests. If it’s a winter wedding, what shoes should you wear? Boots, heals or even Uggs? While these may be okay for the wedding, they don’t make for the best dancing shoes - so why not provide a small basket of shoes in assorted sizes for your guest to change into so they have no excuse for not getting out there and dancing. Have you seen the rescue flats - comfortable, affordable and fashionable too? You can’t really do flip flops in winter (or can you)?
Photo by: By: Allison Allison Jeff Jeffers ers Photography Photography
Capture the beauty and romance of your special designers at BLOOMS by H-E-B . ®
heb.com/blooms Photo by Shelby Nicole Photography
©2019 HEB, 20-0064
day with breathtaking bouquets created by the
Rehearsal Day
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By: Kristin Voss at Kendall Plantation
Are you interested in stress relief? Us too. By the way, there is no rule that says you MUST have a wedding rehearsal. With just about 1,000 weddings hosted at Kendall Plantation, we know how to eliminate unneeded stress. Hosting a rehearsal the morning of your wedding is one of the most stressrelieving things you can do. Promise. I am sure most of you have been in a wedding before, whether it be a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, at some point, the bride requested you be in town or available the day before the wedding, or days before the wedding, for a rehearsal. Admit it, you had a little eye roll when you found out you had to be at a rehearsal at 3pm on a Thursday or Friday before a wedding. You had to take off work early, or the entire day, you had an extra hotel night to pay for, and you likely had to purchase a new wardrobe for the rehearsal. Just to follow the person in front of you and stand in a line. Ya, we get it. There are numerous benefits of hosting a day-of rehearsal, but we narrowed it down for you to our 5 favorite reasons to skip the unnecessary stressor. 1. Doing a day of rehearsal allows you to plan your rehearsal dinner anywhere, anytime. You don’t have to
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search for a nearby restaurant and worry about timing of the dinner and traffic getting to and from the venue to the restaurant. Gather with your besties and enjoy the stressfree evening at your favorite hangout spot, or favorite restaurant, and relax. You can even do the rehearsal portion at the dinner location. A Rehearsal can be done anywhere- at any time other than the venue. BONUS: If you have a wedding planner/ day of planner or coordinator, guess what? They are going handle all the details
out-of-towners a little wiggle room in case of travel delays, traffic, and or unexpected flight changes.
the day of. They will be there to direct traffic and tell the wedding party exactly what to do and where to stand that day. Why do it twice?
Ugh! Without fail, someone is always late and will put you way behind schedule for getting the rehearsal dinner started. When you host the rehearsal on the day of the wedding, it’s real. Real, real. The wedding party will switch into wedding mode and be more focused and ready. And guess what, it will be fresh on their mind
2. Out of town guests/travelers? Awesome! Save them an extra day and let them get settled in before the celebrations commence! Day of wedding rehearsals give your
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3. 10am-Midnight. That is how long you have the Kendall Plantation. That’s 14 hours folks. Ample time to run a day of rehearsal in the morning, or even afternoon of the wedding depending on your timeline. How many times have you been at a rehearsal the day before the wedding and you are waiting on the last bridesmaid or groomsmen to arrive?
too, because the wedding is the same day. You can even sweet talk the wedding party and promise them coffee and tacos the morning of the rehearsal. Once the rehearsal is over, the girls head straight to the brides room and begin their hair and makeup. Boom, everyone already there, and ready to jump right into the wedding day preps. The guys can hang out at the venue, but we mostly see them all jump in a car and head to SA (10 minutes away) and hit Top Golf, or grab a quick lunch, maybe even bowling. Ohhh…you don’t want to see the Groom on the day of the wedding? Good. (We love that tradition!). We typically see the bride stashed in the bridal suite during the rehearsal. The bride already knows what to do! Am I right?! The rehearsal can just be for the bridal party and the groom! Let’s face it, you have had this planned out for some time now, and you already know exactly what to do when it’s go time. Don’t forget about that planner you hired! The planner will follow your wishes/guidelines for the rehearsal, so everything will be just as it should be. Trust the process, trust the professionals, we got this! 4. Guys coming in later? Cool, don’t panic. When the girls arrive at KP to start hair continued on page 28
WinterCocktails ON WEDDING DAY!
Photo by: Shy Laurel Photography
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Winter Cocktails are so much fun! Whether you are having a holiday party, a wedding or just looking for something festive to share with friends, here are a couple of suggestions. Are you having a Coffee Bar or Cocoa Bar at your winter event? Why not include a little whiskey or Kahlua at that bar for the perfect alcohol combination? Drinks with cranberries and rosemary not only taste fabulous, but look festive, too. Or how about a Gingerbread, Pumpkin or Peppermint cocktail? Get creative this Holiday Season, and experiment with some fun festive drinks! It’s sure to be a great time!
Cranberry Moscow Mule Ginger Beer Fresh Cranberry Juice or Cranberry Juice Cocktail Dark Rum or Vodka Lime Crushed Ice
With endless flavor combinations, there are endless ways to garnish a moscow mule. Below are suggested garnishes. cranberries lime wedge sprig of fresh rosemary fresh mint leaves fresh berries a colorful straw
Photos by: Allison Jeffers Photography
Cheers and Happy Planning!
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WEDDING TRADITIONS
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To me, winter food means home-cooking and homestyle food. Meatloaf, lasagna, chicken pot pie and chii are just a few of the ones that come to mind. These are not exactly wedding foods, however. What about serving a light fish at a winter wedding? Great - if it’s paired
Winter Food
with a nice warm sauce and some hearty vegetables and sides.
Think of cooler weather and what foods you and your future partner like or want your guests to experience. Do you have lots of out of town guests coming to Texas and
the Hill Country for the first time? If so, you may want them to try some Texas BBQ or some hearty Tex-Mex or Southern food. We recently had a wedding and the couple absolutely loves In and Out so guess what end of night snack
those guests will be getting? Do we want to serve that for the actual dinner? No, but it makes for a great midnight snack and works to get some food in everyone’s belly before driving or riding home. Think about kids’ meals too but don’t overdo it.
Rehearsal continued fron page 24 and make-up at 10am, do a quick run through with just the bridesmaids, 15-20 minutes tops. Then, when the guys arrive later in the day, the planner can do a run through with them too. Now both parties have practiced their steps, and know exactly what to do, and it is fresh on their minds! Feeling better about the day of rehearsal yet? 5. It’s just a quick walkthrough (everyone knows how to walk, correct?). Don’t over-rate the rehearsal. The procession down
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the aisle and standing at the alter are self-explanatory. Don’t over think it. Don’t let other people make you crazy about these things. Have a dinner if you want, don’t if you don’t. Absolutely not necessary. The planner will help everyone get down the aisle, and the officiant will take it from there and tell you exactly what to do.
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
Venue Style? A. Beach or Destination Wedding B. Ranch or Rustic Venue C. Industrial Venue D. Ballroom or Hotel Venue Which Animal would you invite to the big day? A. Donkey B. Lama C. Fluffy Dog D. Alpaca
Table Settings A. Formal B. Vintage C. Classic D. Rustic Bouquet A. Dramatic B. Brooches C. Simple elegance D. Basic
Dessert Options A. Cake B. Cupcakes C. Candy Table D. Cookies or Pies
Mostly A’s: Bohemian with a bit of formal elegance. This setting could be in the garden, backyard or on the waterfront with a church ceremony. Mostly B’s: Romantic with a bit of Simply and Elegance. The setting could be in the Backyard, Trees or Garden. Mostly C’s: Delicate details like lace to take on the elegance. You take a colorful approach to life and your wedding will be the same. Whimsical glam with a balance of sophistication and playfulness. Mostly D’s: Old world collections of heirlooms from generations in the past. Beautiful place settings with vintage table settings.
ALL ABOARD
ADVICE FROM A THERAPIST
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I remember planning my wedding over twenty years ago. It was such a fun and exciting time; not only for us, but also for our family. Along with the excitement, came the stress of navigating family dynamics. I felt the pressure of try to please everyone, and at times, I felt that I was on a never-ending rollercoaster ride, “Howdy partners! For your safety, remain seated with your heart and mind inside the wedding train—and be sure to set healthy boundaries with others because this is YOUR DAY with your fiancé. Buckle up partner—’cause this here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness!”
The wedding train is definitely a ride with unexpected twists and turns and while this ride is exhilarating, it can also be extremely stressful for the bride and groom. Unresolved stress can lead to conflict in relationships, extreme anxiety, and a sense of powerlessness. The best way for a bride and groom to combat the stress is to strategically prepare for the twists and turns:
Remain seated with your heart and mind inside the wedding train. When feeling overwhelmed, reframe your focus. Ask yourself, “Why are we planning this wedding?” Focus on the commitment and love you have for one another by recalling positive memories of your courtship, the moment you realized you were in love, and/or the engagement. Secondly, be mindful and be “in the moment”. Take each day as it comes and take mental snapshots of the meaningful moments you experience each day. Set healthy boundaries. It is critical to establish boundaries as an engaged couple. The way in which you navigate these boundaries can be indicative of how you maintain boundaries when you are married. During wedding planning, it is important for the bride and groom to make decisions together without interference. If you find family members or friends are interfering with your planning, discuss with one another and address it directly with them. Healthy boundaries now will create
less stress later in your marriage, guaranteed! This is YOUR DAY. This day is yours and it goes by fast. On this day, you will stand before your friends and family and commit your lives to one another. The decisions such as who will be in your wedding party, the songs at the ceremony, the color of flowers, the dress, the tuxedo, the venue, the reception entertainment, and food---all of it--is about the Bride and Groom. Be mindful that loved ones will have opinions and suggestions. However, as a couple, these decisions are yours. Buckle up partner, because the wedding train is a fast and exhilarating ride. The twists and turns are fun, yet stressful at times. But always remember to remain seated with your heart and mind inside the train, set healthy boundaries, and make it YOUR day. When the dust settles, you will dismount, begin to walk hand and hand, and start your life’s journey together—and that’s what it’s all about, folks!
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By: Michelle R Holcomb, PhD, CAI, LPC-S
Private Practice Therapist and Assistant Professor at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio Practicing counseling for over 20 years. She received her Doctorate from the University of Texas at San Antonio in Counselor Education and Supervision and is currently working as an Assistant Professor at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. In addition, Michelle is a Certified Arise Interventionist and adolescent, adult, and family systems psychotherapist practicing in the United States and internationally. Michelle specializes in eating disorders, behavioral disorders, substance abuse disorders, and process addiction. In addition, Michelle provides sports performance psychotherapy to novice, collegiate, and professional athletes. Michelle’s mission is to partner with her clients to develop personal strategies which will allow them to gain insight, healing, and reach their optimal potential in life.
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Top 5 Questions to Ask
Remember how distasteful the music was at your junior high dance? Don’t let people refer back to those days when they’re at your wedding! The DJ is a huge contributor to the over-all atmosphere of your big event, so be sure to pick someone who knows what he or she is doing. Here are the best questions you can ask your music agency: 1. Do you provide a written contract for your clients?
5. Have you played at our wedding venue before?
Most professional DJs offer written contracts. This is the best way to be sure you’re getting what you paid for. A contract guarantees that the DJ will fulfill his or her requirements and perform up to par.
Being familiar with a venue can make the DJs night that much more smooth. It helps tremendously if the DJ knows the procedures and rules, outlets, etc. This will eliminate surprises and additional stressors on your wedding day.
2. Who will be the DJ at my wedding? Sometimes the person you plan your music details with will not be the DJ who performs at your actual wedding. I highly suggest meeting with the DJ for your event so you can figure out if he or she is the right person. Find out with makes this DJ unique from their competitors. Also, be sure the person’s name is on your wedding contract so you don’t get put with someone else. 3. Are you experienced with performing at weddings? This is your big day and the last thing you want is a DJ who has never played for a wedding crowd! The amount of weddings your DJ has performed at will be a good indicator of his or her experience. Also be sure to find out what type of training your DJ has been through, whether it be formal training through a company or even a school. 4. How many events do you perform at in a day? Sometimes DJs will try to fit as many events in a day as they possibly can. Try to book with a DJ whose first gig of the day is yours. This will assure that the DJ is alive and prepared. You wouldn’t want your DJ to show up tired, or better yet late, from a previous event!
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#1 DJ in San Antonio, Rated by Brides
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
Calendars December 7th: Christmas at the Caverns 19th: Dinner with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Don Strange Ranch 22nd: Breakfast with Santa at The Dienger Brunch with Santa at The Bevy Hotel 27th: Wade Bowen at Floore Country Store
DECEMBER 1 DECEMBER 15
5:34 PM 5:36 PM
JANUARY 1 JANUARY 15
5:46 PM 5:57 PM
FEBRUARY 1 FEBRUARY 15
6:11 PM 6:23 PM
Sunset Times
January
February
10th: Two Tons of Steel at Floore Country Store 12th: Mimosa Crawl San Antonio 18th: Wimberley Film Fest 23rd: Oaks of Heavenly Open House 25th: Fredericksburg Snow Crab Festival
8th: Opera on the Ranch at Eagle Dancer 14th: Fredericksburg Champagne & Balloon Weekend 22nd: Alex Meixner Band at Altstadt Brewery
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Real Weddings Ethan and Lauryn Hefner
BAR SERVICE: OLIVE OR TWIST BARTENDING CAKE: HILL COUNTRY CAKERY CATERING: SMOKE IN THE HILLS BBQ DJ: INFINITY SOUND LAB
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DRESS: MOONLIGHT AND MOSS HAIR AND MAKEUP: LOLA BEAUTY FLORIST: REILEY AND ROSE
PHOTOGRAPHER: THE COPPER COLLECTIVE VIDEOGRAPHER: REVERENT FILMS
PLANNER: HUNTER ORCUTT
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WEDDING PLANNER: WOLF WEDDINGS VENUE: ELM PASS WOODS DJ: LISA BECK CRAWFORD FLORIST: THE ROSE SHOP
PHOTOGRAPHER: INTRINSIC MOMENTS PICTURES CAKE: HILL COUNTRY SWEETS HAIR & MAKEUP: LAURA GORMAN
CATERER: BOX STREET SOCIAL
Michael & AlexandriaHaws
Congratulations to our Hill Country Couples
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Destination Wedding THE DETAILS
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How did you and your partner meet? We met in Rowland High School 10 years ago. He was a senior and I was a junior. We were happened to be in the same class for that one spring semester when he passed me a paper note (smart phones were not booming back then). He sat two seats in front of me and we would passed notes during lecture that entire semester!
Andrew and Rachel Marshall WEDDING FEATURE THANKS TO: BWEDDING WEDDING INVITATIONS: ADORN INVITATIONS
GROOMS SUIT: BOSS CAKE: THE SMITTEN KITCHEN FOOD: MILLENNIUM BILTMORE
DRESS: KARMA GYALPO
FLOWERS: PETALS LA
HAIR & MAKEUP: GRACE LIN
PHOTOGRAPHER: HUMAN ARTWORK
SHOES: JIMMY CHOO , VALENTINO & LOUBOUTIN
CEREMONY VENUE: EMERALD BALLROOM
ACCESSORIES: KARMA GYALPO BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: KARMA GYALPO
RECEPTION VENUE: CRYSTAL BALLROOM ENTERTAINMENT: TMM PRO WEDDING PLANNER: MODERN LA WEDDINGS
How did he propose? He brought me back to the first dining place we had during our college years at BOA Steakhouse in West Hollywood. I thought we were just having a nice dinner to celebrate our anniversary. Little did I know he had ordered me a ring and bouquet of roses. I remember the waiter was just finished taking our order and walked away when another server approached us with wine and bouquet of roses. I thought that the two dozen of bouquet of roses was random. I was surprised and confused at the same time. I looked back at him and that’s when he knelt down on one knee and pulled out a ring box to propose. Thinking back, I’m still amazed that he had a planned proposal knowing that he’s not naturally a good planner, he’s more of a winging it type of a person. What do you love most about your partner? Hers: What I love the most about him is his ability to consistently make me feel exclusive at all times. He makes me feel special and loved. I also adore his honesty and trustworthiness. He is the most passionate and optimistic person I’ve ever met. He works so hard to be good at what he does and to show people that he cares.
He is a man I can constantly learn from as we both grow and take care of each other. His: It’s hard to choose just one, I love everything about her. She is the purest human being I have ever met. She is smart, kind, beautiful, considerate, and compassionate. She gave me reasons to love, to live, to smile, and to hope. From the very first time I saw her until now, there is no doubt that she’s my greatest happiness. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t because of her. What’s your most important piece of advice for creating and maintaining a strong relationship? Never take each other for granted. Always appreciate and respect each other. Remember the good old days and be willing to compromise.
What sort of style did you envision for your wedding day? Classy and Romantic. We were thinking about having an outdoor wedding at first, garden or winery wedding. However, after a second thought, we agreed that it’s probably not a good idea to have an outdoor wedding during winter. We started to searched for ballroom venue when Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles crossed our mind. It was the place that we had our high school prom 10 years ago and so we decided to tie our knot together in the same place.
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What was your favorite moment from the day? The first dance was our favorite moment from the day. It was such an emotional moment. It felt as if the world stopped turning and it was just the two of us dancing the night away.
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Photo by: Allison Jeffers Photography
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Late Night Snacks
Between tearing up the dance floor and sipping on your cocktails, your guests will be ready for a late-night snack. Why not send them away at the end of the night with a one? Since everyone had a full day of fun and merriment, it’s a great idea to get a little food in everyone’s bellies before sending them on their way.
When planning the late-night snack, think small or mini as everyone did have dinner earlier in the evening but might just like a little something to satisfy them before heading home. For the winter season, there is nothing better than a little grilled cheese with a creamy and hot tomato soup. Maybe I think that too because it’s one of my favorite late-night snacks.
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5 WAYS TO PERSONALIZE YOUR WEDDING By: Grace Gonzalez of Graceful Moments Weddings + Events
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You’re in engaged! Now what? Now it’s time for the fun to begin by planning one of the most important days of your life. Your wedding is where you take a vow in front of your family and/or closest friends to love, honor, and cherish each other for all the days of the rest of your life. Your experience in planning your wedding should be as enjoyable as the day you were proposed to. Well, it should come close to it at the very least. One way to ensure a positive experience is by personalizing your special day. There are so many ways to incorporate elements of your relationship into your wedding and we’d like to share some of our favorites we’ve seen in past weddings we’ve attended or planned. 1. Include a timeline of your relationship in your save-the-dates If you’ve invited someone to your wedding, there’s a pretty good chance they know you pretty well. But, do they know the details of how you met or how long you’ve been together? If designed the right way, including little snippets such as “2015 Met through
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a mutual friend,” “2018 proposed in Hawaii,” “2019 The day we marry our best friend,” shouldn’t take much space on your save-the-dates. 2. Concoct a signature drink Serving a signature drink is not only a way to share your drink of choice, but it can also be more cost-effective than serving a variety of liquors. Naming your drinks after terms of endearment your fiancé has dubbed you or including the names of your beloved animals is a great way to make your guest smile. 3. Include photos or fun facts on your guest tables Instead of table numbers, why not name the tables after your favorite bands or favorite songs? You can also display photos of your relationship throughout the years at each table. Additionally, you can add cards with fun facts like the number of places you’ve traveled together, favorite movies, favorite pastimes, etc.
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4. Give fun favors One of the most memorable and useful favors I’ve seen is giving your guests a goodie bag with all your favorite treats. Use labels like “his favorite” or “her favorite” on each item. 5. Hire a wedding planner A wedding planner is essential throughout your planning process. While they are meant to help with your budget, assist in selecting vendors, and manage day-of duties, they can also give you examples of how to best personalize your wedding. More than likely, your wedding planner can give you a few tried and true examples. While there’s no right or wrong way to personalize your own wedding, we hope we’ve inspired you to incorporate some our entertaining examples. Trust us, your guests will love learning more about the happy couple!
ENGAGEMENT SEASON… By: Kristin Voss at Kendall Plantation
Engagement Season: Yup, it’s a thing y’all. What in the world is going on!? Here you are, engaged AF, and you have your heart set on a Saturday in October…. but you call the venue of your dreams and they are already booked. Ughhhh. How? What? Why? You don’t know until you know, as they say! Don’t worry girl, we got you! “Engagement season” is a real thing. Here is what you need to know: MOST POPULAR DAYS TO GET ENGAGED ______________________ Christmas Eve, Eve Christmas Eve Christmas Day New Year’s Eve (that’s me!) New Year’s Day Valentine’s Day ______________________ Sounds cliché, but it’s totally not. Getting engaged during the holidays is the most fun. Apparently everyone else thinks so too! What does that mean? This means dates are flying off the shelves and it’s a mad dash to the finish line for the most popular dates (Saturdays!). Do not panic. Read that again, do not panic! DON’T: Lock yourself into ONE wedding date before you tour venues. This will limit your options greatly.
DO: Choose a range of dates. Don’t fall in love with a date, fall in love with the venue.
Photo by: Rebecca McCoy Photography
DON’T: Ignore the proposal trends above. It affects venue availability DO: Go ahead, we dare you, book your venue before you get that ring. You’d be surprised how often we see this happen. All. The. Time. Brides put down a deposit to hold a date because they know the proposal is imminent. Presumptive, maybe, but guess what, you got the date you wanted, the venue you wanted, and you are one step ahead of the rest. WINNING. DON’T: Choose a date because of what the weather “might” do. It’s Texas, Texas has no pattern. Texas does what Texas wants.
DO: Choose a date because it works with your schedule, you like that time of the year, and you can’t control the weather. We can’t guarantee the weather will be “perfect” (what does perfect even mean?!) but, we can guarantee it doesn’t matter, because it is what it is, and we make the best of it. Have you seen our indoor wedding options? Swoon. DON’T: Get stuck on a Saturday! Seriously, there are 6 other days in the week other than a Saturday.
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DO: Open your mind. If you have found the one venue that checks all the boxes and it’s a must have, choose a different date other than Saturday if it’s not available. HELLO! Fridays and Sundays often offer a much lower rate. Kendall Plantation is $2000 less on a Friday/ Sunday. Yes, we said $2000 dollars. I can find somewhere else to spend 2K, can you?! If you decide on a weekday, girl, we have a deal for you! Weekday pricing is even better.
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GENERAL
11255 HUEBNER ROAD | SUITE 204 SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS invitations | save the dates seating charts | menus programs | cups & koozies napkins | escort cards
210.495.6200 girlgeneral.com @thegirlgeneral
Looking to expand your business into the Texas Hill Country? We are the Hill Country’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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TOP SIX HONEYMOON D By: Becca Isdale
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The marriage license is signed, your wedding dress is hung up in your closet, and all of your extended family is back home. Now, it’s your chance to soak up some time together and live up that newlywed life! Yep, it’s honeymoon time and we are here to help you with your options! We know it can get a bit overwhelming finding the right location, so we are here today with a list of our top picks that we hope can serve as some inspiration for you.
Cannon Beach, Oregon This is definitely a honeymoon choice for those of you who want a more laid-back and relaxed honeymoon. Not only are there many romantic hotels and cute boutiques nearby, but it is well-known for it’s long shorelines and beautiful scenery! You can rent a bike and take a ride down the shore, sit out and catch some sun, or go to one of their famous restaurants in town. This is a nice place to just enjoy time together with minimal worries, yet maximum enjoyment! Napa Valley, California If you are a couple who loves to sip on some wine once the weekend hits, then this is the place to be! Beautiful views and amazing wineries with romantic resorts and bed and breakfasts… this place is definitely one of a kind! You both can take a hot air balloon ride, wine and dine at a romantic restaurant in town, and of course go do a wine tasting or two! Maui, Hawaii
For the newlyweds who want a good mix of fun and relaxation, this is the best place to be! There are so many fun adventures on the island like snorkeling, the road to Hana, hiking (with breathtaking views might we add), live shows and dancing, and whale watching (in the colder months)! However, it’s easy to switch into relaxation mode with all of the spas on the island that offer couples massages, sunset cruises, romantic dinners, or simply just laying out on the beach (we recommend going to the black sand beaches, they are gorgeous). Either way, you can’t go wrong with Maui!
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ON DESTINATION PICKS Isdale For the next three places on our list, you’ll need to get those passports ready and pack up your favorite book to read because you’ll be hopping on a place to arrive at these marvelous destinations! These are some of the most remarkable and beautiful places in the world and if they don’t end up being your pick for your honeymoon, they definitely need to be at the top of your bucket list!
Interlaken, Switzerland This city is a special one because they call it the city of two’s because it sits between two lakes (you are sure to get some amazing views)! Whether you’re visiting during the summer or winter months, you are sure to have many adventurous options for you two to choose from. With being called “the adventure capital of the world,” there is something for everyone here! From exploring Oberhofen Castle to paragliding, this romantic city has it all.
Lombardy, Italy Antiparos, Greece Have your heart stolen by this beautiful, more seclusive little town in Greece! A short ferry ride away from the main island, you both will be able to take in the breathtaking views of crystal clear waters and stunning sunsets. Go snorkeling at the gorgeous Faneromeni Beach, embark on an adventure in Antiparos Cave, or simply lay out in your lounger and catch some sun. Romance and relaxation all in one little (yet extremely stunning) city!
In the beautiful Lake District of Italy, you’ll have romance wrapped around the both of you! With Lake Como and the City of Milan, you’ll have a wide range of romantic restaurants, breath-taking views, unique stores, and adventures to choose from your pool of to-do’s! While you’re on your way to a wine tasting, you may pass by couples kissing and embracing the moment in this truly romantic place! This is definitely a place to connect, relax, and to make some amazing memories together. WINTER 2019
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Red Eye Flights... the Day After Wedding?
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Don’t, I repeat, don’t schedule a 5am flight the morning after your wedding. If it must be done, then be prepared and it can happen. However, if you can, give yourself a day to recoup and relax before the next adventure. If you are leaving right after the wedding for a flight the next day you had better be organized and ready. Have a bag packed just for vacation so it’s ready to go. Make sure both of your driver’s licenses, passports and all IDs are all up-to date. It is worth noting that some countries will not allow entry if a passport expires within 30, 60 or 90 days of the arrival date.
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We recently had a wedding where the groom’s passport was to arrive on the wedding day and of course it didn’t. Talk about stress, not only are you trying to relax and enjoy one of the best days of your life, but you also don’t need that extra pressure of worrying if you are providing the correct passport information that is needed. In their case, it didn’t come in as promised so they had to reschedule flights which is also not fun and sometimes not cheap. We have had lots of weddings recently that used the day after the wedding as a family gathering time and relaxing.
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What a great way to hang out with your out-of-town guests for a breakfast or brunch the day after. Some have even sat and open presents and had everyone gather for more family and friend time before everyone heads back to their regular jobs and far off locations. Wouldn’t it be nice to relax that one extra day and make sure you have everything together for vacation and know you are not having to worry who was sent home with the flowers, presents, cake and more also not to mention anything that might possibly need to be returned as well. Just a tip from us, enjoy not
only your wedding day but also the day after and enjoy it with all those special people in town just for the two of you. I know when I leave on vacation, I like to be prepared, organized and have everything ready to go. I am not sure I could do that if I was leaving the next morning after my wedding!
honeymoon Publisher’s Pick for a Winter Honeymoon
By: Crystal Wiedenfeld
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Time to go see the Aurora Borealis, aka the Northern Lights!!! Finland has some neat honeymoon activities, from snowmobiling, reindeer sleigh riding, maybe taking in a husky safari to give you the tour of the area. Located in the village of Saariselka in the center of Lapland, Igloo Village Kakslauttanen offers ka several options for a romantic winter break. Remember, the several daylight hours are more like twilight and last only 1 to 3 hours that far above the Arctic Circle, but it also means that you will have LONG nights together.
Many resorts offer naturally made igloos that are made of wood and topped with a turf roof, covered in plush winter white snow. There are even private glass igloos for you newlyweds that may be looking for a not so traditional escape. They also offer some of the best views of the Northern Lights. Here, couples can view the spectacle without leaving the comfort of their bed. Constructed with special thermal glass, the igloos remain warm even in sub-zero temperatures. Talk about the dream for a romantic getaway.
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family dinner Beef Stew Ingredients: 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.
• Vegetable oil, for searing • 2 1/2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes • salt and ground black pepper • 2 tablespoons butter • 2 medium onions, diced • 5 cloves garlic, crushed • 1 tablespoon tomato paste • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour • 10 cups cold water, or chicken or beef broth
• 6 sprigs parsley • 6 sprigs fresh thyme • 2 bay leaves • 1 1/4 pounds medium red potatoes, quartered • 4 medium carrots, cut into pieces • 2 celery stalks, cut into pieces • 7 canned whole, peeled tomatoes, lightly crushed
Directions:
Heat a large pan with a tight-fitting lid over medium-high heat. Pour in enough oil to fill the pan about 1/4-inch deep. Season the venison generously with salt and pepper, and add to the pan. Sauté the meat, uncovered, stirring only occasionally, until well-browned, about 8 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Return the pot to the stove and melt the butter over medium high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring about 1 minute. Add the tomato paste about 1 minute more. Add the sautéed venison and scatter the flour over the vegetable mixture (enough to lightly coat) and cook stirring until lightly toasted. Add the water or broth, and bring to a simmer. Tie the parsley, thyme, and bay leaves together with a piece of kitchen twine and add the bundle to the pot. Season with 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste. Cover and transfer to the oven. Cook the meat until just tender, about 1 1/2 hours. (This can also be done on the stove at a low simmer.) Remove pot from the oven and add the potatoes, carrots, celery, and the tomatoes, and bring to a simmer on top of the stove. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the liquid thickens and the vegetables are tender, about 1 hour. Remove and discard the herb bundle and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
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To me, winter food means homecooking and homestyle food. Meatloaf, lasagna, chicken pot pie and chili are just a few of the ones that come to mind. These are not exactly wedding foods, however. What about serving a llight ight fish at a winter wedding? Great - if iit’s t’s paired with a nice warm sauce and ssome ome hearty vegetables and sides.
F
Think of cooler weather and what foods you and your future partner like or want your guests to experience. Do you have lots of out of town guests coming to
Texas and the Hill Country for the first time? If so, you may want them to try some Texas BBQ or some hearty Tex-Mex or Southern food.
WINTER FOODS
WINTER 2019
We recently had a wedding and the couple absolutely loves In and Out so guess what end of night snack those guests will be getting? Do we want to serve that for the actual dinner? No, but it makes for a great midnight snack and works to get some food in everyone’s belly before driving or riding home. Think about kids’ meals too but don’t overdo it.
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Celebrations at Kendall Plantation Not only can you get married at Kendall Plantation, but you can also rent the facility to host other events and parties as well, not to mention it can offer some great photoshoot opportuni-
ties. Bree and Justin fell in love with Kendall Plantation from the moment they saw it so of course they booked it for their wedding day! After the birth of their daughter, they couldn’t
think of a better place to do a family photo shoot and the first birthday photos for Charlee. Why not take her to the place they married and joined as one? Congratulations to the Rivera
family and what a great location for weddings and events.
Happily Ever After THE RIVERA FAMILY
Justin and Bree Rivera Married May 27, 2017 Charlee Beth August 8, 2018 WINTER 2019
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Photos by: Rwebecca McCoy Photography
hotos by Chrissi M Photography
Everlasting Love
By: Mecke Family
Rita and Bob met after World War II, where Bob had spent 3 years 3 months and 5 days in the Navy. Bob was going to college at U.T. in Austin, working on his engineering degree when he met Rita. They met at a St. Mary’s University New Year’s Dance at a dance hall on the corner of Belknap and Woodlawn. They found that they had a lot in common, both had Alsatian connections, Rita on both sides of her family and Bob on his mother’s side of the family. Both of their families were also members of St. Ann’s parish. After dating for most of a year, they married on October 22, 1949.
\Thank you for sharing your full and eventful life with us! Bob and Rita have
WINTER 2019 bar forhillcountryweddingsmagazine.com 54certainly set a high the rest of us. Congratulations to you both.
amily
Bob had to borrow $500 from his Uncle Matt to get married and had to borrow his father’s car. Their first home was a garage apartment on Yale St. next to the railroad tracks where they unloaded box cars in the middle of the night. Now IH10 runs where they once lived. Rita belonged to the Youth Club at St. Ann’s where she had lots of friends. She introduced Bob to them all, many of whom have remained lifelong friends over the past 70+ years. Rita had been working for the San Antonio Water Board for several years, making $90 a month and Bob always says that she had a lot of money and that’s why he married her! On July 5, 1950, Bob began working at City Public Service Board, making $218 per month. In October of 1952, Bob had an opportunity to work for Creole Petroleum Company in Venezuela as an electri-
cal engineer. It was a chance to make a higher salary to provide for Rita and the two children they now had, Linda and Richard. Bob had lived in Venezuela in the 1930’s with his parents during the Depression and had a great love for the country. In November of 1952 Rita and the two children joined Bob in Venezuela. They had to fly from San Antonio to New Orleans, then to Havana and then to Venezuela. Bob met Rita and the two children when they arrived. They all flew to Lagunillas, where they lived for the next 4 years. The people they met there became lifelong friends. Two more children were born while they lived in Venezuela, Emily and Mark. One Christmas in Lagunillas, Venezuela, Bob got a radio. He tuned it to WOAI 1200 and it came in as clear as a bell. Rita cried because she was so thrilled to hear a station from home and to hear English being spoken! Rita and Bob decided to move their family back to San Antonio in 1956. Bob was able to return to work as an electrical engineer at City Public Service Board, where he continued to work for the next 30 years.
Three more children were born after returning to San Antonio, June, Tommy and Billy, making a total of seven. Bob rented a milk machine that held 6 gallons of milk that was delivered to the house weekly. He bought eggs weekly by the ½ case and day-old bread and sweets from the Fehrmade Bakery. One carton of mellorine (a type of ice cream) was cut into slices, with each one getting a slice for dessert at the evening meal. Every morning Bob cooked enough eggs and oatmeal for all the kids and then left for work. Rita made sack lunches for all 7 kids every morning.
Bob purchased an old school bus from Blessed Sacrament School for $400 and he and Richard transformed it into a motor home, adding bunk beds, a table, a shower, etc. Rita and Bob took the family on many trips to the Texas coast, the Frio River and on longer trips to California, Colorado and New York. We have many fond memories of these trips and the time spent together as a family. Bob and Rita are so proud of their kids. Most of the 7 paid their own way through school and Rita and Bob did not have to pay much at all. The 4 boys are all Aggie engineers and two of the girls have Master’s degrees in Education.
The Mecke’s married October 22, 1949 WINTER 2019
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WINTER 2019
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Photo by: Ashley Medrano Photography
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