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2021 Wedding Guide

A publication of the Fredericksburg Standard

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The Cover Steffanie and Shepard Coleman, who were married Sept. 14, 2019 were captured by Sandra Jacoby, of SRJ photography on the bride’s family ranch in the Texas Hill Country. Jacoby was the Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post 2020 Readers’ Choice Best Photographer award winner.

Contents Couples give advice.......... 4 Planning a ceremony........ 7 Help preserve history ...... 8 Newlyweds advise........... 10 Obtaining a license......... 12 Special moments........ 15-17

Weddings & COVID-19... 3 Tools for Guests............ Holiday Weddings........... Planning Tips & Tricks.... Timeline for planning..... Gift Registries...................

18 20 22 24 26 31

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Couples of over 50 years give advice to newlyweds By Samuel Sutton Standard-Radio Post reporter

During the “honeymoon phase” of a new marriage, the thought of living with someone forever may seem easy. However, that often changes after a while. To help with this, two local couples of over 50 years shared some tips for newlyweds.

Milton and Maxine Jung

The Jungs

Milton and Maxine Jung are a pair who have been married since November of 1968, and have known each other since March of 1966. They’ve seen their share of family and financial hardships and have also had plenty of fights, but much to some of their friends’ surprise, they’ve loved each other through the good and bad times. “We had friends that said our marriage wouldn’t last six months,” Milton said. “We would talk to each other like we were arguing all the time, but that was the way we were. But we showed them and we stayed together longer than some of these others.”

Milton said it’s important to realize that families and couples are going to get into disagreements, but it’s important to sit down and talk it out. “Don’t just pick up and leave after the first argument,” he said. “They took vows and they ought to honor them and stick it out.” Maxine said the key is to respect and have patience with each other. “You don’t always get your way,” she said. “Some people think everything’s got to be 50/50, well it’s just not like that one bit.”

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Maxine said there was a lot of give and take involved in Milton’s law enforcement career. Milton served as a police officer, Fredericksburg Police chief and Gillespie County sheriff during his career. She said the family would sometimes plan a day together, but those plans would often change when he would get called in. “That just became a way of our life,” she said. “You know that’s part of the job and you just adjust to it. You may not like it sometimes, but that’s just part of the job.” Law enforcement became a part of their children’s lives too, as their daughter and son-in-law pursued careers in the field, too. The couple also talked about working through their children’s growing pains, like when their son came out as gay. The couple said they didn’t mind this, and continued to love and support him. Overall, the Jungs said they’re proud of how their children and family turned out.

The Ellebrachts

Sidney and Betty Ellebracht also gave some advice to newer couples. The Ellebrachts, who grew up together in Doss, got married when Betty came back from college

Sidney and Betty Ellebracht

in July of 1961. One piece of advice they had was keeping faith in the marriage. “I think that church, God and fellowship plays a big part in raising a family,” Betty said. As for raising kids, the Ellebrachts also said it’s important to keep loving them and guiding them in the right direction. “To raise a child nowadays takes a lot of faith, prayer and guidance and knowing where your kids are,” she said. “Our kids had their growing pains, too, growing up.”

The Ellebrachts said working through your kids’ growing pains should be a team effort. “We kind of worked it out together and made the best of whatever situation it was and loved them through it,” Betty said. “You can’t just say, ‘Well, you did so-and-so, now get out.’ That’s not how we raised our girls.” They believe all of this helped guide their daughters into the successful lives they have now. As for themselves, the Ellebrachts are now working on trying to “get to know each other all over again” after retirement. “I think it’s a challenge for young people to realize that if they get to be with somebody as long as we have, when the retirement part comes, there’s a lot of togetherness,” Betty said. “You’re really going to have to do a lot of give and take and a lot of forgive and forget.”

How to plan a wedding ceremony Months of planning is par for the course for couples about to tie the knot. Much of that planning concerns the reception, and rightfully so. Receptions last longer than ceremonies, and couples are often involved in every reception detail, from picking the appetizers to serve during cocktail hour to choosing the final song before everyone calls it a night. But it’s equally important that couples devote considerable attention to their wedding ceremonies. A wedding ceremony might not last long, but it is the most crucial component of a couple’s wedding day and can even set the tone for the rest of the festivities. From choosing readings to honoring loved ones to immersing oneself in his or her faith, these tips can help couples plan their perfect ceremony. Give the ceremony equal footing with the reception.

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Spend time trying to put a personalized spin on the proceedings, whether that entails writing your own vows or choosing moving music that means something to you. When given ample attention, seemingly minor details can make for a special, memorable ceremony. Choose a ceremony location that is close to the reception site.

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If a ceremony will take place in a house of worship, try to choose a reception venue close to the ceremony site. This keeps guests, some of whom may be out-oftowners who have already traveled extensively, from spending too much time on the road during the day of the wedding. Get to know the officiant.

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The officiant should be someone with whom you both feel comfortable. This person should know you well enough that he or she can preside over the ceremony and add sentiments that come across as authentic and personalized. Do your best to avoid especially lengthy ceremonies.

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Couples will need to meet the religious requirements if they are getting married in the faith, and there may be some aspects of the ceremony that cannot be shortened of modified. But if you have wiggle room, try to keep the ceremony to around 30 minutes; otherwise, you run the risk of guests getting antsy, especially if children are in the audience. Decorate the ceremony space.

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While the altar and aisle are key places to draw attention, couples also can dress up the chairs/ pews, ceiling (if allowed), and entrance to the space to make it welcoming and romantic. Even wedding ceremonies that likely won’t run long can benefit from some pre-wedding planning.

Help preserve a bit of history Let the Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post help spread the good news.

By including engagement and wedding announcements in the local paper, couples are sharing their news and preserving a bit of history for future generations. The Standard-Radio Post runs engagement and wedding announcements with photos free of charge, as well as follow-ups on wedding parties and showers. Couples should submit their engagement article and photo up to one month prior to the wedding

date and their wedding story and photo one month after the event. The paper has wedding and engagement forms that couples can fill out to help with the article writeup. Announcements run in the “Life & Arts” section of the newspaper. Black and white photographs or color photographs can be used. Photographs that do not meet reproduction standards will not be used. Electronic copies of photographs will be accepted, provided that they are submitted in a jpg format at a minimum of 300 dpi resolution.

Norman Rech and Genevieve Kaiser captured their wedding for posterity in the Feb. 15, 1950 issue of the Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post. The couple turned in their announcement and photo on the Monday after their Sunday wedding. – Standard-Radio Post file photo

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Durst, 71 and 72 years old, were honored on their golden anniversary in the April 9, 1942 issue of the Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post. – Standard-Radio Post file photo

Engagement and wedding forms may be accessed online at www.fredericksburgstandard. com by clicking on the black “submissions” box in the top right of the screen. This will call up a list of forms for the newspaper. Engagement and wedding forms are also available at the newspaper office office at 712 West Main Street.

Forms are also available by writing to P.O. Box 1639, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, by telephone at 830-997-2155, or by email to sherrie@fredericksburgstandard.com.

Local newlyweds dispense wedding day advice McKayla and Ashton Samford learned a few things about planning a wedding under a lot of stress.

Don’t look back and regret all the moments of planning you missed because you were stressed out about the negative possibilities due to the pandemic.

The couple married on Sept. 12, 2020 at the Gillespie County Fair Grounds during a global pandemic.

Also, do what is right for you. Family and friends may try to pressure or guilt trip you one way or another, but take a step back and do what you and your significant other feel is right.

McKayla, who is a 2017 Fredericksburg High School graduate working at Baylor Scott and White, and Ashton, who hails from Nacogdoches, decided to go with the flow during their nuptials. They also offered advice to those planning their wedding in a question-and-answer session with Promises. Q: Can you offer any advice to couples planning their wedding now?

Don’t look back with regrets. If you can only have 10 people there, make it the best party yet or if you feel like postponing is the best idea, do that.

McKayla and Ashton Samford

Q: What one thing did you wish you had known before your wedding that would have saved you time/heartache during the event?

A: McKayla Samford — Planning a wedding is stressful enough, but planning a wedding during a pandemic is downright nerve racking.

A: MS — One thing I would say is to remember that even if everything isn’t absolutely perfect, your guests won’t know any difference. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

The possibility that your wedding plans may end up changed/altered or not even happen at all can really push you to your limit.

Q: What was the single most important thing you did as a couple to prepare you for your wedding day?

Our advice would be to try to enjoy the planning process as much as possible.

A: MS — After talking as a couple and finding out what the other had in mind for an ideal wedding, we created a budget. Having this

from the start helped us plan our wedding without breaking the bank. It also helped each of us understand what was priority for each of us. Q: How did you relax before the wedding? A: MS — Alcohol ????... just kidding. Ashton Samford — In all seriousness, we each had our own Airbnb with our closest friends with us. There, we were able to relax and just enjoy the morning. We wrote letters to each other that we read that morning and I feel that helped each of us really realize — today is the big day. Ashton is the son of Eric and Loie Samford and McKayla is the daughter of Heath and Stacy Jenschke and Tonya and Justin Sultemeier. – Photo by Sandra Jacoby, SRJ Photography

Obtaining a marriage License in Gillespie County Amid the chaos of planning a wedding, don’t forget one of the most important parts — the marriage license. The following are important reminders about applying for and using a marriage license:

Where to go?

Located in Room 109 of the Gillespie County Courthouse, the Gillespie County Clerk’s Office is where to go for a marriage license. County Clerk Mary Lynn Rusche and personnel there are ready to assist with paperwork.

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In order to set up an appointment, call the county clerk’s office at 830-997-6515.

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An appointment is required beforehand. Marriage licenses will only be issued from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays or 9 a.m. to noon on Fridays in certain cases. They will not be issued on holidays or weekends.

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Rusche asks that if anyone has any questions about types of identification needed for obtaining a marriage license, they should call first to confirm the type of identification they have is proper to purchase the license. This saves them a trip to Fredericksburg and not having the right identification.

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What to bring? Couples applying for a marriage license must both be present when the license is issued.

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Each person should bring at least one form of photo identification (such as a driver’s license or passport) or two forms of non-photo identification (certified birth certificate, Social Security card or current utility bill).

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Common Law marriages That informal marriage fee is $36.

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Couples claiming to be married by common law should keep in mind that if they have a baby, the father must undergo an affidavit process to claim paternity unless the couple comes to the county clerk’s office some time before the

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Be prepared to pay the $71 cost of the marriage license by check or cash.

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Couples who complete the free eight-hour “Twogether in Texas” course will have a reduced marriage license fee of $11. They must bring in a certificate of completion when applying for the license.

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The course is offered online or in person. In Fredericksburg, the course is not religionbased and is offered through Victory Fellowship Church, 414 East College Street. Their telephone number is 830-997-9717.

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The minimum age required to apply for a marriage license is 18 years. Anyone younger should bring with them a court order to obtain a license.

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Applicants who are 16 or 17 years of age must bring their legal guardian when applying and the guardian is also required to show photo identification.

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it to the county clerk’s office where it will be recorded and the original will be mailed back to the newlyweds.

baby is born and declares that they have been married and living together since a certain date. Someone claiming an informal marriage cannot claim a date that places them at less than 18 years old.

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What else?

A divorced person applying for a license to wed must be divorced for 30 days or longer, unless there is a waiver in the divorce decree.

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Same-sex marriage has the same process as opposite-sex marriage.

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When the marriage license is issued, the couple should take it to the person officiating the ceremony. After the wedding, the officiant will fill out the remainder of the license and return

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The marriage license must be used within 90 days of its issuance, or it will become void.

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There is also a waiting period of 72 hours after the license is issued before the wedding can take place.

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The waiting period to use a license may be waived by a district judge or if one of the applicants is on active duty with the United States military and can show proper military identification. Completing the “Twogether in Texas” course will also waive the 72-hour waiting period.

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SRJ Photography

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Capture the Spirit . . .

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– Photo by A Party Affair

– Photo by Erica Joy Photography

– Photo by The Bird & The Bear Photography

– Photos by Kayla Jane Photography

– Photos by McKenzie Baird of McKenzie Baird Photography

Fredericksburg native plans wedding amid coronavirus When Rebecca Itz and Jonny Callaway first met, it played out like a modern-day love story. After Callaway redownloaded a dating app, the first profile he was shown belonged to Itz. “And I just fell in love,” Callaway said. Just over a year and a half later, the couple became engaged when Callaway snuck in a surprise during the holidays. “When I went to Fredericksburg to celebrate Christmas with her family, I hid the ring in the tree,” Callaway said.

While Fredericksburg native Rebecca Itz and her fiancé Jonny Callaway plan their dream wedding for June 2021, they must consider how the coronavirus could change their plans

The first thing you should take care of when planning a wedding is setting the date, Itz said. Callaway and Itz avoided unexpected turbulence by planning their wedding for June of this year.

The couple met in College Station where Callaway is from, but Itz grew up in Fredericksburg.

“The second thing we did is we picked a venue,” Itz said. “And I did a lot of research with venues in Fredericksburg.”

“I really wanted to get married in Fredericksburg, because that was always my goal,” Itz said.

After considering several potential venues and touring top choices, they chose to host their wedding at the Vista Oaks event center.

With the engagement happening in December of 2019, the happy couple could not predict what 2020 had in store. Itz said newly engaged couples experience all kinds of pressure as soon as the news is out. “Immediately after you get engaged, everybody wants to know, and within days, people had asked me, ‘Have you set a date yet?’ No, absolutely not,” Itz said.

The couple is taking their time with planning the wedding and feel that it is paying off.

“We’re getting married in the chapel and then, next door, 20 yards away from the chapel is this big event hall,” Itz said. “It seats 500 people and that’s where we’re going to have the reception. So, it’s like a one-stop shop.” After the date and the venue were set, the couple still had a lot of planning ahead of them from the bar service and food vendors to the dress and invitations.

“When you’re doing a wedding, the most important thing is your budget,” Itz said. “It’s expensive.”

“We know not everyone will come and even with COVID-19, they’re still not going to come,” Itz said.

Itz said most of the vendors they considered had COVID-19 clauses built into their contracts.

Both Itz and Callaway have big families which can make planning a wedding difficult during a pandemic.

“I have a lot of research on everything,” Itz said. “I have gotten at quotes from at least five different people for everything.” With a few local additions, the couple will have their rehearsal dinner catered by Mamacita’s and the priest who confirmed Itz will be marrying the couple. One of the hardest challenges they face while planning the wedding during a pandemic is the guest list.

Itz said they talked to their wedding planner and “asked her if we need to reduce the number, or even change the date.” Unfortunately, it is too soon to tell what the world has in store for June. “If they don’t come, I respect that, because at the end of the day, family is all that matters and you want them to be happy, too,” Callaway said. The couple’s engagement photos were taken by KSnap Photography on the RJ Ranch and Itz Ranch in Fredericksburg – Submitted Photo

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3 tools for keeping guests informed

Weddings give couples an opportunity to share the joy of joining their lives together with a host of friends and family members. Guests liven up the party and help make the celebration that much more memorable. According to The Knot 2019 Real Weddings Study, the average wedding in the United States hosts 131 people. Data indicates this number has been slowly decreasing over the years, after the average wedding size reached an all-time high of 153 in 2007.

No matter how big or how small the guest list, keeping guests informed of what’s happening regarding the upcoming nuptials is a courtesy couples can provide. Couples can explore various avenues for keeping guests informed and ensuring they’ll be able to take part in the festivities.

Save-the-date announcements

Save-the-date announcements have become an increasingly popular component of wedding planning.

Instead of waiting on the wedding invitation, which traditionally arrives one or two months prior to the wedding itself, save-the-date cards provide guests with an advanced advertisement of the celebration to come. According to the photo and invitation specialists at Shutterfly, it’s customary to send save-the-date notes around six months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, which will require extra travel plans, an eight- to 12-month advance can be helpful.

Couples can explore various avenues for keeping guests informed and ensuring they’ll be able to take part in the festivities. Save-the-date cards generally have basic information, including the wedding date and the venue. Many will feature a photo of the couple as well. If you’re planning on sending save-thedate announcements, coordinate with your photographer to have a photo taken exclusively for these cards.

A wedding website is a versatile tool that can help answer questions that guests may have. The website can spell out specifics, including dress code, whether children are invited, the names of wedding party participants, overnight accommodations, transportation providers, and even restaurants near the hotel for a quick bite between ceremony and reception. Wedding websites also can be used as fun ways to keep guests engaged. “Throwback Thursday” photos or funny memories and anecdotes can be included.

Video conferencing apps

As the world continues to adapt in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, video conferencing applications like Facetime, Zoom and Microsoft Teams enable people involved in the planning process to routinely “gather” and go over details about the wedding, helping to limit in-person meetings as much as possible. These apps also can prove invaluable when conferring with wedding vendors, such as florists or musicians.

Couples are increasingly embracing technology as they plan their weddings.

You also can schedule smaller meetings with specific guests who may be playing key roles in the wedding, such as those giving speeches, doing readings, escorting guests, or serving in other capacities.

Brides magazine states that, during the typical 15-month engagement period, 48 percent of couples will launch a wedding website.

Certain resources can help couples keep guests informed about what’s to come in regard to their weddings.

Wedding website

Factors to consider before booking a holiday wedding Availability

Guest availability is a big consideration for couples as they try to decide if holiday weekend weddings are a good fit. Many families have holiday traditions that they might be reluctant to give up. For example, families who build their annual vacations around the Fourth of July may already have booked their trips by the time the wedding date is announced.

Couples may want to consider a host of factors as they try to determine if a holiday weekend wedding is for them.

Holidays are conducive to festive atmospheres. Whether it’s seasonal celebrations for Christmas or Chanukah or summertime soirees on Fourth of July or Labor Day weekends, there is no denying festive vibes tend to prevail when holidays turn up on the calendar. Weddings also are marked by festive atmospheres, and many couples are tempted to make their nuptials even more jovial by saying “I do” during holiday weekends. Before making that decision, couples may want to consider a host of factors as they try to determine if a holiday weekend wedding is for them.

Couples who anticipate inviting a sizable number of guests may want to avoid holiday weekend weddings to ensure all of their friends and family members will be in attendance.

Travel

Travel is another potential red flag for holiday weekend weddings. Asking guests to travel during weekends that are notoriously busy in regard to travel may be asking too much or it might make things more convenient for some guests. A 2019 report from the Transportation Security Administration indicated that nearly 27 million passengers were expected to pass through airport screening checkpoints during that year’s Thanksgiving travel period.

Some guests may be reluctant to travel on busy holiday weekends, while others who are already traveling to the wedding destination may see holiday weddings as a great way to see their families and attend a wedding without having to pay for separate flights. In addition, some guests may be more likely to travel during a holiday weekend knowing they can return home at their leisure since they don’t have to work on Monday. Couples can gauge their guests’ temperatures on holiday weekend travel before making their decision.

Cost

Cost is always a consideration when planning a wedding, and it merits consideration for couples

toying with the idea of getting married on or around a holiday as well. Venues tend to be less expensive on Fridays and Sundays, so couples who tie the knot on holiday weekends when no one has to work on Monday might save a considerable sum of money by tying the knot on Sunday. But venues and vendors may charge couples more if they get married on the Saturday of a holiday weekend. Competition for venues and vendors also may be greater during holiday weekends as people celebrate the holiday. That means couples may have to spend more to book their desired venues and vendors if they hope to get married during holiday weekends.

Wedding planning tips and tricks

Recently engaged couples are often so swept up in the excitement surrounding their engagements that they can be forgiven for initially overlooking all the wedding planning that awaits them. Planning a wedding is no small task, but many couples very much enjoy all the hard work that goes into making their special day a success. It’s hard for newly engaged couples who have never before planned a wedding to know what awaits them. But the following tips can help make the wedding planning process go smoothly.

Find your organization method Organization is the key to pulling off the wedding of your dreams. Whether your organizational style is best served by jotting details like dates and deposit deadlines down in a notebook or utilizing an online spreadsheet or smartphone app, choose your method early on. Keeping information and reminders in one place can make it easier to manage all the tasks that lie ahead.

Take your time There’s no rush to the altar. Feel free to extend the engagement long enough to keep stress levels down and get the location and ceremony of your dreams.

A little planning early on can save headaches later and create a memorable wedding for guests. Many recently engaged couples feel pressured to get married right away. Stretching out the engagement to save money or give yourself more time to plan can make for a wonderful wedding day.

Discuss the budget openly and honestly

Did you know a New York City wedding can cost $77,000, according to Money magazine?

And if the majority of guests are coming from a certain area, such as your hometown, you may want to bring the wedding to them instead of asking them to come to you.

Create a priorities list

Make a list of at least three things that are most important for each of you. It may be the ceremony location, the food or another factor. Knowing what is important can help you negotiate prices and understand what to look for when planning. These are some of the considerations couples should make while planning their weddings. While it’s important to consider these factors and others, it’s also important that couples have fun when planning their nuptials.

Wedding costs can vary widely, and couples should sit down together to decide what they can afford and are willing to pay for.

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Timeline for Planning Your Wedding The thought of planning a wedding can be overwhelming, and getting started can be daunting. The following checklist is offered to help couples plan for that special moment — their wedding day.

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Crunch the numbers.

This helps to stay on budget and avoid confusion or hurt feelings. Reserve venues.

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Set a date.

Book locations for both ceremony and reception, and account for potential weather and size of attendance. Popular venues sell out quickly.

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Who will stand with you?

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At 6 to 12 Months

Choose, ask and confirm the bridal party and groomsmen. •

Announce the big news!

Plan an engagement party and don’t forget to announce the engagement in the local newspaper.

Determine time and type.

Formal affairs are in late afternoon or evening, while more casual ones are usually in the morning or early afternoon. The type of wedding decides if the reception should feature a formal meal or just cake and punch. •

Color it fantastic.

Choose wedding colors early and stick to them. Avoid trends and pick what feels right. •

Say “yes” to a dress.

Order the bridal gown, bridesmaids’ dresses and their accessories. Keep the budget in mind. •

A celebratory trip of love.

Visit a travel agency or online sites and review options (and prices) for the honeymoon. Both bride and groom should agree whether it’ll be a simple relaxing outing or an itinerary-filled adventure. •

The bride and groom should visit their favorite stores and register for items that’ll be needed in their new life together. •

Decide the details.

Choose musicians, a florist, a photographer and a caterer. Sample their wares and check their references. Keep their contact information handy for discussing details as they are decided. •

‘With this ring, I thee wed …’

Shop and design/purchase wedding rings. •

Begin pre-marital counseling (required by some churches.)

At 3 Months •

Who’s coming?

Complete the guest list, count up the names and then select and order invitations. •

Moms’ day out.

Mothers of the bride and groom should both get their dresses to compliment the rest of the wedding party in style, color, etc. •

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. …

In the groom and bride’s first appearance together as husband and wife, keep a running list of any needed items (i.e. chairs, tables, linens, etc.) and be sure to reserve them early.

•

Bite the bullet.

Go ahead and sign on the dotted line for the honeymoon. Mention to all providers that the guests planning to travel are newlyweds, because many will provide free surprise perks along the way. •

Double-check and recheck.

Call and confirm dates and information with the photographer, musicians, florists, caterer and the church to ensure there’s been no double-booking or other potential disasters. •

‘Your chariot awaits …’

Decide on transportation to and from the wedding and reception sites. Limousine? Horsedrawn buggy? Drive yourself? •

Finalize this and that.

Pick a final wedding cake design and groom’s cake design and any other pastries for the reception and get them ordered. Get the groom and his groomsmen to get fitted and order their tuxedos. Spend a girls’ day with bridesmaids, getting dresses fitted and scheduling any future fittings. Choose shoes and get them dyed, if necessary.

At 2 Months And Closing ... No turning back.

•

Mail out invitations to the pre-determined guest list.

•

Visit the courthouse together, with photo identifications and fees in hand, to procure the official marriage license.

•

Pay for honeymoon and finalize any side trips or relevant details to the trip.

•

Help guests with reservations for flights or at local overnight accommodations.

At 1 Month

Lists, lists and more lists … •

Start a list of gifts being received. Begin writing and mailing “Thank You” notes as soon as gifts arrive.

•

Plan the rehearsal and dinner. The groom’s family traditionally arranges and pays for this, but the entire family can contribute to the setup, planning and pulling it off.

•

Give credit where it’s due.

•

Buy gifts for the wedding party.

•

Take care of final dress and suit fittings, as well as appointments for beauty treatments, pedicures/ manicures and hair salon visits.

•

Host a bridesmaids’ luncheon to show them support and appreciation.

•

Buy a guest book, choose where to station it at the reception, and designate a “keeper” of the book who can encourage guests to sign.

Start your future... ...with our history.

At 2 Weeks

It’s getting close, so … •

Finalize transportation to the church, to the reception and off to the honeymoon.

•

If planning to take the groom’s last name, brides should visit the proper offices to officially change their driver’s licenses, Social Security cards, passports and other official documents.

Also put in calls to credit card companies, utilities, doctors’ and dentists’ offices and others regularly contacted.

The Texas Ranger Pavilion -Leasing for weddings & other occasions -Lots of parking -Multiple ceremony sites on 12 acre campus

-Catering kitchen -HVAC restrooms -Seats up to 350

Contact Erin @ 830-990-1192 or visit www.TRHC.org

At One Week

The Wedding Day

Full speed ahead … •

Pick up wedding rings and make sure they fit.

•

Start packing for the honeymoon.

•

Give the caterer a final estimate on number of guests. Plan seating arrangements.

•

Practice hair styles and/or makeup for the big day.

•

But don’t forget …

•

Brides should find time in the rushing about of final arrangements to take care of themselves. Drink lots of water, eat healthy foods, get plenty of rest each day and smile, knowing they’ll soon be united with the ones they love.

Hearts joined at last. •

With all the planning taken care of, the final hours leading up to the wedding should be a snap.

•

Best advice for brides: NO amount of planning will guarantee a “perfect” ceremony or reception.

Remember: It’s the mishaps that make things unique and memorable, but the bride’s reaction to these events becomes unforgettable in the minds of her family and friends. So, roll with the flow, smile and enjoy the spotlight (and the happily ever after, of course).

Gift registries in Fredericksburg

Wedding planners recommend opening a gift registry as soon as there is an engagement for soon-to-be brides and grooms. Choosing multiple stores and interviewing sales representatives can help a couple ensure they receive all they need to start their lives together. The following is a list of places around the Fredericksburg area to help with gift registry. Der Küchen Laden 830-997-4937 258 E. Main St. Dooley’s 830-997-3458 131 E. Main St.

Segner’s Jewelers 830-997-2559 236 W. Main St.

Wedding Announcements A time-honored community tradition! Share the news of your new beginning with an announcement in the newspaper. To place your wedding or engagement announcement, Call 830-997-2155 or go online to fredericksburgstandard.com/form/wedding-announcement

830-997-2155 | www.fredericksburgstandard.com

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