Maxwell Brides USA Vol. 3

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44 46

22 08 PLANNING

• David & Iñaki.

• The Marriage Licence.

DRESS 12 THE Blanca Gonzales

13 SPOSA MIA COUTURE Lace Wedding Dresses

TIPS 20 5forGREAT finding your wedding photographer.

ALBUM 22 PHOTO How to select the images?

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DESTINATION WEDDING • Destination Weddings…. within your reach.

• Island Elegance.

• Beach House Chic.

WEDDING • Michelle & Steffen.

• Carlos & Yvonne.

• Laura & Rudy.

• Marcela & Diego.

• Mayra & Tino.

• Jessica & Tom. OUTDOOR VENUE Hacienda Paraíso.

ENGAGEMENT • Gery & Diego.

• Andres & Janet.

• Mary Landon Jones & Carlos.

• Ana Gabriela & Marco.

THE WEDDING GAL The importance of a professional Wedding Officiant.

On the front Cover: Photography: Eric Sierra Location: JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa, San Antonio Dress: Sposa Mia Couture Stylist: Olga Adame Hair & MUA: Mary Chapa MODEL: Kara Mullins

Dear Brides, Welcome to Maxwell Brides magazine we introduce you to our third edition. We know that your wedding is such an important event in your life that its memory will remain in your mind forever. It marks the beginning of a new stage and requires you and your groom total dedication during the preparation of your special event.

Maxwell Brides understands the great responsibility that both bride and groom have upon them as well as the challenging journey ahead, therefore, puts together a select group of wedding experts which will be able to guide them throughout this incredible adventure.

Enjoy the trip with us down to the lovely shores of dream destination weddings brought to life at one of the many marvelous venues along the beaches. Enjoy the engagements stories that each couple opened their hearts share with us. We thank our wedding professionals who took time to respond to our questions and shared their expertise.

Enjoy this adventure with us…

Publisher Editor Guillermo Cruz Administrator/Production Manager: Olga Adame Gráphic Designer Ileana Monserrat Miranda Guzmán Adrián Dario Vera Calderón Ernesto Adahir Cruz Alcaraz Contribution Writers/Translate Yesenia Veliz Contributing Photographers David Pezzat Anahí Navarro Edgar Navarro Eric Sierra Published by Grupo Editorial Maxwell S.A de C.V.

Distribution Maxwell Brides 801 W Nolana Ave. Suite 200 McAllen, Tx., 78504 Ph. (956) 222 6506 (956) 648 8978

email: olgaadame@maxwellmcallen.com guillermocruz@maxwellmcallen.com Special Thanks: Susana Rosser Brenda Guerra Blanca Gonzales David Pezzat Mary Chapa Anahi Navarro Edgar Navarro Eric Sierra Janelle Vela

Maxwell Brides

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GRUPO EDITORIAL MAXWELL S.A DE C.V. Ad contents are not responsibility of Maxwell Brides. No portion of this guide may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher 801 W Nolana Ave. Suite 200, McAllen, Tx. 78501; (956) 222 6506 / (956) 648 8978.

Printing by Coloristas y Asociados, S.A. de C.V., Calzada de los Héroes 315, Col. Centro, León, Guanajuto. Tel. (477) 716.69.61

8

Planning

By: Maxwell Brides • Photo by: Éric Sierra

David & Iñaki The simplicity on Elegance of Jon Alexander Events As event planners, Jon Alexander Events has always told our brides to leave all of their stress up to us!

Working in this field has allowed us to participate in many memorable weddings that have taken place in the Rio Grande Valley and in the state of Texas. We take pride in our formed relationships with our clients and colleagues who have placed their trust in us to assist with making their special day memorable and unique. With a little over three years under our belts, we are always searching for new and innovative ideas to offer our clients. We put the simplicity in elegance.

When did you start with this business?

We started our business in May 2010.

What inspires us to do our job?

We are inspired by knowing that we are helping others out as well as working with many other talented vendors to make dreams come true.

How do you work on your customer satisfaction?

We always tell our customers, "Let us do the stressing while you relax."

What is the minimum and maximum number of clients you have helped?

We do not have a minimum or maximum amount of guests that we put a limit to.

Guests at events we have worked on range from 100 to 700 people.

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Planning

By: Hidalgo County Marriage License office

The Marriage License All couples must apply for and receive a marriage license from the County Clerk’s office of some county in Texas in order to get legally married in the state.

Here's what you need to know and what documents to bring with you before you apply for a marriage license in Hidalgo County. We recommend getting this legal aspect of your wedding out of the way about a month before your ceremony date.

What do we need to bring with us to do to get a marriage license in Texas?

You and your fiance will need to appear together at the applicable County Clerk’s office in Texas to fill out and sign your application and pay the required license fee. Texas also requires that both applicants present either photo ID or a certified birth certificate in order to prove their age and identity when they file their application. Both applicants must provide proof or age and identity with a valid Texas driver’s license, valid Texas DPS I.D., military I.D., passport, or any certificate of license issued by this state, another state, the U.S. Government or a foreign government. Each applicant is required to provide a Social Security card or proof of Social Security number.

When is the marriage license valid in Texas?

Texas has a mandatory 72 hour waiting period for

after you file your application. This means that you must apply for the license more than three days before your wedding in order for your marriage to be legally valid. After the 72 hour waiting period is up, the marriage license remains valid for 30 days. After those 30 days, the license expires and can no longer be used to legalize your marriage.

How much do marriage licenses cost in Texas?

Because marriage licenses are issued at the county level, the marriage license fee depends on which county in Texas you apply in. Currently, most counties charge around $72 for a marriage license.

Previous Marriage:

If divorced within thirty days, Texas requires that you show a certified copy of your divorce decree stating the 30 day waiting period is waived.

No blood test is required.

HIDALGO COUNTY MARRIAGE LICENSE OFFICE Hidalgo County Clerk 100 North Closner Boulevard, 1st Floor Edinburg, TX 78540 T. (956) 318-2141 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. / M - F Closed for holidays Observed by Hidalgo County Clerk

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The dress

By: Maxwell Brides • Photo by: Éric Sierra

Blanca Gonzales Why be just Beautiful when you can be Spectacular!

A business woman who understands every bride needs of finding their dream dress. .

What inspires you to do your job?

When in search for my own wedding gown realized the lack of that "something special" in the whole search process, and also many high end designer gowns could not be found in the valley... 5 years later Sposa Mia opened in February 2002.

How do you get your customers satisfied?

What kind of events do you do?

We help anywhere from 450 to 900 brides each year find their dream dress.

How and when you started your business?

We sell bridal gowns and accessories.

The happiness and tears of joy of brides when they find "The One" dress, it's just priceless.

By combining exceptional customer service and amazing bridal gowns and accessories.

What is the minimum and maximum number of clients you have helped?

Lace Wedding Dresses

Romantic, timeless, elegant & simply amazing!

Sposa Mia Couture has what you always wanted in the perfect combination of a unique design and of high quality.

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The dress

www.sposamia.com

By: Maxwell Brides • Photo by: Éric Sierra

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The dress

By: Maxwell Brides • Photo by: Éric Sierra

www.sposamia.com

www.sposamia.com

Creative concept: Olga Adame

Styling: Blanca Gonzales & Alma Cรกrdenas

Photography: David Pezzat www.davidpezzat.com

Hair & Mua: Mary Chapa Model: Shelby Taryn 912 N 10th Street McAllen, Tx 78501 (956) 683-8740 Email: beautifulbrides@sposamia.com www.sposamia.com

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The Perfect Session

Written & Photo by: Anahi Navarro

5 great tips for finding your wedding photographer If you are recently engaged you are already busy planning and are thinking of what to do about photography. So here are some tips to make it easier to get great images for your big day.

sure and fill in your photographer on all the details you are planning, from your itinerary to the decor. A well informed photographer will make sure to capture memories you will always cherish.

1. Do not just look at price.

4. keep the light in mind

2. Get an engagement session.

5. make a connection

3. Discuss the wedding you envision

Planning a wedding is not easy but it should be fun so we hope with these tips to help you in this great journey.

Anahi Weddings

Budgets are obviously important but always keep in mind that images are forever. When looking at pricing keep in mind like in everything you get what you pay for. If it is cheap there is probably a reason for that. Do your due diligence, ask a lot of questions and, choose what you think will be what you can live with forever.

Engagement sessions are a great way to practice being in front of the camera before your wedding day. It also allows you as a couple a break from all your planning to have a special day to reflect on this great time in your life. Another great reason to get an engagement session is beautiful imagery that you can use for save the dates and for the wedding decor.

The more your photographer knows about your plans and needs the better your experience will be. Make

Light is a very important element in photography and planning for it will make a great difference in your wedding images. Always consult with your photographer what lighting options are available to you. If possible construct your itinerary around available sunlight and incorporate some lighting features into your decor, they will make a world of difference.

Finally make sure you have a connection with your photographer. They do not have to become your best friend but keep in mind you will be spending your whole wedding day with them. You do not want to end up with someone you do not get along with. The better the connection the more relaxed and better your images will be.

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The Perfect Session

Written & Photo by: Eric Sierra

Photo Album

How to select the images?

How to select the images for your wedding photo album?

After months of preparation, effort and a lot of ideas, finally the big day is here, fully charged with emotions and unforgettable moments. The responsibility to capture those memories relay on your photographer and your wedding album is the best way to keep and share the most important instants of this day. But... How to determinate what has to be in your book and what not? Here some tips that will help you in this process:

* Trust your photographer: If you hired a professional photographer, he will guide you about what his experience says.

* Quality instead of quantity: Not because you have

more than 400 images you have to put them in your

album, if they are less amount, the are going to be bigger and will look better.

* You don't have to include every guest: generally, the "mandatory" images are with the immediate family and the wedding party, if you want some prints with your friends or relatives, ask the photographer about other options as prints, but try to keep just the best of the best images in your book. * Your wedding album has to be a story book: included

in the selection details and moments that explain how your wedding was, your photographer could guide you to let you know about how many images you need for the getting ready, ceremony, formals, reception, etc... that way you have a balance. The clue is to work close with your photographer, having trust in both ways and keeping a good communication, that way you will be sure that your wedding album has been well done and will keep alive forever the memories of the most important day in your life.

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The dress

By: Maxwell Brides • Photo by: Éric Sierra

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Destination Wedding

By: South Padre Sands Weddings & Events • Photo by: David Pezzat

Destination Wedding within your reach.

Experience the difference at South Padre Sands Weddings & Events sand, sun and fun. Three staples of a good time on the beach. South Padre Island on the southern tip of Texas is redefining the term “Destination Beach Wedding”.

No longer are couples seeking a destination beach wedding limited to an arch on the beach amongst the sand, heat and beachgoers. Beautiful, elegant weddings are now becoming the norm thanks to Wedding and Event planners such as South Padre

Sands Weddings and Events and their venue NAMAR Event Center.

Together they are redefining the concept of “Beach Weddings”.

From their intimate Beach House weddings to their bayside, sunset ceremonies at the exclusive and secluded shores on the island’s north end.

VENDORS: Photographer: David Pezzat Dress: Sposa Mia Couture Makeup/Hair: Mary Chapa Planning: South Padre Sands Weddings & Events Models: Abby Turkington & Austin Pinkerton Venue: Pearl South Padre

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Destination Wedding

By: South Padre Sands Weddings & Events • Photo by: David Pezzat

Island Elegance Marble floors and columns reminiscent of the Greek Parthenon rise up out of the sand on South Padre Island. It’s not a monument to Athena, the Greek goddess of virtue, it is NAMAR Event Center.

Opened in 2011 NAMAR has quickly made a name for itself as South Padre Island’s most elegant venue.

Adorned on the outside by tall columns it project an air of majesty and luxuriousness.

NAMAR is no stranger to exclusive events as it has already hosted a bevy of statesmen and their regal soirees. On any given Saturday you will find her interior graced by brides and grooms from as far away as New York, London, or just right across the border from Mexico.

VENDORS: Photographer: David Pezzat Bridal Dress: Sposa Mia Couture Makeup/Hair: Mary Chapa Planning: South Padre Sands Weddings & Events Venue: Namar Event Center Linens/Rentals: Dream Wedding By All Party Rentals Flowers: Special Flowers by Brenda Guerra Special Lighting: Backstage Productions Entertainment: Flip It Books Models: Abby Turkington, Austin Pinkerton, Genesis Gonzalez

NAMAR Event Center starts as a blank slate, but with the help of Janelle Allen, wedding planner and owner of South Padre Sands, it is transformed into a dream.

However, no dream would be complete without Dream Weddings by All Party Rentals. Susana Rosser and her team take venues and events to a whole new level with her sophisticated style and touches.

Whether its creating a dance floor made of clouds or lighting the way to the dessert bar nobody does it better than Backstage Productions. Inside and out these professionals make the ordinary extraordinary.

If you are looking for a wow factor for your next wedding or event look no further than Special Flowers. Your guests will be speechless at the creativity and artistry that goes into each magical piece they create.

To ensure the party keeps going into the night Flip It Books turns out fun and creative mementos for party guests. They are fun and whimsical party favors that your guests are sure to treasure.

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Destination Wedding

By: South Padre Sands Weddings & Events • Photo by: David Pezzat

Beach House Chic Sandra Quezada of Tunnel Bistro has transformed her specialty catering into high art. Her creativity and exquisite dishes provide a perfect complement to beach house fun.

To set the stage for elegance it takes a creative touch.

Melly Castillo, owner of Zoe’s flowers lends her hand to craft gorgeous arrangements and centerpieces.

Of course you are going to want to relive the party for years to come and no one on the island is able to better preserve the memories than David Pezzat Photography.

Authentic, exotic and colorful, Dream Weddings By All Party Rentals table linens will light up your reception.

VENDORS: Photographer: David Pezzat Dress: Sposa Mia Couture Makeup/Hair: Mary Chapa Planning: South Padre Sands Weddings & Events Linens/Rentals: Dream Wedding By All Party Rentals Flowers: ZOE Flowers & Design Catering: TUNNEL BISTRO by chef Sandra Quezada Models: Nora Rendon & Tomas Tijerina

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Wedding

Michelle & Steffen

Photographer: Eric Sierra We have always wanted a beach wedding, to be married in the sand in front of the ocean waves. It was a beautiful and tranquil setting, and our family and closest friends surrounded us. What made this very special for us was this marriage united not only the love for Steffen and me, but for our family as well. It brought together his, mine, and our daughters. Eric Sierra so perfectly captured special moments of our day, and of the people who mean the most to us, our three daughters. At the time our reception took place the sun was setting, which made the perfect backdrop for our family photos on a pier overlooking the bay. Eric Sierra was able to capture the most beautiful memories we will cherish for a lifetime.

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Wedding

Carlos & Yvonne This wedding was one of our favorites that we worked on. Mother Nature was on her best behavior on this day at South Padre Island. The beach setting served picture perfect for thousands of flowers that helped set the tone to the “At last” theme. Ranunculus, hydrangeas, roses, butterfly orchids, and peonies are a few of the added touches for the picture perfect event where the couple wed on the stage set which was made of glass.

The accent color chosen for the event was honeysuckle, while floral peacocks adorned and welcomed guests as they walked in to the ballroom for the reception. The lighting morphed throughout the night accenting lights complimenting an evening sky. Each table and chair was impeccably dressed with linens specially made just for that memorable day as the soft scents of flowers were omnipresent throughout the ballroom. The ceiling was adorned with suspended clear glass round ornaments

which gave the effect of floating bubbles as the walls were draped with raw silk fabric. The event was filled with creative ideas and creations from the group of vendors that pulled it all together…at last.

VENDORS: Photographer: David Pezzat Planner: Jon Alexander Events Decoration Rentals: Dream Weddings by: Susana Rosser Flowers: Special Flowers Couture by Brenda Guerra Lighting: Backstage Productions Venue & Food: The Pearl South Padre Rings: Deutsch & Deutsch

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Wedding

Laura & Rudy "Your love gives me happiness, joy and delight; You're the sun in the morning, the moon in my night, You're the one that I cherish the love of my life; And I truly am blessed, that we are husband and wife."

VENDORS: Photographer: Digital Artistic Image Special Lighting: Backstage Production

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Wedding

Marcela & Diego

Photographer: Cheko Tapia

The big day came among intense sensations and feelings such as nerves, joy, anxiety and excitement. We were just about to begin our new life together accompanied by our closest family and friends. At times we were worried about the details and planning of the wedding but we were surprised to see how everything was flowing naturally. We truly enjoyed every single moment of that day, even the unexpected. All credit certainly goes to the people who accompanied us because they turned the environment into an atmosphere of party, fun and happiness since their arrival to San Miguel de Allende. We could not find better words to describe our feelings while holding hands at the altar, than ecstasy and happiness. We are grateful to all those who took part in our day because they played a crucial role in making this day memorable for us.


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Wedding

Mayra & Tino "Our wedding was MAGICAL"

To our family and friends, thank you for joining us on this special day to share our joy and happiness .

Thank you God for our blessed life and our union. We are thankful to you for this life full of love, peace and harmony.

To my beloved husband I write: I love you, I LOVE YOU and you're the Prince Charming of my fairy tale. ~Mayra Elizondo Vela~ To my dear and beloved wife: Thanks for being part of my life.

I love you. You are my queen and I'm your king. Our home is our castle and our children are our treasure. ~Tino Vela~ VENDORS: Photographer: Anahi Navarro Weddings Bridal Dress: Sposa MĂ­a Couture Flowers: Special Flowers Couture by: Brenda Guerra Venue: Kalos Event Center Makeup/Hair: D'Salon Hair & Beauty Spa

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Wedding

Jessica & Tom

"A Wonderful Wedding Wish" In May 2013, Terry Perez and her husband, Rudy (diagnosed with terminal colon cancer), wanted to do something special for another family also suffering with an illness. Since they are in the wedding industry, it only made sense to offer a wedding. They immediately posted on Facebook to reach out to potential vendors. By sheer coincidence, the next day, Aida Azua called Terry because she had seen her article in a local magazine. Aida had not heard about the Facebook posting. She wanted Terry to marry her daughter Jessica, and her fiancĂŠ, Tom, a marine veteran. Jessica suffers from the same colon cancer as Rudy and time was of the essence.

Upon learning of her illness, Tom proposed to her immediately. With limited funds and a short time frame, they were not able to have the wedding Jessica dreamed of so they put it on hold. They just wanted to get married quickly. When Terry explained to Aida what she could do for her daughter, she could not believe it and was overjoyed. Within 48 hours, the vendor response from FB was overwhelming with most vendors already secured.

Jessica & Tom wanted to spend every minute as man and wife. Within 45 days, Jessica would get the dream wedding of a lifetime and become Mrs. Tomas Carrasco.

By: Terry Perez

VENDORS: Planner: Clara Loera from Harlingen Social Situations Exclusive Photographer: David Pezzat Linens and decor: Dream Weddings by Susana Rosser Wedding Dress & Accessories: Sposa Mia Couture Venue: Namar Event Center Floral: Bloomers Flower Shop TV Station: Mary Martinez Channel 4 News Newspaper: Maddy Smith The Monitor Rehearsal: Casa Mariposa Music: All About Entertainment with DJ LAR Officiating: I DO 4 U Wedding Officiants Cakes: Honey's Cakes Video: AGP Cinematography Hair/Makeup: Mary Chapa Photo Booth: Ben Briones Lighting: Joe Rocks Invitations: Then Comes Paper

Wedding Rings: Mario De La Cruz Jewelry Dessert Table: Strawberry Fields & More Catering/Wait Staff/Delivery: La Jaiba Catering: City CafĂŠ Catering: Miyagi Service wear: Gourmet Central Limo: Great White Limousine Tuxedo: James & James Formalwear & VWP Rehearsal Dinner & Dance: Clayton's Bar & Grill SPI Publication: Maxwell Brides Magazine Special Thanks to Mayor of SPI Mr. Pinkerton for giving the key of the city to the couple.

Maxwell Brides is honored to be part of " A Wonderful Wedding Wish"

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The dressvenue Outdoor

By: Maxwell Brides

By Maxwell • Photo Brides by: Éric • Photo Sierra by: Cheko Tapia/ Maxwell

Hacienda Paraiso

“We make your events unforgettable" ble” Hacienda Paraiso is the perfect setting for your wedding or event to welcome the guests, introducing them in a cozy atmosphere surrounded by a natural paradise.

"Hacienda Paraiso is the place where you will spend unforgettable moments and will enjoy the most of your special events".

Hacienda Paraiso has a pool, waterfalls, water slides, palapas, exotic birds, a river with canoes, fountains and gardens. Its elements multiply the possibilities for an exquisite decoration in harmony with the natural environment.

Hacienda Paraiso is located in Weslaco, Texas N FM 88 (Mile 15 1/4).

 To book your future event please call (956) 533-8349 Follow us on

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Engagement

Gery & Diego Our journey started during an Herbalife Meeting.

Diego says, "When I laid eyes on you, I was blown away at sight!" Months later, we were both at a friend's house, heading over to a party and surprisingly bump into each other again... We officially began dating in March 2012. A year later a trip to Paris, France seemed like a fun, energetic, inspirational, motivational, different, learning experience for us since we were going for the Bonus Awards for Herbalife! I said, "Why not invite the love of my life to experience this event with me in the city of love? We can do some touring and make wonderful memories while we're at it! Little did I know that on the last day, when were at the Eiffel Tower, just before we took the picture, he says, "Wait,

Photographer: David Pezzat Wedding Date: November 27, 2013 Venue: Kalos Event Center

I forgot something.... " and BAM! He's on his knees popping the question! Boy was this surprising! My heart was beating so fast I forgot I was right under the tower! Diego says, "My breath was short, I was nervous, I knew this was going to be life changing, but I couldn't let the girl of my dreams and my dream proposal pass me by." There were so many people around cheering, clapping and I was just so full of joy with tears running down my cheeks. I thank God for the beautiful moment I had prayed for my whole life.

It couldn't have been any better! There is no doubt that the proposal was surprising, yet I'm so glad that he asked me to marry him. Now I get to count down the days till I spend the rest of my life with Diego!

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The dress Engagement

By: Maxwell Brides • Photo by: Éric Sierra

Andres & Janet Photographer: Eric Sierra Their story is over 12 years in the making. They had known each other for more than 17 years, but it wasn’t until the fall of 2006 when Andres Davila decided it was time to make it official by asking Janet Gaona to be his girlfriend via a handwritten letter where it stated “Would you like to be my girlfriend yes or no“. The rest as they say is history, 6 years and 4 months later after extensive research, thoughtful planning, and praying Andres knew the time was right to take the next step. On the night of February 9, 2013 Andres took her on a date to Lansky and Brats restaurant. After being seated Andres excused himself to go to the mens room, little

did Janet know where he was going and what he was planning to do. Minutes later the manager asked Janet to accompany her to a private wine cellar at the request of her boyfriend. As Janet opened the door the room was filled with candles, rose petals, a bouquet of roses, and Andres down on one knee. With tears of joy she said yes! They will be married July 13, 2013, the reception will be at Valencia Event Center. Janet will be wearing a beautiful bridal dress from Sposa Mia Couture. Janet Gaona is the daughter of Jaime and Maria Gaona. Andres is the son of Sylvia Davila.

The couple took their engagement pictures in South Padre Island and Port Isabel. They are looking forward to the new life God has for them as husband and wife.

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The dress Engagement

Mary Landon Jones & Carlos WEDDING DATE: April 5, 2014 VENDORS: •Wedding Ceremony- Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church.

•Reception- McAllen Country Club •Wedding planning- EVE Events by Arian Casas- We just love working with them!!! They are making it so much fun!

•Linens & draping- Dream Weddings by Susana Rosser •Lighting- Backstage Productions Both of these companies are so professional and experienced with helping to create the most beautiful weddings for brides....

•Florist- Special Flowers Couture- we've already seen our arrangement made by Brenda and they couldn't be any more gorgeous!!! She is amazing!

•Wedding band- Limelight from Dallas Tx. •Wedding dress- Casa de Novia Bridal Boutique in Houston Tx....my best friend from childhood and my mom went with me to go help me find my dress. It took a glass of champagne at lunch to help me make decision between two dresses because I LOVED them both!! I know I FINALLY made the right choice!

•Photographer- the fabulous and talented David Pezzat...I have known I wanted him to shoot my photos for almost 3 years! We love working with him...

HOW DID YOU ALL MEET I went to school with his younger brother Beto Yarritu.

I have known Beto since the 6th grade, the entire time not knowing that he had any brothers, let alone a brother that I would one day call my husband! When I was home from college one summer, I was out with my friends and Beto walks in with a guy that I just knew had to be related to him! Carlos introduced himself to me and we talked all

night! At the end of the night he decided his big pickup line was to buy me a shot of tequila! I knew it would be a match made in heaven and we have been together ever since!
 HOW DID HE PROPOSE He had a plan with my mother and father that he was going to propose April 13 at 7:30PM. My mother had planned to have a little surprise celebration at her house after he proposed, but Carlos was just so excited and couldn't wait for me to see the ring! There is a park next to his condo that my dog loves to go to and chase the ducks around, so he asked me to come over that morning to take my dog for a walk there. We went there for about an hour and when we got back he found a way for me to go inside his place while he waited outside with my dog. He wrapped a bow around my dog Zara's neck with the ring and a card attached and had her walk in the door first.

I was so confused that my dog had walked inside and there was still no Carlos. I opened up the card and it said "Turn around, there is a surprise for you." I had NO idea what was going on but when I turned around there was Carlos down on one knee and he proposed! 


52

Engagement

Ana Gabriela & Marco My name is Ana Gabriela Ibarra Moure daughter of Fernando Ibarra and Gabriela Moure and my soulmate is Marco Bazaldua Braham, raised with love by Jose Omar Bazaldua and Irma Braham. Marco (or "M" as I call him) and I met in 2003 at Sharyland High School.

Yes, he is my high school sweetheart. After a long relationship that started in '07, we decided it was time to make this year OURS! So on the night of December 31, 2012 he asked my parents for permission and blessing to marry me and, of course, my mother and father accepted and so did I! In January we met Valerie and Arian and totally fell in love with their vibe, experience and professionalism. It was like a match made in heaven. From then on they've been guiding us on this journey helping all the pieces for this masterpiece come together. The date was set for October 19, 2013. This

journey has been very fun and every detail counts!

Even though M and I are so different, we are proof that opposites attract. He likes black; I like pink. He likes guns; I love lipstick. He eats meat; I eat veggies. He loves his beauty sleep; I'm a spark of energy. He's a cop, I'm a full time princess and our love story just keeps getting better and better. Thank you to all my lovely vendors. Let's make this one, for the books!

VENDORS Photographer: Anahi Navarro Weddings Linens: Dream Weddings by Susana Rosser Flowers: Special Flowers by Brenda Guerra Lighting: Backstage Productions Bridal Gown: Sposa Mia Couture Event Planner: EVE events by Arian Casas

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The Wedding Gal

I Do 4 U Wedding Officiants The Importance of a Professional Wedding Officiant As The Wedding Gal, I have had the honor of marrying couples in my community for many years now and I love and adore each one of them.

It is important I know that a couple only gets one chance to make it perfect. Professionalism, promptness, caring, understanding, and customizing are key elements of all my weddings, elements I will never sacrifice. I created a comprehensive guide to the perfect ceremony called The Bridal Bible, which I offer in my showroom. We will be discussing one aspect of my guide here about hiring the right officiant.

You need to know how to choose a professional officiant for your special day. The wedding officiant

is the most important aspect of your ceremony. He or she must be a professional. The days are gone of having to use a justice of the peace if you do not want. This industry often goes unchecked because a lot of officiants are ministers and Justices of the Peace, which people simply assume are always professionals. The truth is, while the vast majority are, some can have questionable reputations in the industry just like any other business. The stories of showing up late or not at all, answering cell phones during the ceremony, refusing to customize your ceremony and vows, getting your names wrong, or countless other mistakes are endless and an absolute nightmare for any bride and groom. ››

Nocta

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The Wedding Gal Most ceremonies are religious in nature to some degree. However, you do not have to have a religious ceremony. Your ceremony can be simply spiritual or not religious at all. Be sure to ask because some wedding officiants will only do religious ceremonies. Most wedding officiants will do any type of ceremony and do not require you take marriage classes.

and should not charge extra for this service.

All they have to do is sign it and mail it to the courthouse. They will ask for the license when they arrive for the ceremony so make sure you have it handy.

Take these tips to heart and take them with you to the officiant!

• Interview and book your officiant early. Just like any other vendor, they are a first come first served business and their schedules book fast. Be prepared to give a 50% deposit or to pay them in full to book your date.

• You should be able to ask questions about their experience. Your officiant should have vast knowledge about ceremonies and traditions specific to your needs. They should also be willing to answer any questions you may have about your special day. If they seem hesitant, walk away and look for someone else.

• Ask about refunds or rescheduling. Most officiants will not refund as they have to turn business down to book your day, but should be willing to reschedule if the new day is available.

• Ask about fees associated with delays on the day of your wedding. An officiant cannot just “hang out” all night waiting for you to get started so they may impose timelines. The most common is the ceremony will need to start no later than 30 minutes past the scheduled time or they will charge you.

• A good officiant should not tell you they have to charge you extra for a mandatory rehearsal. If you absolutely want one, that is up to you and they will charge you for the extra day. It is not really necessary for an officiant who knows what they are doing. I have only been to one rehearsal as an officiant. It is usually reserved for extremely large wedding parties and lengthy ceremonies.

• An officiant should file the marriage license

• Ask about customizing your ceremony. Your officiant should be willing to say what you want and should have no problems allowing you to add what you desire, such as prayers, blessings, etc. Be wary of an officiant that only allows what they want.

• They should also have suggestions, tips, etc., to assist you with the creation of your vows.

You are paying for their experience.

• Make sure they will arrive a little early to assist in ceremony set-up. They are not just there to read and leave. The officiant is the conductor of your entire ceremony. Most wedding officiants will have different packages from which to choose.

Finally, although wedding venues are amazing, you may have a different dream. Did you know you can get married at the airport, in a park, your favorite restaurant, in a skating rink, the top floor of a building that overlooks the city, or anywhere else you desire? Well you can.

So consider what your day means to you and follow your dream!