B2 | Wednesday February 20, 2013 | The University Star | Bridal Issue
Student, alumnus show Bobcat pride with proposal at LBJ statue
By Brenda Urioste Trends Reporter One Texas State couple takes the phrase “Live Like a Bobcat” to heart and all the way to the altar. Kathryn Crider, electronic media senior, met her fiance, Texas State alumnus Steven Arnold, in summer 2010 when they both became Orientation Leaders. The two became actively involved in numerous school organizations and their sweet friendship blossomed into a romance in the years following their initial meeting. Crider worked for The University Star and the KTSW radio station . She is currently a marketing intern for the Alumni Association.
Arnold graduated last May with a degree in finance and was a senator in the Associated Student Government. He was selected to be a McCoy ambassador and to take part in the Student Managed Investment Fund. They were both members of the Texas State Loud Crowd and attended the same church on campus. With full plates the two were successfully able to balance school, organizational involvements and their relationship. “These organizations foster pride for our school,” Crider said. “It also helps you develop leadership and people skills.” The two managed to find time for each other and continued to grow as a couple despite their demanding sched-
Kristen Lefebvre, Staff Photographer
Kathryn Crider, electronic media senior, was proposed to by her fiance, Steven Arnold in front of the LBJ statue in The Quad.
Irwin-Kincaid
Bride: Cassie Irwin Bride's Hometown: Devine, TX Bride's Major: Dance Studies Groom: Joe Kincaid Groom's Hometown: Pittsburg, TX Groom's Major: Graduated from Full Sail University with an Associate's in Recording Arts and a Bachelor's in Entertainment Business Date of Wedding: March 22, 2013 Location of Wedding: The Winfield Inn in Kyle, TX
ules. Crider said they spent most of their time on campus in the LBJ Student Center because of their intense school involvement. Because of its location, the two consider the Student Center to be a “home base” on campus. The couple has gone on dates at various local spots. Their first date was at the winter festival Sights & Sounds, and they still frequent the food trucks. They dined at Italian Garden on the night of the engagement . Arnold had been planning to propose for a while and on the drizzly evening of Sept. 28, he popped the question that would change their lives. In true Bobcat fashion, they walked around campus until he kneeled down in front of the LBJ statue and asked Crider to be his wife. Before they left for dinner, Arnold gave the ring to a friend and entrusted him with the important task of placing the ring in LBJ’s open palm. As Arnold and Crider reached The Quad, he spotted his friend still positioning the ring and immediately turned his soon-to-be fiancee toward the Alkek Library. Arnold looked back just in time to see his friend run to hide when they were halfway up the steep steps leading to the library. “He suddenly stopped and said he didn’t want to go up all the steps. He asked to go to Old Main instead which I thought was odd because there’s a ton of steps that way too,” Crider said, laughing. “He hadn’t been around campus a lot since graduating, though. So, I just turned around and headed that way.” As they approached the statue, the couple started joking about what might be in LBJ’s hand after Crider noticed the little blue box strategically placed there. Arnold told her to go look and proceeded to get down on one knee. “I wasn’t nervous about her accepting or not—she helped pick the ring, but I was nervous about silly things,” Arnold said. “I was scared it would start raining too hard, or that my friend wouldn’t be able to set up the ring in time.” Crider happily accepted Arnold’s proposal. The couple looks forward to a wedding in the fall after Crider graduates. Texas State will still be a key part of their lives even they are both graduates. “I’ve been on campus a few times to talk with former professors and bosses,” Arnold said. “They’ve become a center of influence for me.” Since Arnold has graduated, he has taken a job as a financial planner. Crider hopes to work for the school after she graduates. Whatever their future holds, they know that Texas State will always be a special place for them. The two agree the campus will always be a place they can go to reminisce about where they first met and promised to spend their lives together. Their wedding is planned for Aug. 3, 2013 in New Braunfels.
Front Page by Kara Ramer, Star Illustrator
Local photographer captures unique wedding images By Taylor Tompkins Assistant News Editor For a local photographer, capturing the details of wedding ceremonies fuels her love for the job. Savannah Menchaca, communication design junior, started her self-titled photography business in high school and has developed a love for shooting weddings. Menchaca said she began bridal photography when asked to help another camera wielder on a big wedding. Menchaca said she enjoys shooting smaller San Marcos weddings. “I fell in love with weddings in general,” Menchaca said. “It is definitely fun. I love the ceremony, and there’s so much thought put into every detail. That’s what you have to capture.” Menchaca, who runs her business from her Facebook page, said her wedding jobs have increased this year. Brides are always happy because it’s their big day, Menchaca said. Kathryn Beckrich, student at University of Texas-Arlington, had her wedding shot by Menchaca. Her engagement ring was photographed in a flower, a detail that Menchaca said makes a lot of difference. “Unique shots of rings in nature, like in roses or on tree stumps, is what I really like to do,” Menchaca said. Menchaca said her favorite part of the ceremony is the promise the couple makes. “I just love ‘love,’” Menchaca said.
Photo courtesy of Savannah Menchaca
Savannah Menchaca, communication design junior, owns her own photography business centralized around weddings.
Oeding-Hromadka
Bride: Beth Oeding Bride’s Hometown: Schulenburg, Texas Bride’s Major: Communicatioin Disorders Groom: Jay Hromadka Groom’s Hometown: Weimar, Texas Groom’s Major: Aircraft Maintenance Technician Date of Wedding: March 16, 2013 Location of Wedding: Ceremony in Weimar, Reception in Schulenburg
Risien-Martin
Rodriguez-Meitzler
Bride: Ashlea Risien Martin Bride’s Hometown: Lockhart Bride’s Major: Fashion Merchandising/Business Groom: Paul Martin Groom’s Hometown: Allen Groom’s Major: Recreation Management Date of Wedding: December 31, 2012 Location of Wedding: Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Bride: Laura Rodriguez Bride’s Hometown: Houston, Texas Bride’s Major: Advertising-Mass Communication Groom: Mark Meitzler Groom’s Hometown: Houston, Texas Groom’s Major: Advertising-Mass Communication Date of Wedding: October 15, 2011 Location of Wedding: Houston, Texas
Wait-Santibanez - Green
Wavra-Darr
Zaragoza-Kurtze
Bride: Sarah Wavra Bride’s Hometown: Columbus, Texas Bride’s Major: Communication Studies Groom: Caleb Darr Groom’s Hometown:Columbus, Texas Groom’s Major: Construction Science at Texas A&M Date of Wedding: June 28, 2014 Location of Wedding: Columbus, Texas at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and KC Hall Reception
Bride: Laureen Anne G. Zaragoza Bride’s Hometown: Metro Manila, Phillipines Bride’s Major: School Psychology Groom: Robert W. Kurtze, Jr. Groom’s Hometown: Orlando, Florida Groom’s Major: (not a Texas State student) Date of Wedding: December 26, 2012 Location of Weddding: San Bernardino, California
Bride: Hannah Waite-Santibanez Bride’s Hometown: Athens, Georgia Bride’s Major: Sociology Groom: Jared Green Groom’s Hometown: Athens, Georgia Groom’s Major: (not in school right now) Date of Wedding: May 23, 2013 Location of Wedding: Mercury Hall, Austin,Texas
Biel-Timberlake
Bride: Jessica Biel Bride’s Hometown: Ely, Minnesota Bride’s Major: Being Jessica Biel Groom: Justin Timberlake Groom’s Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee Groom’s Major: Being Justin Timberlake Date of Wedding: October 19, 2012 Location of Wedding: Pulgia, Italy
Bridal Issue | The University Star | Wednesday February 20, 2013 | B3
Spring weddings, university events boost florist sales By Amanda Ross News Reporter The Floral Studio on Hopkins Street designs and sells wedding arrangements year-round. The shop has been a San Marcos fixture since 2007 and offers an abundance of blooms for all occasions. Maxine Schaffer, owner of the Floral Studio, transformed her love of flowers and weddings into a business venture when she first opened the shop. The West Hopkins Street store is bustling and busier than ever, preparing floral arrangements for up to 40 weddings a year. Valentine’s Day is over and spring ahead, but Schaffer said the studio’s busiest time is yet to come. Wedding season is just about to peak, with spring and early fall being the most popular times to tie the knot. “March and April are always so busy,” Schaffer said. “Nationally, they’re among the most popular months for weddings, along with September and October.” The studio’s selection of brightcolored blooms has everything that a bride-to-be could want for
her big day, Schaffer said. “We have all of the most popular wedding options,” Schaffer said. “Hydrangeas are always big, as is the lily family, peonies and, of course, roses.” Schaffer said all of the studio’s roses are hand-selected by staff members to ensure the best possible quality. The Floral Studio has close ties with Texas State, supplying flowers for a variety of events, including the university regents’ meetings and the institution’s Distinguished Alumni Awards Gala. The Floral Studio does more than just weddings. Having an arrangement for every possible occasion makes it a popular option for the studio’s student customers, Schaffer said. Walter Johnstone, undecided sophomore, said he purchased a Valentine’s Day gift from the Floral Studio because of the quality of the roses. “They just look so much better than a bouquet that you would get from a grocery store,” Johnstone said. “They were fuller and brighter. My girlfriend loved them.”
Olivia Ordoñez, Staff Photographer
Wedding arrangements are designed and offered by The Floral Studio off Hopkins St in San Marcos.
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B4 | Wednesday February 20, 2013 | The University Star | Bridal Issue
A Glimpse into your romantic future with the Love Editor
By Thomas Glasebrook Love Editor
Aries
March 21 - April 20 The subject of who wears the pants in your relationship may always be a matter of contention. Make the metaphorical into the metaphysical by ruining your partner’s pants. Composure is key in a successful Aries relationship.
Taurus
Libra
Sept. 24 - Oct. 23 Romance is important in every relationship. Take your spouse somewhere elegant before your special day. Fazoli’s is always a good choice.
April 21- May 21 For some couples, the honeymoon is the most important part of marriage. Go somewhere exotic. I hear Detroit, the city of love, is radiant this time of year.
Gemini
Scorpio
Oct. 24 - Nov. 22 Don’t be afraid to show love for your partner in public. Something that may seem shallow and pedantic to you could be just the thing to knock it up a notch.
May 22 - June 21 As the big day approaches, remember there’s nothing more important than loving others, loving yourself and the font on your wedding day invitations. Go serif or go home.
Cancer
Sagittarius Nov. 23 - Dec. 21
Nothing is more attractive than a partner who knows what they want. Even eating half-melted ice cream by the gallon can be enticing to your spouse if you do it with confidence. Your stomach paunch is an added bonus.
June 22 - July 22 Don’t do it. Stop thinking about it. Your partner is not sneak-banging the hottie down the road. Your partner is not unwinding under other people’s sheets. Don’t worry about “Taylor.” That’s a nonissue. Don’t worry about that underwear you found.
Leo
Capricorn Dec. 22 - Jan. 20
You may be having doubts about taking the next step in your relationship. Marriage may seem like an institution that will choke you until you no longer have a sense of identity, and you struggle for a chance to breathe on your own. But it will be fine.
July 23 - Aug 22 Love may be blind, but your partner most likely isn’t. Stop being so sloppy. A fresh set of clothing might be just the thing.
Aquarius
Jan. 21 - Feb. 19
Virgo
Finances are a big affair when starting a new family. Your nine future kids all want to go to law or medical school. Start saving up.
Aug. 23 - Sept. 23 Always childlike and innocent, Virgos long to relive their youth. Indulge yourself in this desire by playing “doctor” with your significant other.
Pisces
Feb. 20 - March 20 Physical passion is an issue for you and your partner. Kickstart your love life by creating a Kickstarter.com page. The more funds pledged, the more effort you must put into your significant other. Don’t forget to reward your backers with a piece of the action.
Christie’s, Paper Bear offer various ring options By Christina Cantu News Reporter While wedding traditions change over time, one is still a symbol of a union and a promise—the engagement ring. The funds to buy an engagement ring could be an issue for college students. Christie’s Jewelry and Watch Repair and Paper Bear can accommodate college sweethearts intending to pop the question. Christie’s sales associate Sarah Clark said the average 14 karat diamond ring can range from $800 to $10,000 in store. There are several options to bring the price down. A prospective fiance could opt for sterling silver instead of gold or platinum, significantly lowering the price.
Clark said Christie’s is used to working with students on a budget. “Most of our engagement rings do go to students, graduate students or those about to graduate and wanting to take the next step,” Clark said. “We usually offer a little bit of a discount depending on the situation of the person.” Clark’s best tip for students would be to custom order, which she said is far less expensive than purchasing an engagement ring already in its setting. Clark said Christie’s offers free sizing, stone tightening and cleanings for life. Christie’s meets the needs of those seeking a traditional engagement ring. In addition, they offer the increasingly popular Irish wedding rings, claddaghs. These rings are customizable and vary widely in price range, similar to a traditional diamond setting, Clark said.
The Irish rings are far more affordable. Even stores like Paper Bear offer them for around $50 in sterling silver. Andrea Villalobos, Paper Bear jewelry clerk, said the Irish ring can be used as a substitute for when someone’s original ring is being cleaned or has been misplaced or broken. It is good for students who still want something to wear while saving up, Villalobos said. Paper Bear currently advertises in the Texas State coupon book and rewards its Facebook followers with occasional discounts.
Christie’s Jewelry and Watch Repair on Hutchison Street has a wide selection of engagement and wedding rings.
Carlos Valdez, Assistant Photo Editor
Bridal Issue | The University Star | Wednesday February 20, 2013 | B5
Wittliff holds romantic pieces of history By Paige Lambert News Reporter
Star File Photo
Romance fills the air among historical and fictional love stories in The Wittliff Collections located in the Alkek Library. Michele Miller, media relations and publications specialist, said couples frequently walk in to see the new photography exhibits. “We are a quiet, contemplative space with some beautiful lighting,” Miller said. “It’s just a place for people to come and be close together among some really amazing pieces of art.” Miller said visitors looking for romance usually come Saturday evenings, when a majority of the authors speak, and other events occur. The events start approximately 7 p.m. and provide some form of light food, giving patrons a place to start a date, Miller said. David Coleman, director of the Wittliff Collections, said those events usually bring up big life issues and create a space for conversation and romance. “Often there is a lot of vulnerability in a writer reading his or her own work, and often the writings themselves are vulnerable,” Coleman said. “That vulnerability that is often contained in the
stories that you hear, there is also something really romantic about that.” The Wittliff Collections not only create a romantic, get-away atmosphere, but hold romantic pieces of history, Miller said. The archives contain some of the letters between Ann Richards, a former governor of Texas, and Bud Shrake, one of the authors in the Wittliff Collections. “In the letters there is a governor’s proclamation by (Richards) noting (Shrake) could be buried in the Texas State Cemetery,” Miller said. “And there is a little note in there saying ‘Your wish is my command.’” A piece of history known as a treasured love story is the Lonesome Dove collection, Miller said. Coleman said visitors hear the soundtrack play as they view western and romantic props from the series under the supervision of a guide. Coleman said Wittliff would help set the atmosphere for a unique experience, such as a special engagement. “We would all get a kick out of it,” Coleman said. “So, we would be game for a proposal of sorts. We are trying to give a special experience. When you think of this place, we want you (to be) inspired. And romance and inspiration go hand in hand.”
Three athletes share their plays in the game of love Haley Lemons
even more. So, I love it.
By Odus Evbagharu Sports Reporter
OE: What’s the worst pickup line someone has ever said to you? HL: In high school this baseball guy came up to me and said, “I mean, I play baseball. So, I might as well date a softball player.” It was just really lazy and unflattering. I mean, put in some effort.
OE: What would you consider a perfect date? HL: A perfect date would be us going to see my favorite or any band. I would like going to see a show and then going to dinner or staying out all night and being crazy. OE: What’s the best date you’ve ever been on? HL: Honestly, the best date I’ve ever been on was with my fiance. We just had a little picnic at our house and watched an old movie outside on a projector. I just think the best date just depends on being with the best person. OE: What is the most important quality in a significant other? HL: For me, the most important quality is if he loves God or not. His relationship with God should be the most important thing because when he is held to a higher standard than what I expect, he will be more reliable. OE: Is going to the movies—a traditional date—a good or bad first date in your mind? HL: Well, I’ve been out of the first-date game for a while. But, I mean, I feel that it’s good. I like watching movies, especially if it’s a good movie. I think if it is a good movie that it would be a great first date.
Kaylan Martin
Softball first baseman
Star File Photo
OE: Looks aren’t everything, but what would be a deal-breaker in your mind? HL: A deal-breaker for me would probably be if he kept all the toenail clippings that he ever cut in his entire life in a bag or in a closet somewhere. OE: How does it feel to be engaged? HL: Being engaged is a great feeling, just knowing that you have found the person that you are going to spend your entire life with and who wants to spend their entire life with you. When you get engaged, (it) becomes more intentional, and there’s that next level of valuing each other
Wesley Davis
OE: What’s an important lesson you’ve learned from your parents’ relationships that you want to make sure occurs (or doesn’t occur) in relationships you’re in? HL: My parents have a great relationship. They’ve always taught me to keep God in the center of my relationships. They’ve also taught me to learn how to respect one another because I think that is a huge thing in any relationship that you have, whether it be with a boyfriend, girlfriend or just a friend. If you lose respect for one another, then you really don’t have anything left. So, loving God and respecting each other is what I have learned from them. OE: If you could go on a date anywhere in San Marcos, where would you go? HL: I would definitely go to the Root Cellar. That is my favorite place to go ever. It’s so cute and intimate. I love it. Twitter: @odus_Outputs
Women’s basketball guard mind all day.“
By Bert Santibanez Sports Reporter BS: What would you consider the perfect date? KM: Something fun and new that we have never done before. BS: What’s the best date you’ve ever been on? KM: For my three-year anniversary, my boyfriend set up a picnic by the lake. BS: What’s the most important quality in a significant other? KM: Honesty. BS: Is going to the movies—a traditional date—a good or bad first date in your mind? KM: Yeah, I think so. It’s, just something that keeps it simple.
BS: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from your parents’ relationships that you want to make sure occurs (or does not occur) in relationships you’re in? KM: Never to give up on someone. Always try and work through the tough times. BS: If you could go on a date anywhere in San Marcos, where would you go? KM: Glass-bottom boat rides on Aquarena Springs. Twitter: @BTSantibanez
BS: Looks aren’t everything, but what would be a deal-breaker for you? KM: If the guy was shorter than me. BS: Have you ever thought about marriage, getting married or being with someone long-term? KM: Yes, I (would) love to one day get married and have that fairytale wedding. BS: What’s the worst pickup line that has ever been said to you? KM: “Are you tired? Because you’ve been running through my
Star File Photo
Men’s basketball guard By Sam Rubbelke Sports Reporter SR: What would you consider a perfect date? WD: I guess going out to eat. Movies are always good, just really having a good time. SR: What’s the best date you’ve ever been on? WD: Oh man, I’ve almost been with my girlfriend for five years. Probably one of our first anniversary dinners. We went out to eat at Chuy’s. It’s a Mexican restaurant. Then I love spending the holidays together.
Star File Photo
SR: What is the most important quality in a significant other? WD: Personality. I got to have someone that I can talk to all the time. I can’t be around someone who’s boring all the
time. So, personality and someone who’s fun to hang out with is the most important. SR: Is going to the movies—a traditional first date—a good or bad first date in your mind? WD: I’m not going to lie. Me and my girl’s first date was probably at the movies. I guess it’s an alright first date. It’s a little “traditional-ish.” You get to be together in the dark … It’s quiet. It’s good. You get something to look at. You don’t have to talk to them the whole time. SR: Looks aren’t everything, but what would be a deal-breaker in your mind? WD: Bad breath. I can’t be around someone if their breath stinks the whole time. SR: Have you ever thought about marriage, getting married or being with some-
one long term? WD: After five years you start to talk about marriage. Not saying that we’re close to getting married right now, but in the future I hope to get married with the one I’m with right now. SR: What’s your favorite pick-up line to use? WD: The funniest pick-up line I’ve ever used was from Will Smith in Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, “Yo baby, yo baby. Give me your number before I don’t want it no more.” SR: If you could go on a date anywhere in San Marcos, where would you go? WD: Most places don’t have a river like we do here in San Marcos, so somewhere along the river at night when the stars are out and with some food. Twitter: @SamuelRubbelke
B6 | Wednesday February 20, 2013 | The University Star | Bridal Issue
Students turn to local bakery for wedding confection needs
Photo courtesy of Pennington’s Cakes
Pennington’s Cakes provides a variety of specialty wedding desserts and baked goods. By Nancy Young News Reporter Pennington’s Cakes has been providing desserts to Central Texas since 1962, their specialty being wedding cakes. The bakery, located at 1662 South Interstate 35, provides cakes for approximately 10 to 15 weddings each month, some of which are for current or former Texas State students. Stephen Horn, owner of Pennington’s Cakes, said after some students graduate, they come back to get their wedding confections from his bakery. Horn said about 25 percent of his customers are Texas State students. “We offer free wedding cake consultations with a free tasting of our most popular flavors,” Horn said. “We show them different flavors, cake ideas and all the different factors that go into a wedding and the cake.” Sara Frias, lead cake decorator, said it takes approximately 14 hours to complete an
entire cake. This time includes consultations and baking, icing and delivering the finished product. Frias has been working at Pennington’s Cakes for two years and has seen some interesting desserts. She said the strange requests they receive are mostly for groom’s cakes. “You see a lot of Xbox and car requests,” Frias said. “Then there are some strange requests.” Frias said one groom’s cake started off as a lake, morphed into a track field and then turned into a football stadium. Pennington’s Cakes doesn’t provide only wedding cakes. The business offers a wide range of baked goods. “We have a lot of sororities and fraternities come to us for their different events yearround,” Horn said. “We even have moms and dads calling us to have cakes delivered to their students.” Pennington’s Cakes offers a 10 percent discount to any current Texas State student.