Hill Country Weddings & Events by Digital Publisher

Winter 2015

From the Publishers PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY Hill Country Weddings 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 Kyndal Barnes Kelly Mann Ella Nolen Brenda Sealy Kristin Voss Crystal Wiedenfeld Contributing Photographers Chandra’s Collection Photography Al Gawlik Photography Brittany Hunkin Photography Limelight San Antonio Photo and Video Rebecca McCoy 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 HGLWRULDO RɤFH LV ORFDWHG DW 624 North Main Street #105 Boerne, TX 78006 Ph # 830-816-5215 info@hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com www.hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com © Hill Country Weddings Magazine

Send queries about articles or photographs to Hill Country Weddings Magazine at 624 North Main St # 105 Boerne TX 78006. For advertising information call (830) 816-5215; email info@ 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 to 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 non-merit 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.

We are excited to bring you the fourth issue of Hill Country Weddings & Events Magazine! We are pleasantly overwhelmed with the positive response from readers of our first three issues! Thank you so much for your support. We hope that you enjoy the fourth issue as much as we enjoyed preparing it for you.

As sisters they put their heads together to create a magazine where they could both grow and continue their dreams.

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.

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.

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.

Hill Country Weddings & Events Magazine features everything from weddings to events, style, fashion and more.

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 with just thirty six pages and have increased to forty four already. Can you believe how much we have grown in just a year? 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

Cover Photo Contest

Cover Photo by: Brittany Hunkin Photography

TOP FIVE COVER PHOTOSS 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 2015 issues were a success and we are now excited to start the next Spring 2016 issue ue contest! Hill Country Weddings staff will select up to 100 photos tos to highlight in an album to be posted and will then invite ourr entire Facebook community to “vote” for their favorite photoo by liking and/or sharing the photo. The Top 10 pictures will be chosen and then will be narrowed down to the Top 5! The Top 5 will be published in the magazine and one lucky winner will be featured on the cover. So find your favorite photo and be ready to start sharing it on our Facebook Page for a chance at the cover!

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Photos by: Allison Jeffers Wedding Photography, Brittany Hunkin Photography, Captured by Austi and Kati Maxwell Photography

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Winter News 26

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Do you have a wedding planner? Do you need one? Event Decorations Choosing the Right Caterer

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

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Engagement Photo Contest TOP ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

For a chance to be in the magazine, send your engagement photos to info@hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com Photos by: Brittany Hunkin Photography, Chic Photo and Video, Kati Maxwell Photography, KP Photography, Kayla Jane Photography, Picture this by Casey and Rae Vision Photography

ENGAGEMENT STORY

BRIDE’S SIDE By Lacey Looking back it’s so clear that God’s hands were moving and directing our journey the entire time. It’s easy to say that now but I’ll be the first to tell you that the last eight years were anything but a walk in the park for Cory and I. Yes, that’s right, I said eight years. This little love story roots way back to middle school. Cory and I met in eighth grade at National Junior Honor Society because we sat next to each other due to our last names both starting with L’s. The crush started there. When we ran into each other freshman year of college, the fire was still burning strong. Cory became my first serious boyfriend shortly after that. I fell in love with Cory FAST. I was secretly planning the wedding… But it turned out Cory still had some things to work out on his end and broke up with me. Man, did he pay for that. KIDDING.

Seriously though, Cory immediately regretted his decision but I was still very hurt and frustrated by the break up. We dated several times after that and each time things ended, we would constantly run into each other after and find our selves rekindling things. My heart was always with Cory but it was a hard truth for me to admit. It was the hurt from the past combined with my selfish desires and some pretty messed up priorities. I could skip over the next few sentences and jump right to the good stuff but it’s important that I cover the “why did it take eight years” question that we get asked a lot. These mixed up priorities I had were a result from a lot of things but it came down to what I was choosing to surround myself with. I wasn’t surrounding myself with a Christian community or seeking the type of relationship I should have with God. I was selfish. I thought that being single and independent was the prize. I was wrong and

wrong again. It wasn’t until I put God in the correct place, in the top spot, that things started to come back into focus and the clarity was almost instant. Moving on. I don’t want to sugar coat this “fairy tale.” As you are aware by now, Cory and I spent our fair amount of time in Heartbreakville but God was teaching us, training our hearts, pulling us, and stretching us to a mold that was more like Him. When Cory and I dated for this last time, I’ve never been more sure of who I wanted to be with. But Cory’s heart needed reassuring this time and it was TOUGH. I learned how hard it must have been for him when I had taken my time to “figure things out.” It only reinforced what I already knew about him. I am marrying a man of God. A patient, selfless, man of God. We aren’t perfect, but we strive each day to build a relationship that brings glory to His Kingdom. All the credit goes to the man WINTER 2015

upstairs for the place we are at today. Cory helps me be a better person. He has more patience than I could imagine any one person could have for me. He teaches me, comforts me and has the capacity to do this because he searches and seeks God’s will in every situation. Trust me, his ability to love me despite my flaws is beyond what anyone could deal with on their own. I know he will tell you differently, but I truly am the lucky one.

GROOM’S SIDE By Cory Lacey and I grew up going to Connally Middle School together. We knew of each other but we didn’t really talk and hang out that much until we had our NJHS ceremony. I was pleasantly surprised when I showed up to find myself sitting next to the girl that I had the biggest crush on. She denies it at times but she fell in love with the “nerd continued on page 11

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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. 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.

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. Consider monochromatic aesthetics. Although there is no shortage of gorgeous possibilities to reflect the season, very simple looks are trending this winter. All white weddings are quite popular this time of year. We’re seeing a lot of soft antique looks paired with very pale blush 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. Save money by choosing flowers in season. Winter wedding flowers include: Carnations, Evergreen, Holly Berry, Narcissus, Pansy, Rose, Amaryllis, Star of Bethlehem and Poinsettias.

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.

{Dear Bride}: Please hire a wedding planner. Love , {Your Venue}

By: Kristin Voss {Kendall Plantation}

Let’s face it: weddings are an investment. They are a once in a lifetime magical event for two people to celebrate their union. It is also important to note that no wedding is perfect, nor will it be perfect. It just doesn’t exist. However, one way to get close to perfect is to hire a professional wedding planner. As a venue manager, I have been in meetings with brides where a catering manager tells a client they don’t need a wedding planner. WOW. Those are the people who have no idea what a professional wedding planner offers to a client. The bottom line: venue coordinators are there because they are hired by the venue to maintain and manage the venue only. They work for the venue and not you. Their main goal is to ensure the facility runs smoothly. So, if you arrive to your venue and all your flower arrangements are wrong and the guests can’t figure out where they are supposed to sit, don’t look at the venue coordinator to help you out because they won’t have a clue what you wanted, they do not coordinate! The feedback from vendors I have worked with say more times than not, there is a huge difference between weddings with a planner vs. ones without. Not only are the finishing touches and design usually better but so is the flow of the event and communication between the parties. Recently, Philip Chancellor with 5150 Productions told me there were 160 registered DJ’s in San Antonio. Really?

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How is a bride supposed to choose one?! A wedding planner has already developed relationships with vendors they are confident in recommending because they are talented, reliable and the best in the business. Although venues have vendor recommendations, a wedding planner has a vast list of professional vendors that they work with and know. Planners know which ones show up on time, communicate effectively, and are passionate about their services. They are able to look over contracts, negotiate prices, and be the go-between. These are things a venue manager would not necessarily be involved in. The process of vendor research is extremely time consuming but a wedding planner is there to help you decide and bring you the resources that best fit your needs. Many times couples are so worn out with making decisions on their own that by the time the wedding is here, the process is no longer fun. A wedding planner does not make your decisions, but provides you with the tools needed to make the right decisions. They are your planning partners! A few more reasons to hire a planner… You need a mediator. A planner is a good third-party mediator in tricky family situations. It is impossible to please everyone; however, at least a planner can give an unbiased opinion to help navigate problems. Most often I hear “ I have family and

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friends who have volunteered to help me day-of ” ….while this is a nice gesture, unless your family member is a professional wedding planner, it wont be fine. They are your guests and should not be working on your wedding day. They will be preoccupied with socializing, drinking a little too much champagne, and admiring how beautiful you look, taking hundreds of photos and not focused on the important details that make the event run smoothly. In reality a planner can save you money and time. Not only by putting together a realistic budget, but also in the end, planners have relationships with vendors since they work on many weddings not just one, so they can use insider deals to save you on costs. There are many wedding horror stories I can share with you, but none of them start with a professional wedding planner. At the end of the day, I strongly encourage my brides to take advantage of what a professional wedding planner is worth. Let them make your dream a reality, let them be organized, build a timeline, troubleshoot, manage vendors, guests and all the details. Let them save you money, they are a resource of knowledge, a sounding board for decisions, a mediator, a therapist and a stress reducer. Give your family a break, a gift to yourself and a gift to your family. You deserve it!

ENGAGEMENT STORY continued from page 7 with the backpack” at the ripe age of 13-years-old. I have the yearbook entries to prove it. She moved away after our freshman year in high school but we would chat time to time on the ancient AOL IM. It wasn’t until the end of our freshman year in college when we went on our first, official date. Our first relationship was brief but I knew in my heart she was the

woman I was going to marry; it just wasn’t in God’s plan yet. Over the next 8 years, we kept in touch and every break from school I would come home to San Antonio and our paths would inevitably cross. That’s all it would take and we would pick right back up where we left off. We dated off and on during that time but, once again, God was working in our lives and showed us that He was the one who was in control.

Throughout this journey with Lacey, God showed me things and grew my faith in ways I never thought possible. I always wanted a wife that would help me, not only be a better person, but also a better Christian. God showed me the heart Lacey had for Christ time and time again. He puts people in our lives in His time and that wasn’t the easiest pill to swallow during certain parts of this story. He made sure to show us before we try to add anyone else in

the picture that we must first understand He is all we need. He provides us with a spouse so that together you will continue to spread His word and glorify His name. It wasn’t until January of 2015, when God brought Lacey back into my life, that I realized the master plan He had for us all along. It was well worth the wait.

QUICK TIPS FOR MUSIC AT YOUR NEXT EVENT

By: Brenda Sealy

DEMO IN PERSON BEFORE HIRING. It’s no secret that music has magical powers that can either curse or bless your event. Whether you’re planning for a string quartet, DJ or six-piece band, always make sure to demo in person before hiring. Many artists have their music available online but sometimes that just doesn’t do the trick. Performance and presence is a big deal as well so previewing before hand is definitely something that is recommend.

We are all guilty of signing forms without reading the tiny print. Know what you’re getting yourself into! If the artist doesn’t provide a contract, make it clear that you need to have one. This will hold everyone accountable and ensure that you get what you paid for.

GET REFERENCES. Ask A the artist’s previous clients c about their experience. References and reviews are R the t best way to get authentic feedback about turnout and f overall o performance.

ALWAYS HAVE A BACKUP PLAN. I recently experienced a band whose truck broke down and called to say they wouldn’t be able to make the event. Instead of finding a way out, they just wanted to cancel right off the bat. Luckily, we had a planner who was able to get a truck over to them and pull the trainer out. Reliable vendors with backup plans are a must.

ACTUALLY READ THE A CONTRACT! C

YOUR DJ IS NOT YOUR GUEST.

You hired your DJ to play music, not to join the party and drink all your alcohol! Sure, a drink or two is okay, but be sure they are sober enough to do their job and do it right!

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hair New season, new hair! Nothing drastic though… Just a few little tweaks here and there! So you know those annoying wispy baby hairs that refuse to be tamed? Good news. They’re in style! Deep parts are still trending alongside messy braids and twists. The key word here is messy, ladies! Get this look by pulling apart your braid or twist until loose and free flowing.

makeup Style & Beauty Tips for Winter By: Crystal Wiedenfeld

All my picks can be purchased at A Simply Serene Salon and Spa. www.simplysereneboerne.com

Red is the color of the season! A red lip is a strong statement that pulls together any look during the holidays. A little gloss on top adds a

touch of glamor. I have also noticed a lot of disconnected liner. I’m not sure how I’m feeling about it but we shall see as the season rolls through. I’ve also seen a lot of bottom liner only, which gives the innocent Bambi effect. I think this is definitely worth giving a shot! Anything with innocence attached to it offers a youthful effect as well. Light makeup is still in, especially in the eye department. Go easy on the mascara, as heavy lashes aren’t a necessity this winter. The opposite is true for your brows! Fill those babies in and comb them out for a fuller look. Similar to the messy braids, less tailored brows are the way to go this season. A combed-out, fuller aesthetic is the look we’re going for.

clothing

Moving right along to the fashion department! Ear climbers are the big trend right now. The best thing about ear climbers is that you get to avoid the pain of actually piercing your ears to have one.

Big statement necklaces have taken the back seat for now. Little, dainty pieces are what I’ve been seeing. I’m obsessed with the way they look when layered. As for clothing… I sure do wish it got a bit colder in the Hill Country because fur, or faux fur, is really on the rise, especially in trench coat style. Purchasing something like this might not be worth it, as it will sit in your closet most of the year. Perhaps opt for a fur vest instead. Dress it up with a cute belt and you’re set! Other must-haves this season include ankle boots and, of course, a classic red dress. I love this time of the year and I hope everyone has a very merry Christmas!

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THE ‘NEED-TO-KNOWS’ OF BRIDAL MAKEUP Bridal Portraits vs. Wedding Day By: Kyndal Barnes

Let’s face it- makeup is a pretty important component to achieving your ideal bridal look. Whether you’re the natural bride or the glamourous bride, here are some needto-know tips to create the perfect look for both your portraits and the big day.

artist about doing airbrush foundation for your bridal portraits. Airbrush tends to photograph very naturally and is very lightweight. However, depending on your coverage needs, traditional foundation might be the better choice for you.

Portraits: Bold lip and brighter cheek: Keep in mind that some close-up photos will be taken during your portrait session. The harsh flash tends to wash you out, so brighter lips and cheeks keep you looking lively and glowing.

Wedding Day: Go softer on the lips: Popular hues for a wedding day lip are mauves and lighter pinks. Brides tend to go for a bold eye and nd a more neutral lip for the ceremony. If you ou have a certain lip color that you prefer, bring it with you and ask the makeup art-ist to apply it for you.

Go glam: Today is your day to feel beautiful! Step outside of your comfort zone and ask your makeup artist for a smoky eye. Be bold! Not only will you feel like a celebrity, but also the makeup will translate beautifully in a photo. Airbrush is an option: Ask your makeup

Soft smoky eye: The ideal bridal look isn’t too dark or cakey. The key word is GLOW. Browns, pinks, golds, and rose golds are ideal for a natural, bridal smokyy eye. You want to look radiant on your wedding day and let your natural beauty shine.

An Elegant Day Awaits You

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For a truly Southern-style wedding with timeless appeal and picturesque scenery, Kendall Plantation is the place to say â€œI do.â€? Set atop a hill, which offers amazing views of the Hill Country and cool breezes anytime of the year, Kendall Plantation highlights some of the most desirable features for todayâ€™s bride. We offer two distinct locations to vow forever: the gazebo, which overlooks a natural spring pond, or an indoor ceremony underneath a cascading staircase. The venue features wraparound porches, large columns, hardwood floors and classic architectureâ€”perfect for a bride looking for a distinct yet classic look.

s WEDDINGS KENDALLPLANTATION COM s 'UTHRIE 2OAD "OERNE 4EXAS s WWW KENDALLPLANTATION COM

POPULAR WEDDING DATES OF 2016 01/06/16 02/14/16 02/29/16 03/13/16 04/01/16

05/13/16 06/01/16 06/10/16 07/09/16 08/08/16

11/05/16 12/04/16 12/14/16 12/31/16

HAPPY

RANCH

Where Special Events Happen!

Happy H Ranch ~ P.O. Box 510 Comfort, Texas 78013 ~ info@HappyHRanch.com ~ 210.332.3151 www.HappyHRanch.com

THE PERFECT satin isn’t your thing, consider LINENS the crinkle look, which adds

Curating linens for your event is a lot of fun, especially when you have a knack for color pallets and textures. Linen choice is also one of the easiest ways to personalize the aesthetics of your venue. From basic poly, satin and pin tucks to crushed, taffeta and embroidered, narrowing down your decision can be very overwhelming. I always recommend keeping it simple so the final look reflects the spirit of your event. I currently love satin napkins because of the element of elegance they offer. The beautiful sheen of satin is the essence of any fairytale look. If

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a touch of formal fashion. Mixing it with taffeta will bring a unique texture to your presentation and never fails to add a sense of sophistication. Still a bit stuck? You can’t go wrong with polyester. Polyester is particularly durable and goes well with any event or table setting. Take precaution if you decide on rosette linens. Although gorgeous, rosette linens can interfere with the stability of glasses and centerpieces. If you are dying to incorporate some rosette into your decorations, consider limiting them to the cake, gift or sign-in tables. Fashion gurus always preach

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dressing for your body type. The same rule applies to your linens! If they aren’t tailored correctly, they’re not going to look right. The following will help you determine the length of your linens so they fall to the floor in the right manner: 1. 72” table requires 132” linen and can seat 10 to 12 guests 2. 60” table requires 120” linen and can seat 8 to 10 guests 3. 48” table requires 108” linen and can seat 6 to 8 guests 4. Rectangle tables require a 6 or 8 ft drop depending on the size of the table In addition, talk with your venue staff to find out what linens have been used in the

past. This will give you a good idea of what looks best in that specific venue. Many venues even have pictures on their websites so be sure to check that out, too. Hill Country Planning now offers linen rentals. Call 210723-9547 or email hillcountryplanning@gmail.com so we can help you pick the perfect linens for your next event!

Q&A WITH BARTENDERS4YOU Who knew liquor is the cheapest route and serving alcohol has so many rules? Read our Q&A with Jennifer and Charlie Smith from Bartenders4You. Q: What’s the most affordable route when it comes to bar service at my wedding? A: The biggest misconception about bars at weddings is that wine and beer are cheaper. The cost difference between how far a bottle of wine goes and how far a bottle of liquor goes adds up quickly. You can buy eight bottles of wine at $80 or buy any mid-shelf liquor at $25, both at 39 servings. Wine is actually more expensive! Q: Is bar service actually worth it in the end or is doing

it on my own an option? A: You don’t need to do everything yourself! You might not think it’s going to be a big deal to buy all the supplies and alcohol on your own, but trust me… It adds up! Before you know it, you have 100 plus items on your to-do list and then you have to load it all up and take it to the venue. This is the last thing you’re going to want to be doing on your wedding day. At least let a bar service take care of ice and mixers so you aren’t too stressed. Q: How will they know what drinks I want to serve at my wedding? A: Before the bar service team creates a bride and groom’s

drink menu, they will sit down with the couple and get to know them better. They get to know what your personality is like, what type of drinks you enjoy, what your families are like and overall just the feel for the entire wedding. Q: Aren’t there a lot of rules about serving alcohol? A: There are many major responsibilities that go along with serving alcohol at your wedding. First you want to make sure you have a reputable company that knows the TABC laws and follows them. Responsible service is the main priority. We want your wedding to be a fun experience, but we want your guests to drink responsibly and that means we serve respon-

sibly. Our staff is trained in this matter and works for us directly, not a staffing agency. So accountability is much greater and we have pride in what we do. Q: Can I trust bar service companies? A: Bartenders4You is a reputable company that provides quality service at a price that all couples can afford. We are here for you from the beginning stages of planning. For most couples this is their first time getting married, and they do not know where to start. We will help take the guessing out. We get married eight times a week on average. Let your bar service educate and guide you, and your bar will be spectacular!

Photo by: Limelight San Antonio Cru Vintage Rentals Flowers by Evember

Choosing the Right Caterer Tips from Smoke in the Hills BBQ By: Kelly Mann man’s heart is through his stomach. The same The way to a man goes for yourr w wed wedding guests.

The menu is oone of the most important aspects of your wedding. Here ar are so some questions to ask to help you choose the right caterer. What is include iincluded in your plate price? Many caterers do not include travel, service and plates in the price you see advertised. These extra fees add up very quickly. Another fee that may be added on to the total bill is gratuity. This is normally ally a percentage of the total bill. If you are not prepared ared for these extras ras it can be quite a shock. When will you set up? Nothing is worse than having your caterer banging and disrupting your our ceremony. Iff Photo by: Limelight San Antonio your ceremony ny is near the reception eption site, tant to discuss in this is important advance. How long will you serve? Most caterers have a set amount of time that they will be serving your guests. This may be determined by the number of guests you have at your event. There may be an extra fee for all-night service. Do you clean up or bus tables? Depending on your venue, this can be very important. You want to know how much of the clean up the caterer has included in their price. What happens to the leftover food? If you have fewer guests than you planned, you may have

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food lef left over. Some caterers take the food with them and others p package it for you. Wh What deposit do you require and what is your cancella lation policy? Th The amount needed for a deposit varies widely from one caterer to another. Knowing what you are required to pay to save your date will help with budgeting. Cancellation policies also vary from different companies. There will be a set date you can cancel by without losing your deposit. When do you need final plate count and final paym ment? Ha Having these questions answered in advance allows you pl the date you will need to receive all of your RSVPs to plan gu from guests. It will also help when budgeting for your big day. About Smoke in the Hills BBQ My husband and I started our catering company in 2011 out of our food truck. We both love to cook and being a part of a bride and groom’s special day is a blessing. Our entire family works for the business. My husband, oldest son or I oversee every event, ensuring you get the best service. Customer service is THE most important part of our business. We want everyone that chooses us to know that his or her day is important to us. We do things a bit different than other caterers. Our prices are all inclusive. We don’t add extra fees for delivery, serving, plates or gratuity. Keeping things simple makes it easier for everyone involved. We treat our customers the way we want to be treated.

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

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EXPLORE THE COLLEC TION

S I M P LY S E R E N E S A L O N & S P A 512 N. Main St., Boerne, TX 78006 830.331.1103 simplysereneboerne.com

WEDDING QUIZ What does your dream wedding say about your Season + Location A. Summer sunset on the beach B. Winter wonderland in the city personality type? C. Autumn Southern romance at the D.

ranch or local church Spring vibes at the town square

Nails A. B. C. D.

Neutral tones French manicure or classic Chanel red Natural color with real nails Soft pinks and a design on your ring finger

Shoes A. B. C. D.

Barefoot Louboutin pumps Hand-painted boots Dainty sandals

Hair A. B. C. D.

Soft beachy waves with a flower behind your ear Sleek top-knot Down with the sides pulled up Braids with loose, wispy pieces

Guests A. B. C. D.

35-50; confined to close friends and family 500+; everyone you know 100; all the ranchers and families in the area 300; everyone you grew up with, including high school teachers

? ??? ?

Mostly A’s: You’re a total beach babe! You’re all about good vibes and keeping things simple. You favor quality over quantity and find value in the small things. You cherish close relationships and have mastered how to love and be loved. Mostly B’s: You’re a posh city gal! You’re the life of the party and you know it. You’re always up to something and you could even have your own reality show on E! Your life is like Gossip Girl, only for adults. Mostly C’s: You’re a classic Southern belle! You grew up as the town’s darlin’ and you can’t wait to have a family of your own. You love to cook and look forward to raising 3+ children. You enjoy crafts and most likely have a green thumb. Mostly D’s: You’re a small town, traditional girl! You will probably marry your high school sweetheart and raise your kids in the same town that you grew up in. You like to follow the rules and live an honest life. You love community events, like parades, and will be an active member of the PTO.

Calendars r e b m e c e D 5th: 12th: 19th:

Weihnachts Christmas Parade Boerne Spicewood Food at Texas Hill Vineyard Wimberly Second Saturday Gallery Trail

Starlight Cinema at Cherokee Rose Luckenbach Christmas Ball Gary P. Nunn Winter Solstice - Cave Without a Name

20th:

Fredericksburg Trade Days

January 16th: 22nd: 30th:

Jazz in January at Chisholm Trail Winery Ragin Cajun - Fredericksburg Wine Road 290 Salsa Bowl at Pedernales Cellars

Sunset Times DECEMBER 1ST 5:35 PM DECEMBER 15TH 5:37 PM JANUARY 1ST JANUARY 15TH

5:46 PM 5:57 PM

FEBRUARY 1ST 6:12 PM FEBRUARY 15TH 6:23 PM

Real Weddings

Clay and Liz Hughes CAKE SOPHIE’S BAKERY

FLORIST BRISTOL LANE

CATERING FRITZE’S BBQ

PHOTOGRAPHY MORE THAN AN IMAGE

DJ BJ HERMES

VENUE HAPPY H RANCH

HAIR AND MAKEUP MADAME HAIR AND MAKEUP

PLANNER WESTCOTT WEDDINGS

WINTER 2015

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CAKE SOPHIEâ€™S BAKERY DJ ALTARED FLORIST THE FLOWER PAIL

PHOTOGRAPHY AL GAWLIK PHOTOGRAPHY VENUE KAIROS CELEBRATION BARN FREDERICKSBURG, TX

RENTALS SISTERS VINTAGE PARTY

Joey & Lauren Bright congratulations to our hill country couples WINTER 2015

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Real Events

The Cherokee Rose

Open House Photos by: Limelight San Antonio Flowers by: Evember Rentals by: Cru Vintage VENDORS INCLUDED:

COUTURE DEZIGNS MBP PHOTO BOOTH

ALL OCCASIONS OF TX CATERING CREATIONS CAKE

FRITZE BBQ

CHERISHED DESIGN

TAN YOUR HIDE

HILL COUNTRY PLANNING

PERFECT EVENTS

SIMPLY SERENE SALON AND SPA

SHAY BARNETT PHOTO

LIMELIGHT SAN ANTONIO PHOTO AND VIDEO

MARISOL IZAGUIRRE PHOTOGRAPHY

HAVEN RIVER INN

THE PARTY AFFAIR WORLD ON A STRING RUIZ CIGAR

CATHYâ€™S FINE CHOCOLATE

WINTER 2015

Ruiz Cigar Bar

EVEMBER

CRU VINTAGE RENTALS

SMOKE IN THE HILLS BBQ

BARTENDERS 4 YOU

hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com

Creations Cake

SOUTHERN ROMANCE BRIDAL FAIR

Evember

Cherished Design

H Country Weddings & Events Magazine hosted a bridal Hill ffair at an up-and-coming venue, Cherokee Rose, this past November. N O afternoon was spent surrounded by Cherokee Roseâ€™s anOur ttique original wood barns with weathered tin roofs and cypress ttrees along the Guadalupe. The welcoming atmosphere was tthe epitome of Southern romance, making the venue ideal for wedding receptions. We posted several photos on our Facebook and Instagram (@hillcountrymagazine) so be sure to check those out. You might just be in them! We hope our guests left the bridal fair feeling as inspired as we did! Thank you to our vendors and everyone who came out to experience Cherokee Rose with us.

MBP Photo Booth

The Moss Ranch at Enchanted Rock is a family owned and operated wedding and event venue. It covers over 100 acres of ranch land originally part of the entire 2,300 acre Enchanted Rock property. The Moss Ranch is located on RR 965 across from the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in Llano County. The concept of The Moss Ranch is to offer the bridal party and family a private, relaxed weekend in the Texas Hill Country. The main house has a 1,500 square-foot event room with a 16 foot by 8 foot sliding door opening up to the large back porch. The event room has a fireplace and a serving kitchen/ bar area. There are three bedrooms and three baths in n the main house with sleepingg accommodations for up to 122 people. Across the breezewayy is a smaller building with restrooms and a catering prep p kitchen.

The large bridal suite has an entrance into the main event room with the fireplace as a focal point for indoor wedding ceremonies. For outdoor wedding ceremonies, the bride exits the suite through French doors onto the porch and across the gravel path, leading to the grassy area under the trees. Call us today at (512) 8478423 to book your wedding at The Moss Ranch!

family dinner night PAW’S VENISON STEW PUBLISHER’S NOTE:

Ingredients

There is not much more important than time with your family. That is why we have decided to do a recipe page.

Vegetable oil, for searing 2 ½ pounds venison, 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 5 sprigs parsley 5 sprigs fresh thyme 2 bay leaves 1 ¼ pounds medium red potatoes, quartered 1/2 pounds turnips 4 medium carrots, cut into pieces 2 celery stalks, cut into pieces 7 canned whole peeled tomatoes

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 receipes and photos to info@hillcountryweddingsmagazine. com for a chance to share with your Hill Country Weddings friends.

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Heat a large pan 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 Sauté the meat, uncovered, stirring only occasionally, until well browned for about 8 minutes. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until lightly browned for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring for about 1 minute. Add the tomato paste and keep stirring for about 1 more minute. Add the sautéed venison and scatter the flour over the vegetable mixture (enough to lightly coat) and cook, stirring until lightly toasted.

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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. Cover and transfer to the oven. Cook the meat until just tender for about 1½ hours. (This can also be done on the stove at a low simmer.) Remove pot from the oven and add potatoes, turnips, carrots, celery and tomatoes, and bring to a simmer on top of the stove. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the liquid thickens and the vegetables are tender for about 1 hour. Remove and discard the herb bundle and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Hello, H ello, o, H Honeymooners! oneym

honeymoon

By: Crystal Wiedenfeld I must say, I am quite jealous of the honeymooners this season! Traveling during this time of the year can be a gamble, but with the magical winter wonderland ambiance, it sure is worth it! Okay, are you ready for it? My pick for this season’s honeymoon destination is… Durango, Colorado! As with most things in life, conveniences are the key to any vacation. What I love about Durango is that it’s so close you can even drive there if you’re a road-trippin’ couple. The town also has a great purgatory ski resort with a Ski-In Ski-Out.

Publisher’s Pick for a Winter Honeymoon

After an exhausting day on the slopes, natural hot springs are not only relaxing but also romantic. Horse drawn carriage rides with meals in the mountain snow take the romantic feelings to a whole new level. Another thing I recommend is taking the train from Durango to Silverton, which is absolutely breathtaking! At the end of the day, I think just being snuggled up with h the one you love by a nice fire and hot drink is more than n anyone could ask for. Add all the options of adventure that hat ha Durango offers and you have the most romantic escape!

Happy travels!

Enjoy!

Happily Ever After THE DURDEN FAMILY

4 Engaged: Nov. 24, 2012 Married: Feb. 9, 2013 Children: Tyton Dane Aug. 4, 2009 Bridger Braun Aug. 3, 2015

Photo by: Jena Craig Photography

Photo by: Limelight San Antonio Photo and Video

LAIMED REC

REDESIGN By: Reclaimed Rooms You bought the rings. You walked down the aisle. You said, “I do.” Now to build a home together! Many new couples struggle to combine their furniture. How do you decide whose couch to keep? And how do you arrange it? How do you know which items to buy for your new home? Hiring a designer may seem out of reach – but it’s not! Reclaimed Rooms is a REdesign service that can help arrange furniture for maximum flow, function, and style. Reclaimed Rooms can also assist in selecting new tile, paint and flooring… Anything for your home. Typical REdesign clients already own most of their furniture, but are looking for a fresh look, or they aren’t sure how to work with what they have. Some clients are looking to add a few new pieces but are not sure where to begin. After a three-hour session you can make your space feel homey, cozy and stylish. You will also have a better understanding of what pieces to add to complete your look. Need help deciding on a paint color? New tile? Reclaimed

MAKING HIS + HERS . . . YOURS

Heather Scott Huebner Interior REdesign

979.574.4727 // heather.s.huebner@gmail.com

Rooms can help with that, too. Choosing every detail of a new home or remodel can be daunting, but with a design professional on your side it does not have to be. Reclaimed Rooms was started by Heather Scott Huebner as a hobby – it was just fun to help friends. After a couple of months, these friends pushed

her to start a design business. Basic REdesigns led to larger design projects and helping people with everything needed to finish their house. Heather is a Boerne native and has earned the respect of local business owners. Look for

Reclaimed Rooms on Facebook and Instragram. Contact Heather at 979.574.4727 or heather.s.huebner@gmail.com to learn more about your future design project.

Photoâ€™s by: LimeLight Photography San Antonio

Everlasting E Love

By: Crystal Wiedenfeld

The “M Th “Matching” Couple “Matching Don n and Sandy Craig Cra won w my heart when they hey walked iin we wearing matching shirts. rts. They reminde re reminded me of my grandparents, arents, w who used to do the same thing when my grandmother was still alive. “We always wear matching shirts,” both Don and Sandy explained with a charming spark in their eyes. They told me it’s just something they’ve always done. After learning that the couple celebrated their 50th year of marriage this past August, I was eager to hear their story. I thought surely a couple married that long has a tale to tell! As with their matching shirts, Don and Sandy had matching zest for their love story. They told their story as one, feeding off what the other said. They began by explaining how they met on a “Coke date.” Coke dates were how couples back in the day would get to know one another. They would simply sit down and share a coke. Boy, have times changed. “I thought Don was the best looking guy I had ever seen in my life,” Sandy said with a flirty grin. Fast-forward quite a few more coke dates and the couple was married.

Throughout our conversation, I noticed how the matching theme continued. Don and Sandy both started off with careers in education. Don went back to school and continued his education to become a couselor. After teaching and coaching a few years he wanted to do something more suited for him. They both at one point even worked in a maximum-security prison. They equally enjoyed helping people in need and found fulfillment in serving a cause greater than themselves. They then extended their love for loving others by having two beautiful children of their own. They have also been blessed with three grandchildren. I always ask couples for tips for a long, loving and happy marriage. I wasn’t too surprised at this point when both Don and Sandy had matching answers. Getting the same advice from two different people must prove that they are on to something, so pay close attention to what they said: “Put God first and each other second.”

The Craigs married AUGUST 28, 1965 It was such a blessing to sit down with the Craigs. Their story shows that with God (and maybe a lot of matching), true love can stand the test of time!

The Craigs admitted that they have had some rough patches, as all couples do, but that placing their faith in the Lord has given them the strength to get through it. “God receives all the credit in the Craig household,” Don said. “Also, tell her you love her every day… Multiple times a day!” WINTER 2015

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hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com Photo by: Brittany Hunkin Photography