Texoma Bride Guide | Issue 006 | Winter/Spring 2020 by txomabrideguide

THE (Texoma) BRIDE GUIDE

Arielle Humphries Photography (214) 994-3359 ariellehumphries.com

Finding Your Vendor Dream Team Do I Need a Wedding Planner? The Art of Wedding Dress Shopping The Blushing Bride The Essential Groom Guide How to Find Your Dream Venue Planning the Ceremony One Table at a Time Lighting What’s for Dinner? The One Service You Don’t Want to Forget A Beginner’s Guide to Wedding Invitations The Perfect Cake For You Five Things to Consider When Choosing Flowers Why We Love Engagement Shoots and You Will Too Wedding Photography: What to Expect Three Easy Ways to Entertain Your Guests Creating the Atmosphere What’s Your Honeymoon Style? Vendor Directory

Who Pays For What Budget Breakdown Average Spending in Texoma Simple Planning Checklist Eight Phrases You Need to Know Vendor Contracts

8 8 9 10 11 13

Preparing for the Unknown Marriage License Serving Alcohol Creating Your Registry Changing Your Name Announcements

35 41 51 92 94 94

12 15 16 20 26 28 38 42 45 46 53 54 60 68 74 76 84 86 90 96

PLANNING

E I G H T P H R A S E S YO U N E E D TO K N O W The wedding industry has a language of its own, and you’re probably not used to hearing and using these words every day. We’ve gathered some of the most common and important phrases to get you started on learning the words and terms you’ll need to understand when planning your wedding.

The ideal choice for couples who may not want (or be able to afford) a full-service planner but still want a pro the day of the wedding to assure everything goes smoothly.

An employee of the wedding reception venue that acts as a liaison between the bride and groom and the venue’s operations team. The role of a venue’s coordinator’s varies, but typically their focus is solely to deliver their contracted services and oversee the building as a whole.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE MINIMUM This is your contracted minimum spend at your venue. In most cases it does not include venue rental fees, service fees or taxes. Be sure you’re clear on what counts towards your minimum. Please please understand that your food and beverage minimum is NOT an estimate of your actual spend.

RSVP The abbreviation RSVP is so well known that its actual meaning is what needs defining. In French, “repondez s’il vous plait” translates to “please reply.” To avoid any last-minute guest list headaches, require our guests to respond “yes” or “no” at least two to three weeks before the wedding.

Also known as COI, it’s common practice for event venues to require vendors working in the space, especially florists, photographers, caterers and musicians to submit proof of general liability insurance in the amount of at least $1 million and to list the venue as additionally insured for the wedding date. That way, if anything goes wrong, neither the venue nor you are responsible.

Unless provided by your caterer, many venues and caterers charge an opening fee per bottle of alcohol, wine or champagne that you supply. The price per bottle can range drastically, so ask ahead of time about your venue’s regulations surrounding alcohol. Then factor the additional cost into your budget if you plan to bring your own bottles of vino or are envisioning an elaborate champagne toast at the reception.

PER-PERSON The PP that appears next to the pricing you see on your contracts indicates the cost per guest or per person. You’ll want to keep an eye out for this type of pricing structure on anything that involves your catering or liquor choices.

MARRIAGE LICENSE Obtained from a state registrar’s office before your wedding, a marriage license grants you permission to legally wed. After the signed license is filed, you’ll receive a marriage certificate as record of your union. 11

FINDING YOUR VENDOR DREAM TEAM Selecting your wedding vendors is one of the most important aspects of planning your wedding! You want to choose vendors whose work you love, that you trust and that you enjoy working with. Of all your vendors you'll spend the most time with your wedding photographer but that doesn't mean you shouldn't carefully select your florist, cake baker and other vendors with the same level of care. Our number one recommendation is that you communicate very clearly with your vendors. The best way to start a relationship with a potential vendor is to meet with them in person or at least have a phone conversation with them. Get a feel for their personality and how they interact with you. If you get an uneasy feeling, trust your instincts and continue searching until you find a vendor that you feel you can trust and work well with. Choosing vendors that you love for both their work and their personalities will definitely make wedding planning a more enjoyable experience!

PLANNING

VENDOR CONTRACTS Before we get into the fun stuff like dresses, cakes and flowers, we want to take a moment to talk a little business. Every time you hire someone to do something for your wedding, get your agreement in writing. Go back and re-read that sentence again. Do not be intimidated by contracts. They are legal agreements put in place to explicitly state the terms and conditions of the work to be done, and protect both you and the vendor. Until you sign a contract and put down a deposit, you have no guarantee that vendors will hold the date of your wedding.

After thoroughly reading through the contract the vendor shares with you, do not be afraid to negotiate. If your requests are reasonable, and the vendor won’t agree to them, do not hesitate to look elsewhere. Do not sign the contract unless you are 100 percent comfortable with it, and with the vendor. Then make sure both you and the vendor each have a signed copy for your records. Here are some things we recommend be included in the contract: • Names of all parties involved in the agreement • Date of the wedding • Times of all services - this should include the time the vendor should arrive, and when the vendor is expected to return for pick up if applicable • Detailed description of services • The deposit and final payment amounts, as well as the payment schedule • Contingency plans and substitutions • Cancellation and refund policy that specifies any refund you will receive if you cancel and what penalty the vendor will pay if they cancel Once signed, these contracts are legally binding documents. If your vendors fail to meet the terms of the contract, you could take them to court. But the same is true for the vendor. If you don’t hold up your end of the deal, they could take you to court as well.

PLANNING

DO I NEED A WEDDING PLANNER? No matter the size or budget, planning a wedding is a lot of work. Think of it as a part-time job on top of your regular job with much of the planning being tedious work, like reviewing contracts and making sure payments are made. Those are the types of things a wedding planner can help you with. Learn more about our favorite Texoma wedding planners and coordinators at tbgvendors.com/planners

Hiring a wedding planner doesn’t mean outsourcing your entire wedding. A wedding planner only handles what you want them to, so you can focus on the fun parts -picking out your cake, working with the florist to design your bouquet -- and leave the boring stuff to someone else. Wedding planners have access to, and experience with, the vendors you need. While you can, and should, get recommendations from friends, and do your own research, wedding planners have networks of vendors with whom they have worked before. The planners will be able to match your vision with vendors who can make it happen, and steer you away from those who can’t. The staff provided by your venue to help your day go smoothly are invaluable, and they will have a network of preferred vendors that they can recommend, just don’t expect them to follow up with your florist to ensure they can get the flowers you want, or go with you to your dress alterations appointment. These are things that an independent wedding planner does. Your friends and family are not a substitute for a wedding planner, or even a “day of” coordinator. Their role is to be present to witness your marriage and take part in celebrating your new life together, not to be burdened with the responsibilities of managing your wedding. Most importantly, YOU should be relaxed and enjoying your wedding, not trying to make sure everything is in place and nothing is overlooked. This is your special day and it will happen only once. Investing in a planner will ensure you enjoy your wedding completely. Another benefit of hiring a planner is their ability to help you get centered and stay focused on what is important to you and your fiancé. Your planner will love to talk about your wedding. If your bestie is tired of hearing you talk about your big day, turn to your wedding planner who will be more than happy to listen and share advice based on years of experience.

THE ART OF WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING Your wedding dress will set the tone for your entire wedding. Our best advice: say yes to your dress as early in your wedding planning process as possible. Not only will this relieve bridal stress, it also ensures that the dress will arrive on time and will have plenty of time for any needed alterations. Wedding dresses take time to produce, and most are manufactured overseas which can mean long shipping times and possible delays as it goes through customs. No matter your budget, shape, personal taste, wedding size, or wedding type, there is a perfect dress out there just waiting for you to find it. Be sure to make appointments at any bridal shop you wish to visit. Plan to visit several since they carry different designers and styles. Above all, don’t forget to bring along your mom, your fiancé’s mom and your best gal pals!

THE DRESS Before you head to your local bridal shop, favorite bridal store chain, or bridal warehouse, take a moment to consider the theme and location of your wedding as well as your own personal, everyday style. This will help you narrow your search. For example, a princess wedding dress with a long train may be beautiful, but not well-suited to a breezy destination wedding on the beach. Strapless wedding dresses may fit the standard idea of what you think a bridal dress should be, but the time of year or location of your venue may make wedding dresses with straps, sleeves, or a jacket more practical. While considering these factors will certainly help you narrow the field, the most important factors in trimming down your search are your personal style and which silhouettes make you feel the most confident. If you hate lace, and curve-hugging dresses make you feel self-conscious, it is probably safe to assume that all lace-covered, form fitting wedding dresses can be crossed off the list. You want to look beautiful and bridal on your wedding day, but you also want to be comfortable and feel like yourself. If you don’t already know what types of dresses highlight your favorite parts and conceal those that you aren’t that fond of – an easy place to start is by determining the best fit for your body type.

HOURGLASS You have a full bust and hips with a smaller waistline. A-line/Princess Mermaid/Trumpet Sheath

APPLE

TALL AND THIN

PETITE

You are proportional through the bust and hips with an undefined waistline.

Your shorter height is proportional to your smaller bust, hips, and waistline.

Ball Gown A-line/Princess Mermaid/Trumpet Empire Waist

Column/Sheath A-line/Princess Empire Waist

PEAR

FULL FIGURE

You have a full bust in relation to your small hips.

You have a small bust in relation to full hips.

You have a fuller bust, hips, and waist.

Ball Gown Mermaid A-line/Princess Empire Waist

Ball Gown A-line/Princess Empire Waist

There’s so much more to know! Download our free Wedding Dress Guide for more wedding dress shopping tips and tricks. www.texomabrideguide.com 18

THE DRESS

WHAT TO WEAR TO THE SALON What you wear under the dress can make a huge difference in how the dress fits and looks. Before heading to the bridal salon to find your dress, put some thought behind the type of under-things you’re going to need for your wedding day.

BRA Even if you think you want straps on your gown, you’ll likely still end up trying on a dress or two without straps, or with a different neckline. We recommend wearing or bringing a strapless bra with you. This will help you see what the dresses look like without your bra straps in the way. It’s fine to go out and shop for a new bra after you’ve found the dress, but avoid bringing or wearing an old one that is falling apart and doesn’t make the girls look their best. You can put it back on when you get home. We understand.

UNDERWEAR A marathon of trying on wedding dresses isn’t the time to be distracted by panty lines or the peek of hot pink lace. Don’t go completely granny panty on us, but wear a simple pair of underwear. Something close to your skin-tone if you have it. You’ll thank us later.

SHAPEWEAR If you’re considering using shapewear under your dress, bring that with you to your dress consultations. Not all dress fabrics work well with shapewear, it’s best to learn what works and what doesn’t before you make your decision.

SHOES We recommend bringing along a pair of shoes that are a similar height to what you plan on wearing on the big day. Most bridal boutiques have shoes you can borrow when trying on dresses, but we prefer something we own rather than something that doesn’t fit, isn’t the correct height, or isn’t your style.

photo by The Carter Collective

THE BLUSHING BRIDE With so many things to check off your wedding to-do list, who has got the time to think of beauty and self-care? The answer; you do! It’s never too early to start taking care of yourself and planning to look your best on your wedding day is a great motivator. Here are a few tips for looking your best in time for your big day. • • •

•

Do what you can to reduce stress. We recommend reserving at least one night a week for some non-wedding fun with your friends or fiance, or quiet time to regroup and catch up on your favorite shows. Any Bachelor fans out there? If you’re thinking of trying a new hair color or style, you’ll want to start talking with your stylist 5 to 6 months out from the big day. That way you’ll have plenty to time to make additional changes or grow your hair out before the big day. Skin care! Start a good cleansing and moisturizing program as soon as you get that ring on your finger (if you haven’t already), and consider consulting a medical professional for any blemishes or lines you want to fix. Looking amazing for your wedding is also a great reason to make appointments for monthly facials if it fits within your budget. Examine your eating habits, but don't crash diet or seriously deprive yourself. The easiest way to loose those stubborn few pounds is to track your calories and be mindful of everything that passes through your lips. If you're not planning to use a nutritionist, stick to specific goals, like incorporating more whole grains and fruits and veggies into every meal. A great way to de-stress and also tone up those arms and legs is by exercising. A walk around the block each night is an easy way to start, but a few sessions with a trainer may help to jump-start your routine and give you some tips and tricks. Try practicing yoga; the postures build strength and are great tension relievers as well. You'll look great, feel better and be less stressed out.

BEAUTY The week leading up-to the wedding is usually stressful and full of last minute preparations. Be sure to take time for yourself and keep these tips in mind: • • •

• • • • • • •

Avoid overindulging in salty snacks and alcohol in the week leading up to the wedding. We know its hard to resist the cheese plate and the glasses of wine, but you’ll thank us later. Consider a bikini wax and a final eyebrow shaping so you have less things to worry about on the day-of (and on the honeymoon!). Splurge on a massage. After all the work you’ve done to put together your dream day, you deserve it. Booking a facial the week before the wedding wouldn’t be a bad idea either. But make sure you give your face a day or two to get back to normal. Drink lots of water. Pack an emergency beauty kit of items you shouldn't leave home without. Deep condition your hair. Exfoliate your skin (with products you've tried before) to amp up your wedding day glow. Have a professional pedicure and manicure. On the day of the wedding, be sure to eat a healthy breakfast to help keep you energized for the long day ahead. While you’re getting your hair and make up done (or doing them yourself), don’t forget to wear a robe or button-down shirt that can be easily removed once you’re ready to put on your dress. If possible, find one that matches the color of your gown, to help with the makeup application. You could have your bouquet near by and pick up some of the colors from the flowers for your eyes, cheeks and lips.

Above all things, sit back and enjoy the day!

Sherman (903) 328-6554 Whitesboro (903) 564-9815

Treat yourself, your fiancé and your bridal party to one of our bridal packages put together with overall health and wellness in mind. Enjoy massages, foot detox sessions, sauna sessions, gym membership and classes all at a special price to help you look your best for the big day!

Call your nearest clinic today for more information and pricing!

texomawellness.com 21

BEAUTY

The BRIDAL GLOW Begins With

RADIANT SKIN Your beautiful moment deserves the most beautiful YOU. Our experienced staff at Allure can help you achieve that gorgeous glow with: Tattoo Removal Wrinkle Reduction

Botox & Fillers Microneedling Sun Damage Repair Skin Tightening

Ask How Allure Can Add to Your Big Day!

903-957-3409

askallure.com

Get your skin wedding ready!

(903) 357-5108 www.nourishedmedspa.com 22

6 T H I N G S TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR MAKEUP TRIAL Your goal is to look as beautiful as possible on your wedding day, so it’s understandable if your makeup is one of your biggest concerns. Once you’ve booked your makeup artist, it’s a good idea to schedule one or two trials. This will allow you to work out any conflicting visions, decide on the best products for you, and decide on a final look. Before you have your trial, you need to find some pictures of what you want your makeup to look like. There are a lot of different terms for the same thing, so providing an image of what you want (or don’t want) can be helpful in avoiding miscommunication. Remember that your makeup artist may have to make some changes based on your wedding venue, time of year, and your skin or face type. Discuss any skin concerns you may have with your makeup artist before the trial run. They may have to make adjustments to the products they’re using, plus they’ll be more prepared to deal with any issues that may happen on the day of. Take care of your skin leading up to your big day by eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, getting facials, and seeking dermatological help if necessary. Makeup can be used to cover up your skin, but it’s much better when it’s used to complement it!

your lipstick or mascara. It’ll be much easier to make adjustments to accommodate the veil before the day of the wedding. You should look like yourself on your wedding day. If you usually wear simple, natural makeup, it would be a jarring change to have a dramatic look on your wedding day. Your wedding makeup shouldn’t be a drastic change from your everyday makeup, because you may not like how different it makes you look (or feel). On that same note, your makeup shouldn’t be dated. You may think you like defined eyebrows or extreme highlighter, but your tastes may change down the road, and you don’t want to look back on your wedding pictures with regret. Obviously, you get what you pay for. Don’t book a makeup artist just because they’re cheap, because you’ll want to look back at your pictures with a smile, not a cringe at how unprofessional your makeup looks. Remember that the price of trials may or may not be included in the price you agreed to pay for the wedding day. Also, keep your bridal party in mind. If you’re paying for their makeup to be done, ask for an estimate based on how many people you have.

Ask your makeup artist how you should touch up your makeup throughout your wedding day. Write down what brand and shade of products they use, and purchase these to have on hand in case of crying, sweating, or kissing. Your powder and lipstick are the most likely to fade, so it shouldn’t cost too much to make sure your look stays on all day. Wear a white shirt and bring your veil along to the appointment so that you’ll get an idea of the final look. It’s important to have your veil there for another reason: some veils tend to cling to the face and can smear or take off

Bridal suite at The Wildflower

BEAUTY

WEDDING HAIR DON’TS When it comes to wedding planning, there are so many different things to plan and choose. The most important decisions are the ones that directly affect how you will feel on your big day. Things like your wedding gown, your make up, and your hair style. You know how having a good hair day can instantly change your mood? Your wedding hair should be that times ten. While there are steps you can take to make sure that happens, there are also some wedding hair don’ts that you definitely want to avoid. First and foremost, do not, WE REPEAT, do not change your hair style or color right before you get married. You will hate it. We promise. Stick to what you know and the look that is classically you. Be sure you don’t book your trial run with your hair stylist too far in advance. You’ll want to already have your dress, shoes, and accessories picked out so you can make sure your hair style matches the entire look. If you are wearing a veil or hairpiece, don’t forget to bring that to your trial! Before the trial, make sure to look for inspiration photos and bring them with you. Don’t limit yourself with just one photo. Instead, bring lots of photos so your stylist gets a better overall picture of who you are and what your vision is for your wedding day. On your wedding day, do not have unrealistic expectations. You know what kind of hair you have and what it can or cannot do. If you know you have thin hair, don’t expect your stylist to wave her magic hair wand and transform your hair into think, voluminous curls. (But do consider getting extensions if that’s important to you!) Another big don’t for you wedding day: don’t forget to plan a “getting-ready” outfit! You need to wear something with closure in the front so that you don’t mess up your hair when changing. For example, a robe or a men’s button up shirt. It’s also worth noting that while your mom, sister, or bridesmaids probably have the best of intentions, what they want your hair to look like doesn’t matter. Don’t get caught up in trying to please everyone. Stick to the hairstyle that you and your stylist decided on to avoid any regrets afterwards. When it’s time to plan your wedding hair style, avoid these wedding hair don’ts and get ready for the best hair day of your life!

Learn more about our favorite hair stylists and make-up artists at tbgvendors.com/beauty

(469) 450-0865

ď&#x2026;himeshair

www.brookehimeshairdesign.com

THE ES S E N T I A L Groom

Guide

TUXEDO OR SUIT? Today’s less formal weddings often seem suited (see what we did there?) to a more casual approach to men’s wear. A black tuxedo with a starched white shirt and cufflinks is always a classic and perfect for a formal event, but don’t forget how good your man looks in a suit. If you know where to look, you can get a nice suit on sale for about the same cost as renting a tuxedo. Tuxedo rental businesses have caught onto this less formal trend and are now offering more casual options for rent. This rental option may be less stressful than coordinating six men to go shopping together to ensure they get the same slacks.

RENT OR BUY? This question comes up repeatedly. Sure, it is more expensive to purchase a tuxedo, but you do end up with a custom fit that may pay for itself over time. To help you decide, think about how often you will have the opportunity to wear a tuxedo. If you’re coordinating with the rest of the wedding party, rent. Don’t be worried about the tuxedos looking cheap or worn out. Reputable locations rent high quality, well-constructed garments made specifically to withstand a lot of use and dry-cleaning without wearing out. Don’t forget to rent shoes!

The groom should be the best dressed of all the men in the wedding party. If the photographer can’t tell the groom from a groomsman, a guest, his father in law, or a waiter, you’re doing it wrong. Outfit your groomsmen so they complement the groom without identically matching.

photo by Mirranda Marrs Photography

RENTING A TUXEDO The way tuxedo rentals used to work involved being measured, picking up your tux the day before the wedding, and hoping everything fits and looks nice. For most of us, this involved a trip to the Dallas area to visit the store, and then coordinating who would make the trip after the wedding to return all the rentals. If something didn’t fit or was missing, resolving the issue could be a headache and usually involves another drive to Dallas. Online tuxedo rental companies are part of a growing market of direct-toconsumer, online retailers that are working to improve the experience of shopping for or renting formal clothing and accessories. The process of renting a tux online is still about the same as the in-store experience. About three months before the wedding, the couple getting married will pick out the style they want and inform the wedding party where to send their measurements. The best part- everything happens online and through the mail. To help those of us who don’t take measurements every day, most of the online sites have a tutorial system to help renters measure their own lengths and widths. The online rental companies mail out the tuxedos two weeks before the wedding to give everyone a chance to make sure everything fits and is in tip-top shape. Typically, garments from the online companies have a much shorter rental life, usually less than 20 wears, than the traditional stores. If something doesn’t fit right, send it back for a different size. The return process is just as simple- each renter can drop their tuxedo in the mail using the provided prepaid label. Another great benefit of using an online tuxedo rental company is that they’ll help you get in touch with everyone and make sure they’ve done their part. So that friend who always procrastinates will be reminded that their measurements are due, and you won’t have to lift a finger! 27

HOW TO FIND YOUR DREAM VENUE There is an adage that is as true for weddings as it is for real estate: Location, Location, Location. Picking your Texoma area wedding venue is important and should be one of the first items - if not the first item - on your wedding planning to-do list. After all, isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t your wedding just as big of an investment and as important of a life event as purchasing real estate? We think so.

Old Quail Run Farm Bon Appetit Yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;all

THE VENUE WHEN TO BOOK YOUR WEDDING VENUE Honestly, if you’re reading this, the answer is probably now. Both ceremony and reception venues can book up a year or more in advance, so if you want a venue that you like, can actually afford, is in the chosen location, is convenient for your guests, has your preferred date available, and isn’t already booked - securing a venue is your first priority.

CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING DATE Many couples decide their wedding date based on any number of sentimental reasons: a dating anniversary, when they first met, a romantic holiday, a parent or grandparent’s anniversary. This is a lovely thought, and one you should stick to if it’s really important to you and your partner. However, it may restrict your venue selection. For example, let’s pretend you had your heart set on a September wedding, but you love a venue that is not available until June of the following year. You will either have to compromise on your date or find a different venue. It all depends on your priorities. It is a good idea to discuss and decide your wedding planning priorities with your partner before officially booking any venue. It is also important to remember that your wedding date isn’t officially reserved until you sign the venue contract, and, in most cases, not until you pay the deposit.

TWO DIFFERENT VENUES, OR ONE VENUE If you want to have a religious ceremony in the church where you grew up, but the church doesn’t have the facilities to support the type of reception you want, you will want to find a separate reception venue. If getting married in a church isn’t a priority, there are plenty of options in Texoma with beautiful ceremony sites and plenty of space for you and your guests to party the night away. If you do choose two venues, map out the logistics of how you and your guests will travel from the ceremony to the reception, and plan to provide transportation for the bridal party at a minimum. Parking is also something to consider as many cars shift from one location to another. Before signing a contract with your wedding venue, ask if there are any special permits you need or ordinances to note regarding noise, alcohol or time restrictions. Also consider special permits you may need for a reception held on private property. A backyard reception in may require parking permits from the city beforehand so guests don’t need to worry about their vehicles.

THE VENUE

6196 N3860 Road Bokchito, Oklahoma 74726

THERANCHVENUE.ORG

www.weddingsonpointe.com (918) 508-6402 30

THE VENUE 2611 E DAIRY LANE | TISHOMINGO, OKLAHOMA 73460 THEWILDFLOWEROK.COM

Leonard, TX

THE VENUE

Dean Acres 828 Old Tioga Rd Gunter, Texas 75058 (903) 870-8721

Whitewright, Texas bethelranch.com | 870-538-8707 32

THE VENUE THE CEREMONY VENUE

THE RECEPTION VENUE

The ceremony venue is arguably one of the most important aspects of your wedding, as this is the place where you and your fiancé will be married in front of your friends and family. While you want it to be special and reflective of your love for each other, there are some logistical things to consider before booking the ceremony venue.

You’ll want to ensure that your reception venue has enough room to accommodate all your guests comfortably as well as the activities you’ve planned for your wedding reception. As you look around, try to envision the way the space would be used. In addition to places for guests to eat and mingle, consider the space and layout needed for the cake, gifts, dance floor, photo booth, etc.

Think about how you want your ceremony to flow. Is having a center aisle for you to walk down to your fiancé at the beginning of the ceremony important? Where will your attendants stand? Will you be kneeling at any time in your ceremony? Is there space for musical accompaniment? Make sure the ceremony space can accommodate your vision for your ceremony.

Learn about the restrictions and rules associated with the venue. If you absolutely love the venue, knowing these restrictions will help you incorporate them into your vision for your day. For example, if the reception must end at 9 p.m. sharp because of noise restrictions but you want to dance the night away, consider having an after-party elsewhere to keep the festivities going.

INDOOR OR OUTDOOR Rustic, outdoor weddings have become a popular trend in the last few years. If you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding, please keep two things in mind: the weather and a backup plan. We know it is obvious, but planning an outdoor wedding in Texoma in the heat of the summer is not something we would recommend. In case of bad weather, make sure your venue has a building or other covered space that could be used or plan to rent a tent. Keep in mind that rented tents do not look like camping tents or the awnings you see over cookouts at the park. They are large structures that can be accessorized with other rental items such as lights, fabric, and floor coverings, and truly rival any indoor space. Other things to keep in mind when planning an outdoor wedding include bugs, a power source, restroom facilities, and accessibility. The more rural the location, the more amenities you will have to provide.

Leonard, TX whisperingwatersranch.com

(903) 505-9349

THE VENUE

QUESTIONS TO ASK •

Is our date available?

•

Is there, or can you set-up, a coat room?

•

Are there others looking to rent your venue on our date?

•

Are candles or open flames allowed?

• •

What is the facility rental fee, and what is included in that fee?

Does the site have any noise or music restrictions?

•

Are there any decorating restrictions?

•

What is the length of the facility rental? Are there overtime fees if the wedding reception lasts longer?

•

Will there be another event on the site during, before or after ours? If so, how will this impact our event?

For outdoor weddings, what is the alternative plan if it rains?

•

What on-site staff do you provide for the day of the wedding?

When can we get into the facility to begin decorating for the wedding?

•

What type of clean-up is required?

•

Is there a fee for security personnel?

•

Will there be enough parking for my guests?

•

Do you offer valet services?

• • •

What is the required deposit and when is it due?

•

When is the balance on the facility fee due?

•

What is the cancellation policy?

CEREMONY VENUE

RECEPTION VENUE

•

Are there changing rooms for the bridal party?

•

Are there picturesque locations for photos, both inside and out?

Is there an in-house caterer or a list of preferred caterers? If so, are they exclusive caterers, or can we bring in our own?

• •

Do you have an in-house pianist or organist that we could use?

Are there on-site kitchen facilities? What do they include?

• •

Is there a podium and/or a microphone? Is there a sound system?

Do you allow alcohol to be served? If so, what are your policies?

•

Will you allow photographs and videos during the ceremony?

Learn more about our favorite Texoma venues at tbgvendors.com/venues

THE VENUE

PREPARING FOR THE UNKNOWN The day has finally arrived. It’s your wedding day! You’ve been planning this event down to the very last detail for over a year and nothing could go wrong. Except when it does. Best case scenario, it rains on your big day and you must rent an expensive tent for your outdoor ceremony and reception at the last minute. Worst case scenario, someone drinks too much at your reception, drives under the influence, gets in a crash, and ends up suing you. Wedding insurance exists to protect your investment in your big day from circumstances beyond your control. We also recommend that you check with each of your vendors to see if they have their own insurance so you don’t pay for overlapping coverage. There are two different types of wedding insurance available, which provide different types of protection for you, your venue, and your wedding. Be sure you understand the differences: Wedding Liability Insurance: Some venues require couples to purchase this for protection in the event of injuries, property damage or alcohol-related accidents. Cancellation/Postponement Insurance: In case of unpredictable illness, inclement weather, no show vendors, damage to gifts or to the bride’s dress, etc. Please note that the above statement is for informational purposes only. All statements are subject to the provisions, exclusions, and conditions of the applicable policy. For an actual description of all coverages, terms, and conditions, please speak with an insurance agent.

Pottsboro, TX texomadestinations.com (903) 361-8500 297 Cemetery Rd., Pottsboro, TX www.grayacresvenue.com

903-647-8923 35

THE VENUE

INTIMATE WEDDING & EVENT VENUE 810 N Frisco Rd Sherman, Texas 75090 facebook.com/thegardensherman (903) 513-9605

Ranch 82 All day access to the venue and outdoor space 6000 sq feet of space in main hall with open floor plan, seating up to 300 guests 12265 E US HWY 82 Whitesboro, TX (469) 396-5070 ranch82.com

TEXOMA BRIDE GUIDE | WINTER/SPRING 2020

5015 South US 75 Denison, Texas 903-463-3331

TRANSPORATION

LIMO OR PARTY BUS? When making plans for wedding transportation, you will want to consider all the different places people will be moving between. Will you need to move people from the getting ready location to the ceremony and then to the reception? Who will you be providing transportation for? You will want to make sure your important guests, such as parents, grandparents and the wedding party, have a way to get around. You don’t necessarily have to rent a limo to for them to ride in, but make sure there is a plan to get them from one place to another. Hiring professional transportation is one way to ease the stress of coordinating rides or worrying about designated drivers. If parking is going to be an issue at your wedding venue, consider renting a party bus to move guests. Most planning checklists recommend booking your transportation at least four months in advance. However, if you’re getting married during prom and graduation season, you will want to book your transportation even earlier due to demand. As with all vendors you’re hiring for your wedding, be sure to get all of the details in writing from your transportation company. You will want to confirm that the company is licensed and insured. This means the drivers have received the proper training and the vehicles meet all the legal requirements for operation.

QUESTIONS TO ASK •

What car types, sizes and colors do you have available?

•

What is the passenger capacity?

•

Do you charge by the hour, or by mileage?

•

What does the driver wear?

•

What amenities do your vehicles have?

•

Are any food and beverages provided in our rental?

•

What does the your insurance policy cover?

•

What are your cancellation and refund policies?

The White Rose Limo

facebook.com/thewhiteroselimo (903) 821-4763

A-1 Wedding & Party Rentals

PLANNING THE CEREMONY Planning the party is the most fun and takes the most time, but don’t wait until the last moment to plan the ceremony. When you’re not stressing over floral arrangements or frosting flavors, take the time to schedule a time to sort out your ceremony. Here’s everything you need to know. 38

CEREMONY TYPE OF CEREMONY

The first order of business is to decide whether you want a religious or secular ceremony. There is no right or wrong answer, and one is not necessarily easier than the other. As with all decisions you have to make when planning your wedding, this is your day and you should get married in an environment that suits you both. If you and your fiancé are considering a religious ceremony, remember that some religious services require a specific location, like a church, temple, or mosque. However, some religious officiants will be glad to go to an untraditional location. Consult with the officiants you are considering before you make final decisions to avoid any uncomfortable situations. Also, remember that you may be required to be a member of a specific religious institution if you want to be married on their property. A civil ceremony is one that is still legal, but the exact requirements you need to meet vary from state to state, and even from county to county. Having a civil ceremony means that you’re free to be more Wcreative with the elements you want to add or remove, or to have a destination wedding or an elopement. That’s not to say that you couldn’t make a religious ceremony work for all of those, but it will be much simpler to create an untraditional wedding with a civil ceremony. When it comes to who will be marrying you, you’ll need to check out the legal requirements for your area once again. If you have any questions, you can always contact the county clerk’s office in the city where you will be having the ceremony to find an officiant that will fit your needs. Keep in mind that if you want to be married by a close friend or family member, they’ll need to be ordained first. After you’ve found your officiant, follow up about paperwork, fees, or counselling that may be required before you can be considered legally married.

Hilo Sisters Macramé

VOWS If you and your fiancé decide to write personal vows, we recommend setting some guidelines before you begin writing. Maybe limit them to 30 seconds or a minute, or say that you’re both going to tell a story about your life as a couple. Begin by collecting inspiration from old texts or love letters, other weddings, books, or movies and documenting them somewhere. About a month before your wedding, compile your gathered thoughts into a draft. Remember that this is just your first attempt, so it’s fine if it’s a little choppy or rambling. Wait a couple of days, then come back to edit. Read it aloud and make sure it sounds like you, because you’re the one getting married. As your wedding day nears, go back and review your vows periodically. Read and re-read for clarity, and work in additional thoughts as they come to you. By taking the time to write your vows over the weeks leading up to your wedding and not waiting until the last minute, you will not only be confident in your words, but you will know that you put your best self into them. 39

CEREMONY

CEREMONY ORDER The basic order of events can be applied to almost any ceremony, but you may want to add or take away any elements that don’t fit your wedding vision. We recommend including your officiant in the planning of your ceremony, as they will know more about what is practical. Prelude: It is customary to have music play as your guests begin to arrive for the ceremony. Processional: This is a fancy word for special guests and the wedding party entering the church to take their place. This usually concludes with the entrance of the bride. Greeting: The wedding officiant will usually say a few words to welcome your guests, remind them to turn off their cell phones, and thank them for coming. Address or Homily: This is the time for your officiant to share personal details about you and your fiancé, or for a sermon if you’re having a church wedding. Declaration of Intent: This is the only legally required aspect of the ceremony. The officiant will ask you to take your fiancé as your legally wedded partner, and you will answer with “I do”, or “I will”, or something to that effect. Unity Ritual: If you want to include a special ceremony signify your bond, this is a good time to do so. You could also do this after exchanging rings, if that would suit your vision. Exchanging of the Vows: This is where you recite your personal vows, or repeat after the officiant using traditional wording. Exchanging of the Rings: These vows are different than the above vows, but are usually very short and done “repeat-after-me” style. Closing Remarks and Declaration: The officiant may offer a blessing, a benediction, or piece of advice before declaring that you’re married and announcing the kiss. Recessional: The opposite of the processional, this is a fancy word for everybody leaves the church, and heads to the party!

Arielle Humphries Photography

PLANNING

YOU CAN’T GET MARRIED WITHOUT A LICENSE While planning your wedding can be fun with things like cake tastings, dance lessons and finding the perfect entertainment, there are some strings attached to tying the knot Understanding the ins and outs getting your marriage license is just as important as picking out linens or finding the perfect dress. Marriage licenses must be obtained from the county clerk’s office and presented to your officiant prior to the beginning of your wedding ceremony. Following the ceremony, the officiant fills out the license, and asks the witnesses, usually the maid of honor and best man, to sign it. Some officiants will file the license for you at the courthouse, or you will have to do it yourself. Once the license is filed and processed, you will receive your marriage certificate.

The cost, requirements, and validity varies between Oklahoma and Texas, but you don’t have to be a resident of either state to get married there. Be sure to research the state’s marriage license requirements where you will be getting married so that you understand the time-lines and associated costs.

photo by Cromer & Co

GRAYSON COUNTY, TEXAS 100 W Houston, Suite 17, Sherman (903) 813-4283

BRYAN COUNTY, OKLAHOMA 402 W Evergreen St #C1, Durant (580) 924-1446

COOKE COUNTY, TEXAS 216 West Pecan Street, Gainesville (940) 668-5420

CARTER COUNTY, OKLAHOMA 20 B St SW #203, Ardmore (580) 223-5253

FANNIN COUNTY, TEXAS 800 E. 2nd Street, Bonham (903) 583-7486

JOHNSTON COUNTY, OKLAHOMA 403 W Main St #101, Tishomingo (580) 371-3184

LAMAR COUNTY, TEXAS 119 North Main, Paris (903) 737-2420

LOVE COUNTY, OKLAHOMA 405 West Main, #203, Marietta (580) 276-3059

WICHITA COUNTY, TEXAS 900 7th St, Room 250, Wichita Falls (940) 766-8100

MARSHALL COUNTY, OKLAHOMA 219 Plaza, Madill (580) 795-3220

Florals, styling and photography by The Carter Collective

ONE TABLE AT A TIME Remember all of those amazing photos you have seen of your venue? The space did not start out the day looking like that. Most likely, the majority of those items were rented. It takes a keen eye for colors, textures, and lighting to create the look and feel you see in those photos. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a few pointers to help even the most un-stylish have a beautifully styled wedding. 42

RENTALS & DECOR Don’t make assumptions that your venue comes with anything. If you’ve booked a raw space, get ready to rent everything down to the bathrooms. Please don’t forget those or you’ll have some unhappy guests. If you’re planning an outdoor event, it goes without saying, you will need to make sure you have a backup plan. Be sure to have a tent or other covering on standby to ensure the comfort and safety of your guests. If you’re lucky, your venue comes with chairs and tables, maybe even cloths for those tables. Those chairs are probably standard folding chairs, and the tablecloths are probably white. Your caterer may provide standard white plates and unremarkable flatware. All of that is fine, but why not glam it up a bit? From a photography point of view, consider the two most photographed spaces of the day: the altar where you say your vows and the head table at the reception where the married couple sit and where the toasts are usually given. Instead of spending your money on tiny details like custom candy or elaborate escort cards, we recommend investing in something that will not only enhance the feel of your wedding but will really enhance your images as well! Couples are often afraid to even dream about rentals because they assume it will be outside their budget, but it’s more affordable than you may think. You can rent crowd-pleasers such as cotton candy makers and popcorn machines for a late night snack. If the weather is going to get cooler when the sun sets, propane space heaters are always a nice thing to have on hand for outdoor spaces.

RENT OR BUY?

DELIVERY & SET UP

Ah, this question again. You did read the section on Groom’s Attire, didn’t you? The idea is the same, but on a much larger scale. One of the main benefits of renting: storage. Sure, you can buy 15 teal tablecloths, but what are you going to do with them after the wedding? You can take the time to sell them online, but at the end of the day, it may end up being cheaper (and less hassle) to rent them.

Delivery and set-up before the event, and pick-up after the event, are just as important as the rental items themselves. When selecting your venue, think about the items you’ll want to rent and where they will go. This will help you determine how difficult it will be to get the items delivered and set up at the venue. It is also important to have an idea of how long set-up and tear-down will take. This may impact your venue rental time.

Rental companies have an amazing collection of goods they’re more than happy to let you use for your event. Companies that specialize in event rentals have high quality items that are in great shape. These items get cleaned after every event, and are replaced once they start looking less than their best. Remember to order a few more than what you think you will need. It is always better to have extra chairs than to make a guest stand because you don’t have enough. Talk to your vendors, particularly your caterer, about other types of rentals you may need.

Be sure to find out when rental items need to be removed from the venue after the reception and who is responsible for getting them back to the rental company. Assign someone in the bridal party to oversee this task on your wedding day, even if the rental company is responsible for picking up the items. Follow up with your rental company to finalize your rentals two to three months before your wedding.

RENTALS & DECOR

Tables

Party Rentals

Chairs

Tuxedo Rental

Linens

Catering

Tents

Tableware

Decor

Cake Stands

Lighting

Bounce Houses

Flowers

Dance Floor

Bathrooms

Invitations

Draping

www.a1wedding.com 903-463-7709

Magicians Entertainers Decor Balloon Sculptures & More

facebook.com/hilosisters 44

903-267-9054

580-931-9083 info@texomaparties.com www.TexomaParties.com

Lighting by Cadence Studios

LIGHTING If you’re using a DJ, they may bring their own lights for the dance floor, but there are other ways to use lights to add color and ambiance to your wedding. When done well, lighting can make everything look better, from your wedding cake to your guests. Where you celebrate will greatly impact the kind of lighting you’ll need. Before settling on a concept, try to plan a site visit for the same time of day as your wedding—you’ll get a better idea of how much lighting, whether natural or built-in, exists in the space you’re using. Uplighting is one of the more popular wedding lighting options, and for good reason too. The proper placement of uplighting can do wonders and transform even the most basic of spaces into a dramatic room. Uplighting creates a new perspective on familiar items. Architectural features like columns, windows, and ceilings can be lit for ambient effect. Materials like unfinished brick and plaster often look dynamic and beautiful when uplit. This adds a flash of drama that is crucial in an otherwise ordinary space.

TERMS TO KNOW While there are many different types of lighting that can be used, here are the most common types of lighting used for wedding decor. Pin spot: A focused beam of light that shines directly onto an object, like a centerpiece or wedding cake, as a highlight effect. Color wash: Basically a blanket of colored light covering an entire area to create a mood or change the look of built-in décor. Gobos: Circular stencils that are put over a light to project a design or pattern onto a wall, ceiling or floor. Monograms, dates and wedding motifs are popular gobo designs. String lighting: A strand of lights that can create a magical effect (think Christmas or market lights). An installation can be labor-intensive, but the lighting itself is fairly budget-friendly. Uplights: Small lighting units that are placed on the floor around the perimeter of your venue. The lights will illuminate the walls from floor to ceiling with colored light.

Catering by Chef Robert Aranson

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FOR DINNER? From plated dinners to food trucks set up outside the reception venue, the options for feeding your wedding guests are growing every day. We recommend tackling this to-do fairly early in your planning process just because the best caterers tend to book up well in advance. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t assume that your catering costs as are going to be similar to costs at a restaurant. In most cases, it is more expensive because catering is personalized to your tastes. 46

CATERING If your venue comes with a caterer or if you’re using an outside caterer, meet with the person who will be providing food for your wedding. Talk with them about your wedding plans, sample some of the dishes they recommend, and get comfortable that this caterer will truly treat your guests well. Most caterers will offer a few selections for you to try to get an idea of what they recommend for your event. This tasting is definitely on our list of our favorite things about planning a wedding. A buffet dinner is most likely going to be the most economic way to serve all your wedding guests a good meal without blowing your budget. Interactive food stations set up around the reception room are a trend with weddings right now. These stations are usually hosted by a chef or member of the catering staff to help your guests customize their selections. Having these stations spread out keeps down the line of guests waiting for food. However, one of the quickest ways your catering bill can add up is for the labor your catering company provides to the event. Take a close look at how many servers, chefs, or other staff they have allocated to your event on the invoice, and ask your caterer if there’s any way to cut down those costs. It can be as simple as opting for stationary instead of tray-passed appetizers. Find your caterer at tbgvendors.com/catering

Be sure that you and your new spouse take the time to eat during the reception! You’ve got a night full of dancing and merriment ahead of you so you’re going to need the food!

Catering & Rehearsal Dinners Let Chef Robert make your wedding unforgettable with a custom-designed, made from-scratch meal for you and your guests. 903.821.8115 chefrobertaranson.com

CATERING QUESTIONS TO ASK •

Can you provide examples of suggested menus and prices?

•

Considering our needs and budget, what suggestions do you have?

•

When is the deadline for making menu selections?

•

Are you familiar with our wedding site?

•

Do you have any kitchen requirements?

•

Do you have a minimum? If so, how much?

•

Are tax and gratuities extra?

• •

•

What happens to any leftover food?

•

What are your deposit and cancellation policies?

•

Do you provide staff to serve, refresh the buffet, tidy up used dishes, etc.?

•

Do you supply and serve beverages? Is there an extra fee for this service? Are you licensed to serve alcohol?

•

What is the deadline for the final guest count?

•

Do you provide linens, dishes, cutlery, or other service items? Are there options for me to select?

Does the cost cover set-up before the reception and clean-up following?

•

Are you able to handle special requests such as food allergies, kids menu, etc.?

How long will the food be available to guests?

•

Will you cut the cake and supply plates and forks? Is there an extra fee for this?

UPSCALE DINING... THE WAY IT WAS MEANT TO BE.

CATERING 115 S. TRAVIS ST. SHERMAN, TX 75090 48

REHEARSALS RECEPTIONS 903-892-8409 WWW.FULBELLIS.COM

CATERING

at WinStar Casino

FINE CUISINE EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE PRIVATE EVENTS & CATERINGS 580.276.1484

KirbysSteakhouse.com 49

CATERING FEEDING YOUR VENDORS You should plan to feed any wedding professional who will be there with you at the reception. This includes your photographer, videographer, DJ and band at a minimum. Before you sign contract with your vendors, make sure you understand what the vendor is expecting to be fed. Some vendors are okay with not being served the same meal that guests will receive. Talk to your caterer about what they offer for vendor meals. Sometimes it is included in your catering fee, while other times it is at a lower price than food for your guests, depending on what is offered. When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re confirming your final guest count, be sure to give your caterer the final count for vendor meals, too. Food display by Kirbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Steakhouse

(903) 495-4774 | www.weareontopofit.com

With wedding and event planning, catering and table overlays and decorations, we can make your event perfect! 50

CATERING

SERVING ALCOHOL If you are planning on serving alcohol at your wedding, you will want to bring this up with any venue as you are touring to get an understanding of their policies. Some venues require couples to hire their own bartender and an off duty police officer for security. Others will provide one or the other. If your caterer can offer bartending services, then try to work a deal into your catering package. It may be more economical to supply your own alcohol if your venue allows it, even if they charge a corkage fee. If you’ve ever ordered a drink in a restaurant, you know that mark-ups on alcohol are quite steep, so you’re better off stocking the bar yourself, if that’s an option. The cost of providing alcohol to your guests should not be overlooked or underestimated. Determining your booze budget is the first step in deciding which kind of bar you want to have at your wedding. You want everyone to have fun but serving alcohol at your wedding can easily break the bank without some careful planning in advance. Purchasing alcohol in bulk from Costco or Sam’s is an economical choice for couples who want to be mindful of their alcohol budget. But the costs still add up. One way to minimize alcohol costs is to only serve beer and wine, but if your heart is set on serving liquor, having a signature cocktail or two on your menu is an economical option.

Photography: Gingersnap Stuidos

If an open bar simply doesn’t fit into your budget, there are a few other options you should consider before going straight to a cash bar. You could choose to have an open bar during cocktail hour, then switch to wine and beer only for dinner and dancing. If the cost is still too steep, try to host at least part of the evening, then switch to a cash bar during dancing. If your guests want a third or fourth drink, they’ll be more willing to take out some cash if their first and second drinks were free. This is also an appropriate moment to bring up insurance. Anyone serving alcohol needs to have liability insurance, including your caterer. If your wedding guests leave your party after taking advantage of the open bar and injure themselves, a third party or damage property, you could be held responsible. Liability insurance will minimize how much you’ll have to pay if something goes wrong.

Marriage means sharing the rest of your life with your best friend, knowing that there is always someone by your side, through all the ups and downs, and that you will always have someone who has to laugh at your bad jokes.

Baleigh Creed Photography

STAFF

THE ONE SERVICE YOU DON’T WANT TO FORGET While your party certainly cannot happen without you, there are some other notable people that are necessary beyond an officiant and guests. If your party location or catering package does not include servers, you’ll need to hire wait staff and bartenders. Service staff truly are the heroes of all celebrations. They operate in the background by helping with set up before the event, clearing tables, restocking the food displays during service, and cleaning up at the end. If you haven’t made arrangements with your caterer or planner/coordinator, they can also be tasked with cutting and distributing the cake to your guests. Certified bar staff should be hired to serve any alcoholic beverages to guests. This includes specialty drinks, mixed drinks, beer and wine. They will keep the area clean and help manage guest consumption. When interviewing bartending companies, you will want to verify that the staff will stay with the alcohol at ALL times until it is released to an individual of the wedding party at the end of the evening. They should also be TABC Certified, part of the American Bartending Association and fully insured. The great thing about event staffing companies is that they can often fulfill all of your event staffing needs. An expert event staffing company can help you identify your needs based on the number of guests, venue, and event type. We normally recommend the industry standard of 1 member of staff per 10-12 guests for a plated dinner or 1 member of staff for every 30 guests for passed items like hors d’oeuvres.

Server Staff & Bartending Company www.servicegemevents.com 53

A BEGINNERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GUIDE TO WEDDING INVITATIONS

Photo by The Carter Collective 54

While most aspects of your wedding don’t follow a strict set of rules, your invitations do. However, keep in mind that knowing the rules and proper etiquette will also give you the tools and knowledge to bend them just a little to suit your needs. The presentation of information on your invitations can vary widely based on your style, colors and theme but all the basic pieces still need to be there. Although subtle, your invitation is the first clue that your guests will get as to the formality of your wedding. A traditional letter press printed invitation with simple colors and addressed with calligraphy would be used for a wedding that is more formal in nature, whereas a square invitation with a playful font and bright colors would fit a more casual celebration. Regardless of design, many couples still use formal wording on their invitations. The lifetime commitment you’re making in front of your family and friends is a significant event, and most couples approach the ceremony with decorum. You should also be mindful of the costs associated with mailing non-standard sized envelopes. Post offices have machines that can only process certain envelope sizes, generally rectangles that are a minimum of 3.5 by 5 inches to a maximum of 6.125 by 11 inches. If your envelopes are a non-standard shape, for example square, you may end up paying a surcharge, usually around 20 cents per envelope, for hand-processing.

Keep in mind that the size of your guest list does not equal the number of invitations you will be sending out. Don’t make the mistake of ordering double, or even triple the number of invitations because you didn’t pay attention.

“CAN’T I JUST SEND OUT AN E-VITE OR CREATE A FACEBOOK EVENT?” We know putting on a wedding is expensive, and sending invitations via email or another internet platform is basically free. Most etiquette gurus still recommend paper wedding invitations. They tend to set the tone, establish expectations and specifically state who is invited to the wedding. This can be hard to do with electronic invitations. There are also a large number of places you can purchase pre-designed invitations and print them at home to help stretch your budget.

Find your stationer at tbgvendors.com/invitations

BUYING POSTAGE Before purchasing stamps, take an assembled invitation to the post office and have it weighed. Inserts can add additional weight, or unusually shaped envelopes will require extra postage. Skipping this step could result in your invitations being returned for insufficient postage. This would throw your entire timeline off because the invitations would arrive late, plus you’d have to purchase new envelopes, re-address them and purchase the correct postage to send them out again. Take our advice, and get your envelopes weighed. Once you are sure you know how much it will cost in postage to mail your invitations, you can look in to purchasing wedding-themed stamps. It’s certainly not required, regular stamps will work, but adds a special touch to your envelopes! 55

INVITATIONS THE ANATOMY OF A WEDDING INVITATION The wording on your wedding invitation should reflect the formality, location, and hosts of your wedding. There are many different approaches-- simple, traditional, and even fun -- that allow you to express the type of event your guests can expect. Our advice is to come up with wording that makes sense to you and your partner, and causes minimal conflicts with your family. THE HOST LINE: As the opening of your invitation, this is where you specify who is throwing the party. INVITATION: This is where you let people know what is going on. “The honor of your presence” is only used if the ceremony is taking place in a house of worship. “The pleasure of your company” is used in all other venues. Depending on how you wish to word the invitation, this line and the name line can switch. NAMES: This lets your guests know who is getting married. Traditionally, the bride’s name goes first, and only the first and middle names are printed followed by the groom’s full name on a different line. But the rules are changing, and it is up to you what you put here. If you’re slightly embarrassed by your middle name, leave it off. CEREMONY INFORMATION: This is the crucial part of the invitation. This lets your guests know the date, time and location of your wedding. It is useful to list the address of the venue, but sometimes this is excluded. RECEPTION INFORMATION: If your reception is in the same location as your ceremony, your job is easy. Just include ‘Reception to Follow’ on your invitation. This lets your guests know they won’t have to drive anywhere following the ceremony. However, if your ceremony and reception are at two different locations, you just need to add a couple extra words to your invitation, for example ‘Reception immediately following the ceremony,’ and include the name of the reception venue. We also recommend including an insert with directions to the venue, as well as providing your guests with maps from the ceremony to the reception venue at the ceremony.

Although there are many ways to create invitations, some things never change. For example, you should not include your gift registry information on your save the dates or invitations. Your family and wedding party can fill in any inquisitive guests, and you can also put in on your personal wedding website if you have one. Speaking of wedding websites, it is perfectly acceptable to put the link on your save the dates, just not your invitations.

INVITATIONS

NAMES

THE HOST LINE INVITATION CEREMONY INFORMATION RECEPTION INFORMATION

THE HOST LINE INVITATION NAMES

CEREMONY INFORMATION

RECEPTION INFORMATION

INVITATIONS ENVELOPES It may seem strange, but you’ll need two envelopes for your invitations. The outer envelope is for mailing purposes, and the inner envelope holds your invitation ensemble. The outer envelope is formally addressed only to those who are invited to attend the wedding, but the inner envelope is a bit less formal and includes just the first names of invited guests. Just like for every other part of your wedding, there are some recommendations when dealing with the outer envelope: •

Address each envelope by hand, and pay special attention to spelling, addresses and handwriting

•

Your guests’ names should be written out in full, using their titles such as “Mr.” and “Ms.”

•

Spell out all the words in the address

•

Spell out all house numbers that are less than 20

•

The return address should go on the back flap of the envelope, and can be handwritten, embossed or stamped

•

RSVPs and gifts will most likely be sent to the return address on the invitation envelope

•

Self-address the return envelope for the RSPV, don’t rely on your guests to do this for you. Always include a postage stamp with the reply card.

Modern brides are turning to online RSVP systems to capture the responses of their guests. Be mindful of the guests you are inviting and their level of comfort with technology and offer other ways for them to respond.

TIMING Ideally, you should send your wedding invitations eight weeks before your wedding. This gives your guests plenty of time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements. Request that RSVP’s be returned by two to three weeks before the wedding. This allows you to know how many guests to expect before crunch time! If you’re having a destination wedding, give your guests more time to make arrangements by mailing invitations three months before the wedding. If you’re sending out save the dates, mail them six to eight months before the wedding so that calendars can be marked and there will be no surprises when the actual invitations arrive. Just make sure that everyone who receives a save the date also receives an invitation. 58

INVITATIONS THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RSVP As the RSVP’s start pouring in, you will want to have a system developed to keep track of them! Make sure to note how many guests confirm their attendance because your vendors will want an accurate headcount a few days before the wedding. If serving a plated meal, include food options on your RSVP cards so that guests can make their selection. Tracking the number of guests is especially important if you’re paying for cake or food per person. Before you mail your invitations, count and number your guest list and assign each RSVP card a number accordingly. If a guest forgets to fill out the line for their name before returning it to you, the number on the card will help you know who has RSVP’d and who hasn’t! Be careful not to make the numbering too obvious. If you want to make things easier for your guests, consider pre-addressing and stamping your RSVP cards! If you’re still missing a few response cards at the deadline, go ahead and place some calls. It’s easy to get annoyed and frustrated at the lack of response, but don’t let that show. Politely ask if they’ll be attending, reminding them that the vendors need to know the number of guests by a certain date. Remember that it never fails that you will end up with an unexpected guest or two, so we recommend adding a few additional people to your head count if you can’t get in touch with everyone.

PLAN WITH THE TEXOMA BRIDE GUIDE

Feeling overwhelmed and out of place in the wedding space? In addition to comprehensive wedding planning guides and this magazine, we also provide wedding planning coaching services. We can help guide you through the process and give you tips and tricks to succeed on your big day.

TexomaBrideGuide.com

Cake by Bite Me Bakery

THE PERFECT CAKE FOR YOU Cake is the traditional wedding dessert, with everyone waiting with baited breath to see if the groom is going to smash the cake all over his new wife’s face, but there is no rule anywhere that says you must serve cake. Many couples who want to serve a wedding cake alternative, yet still want the traditional cake cutting, will order a small cutting cake for the reception. Not really a cake person? Serve pie. Love ice cream? Set up a make-your-own sundae bar. Remember, this is your special day, everything about it should reflect you and your fiancé.

THE CONSULTATION As you browse Pinterest and wedding sites looking at cake designs, start to gather inspiration. Take a close look at the cake designs that resonate the most with you. Are you in love with the idea of a rustic buttercream cake decorated with fresh flowers, or does an ornate cake covered in fondant make you sigh? To help you decide which bakeries to visit, look at their websites and social media to see what aligns the most with what you are looking for. When you meet with the bakers, bring along pictures of the designs you like, and even pictures of those you don’t. We recommend booking your cake designer about six months before your wedding. If you are feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list, you can wait until up to three months before. The best bakers will fill up months in advanced, especially during the busy wedding season. Designers aren’t mind readers and this will help them get a clear understanding of the look you’re going for. Don’t expect them to copy the design outright. Allow them artistic license to incorporate your personalities and their creativity into the final product.

HOW MUCH CAKE DO I NEED? Wedding cakes are typically priced per person and serving sizes are typically 1” x 2” in size. Work with your baker to determine what you’ll need, but these numbers will give you an idea of what to expect based on the number of people on your guest list.

SQUARE CAKES

ROUND CAKES

6”: 18 servings 8”: 32 servings 10”: 40 servings 12”: 72 servings

6”: 10 servings 8”: 28 servings 10”: 42 servings 12”: 56 servings

CAKES DO I HAVE TO SERVE CAKE?

PICKING YOUR CAKE FLAVORS

Not at all! If you don’t want to serve cake at your wedding, follow your heart and don’t. Whether it’s to keep costs down, because you don’t have a sweet tooth, would rather serve up doughnuts instead or really any other reason, it’s your celebration. There’s no reason to designate a chunk of your budget toward something you don’t see as a crucial part of your wedding day.

Arguably, one of the most fun parts of planning a wedding is the cake tasting appointment. (Appointments if you’re lucky!)

The great thing is, skipping the wedding cake doesn’t mean your party has to be a dessert-free zone. The sky is the limit when it comes to desserts for your wedding. Serve yourself dessert and popcorn bars are quite popular, or bringing in a local confectioner to make custom treats on the spot is a great idea and always a crowd pleaser. Don’t think you have to miss out on the traditional cake-cutting photo opp just because you aren’t serving wedding cake. Slice into a pie or share bites of your favorite cupcake. If that’s not your style, swap it out for a celebratory toast, linked arms and all. Find something that reflects you and your fiance.

When you meet with prospective bakers, you will get to taste lots of flavors and filling combinations. The most important thing about your cake is that it tastes good. There’s no possible way you’ll please everyone at your wedding, so focus on cake flavors that make your mouth water, and don’t let others’ preferences drive you insane. If you can’t decide (or agree!) on just one flavor, there is nothing wrong with mixing it up and having different flavor layers in your cake. This may even surprise and delight your reception guests who will want to try a bite of everything! You don’t want to pair things that are too wildly different, but talk with the baker about your preferences.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with Texoma’s best bakers at tbgvendors.com/cakes

QUESTIONS TO ASK •

How much experience do you have making wedding cakes, and will you be the one creating our cake?

•

Can we schedule a tasting?

•

Do you lend, rent, or sell cake knives, cake plates, flatware, etc.?

•

What is your policy on returning any rentals or extras? What if something gets damaged?

•

Are we required to provide the cake stand/pillars?

•

Will you deliver and set-up? Is there an extra charge for this?

•

What is the cost per serving?

•

How far ahead do we need to order our cake?

•

What is your deposit policy?

•

When is the balance due?

•

Can you make a groom's cake?

•

Will you provide a written contract for us to sign outlining the costs and details of the cake?

CAKES

CAKES FROSTING As you browse the cakes online, take note of some of the different styles that you like. Bakers can do amazing things when it comes to decorating cakes-- a simple and elegant white frosted cake with white details or an elaborately carved cake covered in fondant with jewel embellishments made from sugar and gumpaste flowers that look real. Your imagination, and budget, are the limits! Simple cake designs are the least expensive. The more complicated the cake design, the higher the price tag. Fondant icing is more expensive than buttercream, and if you want elaborate molded shapes, vibrant colors, or handmade sugar-flower detailing, you’ll pay for the cake designer’s labor. Also consider the weather and time of year. If you’re having an outdoor reception, stay away from whipped cream, meringue and buttercream becasue they melt easily. Ask your baker about summer icing options. Here are some of the more popular types of frostings and how they are used:

Cake by Bon Appetit Y’all

BUTTERCREAM Buttercream frosting can be made in a variety of flavors and is usually piped onto cakes using different sized and shaped tips. A layer of buttercream is applied as the base, and then decorations are added on top. It does not do well in the heat, and works best on cakes that are a simple shape.

Cake by Sug-Ah Sweets & Confectioneries

FONDANT Fondant is a very smooth, matte icing that givescakes a flawless, porcelain finish. It is also used for ribbons and swags, and can be cut into different shapes to be used as appliqués or textured using a variety of different tools. It is usually more expensive than buttercream and not as tasty.

CAKES CUTTING THE CAKE Cake cutting is one of the highlights of the wedding reception. It usually is the first act performed as a married couple, and the beginning of your new life together. Along with the symbolism, the cutting of the cake traditionally serves as a segue from dining to dancing. Older guests will usually wait until after the toasts and cake cutting before saying their goodbyes. When it comes time to cut the cake, the bride stands closest to the cake with the groom behind her. With both of your hands on the cake knife, cut a small wedge out of the bottom tier of the cake and place it onto a plate. Remember to cut the bottom tier because the top tier is too unstable for a good first cut and you may topple the cake! Speaking of the top tier, it’s a long-standing tradition for the bride and groom to save the top tier of their wedding cake for their first anniversary. Let your baker and caterer know of your plans in advance so it doesn’t get served. Most couples opt to slice the groom’s cake immediately after cutting the wedding cake, and serving slices alongside pieces of the wedding cake so guests have a choice of flavors. If both cakes are large enough, you could offer a plate with slices of each cake, or place one flavor on each plate and let your guests choose what they’d prefer. A detail that is often overlooked is what happens to the cake after you and your new spouse cut it. Make sure you know who is going to be responsible for cutting and serving the wedding cake after it is cut. It could be your catering staff or wedding coordinator and it’s usually complimentary, but not always.

Cake:The Frosted Shoppe Photography: Gingersnap Stuidos Venue: Rustic Grace Estate

Don’t forget to make sure there are additional plates and silverware for serving your guests!

Satisfy your sweet tooth with Texoma’s best bakers at tbgvendors.com/cakes

CAKES GROOM’SCAKE

WAYS TO SAVE ON THE COST OF YOUR WEDDING CAKE

Did you know that the groom’s cake is mostly a Southern tradition? That’s right…go to a wedding up north and you may not see a groom’s cake. That can be a bummer, because often the groom’s cake is chocolate! Here’s a fun bit of useless trivia: In the mid-1800’s, cake was sent home with guests as their wedding favor. Female guests would put their piece of cake under their pillow and dream of their future hubby. That’s the reason this is called a groom’s cake. In our modern times, the groom’s cake is usually a gift from the bride to the groom and designed to represent the groom’s career, personality or interests. As with all aspects of your wedding, this tradition is completely optional, so don’t feel pressured to order one. However, we love it when the bride surprises the groom with his own special cake.

When it comes to ways to save money on your wedding cake, there are two options that come up most often. The first is to have the cake of your dreams made with fake layers. Essentially, your cake will be made of foam and only a tiny part will be real cake for the cutting ceremony. Since the cost of your cake is determined more by the decorations on the outside than the cake on the inside, this really isn’t going to save you much in the long run. You’re still paying for the labor required to decorate the cake. The easiest way to save on the cost of your wedding cake is to order a small, elaborately decorated cake and several sheet cakes. You will display and cut the small beautiful cake, but after the cutting ceremony, the cake will be removed to the kitchen and the cut sheet cakes will be passed among your guests. Once the cake is cut, it all looks the same so no one will be the wiser.

Custom Cakes Iced Sugar Cookies Cake Pops And More

(903) 328-9928 1226 South Austin Avenue Denison, Texas 75021 www.TheFrostedShoppe.com

facebook.com/Bitingmeatthebakery krazykakesbykris@yahoo.com FORMERLY KRAZY KAKES BY KRIS

Get Soci al

  TXOM  ABRI DEG



us on

socia

l med

ia for

UIDE

wedd

ing pl

annin

READ WED Y TO GET DING IN PLAN TO THE NING We p ut MOO our fa together a D v

g adv

ice

Spotif ? orite Tune w in, tur edding an y playlist w n it up ith so d love m , and let’s g themed so e of Find it e ngs. t to p at spo lannin ti.fi/2 g! hGs3 Dt

photo by Baleigh Creed Photography 68

FIVE THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING WEDDING FLOWERS Choosing your wedding flowers may seem simple at first but, much like wedding planning in general, things can get stressful and out of hand fast. Just like the rest of wedding planning in general, remember to keep your priorities in order. If you keep the following five things in mind when planning your flowers, the rest should fall more easily into place. BUDGET Flowers can get expensive quickly, so make sure to establish a budget with your florist right off the bat. Your budget will be the biggest influence not just on how many arrangements you will have, but also the types of flowers you can afford to put in them. Keep in mind that certain flowers are only available during certain seasons, and can be quite pricey at any other time. Additionally, there are some flowers that just are expensive by nature - such as flowers that must be imported. You should also consider the number of arrangements youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need. Remember to consider who will be receiving and/or carrying flowers, as well as floral arrangements for both the ceremony and the reception. These can be numerous and include things like altar flowers, aisle arrangements, sweetheart or head table decorations, and centerpieces. Get a guest count to your florist so you can work out a good number together.

FLOWERS

LOCATION

STYLE

The location of your wedding can impact your wedding flowers in many ways, including things like cost, style, and the size and number of arrangements. Some ceremony venues, such as churches, have specific restrictions and parameters you must follow. Other venues, like gardens, are highly floral or decorative on their own and don’t need many additions. Likewise - reception venues can be overly stark and require a lot of flowers, while others may be ornamental or themed and only require accents. If you have your ceremony and reception in the same space, that can require an entirely different strategy altogether.

The style of your wedding has a great deal of influence on your floral arrangements because you want your ceremony and reception to look cohesive. For a sophisticated affair, consider elegant rose bouquets and dramatic centerpieces. If it’s a rustic, outdoor venue, your floral arrangements can be more free-flowing and less structured. Additionally, make sure that the vessels and embellishments you’re using match the feel of your wedding. Huge rhinestones and peacock feathers don’t usually go with rustic or bohemian blossoms - unless, of course, you’re going for a more unique or artistic wedding style.

Nothing smells as sweet as fresh flowers. Find our favorite Texoma area florists at tbgvendors.com/flowers

Hannah’s Florist

Q 225 S. Travis St. Sherman, TX 75090 (903) 893-8171

hannahsfloristbytj.com 70

COLOR If you want your wedding flower arrangements to match your colors exactly, consider bringing paint or fabric swatches for your florist to see. Describe other key decor items like your table linens and china so that the florist can understand the style you’re going for. Keep in mind that pastel and brightly-colored flowers will be more available in the spring and summer, while deeper, jewel-toned blossoms will be available in the fall and winter. If you want to have a light, colorful wedding with lots of bright flowers, having it in the spring would increase the accessibility of your desired flowers while keeping costs down.

Florals, Styling & Photography: The Carter Collective Venue: The Pointe

SEASON In order to create the best aesthetic possible, you’ll want to match your wedding flowers to the season. In addition to keeping costs down, you can avoid any (unintentionally) strange combinations that might raise some eyebrows. While you shouldn’t sacrifice your dream wedding, some flowers just make more sense than others. For instance, you probably don’t want to have pinecones and poinsettias at a summer garden wedding, and you might not want bright wildflowers at an elegant winter wedding. Additionally, seasonal availability is an important consideration. Some flowers are seasonal, but some are available year-round, Greenery is also always available, and it looks great with or without flowers.

Vine & Branches Floral & Decor Gainesville, TX

940-612-1829

vineandbranchesgainesville.com 71

FLOWERS

(469) 200-5254 www.fullbloom.shop

116 Rose Lane, Suite 103 Frisco, Texas 75036

FLOWER PRESERVATION Flowers are a classic, beautiful form of decoration - and, let’s face it - you will put in a lot of time and effort into making sure your wedding flowers are perfect for you and your partner’s big day. Whether you’re a sentimental bride who wants to keep the memory alive, or a practical bride who wants to get the most bang for your buck out of your bridal floral investment, you should think about preserving your wedding flowers. Don’t wait until the week before the wedding - or worse, while you’re at the reception - to make up your mind on whether or not you want to preserve your wedding bouquet and/or other wedding flowers. Decide now so that you can budget money and time to the process so that it’s done properly. If you are going to preserve your flowers but still want to do a bouquet toss, then you will need to plan on having a separate toss bouquet. There are many, many ways to display your wedding flowers, and what kinds of displays you like will often determine the type of preservation you can perform. Do you want to frame your flowers and hang them on a wall, or do you want them to act as a sort of centerpiece or type of table decoration? If you’re having trouble deciding on a type of display for your wedding flowers, think instead about where you have space to display them. 72

RINGS

WITH THIS RING

photo by Miranda Marrs Photography

When browsing the jewelry stores in search for your wedding band, keep your lifestyle in mind. Do you or your fiancé have jobs that require you to get your hands dirty, or do you enjoy weight lifting in your free time? Maybe your jewelry tastes are simple and you don’t want to wear your engagement ring everyday. You don’t have to get your wedding and engagement bands soldered together, there is nothing wrong with wearing your engagement ring for special occasions (or when you want to feel fancy!). The metal you choose for your wedding ring can be picked for fashion reasons or can be based on lifestyle and desired durability. Spend a little time getting to know your metals, but feel free to mix and match metals, settings and decorations. Gold in any of its variations, such as yellow gold, rose gold, or white gold, is the most popular choice of metal for

wedding rings, and has a very classic look to it. However, it is a softer metal and will bend or scratch more easily than some of the other metals. Platinum bands are the most expensive of the commonly used metals. The hardness of the metal makes them durable, and they are naturally hypo-allergenic which makes them a great choice for people with skin sensitivities. Alternative metals such as titanium look trendy and are at a nice price point. Tungsten is also a popular option for men’s rings since its hardness makes it resistant to scratching. That same level of hardness also means that it won’t bend, but it will break or crack if enough force is applied to it, kind of like a diamond. However, most jewelers aren’t able to work with alternative metals like titanium, so your ring cannot be repaired or resized as easily. Keep that in mind when making your selections.

photo by Cromer & Co. 74

PHOTOGRAPHY

WHY WE LOVE ENGAGEMENT SHOOTS, AND YOU WILL TOO You’re engaged! This is a time filled with anticipation, joy and love. With everything that is going on in your lives, capturing and celebrating this special moment in your lives often gets overlooked. Some couples may feel it’s a waste of time or isn’t necessary, but there are many valuable reasons why you should have engagement photos taken. Despite the naysayers, we’re pro-engagement shoot. We’re champions of preserving this chapter of your life forever. These photos aren’t for today, but for the rest of your lives and beyond. Imagine being able to open up an album many years down the road, and have those memories and feelings come rushing back. And to be able to say to generations to come, “This is us at the beginning of our love.” Beyond capturing the memories of engagement, your engagement shoot is an opportunity for you to get to know your wedding photographer before your big day. Most of us don’t take professional photos on a regular basis. Your engagement session can be a time for you to build a relationship with the photographer and learn more about what to expect when it comes to photography on your big day. During the session, your photographer will have an opportunity to learn more about you -- how you and your fiancé met, your proposal story, more about you as individuals. You and your fiancé will get to learn more about your photographer and their style. You’ll also get an idea of poses you’ll be doing on your wedding day, and most importantly, how to be comfortable in front of the camera. Plus, you’ll get some amazing photos of you and your fiancé! You can use these photos for Save-the-Dates if you’re sending them, or for your engagement announcement in a local newspaper. You can even have them printed and hang them on the wall in your house. And this doesn’t just apply to engagement shoots. Bridal portraits and even boudoir shoots serve a similar purpose. They capture a moment in time that will be gone before you know it. Except we don’t recommend using your boudoir photos for your Save-the-Dates. Some photographers include an engagement shoot as part of their wedding packages. If your photographer doesn’t, consider the long term benefits of ask about adding an engagement shoot to the package you’re considering.

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY: WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR WEDDING DAY 76

Hannah Hix, photographer in action 77

PHOTOGRAPHY

DETAIL SHOTS

GETTING READY

THE FIRST LOOK

Your photographer will show up a few hours before your ceremony to capture shots of you and your bridesmaids getting ready, and to get detail shots of all the elements that go into your day. It is worth making time for the photographer to take these pictures because these detail shots are an important part of your story.

After the detail shots, it’s time for the bride to get dressed. Everyone assisting will want to be fully dressed at this point so the bride can be the center of attention. Once the dress is zipped, buttoned, or laced, the rest of the details, such as jewelry, veil, and shoes, will be photographed as you put them on. If time allows, you can squeeze in a few bridal portraits.

Most couples are doing first look shoots these days, and we love them. It is such a lovely, private moment when the couple get to see each other before the ceremony, and we love seeing the reaction shots of the grooms when they first see their brides! If you can afford it, this is a great opportunity for two photographers - one trained on each of you.

RECEPTION DETAILS

THE CEREMONY

THE RECEPTION

If the reception is at the same location as the ceremony, your photographer will be able to get detail shots of the reception space once your guests start arriving and the bridal party hides before the ceremony. If the reception is at a different venue, most photographers recommend having a cocktail hour outside of the reception area so the photographer can take photos of the untouched reception space before guests start arriving.

When it’s time for the ceremony to start, your photographer will be there to capture all the details, with the most important being the first kiss as a married couple! Following the ceremony is a great chance to take family portraits. It is best to save the majority of these until after the ceremony because all family members will be present at that time.

Based on the wedding package selected, the photographer will offer you a set number of hours. When planning your reception’s timeline, consider how much of the photographer’s time will be left to capture the highlights of the reception. In addition to the cake-cutting and first dance, some couples plan a faux exit with just the bridal party and a few select guests to capture that moment before the photographer’s time is up.

PHOTOGRAPHY

THE FIRST LOOK EXPLAINED A fi rst look photo session can be an amazing part of your wedding day! The goal is to capture the raw emotion of the couple seeing each other for the fi rst time, away from family and friends. If you're not sure about this break from tradition, let us explain why it would be a romantic addition to your wedding day celebration that not only adds to the experience but reduces stress as well! Some of the biggest reservations around the first look are about capturing the reaction. We often hear, “I want my partner to cry when they see me walking down the aisle” or “Having a first look might lessen their reaction at the ceremony.” Most couples don’t realize that when you come down the aisle and see your partner for the first time, there isn’t really a moment for each of you to talk, touch, or embrace. You have to wait until after the ceremony is over, and the reaction just isn’t the same. Now, imagine the scene: a private placemaybe outdoors or in a nice room- no people, no on-lookers, no distractions, just the two of you (and your photographer). You approach your partner from behind, gently tap them on the shoulder and watch their face as they turn around and finally get a first look at you. Not only do you get to get a good look at each other, but you can embrace, cry, laugh, kiss, whatever

comes to you in the moment and really enjoy your private time together. A practical consideration of adding a first look shoot is that you’ll receive 30-40% more portraits of the two of you and those are the images you will decorate your first home with. It also allows you to extend your wedding celebration. Normally the wedding day would start when you come down the aisle, then the ceremony would end, you would rush through portraits so you’re not late for the introductions and then it’s reception time. With a first look. your wedding day is extended by several hours! The walk down the aisle, and the first time you see your partner is still an amazingly powerful moment, and something you’ll remember forever, but if you’ve had a first look, and you’ll both be much more relaxed. Instead, the pressure will be off and you’ll both be able to enjoy the ceremony. The nerves will be gone and when nerves are gone, true emotions are free to be expressed!

photos by Michaels Photography 79

PHOTOGRAPHY

www.gsnapstudios.com (903) 271-4936 (903) 815-5558

WWW.CROMERANDCO.COM 80

(580) 916-2465

PHOTOGRAPHY

www.kaleynicolephotography.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

www.photosbymichaels.com Find your wedding photographer at tbgvendors.com/photography

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so much more to know! Download our free Wedding Photo & Video Guide for more wedding photography and videography tips and tricks. texomabrideguide.com

(903) 815-4444 82

www.baleighcreedphoto.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

WHAT IS BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY? PLANNING THE PHOTOSHOOT Planning a boudoir shoot can be a fun way to indulge and take some time out from wedding planning. Just like a bridal portrait session, it is worth investing in the details like hair, makeup, nails and even a spray tan. It’s also important to choose outfits that make you feel confident and sexy. If you bring in outfits too far outside your comfort zone, you may struggle with being comfortable and it will show in your face and body language in the resulting photos. To prepare for the session, you can do a bit of searching on the internet for poses you might like to try, but a good boudoir photographer will have some suggestions of their own.

MORE THAN NUDITY Boudoir photography is becoming more and more popular, with photo shoots and boudoir albums making excellent wedding day gifts for your future husband. “Boudoir” is the French word for a lady’s private dressing room or bedroom and in photography terms, boudoir photography is a style in which women pose for photographs partially clothed or in lingerie. The photos are tasteful and nudity is typically implied rather than explicit. That means you’re not wearing much of anything, but you’re also not showing off anything either. Boudoir photographers are masters of creating elegant, sensual and classy images of you in your lingerie. As with your wedding photographer, finding a boudoir photographer that you are completely at ease with is important, or the session won’t be worth it. When you start speaking with potential candidates, think about how relaxed and at ease you are with them.

photos by Hannah Hix, Photographer

THREE EASY WAYS TO ENTERTAIN YOUR GUESTS Photo booth props by Platinum Events Company

As more couples move away from favors and takeaways, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re focused on creating a memorable experience for their guests with entertainment taking the main stage. Literally. Instead of hiring one form of entertainment, like a DJ or a band, couples are hiring several different performers to provide a variety throughout the reception. From experiential theater performers (think fire breathers or trapeze artists) and roaming sketch artist or live painters, to tarot card readers, astrologist, and magicians, couples are pulling out all the stops to create an interactive, unforgettable night that reflects who they are. 84

ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE KIDS

FIREWORKS

Many couples can’t imagine planning a wedding without all the little ones in their lives there. Here are a few ways to make sure the little kids at your wedding have just as much fun as the big kids:

One way to wow your guests is with fireworks -- and it doesn’t have to be at the end of the reception. Fireworks choreographed with your first kiss as a married couple, or with your pronouncement as husband and wife, are a great way to celebrate your marriage.

• • • • • • •

Ask the DJ to play a few kid friendly songs that everyone can enjoy Provide kid friendly snacks Kids table with crayons and wedding themed activity booklet Create a kid friendly centerpiece using things that can be played with such as blocks Kids only tent with books and games Consider hiring someone to help watch the kids so their parents can enjoy the festivities Kid friendly wedding favors such as bubbles, glow sticks, or chalk

A simple sparkler send-off, or a full show at the end of the evening, will be something that your guests will always remember, and it’s a great finale to your wedding. Be sure to check with your venue and local by-laws to make sure fireworks are something you can do! Hiring a professional can make it easier to obtain the proper permits and insurance that are required.

View the best Texoma area musicians at tbgvendors.com/music

PHOTO BOOTH Photo booths are becoming popular at weddings because of their simplicity and appeal to all age groups. They’re also a great alternative to a traditional guest book. You can rent a photo booth or make it yourself, but just make sure that it reflects your style! Most photo booth rentals come with props, custom designed photo strips, and an attendant. If you’re doing it yourself, incorporate your wedding colors and themes into the booth to bring it all together! Use a chalkboard to write out the instructions in different fonts for a fun carnival wedding, or set up a wall and decorate it with delicate flowers and chairs for a garden wedding. In order to ensure that people take advantage of the photo booth, lead by example. Hop in there with your new spouse and take some pictures! Your guests will love interacting with you and will make some memories of their own.

Mobile DJ Photo Booth Photography 10% OFF WHEN YOU COMBINE MOBILE DJ AND P H OTO B O OT H PAC K AG E S

(903) 647-9739 PlatinumEventsCompany.com

CREATING THE ATMOSPHERE There are quite a few options when it comes to the music you’ll be playing at your wedding. When touring venues, it’s a good idea to talk with the venue manager about what type of music typically works best for the space. Things like electricity for a DJ or space for a band or musicians will be important when it comes time for the event. Choose one or more music options based on what will fit your budget, wedding style, and desired wedding vibe.

Strings: This is a popular option for ceremonies, and can also be used for music at the cocktail hour or dinner. Soloists: A soloist at your wedding ceremony will make it feel intimate and memorable. Hire a singer, or ask a talented friend or family member to sing a song that’s special to you. DJ: If your reception venue has limited space, you should use a DJ. They don’t use up as much space as a band and usually cost less, making them a good way to save money while still providing a great wedding experience. Band: Bands provide a unique experience, and the energy of a live performance is hard to beat. If you’re willing to spend a little more money and have the extra space, a band is the way to go. Playlist: If a band or DJ is outside of your budget, and you want to truly personalize your wedding, make your own playlist. You can rent a sound system and ask a friend to supervise. Just make sure the music appeals to everyone! 86

MUSIC

CEREMONY MUSIC Ceremony music has a reputation for being boring and slow, but that doesn’t have to be true for your wedding! Choose musicians that will express the feeling of your wedding through their sound and music selections. Most wedding ceremony musicians are strings and soloists, typically performing traditional music. If you and your fiancé want something unique and that will show your personality as a couple, consider asking your ceremony performers to do an acoustic cover of a song you like. Musicians: Four Strings

Wedding guests will begin arriving about 30 minutes before the ceremony starts, but the wait will seem a lot longer if they have to wait around in silence. Schedule your ceremony musicians to start playing no later than 20 minutes before the ceremony is set begin.

There are several parts of the ceremony that traditionally have their own music: •

Keep in mind that some churches have restrictions on secular music, so if your ceremony is being held in a church, ask your officiant about the types of songs that can be acceptable.

The prelude is the music played while people are gathering a half hour or so before the ceremony.

•

The ceremony begins with the seating of special guests and grandparents, followed by the seating of the mothers.

•

The processional starts when the pastor and the groom and groomsmen proceed to the front and the bridesmaids make their way down the aisle.

•

Then it is the bride’s turn to make a grand entrance.

•

There may be special moments during your ceremony such as the lighting of the unity candle or a solo after a prayer.

•

It’s time for the recessional and your grand exit!

View the best Texoma area musicians at tbgvendors.com/music

MUSIC

accent lighting

photography

903.891.4104 88

photo booth videography

cadencestudiostx.com

MUSIC RECEPTION MUSIC The reception is usually two parts: eating and dancing. Background music is typically played during dinner so your guests can visit and enjoy their meal. The background music will continue during the toasts and cake cutting, if these are part of your timeline. You may also have special songs played during the traditional dances you have planned. As the evening progresses, the music will transition from background to main event. Your DJ or band will play popular songs, both fast and slow, to encourage your guests to get up and dance. If you are working with a DJ, you will be able to wait until about a month before your wedding day to make your music selections. This will ensure that the DJ has enough time to make sure the songs are downloaded. However, working with a live band will require a bit more planning. If the songs you’re wanting played at your wedding aren’t already part of their regular rotation, the band will have to learn and rehearse them so they will be perfect for your big day.

THE TRADITIONAL DANCES Most couples seem to have a special song, one that has significance in their lives. That song is what should be played for your first dance as husband and wife. That or another song that is special and unique to you as a couple, not just a random song from a list you found on the internet. If you don’t want to dance by yourselves for the entire length of the song, work out a cue with your DJ so they know when to invite other guests to join you on the dance floor, or to move on to the next activity of the evening. FIRST DANCE SONGS “Thinking Out Loud” - Ed Sheeran “I Can’t Wait (Be My Wife)” - Runner Runner “You Are The Best Thing” - Ray LaMontagne “A Thousand Years” - Christina Perry Remember that the parent dances are the one part of the reception that is not about the bride and groom. While some couples might not want to include parent dances in their big day, we encourage you to let your parents decide as it is their moment. FATHER/DAUGHTER DANCE SONGS “I Loved Her First” - Heartland “My Girl” - Temptations “My Little Girl” - Tim McGraw “Cinderella” - Steven Curtis Chapman MOTHER/SON DANCE SONGS “A Mother’s Song” - T Carter Music “What A Wonderful World” - Louis Armstrong “I Hope You Dance” - Lee Ann Womack “Simple Man” - Lynrd Skynyrd or Shinedown

venue: Bethel Ranch

WHAT’S YOUR HONEYMOON STYLE? No matter what you and your fiancé like to do, the honeymoon of your dreams will be the perfect way to celebrate your new life together. Are you and your fiancé the type of people who love spend your vacation relaxing on the beach and soaking up the sun? Or do you love exploring new locations and cultures? Regardless of your vacation style, there is a honeymoon destination just for you! We have many amazing places worth exploring here in the United States, so you don’t have to travel far to find what you’re looking for. However, honeymoons are a great opportunity to explore the wider world around us. Don’t feel like you have to leave for your honeymoon trip immediately following the wedding. Many couples choose to spend the day after their wedding with their friends and family who have travelled to witness their marriage. A simple brunch at the hotel where most guests are staying or at a local restaurant is a great way to visit with wedding guests you may not have been able to spend time with at the reception. Some couples even choose to wait a couple of months before leaving on their honeymoon. Traditionally, the groom plans and pays for the honeymoon. This is an opportunity for the groom to surprise his new bride, or you two can have fun planning the trip together. When you sit down to plan, be sure to have an idea of when you’d like to travel, how long you’d like to stay and an idea of the types of things you’d like to do on your trip. If you don’t have a specific destination in mind, contacting a travel agent and sharing your wishlist is a great way to get started. Travel agents tend to have extensive knowledge and experience with honeymoon travel. They work directly with resorts and cruise companies which usually means you will get a better deal and maybe even a few perks added in. Your travel agent will monitor your reservations as your trip approaches and alert you of any changes. This will save you time and money, and give you peace of mind as you travel because you know if something goes wrong, the answer is a quick phone call or email away. 90

HONEYMOON TRAVEL DOCUMENTS We know it’s a bummer, but if you and your new spouse are jet-setting on your honeymoon right after the wedding, you’re going to want to use your maiden name when making your travel reservations. It takes time to process and issue the marriage certificate which is required for changing your name on official documents. Then you have to wait to receive your updated identification such as a drivers license or passport in your new married name. Traveling under your maiden name will cut down on the stress of receiving these documents on time. Once you get back from your amazing trip you can apply for a name change on your passport. You will have to mail in your old passport, but it will be returned to you along with your brand new passport with your new last name. As long as you file the name change form for your passport (called a 5504 form) within 12 months of your wedding, you will not have to pay an additional fee for the change.

Charlie Brown’s Travel

Destination Weddings & Honeymoons

(972) 880-4141 charliebrownstravel.net

903-893-6888 91

CREATING YOUR REGISTRY Registry shopping must be one of the most fun parts of wedding planning. Who doesn’t love new towels and sheets? However, if you were looking forward to going up and down the aisles with one of those scanner guns, you might be disappointed. Most retailers have moved away from this process, and most wedding registries are created online. The days of the traditional registry with its formal dinnerware, crystal stemware, and silver that requires polishing, are behind us. Today’s bride and groom are registering for items that fit their lifestyle. That’s not to say you shouldn’t register for porcelain and crystal if that’s your entertaining style, but don’t feel like it’s a requirement. Before you and your fiancé rush into creating your registries, either online or in person, take inventory of the pieces you have, and what you wish you had. Be sure to note down anything that is starting to look worn, or maybe doesn’t work anymore. Those are great items to add to your registry. Don’t hesitate to do a bit of research on some of the larger ticket items, either. Guests appreciate plenty of options, so be sure to register for a wide range of items across many different price points. To the right is a list of traditional and modern items often found on registries.

WHERE TO REGISTER Where you register can be just as important as what you register for. Keep in mind that some of your guests prefer to go to a physical store and browse your registry items in person, while other guests will want the ease of ordering online. With that said, almost anything can be added to a registry these days. Retailers like Best Buy and Domino’s Pizza have even jumped on the wedding registry bandwagon. Yes, you can create a pizza wedding registry. Stores like Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Kohl’s are popular locations for registries, and are easily accessible within the Texoma area. For those wanting to create an online registry, Amazon, Zola, and Blueprint Registry are popular. Some retailers offer a completion discount which allows you to purchase unfulfilled items on your registry at a discounted rate for a short period of time after your wedding. Keep in mind that you don’t have to pick just one place to register; two or three gift registries are completely acceptable and even expected. Remember that your guests like to have options on where to shop and what to get you.

FORMAL DINNERWARE

KITCHENWARE

TABLE LINENS

Dinner, salad and dessert plates Pasta and soup bowls Bread and butter plates Teacups and saucers Fruit bowls Teapot, creamer and sugar bowl Gravy boat Serving bowls Covered casserole dish Platters

Cutlery and stake knives Cutting boards Timer Mixing bowls and spoons Dish towels and hot pads Paring, chef and bread knife Carving knife Colander Spatulas and whisks Pizza cutter Spoon rest Baster Rolling pin Cheese grater

Table cloth/table runner Place mats Napkins and rings

CASUAL DINNERWARE Dinner plates Soup and cereal bowls Bread and butter plates Salt and pepper set Covered butter dish Mugs Canister set

FINE CRYSTAL Water goblets Wine glasses (red/white) Champagne flutes Iced beverage glasses Martini glasses Brandy snifters Decanters and pitchers Candlesticks

BAR-WARE Tumblers Highballs/Pilsners/Beer glasses Ice bucket and tongs Wine cooler or wine rack Cocktail shaker and pitcher Bar utensils

FLATWARE Knives, forks and salad forks Soup spoons and teaspoons Serving spoons and forks Butter serving knife Cake and pie server Gravy ladle Serving set

COOKWARE Sauce pans, sautĂŠ and frying pans Stock pot/Dutch oven Steamer/Double boiler Wok/Stir Fry pan Roaster Grill/griddle

HOME ELECTRONICS Television Bluetooth Speaker Radio/Clock radio Home stereo components DVD/Blu-Ray player

DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES Picture frames Lamps Vases

BEDROOM LINENS Flat and fitted sheets Pillow cases and shams Comforters and bed skirts Blankets Mattress pads

BAKE-WARE

BATH LINENS

Cookie sheets Muffin pans Cake and pie pans Baking pans Bread pans

Bath sheets and towels Hand towels and wash cloths Bath mat and rug Shower curtain and rings Bath accessories Hamper

ELECTRIC APPLIANCES Hand mixer Waffle iron Bread maker Rice cooker/vegetable steamer Toaster/Toaster Oven Food Processor Blender Electric indoor grill Coffee and tea makers Can opener Slow cooker

KITCHEN LINENS

HOME & PERSONAL CARE Vacuum (upright and hand-held) Rug cleaner Iron and ironing board Portable steamer Broom, dust pan and mop

LUGGAGE Upright suitcases Garment bags Duffel bags/Tote bags Accessory bag

Dish towels Cloths Kitchen mats and rugs

CHANGING YOUR NAME Following the wedding, you will need to take your signed marriage license to the county clerkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office to obtain your marriage certificate. The marriage certificate is a piece of paper that proves that you are legally married. It does not mean your last name has legally changed. When you are getting your license before the wedding, be sure to find out the timeline for filing it after the wedding. You will be required to present a copy of your marriage certificate to complete the process of changing your name at government agencies as well as non-government institutions. We recommend ordering three certified copies of your marriage certificate because you may have to surrender a copy as you go about changing your name at different places. The first place to change your name is at the Social Security Office. Then you may begin to use your new name. We recommend going to the Department of Motor Vehicles next. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to change your name at these places as well: Banks Medical Care Provider(s) Insurance Mortgage Lender or Landlord Professional License County Tax Assessor

Credit Card Companies State Tax Commission Employer (fill out new W-2) Dept. of Revenue Retirement Documents U.S. Passport Postal Service

Investment Companies Utility Company Voter Registration Legal Documents Wills

ANNOUNCEMENTS A newspaper engagement announcement is one of the first opportunities for a couple to announce their engagement to the public using their local and city press. With different requirements for each newspaper and issues of etiquette to consider, writing newspaper engagement announcements can be tricky, especially if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re writing your own. Typically written in the past tense (since the engagement has already occurred), the announcement is from the point-of-view of the party hosting the wedding, traditionally the parents of the bride-to-be. The first step is to contact the news source in which you plan on placing the announcement to find out their guidelines and any associated costs. Be sure to ask about length 94

requirements and whether or not they accept photos. Some newspapers have a form for you to fill out, which they then use to compile your wedding details into their own newspaper format. Others will allow you to write the announcement.

VENDOR DIRECTORY

ACCOMODATIONS Hilton Garden Inn Sherman/Denison Texoma Event Center (pg. 36) 5015 South US 75 Denison, Texas 75020 (903) 463-3331 hilton.com

APPAREL A-1 Wedding & Party Rentals (pg. 44) 3031 S. Woodlawn Blvd. Denison, Texas 75020 (903) 463-7709 a1wedding.com LC Customs (903) 249-3673 www.lc-customs.com

BEAUTY/HEALTH Allure Laser and Medical Spa (pg. 22) 240 East Evergreen Street Sherman, Texas 75090 (903) 957-3409 askallure.com Brooke Himes Hair Design (pg. 25) (469) 450-0865 brookehimeshairdesign.com Leanna’s Family Cuts Salon 2012 North Loy Lake Road Sherman, Texas 75090 (903) 813-1532 leannasfamilycutssalon.com

Nourished MedSpa and Wellness Center (pg.20) 1405 North Travis Street Sherman, Texas 75092 (903) 357-5108 nourishedmedspa.com Texoma Wellness Center (pg. 21) Sherman Office: 2624 Loy Lake Rd, Suite A Sherman, TX 75090 (903) 328-6554 Whitesboro Office: 580 US Hwy 377 North Whitesboro, TX 76273 (903) 564-9815 texomawellness.com

CAKES & SWEETS Bite Me Bakery (pg. 66) formerly Krazy Kakes By Kris (903) 821-7016 facebook.com/krazykakesbykris Bon Appetit Y’All (pg. 49) 2120 N FM 1417 Sherman, Texas 75092 (903) 868-2100 bonappetityall.ne64 The Frosted Shoppe (pg. 66) 1226 South Austin Avenue Denison, Texas 75021 (903) 328-9928 thefrostedshoppe.com Juniper Cake Company (903) 814-1042 facebook.com/junipercakeco Pam’s Pops (916) 628-4366 pamspops.com

Pop Around The Corner (pg. 63) 501 W. Main St Denison, TX 75020 (903) 820-8123 poparoundthecorner.com On Top Of It Services (pg. 50) 13th St SE Paris, Texas 75460 (903) 495-4774 weareontopofit.com Sug-Ah Sweets & Confectioneries (903) 819-3663 facebook.com/SugAh.Edible.Art

CATERING Bon Appetit Y’All (pg. 49) 2120 N FM 1417 Sherman, Texas 75092 (903) 868-2100 bonappetityall.net Chef Robert (pg. 47) 210 West Houston Street Sherman, Texas 75090 (903) 821-8115 chefrobertaranson.com Fulbelli’s (pg. 48) 115 South Travis Street Sherman, Texas 75090 (903) 892-8409 fulbellis.com Kirby’s Prime Steakhouse at WinStar (pg. 49) 21444 World Way Drive Thackerville, Oklahoma 73459 (580) 276-1484 kirbyssteakhouse.com/winstar On Top Of It Services (pg. 50) 13th St SE Paris, Texas 75460 (903) 495-4774 weareontopofit.com

VENDOR DIRECTORY Smokey B’s Bar-B-Que (903) 744-6759 smokeybscatering.weebly.com

ENTERTAINMENT Cadence Studios (pg. 88) (903) 891-4104 cadencestudiostx.com Platinum Events Company (pg. 85) (903) 647-9739 platinumeventscompany.com Masters of Ceremony Entertainment & Lighting (214) 412-2720 mastersofceremonydj.com

FLORAL DESIGN A-1 Wedding & Party Rentals (pg. 44) (903) 463-7709 a1wedding.com Bon Appetit Y’All (pg. 49) 2120 N FM 1417 Sherman, Texas 75092 (903) 868-2100 bonappetityall.net The Carter Collective (pg. 14) (903) 327-6822 bobbyejean.com/carter-co Hannah’s Florist (pg. 70) 225 South Travis Street Sherman, Texas 75090 (903) 893-8171 hannahsfloristbytj.com

Full Bloom (pg. 72) 116 Rose Lane, Suite 103 Frisco, Texas 75036 (469) 200-5254 fullbloom.shop Vine & Branches (pg. 71) 401 N Grand Ave Gainesville, Texas 76240 (940) 612-1829 vineandbranchesgainesville.com

HONEYMOONS & DESTINATION WEDDINGS Charlie Brown’s Travel (pg. 91) (972) 880-4141 charliebrownstravel.net Gateway Travel (pg. 91) 5011 Texoma Pkwy Sherman, Texas 75090 (903) 893-6888 travelpartnerstx.com

INVITATIONS & CALLIGRAPHY A-1 Wedding & Party Rentals (pg. 44) (903) 463-7709 a1wedding.com Brush and Letter Studio (817) 798-8737 brushandletterstudio.com The Carter Collective (pg. 14) (903) 327-6822 bobbyejean.com/carter-co

Ellie and Ace Calligraphy (903) 815-6247 www.ellieandace.com

MUSICIANS & DJS Cadence Studios (pg. 88) (903) 891-4104 cadencestudiostx.com Four Strings (903) 364-5185 fourstrings.com Platinum Events Company (pg. 85) (903) 647-9739 platinumeventscompany.com

PLANNERS & COORDINATORS A Time To Remember (903) 806-2177 atimetoremember.net Bon Appetit Y’All (pg. 49) 2120 N FM 1417 Sherman, Texas 75092 (903) 868-2100 bonappetityall.net The Carter Collective (pg. 14) (903) 327-6822 bobbyejean.com/carter-co The Day of Your Event (972) 984-8591 thedayofyourevent.com Kiss and Tell Weddings (405) 309-9311 kisstellweddings.com

View more information about all of our vendors on our online vendor directory: www.texomabrideguide.com

VENDOR DIRECTORY

RENTALS & DECOR A-1 Wedding & Party Rentals (pg. 44) 3031 S. Woodlawn Blvd. Denison, Texas 75020 (903) 463-7709 a1wedding.com Hilo Sisters Macramé (pg. 44) 903-267-9054 facebook.com/hilosisters On Top Of It Services (pg. 50) 13th St SE Paris, Texas 75460 (903) 495-4774 weareontopofit.com Texoma Parties (pg.44) (903) 965-3180 or (580) 931-9083 texomaparties.com

REHEARSAL DINNER Bon Appetit Y’All (pg. 49) 2120 N FM 1417 Sherman, Texas 75092 (903) 868-2100 bonappetityall.net Chef Robert (pg. 47) 210 West Houston Street Sherman, Texas 75090 (903) 821-8115 chefrobertaranson.com Fulbelli’s (pg. 48) 115 South Travis Street Sherman, Texas 75090 (903) 892-8409 fulbellis.com

Kirby’s Prime Steakhouse at WinStar (pg. 49) 21444 World Way Drive Thackerville, Oklahoma 73459 (580)276-1484 kirbyssteakhouse.com/winstar On Top Of It Services (pg. 50) 13th St SE Paris, Texas 75460 (903) 495-4774 weareontopofit.com

PHOTO BOOTHS Cadence Studios (pg. 88) (903) 891-4104 cadencestudiostx.com Lituation Photo Booths (214) 620-0732 lituationphotobooths.com Platinum Events Company (pg. 85) (903) 647-9739 platinumeventscompany.com

The Carter Collective (pg. 14) (903) 327-6822 bobbyejean.com/carter-co Cromer & Co. (pg. 80) (580) 916-2465 cromerandco.com Gingersnap Studios (pg. 80) (903) 271-4936 (903) 815-5558 gsnapstudios.com Hannah Hix, Photographer (pg. 82) (580) 380-3403 hannahhix.com Kaley Nicole Photography (pg. 91) (940) 736-0070 kaleynicolephotography.com Michael’s Photography (pg. 82) (903) 463-1228 photosbymichaels.com Miranda Marrs Photography (940)284-8080 mirandamarrs.com

SERVICE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY Arielle Humphries Photography (COVER, pg. 81) (214) 994-3359 ariellehumphries.com Baleigh Creed Photography (pg. 82) (903) 815-4444 baleighcreedphoto.com Cadence Studios (pg. 81) (903) 891-4104 cadencestudiostx.com

Service Gem Events (pg. 53) (903) 744-4729 servicegemevents.com TheTipsyTraveler Bartending (903) 815-1677 sites.google.com/view/eventbar/ thetipsytraveler

TRANSPORTATION The White Rose Limo (pg. 37) (903) 821-4763 fb.me/thewhiteroselimo

VENDOR DIRECTORY

VENUES Bell Tower Event Center (pg. 32) 218 North 3rd Avenue Durant, Oklahoma 74701 (580) 931-9474 belltowerdurant.com Bethel Ranch (pg. 32) 1922 Bethel Cannon Road Whitewright, Texas 75491 (870) 538-8707 bethelranch.com Bethel Rock 5262 FM 896 Leonard, Texas 75452 (469) 500-1505 bethelrock.com Dean Acres (pg. 32) 828 Old Tioga Rd Gunter, Texas 75058 (903) 870-8721 facebook.com/deanacrestx The Garden (pg. 36) 810 N Frisco Rd Sherman, Texas 75090 (903) 513-9605 facebook.com/thegardensherman Gray Acres Venue (pg. 35) 297 Cemetery Road Pottsboro, Texas 75076 (903) 647-8923 grayacresvenue.com The Hills of Luella (pg. 36) 3183 Luella Road Sherman, Texas 75090 thehillsofluella.com Hilton Garden Inn Sherman/Denison Texoma Event Center (pg. 36) 5015 South US 75 Denison, Texas 75020 (903) 463-3331 hilton.com

Magnolia Grace Ranch (pg. 31) 636 Country Road 4945 Leonard, Texas 75452 (214) 560-4222 magnoliagraceranch.com

Texoma Destinations (pg. 35) 21 Tacle Box Drive Pottsboro, Texas 75076 (903) 361-8500 texomadestinations.com

Mustang Creek Event Center (pg. 29) 27923 US 82 Sherman, Texas 75092 (903) 814-0864 mceventcenter.com

The Wildflower (pg. 31) 2611 East Dairy Lane Tishomingo, Oklahoma 73460 (580) 371-1582 thewildflowerok.com

Old Quail Run Farm (pg. 32) 233 Old Quail Run Road Sherman, Texas 75092 (903) 868-2100 oldquailrunfarm.com The Pointe (pg. 30) 72 Golda Drive McAlester, Oklahoma 74501 (918) 508-6402 weddingsonpointe.com The Ranch (pg. 30) 6196 N3860 Road Bokchito, Oklahoma 74726 (580) 295-3154 theranchvenue.org Ranch 82 (pg. 36) 12265 E US Hwy 82 Whitesboro, Texas 76273 (469) 396-5070 ranch82.com Rustic Grace Estate 13299 FM 121 Van Alstyne, Texas 75495 (972) 737-3259 rusticgraceestate.com Stepâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;n M Meadows 1094 Marlow Road Bells, Texas 75414 (303) 431-1515 stepnmweddings.com

Whispering Waters Ranch (pg. 33) 1020 County Road 4930 Leonard, Texas (903) 505-9349 whisperingwatersranch.com VIDEOGRAPHY Cadence Studios (pg. 81) (903) 891-4104 cadencestudiostx.com Cromer & Co. (pg. 80) (580) 916-2465 cromerandco.com Gingersnap Studios (pg. 80) (903) 271-4936 (903) 815-5558 gsnapstudios.com

INDIVIDUAL SALES CONSULTANTS Arbonne Independent Consultant Stefane Carpenter (903) 818-0332 StefaneCarpenter.Arbonne.com Mary Kay Rennie Brigman (903) 368-2688 marykay.com/Renniebrigman

100