Formo Magazine June/July 2019

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OUR TEAM

Jose Valdez Jr - Editor-in-Chief / Owner Kassandra Lozano - Assoc. Editor-in-Chief / Content Director Michael Gonzalez - Photo Editor / Head Photographer Cassandra Garza - Copy Editor / Writer Britney D. Newman - Event & Fashion Content Coordinator Advenio Studios - Web Design Clarissa Garcia - Staff Writer Jesus Garcia - Staff Writer Valerie Esparza - Writer

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Editor’s Note Hello All! Spring is in Full Effect and Summer is around the corner and what else is in full effect? WEDDING SEASON!! Our June 2019 Issue of Formo Magazine will explore the wonder world of local wedding talent here in Texas. We at Formo love weddings and all the beautiful aspects that come with it not just including the most import part, LOVE, but the wonderful fashion, music and art of it all!

From wedding dresses to wedding bands and everything in-between, we hope you enjoy ready and seeing all this amazing talent that we have featured in our special wedding edition of Formo Magazine.

Remember to always support our local talent, because as we see it we are married and invested in our community and we must love and cherish that thru the good times and the bad. To all the wedding couples out there we hope you say YES to this Issue! As always we would love to hear your feedback and past and present issues and suggestions and Ideas for future issues!

Have a Very Amazing 2019 from all of us here at Formo!

Jose Valdez Jose Valdez Jr. Editor-in-Chief / Owner At age nine, love was marriage. Sweet and simple.

At age 16, love was long summer nights, sitting next to the warm bonfire, hand in hand.

At age 20, love was a beautiful house, dinner on the table at 6pm and "I'm too tired."

At age 23, after being single long enough to find out who I am and what I want, after seeing friends who have been married for years.

Love is "You are beautiful."

Love is getting you a puke bucket when you are stuck on the toilet with the stomach bug.

Love is fighting over where to eat because what they want is what you had for lunch.

Love is, going for a cruise just because it is intimate alone time.

Love is a rough road.

Love comes in many forms and changes over time. Love is about growth, finding the sun that will still shine after the clouds take over your skies. ~ Kayla Poole

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JUNE

“... it’s not just creating a beautiful painting and piece for the couple, it is a memory that you make.”

A Note on Vintage Fashion: 6 Wedding Edition

~Natalie Pheifer

Runway Review 11

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The Suave Gentleman 8 Custom Made in the Heart of Art 15

Texas Artist: Natalie Pheifer 27

The Sounds of San Antonio: 19 Mike and the Coupes

Mike Gonzalez Editorial 35

Sarah Centeno, Neo-Soul Singer 23

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courtesy of the Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, [LC-DIG- det-4a21337]

1900’s-1910’s | Woman in wedding dress holding flowers - Photo

A Note on Vintage Fashion

Wedding Edition

By Clarissa Garcia

When it comes to weddings there are many tasks to check off. You must have the theme, the venue, the decorations, and much more.

However, one of the most important aspects on the wedding check list is, of course, the dress. Everyone is always going to ask the same question, “What is the bride wearing?”

THE 1900’S This is the time where wedding bands became a custom in society. Dresses were normally very modest and designed with lots of lace that normally paired with a classy long lace veil.

THE 1920’s

1930’s | Photograph of Fotini Sigara in her wedding dress on February 21, 1930. Courtesy Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation, all rights reserved.

In today’s fashion there are many different types of wedding dresses according to style, length, cut, line, and brand. Let’s take a look through some vintage category wedding dresses that have inspired many artists and designers in the fashion industry.

Women were more open with their fashion. Due to the discovery of the fearless “Flapper” style, wedding dresses were adapted to fit this new ideal image of women. There was more lace, more pearls, more jewels - just more. The dresses were normally paired with a matching head piece, or veil.

THE 1930’S Women went for a new look known as “Art Deco.” This style was typically long gowns with flowing sleeves and floral prints. These dresses were made to tailor to a woman’s curves, revealing a tall silhouette. This style came to light during an economic depression, but was able to survive through it all.

THE 1940’S This was an era of war. Many men were shipped out of the country to fight for our freedom. Which meant many couples were forced to be apart. This meant that many weddings were rushed ceremonies that had to be filled in between time of departure. Brides often did not have time to buy or make a new dress in time for the wedding. They would simply wear the best dress that they had to get married very quickly. After the war, white silk parachutes were sold back to the public after military use. This became the new source of bridal gown material, creating the classic silk wedding gown.

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THE 1950’S

1940’s | “Buffalo, New York. At the wedding of Cedelia Wrazen and Bronislaus Nowak, who are of

Polish descent. They are employed at Ross Heater, makers of condensers for the Navy. Cecelia with two of her bridesmaids” - Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Photograph by Marjory Collins. [LC-USW3-024952-D]

Hollywood took a great toll on bridal gowns.

Actresses like Audrey Hepburn inspired these very cute and very chic tea length bridal gowns. These gowns were very popular in the 1950’s due to their length. The bottom of the dress came right above the ankle, or right in the center of the calf. This made it possible for wedding goers to gaze over the brides amazing shoes. It also made it easier for the bride to dance the night away.

THE 1960’S

Things were much more “Hip” as they would say. Big hair styles were a must, topped with a brilliant head piece or veil. The dresses were a mix between soft and humble, and big and bold. Both were very stunning and pleasing to see. Brides in the 60’s really new how to make the dress their own.

1970’S The Rock N Roll era was the time of going with the flow and being one with yourself. I believe that is definitely the piece of mind all brides had during this time. The bridal gown had such flow, and comfort that really complimented the bride’s happiness. This style of dresses was not about curves or ball gowns, they were more about capturing the bride’s modest beauty.

1980’S A time where more was always better. This is where we are introduced to shoulder pads, ruffles, and much beading.

These dresses were designed for the bride’s fascination of being noticed. The bigger the ruffles, the more people noticed you. The dresses were normally paired with a top hat or an over the top veil.

2000’s | Photographer: Enrico Carcasci

THE 1990’S & 2000’S These were very much alike. Gowns during these times showed much more skin than dresses in previous eras. Off the shoulder pieces and skinny strapped were tailored to fit the bride so that the dress showed her true beauty. The gowns themselves were also much simpler in color and pattern. Veils were not always worn and smaller veils were introduced.

THE 2010’S

1980’s | Wedding gown worn for a catholic wedding ceremony in the late 80’s:

In today’s bridal fashion, I believe we have taken a look back on what we have created in the past. We have taken those creations and made them our own. Designers all over the world are taking these pieces of art and creating even more works of art. If it wasn’t for what we used to have, the style we have now would not exist.

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Photo by Shttefan

F o r T h e S uav e G e n t l e m a n Hair loss (for those that need to be told) By: SA Guy

usually happens is, it gets ignored. You’re too busy and have better things to do. It’s happening though. The avalanche is coming. You’re losing your hair and you don't want to deal with it. This is your first mistake.

My friends — we need to have a talk. Since our last time, from locals I’ve gone out to meet, and also from good friends, comes our next topic of hair.

It is a complex topic. If you take a look around, there are plenty of guys that are going bald or are very clearly bald. If you’ve never stopped to have a conversation with that uncle, friend or coworker, you may learn a thing or two on how they got there. It is a journey. You can choose where it goes if you keep yourself informed.

Some things happen so slowly that you don't realize that something has happened till its too late. You look at your brush after using it and notice that there's more hair on it, but think nothing of it. You run your hand through your hair and notice hair has fallen off into your hand but nothing alarms you because nothing seems out of the ordinary.

Maybe you take a shower and notice that there is a clump of hair in the drain that is not from your family or roommates, but you. Eventually, enough of these days pass and you look in the mirror to realize your hair has changed. You may not have the words to describe it or know how it happened but it is different. The next thing that

I’m no doctor. I’m no expert. I am definitely NOT here to advertise any product, surgery or magic to you. That is for you to find out. What I do want to say to our readers is if you notice there are changes happening to your body, start asking some questions and do something about it early. All guys need to have the hair talk. If 8

FASHION you’ve never had the hair talk, then it's kind of like never having the sex talk from your parents or by someone who just knows more than you. It can be kind of awkward, but these are things you need to know. Gentleman have a seat… let me give you the talk that we all need so that we can begin the journey in a better and more comfortable way than just walking blindly into the abyss. Hair will change as you get older. It may start falling out for a variety of reasons, stress, genetics, poor lifestyle, and/or nutrition. The thing to do is once you notice a difference, go ask questions. Talk to your primary care doctor or a dermatologist, they can help you find specific reasons and give you specific solutions. It's not something that you may look forward to but it's better to catch things early instead of late because you’ll have lost too much hair for you to get back to a full head of hair. Then you have to seek out treatment. There are FDA approved medicines like Minoxidil and Finasteride. Guys have been using this stuff for a while, but not many know about it until it's too late because not everyone has the hair talk.

There are other approaches that are not from pills (headgear, natural oils, shampoos) but you’ll have to weigh your options so just start by getting informed. So many men suffer from hair loss not because of a lack of solutions but because of a lack of knowledge and effort. Don’t be that guy.

Photo by Brooke Cagle

Because I am not a doctor and because there are so many reason for hair loss, I can’t and won’t give you a specific route of solutions, but what I will tell you is that you don’t have to feel like you’re helpless and have ran out of options. Go out there and talk to someone. Doctors are good choices. Friends are good choices. People that have been through it and are already bald can tell you all that you need to know so that you can choose your next move. You make that next move though! Don’t let life make it for you. It's your life.

Hair or no hair. Take control.

The other thing is, if you’re losing your hair because of male pattern baldness, the hair is going to go eventually, so you also need to make peace and ask yourself how and why you can still be happy bald. It can hurt to lose hair. You can feel vastly different, lose confidence and become a different person than you were before, but that is all optional. There are plenty of men that lose hair and still keep their confidence and appeal to others.

Being bald can let you access a totally different side of being attractive and confident. Just take a look at the top sexiest men in the world. Chances are, there are some men that are losing their hair and learned how to make it work for them and use it to their advantage. It takes becoming aware of your options and also knowing yourself. You don’t need to suffer. You need to arm yourself with knowledge and make choices about who you are and where your value lies.

Have a topic you want SA Guy to look into?

EMAIL INFO@FORMOMAG.COM with “For The Suave Gentleman” in the subject line or DM @FORMOMAGAZINE on Insta

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RUNWAY REVIEW: 3rd Annual Ever After Fashion Show

By: Valerie Esparza The third annual Ever After Fashion Show was produced

by Brittany Banks of Upscale Talent and Productions and took place on March 24th in Universal City, Texas.

Each year the show’s participants create designs and performances based on whimsical fictional characters with a modern day twist. As always, the show’s main focus is to give the children and participants a way to showcase their talents with the support of their community.

show, meaning they not only have runway looks, but performances by local musicians and dancers. After all, at the heart of the show is the Lil’ Beat Kids, a non-profit organization that inspires and supports children who are taking a stand over unfortunate circumstances through their talents and gifts. This year’s show saw a few local singers grace the stage, including an impromptu solo by Miss Black Texas herself. Of all the performances, the Anastasia performance was an immediate standout. J. Vera (who our editor sincerely hopes reaches his goal of being heard in every pet store!) also delivered an engaging performance. [His 2018 single, Amnesia can be found on Spotify, iTunes, and most digital music stores.]

The first and second show were hosted by Ms. Black Texas 2018, Chauncie Holley and co-hosted by Genevieve, 2018 TCP Young Miss LoneStar. This year’s secondary theme, polar express, was seen primarily in the part of the show where the younger children who were involved in the show had the opportunity to strut the runway in whimsical pajamas and during the dance number to “Hot Chocolate.” The show was previously nominated as a San Antonio Fashion Event of the Year in 2017, featured in Formo Magazine in 2018, and has since been a unique place for local talent to come together and create a memorable production while showcasing different levels of local talent.

The Ever after show included a few local vendors and snack options, but with the already tight space of the Kitty Hawk Event center, the venue was barely able to accommodate all of the guests and participants. Which, for a local show is usually a great problem to have.

However, the overall venue and staging was quite a step down from their 2018 production, the energy of the show and its guests were still inviting and enthusiastic; you could feel the sense of pride that the children had

The Ever After shows are more than an average fashion 11

FASHION in their performances and the inviting energy of the fashion show portion, took a minor hit from the venue, community that was in attendance. Unfortunately in that although being well choreographed, the group lacking a runway, the designs themselves were difficult dances felt cramped at times, as their performances were not suited to the layout of the venue or size of the Models (from left to right): Collin Darley, Ryan “Tuxedo Jones” Miller (Designer) back, Nicholas Gaitan stage. The two shows featured most of the same designs and performances, but the second show included some standout additions, such as the Edward scissor hands design and black winged angel. Additionally the second show ended with a special guest performance by the Ghetto Avengers, featuring King Savage, who performed his viral song, “Fortnite.”

Overall, despite lacking the glam that it had in previous years and occasional production hiccups, the spirit of the show, the performances, and the fashion were as inspired and whimsical as before. The Ever After show continued to succeed at providing an event that promoted community, inspired inclusive creativity, and supported local talent. While this was the last Ever After show planned for the San Antonio area, we hope it is only one of many future events for the talent and supporters of the production, and that all involved continue to be a part of the growing fashion scene in San Antonio, Texas.

to fully appreciate. Each model and design was seen momentarily on stage and then proceeded into the crowd, through the walkways.

The models wearing those designs, however, were truly one of the best aspects of the show. The talent ranged from experienced local models to well practiced firsttime models, and the show was better for it! The models embodied one of the best qualities of the Ever After shows - supporting local talent - and ultimately served as a reminder that the show is both for the community and the kids. The more experienced models brought a grace and presence to the show that often made up for the lack of runway and were unyielding in capturing the audience’s attention.

They set the bar for those in the show, who want to pursue modeling; they acted as an example for the younger talent in the show Model: Haven Housh in what seemed to be a positive Designer: Brenda Lee & Warren Dial Make Up: Haven Housh way and ultimately emboldened Hair: Brenda Lee Photographer: Kass Lozano the aspiring models’ walks. Lastly, the high energy and upbeat attitudes delivered by the children who walked the stage, brought the audience back to the other core value of the show- it’s for the kids.

From the whimsical “Hot Chocolate” to the perfectly angsty vibes of the group dance with a nod to Toy Story’s Sid, the dancers’ high energy caught the audience’s attention with natural ease. However, as with the 12

Page 11 Photo Credits Model (left): Model: Genna Town Designer: Barbara King/ Lanell Designs Hair: Arnitra Booth Model (right): Andraya Harris Designer: Kathrine Johnson/ KopyKat Kreations Hair: Arnitra Booth Make Up: Cassie Mcburney Photographer: Kass Lozano

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Custom Made in the heart of art

By: Kassandra Lozano Ashley Cherie is a Texas fashion designer who specializes in custom dresses for brides and formal occasions. She graduated from UIW and then pursued a career in custom design in Dallas, Texas. After a few years she returned home to start her own company and bring her designs into the growing fashion scene of the greater San Antonio area. As the owner and in-house designer, Ashley’s passion for her craft and the joy she finds in every first fitting, appreciation note, and bridal portrait has not faded since establishing A. Cherie Couture in San Antonio, Texas two and a half years ago.

Before starting her career as a designer, she chose to attend school for fashion design, where she eventually found her niche, “I went to school here in San Antonio; I went to the [University of] Incarnate Word and I did my first graphic collection there as a senior, when I had never done bridal before. I ended up winning multiple awards for it, so I kind of felt like that was my calling. Then, I was like - what can I do that is a job where you just do dresses? I don’t really like doing pants or jackets or anything like that. We’ll do it for clients if they want it, but my passion is really for the dresses and the glamour and the beading.”

Photo by Roza Sampolinska

She moved to Dallas, Texas after graduating and did custom for other companies. While keeping in mind her goal of returning to San Antonio to run her own bridal shop, she gained experience under those companies until she was ready to bring her talents back home. Her desire to open her own business was backed by realizing that many clients were traveling from San Antonio and Austin all the way to Dallas for custom designs, “I’m from here and do custom here, because nobody was doing it here! I was a little nervous at first to come back from Dallas, where it is a saturated market. But I’ve been doing really well.

The clients here are awesome! Very laid back, easy-going type brides.”

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Photo by Snap Chic Photography

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FASHION Eventually, any nerves that came from leaving the saturated market of a Texas fashion hub were put to rest as her company began to find its place in the wedding industry of San Antonio.

even known or thought of.” Additionally, some clients have found inspiration in her own personal designs that showcase her eye for unique designs and detail, “ I would say that I mostly do art deco style things- I love beading and embroidery. I’m designing for people all the time. So sometimes it’s nice to do what I want. I’m really glitzy glam right now!” Her most recent collection was even featured in a UIW fashion show, where she was a guest designer. Other designs incorporate a bit of her favored art-deco themes, and surprisingly, color. “I really like to do fall winter [designs], because I like using color in a lot of my designs. A lot of our clients started using color and it’s been kind of fun to play with another color other than like white, ivory. And it just adds more umph and excitement to the designs. I deal with white and ivory every day. It’s kind of fun to do things for fall-winter, like we have a winter coming up and she’s going to use like a red base and then on top we’re gonna do an eye release with black threading. So things like that are kind of fun.”

“I feel like San Antonio really has that heart of art...”

A. Cherie Couture has now been in San Antonio for about two and a half years. They design custom dresses for brides, mothers of the bride, quinceañeras, proms -- basically all formal occasions that call for a unique dress. The actual process of creating the design of the dress is where the “custom” title comes from. “I kind of work side by side with the client and with what they want bringing it to life through multiple aspects, like a pencil drawing, a computerized drawing, and a tech pack, and then they come in for their fitting.”

The design process itself truly begins with a design consultation, “I’ll sit down with them. We’ll talk about their ideas, their inspiration photos, and then, I start sketching for them in person. Once we get all that finalized we’ll be able to send them a price quote within a few days and then, if they want to move forward, I have them come in and we talk about fabrics, we decide colors - basically we do everything with the client, so they’re pretty involved throughout the whole process.”

Her passion for design and knowledge of the industry is further seen in the technical rendering part of the custom process. The technical rendering is a realistic drawing of the dress that allows clients to see what it’s going to look like before it’s finished, “I really like the technical drawings, because the client can really see the product. And they do require, you know, hours to get the dress perfected on the computer, but I think it’s cool to see all their fabrics come together and the clients see it in a better drawing than just a pencil...It’s something that, when I was in Dallas, I felt was an extra step needed in their processes.” Having added in the digital rendering of the dress, Ashley’s clients get to see a drawing that comes out looking like the final product before it goes into production and before the tech pack, which then shows how the dress is going to be made.

Most of her clients have been local to San Antonio and surrounding areas, but she has also worked with many international clients, including clients from Canada and Japan. During her career she has found that the clients also range in their knowledge of custom design. Some clients already have an idea and just need to know if its possible, while others don’t know what custom designers are actually capable of doing; custom design allows for more than the average bridal store lace and fabric combos. “...A lot of the time sometimes clients don’t know what we’re capable of doing, so I try to bring other designs to the table, like a lot of clients don’t know that there’s other laces out there besides floral lace. I mean there’s so many patterns, so I try to show them some other options and then I talk about their themes and where they’re getting married, so that way I can get a good idea of their venues and what they’re going to be surrounded by that way I can start suggesting things for them that they maybe wouldn’t have

“... it really makes me feel like I’m doing my job right when I start crying, because they’re so happy!”

When the dress is made and the client comes in for the first fitting, Ashley is reminded of why she loves her work. From the colors to the lace to the beading and the glam, Ashley’s flair for detailed designs can be seen in each of the dresses that 17

FASHION she has helped bring to life and are proof of her talent, but the joy and appreciation that the clients experience are what keep her going. “I love when we’re doing the first fitting and the way we set up our fitting. We’ll have the dress on the mannequin and they come in and see the dress for the first time. And it really makes me feel like I’m doing my job right when I start crying, because they’re so happy! It’s not like crying, it’s tears of joy. Those moments definitely make me appreciative, and also seeing their bridal portraits and how happy they were.”

you get the technical renderings, that a lot of people frame. And you get fabric swatches. And I’ve been through the process a few times myself!

The time and care she has taken into creating the process of custom design that her company uses is a big part of what has made her successful in the growing fashion industry of San Antonio. “There’s so many designers in here, it’s kind of like a best kept secret, but I would really love to see it grow more. And I’m really open to helping in any way I can. Because I know that I want to be here and I wanted to grow and I want us to have more events She continues to do custom, because although like Dallas has, more of the runways. I feel like they’ve tried on thousand of thousands of dresses Dallas was really established as far as fashion. I and cannot find anything, they come to them and worked for a lot of fashion companies there who she gets to help them create the dress of their have a lot of jobs, but I feel like San Antonio really imagination. Though as a tip for custom dress has that heart of art and I just hope that in the next designs, she does hope that clients have tried on few years we can get to the same level as Dallas. I dresses before coming to her. “Even before a client mean it will probably be a lot more colorful here comes in for a design consultation I make sure that than in Dallas! But, I see potential for San Antonio they’ve gone to try some dresses on, because a lot - definitely up and coming. I know I really want it of the times brides come in to me who haven’t tried to be. things on and they’re like, “oh I’m so set on a ball gown, I want a ball gown,” but I say, well have you tried that on. And they’re like, no I haven’t.

So, they go to a bridal shop and try things on and their whole design inspiration changes, because they maybe end up loving a mermaid silhouette on their body, more so than a ball gown. So, my first piece of advice is to go try things on, that way you know what looks good on your body. I can suggest things all day, but it comes down to what the brides likes on their body.”

Often times brides and clients expect custom designs to be complicated and expensive, but Ashley wants brides to know that her custom designs are often close to bridal shop prices, especially when you take time to consider alterations, “...they don’t really tell you how much alterations are going to be, whereas my process is a lot better. I say that, because you get your dress here, and it’s design is made for you, alterations are included, if your measurements stay the same, so you can have a custom gown for basically the same price as going to the store - and you’re going to pay alterations on top of that. Here it’ll be unique to you, it’ll be made for you. No one will ever have it. And you get a lot of keepsakes throughout our process! You get the pencil sketch,

To learn more about Ashley and A. Cherie Couture visit her website at www.acherie.com You can also find her on Instagram @acheriecouture 18

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Have a fashion, music, or art event you’d like us to cover?

Let us know! We try to attend as many local events as possible to provide press coverage and social media for.

We are always open to hearing what our readers want to see in our pages, so if you have a story you’d like us to check out or an artist you think we’d love, email us at info@formomag.com or DM us @formomagazine

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The Sounds of San Antonio:

and the Coupes.

In the scouting of the new and up and coming I found myself at the bar called Jandro’s on the St Mary’s strip. I walked in and found myself having a great time for the next three hours. Here is what happened…

Mike and the Coupes was playing and they covered the three C’s- Community, commitment, character. They have dedicated and skilled musicians. They have their own genuine style that makes them original and good at what they do. Most importantly, they create and serve a community of people that loves their music.

Jandro’s with Mike and the Coupes By: Jesus Garcia Picture a crowded bar where the music is poppin’ and the people are having a good time. That’s pretty much where we all wish we could be every time we go out .Turns out that there are a lot of places in the city where you can find a good time, but a good band that makes you feel like you’re in the heart of San Antonio is a difficult experience to search for, but its the only thing worth giving time. This is a story about the discovery of Mike

They played almost everything. Tejano, oldies, Spanish rock, jazz, pop, alternative. I was blown away, not just because they could play across so many genres, but because they did it their way. If it was possible for me to send you my memories I would share it with all of you, but there is no way to describe style, it’s just their style. That’s it and it's great. I laughed, I teared up, I sang my lungs out.

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MUSIC The great part was that it wasn’t just them, it was like everyone in the bar was on the same wavelength of having a good time and enjoying the music. The amazing part was that there were other musicians in the audience who got up and swapped out with

In talking with the band I learned that Mike and the Coupes are a core trio of seasoned musicians who have each been playing for a long time.

Each one of them has played and toured with all kinds of other bands all across Texas. They met while touring with a tejano group and began playing together. Mike the lead man plays guitar, bass, drums and sings. Luis plays the keys. Luke plays bass and sings. Together they are a force that gives the band a totally different sound.

The bar Jandro’s and Mike have a history where the owner ended up giving Mike a shot at playing there before Mike and the Coupes had ever been assembled. As the band grew their presence along with the overall vibe of Jandro’s, they attracted other musicians there that not only show up to have a good time, but that lend their talents to one another making an experience of not just a band but a community of musicians that are drawn together to make music for the sake of music.

It’s hard to describe what it’s like to see a guitarist, a singer or a drummer and played with something like that, when there is nothing else to them. They played so well that I could not believe compare it to. It was like famous musicians playing that they didn’t rehearse those moves before the a secret concert for other famous musicians along show. There were soulful singers, crazy shredding with everyone they know, on this one big night guitarists, young and old musicians, and classics with a small town feel. played like Benny and the Jets. With Mike and the Coupes it was more than just music — only these In chatting with the crowd I found friends, family, guys play like this. By the end of the night, my mouth had dropped through the floor in

“The problem with our shows is that a lot of people get drunk! We have a connection! For whatever reason we have that kind of effect on people.”

Mike | Lead Singer amazement. For there being so many talented musicians in the room, no one was greedy for the stage and they were really there for the music.

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MUSIC primas, primos, and then they all brought their friends. A long chain of connections that lead the way to Mike and the Coupes that night. It’s a totally different vibe. “The problem with our shows is that a lot of people get drunk! We have a connection! For whatever reason we have that kind of effect on people,” said Mike.

Antonio and Jandro’s. It was a night that really had the spirit of San Antonio. I was experiencing what I feel is San Antonio’s band. San Antonio’s music. San Antonio’s community, thriving and enjoying itself. It was beyond just a good time.

It was beautiful. Mike and the Coupes made it possible.

Luke who was playing bass that night said “People come and have a great time! Sometimes one of our friends will walk in and we will say, ‘You wanna jam a song with us? Here I ‘ll give you the bass. I’ll give you the guitar.

Get up and sing.’ We try to put each other up instead of trying to be better than everybody. It can be based on support and not competition.” The band says that they never really know what is going to happen in the end, but that’s the fun of it. They have their set list ready and then they just focus on serving up a fresh plate of Mike and the Coupes for everyone listening.

For those that come from outside of San Antonio and live here, you know that people here are

“People come and have a great time!

Sometimes one of our friends will walk in and we will say, ‘You wanna jam a song Check out Mike and the Coupes on Instagram with us? Here I ‘ll give you the bass. I’ll give you the guitar. Get up and sing.’ We @mikeandthecoupes try to put each other up instead of trying to be better than everybody. It can be And follow @Jandrostx to see when Mike and the based on support and not competition.”

Coupes will take the stage again!

Luis Sanchez | Pianist extremely friendly and welcoming. It’s the secret sauce that makes this city different from anywhere else. Those that are locals just know it as a way of life, but it’s easy to forget the special kind of culture that we have here. That's exactly why this was such a special experience to have with music.

Photo Credits Group Photo: Luis Sanchez, Luke Salas, Mike Aguilar, and guest drummer, Harold | Pg. 20 | (Upper) Luis Sanchez, Pianist, (Lower) Luke Salas, Bass | Pg. 21 | Mike Aguilar, Lead Singer | Venue: Jandro’s Garden Patio | Photographer: Kass Lozano

The perfect storm of musicians, the people of San 23

Hair: Savannah Johnson MUA: Susan Ward Brooks Photographer: Mark Guerra

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Sarah Centeno By: Cassandra Garza Sarah Centeno is a 23 year old singer born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. From the age of twelve Sarah started to sing and perform for her family in her family’s living room. From watching her older brother Gibby perform with his band called Structure to her parents encouraging her when she sang for them, she had the support and inspiration to pursue a singing career from a young age. For twelve years Sarah has been performing at venues every weekend, singing covers of various songs from all genres. On these weekends you can find Sarah singing with two different cover bands.

When she is not performing covers she is writing her own songs that are R&B/Pop, but are better described as neo soul.

When Sarah was just 16 she received a call from David Foster asking her to perform in his show in Las Vegas! Sarah opened for Donna Summers, Kenny Loggins, Charice, and David Foster performed with Sarah as her accompaniment. Before going on stage Sarah was very nervous, but after the show she absolutely knew that she was born to be a singer. Recently Sarah performed at the Y100 Open Mic and outside the AT&T Center after Spurs game 6 in April. “Before my son I was very focused on my music and I actually

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Hair:/MUA Sarah Centeno Photographer: Gilbert Centeno had five songs I was about to release. But, when I found out about my son I decided to take a small break from writing.” Sarah kept performing every weekend even the week before she had him.

After she had her son she took a little more time away from the studio, but just recently she started writing again. “Of course, having a child does take some time away from your craft. But it’s not a bad thing. He’s my greatest accomplishment and I wouldn’t have my life any other way.” It has of course been an adjustment for Sarah these past 11 months of being a new mom, but she has learned to be grateful for the time she gets to spend on her music and the time she gets to be with her son. It’s definitely a balance. “My son motivates me so much, I want him to know that no matter

Sarah’s single, Velvet, is available on Spotify and other platforms. When creating this song she was inspired by her love of R&B. Sarah loves R&B

“For my fans, thank you for your patience and support! To all the mamas out there, keep pursuing your dreams.

Just because you’re a mama, doesn’t mean you have to give up your dreams!”

because it’s a unique genre that she can experiment with vocally. With an EP currently in the works she is creating new songs. Velvet and the songs that she is currently creating are mostly about love and real life which she feels inspired to write “Music isn’t an easy craft. It takes so about those topics. Sarah takes the time to thank her fans for their patience as she is a new mom much time and work. But it is completely and her EP is taking longer than she had originally worth it to do what you love to do.” intended. Her EP will have up to four songs that what challenges his mama faced she kept going. will be produced by a few different writers and It wasn’t an easy transition nor pregnancy, but a few by herself and her brother. When writing I kept pushing forward for him. And I still will songs Sarah and her brother start with a guitar follow my dreams!” composition and then Sarah writes a melody and once that is created then the rest begins to fall into 26

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Hair:/MUA Sarah Centeno Photographer: Gilbert Centeno place. Whenever Sarah has a writing block she loves to spend time with her son which always helps her to clear her mind.

Sarah has a great support system when it comes to her music career. Since she was young her parents have always been supportive of her choice to become a singer. In highschool, her parents would attend all her singing events when she performed with the St. Anthony’s jazz band. Now that she is engaged and has a son, her whole family attends every time she performs. “Music isn’t an easy craft. It takes so much time and work. But it is completely worth it to do what you love to do.

Practice every single day and if you can’t practice everyday practice every other day. You can only get better if you work at it. Set goals for yourself, but don’t become broken if you didn’t get what you wanted. Keep going. God gives us gifts don’t let them go to waste! Even if you don’t have a giant Instagram following or get to perform for big names! Perform locally, keep writing, put your music out and just be grateful for your gift. Do it for yourself not for anyone else.”

Sara is currently working on an EP right now, but can still be found performing on the weekends! *** You can find performance dates and music on Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, and Youtube

Sarah Centeno @sarahhcenteno

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La Bona Vida EVENT CENTER

1135 WYE ST. SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

indoor banquet hall

ceremony room

outdoor reception hall

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outdoor garden

interview with

NATALIE PHEIFER

texas artist

By: Kassandra Lozano 29

ART Natalie Rene Pheifer is a Texas artist who is bringing a little old school magic to the Texas wedding scene as a live event painter. She brings with her a unique understanding of customizing an artistic vision for someone else and finds a sense of joy in capturing a memorable moment for each person. Natalie has now been a live event painter for over 4 years and has found her place in the local wedding industry.

Formo: From the guests to the venue to the flowers and the dress, there is often so much that goes into a wedding. Each detail makes the event unique to the couple, and in turn it makes wedding painting such a specific type of art. How did you find yourself doing live wedding paintings?

Natalie: So, a few years ago I was actually working at Painting with a Twist. And my boss was always giving me acknowledgment of how much better of an artist I was and trying to push me to do other things. I had a good experience and I worked there for about four years. I had a really good friend of mine that I worked with who was actually getting married. And my daughter was a little flower girl in her wedding. They didn’t really have an extensive wedding registry, if you will, so I wanted to do something special for her for a wedding gift. I decided to surprise her as a wedding painter.

I didn’t really know what I was doing at first!

I had experience as an artist. I would say my style was a little more on the realism side.

Working at Painting with a Twist I learned how to paint quick and abstract things.

You do this speed process whereas usually paintings take me months to complete, you’ve got 6 hours, so working with time constraints. So, I showed up to her wedding, I set up my easel, and I started just painting what I saw- the background.

The first one that I did was actually an indoor scene during their reception and I hadn’t consulted with her or told her that I was doing this, so I didn’t really know what I was going to paint and I just kind of enjoyed the wedding as much as I could too.

”...it’s not just creating a beautiful painting and piece for the couple, it is a memory that you make.”

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My daughter was in it, so it was such a wonderful experience. I remember taking a couple of pictures of them doing their first dance together and I just thought that this is it, you know, such a memorable experience for them. So, I captured a picture of them doing their first dance together and I even put my daughter in it. I tried to put in all these different elements that I knew were very special to them - the wedding cake, the family, the bridesmaids, the groomsmen. All those things that they want to remember.

They bring their family and friends and it’s a special event, so you want to piece together all those things together.

Formo: Did you create this first painting based off the photos or entirely live?

kind of like an old-world tradition that you just don’t find anymore. With the wedding industry, one of the focuses that brides want is they want something that is unique. They want their wedding to stand out. They want people to be talking about it for years to come and they want some lasting memories. I think wedding painting just captures all of that, you know, it’s not just creating a beautiful painting and piece for the couple, it is a memory that you make.

Formo: You’ve been wedding painting for about 4 years now and have captured so many local venues. Do you have a favorite?

Natalie: Of course, the one that I was married at! Eagle Dancer. Love Eagle Natalie: I didn’t really work from any one Dancer Ranch! It was just amazing. The piece of photography. I did take a couple sentiment of not only being married there of reference pictures, but after I finished -- every time I go to a wedding it always and gave the painting to her, I was like, kind of brings me back to the day I was “The thing that I like about weddings and the wedding industry is that it’s constantly evolving, it’s like fashion or interior design.

It’s something that is going to keep evolving over time, so your paintings will as well. “ “this is what I’m going to do! This is amazing.” It was such a great experience for myself, but more so for them, and they still talk about it to this day!

married and so it’s like reliving that joy and happiness over again for myself, but also having the ability to capture something unique for every person that I Formo: It is certainly a unique wedding do a painting for. Not one painting looks gift, especially with the cameo of your like the next. It’s exciting to go to the new daughter! So, was live painting something venues and it’s fun to revisit the ones that you had been interested in before your you’ve been to before and see changes.

The thing that I like about weddings friend’s wedding? and the wedding industry is that it’s Natalie: I had seen live event painting, constantly evolving, it’s like fashion or I’d never actually seen it myself, I’d interior design. It’s something that is seen people through social media stuff. going to keep evolving over time, so your I just thought it was a really neat idea,

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paintings will as well. You’re always I started painting more professionally. doing something new and different.

I kind of perfected a style, definitely Formo: Painting seems to have been the started to evolve that realism that I constant in your artistic career. Was it did. It took me a long time. I’m a pretty meticulous person when it comes to my always your go to form of art?

Natalie: It was hard for me as an artist to narrow it down to one thing that I like to do. When I found wedding painting it was something that I was so in love with doing that in the process I was like, now I can focus my attention towards this because this is just something truly amazing and with other things, I was always so scatterbrained. I like the wedding painting, I like the process of it, the experience. I like that just like interior design you can see people’s reactions when they have this beautiful painting that they’re looking at and they got to see the whole process. Because as most artists work, they’re in a studio by themselves and people only ever see that final product. It brings us back to a different time and place before we had photography.

Formo: Has painting always been your main medium for art?

Natalie: I really didn’t start painting until high school. I was never really much of a painter, I actually liked to draw a lot more when I was younger. When I went into college I actually majored in Fine Arts, in interior design. Taking from that I ended up liking to do a lot of hands-on, remodeling projects, flipping houses kind of things, and I started doing murals. From the murals, that’s what got me into doing painting. I though this is something I could produce much quicker than making a drawing and people had a bigger appreciation for it, so really once I was in college and afterwards is when

“Sometimes you try new things just to see if they work.

If it doesn’t, it’s something you can build off of.” art, so finishing it quickly was something I had to work up to.

Formo: Other than adapting your artistic processes to the time constraints, are there any other techniques or materials that help you during live events?

Natalie: I like to work primarily with acrylic paints just because they’re very forgiving. If I make a mistake, I don’t like something I can cover right over it and you never knew it was there. It’s forgiving in that I can make mistakes and correct them or enhance them. I think as an artist, my style, techniques and everything else evolves as much as the wedding industry does! You’re constantly learning new things or trying different stuff. You know, each painting that I’m doing is very different. If I’m working an indoor scene versus a landscape, I start them very differently. In constructing the backgrounds and working forward I kind of have a basic technique and system that use. Sometimes you try new things just to see if they work. If it doesn’t, it’s something you can build off of.

The greatest thing too, with my clients, is that I take from my interior design background of wanting to customize things for them. I’ve seen with a lot of live

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ART event artists that they’re doing their vision. And I want to do not just my vision, but what’s the bride and groom’s vision, because this is their day and it had extensive planning processes! It’s kind of like requesting from photographers what you want to see in your pictures. I take it like that - what do you want to see in your painting? I like to send my clients sketches, knowing that not everyone is as visual as I am, so they can kind of get a hint of it and they can say “okay well this is what I can expect it to look like, this is what I’ll see hanging up here, this is the size.” And just giving them different options, catering to what they want so that it’s a unique painting, but it’s their vision as much as it is mine.

Formo: Do you still do art outside of live wedding painting?

Natalie: I do! You know I kind of favor doing things for kids. I still like to do murals. I’ve done a mural fairly recently. The last one was actually at a children’s dental office. I do little side jobs here and there. I ultimately like doing stuff for my little girl, like designing furniture and painting. industry, where do you see your business going?

Formo: Is there a specific type of non-wedding Natalie: I want to expand it out of just the wedding event you’d really like to paint? painting. Being a live event artist and really doing Natalie: I’m hoping to get out to some of the Fiesta all different sorts of events. I recently had someone events. They have all these parades; the colors are ask me if I’ve ever painted a family reunion. I so vibrant and beautiful downtown during these think that would be kind of a cool idea, something parades and things. I think it would be a cool different. I think there’s a lot of opportunity in the experience to go and do some live painting down field of wedding painting that you can venture into. The wedding industry is definitely a prime, there.

I also like doing replications, you know, now that but you know there’s all sorts of different social we have partnered with Snap Chic and this is events. It’s neat too, because it gives you the kind of like a big thing blowing up in the wedding opportunity to explore different art styles, pick up industry. Now, there are all these people who the energy of the events and different things, and are like, gosh I wish I had that whenever I was to make some really unique artwork. married. And we offer to do photo replications from their wedding or combine pictures together to collage that event together for them. That’s a really fun experience and we have some older couples that, as a great anniversary gift, bring in a picture of their wedding from the 50’s or the 60’s, so it’s kinda neat being able to have this transverse style from something vintage to something new and just really making unique pieces of art for everyone.

To learn more about Natalie Pheifer and Snap Chic Wedding Painting visit www.snapchicweddingpainting.com or follow them @snapchicweddingpainting

Formo: Moving forward with your partnership with Snap Chic and the growing local wedding

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Model: Amanda Syamken MUA: Maria Garcia

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PHOTO EDITORIAL

Mike Gonzalez Photographing the wedding day is something I have never really been interested in. In fact, I’ve never been a fan of documentary photography. That being said, I do love treating bridal shots as editorial fashion shoots, it helps make it fun for the both of us. I aim to give the spot light to the dress that costs thousands of dollars and for the most part is basically only used and admired once. I want to take photographs of the bride and her dress, to celebrate, what one of the traditional symbolism of purity and to show the detail and precision of dress making.

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Model: Amanda Syamken MUA: Maria Garcia

Model: Andrea Bazarte

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Model: Andrea Bazarte

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Photography plays a big role in weddings; photographers document one of the most important and special days for couples to remember and see their wedding images for many years to come. In the past few years, I’ve seen bridal and boudoir photography grow in popularity. For the most part boudoir photos are a wedding gift for the groom, but the bridal shoot should be a wedding gift for the bride, family and/or who ever paid for the dress. I’ve seen dresses with drastic price differences varied from $179 to $7,590 and from my personal experience, the wedding dress is only worn 3 times. When you try it on, couples shoot and wedding day. A bridal shoot would make it 4, still not enough uses for something that can cost so much, but I recommend every bride to do a bridal shoot to celebrate not just the dress but themselves too. I think it can be unfair to have your dream wedding dress only be admired once.

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Model: Andrea Bazarte

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Model: Amanda Syamken MUA: Maria Garcia

I recommend every bride do a bridal shoot to celebrate not just the dress, but themselves too. ~ Mike Gonzales

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contact us for more information

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For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

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