Tex Appeal Magazine | August 2017

in the

Spotlight

ALLEGIANCE SOLAR & 2H SOLAR

4

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

5

6

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

Life & Style in Central Tex as

Life an d Style

in Ce ntral

Texas

Februa

ry 20 17

fur-e

perman ver l ov en homel t homes for e ess an imals

Unselfish couple

rom antic

crea tive

Februa ry 2017

All dress

It's

Findin

Hearts

helps othe and ab rs at home road

paintin

g a pictroman ure of c love e

gLove prop

osal

texap

s

pealm

ag.co m

1

he ut t

abo s in

d Tren

ding

wed

ns

gow

r

1

Obe Oct

tex 2013

Al

Appe

hi ng

sp las

away

the

EAT R H cool ME es

SUM kid s of all a ep in g

g

ke

1

Oct Obe

r 20

13 te x

Life

Appe

Al

and

Sty

le in Cen

tral

Tex a

s

D AY T

R Au Bota stin’s Z I P nical ilker Gar den July

x 13 te

2017

Al

Appe

r 20

Obe Oct

July 2017

1

1

Oct Obe

r 20

13 te x Ap

peAl

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

7

CONTRIBUTORS

Sally Grace Holtgrieve

921 Lake Air Dr W a c o , Te x a s 254-772-0265 M-F 10-5:30 S AT 1 0 - 5

ALLURE COUTURE

g e o rg i o s b r i d a l s a l o n . c o m Follow us on Facebook for a schedule o f o u r 2 0 1 7 Tr u n k S h o w s .

8

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

is a full-time freelance writer in Central Texas. A few of her favorite things include traveling, hiking, camping, reading, cats, classic rock music and cheese. As a kid, Sally Grace could never figure out what she wanted to be when she grew up — astronaut, Celtic dancer, entomologist, Egyptologist — everything was interesting and she couldn’t decide on just one world to immerse herself in and study, so she became a journalist. She learns new things every day.

Emily Hilley-Sierzchula

has not changed much since age 6. Whether turning over rocks or peering into bushes, she’s always been looking for something. As an archaeologist for 11 years she dug in the dirt looking for artifacts and learning about human prehistory. As a journalist and photographer she's still learning about people, and finding the present is just as interesting as the past. Emily has a degree in archaeology from the University of Texas at Austin, and a journalism degree from the University of Arkansas. She has a husband and two young sons, all of whom like getting dirty.

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

9

Romantic design ARCHITECT OF

Story by CATHERINE HOSMAN Photos contributed by KARLA MCNEILL

10

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

ABOVE: Bridesmaids are elegant in slate blue gowns at the wedding of Claire and Charles Fuz. BELOW: It took a crew six days to install the tent on Claire’s family ranch for the wedding. AT LEFT: Greenery adorns everything at the reception, from tabletops to chandeliers. Photos by CHRISTINA CARROLL PHOTOGRAPHY

K

arla McNeill understands weddings.

She has been planning and designing weddings since 2011, and has always had her hand in decoration as a floral designer. Now she takes her talent for blending colors and textures to her brides. She works with weddings of all sizes, from the simplest to the most elaborate, and offers fullservice planning, partial planning, dayof-coordination and design.

Her joy for wedding coordination is seen in the tiniest detail. Whatever a bride wishes, McNeill finds a way to make it happen: a ranch location with an open tent that seats 300 people; a backyard wedding for 200 of her closest family and friends; or an intimate celebration of 50 guests, McNeill knows how to take her brides’ vision and turn it into a reality — sometimes with a tweak here or there.

“Brides are always trying to think outside of the box,” McNeill said.

“They want something different than what they’ve seen at all of the weddings they’ve attended. They are always looking to do something different, like bringing in an ice cream truck or fireworks display.”

Continued

“Brides are always trying to think outside of the box. They want something different than what they’ve seen at all of the weddings they’ve attended.”

Karla McNeill

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

11

Hannah Shine Noble was one of those brides whose wedding Karla planned. The wedding was set for late July 2016. Hannah wanted an outdoor wedding, but her husband-to-be, Jordan Noble, and his family, are from Kentucky, and not used to the Texas heat. Hannah took Karla’s advice and booked an indoor venue, sight unseen.

But she wanted an outdoor wedding effect.

Hannah took a week off from medical school to come to Texas and meet with Karla at the venue. She explained to Karla what she was looking for and when her big day came on July 24, 2016, she said her vision and Karla’s abilities brought the outdoors inside.

“She brought in artificial and real vines to cover the rafters,” Hannah said, adding that greenery was hanging from everywhere, including chandeliers.

“The florist, and event décor company, helped her set it up but it was all Karla’s idea,” Hannah said. “My early plan was just kind of a garden wedding, and she blew me out of the water with what she came in with. She made that (the outdoors) happen inside.”

To keep the party flowing outdoors as well, Hannah set up games such as washers, cornhole and horseshoes to lure guests outside. An ice cream truck served ice cream cookies and other frozen treats to guests as they enjoyed the games.

Karla McNeill listens to her brides’ visions for their weddings then recreates that vision detail by detail. Photo by DANI COWAN PHOTOGRAPHY 12

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

TRENDS IN WEDDING DESIGN McNeill stays on trend when it comes to planning her brides’ special day. For 2017 she said neutral tones dominate the summer wedding palette with slate blue, charcoal, champagne, ivory and antique brushed metallic.

“We’re not seeing a lot of bright colors this summer for bridesmaids or in summertime reception décor,” McNeill said.

Rustic chic is still an option for brides; however, McNeill said Bohemian style with a natural look is a popular trend this year. Linens matching the neutral tones of the bridal party colors continue throughout the reception area.

Greenery and festoon lighting is a trend for today’s weddings. Look for greenery hanging from ceilings, rafters, garland and table decor. Photo by MELODY C PHOTOGRAPHY

McNeill said lighting creates drama at receptions and brides should “have large focal pieces in the room.”

“You want to catch your guests’ eyes as soon as they walk into the room.

Fill every part of the room with light to create the wow factor,” she said.

Festoon lighting is popular and can be strung horizontally across ceilings, or vertically to give the illusion of rain, she said.

For additional wow factor, think green. McNeill said greenery is everywhere, including garlands hanging from arbors, ceilings and draped across tables.

PLANNING THE EVENT McNeill offers several bridal packages from day of coordination to full service planning. Whichever service a bride chooses, whatever budget Continued

Newlywed Molly Montgomery Quicksall throws her bouquet under chiffon draping highlighted by strings of festoon lights.

Photo by DANI COWAN PHOTOGRAPHY TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

13

When planning your wedding think green. Foliage adorns a table and a chandelier at a wedding by Karla McNeill.

she may have, McNeill said she wants her brides to “have their hands on everything.”

“I want them to look, touch and feel. I want them to look at the textures, the flowers,” she said.

“Even if they do a full-service (wedding) with a budget set in stone and hand the entire wedding over to me, I like my girls to see everything.”

As soon as you find your venue, book your wedding planner, depending on what service you want him or her to perform. McNeill books six months out, but will book on shorter notice for smaller weddings. Twelve months out is required for full-service, extremeproduction weddings and all bookings must be within a 12-month period.

McNeill said brides have a vision; they go out and look at a product, then change their minds. “Brides are influenced by what they see on TV, in the mainstream media, but when they see it in real life, it often differs from 14

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

Festoon lighting and sparklers illuminated the Texas night sky at the wedding of Charles and Claire Fuz. Photos by CHRISTINA CARROLL PHOTOGRAPHY

their vision,” McNeill said.

Pinterest has had a huge influence on brides and can be a help to wedding planners. Brides often bring ideas they’ve seen on the site to McNeill, who now keeps a Pinterest page for each of her brides. “They can show me an example (of what they want) and we can pull it off the Pinterest board. It helps give me an idea of what their vision is or where they want to start.”

And if something they choose is a little too extravagant for their budget, McNeill knows how to “navigate their choices with substitutions.”

“I can make a room look expensive without it being expensive,” she said.

When it comes to who pays for

what, times have changed. Couples are getting married later and are paying for most of their own wedding reception.

Tradition states that grooms pay for the rehearsal dinner and honeymoon.

The groom’s family pays for the bridal bouquet. The bride’s family pays for everything else. But wedding customs are not set in stone and expenses can be a blended responsibility.

A CALMING EFFECT The closer a bride gets to her wedding day, the more stressed she may become.

“Don’t take too much on yourself,” said Hannah. “In the long run, even if a wedding planner or coordinator, or

reputable vendor is a little expensive, they are worth it. You don’t have to worry about the little things getting done, or the quality.”

When the day gets close, Karla said keeping a bride calm comes easy to for her. She gives all of her brides unlimited guidance, and they can call her anytime — that means she’s gotten calls at midnight from frenzied brides — she listens and responds to their concerns immediately.

“If they are worried about something, I can fix anything,” she said. “It’s easy to fix problems. It keeps them calm (talking to them). I’m not hard to reach.”

WWW.KARLAMCNEILLEVENTS.COM TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

15

Tex Appeal Life & Style in Central Texas

16

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

calendar TexTalk

Flavors of Central Texas Aug. 1, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Flavors of Central Texas brings some of the area’s best restaurants, caterers and bakers together under one roof, giving attendees the opportunity to try them all in one night. In addition, the event will feature a Chopped for Kids contest.

Tickets $15 in advance Killeen Civic and Conference Center 3601 S. W.S. Young Drive, Killeen Purchase tickets at the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce or at flavorsofcentraltexas.com.

Call Jasmine Suino at 254-526-9551 or email jasmine@killeenchamber.com for more information.

Belton Senior Center Country Western Dances Aug. 3, Jus’ Country Aug. 17, Gold Ol’ Boys 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Participants are encouraged to bring a snack dish to share.

Aug. 28, Potluck supper 5:30 p.m., Sara Sanderford 842 Mitchell St., Belton

TBBOR Duck Dash Fundraiser Aug. 5, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

5K run, 9 a.m.; $35 to participate Duck launch, 1 p.m.; one duck for $5 or five ducks for $20.

The Temple-Belton Board of Realtors is hosting the inaugural TBBOR Duck Dash Fundraiser benefiting the Children’s Advocacy Center of Central Texas in Belton.

Bring the family and spend the day in Yettie Polk Park. Enjoy live music, food, a kids zone, vendors and more. Participate in the Duck Dash 5K Run/Walk or adopt a duck for the Duck Dash Rubber Duck Race in Nolan Creek.

Yettie Polk Park 101 S. Davis, Belton Go to tbborduckdash.com/ or call 254-773-0410 for more information.

The cast of Salado Legends takes the stage for the final time this season on Aug. 5.

Salado Legends Aug. 5, 7:15 p.m. optional dinner, reservations required $12 adult or child 8:15 p.m. show $20 adults, $5 children under 12 years 7:30 p.m. concession opens Central Texas’ favorite outdoor musical drama returns. Written by playwright/lyricist, nationally honored Jackie Mills, directed by Donnie Williams.

This play was ensconced in the Library of Congress for depicting life in the 1850s.

Tablerock Amphitheater Royal Street, Salado Dinner and show tickets available in advance at local merchants; show-only tickets available at gate.

Email tablerock1@aol.com, go to www.tablerock.org or call 254-947-9205 for more information and group tickets.

Free Movie in the Park Aug. 19 Disney’s “Moana.”

Movie begins at dusk. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on.

Harris Community Park 312 N. Alexander St., Belton Call 254-933-5860 for more information

From Swords to Plowshares: Metal Trench Art from World War I Now through Aug. 12 Free admission Noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday Closed Sunday and Monday The exhibit features more than 160 pieces of metal trench art, educational panels and period photographs. Trench art is a form of brass art that finds its origins in the trenches of World War I. Soldiers used periods of inactivity to create art from artillery shells, bullets, aircraft parts, coin currency and more.

The Central Texas Film Society presents “Casablanca” Aug. 27, 2 p.m.

Free A guest speaker will provide historical context and interesting tidbits about the featured film. Bring your family and friends to enjoy this great movie on a big screen. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions and participate in discussions.

Cultural Activities Center 3011 N. Third St., Temple Call 254-773-9926 for more information.

Continued

The art ranges from primitive artillery shells to elaborately made lamps. This art form spread to the civilian sector, and eventually into World War II. Trench art from United States, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Germany, France, Canada, Australia, Belgium and Czechoslovakia will be on display.

Bell County Museum 201 N. Main St., Belton Visit www.bellcountymuseum.org or call 254-933-5243 for more information.

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

17

TexTalk calendar

Find fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods and more on Saturdays at the Harker Heights Farmers Market.

18

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

Film & Food Fridays Aug. 18, 8 to 10:30 p.m.

Film & Food Fridays encourages families and friends to “let the good times reel” at this family-friendly movie shown on an inflatable screen. Enjoy getting a taste of a local food vendor’s creation as we watch a “throwback” movie that both parents and kids will enjoy. Don’t forget your lawn chair and blanket.

Carl Levin Park Amphitheater 400 Miller’s Crossing, Harker Heights For more information and movie titles, visit http://bit.ly/Heightsevents or call 254-953-5466.

End of the Pool Season Reason to PARTY/PAW-TY Aug. 27 Public Pool PARTY, 2 to 4 p.m.

Pooch Pool PAW-TY, 5 to 7 p.m.

Come join the Harker Heights Parks and Recreation Department for a funfilled bash to end the pool season. Enjoy swimming, listening to DJ music and more.

All participants will be required to pay gate admission rates (pool passes not allowed during party hours).

Carl Levin Park Pool 400 Miller’s Crossing, Harker Heights For more information, email nbroemer@ci.harker-heights.tx.us or call 254-953-5465.

calendar TexTalk

Harker Heights plans a Pooch Pool PAW-TY on Aug. 27 to celebrate the end of the summer swimming season. Humans are welcome, too.

The Friends of the Temple Public Library Labor Day Used Book Sale Aug. 30 to Sept. 2 Member’s preview: Aug. 29, 2 to 8 p.m.

Aug. 30, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Aug. 31, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Teachers get a 20 percent discount with ID).

Sept. 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 2, 1 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Memberships available at the door All categories of used books, audio books, VHS, CDs and DVDs.

Most items cost $1 to $2 each. Cash, credit, debit and checks accepted.

Temple Public Library 100 W. Adams Ave., Temple Call 254-298-5556, visit www. friendsofthetemplepubliclibrary.org or Facebook: Friends of the Temple Public Library for more information.

Join us every Saturday to shop local produce, baked goods, honey, hand-crafted items, furniture, farm eggs and more.

Seton Medical Center Harker Heights 850 W. Central Texas Expressway, Harker Heights Call 254-953-5493 for more information.

Harker Heights Farmers Market Through Oct. 28 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Email upcoming events to editor@ texappealmag.com the first of the month prior to the event month.

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

19

TexTalk spotlight ALLEGIANCE SOLAR AND 2H SOLAR TRAINING

ADVERTISEMENT

Empowering veterans to help power your world CALL 254-SOLAR-US Allegiance Solar and 2H Solar Training: Two solar companies teaming up to shake up the Texas solar industry.

Allegiance Solar is a residential and commercial solar installation company that wants to make solar energy available and affordable to everyone in Bell County and beyond.

2H Solar is a technical school that trains veterans and others for high paying careers in the solar PV industry for the thousands of solar jobs readily available across Texas.

Both Allegiance Solar and 2H Solar opened their doors in early 2017 at the same location in Harker Heights, founded and operated by veterans.

ALLEGIANCE OFFERS LOWEST PRICES IN THE INDUSTRY

Allegiance Solar can beat anyone’s price. “Bring us your proposal from another solar company and we will beat it by $1,000!” Reginald Hodges said. “We have a highly skilled team that is focused on harnessing the latest industry technologies and methods to bring down prices.”

“Many people do not realize that solar energy is cheaper now than ever before and will never be cheaper. Just 24 months ago, the panels were the largest cost of a residential solar system. Since then, the price of panels has dropped by more than 50 percent,” said Hodges, a former Navy Civil Engineer Corps Officer and CEO/ president and founder of 2H Solar and Allegiance Solar. “This cuts the price of a system on someone’s home or business by 30 percent making solar the least expensive form of energy. Plus you get rebates and tax credits. Basically, anyone can save on their energy bill by going solar at these prices.”

“People are so used to paying a bill to the utility company. They don’t know that with solar, their bill can go away in time,” added Clifford Crose, a U.S Army veteran and co-founder of Allegiance Solar. “If you can pay a utility bill, you can afford solar.”

Allegiance Solar offers free consultations and analysis using the latest in digital technology. “We gather data on usage and information about the home to determine how many panels are needed for a home or business. Each customer receives a customized

This illustration shows a modern home completely powered by solar. With today’s low prices, anyone can afford a solar energy solution to their energy bills.

20

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

From left: Frank Gallagher, VP of North American sales at Mounting Systems; Phillip Hamrock, CFO of 2H Solar; Jean Shine, civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army; Reginald Hodges, CEO and president of 2H Solar and Allegiance Solar; Bayan Kananian, CMO of 2H Solar; Gregory Johnson, Killeen City Councilman; and Don Nicholas, field representative for U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, ready to cut the ribbon at Allegiance Solar.

Photos courtesy of ALLEGIANCE SOLAR

proposal for their solar needs.”

But not every home will qualify. “We are honest with customers, rather than just trying to make a sale,” Hodges said.

Total installation costs vary depending on project size, and include the cost of materials, labor and permits. Customers have the option of paying cash or participating in the zero down financing offered by Allegiance Solar. “This means there is no out-of-pocket expense to the client,” Crose said.

It takes less than 30 days for a solar installation to be completed, from the first consultation to system energization. It’s not unusual for the electric company to owe a credit to a home or business owner.

“When the system is paid off you could no longer have an energy bill,” Crose said. “When you are paying a utility company the bill continues to go up with inflation. There is no end insight.”

2H SOLAR OFFERS BEST INDUSTRY TRAINING

“Basically, many people do not realize that there are thousands of high paying jobs being created by the boom in solar. Many are in Texas. The average person in the industry makes $26-plus an hour,” Hodges said. “After only a six-week course we are changing people’s lives. Most students have multiple job offers before they graduate.”

Having worked as a construction manager on some of the largest projects in the world with First Solar, totaling 1 GigaWatt ($5 billion in construction) from 2009 to 2014, Hodges left to attend graduate school at California Polytechnic University where he helped develop a national award-winning solar program, while completing his Master’s in Electrical Engineering.

In 2016, Hodges and Phillip Hamrock, LCDR, U.S. Navy, got together at Georgetown University School of Business, where Hamrock was attending graduate school, to form 2H Solar.

The goal was to form a school that would teach veterans, and others, how to install and design PV Solar systems for residential, commercial and utility scale clients in Texas. Together they created

This home has 51 solar panels that provide 100 percent offset with solar energy.

“The heart of what we are doing is putting veterans to work,” Crose said. “Our mission is to employ veterans and their family members. Vets are the most highly trained people.”

“We are providing a gateway to higher paying, in demand jobs,” Hodges added.

A 2H SOLAR SUCCESS STORY

When Matthew McCullar, the son of a retired command sergeant major, came to Hodges and Crose at 2H Solar, he was tired of making a living at dead-end jobs. With no formal education, he didn’t see a future for himself in Texas.

“2H Solar provided him with training to get into a new, exciting, high paying industry,” Crose said. “After six weeks of training, McCullar received several job offers that paid more than he had ever earned in his life. The school paid for itself in the first month!”

When Allegiance Solar opened its doors, McCullar was their first hire. “Now he is a sales manager and No.1 salesperson in the company,” Crose said.

ALWAYS AT YOUR SERVICE

Matthew McCullar, left, installs a 50KW PV system on an apartment building for Allegiance Solar.

“To date, 2H Solar’s graduating students have received 100 percent employment!”

— Reginald Hodges, CEO/president and founder of 2H Solar and Allegiance Solar the industry’s most comprehensive training school and employers in Texas are taking notice.

Later in 2016 Hodges met Crose, an investment business licensed advisor, at a Business Network International Group. The two talked about opening a solar PV installation company that would create an opportunity to put people to work in the nation’s fastest growing industry. With 2H Solar in place, they wanted to provide stable employment for their highly trained graduates and founded Allegiance Solar.

Crose said often companies will come from out of town to do an installation, but they are not available to you when something happens because of distance. With Allegiance Solar, all their technicians are local and available when needed. Also, most of the panels Allegiance Solar installs are American made in Texas.

“We offer a lifetime warranty,” Crose said. “We put our customers first and our Texas veterans to work.”

451 E. Central Texas Expressway, Suite A Harker Heights, Texas 76548 – 1900 For more information, visit ALLEGIANCESOLAR.COM (info@allegiancesolar.com), or 2H SOLAR.COM (info@2HSolar.com).

REGINALD HODGES holds a MS in electrical engineering, specializing in power and renewable energy. He was the construction manager on large Solar PV installations in California and New Mexico. He plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering later this year at Baylor University.

CLIFFORD CROSE, co-owner and licensed investment advisor.

ADAM TAYLOR, co-owner, is a master electrician.

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

21

DeeJay Handyman

Precision Sight and Sound Entertainment

254-935-9739 OR 254-433-8466

DeeJayHandyman@gmail.com www.deejayhandyman.com 22

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

23

One of the Largest Mud Pie® Collections in Texas Women’s Apparel, Jewelry & Accessories, Baby & Kids Gifts & Apparel, Furniture & Home Decor, “Artisian’s Alley”, Men’s Gifts, Gourmet Food, Wedding Gifts & Accessories, and now Junk Gypsy™Paint!

22 N. Main Street, Salado

254-947-0888

facebook.com/TheShoppesOnMainInSalado 24

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

Open 7 days a week!

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

25

The Manor is one of six guest houses and offers seven vintage-styled guest rooms.

H

Story by CATHERINE HOSMAN Photos by JULIE NABOURS and contributed by SHANNON ASHE

alfway between Dallas and San Antonio and within 60 minutes from most points in Bell County, is Salado, a storybook village with a feeling of Brigadoon, the fictional Scottish town that comes to life for one day every 100 years. Except this Scots-settled village is a daily source of life, art, music and community.

Tucked away amid the ancient oak trees that line the creeks and green acreage of this hamlet is a selection of bed and breakfasts, chapels and venues. Nestled among this

26

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

OF YESTERYEAR

natural flora is The Venue at The Inn on the Creek, one of Salado’s premier wedding destinations for brides and grooms who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city without going too far from home.

The Venue at The Inn on the Creek offers couples, their families and friends a place to celebrate the entire wedding from rehearsal dinner to the newlyweds slipping away after the reception to a private suite that awaits them.

The Venue is an indoor event center that can seat 250

Be surrounded by nature and plan a wedding with up to 300 guests at The Venue at The Inn on the Creek.

guests comfortably. There is also room for seating on The Venue’s wrap-around porch that increases guest capacity.

The Inn on the Creek is a collection of six unique and spacious guest accommodations from cottages to complete homes where wedding guests can stay in vintage-inspired suites or rooms, each with its own bath.

“We are a bed and breakfast with 23 guest rooms and can sleep up to 46 guests. Some rooms sleep three or four people, perfect for a family,” said Shannon Ashe, wedding coordinator for The Venue.

Each cottage, home or bungalow is spaced far enough away from the others to allow for privacy, yet they are all

within walking distance to the complex.

The Bungalow, once a private home is now three separate suites. The two lower-level suites each have a living area and bathroom. There is a refrigerator and microwave for your convenience. The upstairs suite has its own bathroom, living room, full kitchen and an enclosed porch.

“From the bungalows, if you are having a wedding ceremony on the grounds, you would walk through the clearing at the bamboo jungle that separates the homes from your guests,” Ashe said.

The Manor, a historical home that was moved to the Continued

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

27

The Shed has plenty of room to accommodate rehearsal dinners.

property in sections has seven guest rooms.

Alexander’s Distillery and Restaurant is adjoined to The Manor by a covered walkway. It serves breakfast to the guests, offers a Sunday brunch by reservation and is open for dinner to the public.

The Shed, a casual sports bar is near the event center and is available for rehearsal dinners.

The Holland House has five rooms, and The Horton House, an individual cottage, is adjacent to The Venue. It is one of The Inn’s most intimate accommodations and the one most recommended to bridal couples.

The Giles-Kindred House is a two-bedroom/twobath cottage; and The Salado College Quarters has four rooms, each with a private bath.

Ashe said The Venue hosts 24 weddings a year, ranging in size from 30 to 50 and from 250 to 300. The Venue itself seats 225 people, but that can be expanded with outdoor seating.

If you are looking for a close-to-home destination wedding, Ashe said it’s best to book The Venue six months in advance.

“We are already booking for June, July and August of

There’s lots of space on the three-tiered deck.

A couple exchanges vows under grand oak trees.

28

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

The Horton House is the space most recommended to bridal couples as a private retreat.

next year,” she said. If you are planning a wedding in the rainy month of May, Ashe recommends a rain plan.

She said October is the No. 1 wedding month; Texas begins to cool off around that time, and April is becoming popular. Weddings of all sizes are welcome and Ashe said she would consider any short turnaround, based on availability.

“Shannon has so much experience. Having her here as the wedding coordinator has made booking those events so much easier,” said Manager and Innkeeper Tony Blackman. “She makes sure those events are going

smoothly on any given day.”

The two restaurants on site offer guests additional options for catering.

“You don’t have to use our restaurants,” Ashe said. But if you want a turnkey wedding, she said they can provide that service (catering) for you.

“What’s wonderful about being here is those who spend the nights can come into Alexander’s together in the morning, have breakfast together, then return to their suite to get ready for the wedding,” Ashe said. “It’s a great way for Continued

Enjoy views of nature along Salado Creek.

Brides can get picture perfect in the dressing room.

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

29

Dance the night away at a reception at The Venue, with space for up to 250 guests.

family and friends to get together, not just for the wedding itself, but as a venue.”

I’M GETTING MARRIED AT THE VENUE “It’s a myth to say there is such a thing as a stress-free wedding, but escaping the hustle and bustle of the real world, and coming to our village, it’s a place where you can relax and unwind,” Ashe said. “Something special happens when you come to our village. You can breathe, relax, unwind and know it’s going to be OK.” When a couple calls Ashe inquiring about The Venue, she invites them to come and see the property. The first

thing she does is assess their needs. “I identify that each bride is different and individual and it’s not going to be a cookie cutter wedding,” she said. “I create a plan based on their needs, budget and style. I listen to the bride, her desires and wants, and bring in the right price so her vision becomes a reality. I’m the logistics girl; I’m the gal who pulls it all together.”

“Because of her background in event planning, Shannon knows the questions to ask,” Blackman said. “She is able to give the brides suggestions to create the perfect mood.”

Ashe creates a timeline for the wedding, from rehearsal

The Baines Room inside The Manor.

The Bungalow upstairs unit has an enclosed porch.

30

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

The bedroom in The Horton House is draped with mosquito netting for a private, romantic retreat.

dinner to end of reception, and an itinerary. She will work with the DJ, photographer and other vendors for brides who don’t want to do anything; who just want to show up.

Some brides, however, still like to keep a finger on the pulse of their wedding and may choose to hire their own vendors.

The Venue event center has a three-day rental requirement and cost is separate from the guest accommodations. There is a required deposit to hold the date for The Venue. Brides may also hold a guest room block for family, friends and out-of-town guests, but any guest rooms not reserved 30 days before the wedding will be dropped.

Ashe said she keeps her brides calm “by communicating with them on a regular basis.”

“I want brides to feel as if they are coming to another place, even though it’s just right down the road,” Ashe said.

“There is something special when you come into our village — you can breathe, relax and know it’s going to be OK. Salado is such a magical place. It’s a beautiful little pocket of yesteryear.”

A family bedroom in one of the first floor bungalows.

Shannon Ashe is The Venue’s wedding coordinator.

SHANNON ASHE, WEDDING COORDINATOR TONY BLACKMAN, INNKEEPER & MANAGER 254-947-5554 | WWW.INNCREEK.COM

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

31

32

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

33

34

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

35

36

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

37

38

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

39

40

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

41

42

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

43

44

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

46

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

48

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

49

Take inspiration from these four pages of decor for your big day!

All items available from Confetti Rentals.

see page 2 for more info

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

51

52

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

53

We’re all about Central Texas living... the people, the places and the things that make us appealing.

texappealmagazine.com See what a great ad in Tex Appeal can do for your business!

Life & Style in Central Texas

Advertising: Call 254-778-4444 (Temple) or 254-501-7500 (Killeen)

Home & Auto.

Save & Smile.

Make sure you brush a little extra today.

Because you’ll be smiling more when you combine your home and auto insurance with State Farm . Just another way I’m here to help life go right.

CALL ME TODAY. ®

™

Lauren Smith, Agent 7206 State Highway 317 Belton, TX 76513 Bus: 254-780-3276 lauren.smith.e3xn@statefarm.com

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL • State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas, Dallas, TX • State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL • State Farm Florida Insurance Company, Winter 1601979 Haven, FL • State Farm Lloyds, Richardson, TX 54

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

57

If you can think it ~ I can make it!

Just the way you want it!

No job too large or too small!

Sew Bbyeautiful Evelyn

Bridal

Alterations ~ Curtains Prom ~ Costumes & More Evelyn Montgomery 254-770-1875 • 713-875-0030 sewbeautifulbyevelyn@yahoo.com

58

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

59

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

61

62

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

R

Bridesmaids gifts

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

63

64

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

metroplex

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

65

66

AUGUST 2017 | Tex Appeal Brides

Small solutions for your Big Day.

Home Improvement

Solutions

Being financially prepared for your Big Day can be a stressful feat.

Make financing your wedding the least of your worries with a personal loan from Extraco.

Personal Loans

Home Loans

Bonus Banking

One Bank f

in

BLOG

Member FDIC.

To see how Extraco can help you, contact a Relationship Banker at 254.774.5500 or visit extracobanks.com.