August September 2022 Ellis County Living Magazine

The Wedding Issue AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 aUGUST/SEPTEMBER www.living-magazine.com

Celebrating 10 Years in Ellis County!

Terry Wooten 214.949.9285 MORTGAGE CENTER MANAGER NMLS 224831 Terry.Wooten@GatewayLoan.com

Tom Ker 972.365.7022 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 356892 Tom.Ker@GatewayLoan.com

Matt Authier 903.654.0145 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 1527367 Matt.Authier@GatewayLoan.com

Adrian Sanchez 469.628.3868 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 643358 Adrian.Sanchez@GatewayLoan.com

Danny Gildea 972.921.5569 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 1903297 Danny.Gildea@GatewayLoan.com

Matt Helms 903.641.9838 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 1696114 Matt.Helms@GatewayLoan.com

Lance Wallace 903.571.9869 LOAN ORIGINATOR NMLS 1146461 Lance.Wallace@GatewayLoan.com

Jeff Schmidt 817.681.7897 REGIONAL VP – NORTH TX NMLS 91368 Jeff.Schmidt@GatewayLoan.com

Office: 972.937.2200 1332 W. Hwy 287 Bypass, Suite 1 | Waxahachie, TX 75165 www.gatewayloan.com/waxahachie-tx

Gateway Mortgage, a division of Gateway First Bank. NMLS 7233.

Presents the 18th Annual

Bridal Extravaganza Market Sunday, September 18, 2022 12pm - 4pm Admission $5

Waxahachie Civic Center 2000 Civic Center Lane

Now Accepting Vendor Applications For more details: 469-309-4040 or visit waxahachieciviccenter.org

Old Bison Ranch

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STEPHANIE ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY

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PHOTO BY KINSLENS

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972.217.9427 | greenery.weddings@gmail.com www.MilagroFarms.com | www.OldBisonRanchTX.com

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ABOUT THE COVER SHOOT...

In a time where period dramas like Downton Abbey, Bridgerton, and The Gilded Age are growing in popularity, it’s no surprise they are inspiring more than just fashion and design. As the Fall wedding season approaches, bold splashes of color, over-the-top details, and curated tablescapes with unexpected patterns are trending. When planning the design for this issue’s cover photo, a 1900’s historic home made perfect sense for the setting of the shoot. Vibrant mismatched place settings were a must. This mixed with unexpected modern elements like floating floral in champagne and tipped over tea cups made for small “rebellious” moments. While weddings took on a different form in the last few years, in 2022 we’re finally seeing big extravagant affairs return. Why not “LET THEM EAT CAKE!”

Contents AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022 |

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volume 18

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18

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LIFE + STYLE EVENTS • 12 Ellis County Events

TRAVEL MELISSA MCBRIDE • 30 The White House on the Hill

MEAT THERAPY • 14 DIET is a Four-Letter Word

HOME + GARDEN WALKER DESIGN & CO • 34 Desiging Your First Home

THE OILY BAR • 18 Bridal Fragrance BRIDAL FEATURE DESTIN + TAYLOR • 22 AUTUMN + JORGE • 24 CYNDI + ALEX • 26 BRANDY + MARC • 28

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- Jaclyn Wilson & Angel Schiffer

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DUCKWORTH INTERIORS • 36 Tablescapes 101 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER TIPS • 40 Planting/Growing Guide for the Season

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MEDICAL DR. MAZEN ISKANDAR, DR. TIMOTHY KELLY, & DR. WATSON ROYE • 42 What Can You Do About Excess Skin After Weight-Loss Surgery?

LA FIN CINDY BURCH • 44 My Wedding Day

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ECLM Contributors 2 4 2

7 6 6

3 1 5

Mallory Walker (1) is the founder of Walker Design & Co LLC. A full service interior design firm specializing in new construction homes. Serving Ellis County home builders by staging model homes & designing true custom homes from the ground up. Follow along @walkerdesignandcompany or walkerdesignandcompany.com.

Kalee Hume (2) Kalee Hume is an Ellis County native and the owner of The Oily Bar, an all natural soapery that focuses on plant based bath & body care. Her business ventures that started with just a box of essential oils and a diffuser has now turned into a full time business with a store on the downtown square. When not serving up soaps & sugar scrubs, you can find her spending time with family, cooking or enjoying some sunshine. Follow along @oilybar or www.theoilybar.com.

Kate Duckworth (3) is the President & Principal Designer of Duckworth Interiors, a full-service interior design firm located in Ennis, TX. With over a decade of design experience in high-end residential, new construction selections, model homes & remodels, she finds joy in creating spaces her clients love. Kate specializes in designing interiors that look magazine-worthy & feel like home. Follow her at www.duckworthinteriors.com or @duckworthinteriors.

Melissa McBride (4) keeps a bag packed and is “road trip ready” at all times! In addition to being a wanderlust, free-lance writer, artist, photo journalist, visionary & interior stylist, Melissa is also the owner of Wild Grace, a faith based pop up boutique. This curated collection of clothing, accessories, art & home goods is located inside The Doves Nest, downtown Waxahachie.

Angel Schiffer (5) is owner & creator of Bittersweet Bakery in Waxahachie, Texas. An Ellis County native & 3rd generation business owner, she lives & breathes Bittersweet.

Most days you can find her in her shop sporting pink crocs & wearing baking ingredients as an accessory. She is a hands on business owner who puts her touches & artistry into every delicacy that comes out of the oven. When she’s not at the shop she enjoys spending time with her family & handsome young Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Leo. Jason Wilson (6) Meat Therapy was created as a platform to share love of barbeque, bourbon, & beer. As a husband, father of three, Army Veteran, Respiratory Therapist, & average backyard BBQ’r... Jason’s cooks are his “therapy.” It is an incredible feeling to be able to take a piece of meat & create something beautiful & delicious for friends & family to enjoy. Follow along @meat.therapy or www.meattherapybbq.com and follow along during his “therapy sessions.”

Cindy Burch (7) and her husband, Andrew, own and operate The Doves Nest in historic downtown Waxahachie. Cindy is also a freelance writer, caterer and consultant. Her awardwinning cookbook, “The Doves Nest Restaurant: New American Recipes From A Historic Texas Town,” is in its fifth printing.

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YOUR TRUSTED SOURCE FOR ELLIS COUNTY LIFESTYLE, HOME AND COMMUNITY SINCE 2005

Cindy Camp | Publisher | Publisher@living-magazine.com is a wife, mom & boss who brings to fruition all types of endeavors (she is a true Queen).

A fierce, natural leader who enjoys all sides of business and also loves relaxing by the pool, taking a trip or simply having her furbaby by her side.

Lindsey Keeney | Creative Director | Lindsey@living-magazine.com is an Aggie who was lucky enough to move back to her hometown and start her dream job here at ECLM which she has been an amazing asset to for 9 years! With a big love for family, concerts, traveling & the outdoors it’s easy to see where her creativity comes from.

Mary Crook | Art Director | Mary@living-magazine.com is a mom to her fun & fiesty daughter, designer + owner of a small business, a loyal local with strong Texas roots & a deep love for her hometown, Waxahachie.

Living

ELLIS COUNTY

MAGAZINE

Cover Photo By Angel Schiffer, Bittersweet Bakery Home/Design: Jaclyn Wilson, @thewaxahachiewhitehouse Flowers: Bianca Lopez, FLORA Place Settings: Mary Baskin of The English Merchant’s Inn Staff photos by Grant Duckworth Photography A special thanks to all of our contributing writers.

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We are proud members of the Waxahachie, Ennis, Midlothian and Red Oak Chambers of Commerce.

Ellis County Living Magazine is published bi-monthly by ECL Media, Inc.© using only environmentally-friendly ink.

Copyright 2022, ECL Media, Inc.© All rights reserved.

No portion of Ellis County Living Magazine shall be reprinted in any other publication without permission. The views expressed herein should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult your physician.

Follow us on Instagram: @EllisCountyLiving facebook.com/EllisCountyLiving pinterest.com/ECLivingmag twitter.com/ECLiving For advertising information, please contact Ellis County Living Magazine at 972.935.0938 or info@living-magazine.com.

Y’ALL COME ON DOWN AND VISIT, YA HEAR! THE DOWNTOWNS OF ELLIS COUNTY

WAXAHACHIE EVENTS

august/september 2022

AUGUST 6TH BACK TO SCHOOL BASH AT RAILYARD PARK AUGUST 6TH & 7TH BIG TOP CRAFT SHOW AT THE CIVIC CENTER AUGUST 20TH FUN RUN CAR SHOW AT GETZENDANER PARK AUGUST 27TH WOMEN’S EXPO AT THE CIVIC CENTER SEPTEMBER 16TH-18TH ANTIQUE ALLEY TEXAS SEPTEMBER 17TH C10’S IN THE PARK & PARTY ON THE SQUARE SEPTEMBER 17TH DOWNTOWN SIDEWALK SALE SEPTEMBER 17TH JUNK IN THE TRUNK ON THE SQUARE SEPTEMBER 18TH BRIDAL EXTRAVAGANZA MARKET AT THE CIVIC CENTER SEPTEMBER 24TH FOREVER 17 BBQ COOK OFF AT THE ELLIS COUNTY EXPO SEPTEMBER 30TH-OCTOBER 2ND VINTAGE MARKET DAYS AT THE ELLIS COUNTY EXPO

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ENNIS EVENTS AUGUST-OCTOBER, EVERY SATURDAY DOWNTOWN ENNIS BLUEBONNET MARKET AUGUST 25TH-28TH RALLY AT THE RANGE SEPTEMBER 9TH & 10TH PATRIOT DAY BBQ BASH

MIDLOTHIAN EVENTS SEPTEMBER 10TH HERITAGE NIGHT

FIND MORE INFORMATION & EVENT DETAILS VISIT: WWW.WAXAHACHIECVB.COM WWW.VISITENNIS.ORG WWW.MIDLOTHIANCHAMBER.ORG

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DIET

IS A FOUR-LETTER WORD IN BBQ STORY & RECIPES BY JASON WILSON, MEAT THERAPY

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People often ask me how I can cook and eat barbecue all the time without having sky high cholesterol or my cardiologist on speed dial.

As far as I know, my labs are perfectly fine [if I don’t check them]. If I am being honest with you (and myself) my cholesterol might be a smidge on the high side, but #worthit. YOLO, right?! Right. The truth is, there are ways to partake and enjoy the outdoor cooking lifestyle without clogging your arteries.

Now let’s be clear here, we aren’t dieting, diet is a four-letter word in BBQ. Throughout the years I have had to create a balance to continue to look this sexy. Even the great Julia Child said, “the only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.” Besides rich red meats, cooks can include low-fat proteins like turkey breast or rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, both contributing to heart health and brain function.

Moral of the story, wellness isn’t just about what you put in your mouth. It is the state of being in good health with dimensions including mental, physical, and spiritual aspects. Wellness for me comes from therapy that won’t leave me broke, crying, and questioning all my life’s decisions.

“THE ONLY TIME TO EAT DIET FOOD IS WHILE YOU’RE WAITING FOR THE STEAK TO COOK.” -JULIA CHILD

BOURBON ORANGE GLAZED SALMON: GRILL SALMON AT 400 DEGREES, WHEN SALMON IS TEMPING 115 DEGREES (LAST 5 MINUTES OF THE COOK) SLATHER THE SALMON WITH A MIXTURE OF ¼ CUP MIKE’S HOT HONEY, 3 TBSP TX WHISKEY STRAIGHT BOURBON, AND ½ FRESH SQUEEZED SMOKED ORANGE. PULL AND LET SIT FOR 5 MINUTES, THEN ENJOY! Some of my favorite and easiest smoked recipes are healthy or can be made healthier. If you are a lover of the keto lifestyle and don’t want to give up chips and dip, try this Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip (pictured pg. 14) served with celery and carrot sticks or pork rinds instead.

SMOKED BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP Ingredients: 16 oz Smoked chicken breast shredded with Meat Church Holy Gospel 8 oz Cream cheese 1 lb. Bacon (cooked and crumbled) 1/2 cup Shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup Low-carb wing sauce (I use Frank’s Red Hot) 1/4 cup Ranch dressing 1 Chopped Jalapeño 1 tbsp Meat Church Holy Cow

SMOKED TURKEY BREAST: SMOTHER BONELESS TURKEY BREAST IN DUKE’S MAYONNAISE, SEASON THOROUGHLY WITH MEAT CHURCH HOLY COW. SMOKE AT 225 DEGREES UNTIL IT HITS 160 DEGREES INTERNAL. LET REST FOR 15 MINUTES AND SLICE UP TOPERFECTION.

Combine all ingredients and put in a cast iron skillet or baking dish.

Throw on the smoker at 275 degrees using a light to medium smoking wood pellet like hickory. When the top starts to brown and bubble, top with more cheese, crumbled bacon, and jalapeño.

Run another 15 minutes then pull, serve, and enjoy!

CRAVING MORE? @MEAT.THERAPY

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

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TENANT REPRESENTATION • LANDLORD REPRESENTATION • BUSINESS BROKERAGE

Jeffrey Yarbrough President & Broker 214-207-7719

Many of you know me as Jeffrey, the Texas restaurant bar guy, however, my day job is commercial brokerage with bigInk Commercial Real Estate.

Our small and enthusiastic bigInk team helps:

Commercial Real Estate

• Businesses find new locations and grow • Guide individuals in discovering their very first site • Connect landlords with high-quality tenants • The buying and selling of an existing enterprise Whether you are the business owner, a landlord or a crazy entrepreneur wanting to live the dream of owning your own business, we can help. And if we can’t, I bet we know someone who can within our referral network.

www.biginkre.com

FINDING YOUR PERFECT STORY & PHOTOS BY KALEE HUME OWNER OF THE OILY BAR SOAPERY

Bridal Fragrance

Our sense of smell loves nostalgia. Smells can bring back specific and special memories and it can imprint memories that will last a lifetime. Scents have the significant power to transport us back to a memory and it is seen to be closely tied to our emotions.

On a day as special as your wedding day, it is important to have a scent you love that you can emotionally connect those happy memories to. We are now offering Bridal Fragrance Consultations to find your signature scent at The Oily Bar Soapery in Downtown Waxahachie!

Use this article as a quick guide to get you started! This is no trivial task as this is a fragrance you will keep and remember for a lifetime. So, to make it a little easier, let’s break down how to compose your perfect scent for your perfect day!

- Remember what you love Because that’s what this day is all about, right? Your scent should highlight who you are and what you love. That can be something singular, or a combination. This is where you dig deep for that emotional connection to your fragrance.

- Make it symbolic Many brides prefer for their special scent to have a symbolic meaning. For example if you

love the beach and breezyscents, you might want to stick with something with notes of bergamot, lime, coconut & sea salt. If you love nature and the mountains, leaning towards something with herbaly notes of lavender, pine & sandalwood would be perfect. You could even tie your signature scent in with the floral and color arrangements for your wedding. For example, you could harmonize your soft pastel palette with something with light floral scents or darker palettes with something more rich and bold.

- Suit your body chemistry and surroundings

Everyone has a different skin pH, this is why perfumes will never smell the exact same on two different people. This is also why you want to apply your scent to pulse points such as your neck, your wrist or inside of your elbows; areas that naturally emit more heat and uncover the true scent on your skin. You may also want to choose something in line with the ambiance of your wedding, such as something light and airy for a daytime wedding versus something more dark and rich for an evening wedding.

- Test your scent ahead of time

With our Bridal Fragrance Consultations, we will sit down with you oneon-one over a few sessions to work out and test your scents. It’s important to make sure that your scent wears well throughout the day and night, and works with your pH levels. Not only that, but it is important to feel comfortable and powerful in your signature fragrance.

We are so excited to start offering this service to help brides in Ellis County feel beautiful and empowered on their wedding day with a scent that will create timeless memories.

The Oily Bar Soapery: 200 W Main Street Waxahchie Texas

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Discover Downtown Waxahachie & Ennis

Charcuterie By Kasey Making beautiful boxes and spreads for any occasion. Let Charcuterie by Kasey create a masterpiece at your next celebration, gathering or holiday event!

Kasey Hovis, Owner | 469.765.5148 charcuteriebykasey@gmail.com | Instagram: @charcuterie_by_kasey

CharcuterieByKasey.square.site

Diamond E Interiors Diamond E Interiors offers vintage treasures and specialty home goods as well as interior decorating, curated furnishings, and event styling.

Shop our hand picked vintage collections at Atelier Antiques & Old Town Village Antiques located in historic downtown Waxahachie - South Rogers St. Check out our portfolio of more than 400+ pictures on Facebook & Instagram @DiamondEInteriors Call or Text (469)853-3424 for any questions about interior decorating, event styling or if you’re just looking for that one of a kind piece.

Gingerbread Antiques Get things cooking with a classic! Vintage kitchenware is highly collectible and has survived the test of time. A staple in any kitchen, these pieces last for generations of cooking and baking adventures.

Start or add to your collection at Gingerbread Antiques!

Bluebonnet Spirit Shop

Voted “Best Antique Store in Waxahachie,” come see why! Stroll 7,000 square feet of hand-picked, always authentic, antique and vintage treasures for everyday living and special occasions. Open 7 days a week so stop by and see what’s new for you at Gingerbread Antiques!

The Bluebonnet Spirit Shop offers a wide assortment of Ennis Bluebonnet memorabilia, including clothing, accessories, and home décor.

Sponsored by Ennis Main Street, proceeds from all sales go back into downtown to expand and increase programming.

972.937.0968 | 310 S. College St. | Waxahachie

204 W. Knox St. | Ennis | Instagram: @bluebonnetspiritshop

Facebook.com/GingerbreadAntiquesTX

BluebonnetSpiritShop.com

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

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Destin + Taylor

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I wouldn’t consider myself one of those girls who “grew up dreaming about their wedding day”. What I did know is that I wanted my wedding day to be about me and the person I was going to be with for the rest of my life. I wanted the vibes to be positive, pure, and joyful - and the air filled with love and happiness. I wanted our guests to walk in and say “this looks like Taylor and Destin”. We wanted it to be very personal for both of us, and to be able to express the love we have for each other.

The whole experience was nothing less than perfect and everything was absolutely stunning. The process of picking all the different colors, styles, patterns and tiny details was my favorite part. I think my family and friends thought I was a bit crazy when I showed them my binder full of my ideas and visions just because of how different everything was going to be. The day of the wedding when everything came to life before my eyes, all I could do was cry. The wedding party, the decor, the ceremony/reception details, and all of the little unique touches were breathtaking.

We had a small corner in our reception hall with an article of both of our mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers weddings, along with a candle lit for eternity for our loved ones who couldn’t be there with us. Taylor and I used the champagne flutes for our toast that my parents used at their wedding back in the 90’s. I loved all of the keepsake memories we got to incorporate into our wedding, and of course I hope to pass everything down to my kids one day.

My wedding day was nothing short of a magical dream. It was everything I could have ever imagined and then some! A true vision that came to fruition. Taylor and I are truly blessed with the best parents, family, and friends that always fill our cups extra full with the sweetest love and support; and they definitely did not hold back on our special day. We can’t thank them enough for going above and beyond for March 5, 2022!

Vendors: Custom Hat: @shopwildgrace Hair: @hair_by_hannahleighhhhh @jordanc.stylist @loberghair Makeup: @brosephine_3 @sagecampbellmakeup Gown: @circleparkbridal Florals: @heb.blooms Photography: @merakitribe.co @mamabird_misha Cake: @renaissancecake Venue: @aristidemansfield DJ/PhotoBooth: @cohostentertainment LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

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Autumn +Jorge J​ orge and I met at the beginning of COVID. During that time it was especially difficult to start dating anyone, so like many people our age we turned to dating apps. The one in particular that we both got on was Hinge - you may have heard of it (it’s the app that’s meant to be deleted).

Well, we both went on our first Hinge date and did actually delete the app right after! It was our first and only date off of Hinge, so it felt like it was meant to be. It didn’t take us long to realize that we both wanted to get married.

The proposal was very sweet and well planned out. We spent the afternoon at the Botanical Gardens in Fort Worth. He told me that we had to see a beautiful secluded garden which is where he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. I was filled with so much emotion - I couldn’t tell if I was crying, sweating, or both since it was almost 100 degrees!

Our wedding was such a magical day, everything was perfect. We got married outside underneath beautiful white arches covered in greenery and colorful flowers wrapped around the pillars. To top it off, the sunset was incredible during cocktail hour! When you walked into the reception it was filled with pops of white, green, pink, and orange from all the flowers and greenery on the tables.

We danced the night away to a combination of throwback hits and Spanish hits, and then ended the night in a send-off from our friends and family in a 1957 Ford Skyliner. Our wedding day was so special to us because we were able to combine our American and Mexican backgrounds to create a wedding that honored and showcased who we are as a couple to all of the people we love.

Vendors: Venue: Firefly Gardens @fireflygardens Photographer: PhotobyJoy @photobyjoy_ Florals: White Brick Floral @whitebrickfloral

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Cyndi + Alex

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​As any classic teenage romcom movie would unfold, our story began in high school.

Between classes, volleyball and basketball practices, college tour visits, and winning Junior Class Homecoming court together, we shared many conversations about schoolwork, life, college, and our dreams; BUT we were JUST FRIENDS! Once life brought me to Dallas, a 15-yearlong friendship turned into a proposal on the beautiful desert mountains in El Paso, TX. Despite the pandemic, we made the very best of 2020 and captured our vows on a tripod camera in a completely empty courthouse in October of 2020!

The global pandemic made dreaming of a traditional wedding difficult and out of reach. It wasn’t until we moved to Waxahachie that we had renewed hope of celebrating our union with our parents and loved ones in attendance.

In under seven months, we planned all wedding details and enlisted family and friends to help us transform our 1920s craftsman bungalow into our dream venue. There were moments when I questioned if we could pull off the copious amounts of landscaping and wedding prep in time. The moment we hit an abandoned gas pipe it really tested our faith; but, in the end, we pulled it off!

The day we had been preparing for was perfect.

We received our holy marriage sacrament at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, strolled through Waxahachie square for our wedding portraits, and were welcomed home by all our closest family and friends. We danced the night away in the cool autumn air and beneath the elder pecan and oak trees in our backyard.

Planning a wedding, in addition to creating our own venue was no easy feat, but if given the opportunity, we would do it all over again!

We had many family members and friends help us in a lot of ways. They moved dirt, put down grass, and planted. You name it...we did it! These were the most special moments of the whole journey. But for us, these were the most special memories of the whole journey. The memories we made transforming our home was a true labor of love, and testament of our devotion and faith.

Vendors: Florals: Blooms & More Cake/Desserts: Ollie’s Bakery & Cakes BIGYOGA: Bride Morning Outing Waxahachie Golf Club: Groom Morning Outing English Merchants Inn: Night-Before Bride & Groom Lodging Rentals: Lonestar Rentals

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Brandy +Marc ​ Marc and I met through friends when we were just sophomores in High School.

We had been together 13 years when he FINALLY popped the question! We have two beautiful sons, Linden (7) and Layton (3).

Originally, because we had been together for so long, we didn’t want a wedding at all!

We considered both an elopement style wedding out of town or just a quick trip to the court house! After carefully thinking about it for a few months, we decided that we still wanted to have a special day with the ones closest to us. Right away I knew that if we were going to do a wedding, I wanted it to be small, intimate, and very “less is more” boho style.

We asked our two best friends that have been in our lives since day one to be by our sides instead of having a big wedding party.

Marc’s parents have a beautiful ranch in Italy, TX that we knew would be the perfect location. We rented tables, chairs, and a small dance floor. The rest was almost all DIY! The warm cafe string lights were my biggest must-have because I knew the glow from the lights would tie it all together.

On the day of, all of my visions finally came to life and it was absolutely perfect! My two boys walked me down the aisle to the wooden triangle arch that Marc made. We had a short ceremony performed by a close family member. The reception was a blast! The day was perfect and we are so glad we decided to have a wedding that made memories with our family and friends that will last forever.

Vendors: Photographer: @chelseahafnerphotography Hair: Monica Gonzales - @gloss.salon.tx Makeup: Kelsey Gamel - @wildsagesalonandspa Tables & Chairs: Fort Worth Party Rentals Dance Floor: Lone Star Event Rentals Rugs: HWY109 Couture

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FromWildflowers toWeddings The White House on the Hill

STORY & PHOTOS BY MELISSA MCBRIDE

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About halfway between Austin and Houston, and just minutes from Round Top and Burton, an unexpected love story has turned into a life story of passion with a purpose. A spontaneous road trip to admire fields of wildflowers eventually bloomed into a new path of owning a multi-faceted Texas destination for one very adventurous Houston couple. Aspirations grew wings and took flight from the big city to the country. The White House on the Hill is a hidden gem where dreams become reality. This twenty acre property offers luxurious accommodations for those seeking relaxation in the countryside, an intimate venue for boutique weddings and special events, and weekly gatherings for community art enthusiasts. In addition, there’s (cheers!) wine on the horizon!

The Dynamic Duo Linda O’Neal didn’t realize she was being set up to

meet Rob Rosenbaum when she agreed to go to dinner with friends on 9-9-99. The artistic Beauty met her match that evening! Three months to the date they found themselves dining in Paris. During that four day trip, they both realized their relationship was something special. Twenty three years later, they are still very much in love and purpose driven. Both were in the medical field when they made the bold decision to start this new life in the country and it seems that just about every detail has a book-worthy unfolding of events. Listening to the back stories, their individual personalities seem to intertwine beautifully into a unified weaving of kindness, impeccable style, elegance, and creativity.

They are visionaries with enduring patience and perseverance. When they found the property on Wickel Road, it needed a lot of work. As lush and green as it is today, it’s hard to believe the property only had three trees, a camp house, and a lake. At that time, they weren’t thinking “venue”...they were thinking “home”. As they began designing and building, they envisioned the structures to look authentically vintage. They collected and gathered…they planned and planted.

Since 2007, they have built their fabulous home, the chapel, the white event barn and the art barn. From floor to ceiling, they have filled each space with the finest antique furnishings complemented by some modern twists. They planted three hundred olive trees (and produced olive oil) along with many other trees that now provide shade. There are vintage garden statues amidst pink roses, flourishing peach trees, bountiful gardens, and now the anticipation of a vineyard. What remains paramount to this duo throughout this busyness? Faith, family, and friends…their beloved community…and art. A respect of the land, working hard, and a love of all things beautiful.

The Chapel After finishing their personal residence,

Linda and Rob considered moving an old church to the property as a guesthouse, but instead decided to design and build a quaint chapel utilizing antique elements. They meticulously gathered reclaimed wood, gothic and stained glass windows, massive, over-sized rustic wood beams, and gorgeous chandeliers and distinctive light fixtures. They furnished it with ethereal lace curtains, a claw foot tub, vintage velvet furniture in “quiet” colors, a French vineyard cross, a decorative, hand-carved armoire, and so many pretty touches.

The design details combined with a super comfy mattress and luxurious white Belle Notte linens soon made the chapel a favorite guest retreat.

Hence, a bed and breakfast, which doubles as a honeymoon suite, was born! With its pristine steeple and the peaceful lake nearby, the chapel also becomes a picturesque backdrop for an outdoor country wedding. The bride can get ready inside and make her grand appearance through the ornamental front door.

Delicious breakfast goodies are delivered fresh each morning. The Chapel is dreamy... with an aura of calm!

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The White Barn Booking your special event or boutique wedding at White House on the Hill has layers of advantages. The barn sits on the highest

point in Washington County. Enjoy the expansive view from the fire pit with a glass of wine. The sunsets are breathtaking! Another bonus is the 48 hour allotment for your event. This allows plenty of time to decorate, celebrate, and relax! The White Barn is not only designed to be a “rustic elegance” reception venue for up to 60 guests, but quite sensibly has three unique bedrooms furnished with the finest European antiques and treasures. There are two bathrooms, a roomy kitchenette, and an artist loft with twin beds. Growing in popularity is the “all inclusive elopement package”. Imagine a memorable destination wedding with just a handful of your nearest and dearest where every detail is taken care of. Just show up!

The Art Barn

Never underestimate the power of “play”! The Art Barn is a place where art is made and friendships are formed. As an artist, this is the concept that drew me to the property. Easels, tubes of paint, brushes, aprons and blank canvases await. Long tables and chairs are set up and ready to welcome the inner artist. The big glass garage doors roll up and the inspirational view of the lake ignites playfulness and creativity.! Curious? Every Tuesday morning this barn is open to the public as free studio space. Stop by to create, collaborate, and learn alongside others. Locals and overnight guests arrive to paint or bring their own projects of all types and use various mediums. Linda’s love for art had inspired her to take classes from the Houston Art League about sixteen years ago. She’s been hooked ever since!

You’ll find her paintings gracing the walls throughout the property and her talent has brought a steady flow of commissions. With more and more wedding bookings, her barn loft studio wasn’t always available. Rob had an extensive collection of antique tools and had ideas for woodworking. The couple decided that a new barn with plenty of creative space for both of them was needed. A close friend and local artist, Ann Locke, joined them in implementing the idea of providing studio space to encourage others to create and advance art into the surrounding communities. Their passion for art has been successfully combined with a purpose, and I truly love their enthusiasm of sharing this space!

“Where art is made and friendships are formed!”

The Vineyard After losing the three hundred olive trees to an unexpected freeze in February of 2020, Linda and Rob were reminded of the fragility of life. In

an effort to salvage beauty from the ruins, Rob used the tree trunks to make legacy charcuterie boards and the branches became natural “sculptures”. My souvenirs include both items and I’m fondly reminded of my stay by seeing their sweet logo branded into my olive wood serving board and the sanded branches are now a hat tree in my home. One lone tree was left standing as a memorial on the property.

Heartbreak has transitioned into pure excitement with a plan to breathe new life into the soil. Four hundred Blanc du Bois (that’s just fun to pronounce) grapevines have been planted. If all goes well, the first batch of grapes will be harvested in 2024 and each vine planted represents a future bottle of wine!

Stay Tuned! Follow on social media and you can see for yourself how quickly the grapevines grow! Watch for artist workshops and check out the smiles and

masterpieces as locals create weekly in The Art Barn. Linda and Rob are warm and welcoming, and I can easily see why people from all over the world stay and recharge or choose to begin their own life story by saying “I do” at The White House on the Hill.

-Melissa

FOLLOW ALONG @THE_WANDER_EDIT

DESIGNING YOUR FIRST HOME

BY MALLORY WALKER OF WALKER DESIGN

A lot of weddings and home purchases happen at the same time. After move in, we all feel the need to create the perfect space!

Designing your first home can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. I’m such a fan of not only having a beautiful space but also creating an environment that is functional and unique to each family.

WORK WITH WHAT YOU HAVE Furnishing your first home is a big investment and it may not be your perfect vision all at once. It’s all a learning experience and your talent will develop. I can remember painting the entire interior of my first home a very cheerful shade of yellow (which I probably wouldn’t do again) so even my own style and talent has developed over the years. Embrace hand-me-down furniture (and even paint!) and reupholster the items to fit your style. I know a few people who have furnished the majority of their homes with Facebook Marketplace finds.

The process can feel somewhat overwhelming, so I always find it easier to work on one room at a time for the best results. Resources like Pinterest and Instagram are so wonderful for providing inspiration!

Slowly build a collection of quality furniture pieces that will transition with you over the years. Good textiles such as window treatments are a must and can do a lot for a space! When you can invest in custom window treatments and I typically would say hang them as high and wide as possible!

IT TAKES TIME I feel like the waiting is the hardest part! It takes time to get everything right and now and then you really have to live in the space to know what you need. Now and then the furniture from the old space just doesn’t seem quite right. A new layout often requires new furniture! A fresh coat of paint can do a lot for a space! Paint, hardware and light fixtures are fairly easy upgrades that can create a big difference for a space!

Enjoy the experience and know getting your space just right is a process; don’t overthink it and trust everything will look amazing in the end! With time comes experience; appreciate how far you have come!

GET INSPIRED EMBRACE YOUR STYLE @WALKERDESIGNANDCO Trends will come and go so I say embrace your style and “do you”! Experiment with color or stick with neutrals. Today, I love a warm white interior so much that I paint my walls and trim the same shade of white. You know what? It’s all white and yes; it’s going to get dirty, but that won’t stop me! What I’m saying is don’t count your favorite things out because of functionality. If your heart desires it, make it happen! Don’t be afraid to take a risk but instead figure out your style and build on it from there!

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Tablescapes

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STORY BY KATE DUCKWORTH STYLING: DUCKWORTH INTERIORS PHOTOGRAPHY: GRANT DUCKWORTH FOOD: CHEF LUCY BRADDOCK OF HOMEGROWN MARKET IN DOWNTOWN ENNIS

Step 3: Choose Dishes & Flatware Start with a base layer such as a charger. You can also use a fabric square, placemat, lace doily, wood slice, or my favorite, a square sheet of scrapbook paper.

For your dish layer, china is a classic choice but you may also want to consider melamine and disposable options. They have come a long way in terms of design and color over the last few years. For your flatware, traditional flatware is great, but you might also consider plastic or wooden cutlery.

Glassware can carry out your theme. Do you want your glassware to be something elegant? Casual? Fine wine glasses? Mason jars? Use whatever fits the event best.

Pictured here, I used gold plastic chargers, faux marble melamine plates, traditional polished gold flatware and delicate glassware.

Wedding, soiree, gala, banquet, celebration, party, gathering, shower, shin-dig, whatever you’re planning, I’ve got some tips to help you create a beautiful tablescape from top to bottom!

Step 1: Choose a Theme & Color Scheme Define what type of look you want to create; for example, rustic, coastal, glamorous. Decide what colors you’d like to incorporate. Keep your theme and color scheme in mind as you follow all other steps.

In my example, I chose green, white, and metallics.

Step 2: Choose a Tablecloth Keep in mind there are many other options besides traditional tablecloths. Ideas include fabric by the yard, linen sheets, and my favorite go-to...canvas drop cloths from a hardware store. Here I used a linen sheet and I chose not to iron or steam it because I like the texture that the wrinkles give. It also gives a more casual and comfortable look.

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When choosing a gift, there are so many possibilities! Small jars of jam or honey, petite plants or saplings, fresh fruit, seashells, miniature pumpkins, small candles, herbal teas, are just a handful of ideas. Here I used potted succulents.

Step 6: Menu Don’t forget all of the steps so far have been to create the background for the best part...the FOOD! Here, Chef Lucy of Homegrown Market created a salad of mixed greens with beets and grilled jicama. For the entree, she created a chicken thigh with basil couscous and a peach chutney.

Whether you’re planning a big event or a date night in, it’s always fun to curate a beautiful experience for you and your guests to enjoy.

Cheers!

Step 4: Choose Centerpieces Start with your focal point, and there’s no end to the options! Use vases with real or faux florals, lanterns, bird cages, vessels with water and floating candles and/or fish, hang jewels or beads from branches or stems, plants under glass domes, candelabras, vintage glassware, and so forth. Now add a layer of lighting for ambience, such as candlesticks, tea lights, fairy lights, etc.

I definitely recommend battery powered candles over open flames. We used lit tea lights at my own wedding and a few table cloths actually caught fire!

Finally add a layer of confetti. This added touch could be jewels, seashells, leaves, stones, paper confetti, dried flowers, flower petals, etc.

In this example, I used an elegant vase with faux flowers, two contemporary candelabras, and organic baths salts for visual interest and fragrance.

Step 5: Choose a Parting Gift I recommend incorporating your parting gift into your table setting, because it adds another layer to your tablescape. I also love to attach the name cards to the parting gift.

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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

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LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

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Ellis County Master GardenErs

Monthly Tips

BY MELINDA KOCIAN, ELLIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ASSOCIATION

tips for

aUGUST planting

• Plant these fall vegetables early in the month: beans, cucumbers and squash. Follow up late in the month with transplants of broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower. Acclimate transplants to full sun before planting. Water immediately after planting.

• Plant bluebonnet and other spring wildflowers starting this month. Select a sunny, well-drained area with minimal vegetation. If planting into existing vegetation, mow area as short as possible; then lightly disturb with a disk or rake. Drag seeded area to ensure good seed-soil contact.

• Plant fall-flowering bulbs such as spider lily, naked lady lily, rain lily, oxblood lily and fall crocus. Place in the ground twice as deep as the diameter of the bulb.

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tips for

SEPTEMBER planting

• Plant these fall vegetables now: beets, carrots, “greens” (mustard, collard, turnip), kale, lettuce, radishes and spinach.

• Lawn establishment using warm-season grasses such as Bermudagrass, St. Augustine, zoysia and buffalograss should be completed early in the month.

• Plant these fall-blooming annuals from bedding plants before buds have opened: marigolds, petunias, asters, pinks, snapdragons and mums. Wait until cooler weather to plant pansies, violas and ornamental cabbages and kale.

• Complete sowing bluebonnets to ensure spring flowers. For seasonlong color, purchase a wildflower mix that contains annuals and perennials, as well as cool-season and warm-season plants.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

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What Can You Do About Excess Skin After Weight-Loss Surgery?

Weight-loss surgery can leave you with sagging extra skin. Here’s how you can minimize it.

BY DR. MAZEN ISKANDAR, DR. TIMOTHY KELLY, AND DR. WATSON ROYE, WEIGHT-LOSS SURGEONS AT TEXAS SURGICAL SPECIALISTS

Choosing to have weight-loss surgery can be a smart decision for your health. Losing weight if you need to can help you reduce the risk of many health conditions that might take away from your quality of life and shorten your lifespan.

Instead, one thing you may want to think about is how much excess skin you might have after you lose a lot of weight and how you would like to treat it. “Quite a few people will have some excess or hanging skin after their weight loss,” said weight-loss surgeon Mazen Iskandar, MD. How likely is it that you will have excess skin after weight-loss surgery?

A few different factors affect the amount of excess skin you might have: • • • •

How much weight you lose after your surgery—the more weight you lose, the more likely you are to have excess skin How quickly you lose weight—losing weight more slowly gives your skin time to tighten on its own How old you are—younger skin is more elastic and more likely to bounce back from stretching Genetic factors that influence the elasticity of your skin

“Some people don’t mind the excess skin,” said weightloss surgeon Timothy Kelly, MD. “It’s a reminder of their progress.” But other people don’t like the look or feel of it. Sometimes, the excess skin can cause pain, discomfort, chafing, or health problems.

How can you minimize excess skin after weight-loss surgery?

You can take a few steps as you lose weight to help keep your skin as healthy and elastic as possible.

• • • • •

Choose your diet carefully, so you lose weight at the right pace—don’t try to lose weight too fast Eat foods high in protein and vitamins to nourish your skin Drink plenty of water to keep your body and your skin hydrated Talk to your health care team about creams that can help moisturize your skin Consider strength training to build muscle that can

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How can surgery help reduce excess skin?

“We like people to wait 18 months after their surgery before removing excess skin,” said weight-loss surgeon Watson Roye, MD. “By that time, your weight has usually stabilized, and your skin has tightened about as much as it will on its own.”

Surgeons can remove the excess skin with a cosmetic procedure. People typically have the excess skin removed on their abdomen, arms, breasts, or neck. If you choose to have surgery to remove excess skin, you can usually go home the day of your procedure. It takes about six weeks to heal from surgery, and several months for the scars to fade.

Does insurance pay for surgery to remove excess skin?

Every insurance plan is different, and you’ll want to consult with your provider to see what’s covered. Insurance companies often cover this surgery if excess skin is painful or causes rashes, sores, or problems with hygiene. They generally don’t cover surgery for cosmetic reasons.

LIVING-MAGAZINE.COM // AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

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MY wedding DAY STORY BY CINDY BURCH

When I was planning my wedding almost twenty years ago, I didn’t know I would end up in the catering business, but just working out all of the details in my own wedding was great training.

I grew up attending First Baptist Church Dallas, one of the largest churches in the country.

Covering five city blocks in downtown Dallas and more than 30,000 members, my parents met and married there in 1957. Everything at our church was a major production and I was at the heart of it all. Our 200 member choir had productions as elaborate as any Broadway musical and our orchestra was known to rival the Dallas Symphony. I loved going to the weddings at our church because they were always an affair to remember.

Growing up with so much fanfare gave me an appetite for wanting everything I do to be in grand style. When it came time for my own wedding, it was no exception.

I didn’t get married until I was 32 years old, so I had years to dream big. I designed 1000 invitations on beautiful cardstock with gold calligraphy and painstakingly wrapped each one with handmade paper and a gold waxed seal.

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My wedding dress was made of silk taffeta with hand sewn pearls and beading that covered the bodice and sleeves. Six bridesmaids wore emerald taffeta ball gowns and carried cascading nosegays of solid white flowers.

The church’s century old sanctuary, with its magnificent stained glass windows, was filled with candelabras cascading throughout the choir loft holding hundreds of long taper candles. Hurricane lanterns with white roses, gold and white ribbons and trails of asparagus fern lined the end of each pew.

It was a night to remember.

If there was ever a time my parents were grateful they only had one child, this was it.

With 800 guests looking on, my dad walked me down the aisle. Trumpets rang out from the balcony and the Dallas Baptist University Choir sang “Standing on Holy Ground”, while four cameras recorded the event from every angle. Dr. W. A. Criswell, who had married my parents thirty five years earlier, officiated the wedding and W. T. Greer brought the house down singing his incredible rendition of The Lord’s Prayer.

The celebration continued with a lavish buffet and a five foot tall wedding cake that looked more like a huge porcelain sculpture than multi tiers of confection. There were paella stations and multiple buffets of assorted hors d’ oeuvres interspersed with cascading fruits and cheeses. As we drove away in a white vintage Bentley to the historic Adolphus Hotel my face literally hurt from smiling so long. My husband tends to remember the event as the night he stood for hours in a rented tuxedo and uncomfortable shoes while talking to hundreds of people he didn’t know. I am thankful he endured it all for me. In looking back I now know why I set the bar so high in our catering business.

Over the years I have tried to help my brides have that same feeling when The Doves Nest caters a wedding. From constructing a dance floor over a client’s swimming pool, to covering a backyard with clear tents for a starry night, we have done it all. Whether it’s a small intimate affair with just family, or an elaborate reception where the newlyweds leave the scene by helicopter, I want their big day to be a dream come true, like mine was.