Bliss Bridal Magazine Issue #28 by Bliss Bridal magazine

BLISSBRIDALMAGAZINE.COM

BLISS BRIDAL

ANGELA SI MS founder / publisher / graphic designer MERCY PEREZ office manager / publisher's assistant CAT JENNI NGS website + social media director

Thank you to all of our Bliss wedding pros for contributing your talents to make this another amazing issue.

B ECO M E A PR E F E R R E D VE NDOR We love playing matchmaker! Bliss offers several print and online advertising opportunities to connect vendors to our readers. For information and a media kit email us at info@iloveblissmagazine.com

BR I DAL S HOWS We produce Bliss Bridal Bash, a Premier wedding showcase each January in Temple, Texas. The premier issue each year launches at the beginning of the show. This maximizes the exposure for our Bliss Wedding Pros featured within these pages and brides are able to put a face to each company that fall in love while using this guide as their ultimate wedding planning tool. To become a vendor at our next event, visit blissbridalbash.com

GE T F E ATUR E D We are looking for local real weddings that feature local vendors that are detail oriented and unique. We would love to consider your wedding for our next publication or online feature. Scan the QR Code to fill out your submission! S U B M IT YO U R R EA L W ED D IN G

MAGAZINE

WEBSITE

SOCIAL

BRIDAL SHOW

THE

bridal show

FOR THE MODERN BRIDE

We know how it is. When the euphoria of the engagement begins to fade, you’re struck by a flutter of panic: “I need to plan the wedding!” Suddenly, the mountain of decisions that requires your personal attention seems like a daunting task. Relax! This is the fun part! Our annual Bliss Bridal Show is a fun and effective way to plan your wedding! There is no better way to shop and compare wedding services, ideas and inspirations than at an event that showcases wedding pros all in one place!

A bridal show not only provides information and ideas for wedding planning, but is also a great way to spend a day with your wedding party! Show discounts, door prizes, samples, free magazines, food tastings, photo ops, are an added bonus to attending bridal shows. To make the most of these events, here are some tips every bride should know before you go. CR E AT E A WE D D I NG E M A I L A D D R E S S A wedding email address will help you keep all of your wedding planning information together in one account. P R E -P U R CH AS E YO U R T I CK E T S Why wait in line? Not to mention, day of tickets are more expensive to help cover staff at the check-in counter. Do yourself a favor and pre-purchase tickets before the event! P R E -M A K E L A B E L S Most vendors have show specials or contests, to make it easier, pre-make address labels with your name, email address, phone number and mailing address to save time writing your information. TA K E A LOT O F P H OTO S A N D NOT E S If you love a vendor, be sure to take a photo of their booth and their business card. You will see a lot of vendors that day and it will help you remember which ones you loved the most! B E P R E PA R E D TO B O O K O N T H E S P OT Most wedding vendors have day-of show specials and this is the perfect time to save a lot of money on your wedding day! Be prepared to put down deposits or pay for services at the show if you love a vendor! E NT E R I N TO R A F F L E S All bridal shows have raffles, but not all are made equal. At Bliss Bridal Bash, every bride that enters, wins at least (1) prize which can range anywhere from a free wedding dress to a certificate for 25% off your wedding venue. These raffles are meant to help you plan and save so take advantage! G R O O M S A R E E NCO U R AG E D TO AT T E ND It takes two to say “I DO”, so make your groom a part of these fun decisions. We promise they will have just as much fun as you! (Or they will at least love the food!) All photos from event / Shelly Taylor Photography

BLISS BRIDAL

Presented by Bliss Bridal Magazine & Confetti Rentals

SUNDAY, JANUARY 8TH, 2023

Mayborn Convention Center 3303 North 3rd Street, Temple, TX Doors open 1-4pm

TICKETS SOLD ONLINE | $10 BLISSBRIDALBASH.COM

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BLISS BRIDAL

ISSUE 28

CONTENTS 8

PLANNING TIMELINE

BUDGET BREAKDOWN

WEDDING VENDOR PRICING

HIRING YOUR DREAM TEAM

ATTIRE

PLANNING

VENUES

PHOTOGRAPHY

FLORAL

RENTALS

CAKE

CATERING

MUSIC

100

BEAUTY

104

STATIONERY

107

REAL WEDDINGS

146

VENDOR DIRECTORY

For more inspiration and full vendor directory galleries visit blissbridalmagazine.com Photo Credit: Neva Michelle Photography, Creative Innovations, Georgio's Bridal, Shady Villa Hotel Glamour Beauty & Co.

planning 12+ MONTHS

TIMELINE

9-11 MONTHS

6-8 MONTHS

Announce your engagement

Book your ceremony + reception site

Having an engagement party? Set the date, make a guest list, and send out invites.

Book your officiant, priest or minister

Plan the ceremony with your officiant

Choose your wedding party and decide on roles for other important family and friends

Take engagement pictures

Decide your style + color palette Create your wedding budget Choose a wedding date and time Book your ceremony & reception site Create your guest list Create your wedding website Book any priority vendors Choose a wedding planner

Book your caterer and begin thinking about your reception menu

Begin planning your honeymoon Research hair and makeup artists Meet with and book a cake vendor

Say “Yes to the Dress”

Decide on your bridesmaids’ dresses

Finalize your guest list

Block out hotel rooms for guests

Hire a photographer & videographer

Order & send save-the-dates

Hire Musicans/DJ’s

Plan the rehearsal dinner

Hire your Florist

Order your invitations

Book your Rental Company

Create a menu with your caterer Be sure your bridesmaids have ordered their dresses

4-5 MONTHS Finalize the floral proposal Decide on attire for the guys Book a calligrapher Finalize your rentals Make honeymoon reservations and be sure your passports are current Research travel Insurance & purchase it Address the invitations Book your wedding night accommodations Book the rehearsal dinner location and finalize the menu

3-4 MONTHS Choose accessories & details for your wedding party Schedule facials, haircuts, and root touch ups Attend pre-wedding counseling Browse for and buy wedding rings Decide on wedding favors Book transportation Confirm the delivery date of your dress and schedule fittings Celebrate at your bridal shower Decide on ceremony readings and reach out to those you want involved

2 MONTHS Send out your wedding invitations Work on the ceremony programs Have your bachelorette party Buy your veil, shoes, & accessories Decide on your something old, new, borrowed, and blue Arrange for child care for reception Figure out what is needed for your marriage license Check on hotel reservations and block out more rooms if needed Attend your first dress fitting

Start writing your vows

Schedule hair and makeup trial appointments for a month before

Write your reception song lists for must-play & do-not-play songs

Get started on thank you notes for the gifts already received

1 MONTH BEFORE

2-3 DAYS BEFORE

Call guests who have not returned their RSVP yet

Confirm transportation to the airport for your honeymoon

Attend the final tasting and finalize the menu with the caterer

Gather your wedding day emergency kit

Finalize the ceremony

Get your dress steamed

Finalize the ceremony programs

Prepare thank you gifts for parents and bridal party with special thank you notes

Send rehearsal dinner invitations Write down a day-of schedule Plan night-before activities Get gifts for parents & each other

1-2 WEEKS BEFORE Map out the seating chart and give it to the caterer, manager, and planner Provide the caterer, baker and venue with the final head count. Also add vendors who will be attending. Give the venue manager a list of necessities from other vendors such as table for DJ, florist setup area etc. Create escort cards Confirm transportation arrangements for the wedding day Shop and pack for the honeymoon Confirm final payments, details, and delivery times with each vendor

Touch base with ceremony and reception venues Decide on order of bridesmaids and groomsmen Hand of place cards to caterer or whoever will be arranging them Confirm with your florist that they received your correct floral order and knows where and when the flowers will be delivered Confirm the locations and pickup times with the transportation company Confirm the toasts with your bridal party and family

DAY BEFORE Get your manicure and pedicure Pack ceremony assessories

Write out wedding toasts

Have your ceremony rehearsal

Break in your wedding shoes

Provide the officiant with your marriage license

Attend your final dress fitting Pack overnight bag for wedding night Give a honeymoon itinerary to close family and friends Put final payments & tips for vendors in labeled envelopes & give to a designated person to distribute on wedding day Provide a must-take photo & video list to your photographer and videographer Apply for a marriage license together Send song list to the DJ or musician Get final haircut & hair color touch up Arrange airport pickups for close family members and guests who will not be renting a car.

Kayla Sellers Photography \ Heavenly Weddings Lily's Cakes / Pendley Party Productions / Bloom Waco Highpointe Estate

Have your rehearsal dinner Give the bridal party their gifts at the rehearsal dinner Review hair and makeup schedule with the bridesmaids

WEDDING DAY Give parents & each other your gifts Give the best man and/or maid of honor your wedding rings Give your father or best man the officiant’s fee envelope to be handed out after the ceremony Give wedding invitation suite, ring box, garter, wedding jewelry and anything special you want in your flat lay to your photographer

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B U D G ET B REA KDOWN It’s important to determine who is contributing to the wedding cost and how much you have to spend from day one. “Expensive” and “Stressful” might be two things that come to mind when you think of wedding budget planning, but they don’t have to be. No matter your budget, with the right planning, organization, and budgeting tips this process can be as easy as saying “I Do.”

GUEST LIST: Like it or not, each person you invite has a price tag. From catering, alcohol, cake, stationery, rentals, and flowers, each person you invite plays a role in these costs. Obviously there is a catering, drink and cake slice cost, but also consider tables, chairs, linens and centerpieces for these extra seats. Each person will also require a save-the-date, a wedding invitation, RSVP and the stamp to mail it. These things seem small, but they really do add up. DATE + TIME: Saturday weddings will always be the most expensive day of the week. If you are looking to cut back costs on your venue, try picking a Friday or Sunday. You could also consider the time of day you host your wedding. A brunch or afternoon reception is less expensive on catering than a formal evening dinner. OTHER ALTERNATIVES: If a wedding planner is not in the budget, consider a day of coordinator that is about half of the cost. Instead of a grooms cake, can your grandmother make your fiance’s favorite pie and create a DIY pie bar? Get creative when you can, but the last thing you want is a #pinterestfail, so be smart and know when its time to leave it to the professionals. Do not ruin your big day to save a few bucks.

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WEDDING STYLE: The more casual the affair, the less expensive your overall design will need to be. A rustic themed wedding in a barn can easily get away with BBQ or a food truck. A glamourous formal affair, not so much. Consider your style when thinking about budget. RECONSIDER DIY: Today, more than ever brides love to handcraft their wedding details. However, in terms of budget, keep in mind that the DIY is not always the least expensive, especially when a project requires you to buy tools or supplies that can only be bought in bulk. So many times we see brides that want to buy their own linens online, only to later realize the quality is not the same, the time and frustration to steam them before the wedding and the cost to clean them after. By the time you went through all of the headache, you are only saving a few bucks (maybe) and then you are left with a pile of linens you will never end up using again. The same frustrations are seen when buying bigger rental pieces, DIY silk flowers, DIY invitations, centerpieces and more. Think about all of the steps before you consider DIYing or buying things yourself. In the end you could be spending the same if not more. Also, you may realize the time and stress is not worth the few extra dollars.

W H O PAYS Before you start creating your budget, you will need to figure out who will be contributing. Those who pay will also have a say in how much you have to spend. In modern society, a lot of couples are paying out of pocket for their own wedding. However, there are many brides who like the idea of a traditional wedding budget where families are also involved. Below is the budget breakdown for both the bride and groom’s families traditional expenses.

B R ID ES S ID E • Reception cost such as venue, food, beverage, decorations, rentals, and music • Wedding Planner or Day of Coordinator • Bride’s dress, veil and accessories • Bride’s hair and makeup • Stationery (invitations, announcements, postage, thank you notes, wedding programs, other paper elements) • Photographer and Videographer • Ceremony costs: Music, officiants, rentals, decor etc

GROOMS SIDE • Bride’s rings and wedding bands • Alcohol for the reception • Honeymoon, including transportation to airport • Wedding gift for the bride • Marriage license • Groomsman gifts • Bride’s bouquet and going-away corsage, boutonnieres for men (other than the groom), and corsages for mothers and grandmothers

• Floral arrangements for ceremony and reception, bouquets and corsages for bridesmaids and flower girl and groom’s boutonniere

• Officiant’s fee

• Transportation of bridal party to and from ceremony and reception

• Travel and lodging expenses for groom’s parents

• Groom’s wedding ring • Bridesmaid and other bridal party gifts

• Groom’s attire

• Rehearsal dinner • Wedding gift for the newlyweds • Bachelor’s party

• Wedding gift for the groom • All tips (waitstaff, band or DJ, photographer, parking attendants, etc.) • Bridesmaid luncheon

TH I N K TWIC E CHEAPER PHOTOGRAPHER: If you need to cut your budget somewhere, the last place you want to do it on is your photography. The amateur photographer friend or the lady who got a camera for Christmas and now says she is a wedding photographer may take great photos, but a professional wedding photographer will know the exact details to capture, proper lighting for your venue, and know how to maximize their shooting time around a wedding schedule. These images will be all that you have to look back on your wedding day, so make the investment! NO PLANNER OR COORDINATOR: Your family and friends have looked forward to the day that you walked down the aisle and the last thing you want to do is take that moment from them by adding the stress of also being your wedding planner. If a full wedding planner is not in your budget, make room at minimal for a Day Of Coordinator. A Day of Coordinator will help with vendors, setting up your wedding, make sure that your wedding runs smoothly and handle any issues that arise. This will help ensure that you and your family and friends can enjoy the day stress free.

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BLISS BRIDAL

ISSUE 28

W E D D I N G VENDOR P RI CI NG Let us start off by saying that vendor pricing varies - after all, they’re based not only on the final product delivered but on years of experience, level of artistry, amenities, services included, and much more. We don’t find “average” budget percentages very helpful, but instead of going in blind, we wanted to give brides a starting point of what to expect when booking wedding vendors in Central Texas.

P R IC E RANGE

VA R I A B L ES

V E NUE

$1,200-$10,000 and up

How big the venue is, the amenities, if tables & chairs are included, how many days/hours needed, all-inclusive packages, on-site lodging, & more.

PL A NNER

Day-Of: $1,000-$2,500 Full Planning: $2,500-$10,000+

Hours spent working with you before the wedding and day of, staffing, hours spent working on design elements, & materials for any design elements.

DRE S S + ACCESSO RI ES

$800-$6,000 and up

Materials of dress, brand, detail, alterations, veil or no veil, shoes, undergarments, and more.

CATERING

$12-$75 per person and up

Cost of food, staffing, amount of food, type of food, utensils, plates, rentals, set up, and clean up.

BA R

$1,500-$8,000 and up

Type of alcohol, how many guests you have, how many bartenders you will need, how many security guards are required based on your guest count.

FLORIST

$2,500-$25,000 and up

Flowers, types of flowers, centerpiece vases, ribbon, shipping, personnel, delivery, time spent meeting with you, design time, rentals, processing materials, number of centerpieces, bouquets, boutonnieres, & corsages.

PH OTO GRAP HER

$2,500-$10,000 and up

Hours of coverage, second shooter or assistant fee, film, film processing, albums, prints, engagement or bridal sessions.

V I DEO GRAP HER

$2,500-$10,000 and up

Hours of coverage, staff, drones, & post-production time.

REN TALS

$1,500-$30,000 and up

Time spent with you, equipment cost, set up and breakdown of equipment, time on the wedding day, set design, lighting, etc.

$1,200-$3,000 and up

Time spent with you, equipment cost, set up and breakdown of equipment, time of wedding day, set design, lighting, etc.

STATIO NERY + SIGNAG E

$600-$3,000 and up

Materials being used, the items you want, such as save-the-dates, RSVP cards, detail cards, wedding invitations, bridal shower invitations, envelope liners, gold foil details, handwritten addresses, calligraphy, seating charts, place cards, postage, and more.

CA KE BAK ER

$2-$10 per slice and up

The complexity of the design, if its buttercream or fondant, type of cake, type of icing, and delivery.

H AI R STY LIST

$100-$250 and up for bride $75-$125 and up for others

Trial Run, Bridals, Staffing, Supplies, Time on wedding day & travel fees.

M A KEUP ARTIST

$75-$250 for bride $50-$125 for others

Trial Run, Bridals, Staffing, Supplies, Time on wedding day & travel fees.

CEREMO NY O FFICIAN T

$0-$500 and up ( some pastors Time spent meeting with you, time spent writing a ceremony and message, will not charge, but a $100 tip is and travel time. what we recommend at minimal)

T RA NSP O RTATIO N

$500-$2,000 and up

SIDE NOTE

Type of vehicle, how many vehicles, mileage, and more.

Some services may be cheaper or more expensive depending on your variables. Hiring a wedding planner will help you maximize where every dollar is spent and to get the most out of your wedding budget.

Left Photo: Neva Michelle Photography, Creative Innovations, Confetti Rentals, Busy Bee Designs, Shady Villa Hotel

dream team

H I R I N G YO U R W E D D I N G

You have a shiny new ring. You have your Pinterest board. Now what? It’s time to build your wedding dream team! We’ve done the hard work for you and compiled all of the BEST pros in Central Texas, now it’s up to you to select the vendors that fit your vision. Inside you will find planning tips, guidelines, questions to ask, information on each wedding vendor and more. This planner is meant to be used and referenced often. Whether you are planning a small intimate gathering or an over-the-top affair, get your notebook ready, grab a glass of wine and start envisioning how these wedding pros can help make your day happen just the way you envisioned!

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WEDDING PROS YOU NEED TO KNOW The curated collection below is a list of vendors that we recommend based on reviews from real brides, other vendor recommendations and our own experiences! You can trust that these vendors are nothing short of the VERY best in Central Texas!

VE N D O RS B Y CATE G ORIE S 16 ATTIRE

52 P HOTO + V I D EO

88 CAT E R I N G

Georgio's Bridal Main Street Bridal

Alice Allen Events Bennet Events Bruner Events CM Designs Heavenly Weddings Watson Weddings Weddings By Shauna Wildhearts Coordination

Callie Ring Photography Carmen J. Photography Cinderella Films Jack & June Photography Kayla Sellers Photography Madison Kennedy Photography Neva Michelle Photography Ramble & Roam Photobooth Robin Rogers Photography Steph Cano Photography Sweet Valley Photography Wild & Untamed Photography

Let Us Do The Cooking Road Sips Sticky Bones BBQ & Catering Tangled Foot Catering TCP Catering Texas Porch & Table

32 V ENUES

64 F LO R IST

Carleen Bright Arboretum Castle Heights Bijoux Event Center Cathedral Oaks Event Center Deerfield Estates Fossil Creek HighPoint Estate La Rio Mansion Leatherberry Oaks Magnolia House Moon River Ranch Old Bethany One Eleven East Rustic Acres Event Center Shady Villa Hotel The Exchange Event Center The Lodge at Harvey 5 Ranch The Vineyard at Florence Vintage Villas

Bloom Waco Branch & Bloom Creative Innovations Laurel & Finch Norma's Blooming Bike Wolfe Wholesale Floral Woods Flowers

2 2 PLA NNERS

7 2 R ENTAL S Action Rental Celebrations Event Rentals Confetti Rentals Lighting By GGA Pendley Party Productions RSVP Events

96 MUSIC Arthur Murray Dance Studio G Fire Productions Good Times Productions Gretchen Williams K&S Entertainment Wall Of Sound Productions 9 8 B E AU T Y Be.You.Tiful Salon Beauty By Kara Beth Dapper & Dashin’ Salon & Shop Glamour Beauty & Co. Hair By Courtney Yarbrough On The Avenue Salon T3 The Gym 10 2 STAT I O N E RY + S I G N AG E CM Designs Paperdoodles Signs By Shannon

8 0 CAK ES + CO N F ECT I O N S All Sugar’d Up ChickFlick’s Cookies Cuppiecakes Lily’s Cakes Linz Cakes Simply Delicious Bakery Sugar Shack Candy Store Sugars By Leah Sweetness Desserts BLISSBRIDALMAGAZINE.COM

AT T I R E 16

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DR ESS BAS I C S 101 At some point as a little girl, you dreamed of what your wedding dress would look like. You pictured yourself walking down the aisle wearing a big white gown like you’ve seen in the movies, marrying your prince charming. But picking “The Dress” is much more than that. Sometimes you just know it when you see it. Or you might be completly overwhelmed. This is pretty much the one time you can be certain all eyes will be on you. And you’ll probably spend more on whatever it is you decide to wear than you have on any outfit you will ever own. Making sure your dream dress compliments your body shape, fits the style of your wedding as well as your budget isn’t as simple as those movies made it seem. Wedding-dress shopping comes with its own language, and the more you know about what types of silhouettes, neckline, and shades of white might flatter you, the easier finding your dream dress will be. Overwhelmed already? Don't worry girl! We got you! In this guide, we're sharing our knowledge on everything from choosing the perfect style of gown based on season, location, and budget, choosing the best silhouette for your body type, how to prepare for your appointments and what to expect. Consider us your wedding dress shopping guide. The best part? We already have selected the best wedding dress pros in the industry to help you on your big day so that you can focus on finding that perfect dress! Georgio's Bridal, Neva Michelle Photography, Creative Innovations, Shady Villa Hotel

1 Wedding Date: Are you getting married in the hot Texas summer months or are you planning a winter soiree? One of the first steps of wedding dress shopping is setting a date so you can find a gown that’s fit for the season. For example, you’ll likely want a light and airy gown, one made with chiffon, if you’re marrying in warmer weather. On the other hand you’ll want a heavier fabric, such as satin, for colder temps. As a rule of thumb, consider the temperature on your wedding day when selecting material. 2 Location: Your venue plays a big role in how to shop for a wedding dress because your overall bridal look should be cohesive with your venue style. For example an ballroom calls for a different dress code than, say, a rustic ranch or even an urban loft. If you’re getting married at a house of worship, check with your ceremony officiant to find out whether there are any attire guidelines, such as covering your shoulders. 3 Budget: The last thing you’ll want to do is fall in love with a wedding dress that is way over budget. Come up with a number that you’re willing to spend and stick to it. That way you can tell the bridal salon right away how much you’re able to spend on that dream wedding dress. Trust us- you’re better off not trying on gowns outside your price range. You’ll either end up falling in love and being disappointed by every other dress you see (even if they’re just as beautiful) or you’ll blow your budget and have to cut somewhere else down the line.

4 Silhouette: Decide which wedding dress silhouette you’re looking for before you step into any bridal salons. Think about what styles look best on you, and which ones you prefer—formfitting trumpet gowns, or more forgiving A-lines? Remember, not all silhouettes look best on all body types. No matter how beautiful a gown, it won’t look good f it doesn’t suit your body shape. Your bridal gown and your bridesmaids’ dresses need to highlight your best features while camouflaging any less than perfect areas. Having your preferred silhouettes and shapes in mind before your appointments will really allow you to shop for a wedding dress like an expert. 5 Shopping Partner: You’ll notice we said partner - not your entire bridal party. Taking someone with you when you shop for your wedding gown is crucial but limit the amount of people as too many opinions can become more stressful than helpful. Most brides shop with their mother and/or maid of honor. It’s also a good idea to take someone with a similar sense of style so you won’t constantly be disagreeing. Now that you’re so well-versed in bridal speak, you’re ready to go out and use it. Be prepared to shop early- nine to twelve months before the wedding. Some wedding dresses are custom-made, which means they need to be ordered well in advance so the manufacturer or designer has time to create the dress (it can take six to eight months, though some designers can do it in less) and you have time or multiple fittings.

Left Photo: Georgio's Bridal, Neva Michelle Photography, Creative Innovations, Glamour Beauty & Co. Shady Villa Hotel 17

Georgio’s Bridal | Waco, Texas

Main Street Bridal | Belton, Texas

D R ES S F IT T INGS Every wedding dress needs alterations. Alterations can be as simple as taking in the waist a bit and hemming the dress, shortening the sleeves, taking in the bodice, or even adding beading or lace. Most bridal salons do alterations in-house, but if they don’t , chances are the bridal consultant you’ve been working with can recommend a good seamstress. Bring your wedding-day undergarments and shoes to all your fittings. A simple bra switch or change in heel height can cause your dress to fit very differently. You’ll probably have at least two or three fittings, though more may be necessary. You’ll want to do your first fitting six weeks before the wedding day and your second one a month before. The final fitting typically takes place one or two weeks before the wedding day when you pick up your gown and try it on one final time to adjust for any last-minute weight fluctuations. During the fittings, speak up if you see something you don’t like. Now is your chance. If there’s a problem, continue to schedule fittings until you’re completely satisfied. When the day of your final fitting arrives, ask your mom and maid of honor to come along so they can learn how to bustle your dress and help you get dressed.

Main Street Bridal | Belton, Texas 18

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Q U EST I O N S TO AS K • Are you allowed to take photos in your selected gown. Some salons do not allow photography, so be sure to ask! • How long will the dress take to come in and can it be rushed if needed? • Can I see fabric samples so I’ll know the exact color I’m ordering? • Designer name, and style number • Exact color ordered (white, ivory, champagne) • What is the full price plus any additional fees? • What is the size ordered and/or detailed measurements?

BEHIND THE APPOINTMENT: SHOPPING FOR YOUR DREAM DRESS Wedding gown salons like Georgio’s Bridal and Main Street Bridal sell made-to-order, designer wedding dresses and are the most traditional places to shop. They’ll carry collections from a wide variety of designers with a large variety of styles and options to choose from. You can expect full service (a salesperson well versed in the world of wedding gowns helping you), and your dress is going to be customordered and altered to fit you. You can also buy bridal accessories such as veils and headpieces, shoes, earrings, necklaces and more! Scheduling an appointment is not just a recommendation, but is necessary to make sure you get the attention and help you will need scouring through hundreds of gown that at some point may start all lookin the same on the hanger. While most boutiques accept walk-ins, you are likely to receive more dedicated service and an overall better experience if they are expecting you. At a salon, a specific salesperson (sometimes called a “bridal consultant”) will be assigned to help you. You will work with this person every time you come into the store and after you buy the dress (for alterations, etc.). A bridal consultant will ask you questions about the type of wedding you’re having such as style, formality and how you envision yourself looking. They will discuss what kind of dresses will flatter your body type, height, and weight. Then she’ll bring you dresses to try on.

• What is the actual date the dress will be in? • What is the deposit amount required? • Special order requests and costs (tape sleeves, chance bodice, etc.) • Other costs (pressing/steaming, delivery, cleaning) • Alterations estimate, specifying what type of alterations it covers. • How long will alterations take? • What is the future payment schedule? • When is the balance due? • What is the Cancellation and refund policies?

Georgio's Bridal | Waco, Texas

“

“Finding “The” gown starts with finding the right silhouette. Silhouettes dictate how gowns fit and flatter a body, so you will want to start by knowing which shape will look best on you. ” - Belva Harvey, Georgio’s Bridal

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FI NDI NG , NEG OTI ATI NG , A ND H I RI NG VENDORS FINDING YOUR VENDORS: Some of the best recommendations can come from the people you know and trust, but not always. Have you ever recommended someone, and it didn’t go well? Don’t just rely on your friend’s one experience. Do your research, ask your vendors, read reviews, look at more of their work in magazines, social media, and attend local bridal shows. Wedding magazines and blogs can be a wealth of vendor leads in several different ways. Search for real weddings or editorials and reach out to anyone whose work you love. Check to see if there is a vendor directory, a hand-picked selection of vendors that have been vetted in some way. Our vendors have been hand-selected by our publisher based on vendor recommendations, reviews, and real bride’s feedback. If you love a publication, chances are you’ll love the vendors they feature! Bridal shows are a great way to meet vendors in person, taste catering, sample desserts and see rentals first hand. Photographers and wedding planners are two important vendors that you will be spending a lot of time with on your wedding day. Bridal shows are a great way to talk to them face to face and make sure the two of you hit it off! NEGOTIATING WITH VENDORS: If a vendor asks you what your budget is, be honest. They are not trying to scam you; they are trying to work with you. If you don’t know your exact budget, a range is fine. This will help them get an idea of what to present to you that fits within your budget or to let you know right off the bat that they may not be a good fit due to budget. If you have a budget of $1,500 for photography and the photographer’s lowest package is $3,000, there is no reason to waste either of your time. So what do you do if a vendor is out of your budget? Vendors have set their prices with careful thought, so it’s unreasonable to expect them to lower their standard pricing without giving up something in return. It’s also not fair to ask them to price match or mention that another vendor is cheaper. They set their prices based on experience, education, overhead, labor, material and general business costs. Remember you get what you pay for! If the price quoted is beyond your budget and you really want to work with them, see if you can deduct something from what they present. Maybe that is choosing a less expensive flower for your floral arrangements, reducing the hours of coverage, or not doing an envelope liner in that fancy stationery suite you couldn’t live without. HIRING VENDORS: We wouldn’t recommend hiring any other vendor (unless it’s a wedding planner) before you’ve signed and booked your venue. Your location will dictate the style, travel fees, and the hours included in the rental. It will also let you know, if you will need tables or chair rentals unless they are a part of your venue package.

Georgio's Bridal, Kayla Sellers Photography, Glamour Beauty and Co., Bloom Waco, HighPointe Estate, Heavenly Weddings 20

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Don’t be in a rush to hire the first vendor you find or hire someone just because you know them. While sometimes this can work out, there have been times we have seen a relationship and a wedding ruined over hiring a friend. Just because your cousin got a new camera doesn’t make them a wedding photographer. Just because your college BFF decided to watch a YouTube video on using fondant doesn’t make her a professional wedding cake artist. Ensure that whoever you are hiring -friend or not, has the experience and reviews to back up their work.

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PLANNING 22

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PLANNING OPTIONS Planning, organizing, and designing every aspect of your big day will take a lot of timing, organization skills, and talent. The key to a successful, stress-free, wedding is hiring the right vendors. Wedding planners and coordinators play a huge role in how your day will be executed. From setting up a realistic wedding budget, helping with floor plans, finding the best vendors, coordinating setups and deliveries, managing the wedding day, creating a timeline and so much more. Executing a wedding takes exceptional skill, and although you may throw the best dinner parties, when it comes to one of the biggest events of your life, hiring a wedding planner or coordinator is not an option but a requirement in our book! If your budget doesn't allow a full-service planner, you still may be able to hire a coordinator that can make sure the day of your wedding runs smoothly.

Left + Right Photos: Callie Ring Photography

W E D D ING PLA NNE R

COORDINATOR

A wedding coordinator is logistically focused, but on a shorter timeline than a planner. They usually begin helping you prepare a month before the wedding and are the point on contact on the wedding day. Coordinators make sure that everything is in order, nothing is forgotten, and you’re free to enjoy your wedding day. Below are a few coordinator duties you can expect.

Planners take the guesswork out of the process, making planning a wedding as seamless and smooth as possible. A planner will keep track of your budget and handle the logistics. Some planners also provide design or styling services, helping with the creative specifics of your wedding day as well as the logistics. Below are a few wedding planner duties you can expect.

• Puts in around 25+ hours

• Puts in 80 to 250 hours

• Meets with you four to eight weeks before the wedding to get a handle on what you’ve planned thus far

• Helps create and maximize your wedding budget

• Checks in with your vendors to review the signed contracts and confirm logistics • Creates detailed timelines and floor plans • Completes a final walk-through of the ceremony and reception sites • Addresses any overlooked details • Creating wedding day timeline • Manages the rehearsal • Oversees everything on the wedding day

• Creates a overall plan for your big day • Pairing you with the best vendors in the area • Negotiates contracts, schedules, and attends all meetings • Reading over all of your vendor contracts to make sure everything is correct • Creating detailed timelines and floor plans • Manages the rehearsal • Managing the wedding day, coordinating your other vendors with setup, breakdown and deliveries • Handling any emergencies without you knowing so that you can enjoy a stress free day! BLISSBRIDALMAGAZINE.COM

ADVAN TAG ES O F H I R I N G A P L AN N ER By far, one of the biggest advantages to hiring a planner is what they bring to the table, when it comes to curating your dream team of vendors. Although you are scouring bridal shows and getting business cards, no matter how "known" a vendor maybe, they may not be the perfect fit for your vision. Planners will do vetting behind the scenes, considering the vendor’s skills and experience, the cost of their services, their overall aesthetic and their reputation in the industry. Wedding planners not only handle all of the finer details, they also curate the perfect "Dream Team" of vendors to make sure your event is memorable and authentic from the first kiss to the last toast.

Photographer Heather Thompson | Weddings By Shauna

"Our company was born out of a desire to cater to couples who want a highly personalized and unique wedding planning experience. We will be there every step of the way to help you choose the right vendors, work closely with those vendors and assist you with design, details, timelines and the creation of exclusive touches for your wedding! We truly believe that it is not just how your wedding looks….it is how your wedding feels! From the first meeting to your wedding day, your experience should be creative, fun and stress free!" SHAUNA HAMBY

Weddings By Shauna

Experience: It's safe to say you probably haven't planned a wedding before from start to finish. A birthday party or a company Christmas party is a totally different ball game than planning a wedding for over 100+ people. Wedding Planners bring knowledge and hands-on experience to help make your wedding the happiest event of your life vs. the most stressful. Vendor Connections: Planners make sure your vendors not only fit your budget but also fit your vision. From coordinating all of the details with each vendor to managing contracts and deposits, planners have a one-on-one relationship with most vendors in the wedding industry. As the old saying goes "It's not about what you know, but who you know." That can make all the difference. Budget: From day one, your planner will learn your budget and what is important to you. They will help ensure that your budget is realistic for what you want to achieve. If not, they are able to give suggestions on other alternatives that they think will work best. Once a realistic budget is set, they will be able to help decide where each of those funds should be allocated so that you do not over spend. There are a lot of moving parts to planning a wedding and a professional wedding planner will know how to make sure your budget is well spent. Day-Of Details: You've made it to your big day - but you are not out of the woods just yet! The morning-of, you will want to spend time with your bridesmaids, getting your hair and makeup done, drinking mimosas, laughing and taking photos. The last thing on your mind should be if the caterer knows where to setup or if your future husbands college roommate is going to show up in time for photos. A planner will take care of all the day’s details for you, managing vendor arrivals, ensuring bridal party members show up on time, answering last-minute guest questions, keeping the schedule on track, and busting out a plan B...just in case. A planner will become your best line of defense against day-of dilemmas. All their effort and time goes into creating a stress free and memorable experience for you and your spouse and at the end of the day, you’ll be so grateful you hired one!

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VENUES 32

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F IND IN G T HE P ER F ECT V E N U E Picking a wedding venue is a big deal. It’s one of the most expensive parts of your budget. It sets the tone. It’s the base that will help the rest of your event come to life. It’s also an incredibly overwhelming process. How can you possibly find a venue that A) you can afford, B) you actually like, C) is convenient for your guests, and D) isn’t already booked? (Hint: it is possible.) When it comes to how to choose a wedding venue, the whole process can feel pretty daunting and there are lots of questions that you’ll need to answer. Will your wedding be big or small? Outdoors or indoors? Rustic or glam? Settling on the basics of your wedding will help you and your fiance narrow down the many venues out there, and find the one that’s right for you. Here’s the rundown of how to choose a wedding venue, from start to finish.

One Eleven East, Georgetown, Texas

Location: What city will your wedding be held in? This can be your partner’s hometown, the city where you currently live, do you have family all over Texas and you need a central location? These are all things to think about. Budget: Before you make any venue decisions, you need to make a draft budget. Don’t sign a contract with a venue, regardless of the price, only to realize down the line that you have no money left to decorate it. Guest Count: Every wedding venue has a capacity—a firm number of guests that it can comfortably hold. This number is usually not flexible. There’s a big difference between a venue that can accommodate 175 guests verses 500. Don’t just pull a guest count out of thin air (“I want a 100-person wedding!”). Sit down with your partner to come up with a list so there won’t be any surprises later on. Priorites: Sit down with your partner and choose features that your ideal venue would have. For example, tables and chair included or one that can hold both your ceremony and reception in one location. Or perhaps you’re looking for a venue that’s conveniently located, pet-friendly, and allows you the option for an entire weekend package. The possibilities are endless and each couple’s priorities will be different.

Narrow Your Date: Booking a wedding venue means that you’ve officially “set the date” for your big day. You may already have a wedding date in mind, or you may be able to be a bit more flexible. Either way, one of the first steps of how to choose a wedding venue is to narrow down a few dates that you know will work. While saying that you’re getting married “next fall” is a good start, you should have some specific dates in mind before looking at venues. Start Your Search: Use this guide, Blissbridalmagazine.com, bridal shows and other online resources to start learning about what venues are in the area. Here you will find capacities, pricing, and each venues amenities. Once you find a venue that meets your criteria, call to setup a tour! If you fall in love at first sight with a particular venue, it can be a pretty amazing feeling. However, don’t feel too much pressure to sign on the dotted line during your initial tour. It’s best to take a step back, tour a few venues, and discuss your options with your partner. When you both have agreed on your desired venue, ask to receive a contract. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and be sure you understand the payment schedule. When you feel comfortable with all aspects of the contract, sign it, return the paperwork to the venue, and pop some bubbly!

Left Photo: Shelly Taylor Photography, Highpointe Estate, Weddings By Shauna, Laurel & Finch BLISSBRIDALMAGAZINE.COM

V ENUE G UI DE

275

$7,000

HighPoint Estate

300

La Rio Mansion

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Cathedral Oaks Magnolia House

$950

Deerfield Estates

243

Fossil Creek

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$3500

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350

$2500

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Leatherberry Oaks

400

$5900

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Old Bethany

350

$4500

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One Eleven East

150

$3000

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Rustic Acres

350

$2800

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Shady Villa Hotel

200

$800

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The Exchange Event Center

600

$1750

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The Lodge at the Harvey 5 Ranch

400

$5000

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The Vineyard at Florence

300

$2000

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Vintage Villas

299

$5000

•

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on-site coordinator

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linens

bridal suite

$2750

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open vendor policy

225

•

set up & breakdown

Cathedral Oaks

BYOB- TABC bartender

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outside catering allowed

$4000

$950

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• •

•

• •

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on-site catering

•

200

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all-inclusive package

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Castle Heights Bijoux

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outdoor reception site

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indoor reception site

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$2000

on-site lodging

•

360

on-site parking

chairs

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Carleen Bright Arboretum

groom suite

tables

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indoor ceremony option

•

starting price

•

VE NU E

max capacity

outdoor ceremony option

Finding the perfect venue is much more than just aesthetics... from capacity, ceremony options, on-site lodging, tables and chairs included, all-inclusive packages and so much more - we've done the research for you! Use the guide below to help you get started on finding the perfect venue to tour for your big day!

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• •

•

• •

•

Once you’ve narrowed down your list and scheduled some site visits, you have to know what questions to ask! To make this task easier, we’ve come up with this comprehensive list of questions to ask a wedding venue—before you put down a deposit.

QUESTIONS TO ASK • Is my date available? • How many people can the venue hold? • Can I get a list of what the rental includes? • Are there any restrictions on event times? • Do you have a open vendor policy? La Rio Mansion, Neva Michelle Photography, Weddings By Shauna, Creative Innovations, Confetti Rentals

• How any hours does the rental fee cover? • When can I access the venue for setup? • What is the deposit amount required? • What payment plans are available? • What is the cancellation policy? • Is there backup plan for outdoor weddings? • Is there a place for the bridal party to get ready? • Are there any other weddings that day? • If the ceremony and reception are in the same place, how long will it take to convert the space? • Is there plenty of parking and is it free? • Is wedding insurance required?

Old Bethany, Eternu Weddings, Creative Innovations, Confetti Rentals

• Are there restrictions on decorations? • Is there a kitchen available for catering? • Can we bring in our own alcohol and is a bartender required? • Will there be a site manager? • Are there speakers available or will our DJ need to provide them? • Are there security guards on staff or will we need to hire them? • Is there on-site lodging? • Do you have all inclusive packages? • Is there an additional fee to have the rehearsal the night prior? • Can I setup the day prior? If so, is there a fee?

Cathedral Oaks, Ashley Munn Photography, Georgio's Bridal

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CATHEDRAL OAKS EVENT CENTER 1312 Waco Road, Belton, TX 254-939-6257 | info@cathedral-oaks.com Cathedral-Oaks.com Celebrate your special occasion in style at Cathedral Oaks Event Center. Nestled on over six oak-covered acres in Belton, Texas, Cathedral Oaks is Central Texas’ premier location for weddings, receptions, and more. The primary event center, at over 6800 square feet, was designed from the ground up with flexible spaces to easily accommodate the needs of any event. The natural beauty of the landscape transitions throughout the venue with panoramic windows, hardwood floors, limestone accents, high vaulted ceilings, and exposed wood beams. Ornamental iron, custom chandeliers, and polished stone add inviting and elegant touches throughout the space. Custom landscape lighting showcases the majestic century oak trees. These are amongst the many subtle features which demonstrate the comprehensive attention to detail in the design of the venue. Cathedral Oaks offers unparalleled flexibility with both indoor and outdoor ceremony options. The large, covered patio and Live Oak room serve as additional entertaining spaces so that your guests may comfortably transition through ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. The bridal suite and groom’s loft offer spacious private accommodations for the wedding party that are as practical as they are luxurious. Let their knowledgeable and courteous staff guide you through seamlessly planning your special event at the perfect place!

MAGNOLIA HOUSE AT CATHEDRAL OAKS 1312 Waco Road, Belton, TX 254-939-6257 | info@cathedral-oaks.com Cathedral-Oaks.com Located at Cathedral Oaks in Belton, Texas, The Magnolia House is an ideal setting for intimate events including weddings, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and more. As the original homestead on property, dating from the 1850’s, The Magnolia House at Cathedral Oaks is appointed with historical finishes throughout the venue. Original hardwood floors, crown molding, hand-blown and stained-glass windows, and antique furnishings transition throughout the space, which is just over 3000 square feet. Charming white picket fences surround the spacious manicured lawn and garden, which is ideal for ceremonies, cocktail parties, and outdoor entertaining. The central event space is surrounded by panoramic windows which flood the room with natural light by day and provide stunning views of the lighted century oaks by night. The Magnolia House at Cathedral Oaks offers flexibility with both indoor or outdoor ceremony options, as well as spacious and convenient accommodations for the wedding party with the bridal suite and groom’s study. Enjoy an effortless planning process with help from their friendly and knowledgeable staff. Experience the atmosphere that evokes the warm feelings of home. Gather at The Magnolia House at Cathedral Oaks for your special event.

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YOUR S P E CIAL DAY YOU R WAY. Centralized venue 16 acre arboretum property Accommodates 360 guests Choice of vendors

Woodway, TX 76712 254.399.9204 discoverwoodway.com

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Picturesque views and Texas charm Located in the heart of Central Texas, Deerfield Estates is the perfect blend of rustic charm and elegance making it one of Central Texas’ premiere wedding venues.

915 SPRING LAKE RD. WACO, TX | 254.284.0070 | DEERFIELDVENUE.COM

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THE LODGE AT THE HARVEY 5 RANCH 5088 FM 2412, Gatesville, Texas 76528 (254) 410-7079 | Jaci.Stroder@harvey5lodge.com Harvey5lodge.com The Lodge at the Harvey 5 Ranch offers a unique wedding and event experience on the Central Texas Hill Country’s edges. Located outside Gatesville, Texas, the Lodge at the Harvey 5 Ranch sits on 225 scenic acres along the Leon River and offers 10,000+ sq feet of interior space, along with over 8,000 sq feet of covered porches and acres of landscaped yard to host any indoor, outdoor, or combination wedding or event. On-site lodging is available in the main house, along with 8 individual cabins to allow for a unique “get-away” wedding or event close to home. The Lodge at the Harvey 5 Ranch can provide all-inclusive event packages or a-la-carte options as well. Come experience a perfect mix of modern and rustic, simple and spectacular at the Lodge at the Harvey 5 Ranch!

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Indoor + Outdoor Wedding Ceremony and Reception Venue With on-site lodging (254) 410-7079 | HARVEY5LODGE.COM | JAYCI.STRODER@HARVEY5LODGE.COM | GATESVILLE, TX

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PHOTO & VIDEO 52

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CAPTU R ING YO UR DAY What remains after the I do’s are said, the cake is cut, and the bouquet is tossed? It’s the many incredible memories found in your photo album and video. Your wedding photos and videography are something you will hold dear for decades to come. If your house is burning down, chances are your wedding photos and video would be one of the few things you will grab at a moment’s notice before dashing to safety. It’s safe to say, two of the most important decisions couples have to make are choosing a wedding photographer and videographer. Your photo album and video are meaningful wedding keepsakes and they speak volumes about the atmosphere, style, and emotions of your wedding day. When researching photographers and videographers, crucial considerations include professional skills, style, and reviews. You should choose your photography style before you even reach out to potential photographers. If you book first then learn about the style later you may end up with photos that don’t match your vision. Today’s most popular wedding photography styles of editing include dark and moody and light and airy. Dark and moody images tend to have a more emotional vibe with deep shadows, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors. Light and airy photos are more romantic and whimsical with muted colors and lighter tones. Like your photographer, videographers take different approaches to their craft. There’s no doubt a professional wedding video is something you will cherish as you get to look back and see the live action you missed when you were busy greeting guests or dancing with your grandpa. You’ll have a record of your dance with your dad, your bouquet toss, and relive the emotions saying your vows. Before you begin shopping for a videographer, figure out which directional approach most appeals to you and how you want the video to feel. Many videographers have a variety of styles such as documentary which is closer to a raw documentary film, or cinematic which captures details from every angle with a Hollywood feel. Most photographers and videographers can be booked up to a year in advance and some only shoot one wedding per weekend, so book as soon as possible to be sure that wedding is yours!

STYLE IS KEY "Remember that photographers are artists. Some are talented in many styles, however most lean towards a certain look. It’s important not to try and mold your photographer into someone else’s work. They are unique and have there own style. It’s essential you enjoy their actual work, before hiring them. If you don’t like their style - you will be left disappointed in the long run. Pick the photographer whose style you love! Thats who they are and how your wedding album will look. If you want a bright and airy look, pick a photographer who’s work represents that style. If you like a more moody, darker vibe. Again, go with the photographer who matches that look. Your photographer is an artist. They will require your trust to allow them to have creative freedom. By doing this, you are allowing the best possible wedding album to be created for your wedding day!" CALLIE RING

Callie Ring Photography

Left and Above Image: Callie Ring Photography BLISSBRIDALMAGAZINE.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY STYLES A photographers style varies based on their approach (how they set up a shot) then how they edit that shot. Do they specialize in directed/ posed shots or candid photos? Do they edit their photos to be light and airy, true to color, or dark and moody or a mix of two styles? Below we are going to describe a few styles to help you learn what your favorite style of photography is!

Kayla Sellers Photography

Wild & Untamed Photography

LIGHT & AIRY: Bright, often pastel, with light highlights and almost no shadows. This style doesn’t typically mute colors and frequently have pinkish or yellow tones in the photos with bright greens. Skies will be blown out, and the photos have a whimsical, almost fairy tale like feeling to them.

DARK & MOODY: Muted, dark, shadowy photos. Typically greens are muted down or not there at all, colors may be muted across the board, and there might be a cool or warm temperature to the photo. Dark & moody photos often feel emotional & stoic.

Robin Rogers Photography

Ashley Munn Photography

TRUE TO COLOR: This is the most classic photography style. This style doesn’t rely on changing much in terms of tones, but instead processing to make sure light is balanced exactly as it was shot. Photos might be enhanced to make colors pop, but otherwise stay pretty true to straight out of camera.

BOLD & VIBRANT: This branches off of the true to color style. Colors are not made dark or bright, but rather vibrant and colorful. These photos will be saturated and more contrast-y than true to color.

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CALLIE RING PHOTOGRAPHY CallieRingPhotography@gmail.com CallieRingPhotography.com

My passion is to photograph the love story between couples. My style can be described as classic, elegant, timeless, and romantic. I will capture your love story with dreamy rich tones, and soft sweet light. Your Wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, therefore I edit my photos to look natural, keeping realistic colors and tones. 25+ years from now, you'll look back at your photos with your friends and family and still find them to be timeless throughout the years. I am based in Central Texas, However I serve Clients all over Texas and beyond. I specialize in mixing in natural, posed portraits along with candid moments. Photos are a big responsibility in preserving your legacy / memories. I take on this responsibility seriously, yet light-heartedly. making the experience a breeze for my clients!

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CENTRAL TX | AUSTIN | SAN ANTONIO

ROBINROGERSPHOTOGRAPHY.NET ROBINROGERSPHOTOGRAPHY@GMAIL.COM

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FLORAL 64

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FI ND IN G YO UR STYL E Gorgeous blooms can make the look of your wedding day when you work with a floral designer that understands your vision and helps you to enhance it! When it comes to wedding décor, flowers are essentially the star, taking a leading role in both your ceremony and your reception. They help set the mood, enhance the color scheme, and can carry the entire theme. Whether you already have ideas of your own regarding your wedding flowers, you aren’t sure where to start or need help following through with your style, your florist will be able to communicate with you and master the vision you have. Choosing specific flowers for your wedding can be a little overwhelming, especially if you aren’t really a “flower person” and can’t tell a rose from a ranunculus. Finding the floral style that’s right for you is a lot like finding your personal style. Its much more than just specific flowers, but also the overall design to take into consideration.Not to worry, we’ve put together a list of the most popular wedding bouquet styles. These are styles we love and see most frequently, from formal and traditional to garden or natural we will cover all of the basics!

Above: Woods Flowers | Kayla Sellers Photography

FREE-FORM

POSEY

CASCADE

ROUND

Rosetree Floral

Creative Innovations

Branch & Bloom

Laurel & Finch

This style doesn’t pay too much attention to shape. It can have random pieces bouncing out anywhere! It’s perfect for the wild, organic, artistic bride who wants her bouquet to perfectly reflect that vibe. In this style,there is lots of draping greenery and texture with pops of lush, petal-filled blooms. And of course, hanging ribbon is a must!

The bouquet style is typically round in shape, while the stems are cut to the same length and bound tightly together. It has very minimal additional foliage or no additional foliage at all. A mix between the round and hand-tied, this bouquet is a perfect choice for bridesmaids. The posy works well with all varieties of flowers and can easily be held with one hand.

Sometimes called a “waterfall” style, this arrangement is super romantic and dreamy. It’s lush, vine-like greenery and florals cascade over the edge to create the most beautiful silhouette. We like these types of bouquets for garden style or outdoor weddings!

This elegant style is for the bride who wants a bouquet that is 100% classic and traditional. She wants fluffy, lush floral with very minimal greenery just barely peaking out to add some depth. She wants it to feel romantic and full, but not too overpowering or wild. It will be rounded in shape with lots of luxury elements like roses and peonies!

HAND-TIED

Laurel & Finch

This style is minimal, but with a light and airy quality. The hand-tied bouquet is similar to the round and is the most typical. However, instead of being compact, the flowers have more movement in the design style and finished off with a hanging ribbon which allows the stems to show completely. It’s wonderful for a bride who envisions a smaller bouquet that still feels organic and natural.

Left Image: Neva Michelle Photography, Creative Innovations, Confetti Rentals, Old Bethany Above: Left to Right: Kayla Sellers Photography, Lizzie Christine Allen, Callie Ring Photography, Callie Ring Photography, Bear Moose & Fox 65

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R E N TA L S 72

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R E N TA LS & D ECO R When it comes to hiring wedding vendors, some are more obvious than others. You wouldn’t dream of having a wedding without hiring a photographer, but a rental company should be high on your list of priority vendors as they create your event’s overall look and feel. We’re here to tell you why working with a rental company can help you create the wedding of your dreams while relieving you of stress, time and how DIY should not be your go-to option when you think of the budget. Some wedding venues may include rentals like tables, chairs, china, etc., in their packages. However, some do not—or you may not love what is included. In most cases, booking a wedding rental company is a must even with those things included. Wedding rental companies tend to offer a wider selection of items so that you can find tables, chairs, and more that fit your wedding theme and style. Rental companies carry a variety of items such as tables, chairs, dance floors, linens (tablecloths, napkins, chair covers, etc.), drapery, lighting, furniture, audio/visual equipment, tents, vases, and other vessels, china, barware, flatware, glassware, signage, and much more! Here are a few reasons hiring a rental company should be a must on your to-do list.

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Cohesive style: When it comes to designing your wedding, the options are literally endless. Even if you’ve narrowed down that you want a vintage bohemian look, deciding on the design elements to execute that style can be overwhelming. This is where a rental company makes things so much easier! From candlesticks to couches, the rental company has already curated a selection of items and often even organizes their stock by wedding style (e.g., rustic rentals, industrial rentals, etc.). Whether you’re designing a lounge area for the reception or arranging a welcome vignette at your ceremony, the rental company has a select number of pieces you can mix and match to perfectly carry out your vision.

Saves time and money: You already have enough on your plate with planning a wedding — let someone else do the hard work of sourcing your decor elements! Many couples get in over their heads with wanting to thrift or DIY every piece of decor for their wedding, not realizing how many pieces they will need to find or create, not to mention the expensive price tag of doing it yourself. Working with a rental company is actually the more budget and time friendly option! Besides, do you really want to be stuck with 150 chargers or glass candle holders after your wedding is over? Unless you’re getting into the wedding planning business after saying “I do,” it’s best to borrow the stuff you need for the one day you’ll use it than to take up stock in enough glassware to fill your whole kitchen.

Delivery and setup: Are you working on the day of your wedding or are you getting married? If there’s one thing you don’t want to worry about on your wedding day, it’s the transport of a bunch of furniture to and from your venue, setting it up, getting sweaty and worn out hours before walking down the aisle. Before you even say it - no its not a day for your parents, relatives or friends to pitch in either! Its their day to enjoy watching you get married. One of the perks of hiring a rental company is that they take care of getting your rentals to the wedding and back to their warehouse safe and sound. No need to stay after the party to break down the party and drive a big ole U-Haul of decor home after the party is over because a professional has got it covered!

Left Image: Wild & Untamed Photography, Celebrations Event Rentals, Norma's Blooming Bike, Rustic Acres Event Center Above: Left to Right: Bear Moose & Fox, Sweet Valley Photography, Taylor Nicole Photography BLISSBRIDALMAGAZINE.COM

Davello Photography

CONFETTI RENTALS 2802 Capitol Way | Belton, Texas 76513 (254) 939-3302 | confettirentals@embarqmail.com Confettirentals.net Confetti Rentals was established in 2003 and has helped Central Texas brides design love stories ever since! Confetti is located in Central Texas and serves Belton, Temple, Salado, Waco, Harker Heights, Killeen, Ft. Hood, Georgetown, and surrounding areas. Their team of talented designers is style-conscious and work with you one-on-one while guiding you through the process. The best part? They can tailor your event rentals to your individual budget and style. “At Confetti Rentals, we consider ourselves purveyors of pretty... collectors of the classics and the curious, unabashed hoarders and delighters in good design. And with over 17 years in the event industry, you could say we rock it! “The perfect event never just happens,” Chris has been known to say. Pulling off perfectly planned and stunning events is simple...said no one ever. Until now. “Confetti does it all...we design it, clean it, count it, pack it, load it, deliver it and install it...so you can look pretty! Our designers help create something so special and on budget that your guests will be talking about your wedding for years to come!”

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EVENT EQUIPTMENT RENTAL 4 . . To w n e O a k s D r. | Wa co , T X

TENTS, TABLES, CHAIRS, LINENS, LIGHTING, CHINA, DECOR AND MORE!

..4.........

r s v p wa co t x . co m

WEDDING PLANNINg & Event RENTALS

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CAKES + CONFECTIONS 80

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HAVE YOU R CA K E & E AT I T TO O ! Before you book your cake, you’ll want to do your research and make sure you have an idea of what you have your heart set on. Do you want a large three-tier cake or multiple cakes? Do you love the look of fondant or is butter cream frosting your must have? Of course, if you’re completely unsure of what you’d like in a wedding cake, a great baker will certainly guide you through your options. It also helps to come prepared with inspirational images to visually explain exactly what you have in mind. Cakes are an art form and not all bakers have the same skills, or level of experience. But, we are confident that if you choose a Bliss Wedding Pro, you’ll be in great hands! Slice of Advice: In some cases there maybe cake left over, don't let it go to waste! For those left overs, or for guests not wanting cake at that exact moment, have some cute to-go boxes made with your new last name and wedding date and have left overs boxed up for guests to grab as they leave. Add a to-go fork in the box - it makes it easy for those late night munchies!

All Sugar'd Up, Woods Flowers, Callie Ring Photography

Finalize The Guest List: When deciding what size cake to order, first look to your guest count. Generally, three tiers will serve 60-75 guests; you’ll likely need five layers for 200 guests or more. If the reception is in a grand room with high ceilings, consider increasing the cake’s stature with columns between the tiers. You can even add florals in between for a more dramatic look! Budget: There’s no use in being shy about the amount you’d like to spend on a wedding cake, so plan to discuss pricing either in the initial email or during an in-person meeting. If there’s a particular cake vendor you’d love to work with but think they may be out of your budget, don’t count them out just yet. In fact, there are plenty of ways to save money on a wedding cake and some vendors are happy to incorporate creative cost-saving techniques. Again, this is where it’s helpful to first determine your style so wedding cake vendors can give you an accurate quote rather than ballpark pricing. Research: In the age of social media, many wedding cake vendors have an Instagram or Facebook page to easily access photos of their past and current work. In addition, they may have a more extensive portfolio on their website or even a hard copy for you to flip through in their studio. As you review samples of their previous work, ask key questions about their experience, their licensing as a professional baker, and wedding day logistics of delivery and set-up. Be sure to search online for reviews and ask your other vendors if they would refer them. As much as reviews can be helpful, don’t take one bad review as your final decision maker. The term “bridezilla” is a real thing and some reviews may simply be that. If you see many reviews that are positive, that should be your final decision maker.

Schedule a Tasting: You’ve asked all the right questions, and now it’s time to kick back and let your taste buds do the work! Most wedding cake vendors will provide you with a range of flavor options to sample so you can truly experience their work for yourself. Keep in mind that this in-person meeting is about more than just tasting, but also provides you with an opportunity to see if your personalities mesh well together. Pay attention to their communication style and ability to hear out your ideas, ensuring the collaboration process is a smooth one. Be Prepared: Before you schedule a meeting with a bakery, it will be helpful to be prepared. Have ideas in mind of how many tiers and the shape of your cake you are wanting. Consider flavors and know which ones are not options such as allergies or maybe you just really dislike like red velvet but your husband loves it? Don't get into a flavor war in the middle of your meeting. What type of frosting do you want? If you are wanting something smooth and artistic you'll want rolled fondant. As pretty as it is, some prefer the taste of buttercream. You might want to try both to see what you prefer! Although buttercream tastes lovely, the look will not be the same, nor are some designs able to be achieved as with rolled fondant. Will you want flowers, ribbon, hand-paintings, fondant flowers or geodes? These are things you will want to mention and show examples of in your meeting. Lastly, consider renting or buying a cake stand or dessert trays to add elegance and uniqueness to your display. Some bakeries rent them, either way you will need to make sure the cake stand is big enough to fit the size of your cake, so be sure to discuss the size with your baker before renting or purchasing.

Left Image: Lily's Cakes, Woods Flowers, Neva Michelle Photography BLISSBRIDALMAGAZINE.COM

CAKE STYL E S Whether its covered in buttercream or fondant you can't go wrong with these designs we gathered from a few of our wedding pros! From handmade pastry flowers, to bright blooms, unique cake stands, or tiers galore, your cake is more than frosting or cake flavors, its a part of your wedding design! For some couples cutting the cake is just as important as their first dance or kiss. For others, its a fun photo op. Whichever side you fall on, one thing is certain, the cake ranks high on a photographer's shot list and you will want it to be beautiful!

Sweetness Desserts | Neva Michelle Photography

Cuppiecakes | Jamey Laree Photography

Lily's Cakes | Neva Michelle Photography

TONS OF TEXTURE: From the texture on the frosting, to the handmade florals these delicate details make for a modern but romantic design that is totally unexpected!

GOLD FOIL: This buttercream frosted cake with touches of gold foil and a few colorful blooms creates a simple but elegant design!

NAKED CAKE: Naked cakes are typically found in more rustic settings, but can be elegant wedding too. This cake features a hint of the naked look to give texture and contrast to the cake, and paired with stunning white blooms.

Simply Delicious | Neva Michelle Photography

Cuppiecakes | Angel Owens Photography

All Sugar'd Up | Alison Heffington Photography

SIMPLE: This cake features a simple buttercream frosting design with the flowers and cake stand being the "wow" elements!

SEMI NAKED: We love how the cake slightly peeks through. Adding more frosting helps the flowers really shine here, giving off a super romantic feel.

TONS OF TIERS: This architectural six-tiered cake is embellished with gold foil edging, with a mix of smooth and textured tiers and adorned with pretty blooms!

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200 COMMERCE DR. WACO, TEXAS SIMPLYDELICIOUSWACO.COM | 254.732.5333

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254.947.8840 | Salado, TX Sugarshacksalado.com

Candy Stations, Favors Bridesmaid Gifts & More

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C AT E R I N G & B A R 88

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CAT E R I N G 1 01 You don’t want to procrastinate finding a wedding caterer, but you shouldn’t attempt to book one until you’ve come up with a rough guest count, booked a venue, set a date, and have decided on a general budget for food. Once you’ve checked those boxes, use this section, blissbridalmagazine.com, Google, and social media, to start your research! A full-service wedding caterer does more than just serve tasty food. They don’t just cook; they also handle your plates, silverware, drinkware, provide the waitstaff (and often bartenders), serve the food on time, clean up the dining area and kitchen, pack up leftovers, and take away the garbage. When you’re calculating the price of traditional catering versus less traditional options, make sure you remember that a wedding caterer’s bill includes many things that you’ll have to pay for on your own if you go the DIY route.

Texas Porch and Table, Woods Flowers, Confetti Rentals, Callie Ring Photography

SEATED MEAL: This is thought of as the most traditional wedding option, and it can also be the most expensive. While suited waiters bring a certain charm to your event, they also come with additional costs. FAMILY-STYLE MEAL: The family-style meal involves large platters of food served to each table and passed around, just like you would do at a holiday dinner. This is often cheaper than a meal served by waiters, but it can be more expensive than a buffet. You’ll still need a decent number of servers to make this happen, and you’ll need more food. BUFFET MEAL: This can be the most affordable service option for serving a full meal. You still need a buffet to be staffed—someone needs to tidy it up and refresh the food as it runs out—but your staff-to-guests ratio is much lower. With that said, your food costs could be higher (because nobody likes an empty-looking buffet), so talk to your wedding caterer to figure out what service option will ultimately be the most cost-effective. If your wedding is large, make sure you have a good plan for crowd control. You’ll generally need one buffet line minimum per one hundred people.

BRUNCH OR LUNCH: Although morning weddings can be cost-effective in various ways, the lunch or brunch meal doesn’t always save you the fortune that is sometimes promised. Lunch lets you skip the fancy dinner with fewer people noticing, and it will definitely lower your alcohol bill. But the food alone won’t tend to save you enough to justify moving your wedding to earlier in the day. HEAVY APPETIZERS/COCKTAIL HOUR: Here, you skip the expensive main courses, skip the pricey servers, and go hog wild on what are essentially snacks. Just make sure you have enough food to really fill people up (particularly if you’re also going to booze them up) and let the mixing and mingling begin! MIDNIGHT SNACK: After a few hours of dancing and a few drinks- not only will your guests get the munchies, but its time to help them sober up before heading home! Keep the party going with a midnight snack! Sliders, fries, grilled cheese, chicken and waffles or other small finger foods. You can even consider bringing in a food truck!

Left Image: Neva Michelle Photography, Confetti Rentals, Laurel & Finch BLISSBRIDALMAGAZINE.COM

204 N. MAIN ST. TEMPLE, TX 76501

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254.781.5555

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MUSIC + ENTERTAINMENT 96

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MUSIC Let’s be honest – Music is everything when it comes to your wedding. From the way it makes your guests and even more importantly (you) feel when you walk down the aisle, to the vibe of your reception. It’s no secret music can make or break a party which means your music vendors need to be one of your top priorities when planning your wedding reception. First, you need to figure out the style of wedding and vibe you are wanting. If you are going for a more elegant affair, hiring someone like Gretchen Williams, Central Texas’ premier wedding harpist to play while walking down the aisle or during cocktail hour would be a perfect fit! Or, if you are looking for a DJ– hiring one of our preferred DJ’s like, Wall Of Sound, G-Fire Productions, Good Times Productions or K&S Entertainment will keep the party dancing all night long! Your wedding DJ is one way you can make sure your guests have a blast while also adding your own personal touch to the event. With either a band or DJ, you'll want to create a "do not play" list and a "must-play" list. Most DJ's will also be your emcee for your event and you will want to make sure you like their "onair" personality. Whether you choose a DJ or a band here are a few of the most asked questions when interviewing your potential music vendor.

• Can we see a live performance or video of your work? • How many hours are included in the package? • Can we submit a playlist, if so how many songs can be on it? • If it is a band or muscian can they play your favorite song? • Can guests request songs during the wedding? • Have you played in our venue? Is there any thing we need to ask the venue manager if not to be prepared the day of? • Will you be using lighting or other special effects or is that a upcharge? • What attire do you wear at weddings? • If a stage is needed, what size of a stage will you need?

G-Fire Productions | Hip Pixel Photography

• Will you take breaks during the event? If so, what do you play during the breaks and how long of a break do you take? This mostly applies to bands and musicians. • Do you have your own sound system or do we need to rely on our venues or rent equiptment? • Do you offer any other services? • How much setup time will you need? • Do you have any references? • Is there a deposit to hold our wedding date? • How to payments work? Is there a payment plan or is the total amount due so many days before the date? • What is your cancellation policy?

Wall Of Sound Productions | Alyssa Simmons Photography

Great music will set the scene and maintain the energy you are wanting throughout your reception to ensure you and your guests have the time of your lives! Find the perfect fit in our directory, blissbridalmagazine.com or at the next Bliss Bridal Bash!

Left Image: Gretchan Williams- Harpist, Woods Flowers, Main Street Bridal, Neva Michelle Photography BLISSBRIDALMAGAZINE.COM

HE PUT A

ring

O N I T. . .

now what ?

NAVIGATING YOUR NAME CHANGE AFTER YOU SAY “I DO”

You’ve got that shiny new ring, but now its time you show off that new name! Just because you have a marriage license with your new last name, doesn’t mean you’ve officially changed your name. If you thought that was the hard part, wait until you see the lines at the social security office and DMV. It’s a lot of work and by that we mean you’re about to spend a lot of time filling out government forms, listening to automated messages and standing in long lines. By the time you’ve worked your way through the process, you’ll have a wallet full of cards flaunting your new name. It will all be worth it in the end... but where to start? To save you some of the hassle we’ve put together a guide of what you’ll need to do, the order you’ll need to do it in, and exactly what you’ll need to have with you to make the process as painless as possible!

G E T YOU R M A RRI AGE L I CENSE & CERT I FI ED CO PI ES These documents are the most important part, and you can’t move on to step two without them. When you’re applying for your marriage license, ask if you can purchase certified copies in advance. (We recommend buying three to start.) This way, instead of having to go back to get copies once you’ve received your marriage certificate after your wedding, you’ll get your certificate and your certified copies all at once. Stash the certificate somewhere safe, but keep the certified copies on-hand. You’ll need them. U P DATE YO U R SO CI A L SECU RI T Y CA RD Now that you have proof of your marriage, you’ll need to let the government know which name you’d like to go by. You can either apply for a new social security card by mail or in person at your local Social Security office. If you plan on going to the Social Security office in person, save yourself some time by filling out the application for a social security card in advance. You will also need to bring the following documents: • Proof of Citizenship: your valid passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate. • Proof of Name Change: a certified copy of your marriage license. • Proof of Identity: This must show your name, date of birth or age, and have a recent photograph. (valid driver’s license, your valid passport, or a valid state-issued id card) • Your current Social Security card. You will keep the same number when your card is replaced.

Callie Ring Photography

did you know? There’s a shortcut to all of this! Make it easy on yourself and fast-track your paperwork with name changing kits from sites like: • Hitchswitch.com • Newlynamed.com • namechangekit.com

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GET A N E W D R I V E R ’ S L I CE N S E After you’ve gone to the Social Security office, you will want to complete the “Application for renewal/Replacement/Change of A Texas Drivers License Or Identification Card” online. You can do so by clicking drivers license forms at the bottom of the dps.texas.gov website. Take the application and $11 with you to the DPS office (it can only be done in person). Some DPS offices also let you book an appointment, so be sure to check beforehand. When you go to the DPS office, bring the following documents with you: • Your receipt from the Social Security office (just in case) or your new Social Security card if you already have it. • Your current driver’s license. • A certified copy of your marriage license. • Your checkbook or cash or they now also take debit and credit cards. PASSP O RT S Now that you have your social security card and your drivers license, now you can get your new passport! All passport changes must be done by mail! You will need to complete a passport application online. (www.us.state.gov) You then will need to send the application and other documents to the U.S. Department of State. • Send your original passport, certified copy of your marriage license and one passport photo with the application. You will want to send this by traceable mail. • Your new passport should arrive in 4-6 weeks unless you expedite it!

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B E AU T Y 100

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BEAUTY 101 We know you’re crazy busy choosing invitations, florists, bridesmaid dresses, and a honeymoon location, but don’t neglect one of the most important tasks of all- getting yourself looking and feeling great! More pictures will be taken of you on your wedding day than any other day of your life. So, how do you ensure you’ll be at your absolute best? First, keep in mind that how you look on your wedding day begins before that morning. Trust us, the results will be well worth it- plus taking a break from all those to-dos for a workout, or some pre-wedding pampering will help keep you sane. If you’re not much of a makeup person, and even if you are, and no matter how good you are, if you can fit it into your budget, you should hire a professional makeup artist and hairstylist for your wedding day. The best part... we have done the hard work for you and compiled the best in the area!

HAIR Fancy and complicated updos are becoming a thing of the past. Brides are opting for more natural and relaxed styles that are easier to maintain throughout the night as well as enhance their daily appearance vs changing them completely. Think of styles like beautiful curls or loose waves with a simple hairpiece, buns, braids, or even a simple low pony tail. YOUR GO-TO HAIRSTYLE: If you always wear your hair a certain way for special events and occasions, or you part your hair a certain way, stick with what you know and are comfortable with. Maybe you always wear your hair in big curls and part it to one side, you can do this for your wedding day too! Add a pretty hair piece, a designer bobbypin or clip to top it off to add that special touch! Sticking with that you know and love will help you feel like a glamorous version of yourself.

Courtney Yarbrough, Sweet Valley Photography

Glamour Beauty & Co., Kayla Sellers Photography

ADD FLOWERS: From flowers crowns to simple petals, dress up a simple style with some fresh blooms!

WAVES GALORE: Waves have made a comeback and we are here for it! This timesless, elegant look is perfect for a variety of wedding styles.

Be.You.Tiful Salon, Wild & Untamed Photography

Courtney Yarbrough, Alison Heffington Photography

BRAIDS: Sides braids, fishtail braids, waterfall braids, and dutch braids are all the rave. These are the perfect touch for a boho style wedding or rustic wedding!

VOLUMUNIOUS CURLS: Large curls full of body give a polished, elegant look that it timeless. This hair style can go with almost any style of wedding.

ATTIRE: Some dress silhouettes call for different hairstyles. A high neckline might be too busy for your hair to be down. If you have no straps, or more of your neck and shoulders showing, this is a perfect opportunity to have your hair down. For styles with a open or low back, having your hair up will help showcase your beauiful gown! If you have short hair and are considering an updo or wearing your hair down but worried it won't be long enough -don't fret! Clip in hair extensions or a Halo will save the day! Discuss these options with your stylist when planning your style.

Left Photo: Georgio's Bridal, Neva Michelle Photography, Creative Innovations, Glamour Beauty & Co. Shady Villa Hotel BLISSBRIDALMAGAZINE.COM

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CM Designs | Bear Moose & Fox

Paperdoodles | Kayla Sellers Photography

CM Designs | Kate Panza Photography

THE SUITE LIFE Your wedding invitations are your guests’ first peek into your wedding day, so you want to make them remarkable. Along with listing the location and time of day, the invitation hints at your wedding’s formality and style. Before you start searching for stationery, you should have an idea of the type of event you’re throwing- classic and elegant, casual and relaxed, or glamorous and modern before you start searching for stationery. Think about your wedding colors and incorporate them into your wedding invitations and the rest of your wedding paper, such as escort cards, menus, and ceremony programs for an adhesive look. As you consider colors and patterns, be sure to think about shape, size, and text. Be wary of hard to read fonts and colors that blend into the background.

Watson Weddings | Bear Moose & Fox

You will not need an invitation for every guest. Take a look at your guest list and figure out how many households need invitations before you give your stationer a number, as you may be able to cut your order in half. Be sure to order enough invitations for your guest list plus 25 extra if you need to resend an invitation or want some for keepsakes. Remember to order your menus, programs, RSVP cards, and thank you notes with your invitations. This way, you can include all pieces in one order and save time and money. It’s also an efficient way to ensure your stationery has a cohesive look.

BEFORE THE WEDDING Engagement party invitations Save the Date cards WEDDING INVITATION SET Wedding invitations RSVP cards Direction information AFTER WEDDING Thank you cards Signed By Shannon | Neva Michelle Photography

W E D D I N G DAY Welcome sign Sign-in book Order of events Seating chart Place cards Table numbers Menu Reception signage (bar, dessert table, buffet) Favor tags

Left Photo: Georgio's Bridal, Neva Michelle Photography, Creative Innovations BLISSBRIDALMAGAZINE.COM

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just married I D EAS FR OM R E A L W E D D I N G S

Real wedding features are the source of some serious inspiration for new brides-to-be! We've compiled each of the following real weddings based on their style, unique details, and great vendors! They're an honest representation of our wedding pros work in action. Real brides have also shared reviews on vendors for you to learn what it is like working with them. We've done the research for you, now its time to get inspired, tab your favorite inspo and vendors and let the planning begin!

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Abigail and Slater Foust

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Kaytlan and Bodazpha Farmer

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Alexandria and Cordell Hannum

128

Kelsey and Chris Williams

110

Allyson and Colby Corithers

129

Kelsey and James Richards

111

Anastasia and Jonathon Lunsford

130

Kennadi and Brayden Wise

112

Anna Joy and Tanner Daniels

131

Kristel and Mark Pittman

113

Avery and Cody Elmore

132

Leah and Josh McCulley

114

Bethany and Roger Wayne

133

Lily and JT Edwards

115

Caroline and Austin Conway

134

Linda and Christopher Cangemi

116

Cecy and Matt Holubec

135

Lindsey and Tony Giusti

117

Cheyenne and Stephen Murrow

136

Mary Hope and Shane Stafford

118

Emma and David Doty

137

Micah and Jackson Sodek

119

Hailey and Zach Whitt

138

Natalie and Collin Mask

120

Hannah and Zachary Zembo

139

Nicole and Broden O'Banon

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Jacie and Dale Wallace

140

Sarah and Derek Wales

122

Jamie and Haygen Tibbetts

141

Sydney and Caleb Williams

123

Jasmine and Matthew Bailey

142

Tatum and Brandan Coulter

124

Jenna and Aedan Welch

143

Taylor and Jesus Alejandro

125

Kate and Ryan Baker

144

Vanessa and Michael Castaneda

126

Katherine and Glenn Schaller

145

Whitney and Matthew Pluta

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R E A L W E D D I N G F E AT U R E

Abigail and Slater Foust January 16, 2021 | Portraits By Emily Huval

IN HER WORDS. . . “HighPointe Estate was the perfect venue to get married in! We signed when construction had just begun, and it was so much fun seeing something so special be created. The venue itself has so much to offer including a beautiful chapel, a spacious indoor reception area, bridal/groom suits, outdoor patio, the list goes on. The staff was amazing in helping me make decisions on decor and floral. I didn’t know how to put my vision of my wedding into words, and it ended up looking better than I could have imagined. I am very grateful for the role that Michele from HighPointe played in helping with our wedding. She was so thoughtful, insightful, and made us feel at ease with every decision. Overall, HighPointe Estate exceeded our expectations, and we are so thankful we got married there!” “The aesthetic of Main Street Bridal is so unique and beautiful. The staff was very attentive when listening to what I was looking for in a dress. I used Main Street Bridal for my dress alterations and am so happy I did. The seamstress was very professional and was happy to help with even the smallest details I envisioned.”

BLISS WEDDING PROS

VENUE

/ H I G H P O I N T E E S TAT E

DRESS

/ MAIN STREET BRIDAL

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R E A L W E D D I N G F E AT U R E

Alexandria and Cordell Hannum July 18, 2021 | Hannah Black Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “Celebrations was more than a pleasure to work with. They saw my vision right away and took it above and beyond. They were always there when I needed to talk through ideas and kept me smiling throughout the whole process! They helped me feel heard and understood and made the experience personable. I absolutely adored everyone involved!” “Simply Delicious helped my cake vision come to life by keeping it simple…and delicious! Angela answered all my questions and was very thorough in her craft. I even added on cookies last minute and boy did they deliver! Everyone I worked with at the bakery was kind and helpful from order to delivery.”

BLISS WEDDING PROS

R E N TA LS

/ C E L E B R AT I O N S E V E N T R E N TA L S

CAKE

S I M P LY D E L I C I O U S

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R E A L W E D D I N G F E AT U R E

Allyson and Colby Carithers November 13, 2021 | Kayla Sellers Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “I feel like picking a photographer is one of the most important things when it come to wedding planning. Kayla Sellers did such an amazing job at capturing our big day. We could not have picked a better photographer! She made us feel so calm and comfortable, we really felt like we could just be ourselves.”

BLISS WEDDING PROS

PHOTO GR APHER

/ K AY LA SEL L E RS P HOTO G R A PH Y

RE NTA LS

/ R SVP EVE N T R E N TA L

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R E A L W E D D I N G F E AT U R E

Anastasia and Jonathon Lunsford Ocotber 23, 2021 | Rachel Caldwell Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “Caitlin of CM Designs was such a life saver! She helped craft the best timeline for my wedding and even made sure my husband and I were able to actually enjoy our own wedding. We heard so many people tell us stories about how their wedding day was a total blur, she made sure we had time to really bask in the moment and made us feel like the day was truly crafted for us. We could not have asked for a better coordinating team, they made sure that our vision of the “perfect wedding” day was a reality and we are so grateful to them!” “Kara Beth is such a beautiful person who will make you feel like a radiant goddess. She really listened to my vision and exceeded my expectations. I felt so beautiful. My bridesmaids all raved about how gorgeous they felt with their makeup! She truly knows how to enhance and showcase the best parts of a person to make them feel so confident and comfortable in their own skin.” “When I started looking into florists, Bloom Waco was at the top of my list. They have the most gorgeous arrangements and were so fun to work with! The arrangements they did for my wedding were stunning and unique.”

BLISS WEDDING PROS

PLANNER FLORIST

/ CM DESIGNS

/ B L O O M WA C O

R E N TA LS BEAUTY

/ A C T I O N R E N TA L

/ B EAU T Y BY K A R A B E T H

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R E A L W E D D I N G F E AT U R E

Anna Joy and Tanner Daniels M a y 2 9 , 2 0 2 1 | S a l e m We d d i n g s

IN HER WORDS. . . “Makensie from Heavenly Weddings, was an absolute Godsend! I could not have done it without her! She was the perfect blend of expertise, support, and initiative. She had all of the best recommendations from vendors to the best timing of the wedding. She had so much knowledge, but she did not get overbearing or opinionated! She was everything I could have asked for and more in a wedding planner! Would book her ten times over.” “Deerfield Estate is the most quaint, charming, classic venue! I am so thankful for how peaceful and unique our venue was. It felt like it was somewhere outside Texas with all the greenery and old-world architecture.” “The flowers from Laurel and Finch were everything I wanted and more! I gave her my general vibe and she performed above and beyond what I envisioned. Would highly recommend L+F to anyone and everyone!” “So thankful for Pendley Party Productions and their many service lines, from decor to setup/take-down! They made the

most tedious and difficult wedding tasks a peaceful process.”

BLISS WEDDING PROS PLANNER R E N TA LS

/ H E AV E N LY W E D D I N G S

VENUE

/ P E N D L E Y PA R T Y P R O D U C T I O N S CUPCAKES

/ ALL SUGAR'D UP

/ D E E R F I E L D E S TAT E S FLORAL

/ L AU R E L & F I N C H

/ WA L L O F S O U N D

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R E A L W E D D I N G F E AT U R E

Avery and Cody Elmore November 13, 2021 | Jack and June Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “La Rio Mansion was the perfect venue for our wedding. Lily is really what made us decide to go with La Rio because she is so organized and listens to everything you are envisioning for your big day. This venue has a very spacious reception hall where we felt all our guests would be comfortable and really enjoy themselves. It is just absolutely beautiful with the warm neutral colors, Spanish tiles, and amazing landscaping.” “Confetti rentals went above and beyond and really gave us the wedding of our dreams. Confetti rentals handled all our decor, they were so patient with us and made sure every little thing was just the way we wanted.” “Jack and June photography was the best choice for our wedding hands down! We are not used to being in front of the camera at all, but Holly helped ease the anxiety during our engagement pictures and made it so much fun. Whenever the wedding came around, we were so happy to see her again and felt so comfortable with her. She is very detailed oriented and really captures the little things. Holly was constantly making us giggle and laugh which resulted in the most amazing pictures. She will be taking our family pictures forever!”

BLISS WEDDING PROS

PHOTOGRAPH ER R E NTALS

/ JACK AND J U NE PH OTO G R A PH Y

/ C ONFE TTI RE N TALS

CAK E

/ LI LY' S CA K E S

VE NU E

/ LA R I O M A N S I O N

B E AUTY

/ B E.YO U.T I F UL SA LO N

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R E A L W E D D I N G F E AT U R E

Bethany and Roger Wayne May 15, 2021 | Robin Rogers Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “Our wedding experience was flawless from beginning to end due to the outstanding work of Lily Halabi at La Rio Mansion. From the planning, to the event, she was in constant communication with us and our vendors. On the day of the wedding, myself and my wedding party only had to show up and relax while the vendors and Lily set up the space.” “Woods Florals wowed our guests with a beautiful display of flowers. The wedding was brought to life by the vibrant arrangements created by Carol and her team. She took our vision, creating a seamless and cohesive look in a way that we could not even imagine.” “Sticky Bones BBQ left a lasting impression on our guests, as everyone could not get enough of the delicious meal they provided. The variety of food ensured our guests left full and satisfied. The compliments kept pouring in weeks after the wedding complimenting the food.” “The wedding cake and groom’s cake from Lily’s Cakes were absolutely flawless! They were able to create an elegant wedding cake and a realistic groom’s cake through just an idea in my mind. We cannot thank them enough!”

BLISS WEDDING PROS PHOTOGRAPHER VENUE

/ ROBIN ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY

/ LA RIO MANSION

BEAUTY

R E N TA LS

/ B E .Y O U .T I F U L S A L O N

CAT E R I N G DJ

PLANNER

/ C O N F E T T I R E N TA L S

/ L I LY H A L A B I

FLORAL

/ STICKY BONES BBQ

CAKE

/ G-FIRE PRODUCTIONS

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/ WOODS FLOWERS / L I LY ’ S C A K E S

R E A L W E D D I N G F E AT U R E

Caroline and Austin Conway April 10, 2021 | JC Jones Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “The Vineyard at Florence was the second easiest yes!!! They provided the food (which was delicious) for the rehearsal and the wedding, the wine (amazing), the hotel rooms (dreamy), the villas (romantic), a ceremony space (open & airy) and a reception space (roomy with awesome layout choices). It was so comforting to know that all the utensils, glasses, serving pieces, etc. It was all included for the day. We didn’t have to worry about bringing or renting any of it! It was incredibly stress free. Our entire family and bridal party got to stay at the venue for the weekend, which made it even more special! I would choose the Vineyard at Florence again and again! 100 times over!” “Working with Confetti Rentals was an absolute dream. We rented the most beautiful light pink napkins from them. Paying in installments, picking up the day of and dropping off a week later. They were so understanding and so helpful!”

BLISS WEDDING PROS

VENUE

/ T H E V I N E YA R D AT F L O R E N C E CAT E R I N G

R E N TA LS

/ C O N F E T T I R E N TA L S

T H E V I N E YA R D AT F L O R E N C E

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R E A L W E D D I N G F E AT U R E

Cecy and Matt Holubec October 16, 2021 | Amy Odom Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “The first we did after we got engaged was hire Caitlin Delgado as our coordinator. I could not imagine having my wedding without CM Designs. She was so incredibly organized, yet so down to earth and very easy to work with. I loved that she was able to communicate with all the other vendors to make sure everyone was on the same page. She coordinated with all our vendors setting up meetings, coordinating timelines, reviewing plans, etc. I also really liked that she speaks Spanish since my side of the family was mostly Spanish speaking. She had so many ideas, but she also truly listened to all mine, even the silly ones and definitely delivered! On the day of the wedding, she made sure the day was perfect and took care of everything so we didn’t have to worry about a single thing. Everything was so stress-free! We were able to enjoy every little moment. Amazing attention to detail and quality of service. There are not enough words to express the outstanding job Caitlin and her team did.”

BLISS WEDDING PROS PLANNER CAKE

/ /

CM DESIGNS

VENUE

/ CARLEEN BRIGHT ARBORETUM

SWEETNESS DESSERTS

STAT I O N E RY

CM DESIGNS

R E N TA LS

K & S E N T E R TA I N M E N T

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/ A C T I O N R E N TA L

R E A L W E D D I N G F E AT U R E

Cheyenne and Stephen Murrow J u l y 3 , 2 0 2 1 | Ye l l o w R o s e P h o t o g r a p h y

IN HER WORDS. . . “Getting married in a pandemic I never thought that my dad and stepmom of all people would test positive for COVID the week of my wedding. The day I dreamed about since I was little girl, gone in a blink of an eye. I wouldn’t have my dad walk me down the aisle, my father daughter dance, and more. With the help of Cinderella Films, Travis captured every single piece of our wedding day and more making sure my parents didn’t miss a single thing. I can never thank them enough for everything they did for us.” “Carol from Woods is the sweetest most genuine person, and she made our day beautiful. She answered my countless emails and always made sure that everything was exactly the way I wanted.” “Confetti Rentals had such a great selection to choose from and Chris is amazing! She knew how to accommodate the best space at our venue to ensure I was getting the design I wanted.” “Courtney Yarbrough made me, and all my girls feel beautiful. I absolutely love her, and she is easily the sweetest person to work with. Show her your vision and she will make it happen!”

BLISS WEDDING PROS FLORAL BEAUTY

/ WOODS FLOWERS

R E N TA LS

/ HAIR & MAKEUP BY COURTNEY PHOTOBOOTH

/ RAMBLE & ROAM

/ C O N F E T T I R E N TA L S DRESS

VIDEO

/ MAIN STREET BRIDAL

/ CINDERELLA FILMS

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R E A L W E D D I N G F E AT U R E

Emma and David Doty J u n e 1 2 , 2 0 2 1 | S w e e t Va l l e y P h o t o g r a p h y

IN HER WORDS. . . “Kelley Laws is a true professional, an angel. She is so sweet and soft-spoken, but in the midst of everything, it really seems like she is doing her absolute best to make the wedding a perfect day. She went above and beyond to capture the perfect shots, find the perfect light, and talked me down when I was anxiously waiting for the ceremony to start. Amidst all the chaos that was my wedding day, there were a few things that really made it possible for me to have a truly special day with my husband, and Sweet Valley Photography is on that list.”

BLISS WEDDING PROS PHOTOGRAPH ER RENTALS CAT ERI NG

/ SW E E T VA LLEY PH OTO G R A PH Y

/ CEL E BR AT I O NS EVE N T R E N TA LS

/ TAN G L EFOOT CAT E R I N G - T R EN O PI ZZE R I A & TA PR O O M O th er par tic ipatin g ven dors c an b e fo un d at b l i s s b ri d al m a g az i n e.co m

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R E A L W E D D I N G F E AT U R E

Hailey and Zach Whitt October 23, 2021 | Wild + Untamed Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “Liza with Wild + Untamed is absolutely amazing. I am almost speechless while writing this because no words can accurately describe how great her work is. She is so talented and truly has a photographer’s “eye”. She carried out our vision flawlessly. I’ve had people tell me that our photos are the most beautiful pictures they have ever seen, and I couldn’t agree more.” “Ginny with Creative Innovations is so Creative…her business name could not be more accurate. I sent her our inspiration and she amazed me with picking out our flowers and putting everything together. She carried out our vision and made our flowers even more beautiful than my inspiration. You send her what you want and she completely takes over and makes your dreams come to life. Not only is Ginny the best in the industry, she is an expert in her field with many years' of experience and is by far the sweetest person you will ever meet with the kindest heart.” “Celebrations was so easy to work with and very efficient. We received several compliments from our guests how nice the chairs were and how easy they were to set up. We were so happy with our rentals and will definitely be using in the future.”

BLISS WEDDING PROS PHOTOGRAPHER FLORAL

/ W I L D + U N TA M E D P H O T O G R A P H Y

/ C R E AT I V E I N N O VAT I O N S DRESS

R E N TA LS

/ C E L E B R AT I O N S E V E N T R E N TA L S

/ MAIN STREET BRIDAL

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R E A L W E D D I N G F E AT U R E

Hannah and Zachary Zembo May 8 , 2021 | Taylor Nicole Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “We had already looked at a handful of venues when starting to plan our wedding, but nothing really fit with what we were looking for. This changed when we walked into Cathedral Oaks. We were in awe of the beautiful trees that covered the grounds and loved the huge windows of the reception hall that made it feel like we were up in the trees. It was a quick and unanimous decision to have our wedding at Cathedral Oaks.” “ Confetti Rentals helped bring our vision for our wedding to life. They have an amazing selection and were beyond helpful when designing the look for our wedding. They had so many great suggestions that really helped pull everything together. Even with last minute changes, they were so accommodating and really easy to work with.” “Becca at Be.You.Tiful Salon absolutely nailed it with my makeup on wedding day. After showing her a few inspiration pictures, she knew exactly what I wanted and delivered. She is so precise with her work and extremely talented. I never felt more beautiful!”

BLISS WEDDING PROS

VENUE BEAUTY

/ C AT H E D R A L O A K S / B E .Y O U .T I . F U L S A L O N

FLORAL

/ WOODS FLOWERS

DRESS

/ GEORGIO’S BRIDAL

R E N TA LS

/ C O N F E T T I R E N TA L S

VIDEO

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/ CINDERELLA FILMS

R E A L W E D D I N G F E AT U R E

Jacie and Dale Wallace September 11th, 2021 | Bailee Starr Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “Sarah from Alice Allen Events was amazing to work with. She is friendly, personable, organized, responsive, and willing to go the extra mile for you. I truly could not have planned our wedding without her!” “The Lodge At The Harvey 5 Ranch is a hidden gem! The owners are laid back and helpful at the same time. They can provide pretty much anything you need so you don't have to rent much from somewhere else. Easy and beautiful!”

BLISS WEDDING PROS

PLANNING & DESIGN VENUE

/ ALICE ALLEN EVENTS

/ T H E L O D G E AT T H E H A R V E Y 5 R A N C H

FLORAL

/ L AU R E L & F I N C H

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R E A L W E D D I N G F E AT U R E

Jamie and Haygen Tibbetts July 24, 2021 | Callie Ring Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “Everyone at Main Street Bridal was extremely helpful, patient, kind, and welcoming to myself and my family. They never once made me feel rushed and did everything they could to help my dress and wedding day be absolutely perfect. Graciela, the seamstress, is AMAZING!” “Our photographer, Callie Ring, captured the most perfect photos and gave us the chance to remember our favorite moments for a lifetime.”

BLISS WEDDING PROS

PHOTOGRAPHER

/ CALLIE RING PHOTOGRAPHY DRESS

R E N TA LS

/ C O N F E T T I R E N TA L S

/ MAIN STREET BRIDAL

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R E A L W E D D I N G F E AT U R E

Jasmine and Matthew Bailey June 12, 2021 | D.Lacy Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “Shauna is the absolute best wedding planner I have ever met! Her spirit, expertise, friendliness, and bubby attitude alone make her one of the best in Texas! Shauna assured every plan was executed to my expectations. She truly was the mother I never had when it came to my wedding planning. My vision along with her craft was just an unbelievable experience. I thank God to have connected with a spirit like hers. She was tailored for me, and I truly could depend on her for anything.” “Kimberly with All Sugar'd Up immediately had such a creative and unique idea when it came to my wedding cake. Kimberly did such an amazing job on bringing my vision to life, that the guests couldn’t keep their mouth closed when they saw my cake! I would recommend All Sugar’d Up anytime. Quality service with reasonable cost!” “I truly loved the service Belva, and her staff provided at Georgio's Bridal. Her boutique was the first boutique I began my dress journey in. I could not believe how quickly I found my perfect wedding dress. To completely clear my indecisiveness and conscience, I went to several boutiques in Dallas and Houston to be sure I have the perfect dress. After making those trips, I was assured that nothing else I saw topped my first choice at Georgio’s Bridal. I can for sure vouch that this boutique is one of the best in Texas for sure.” BLISS WEDDING PROS PL AN NI N G & D ESI GN RENTALS

/ WE D DINGS BY S H AUNA

/ RSV P EV E N T R E N TA LS D RESS

F LORAL CAKE

/ WO LF E F LO R I ST

/ A LL S UG A R ' D UP

/ G E O R G I O ' S B R I DA L

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R E A L W E D D I N G F E AT U R E

Jenna and Aedan Welch April 11, 2021 | Callie Ring Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . Sarah, from Be.You.Tiful Salon, was amazing! She listened to the very general, incomplete vision I had for my hair and makeup and turned it into a reality better than I imagined. Sarah met me with grace during my indecisiveness and helped me feel confident in our mutual decisions. We had so much fun getting ready, all of the girls loved having Sarah be a part of our goofy group. She was a huge part in making our special day so perfect!

BLISS WEDDING PROS

PHOTOGRAPHER R E N TA LS

/ CALLIE RING PHOTOGRAPHY

/ C O N F E T T I R E N TA L S

BEAUTY

VENUE

/ OLD BETHANY

/ B E .Y O U .T I F U L S A L O N

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R E A L W E D D I N G F E AT U R E

Kate and Ryan Baker June 5, 2021 | Shelly Taylor Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “Shauna Hamby took the chaos and stress out of wedding planning. As someone who is prone to anxiety, Shauna relieved my wedding day fears by ensuring that our big day was planned to perfection. Shauna worked closely with my vendors to make my pinterest board come to life. Our wedding day was flawless and stress free because of the expertise, efficiency, and work ethic of Shauna and her team.” “Courtney made be feel like an absolute princess on my wedding day. She listened to my preferences and created a look that was better than I imagined. Not only is Courtney diligent in her work, she is personable and truly cares about her brides.” “Susie from Paperdoodles was accommodating in choosing and purchasing invitations. Susie frequently communicated with us to perfect our invitations. We were impressed with the quality and affordability of the invitations Paperdoodles provided.”

BLISS WEDDING PROS PLANNING & DESIGN FLORAL

/ W E D D I N G S BY S H AU NA

/ L AU R E L & F I N C H

STAT I O N E RY

/ PA P E R D O O D L E S

R E N TA LS

VENUE

/ H I G H P O I N T E E S TAT E

/ P E N D L E Y PA R T Y P R O D U C T I O N S

BEAUTY

/ C O U R T N E Y YA R B R O U G H

DRESS

/ WA L L O F S O U N D

/ GEORGIO’S BRIDAL

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R E A L W E D D I N G F E AT U R E

Katherine and Glenn Schaller August 15, 2020 | Kennedy Miller Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “Bricker with Bruner Events did such a wonderful job with both of our weddings. Bricker has such creative and fresh decorating ideas, and he’s a pleasure to work with. When we had to postpone our big reception for COVID, Bricker didn’t even miss a beat. He redid the entire decorating plan to fit my parents’ house, which was a completely different and much smaller venue. He was able to make the entire home look absolutely beautiful even though the venue change was very last minute. When we did finally get to have our big reception, Bricker blew it out of the water. His team set up everything that morning, and we were absolutely thrilled when we saw the finished product. I would highly recommend Bricker for any wedding or other event!” “On The Avenue Salon was so wonderful to work with! I’m a low maintenance hair woman on a regular day, and wasn’t sure how to describe what style I wanted on my wedding day. Hannah with On The Avenue understood exactly what I was looking for and made my vision a reality. The salon is such a cute place and has a great blowout bar area for large parties, which was perfect for getting ready with my girls. It was a perfect start to the day!”

BLISS WEDDING PROS

R E N TA LS

/ BRUNER EVENTS DRESS

BEAUTY

/ O N T H E AV E N U E S A L O N

/ GEORGIO’S BRIDAL

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R E A L W E D D I N G F E AT U R E

Kaytlan and Bodazypha Farmer October 9, 2021 | Jack and June Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “Holly, From Jack and June Photography was by far the best decision for our photos. From the moment I met her she made me feel like I have known her for years! We had our introductory meeting and we told each other about ourselves and we have very similar stories and felt like I was catching up with an old friend. She was very kind, patient, and caring. On my wedding day, and leading up to our big day. she always made the atmosphere calm and enjoyable and stress free. Not to mention the pictures made it so much more perfect. She is such a talented and loving individual. I had so much fun with my bridals and having one on one time with her.” “G Fire Productions kept our party going all night long. They also were very good on checking in on us and keeping us on schedule for our timelines. We had a “Flower Guy” that came out dancing, and our DJ from G Fire was very excited for that moment almost as much as me. We had a secret song for Bodazypha that my mom and I wanted to play for him. He was so excited and as we all danced, I looked to the crowd and everyone was circled around us... the look on his face will stay with me forever.”

BLISS WEDDING PROS PHOTOGRAPHER

/ JAC K A N D J U N E P H OTO G R A P H Y

R E N TA LS DJ

/ C O N F E T T I R E N TA L S

/ G FIRE PRODUCTIONS

DRESS

CAKE

FLORAL

/ WOODS FLOWERS

/ L I LY ' S C A K E S

/ MAIN STREET BRIDAL

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Kelsey and Chris Williams November 13, 2021 | Robin Rogers Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “Robin Rogers Photography captured me for my bridal photos and also the big day! She made sure to pay attention to details, worked quickly and she was funny! She had great ideas on poses and knew exactly what pictures she wanted to take with our wedding party, families and of Chris and I. I loved getting to work with Robin! She was such a joy.” “Lily’s cakes brought my dream cake to life! I told her what I wanted and she created the cake on paper and surprised me with it on my wedding day! She also did my husbands cake based off of a picture and made it look 10 times better… We were completely happy with the entire process of picking flavors, calculating the amount of cake and design!” “Main Street Bridal was a one time stop and I was sold! They have so many beautiful gowns! The ladies working there were so helpful and made me feel beautiful! Their customer service was phenomenal and I’m so thankful it was a quick and easy process to choose the one!”

BLISS WEDDING PROS PHOTOGRAPHER R E N TA LS

/ ROBIN ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY

/ C O N F E T T I R E N TA L S DRESS

CAKE

/ L I LY ’ S C A K E S

/ MAIN STREET BRIDAL

VIDEO

VENUE DJ

/ OLD BETHANY

/ G FIRE PRODUCTIONS

/ CINDERELLA FILMS

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Kelsey and James Richards F e b r u a r y 2 7, 2 0 2 1 | D o u b l e K n o t We d d i n g s

IN HER WORDS. . . “Shauna, from Weddings By Shauna, made my dream wedding come to life! She took my ideas and carefully coordinated them together to create a cohesive design. She even went above and beyond to track down candelabras to complete the look. We planned our wedding from out of state and Shauna was able to help coordinate with our local vendors wonderfully. On the day of the wedding, we were able to focus on each other and knew that she had all the details and timeline under control. I’m very thankful for her talent in wedding planning!” “Kim from All Sugar’d Up took a picture I had saved years ago of a wedding cookie cake I loved and gave it life! She patiently talked through all the logistics of it and gave great recommendations during our meeting. She was so easy to work with and kept everything stress free!” “Courtney Yarbrough did a phenomenal job on hair and makeup for my bridesmaids and I! She is so kind, genuine, and very talented! She carefully listened to what I wanted and created it beautifully, even adding some last minute flowers to my hair. I am so thankful for her and her attention to detail!”

BLISS WEDDING PROS PLANNING & DESIGN FLORAL CAKE

/ W E D D I N G S BY S H AU NA

/ WOLFE FLORIST / ALL SUGAR'D UP

R E N TA LS BEAUTY

VENUE

/ OLD BETHANY

/ P E N D L E Y PA R T Y P R O D U C T I O N S / HAIR & MAKEUP COURTNEY

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Kennadi and Brayden Wise June 5, 2021 | Jamey Laree Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “CM Designs made the entire wedding planning process and day of SO much easier! She was keen on making sure my vision came to life and made sure everything ran as smoothly as possible. From day one we had a plan to stay on track for the entire planning process to ensure we were completely prepared for the day of. Caitlin rolled with the punches and made the day run perfectly.” “Beauty by Kara Beth was a life saver! She took the time to look through all of my hair ideas and helped me pick out what style would best compliment my dress. The actual styling of my hair was out of this world as well, I can’t believe how perfect it turned out.” “Old Bethany was the most beautiful venue I could have ever imagined! It was honestly my dream venue before we ever even got engaged, so I was completely taken aback the day of our wedding.” “Cuppiecakes designed my cake and did an absolutely fabulous job at it. There are not many times in one’s life where they can say a cake took their breath away, but this one certainly did. It was beautiful and looked straight out of a fairytale. However, that’s how I would describe the entirety of my wedding day - a fairytale.”

BLISS WEDDING PROS

PLANNING & DESIGN CAKE

/ CM DESIGNS

/ CUPPIECAKES

BEAUTY

VENUE

/ OLD BETHANY

/ B EAU T Y BY K A R A B E T H

FLORAL VIDEO

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/ L AU R E L & F I N C H

/ CINDERALLA FILMS

R E A L W E D D I N G F E AT U R E

Kristel and Mark Pittman October 23, 2021 | Mitchell Bahr Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “I have been a long time fan of The Vineyard at Florence and have been a wine club member there for 5 years. I knew once we got engaged that this would be the perfect place for our special day. Jennifer from The VIneyard at Florence was our point person, and our day of wedding coordinator. She was onboard with every creative and over the top idea I had, and we even used a new space that they had never used before for our ceremony. It was absolutely beautiful and I cannot be happier. The Vineyard at Florence also catered both our rehearsal dinner and wedding reception and the food and service was excellent.” “Working with Carol from Woods Flowers was wonderful. She really takes the time to get to know you and it was truly a wonderful experience. I can't thank her enough for our beautiful flowers. They turned out better than I could have imagined.” “Confetti Rentals really blew me away. I met with Karla McNeil during my design session and she clicked into my vision immediately and helped me bring it to life. Everything was beautiful and the turn key service was incredible. I didn't have to lift a finger.” BLISS WEDDING PROS

VE N U E & CAT E R I N G R E N TA LS

/ T H E V I N E YA R D AT F L O R E N C E

/ C O N F E T T I R E N TA L S

BEAUTY

FLORAL

/ WOODS FLOWERS

/ G L A M O U R B EAU T Y & C O .

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Leah and Josh McCulley M a r c h 2 7, 2 0 2 1 | W i l l o w Vo g t P h o t o g r a p h y

IN HER WORDS. . . “Shauna was absolutely fabulous! Her relationships with vendors made everything effortless. She was incredibly professional and executed the day flawlessly with the decorations and managed the reception so everything ran smoothly. My parents feel that Shauna was worth way more than what we paid her! I wasn’t stressed the day before or day of because I trusted Shauna and her team to take care of every little aspect. ” “Paperdoodles was wonderful to work with and their designs were beautiful and well done. Susie did her research prior to our meeting by reviewing our wedding website and worked with us to design a coordinating theme. She also coordinated with us to get the best deal and shipped everything directly to my house.” “Pendley was great to work with. Their showroom had all the styles that made deciding hard from the choices but also better than looking through a catalog. My favorite part was walking through their warehouse in search for a particular piece of furniture. While we didn’t end up renting that furniture, the walk led me to my favorite rental - the big M! That giant M made my wedding day special as I celebrated my new name!”

BLISS WEDDING PROS PLANNING & DESIGN

/ W E D D I N G S BY S H AU NA STAT I O N E RY

BEAUTY

/ PA P E R D O O D L E S

R E N TA LS CAKE

/ HAIR AND MAKEUP BY COURTNEY

/ P E N D L E Y PA R T Y P R O D U C T I O N S / ALL SUGAR’D UP DRESS

/ GEORGIO’S BRIDAL

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Lily and JT Edwards July 24, 2021 | Davello Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “Shauna Hamby with Weddings By Shauna went above and beyond in every way to help me plan my dream wedding! I was so thankful for her everyday throughout the entire process. Every bride needs a Shauna!!! Party Time Texas was also the most incredible source of entertainment for the evening. Everyone was dancing until the very last minutes of the wedding, and I will always remember that!”

BLISS WEDDING PROS

PLANNING & DESIGN BEAUTY

/ W E D D I N G S BY S H AU NA

/ HAIR & MAKEUP BY COURTNEY

FLORAL VIDEO

/ WOLFE FLORIST

/ CINDERELLA FILMS

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Linda and Christopher Cangemi March 6, 2021 | Wild + Untamed Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “Creative Innovations put together beautiful arrangements to match the theme colors for our wedding! They were gorgeous and the flowers were fresh, vibrant, and wonderfully fragrant! They added the perfect ambiance to a blissful wedding day!” “Main Street Bridal is extremely professional and easy to work with! It’s a quaint shop in downtown Belton with great customer service. Their website made it simple for my husband and his groomsmen to rent suits. Main Street Bridal was extremely responsive and able to tailor some quality, custom suits for the groomsmen with a one-day turnaround and an easy turn in process following the ceremony! It was amazing!” “Liza with Wild + Untamed Photography was a perfect choice for our wedding! From the beginning she made us feel confident in her services. She was personable, reachable, thorough, professional, and made us extremely comfortable throughout the photo session with lots of laughter and full beverages of our choice! When it came to our group photos, she successfully corralled the wedding party, guests, and even our lovely pup to get some great pictures, all while remaining seemingly camouflaged. I can’t say enough about the quality of photos we received and how truly wonderful Liza is to work with.”

BLISS WEDDING PROS

PHOTOGR APHE R

/ WILD + U N TAM E D P HOTO G R A PH Y

CAKE

/ SIM P LY DE L ICIOU S BA K ERY

F LORA L

DRE S S

/ C R EAT I VE I N N OVAT I O NS

/ M A I N ST R E E T B R I DA L

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Lindsey and Tony Giusti May 29, 2021 | Jesse Kay Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “Hannah, of Watson Weddings, has a great eye for design! Not only did she help me to make my wedding beautiful, but when I continue to see her social media posts I am blown away with all the lovely weddings she has done since that time. If you want someone that has a great understanding of different wedding styles and décor, I would pick her. Another perk is that her team does an amazing job on the day of your wedding to help everything run smoothly! I don’t know what we would have done without her that day!”

BLISS WEDDING PROS PL AN NI N G & D E S I G N REN TALS

/ WAT S O N W E DDI N G S

/ ACTION RE N TA L VEI L & H AI R ACCE S S ORI E S

B E AUTY

/ B EAUT Y BY K A R A B E T H

/ G E O R G I O ' S B R I DA L

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Mary Hope and Shane Stafford A p r i l 1 7, 2 0 2 1 | A l i s o n H e f f i n g t o n P h o t o g r a p h y

IN HER WORDS. . . “When I think about my wedding day, I remember the vision I had set for it. My mom and I knew we needed someone to assist us though the process. We immediately spoke with Shauna Hamby from Weddings by Shauna. I told her that I envisioned a “French Country” wedding. Little did I know that my actual wedding day would exceed every expectation I had set. It was a true fairytale! Shauna met with us frequently over our nine months of planning. She and her team made everything run like clockwork and paid attention to every little detail.” “One of our first venders was Paperdoodles in Temple. Susie Winkler, the owner, was such a joy to work with as we selected our wedding invitations.” “As the day grew closer, Pendley Party Productions joined our team. The gorgeous drapery they hung was such an elegant and soft touch to the rustic timbers of our venue. Everything was absolutely perfect. It was one of the best days of my life that I will never forget.” “The stunning floral arrangements created by Laurel and Finch was perfection.”

BLISS WEDDING PROS PLANNER

W E D D I N G S BY S H AU NA FLORAL

CAKE

R E N TA LS

L AU R E L A N D F I N C H

ALL SUGAR’D UP

/ P E N D L E Y PA R T Y P R O D U C T I O N & R S V P R E N TA L S

BEAUTY

STAT I O N E RY

HAIR & MAKEUP BY COURTNEY

PA P E R D O O D L E S

WA L L O F S O U N D

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Micah and Jackson Sodek September 4, 2021 | Callie Ring Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “Callie with Callie Ring Photography was a dream and everything I could have asked for in a photographer for our wedding. She was so professional and thorough with all questions when booking, leading up to wedding day, and actual day. I couldn’t thank her enough for ensuring we got good pictures. She was so understanding and comfortable when our wedding party and family were ready to get to the party and out of the heat. She also made pictures so easy and modeled us so comfortably. She definitely went above and beyond on my wedding day, and will be remembered as my most helpful vendor.” “Celebrations Event Rentals was a very helpful vendor I loved working with. Not only do they have amazing pricing, they are so friendly and kind. They have a personal charisma when helping pick out decor. I felt that they truly cared helping select the items I needed and wanted to rent. They even custom designed a centerpiece I was wanting! They were so easy and accommodating to work with, and I never felt I had to worry with this vendor!” BLISS WEDDING PROS

PHOTOGR APHE R

/ CALL IE RIN G P HOTOG RA PH Y

FLORAL

/ BRAN CH & BLOOM

RE NTALS

VE NU E

/ T H E LO DG E AT T H E H A RVEY 5 R A NCH

/ C E LE B R AT I O NS EVE N T R E N TA LS

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Natalie and Collin Mask May 21, 2021 | Lizzie Christine Allen Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “I cannot recommend Weddings by Shauna enough! She was there every step of the way for the planning process, and she and her team created a seamless wedding day. I had no stress on the day of the wedding because I knew they would have everything taken care of. Hiring Weddings by Shauna was our best decision throughout the wedding planning process!” “I absolutely loved my flowers on my wedding day. Ginny from Creative Innovations has a true talent for creating beautiful floral arrangements. She also truly cared about staying within our budget while maintaining the beautiful arrangements I envisioned. I am so thankful for the beauty she provided for our special day!” “I am so glad I bought my wedding dress from Main Street Bridal. The consultants and seamstress are all so kind and helpful. I felt the consultants really took their time with me and they even provided a complimentary dress steaming prior to my bridal portraits and wedding day.” “I loved my invitations that we ordered from Paperdoodles. Susie Winkler made the process very simple and cost effective. She worked hard to help me get the best deal on my beautiful invitations. I could tell she truly had my best interest in mind!”

BLISS WEDDING PROS PL A N N ER

/ WEDDING S BY SHAU NA FLORAL

BE AUTY

REN TALS

/ C O NF E T T I R E NTA LS & PE N DLEY PA R T Y PR O DUC T I O N S

/ CREATIV E INNOVAT I O NS

/ H A I R & MAK EU P BY COU RTNEY

CAKE

DRE S S

/ M A I N ST R E E T B R I DA L

/ LI LY' S CA K E S

STATI ONE RY

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/ PA PE R DO O DLES

R E A L W E D D I N G F E AT U R E

Nicole and Broden O’Banon August 8, 2021 | Kayla Snell Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “Hannah at Watson weddings was instrumental in making our wedding vision truly come to life. She is creative, insightful and so thoughtful when it comes to making sure everything would look the way we wanted it to on our big day. We had to postpone our wedding due to COVID and Hannah helped make that process so seamless. She was on top of every detail and communicated with me throughout the entire process. We loved working with Watson Weddings and without them, I’m not sure what we would have done.” “Old Bethany is right out of a storybook. We were originally drawn to the venue because we loved the grounds and the ability to design the space however we wanted. Their staff was so kind throughout our planning process and helped ensure we would have everything we needed on our big day - even setting out corn hole on the lawn so our guests could enjoy the summer day. My husband and I’s favorite thing was getting to enjoy the spacious bridal and groom suites with our family and bridal party on our wedding day!”

BLISS WEDDING PROS

PLANNER

WAT S O N W E D D I N G S

VENUE

/ OLD BETHANY

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Sarah and Derek Wales September 18, 2021 | Robin Rogers Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “When I look back on our wedding day, I am so thankful I went with Robin Rogers as our wedding photographer. I am in awe of how Robin perfectly captured our day. She worked passionately on our wedding from detailed shots to formal pictures and all the moments in between. Not only did Robin give incredible advice about poses and pictures to capture our day, and the feeling associated with it, she also gave advice in planning our day. Her advice on the timing of photos led us to be ahead of schedule the whole day. She photographed our engagement pictures and my bridal portraits and through the months leading up to the wedding checked in to assist in any way possible she could. Robin is always swift to answer and works endlessly for her clients going above and beyond.” “Lily’s Bakery provided us with beautiful cakes inside and out. Lily and her team brought our vision for our cakes to life. It was quite amazing walking into the reception room for the first time and seeing them perfectly envisioned and executed. We enjoyed cutting into our cakes and eating lovely lemon and rich red velvet cakes.”

BLISS WEDDING PROS PHOTOGRAPHER VE N U E & CAT E R I N G

/ ROBIN ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY

/ SHADY VILLA HOTEL VIDEO

CAKE

/ L I LY ' S C A K E S

/ CINDERELLA FILMS

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Sydney and Caleb Williams August 28,2021 | Roaming Wild Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “TCP Catering is ultimately the best! After having them many times before, their food has NEVER disappointed. Not only was our wedding meal exceptional, but they also offered us a complementary tasting of the meal we were considering before our big day. You won’t find better service, than with TCP Catering. It really made our day special to know that everyone enjoyed the meal as much as we did. It doesn’t matter whether they are cooking for 40 or 250 it will still be just as delicious!!” “Celebration Event Rentals surpassed all expectations, making our wedding vision come to life. When changes needed to be made, they always had just what we needed and were always quick to respond!” “Lily’s cakes were such a joy to work with. The tasting was fun, as we got to try a variety of cake flavors from her cheesecakes to cookies and cream, and even the strawberry shortcake. Yes, a type of cake that is truly remarkable! She is a such an artist, as my husband wanted a duck on his cake. Yes, she nailed it. Both cakes were absolutely beautiful and tasted even better!!”

BLISS WEDDING PROS

VENUE

/ OLD BETHANY CAKE

R E N TA LS

/ L I LY ' S C A K E S

/ C E L E B R AT I O N S E V E N T R E N TA L S CAT E R I N G

/ T C P C AT E R I N G

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Tatum and Brandan Coulter September 18th, 2021 | Ashley Munn Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “Ashley, at Ashley Munn Photography, was amazing the entire day! She was positive, fun, and very efficient. She was prepared before our family sessions started and didn't have our guests waiting long. We would recommend Ashley to any couple getting married. Thanks Ashley for making our day so smooth and for the most beautiful photos!”

BLISS WEDDING PROS PHOTOGRAPHER VENUE

/ ASHLEY MUNN PHOTOGRAPHY

/ T H E L O D G E AT T H E H A R V E Y 5 R A N C H

R E N TA LS

/ C E L E B R AT I O N E V E N T R E N TA L S

FLORAL DRESS

/ BRANCH AND BLOOM

/ GEORGIO'S BRIDAL

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Taylor and Jesus Alejandro Ocotber 3, 2020 | Kayla Sellers Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “Jennifer was such a giving host. Her experience and over all knowledge of event planning, decor, and the ability to bring what seemed to be farfetched ideas to life made our time with her feel seamless. The effort she gave during our ceremony to make sure everything ran smoothly was a testament to how she truly strived to make my dream wedding come true. Fossil Creek was without a doubt designed and constructed to be the perfect wedding venue.” “Kayla truly is a talented photographer. She made every photo shoot with her feel effortless and easy. Starting with our engagements she established a professional but relaxed environment that made it an enjoyable experience. During my bridals and boudoir set, she made me feel confident and model like. Her eye for the perfect shot captures all the emotional moments. I adore getting to look back at my gallery, it feels like I get to live my special day all over again.”

BLISS WEDDING PROS

PHOTOGRAPHY

/ K AY L A S E L L E R S P H O T O G R A P H Y

R E N TA LS

/ A C T I O N R E N TA L

DRESS

VENUE

/ FOSSIL CREEK

/ GEORGIO’S BRIDAL

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Vanessa and Michael Castaneda July 31, 2021 | Casey Nystrom Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “Makensie from Heavenly Weddings is an amazing coordinator to work with! She is very knowledgeable, professional, and thoughtful. Makensie took so much stress off of me, my husband, and our parents the day of the wedding and made our dream wedding come to life. We loved that she packed us to-go plates of food and cake in our getaway car so that we could enjoy a midnight snack. We couldn’t have asked for a better coordinator and cannot recommend her enough!” “Ginny from Creative Innovations is so creative, kind, and sweet! I was able to talk to her on the phone, show her pictures of my vision, and she brought my vision to life on our wedding day! Ginny is definitely the easiest vendor to work with and has so many great ideas. You definitely need her for all of your floral needs. Ginny’s work made our wedding day absolutely beautiful!” “Georgio’s Bridal is where I found my dream wedding dress! Georgio’s Bridal will go above and beyond to understand your style and then help you find your perfect wedding dress. They have a beautiful selection of dresses. You won’t feel rushed or pressured shopping with them. They are amazing to work with!”

BLISS WEDDING PROS

PLANNING & DESIGN FLORAL

/ H E AV E N LY W E D D I N G S

/ C R E AT I V E I N N O VAT I O N S

DRESS

VENUE

/ OLD BETHANY

/ GEORGIO’S BRIDAL

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Whitney and Matthew Pluta October 9,2021 | Ashley Stecz Photography

IN HER WORDS. . . “The collective set of amazing vendors I had for my wedding created the experience I never thought I would have. However, it was everything I didn’t realize I dreamt of until I saw everything come together.” “The flowers from Jayci with Branch and Bloom were beautiful and elegant, G Fire Productions was amazing and had everyone dancing the entire time, and The Carleen Bright Arboretum was absolutely perfect!” “Hannah with Watson Weddings did a magnificent job taking my ideas and making them come to life from connecting everyone and staying in touch with me to ensure that no detail was left untouched. Through the year of planning, a pandemic, my move to El Paso, and several obstacles that came up, she was encouraging, organized, creative, and supportive. I could not have done this without her. The outpour of love and compliments I received from family and friends are a testament to what she and the other vendors provided for my special day.”

BLISS WEDDING PROS PLANNING & DESIGN

/ WAT S O N W E D D I N G S

FLORAL

/ BRANCH AND BLOOM DJ

VENUE

/ CARLEEN BRIGHT ARBORETUM

R E N TA LS

/ A C T I O N R E N TA L

/ G FIRE PRODUCTIONS

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Bear Moose and Fox, Celebrations Event Rentals, Laurel & Finch, Watson Weddings, Cathedral Oaks

ATTIRE GEORGIO’S BRIDAL 510 Lake Air Dr, Waco, TX 76710 (254) 772-0265 | georgiosbridal@gmail.com Georgiosbridalsalon.com Georgio’s is celebrating its 19th year! They are a proud family-owned and operated business catering to your whole wedding party, including tuxedos. Georgio’s pride themselves on their customer service and individual attention to details from your gown, the accessories, and even through your alteration appointments. Brides travel from across Texas and all over the United States to enjoy the experience, diverse, and beautiful selection from some of their exclusive Central Texas designers. Book your appointment now with their easy online scheduling.

MAIN STREET BRIDAL 100 N Main St, Belton, TX 76513 (254) 613-5191 | mainstbridal@gmail.com mainstreetbridalboutique.com Main Street Bridal is a full service boutique located in the Historic District of Downtown Belton. They strives to give you an experience of a lifetime when purchasing your dream wedding gown. At Main Street Bridal, you will find fabulous dresses for your bridesmaids, junior bridesmaids, flower girls, mothers, and tuxedos for the special man in your life. They also offer an array of simple to heirloom quality jewelry pieces to choose from, including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, veils and shoes. Main Street Bridal is committed to being the bridal salon that offers the best service and value in a boutique environment.

B EAUT Y BE.YOU.TIFUL SALON 108 N. Main Street, Belton, TX, 76548 (254) 939-7499 | beyoutifulbelton@gmail.com beltonbeyoutifulsalon.com Based out of Belton, TX. Opened in 2013. BeYOUtiful Hair Salon provides award-winning wedding beauty services for soon-to-be newlyweds. Nory, the company owner, works alongside her skilled team of hair and makeup artists to create exquisite looks for her clients. They are truly dedicated to their craft and will strive to enhance your natural beauty for your big day. Besides receiving an array of renowned certifications throughout their career, they genuinely enjoy building their skills and honing their techniques. The BeYOUtiful team will work to secure your trust and comfort from the outset, allowing you to relax and unwind before your celebration.

BEAUTY BY KARA BETH (254) 652-3765 | hairbykarabeth@gmail.com beautybykarabeth.com

Based in Waco, Texas, Beauty by Kara Beth is a hair and makeup company providing onsite beauty services to brides in Central Texas and beyond. Kara Beth’s beauty professionals team is trained and equipped to create gorgeous, lasting looks for your bridal party. They provide bespoke beauty services customized to match your personal style and wedding day aesthetic and can service both small and large groups. With a variety of packages designed to suit your budget, location, and beauty needs, Beauty by Kara Beth would be honored to be part of your big day!

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B EAUT Y DAPPER & DASHIN’ SALON AND SHOP 3010 Scott Blvd Suite 102, Temple, TX, 76501 (254) 295-0600 | dapperanddashinevents@gmail.com dapperanddashin.com Award-winning Dapper & Dashin’ is a men’s grooming shop and full-service salon focused on providing an elevated hair experience through being professional, personable, and precise. Their experts will cater to your wedding party’s needs by providing your groom and groomsmen with tailored haircuts, relaxing signature hot towel shaves, custom black mask facials, and waxing. Reserve Dapper & Dashin’ for your wedding party today!

GLAMOUR BEAUTY & CO (254) 833-7794 | info@glamourbeautyandco.com glamourbeautyandco.com

Glamour Beauty & Co is a team of master makeup and hair artists who provide luxury bridal beauty services to all of Central Texas and was awarded The Knot’s “Best of Weddings” award for the last two consecutive years. The Glamour Beauty & Co team services and celebrates all brides providing expert services to all skin tones, hair types, and age groups. Glamour Beauty and Co promises to make every bride a priority with prompt response times and attentive communication. Discover the Glamour Beauty & Co difference today!

HAIR & MAKEUP BY COURTNEY (254) 722-5927 | cyarbrough411@yahoo.com instagram.com/makeup_by_courtneyy

Makeup by Courtney specializes in bridal hair and makeup. A premier makeup and hair artist in the wedding industry for several years, Courtney is trained in airbrush and traditional makeup and the latest bridal formal and informal hairstyles. From a dramatic look to soft natural glam. Courtney and her team will create the perfect bridal look for you.

ON THE AVENUE SALON 711 Austin Ave. Suite 1. Waco, TX, 76701 (254) 339-1440 | ontheavenue711@gmail.com ontheavenuewaco.com On the Avenue Salon and Blowout Bar is the perfect place for you and your bridal party to get ready! Get your makeup and hair done, grab a drink and relax while their highly-trained stylists help you personalize your appearance and make you feel beautiful for your big day! Reserving the Bar is like having a party before the party starts. You and your bridal party will get to toast to a fun-filled day, feel pampered, relaxed, and get styled for your event together. We recommend booking for your event at least one month in advance. Want to get ready at your venue instead? No worries! They can also travel to you!

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BEAU T Y T3 THE GYM 2329 S 57th St, Temple, TX 76504 (254) 742-2020 t3hegym.com T3 and The Gym is the premier group training facility in Central Texas. Owner and Master Trainer, Ike Shaw, created Titan Total Training in 2009, but his vision was not complete until he acquired Gym X, now The Gym. After gutting and reconstructing the entire facility, his dream is now a reality he can share with the community. Along with his 18 years experience in athletics, body building and fitness, Ike brings an amazing team of professionally trained and certified class instructors and trainers that are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals for your big day!

CA K ES + CO N F ECT I O N S ALL SUGAR’D UP 6320 N 19th St, Waco, TX 76708 (254) 644-9492 | allsugardup@gmail.com facebook.com/Allsugardup At All Sugar’d Up they design each cake to match you, your special event or your individual personality. Whatever the inspiration All Sugar’d Up works hand-in-hand to ensure it is the perfect sweet concoction for your celebration. Whether you are hosting a small wedding or a large celebration, please call or message them, as they’d love to talk with you more about making your special day a little sweeter!

CHICKFLICK’S COOKIES (254) 913-7903 | chickflickscookies@gmail.com chickflickscookies.com

What better way to celebrate the bride-to-be in your life than with sweet cookie sets from Chickflick’s Cookies? Our beautifully designed sugar cookies add that special touch to engagement parties, bridal showers, wedding favors and more! From classic monograms and delicate flowers, creative designs that celebrate their new last name, to themed sets and so much more... we’ve got the perfect cookies for all of your upcoming wedding celebrations!

CUPPIECAKES 313 S. Main Street, McGregor, TX, 76657 (254) 840-7030 | cuppiecakesofwaco@gmail.com cuppiecakesofwaco.com Cuppiecakes started with 2 best friends wanting to provide consistently yummy cakes and cupcakes to the people they love. Ten years later, nothing has changed. Their goal is to provide the customers with the best of the best in sweet treats and the feeling that they have been served by family. Cuppiecakes takes great pride in closely working with individuals to create memorable cakes that guests will associate with a fantastic party! They can make your dreams come true and work with your budget. Go give them a try, and you’ll see why they are consistently at the top of so many recommendation lists. BLISSBRIDALMAGAZINE.COM

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CAKES + CON FECT I O N S LILY’S CAKES 360 W. Central Texas Expressway, Suite #204, Harker Heights, TX, 76548 (254) 319-3555 | lilyscakestemple@gmail.com lilyscakes.com From our opening in 2012, we’ve been completely focused on creating a quality cake that tastes good, and looks amazing. We specialize in wedding cakes, custom cakes and cupcakes for your special occasions. All cakes are made to order so they are fresh for you to enjoy! Lily is expanding her range of area and is now taking clients in the DFW, Waco, and the greater Austin area as well. As the Food Network’s Monopoly Cake Wars winner in 2017, then Holiday Wars winner in 2018, our founder Lilian Halabi brings her incredible talent back to Bell County! We’d love the opportunity to serve you!

LINZ CAKES (254) 833-3300 | lindsay@linzcakes.com linzcakes.com

Lindsay Randolph, has been making cakes, cupcakes, and cookies for friends and coworkers for several years and decided to take the next step and made it an official business in 2020. “Each cake, cupcake, or cookie design is an opportunity to express my artistic side. Though I can work with fondant, I prefer to use buttercream because, honestly, it just tastes better! Flavor is one of the most important aspects of my cakes and I enjoy experimenting with interesting combinations. I look forward to meeting you and chatting about your next event!”

SIMPLY DELICIOUS BAKERY 200 S. Commerce Drive, Waco, TX, 76708 (254) 732-5333 | simplydcakes@aol.com simplydeliciouswaco.com Simply Delicious Bakery is a locally owned and operated specialty bakery located in Waco, Texas! They specialize in making your cake & dessert dreams come to life! Simply Delicious has over 14 years of experience serving Waco & surrounding areas. Their cake creations will bring elegance and romance to your wedding or anniversary celebration with their unique themes and custom designs. They would love to be a part of your special day with cakes that taste as delicious as they look!

SUGAR SHACK 1 Royal St, Salado, TX 76571 (254) 947-8840 | info@sugarshacksalado.com sugarshacksalado.com The Sugar Shack is “the” local candy store in historic Salado, TX. “ We believe life is sweet, and we want to make yours a little sweeter.” The Sugar Shack has a large selection of bulk candies and chocolates perfect for candy buffets, wedding favors, or bridesmaids’ gifts. The Sugar Shack can create a Custom Candy Buffet that will delight you and your guests! Their Candy Buffet displays are not only beautiful but also affordable and will make more sense than DIY. Let the professionals do the work for you so you can be free to enjoy your special event!

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CAKES + CO N F ECT I O N S SUGARS BY LEAH (254) 744-8267 | sugarsbyleah@gmail.com sugarsbyleah.com

Sugars by Leah is a home bakery in Waco, Texas that specializes in weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, and cookies for any occasion! Leah takes pride in the details and love she puts into each and every order. She looks forward to making your cookie dreams come true!

SWEETNESS DESSERTS 2034 N. Valley Mills Drive, Waco, TX, 76710 (254) 756-0590 | laura@sweetnessdesserts.com sweetnessdesserts.com “We taste with our eyes, then with our mouths, so let every dessert be a work of art followed by a sense of Sweetness!” As a Certified Master Cake Decorator, Laura Summersett has been delighting brides since 2008, when she began creating wedding cakes from her church kitchen. In 2013 she opened her first storefront to better serve both brides and the community. “The wedding cake and groom’s cake were show stoppers! Absolutely stunning and exactly what my daughter visualized. And the taste... hands down the best wedding cake I have ever tasted. Perfectly moist, so delicious. Highly recommend!” - N. Hunt

CATE RI N G LET US DO THE COOKING 111 S. Main Street, Nolanville, TX, 76559 (254) 554-2665 | admin@letusdothecooking.com letusdothecooking.com At Let Us Do The Cooking, it is their goal to provide Central Texas with great home-cooked food at affordable prices with unparalleled customer service. This has been their mission since its beginning. Started by Meredith Viguers in a converted garage in her home, Let Us Do The Cooking has truly been a labor of love. This love for the food and people they serve has allowed them to continue to grow each year they’ve been in business.

ROAD SIPS roadsips@gmail.com roadsips.com

Road Sips is a full-service mobile bar rental servicing the Greater Central Texas area. Their trailer is perfect for any party or event and features a 2-tap draft beer system, plus everything you’d need for your bar. Road Sips offers a great variety of packages for every occasion and can also work with you to customize a package to fit your event’s unique needs. The nice thing about this mobile bar is that the party will come to wherever you are. Let the good times roll!

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CAT ERI N G STICKY BONES BBQ (254) 630-8647 | stickybonesbbq@gmail.com stickybonesbbqtx.com

At Sticky Bones BBQ, they pride their selves in bringing you the ultimate barbecue experience. All recipes are all homemade, passed down through generations and steeped with love and flavors that show their deep Southern Roots. Sticky Bones BBQ blends art and science to prepare their needs to ensure every bite is moist and flavorful. They use only the freshest ingredients that are hand chopped and seasoned to perfection. Their attention to detail is quality and is evident in every event they cater regardless of size because “it’s Sticky Bones, we prepare our food as if you are family!”

TANGLEFOOT CATERING jacob@trenopizzeria.com trenopizzeria.com

Tanglefoot Restaurants, owners of Treno Pizzeria and Taproom, Bird Creek Burger Company, and First Street Roasters, offers a wide array of catering options for your wedding or event. We can create a custom menu across various cuisines to fit every occasion and make every bride happy on their special day.

TCP CATERING 204 N. Main St. Temple, TX 76501 (254) 781-5555 | centraltexas@tcpcatering.com tcpcatering.com TCP Catering has been cooking up something satisfying since 1979, emphasizing good food, for great people, at affordable prices. Whether your event has thirty guests or over a thousand, they can create a suitable menu for your needs. Their food creates an enjoyable experience that ensures they make each event and mealtime a memorable moment. No matter how big or small the event, TCP does all they can to genuinely understand their client’s needs and wants. It’s their goal to exceed your expectations with exceptional service and exquisite food.

TEXAS PORCH AND TABLE (254) 231-1476 | info@texasporchandtable.com texasporchandtable.com

Texas Porch and Table is a full-service customized catering company specializing in weddings, parties, and special events of all sizes. Every wedding meal should be memorable. To make sure yours is, they utilize fresh ingredients cooked as close to service time as possible and their innovative service techniques create a more personalized dining experience for your guests. These are just a few examples of their commitment to excellence! From a 250+ guest formal wedding to an intimate dinner party at home to your holiday office party, they will work with you and your budget to cater an event your guests are sure to leave talking about!

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DANCE LESS O N S ARTHUR MURRAY DANCE STUDIO WACO 1411 N. Valley Mills DR. Suite 13, Waco, Texas 76710 (254) 301-7125 | wacodance@gmail.com

You Deserve the BEST First Dance!Learning to dance for a wedding is a special gift that you and your spouse-to-be can give to each other. A couple who feels confident and poised when they dance together will ensure that their very first dance together as wife and husband will be a memory they will cherish forever.

FLORAL BLOOM WACO 1020 Franklin Ave, Waco, TX 76701 events@bloomwaco.com Bloomwaco.com Bloom Waco is known for sourcing on-trend flowers and creating one-of-a-kind arrangements you won't find anywhere else. They offer stunning bouquets and curated arrangements that fit every event. Bloom Waco aims to bring joy and beauty to your event by featuring seasonal blooms grown and harvested from Central Texas soil. It is their top priority to work directly with local growers and belive in a hands-on approach is the best way to guarantee only the freshest flowers are picked each day! "We hope to become a part of your big day and bring joy, beauty and life to your event!"

BRANCH & BLOOM (254) 760-2253 | branchandbloomflorist@gmail.com Facebook.com/BranchBloomFlorist

Jayci Stroder, the owner of Branch & Bloom, has always been driven by the creative process. When she was introduced to floral design in high school, it was a match made in heaven. Jayci loves exploring all that the floral world offers by taking a creative approach to traditional techniques. For every event, she creates something unique that brings out the personal style of each bride. She is passionate about bringing to life each bride’s vision that will be cherished forever. Her husband, Sam, is her partner in all things. Together they have 2 dogs and enjoy all the adventures that life has to offer. Jayci looks forward to meeting you.

CREATIVE INNOVATIONS 1211 Stagecoach Rd. | Salado, Texas (254) 760-2620 | creative-innovations@hotmail.com CreativeInnovationsWeddings.com Creative Innovations is a floral design studio that brings a unique and creative perspective to every event. Owner and designer, Ginny Swalley, is known for her beautiful arbors, breathtaking bouquets, and lush greenery garlands. Creative Innovations provides every client with the same level of personal attention during the planning process, tailoring their services to each bride’s budget. Whether you’re in the midst of wedding planning or busy coordinating flowers for a special occasion, Creative Innovations will work closely with you to create unique floral designs and bring your vision to life. BLISSBRIDALMAGAZINE.COM

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F LORA L LAUREL & FINCH 909 Burt Hollow, Hewitt, Texas (254) 640-0583 | lauren@laurelandfinch.com Laurelandfinch.com We are a floral design company focusing on florals for weddings + events. We work from our home studio located in Hewitt, Texas, just south of Waco. Though a lot of our work keeps us in Central Texas, we love to travel + are always up for destination weddings in Texas and beyond. With a true focus on each individual client that crosses our path, l+f prides itself in the ability to give full attention to each customer. Since we put all of our creative focus into weddings and events, we feel like we have better client interaction and fully understand our brides and customers. We are incredibly detail oriented and thrive on making sure that your vision, no matter how big or small, comes to life on your special day.

NORMA'S BLOOMING BIKE (254) 262-5962 | norma@normasbloomingbike.com Normasbloomingbike.com

Norma's Blooming Bike started out of the deep desire to create a life filled with love and daily enjoyment. Our desire is to bring joy and opportunity to our COMMUNITY. Bringing you flowers filled with intention and that is specifically curated for YOU is our goal. We understand the power of intention and help bridge the gap between local flower farms and consumers. We provide flowers for your daily needs, like birthdays and anniversaries. As well as for weddings and any of your other once-in-a-lifetime events.

WOLFE FLORIST 1500 Primrose Dr. Waco, TX (254) 752-3351 | sales@wolfeflorist.com Wolfe-Florist-Waco.com

Wolfe Florist is a multi-service florist, offering fresh-cut flowers directly imported from around the world. Wolfe's is able to produce the highest quality arrangements for any occasion at prices to fit any budget. Weddings are our specialty and our team of designers will bring your vision to life. Owned and managed by fifth and sixth generation florists, the name "Wolfe" has been recognized for quality and service in the Texas floral industry since 1892.

WOODS FLOWERS 1415 W Avenue H, Temple, Texas (254) 778-8506 | woods.bloomingfields@yahoo.com Woodsflowersdesign-events.com Established in 1950, the owner and designer of Woods Flowers, Carol Hajda, took over the family business in 1992. Growing up in the retail and wholesale floral industry since she was a baby, Carol designed and sold her first arrangement at the age of 10. Today you see her designs featured in magazines, bridal shows, and weddings all over Central Texas! Floral brings the entire vision of the wedding together, reflecting your unique style. Carol and her team want to help you bring your vision to life! On the day of your wedding, their team will be on site to ensure every bloom, vessel, and detail is perfectly placed. “We want your flowers to be just as perfect as your perfect day!”

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MUSI C & E NT ERTA I N M E N T G-FIRE PRODUCTIONS (254) 291-5625 | GFirePro71@yahoo.com Gfireproductions.com

When hiring G Fire Productions (DJ | Sound | Lighting), you can count on “Fun and Professionalism.” They’re here to provide quality entertainment for all of Texas at affordable rates. Their DJs are motivated professionals with years of experience in the wedding & entertainment industry. If you’re looking for customer-focused, attention to detail, flexibility, and sophistication, there’s absolutely no reason to look elsewhere! Their DJ/MC style is unique, and they offer amazing features such as “G Sparks” and “Dancing in the Clouds.” G Fire Productions wants to earn your business and are looking forward to hearing from you soon. Let’s party!

GOOD TIMES PRODUCTIONS (254) 913-2388 | patricktrahan@goodtimesproductions.org Goodtimesproductions.org We work directly with our clients or their planner to ensure that the music selected is not only appropriate for the type of celebration, but it meets the needs of the couple to ensure that everyone has a GOOD TIME! We keep your event stress free by taking care of the details prior to the event. We are an open genre DJ Service, so you will get the type of music you want. We offer Pre-Ceremony Music, Ceremony Music, Cocktail Hour, Dinner Music, and the Reception. For Cocktail Hour, we can also add in a Live Smooth Jazz Saxophonist.

GRETCHEN WILLIAMS, HARPIST (254) 699-9050 | centexharpist@hot.rr.com Centexharpist.com Harp music is elegant, romantic, and graceful, making for the perfect music for your wedding day. From walking down the aisle to cocktail hour, Gretchen’s incredible talent will leave your guests in awe! “I have been playing the harp all of my life and playing for events in the Central Texas area since 1980. I used to teach Biology in high school, but I decided to play for events when I retired. I can provide music for preludes, wedding marches, and any other pieces a bride might want to be provided that can be played on a harp”. Music of the finest quality is Gretchen Williams’s standard, and we know firsthand, which is why she is our go-to when it comes to a Harpist in Central Texas!

K & S ENTERTAINMENT (254) 495-1997 | DJkarokekim@gmail.com Kandsentertainment.com K & S Entertainment is a DJ, Karaoke & Photobooth company specializing in weddings, quinceaneras, corporate and special events in Central Texas! From keeping your guests dancing to capturing memories in their unique photo booth, you are sure to keep your guests entertained all night long! The Mirror Photo Booth is a fully interactive selfie mirror with personalized animations, design choices, and much more! Guests can message photos directly to their mobile phones and also take home high-quality digital prints. Lastly, after your event, you’ll have full access to all of the photos and GIFs. How cool is that?

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MUSIC & E N T E RTA I N M E N T WALL OF SOUND (254) 285-8707 | wosproductions@hotmail.com Wosproductions.com Since 2010, Wall of Sound Productions has been one of Central Texas’s go-to for DJ services, photo booths, uplighting, monograms, and more! Wall of Sound Productions is a team of 3 professional and experienced DJs that specialize in weddings and private events. With their passion for music and creating memorable moments through it, they can assist in creating a fun and exciting experience for you and your guests to last a lifetime. They understand that it’s not just about playing music. It’s playing the right song at the right time. Wall of Sound Productions believes each wedding they do is as unique as each couple they meet! Contact them today for your DJ and/or photo booth!

PHOTO GRAP H Y CALLIE RING PHOTOGRAPHY callieringphotography@gmail.com callieringphotography.com Your wedding day is one of the most important days in your life, therefore I edit my photos to look natural, keeping realistic colors and tones, that way, you'll look back at your photos with your friends and family and still find them to be timeless throughout the years. I will capture your wedding day as it unfolds. I specialize in mixing in natural, posed portraits along with candid moments throughout your big day. My priority as a photographer is to capture your wedding day down to the small details, in such a way that when you look at your photos you truly feel that the moment in time was perfectly captured in time. Photos are a big responsibility in preserving your legacy / memories - and I take on this responsibility seriously.

CARMEN J. WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY (484) 225-2278 | info@carmenjwilliams.com Carmenjwilliams.com Carmen J. Williams Photography is a husband-and-wife team providing wedding photography & videography services. Carmen and Jake are dedicated to capturing sincere moments of your wedding day. This loving couple knows the importance of having a stress-free and seamless day. They strive to capture authentic and heartfelt moments. Carmen J. Williams Photography provides custom wedding collections, including various lifetime heirloom albums, framed wall art, canvas prints, and high-quality digital video of your big day. They understand the importance of capturing these monumental memories that will be part of your family’s legacy for a lifetime.

JACK & JUNE PHOTOGRAPHY jackandjunephoto@gmail.com jackandjunephoto.com When you book Jack & June Photography as your photographer, you’re not just signing up for someone to take professional photos of your wedding day. You’re signing up for someone to fully invest their heart and soul in capturing the most honest, true representation of your love story. They have a way of making you feel like the most important person in the world; there’s an aura of comfort and confidence just from their presence - something that you want with you on your wedding day. Their photos capture both the beauty and emotion of the day, preserving your memories in the most authentic fashion.

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PHOTO GRAP H Y KAYLA SELLERS PHOTOGRAPHY kaylasellersphotography@yahoo.com kaylasellersphotography.com Kayla Sellers Photography has been capturing brides since 2010 and hasn’t looked back since! She specializes in combining organic poses with candid moments and often stays in the background to ensure every photo taken feels both natural and authentic. From dramatic silhouettes to organic candids, Kayla has a knack for finding the perfect angle and using her eye for detail to capture every moment! Her photos can be described as airy, romantic, and having the ability to tell the story of a couple’s connection. “My goal as a wedding photographer is not to only give my clients beautiful images but to leave them with an experience where they feel loved & taken care of.”

MADISON KENNEDY PHOTOGRAPHY (903) 390-8750 | Madisonnkennedyphoto@gmail.com Madisonnkennedyphotography.com Texas based, natural light photographer that specializes in lifestyle sessions, portraits, and weddings. This job is such a beautiful way to blend your creativity and someone's story in the same moment. My clients are people I will always be grateful for. "By far our favorite photographer! Madison always captures the most beautiful moments and makes taking pictures fun and easy, even for my husband who hates photos. She always outdoes herself and we have never been disappointed in her work! We'll always use Madison & will always recommend her!" -Abbey & Jesse Foreman

NEVA MICHELLE PHOTOGRAPHY info@nevamichelle.com nevamichelle.com

Timeless and romantic photos for couples who love to have fun. Neva Michelle Photography is your hired third wheel who’s there to help fluff your dress, straighten your veil and make sure you and your love have stunning photos from the best day ever! With a mix of candids and an editorial style, you can be sure your wedding photos will be a beautiful reflection of your love for one another. They proudly serve couples of all races, sexualities, genders and physical/mental abilities.

RAMBLE & ROAM PHOTOBOOTH (254) 718-8821 | rambleandroamphotobooth@gmail.com rambleandroamphotobooth.com

Ramble & Roam Photo Booth is the photo booth you’ve been dreaming of! This 1973 Serro Scotty has been transformed into the cutest traveling photo booth for you & your guests to create lasting memories in. They have multiple packages available for you to choose from, so you’ll be sure to find something that is the perfect fit for your special day. Ramble & Roam is a family-owned and operated business, and they cannot wait to work with you to make your wedding day unique and special!

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PHOTOGRAP H Y ROBIN ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY (210) 514-7002 | robinrogersphotography@gmail.com robinrogersphotography.net Robin Rogers Photography is a natural light photographer in the Central Texas, Austin, and San Antonio areas. Since starting in the wedding industry in 2013, Robin has loved and cherished each and every moment! She works for the beauty and love of her couples. Leaving you with not only gorgeous images but a fun and stress-free experience! She is also a pro at carrying Clorox pens, hairpins, and safety pins for any oops moments! Robin’s goal is to create a beautiful mix of classic and lifestyle images to fill your gallery! She can’t wait to meet so many of you and work with you to create a beautiful package of memories for you to cherish.

STEPH CANO PHOTOGRAPHY (254) 541-8608 | Stephcanophotography@gmail.com Stephcanophotography.com Steph Cano Photography is a local photographer, who has captured an endless amount of couples and families throughout Texas. She has over 15 years experience and strives to capture a true representation of your special day, big or small. Steph’s specialty is capturing your true love as seen by others, but felt by you. She has a unique way of capturing light, and color. Her style has been described as vibrant and true. Much like her images Steph is full of Joy, and ensures you feel at ease being in front of her camera. “ As your photographer, I can ensure you will feel at ease knowing I will capture you and your loved one the way you see each other.”

WILD & UNTAMED PHOTOGRAPHY (254) 718-2010 | Liza@wildanduntamedphoto.com Wildanduntamedphoto.com Wild + Untamed Photography is a wedding + elopement photographer who loves to travel and serve couples from all walks of life that value the raw and the candid moments. "I am passionate about capturing the true essence of my clients to deliver warm, organic images. I strive to bring a sense of ease and comfort to your wedding day, while not missing a single moment (even the ones you may miss at the time) that way you can look back on it forever. I feel so incredibly lucky to be trusted to capture one of the greatest seasons of life and your most perfect day thus far."

PLA N N E RS ALICE ALLEN EVENTS (806) 632-1666 | sarah@aliceallenevents.com Aliceallenevents.com

At Alice Allen Events we turn your wildest dreams into a stunning reality. Our goal is not only to create a beautiful, top-notch experience for your guests, but also to ensure you feel like a guest at your own event. After years of experience hosting gatherings of all kinds and sizes, we promise to plan, design, and execute yours with the greatest attention to detail.

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PLA N N E RS BENNET EVENTS (361) 813-1488 | info@bennetevents.co facebook.com/bennetevents/

Bennet Events works on ensuring each individual event is uniquely different from everyone else. We want our clients to write and create their own stories by, in turn, helping them design and coordinate their own milestones through live events. Each individual lives and celebrates differently, so each occasion should be unique in its own way. Whether it be for love, work gatherings, or even just exciting news, one cannot have too large a party.

BRUNER EVENTS (254) 716-5809 | brunerevents@gmail.com brunerevents.com

Each one of us has a vision of the perfect event, and with Bruner Events working for you; your vision becomes a reality! We take all our clients’ needs, wants, and dreams, and create one-of-kind events that their heart desires! Our Owner and Creative Director, Bricker Bruner, has over 11 years of experience and has been voted as one of the Top Event Planners in Waco, and a team with combined 25+ years of experience, which will ensure that your next event is flawlessly executed!

CMDESIGNS (254) 709-9514 | caitlin.cmdesigns@gmail.com cmdesignsWeddings.com CMDesigns is a wedding and event planning company specializing in thorough and informative planning and seamless day-of coordination. With over 10 years of experience, CMDesigns offers honest and insightful vendor recommendations, help with budgeting, full-service design help, and so much more! Their love for weddings stemmed from a love for design. CMDesigns pays special attention to every detail and loves mixing in a little of the couple’s story and personality. With the understanding that every couple is different and unique, there are no cookie-cutter weddings! Perfectly capturing a couple’s unique personality among all the wedding decor is what this company lives for!

HEAVENLY WEDDINGS hello@heavenlyweddingstx.com heavenlyWeddingstx.com Heavenly Weddings is your premier wedding planning service specializing in the Central Texas area. Planning your wedding isn’t easy to do alone. They are passionate about weddings and building personal relationships with each couple to create beautiful, timeless weddings. They know just how stressful wedding planning can be. From finding the best vendors, perfecting your vision, and sticking to your budget, they will keep the stress out of your special day. Heavenly Weddings will make wedding planning as fun and as effortless for you and your family as possible. If you’re looking for someone you can trust with the big and small parts of your biggest day, all while doing it in style, then you’re in the right place!

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P LA N N E RS WATSON WEDDINGS & EVENTS info@watsonweddings.com Watsonweddings.co

Watson Weddings is a wedding planning and coordination service. They provide three main packages ranging from Month of Coordination to Full-Service planning but don’t strictly stick to those. Every bride is unique in their own way, and they want to make sure they provide unique service. To make sure each bride gets exactly what they need and are looking for in a planner, they can customize something special for you and your big day!

WEDDINGS BY SHAUNA Weddingsbyshauna@gmail.com Weddingsbyshauna.com Weddings by Shauna specializes in translating your vision of your wedding day into a magical reality! Their company was born out of a desire to cater to couples who want a highly personalized, upscale, and unique wedding planning experience. They will be there every step of the way to help you choose the right vendors, work closely with those vendors and assist you with design, details, timelines, and the creation of exclusive touches for your wedding! Weddings by Shauna truly believes that it is not just how your wedding looks….it is how your wedding feels! It is their belief that from the first meeting to your wedding day, your experience should be creative, fun, and stress-free!

WILD HEARTS COORDINATION (254) 258-2749 | wildheartscoordination@gmail.com wildheartscoordina.wixsite.com/website

From a very young age I have always loved weddings and the idea of marriage. It wasn’t until high school I realized my passion for marriage and a calling to help people could be turned into a beautiful career! Now that I have my own wedding under my belt as well as an internship, I’m ready to start my business! I look forward to all the amazing couples I will come into contact with! So who’s ready to get married?

RENTALS ACTION RENTAL 811 Lake Air Drive, Waco, TX, 76710 (254) 772-8890 | wacoparties@aol.com Actionrentalwaco.com Action Rentals specialize in weddings, coorprate events, trade shows and so much more! They are the largest party equipment rental store in Central Texas. With such an extensive rental inventory you have choices, and lots of them! “No cookie cutter weddings here. We pride ourselves in purchasing top of the line equipment for our inventory, making sure everyting is cleaned and laundered for every client. We want each and every one of our clients to feel like VIP when doing business with us. We are definitely “relationship builders” and a lot of our clients grow to be some of our closest friends.” They strive to make your special day a perfect one. 160

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REN TALS CELEBRATIONS EVENT RENTALS 893 East, FM 93, Temple, TX 76502 (254) 314-2415 | info@celebrationsshoppe.com Celebrationsshoppe.com Celebrations Wedding Planning and Event Rentals provides unique, quality wedding & event rentals to couples all over Central Texas! “Come see our showroom in Temple, and visit with one of our highly experienced design consultants or certified wedding planners. We offer everything you need to throw the event of a lifetime. Our rentals include tablecloths, specialty linens, custom-made archways, unique centerpieces, tables, chairs, and more! We’re ready to make your wedding, corporate event, baby shower, or any other occasion a huge success – let’s get planning!”

CONFETTI RENTALS 2802 Capitol Way | Belton, Texas 76513 (254) 939-3302 | confettirentals@embarqmail.com confettirentals.net Confetti Rentals was established in 2003 and has helped Central Texas brides design love stories ever since! “At Confetti Rentals, we consider ourselves purveyors of pretty, collectors of the classics and the curious, unabashed hoarders and delighters in good design. With over 17 years in the event industry, you could say we rock it! “The perfect event never just happens,” Chris has been known to say. Pulling off perfectly planned and stunning events is simple...said no one ever. Until now. “Confetti does it all. We design it, clean it, count it, pack it, load it, deliver it and install it so you can look pretty! Our designers help create something so special and on budget that your guests will be talking about your wedding for years to come!”

LIGHTING BY GGA 1904 Franklin Ave. Waco, Texas 76701 (254) 666-6242 | Info@lightingbygga.com Lightingbygga.com The official local lighting providers of the Magnolia Market Silos and the Cameron Park Zoo Lights! Our team of lighting experts will dramatically transform and enhance your special event, residential home, or business exterior with professional lighting design and fixtures. Whether you're looking to wow your neighbors with the best holiday or landscape lighting on the street, aiming to showcase your business brand, or wow your wedding guests - we have the solution for you. We offer commercial and residential holiday lighting and decor, year-round lighting, wedding & special events, and landscape lighting. No matter how big or small the project, we have the skill and knowledge to make your dream a reality.

PENDLEY PARTY PRODUCTION 7201 Santos Dr. Ste F | Waco, Texas (254) 772-2757 | allison@pendleyparty.com pendleyparty.com From concept to completion, the team of party consultants under Paulette’s direction are specialists in the art of planning and producing spectacular weddings and events. With almost 30 years of experience, they are known for their dedication to creating a magical experience. With 15,000 square feet of items available to rent, you’re limited only by your imagination. “There are absolutely no words to describe how grateful we are for you. The wedding ceremony and reception were amazing. Nothing short of breathtaking, right down to the last detail! It was far better than anything I could have ever dreamed of. Not to mention, all of our friends are still talking about the event like we are celebrities!” - Stacy & Erik Walton

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RENTA LS RSVP RENTAL 426 Towne Oaks Dr, Waco, TX 76710 (254) 772-5667 | nancy@RSVPwaco.com Rsvpwacotx.com RSVP is an event design and rental company established in Waco in 2001. They provide rentals, planning, design, set up, breakdown, and delivery. Customers select the services that best match their needs. Their rental inventory is endless with everything you could possibly need. According to owner Nancy Comer, “We usually start with an initial consultation with the bride to get an idea of her style and the look that excites her. As we are working on her plan, we discuss where we are with cost and adjust accordingly. It is usually a process that requires fine-tuning along the way, but it is extremely rewarding for the bride and for us to see that vision come to life”.

STAT ION E RY + S I G N AG E CMDESIGNS (254) 709-9514 | caitlin.cmdesigns@gmail.com Cmdesignsweddings.com

At CMDesigns, they love all things design. They feel your invitations are one of the most important parts of your wedding design- it is the first thing your guests see and will immediately give them an idea of your wedding day’s style and feel. That’s why they work hand-in-hand with couples to give them a design made especially for them. Your design will be a perfect reflection of your personality and your wedding’s style, wow-ing guests from the moment they see the envelope!

PAPERDOODLES 1401 S. 31st Street, Suite C, Temple, TX, 76504 (254) 773-8331 | susie@paperdoodles.com Paperdoodles is the only store of its kind in the Temple, Texas area. They carry all things paper, along with a wide variety of novelty items, specialty brands, and gifts for any occasion. There is something for everyone, with invitations, stationery, and specialty items for all budget levels. Paperdoodles is locally owned and operated in Temple – just between Waco and Austin. When it’s time to plan your special event, they are the perfect place for you to come and get started. The Paperdoodles staff gets excited about every event, just as if it was their own. They will gladly help you pick out the invitations, announcements, stationery, and other paper goods that fit your taste, style, and budget!

SIGNED BY SHANNON (610) 350-8107 | shannon.hurley22@gmail.com Instagram.com/signed_by_shannon/

Signed by Shannon Calligraphy was created after seeing the desire of brides to have personalized hand crafted calligraphy items for their special day. Signed by Shannon was started in Pennsylvania in 2018 and is now flourishing in Texas. All items are done by hand creating uniqueness to each piece! Brides can find items such as place cards, signage, seating charts, table numbers, envelope addressing, and much more!

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VEN UES CARLEEN BRIGHT ARBORETUM 9001 Bosque Blvd, Woodway, Texas (254) 399-9204 | events@woodwaytexas.gov Discoverwoodway.com The Carleen Bright Arboretum extends over 16 acres that are home to lovely botanical gardens and four event areas. Known as the “Jewel of Woodway” it boasts a certified Monarch Way-station, a koi pond, fountains, gardens, the Todd Willis Nature Trail that winds through native woodlands and much more. The Pavilion Event Center is the newest addition to the Carleen Bright Arboretum grounds. A state-of-the-art 10,000 square foot venue designed with large floor to ceiling windows that wrap you in nature. Surrounded by beautiful grounds Carleen Bright Arboretum and seating up to 360, it is the perfect space for weddings, corporate events, and large parties.

CASTLE HEIGHTS BIJOUX 2500 Washington Avenue, Waco, Texas (254) 498-1015 | castleheightsbijoux@gmail.com Castleheightsbijoux.com Castle Heights Bijoux Event Center is located in the heart of Waco in the historic Castle Heights neighborhood. From bridal showers, rehearsal dinners to weddings and receptions, Castle Heights Bijoux is the perfect location to host your special event! Castle Heights features a stage overlooking the dance floor, tables and Chiavari chairs, chandeliers. The venue can hosts up to 200 guests. Formal dining place settings are also available and so much more. Set the stage for your celebration of the century at Castle Heights Bijoux Event Center!

CATHEDRAL OAKS EVENT CENTER 1312 Waco Road, Belton, TX 254-939-6257 | info@cathedral-oaks.com Cathedral-Oaks.com Nestled on over six oak-covered acres in Belton, Texas, Cathedral Oaks is Central Texas’ premier location for weddings, receptions, and more. The 6,800 primary event center, can easily accommodate the needs of any event. The natural beauty of the landscape transitions throughout the venue with panoramic windows, hardwood floors, limestone accents, high vaulted ceilings, and exposed wood beams. Ornamental iron, custom chandeliers, and polished stone add inviting and elegant touches throughout the space. Custom landscape lighting showcases the majestic century oak trees. These are amongst the many subtle features which demonstrate the comprehensive attention to detail in the design of the venue.

DEERFIELD ESTATES 915 Spring Lake Rd. Waco, Texas (254) 284-0070 | grace@deerfieldvenue.com Deerfieldvenue.com Originally an 1840’s timber frame barn in Newton, Pennsylvania, this antique legacy has been restored into a beautiful, unique event space, surrounded by a ceremony rose garden and situated in a park like setting of native Texas trees. Six cabins are on-site and make the perfect lodging for guests and wedding party attendants. The groom’s cabin also doubles as a honeymoon cottage. Deerfield Estates also provides various size tables, chairs for both an outdoor ceremony and an indoor ceremony or reception. Their spacious catering kitchen offers ample space for food service as well as a fully stocked ice freezer.

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VENU ES FOSSIL CREEK RETREAT 622 County Rd 3565, China Spring, TX (254) 709-9509 | info@fossilcreekretreat.com fossilcreekretreat.com Fossil Creek is an upscale event facility in China Spring that offers lush indoor and outdoor sites for weddings, coorprate retreats and more . Whether you desire to say your “I Do’s” in our magnificent covered open-air chapel, next to their imperial cut pool with limestone fireplace, or barefoot under one of their century-old, majestic oak trees, Fossil Creek will help you transform your wedding dreams into reality! The seasoned professional coordinators specialize in taking care of all the on-site details and set up, leaving you free to enjoy the celebration. Their packages include tables, chairs, linens, and centerpieces, as well as other decorative pieces.

THE LODGE AT THE HARVEY 5 RANCH 5088 FM 2412, Gatesville, Texas 76528 (254) 410-7079 | Jaci.Stroder@harvey5lodge.com Harvey5lodge.com The Lodge At The Harvey 5 Ranch offers a unique wedding and event experience on the Central Texas Hill Country’s edges. Sitting on 225 scenic acres along the Leon River and offers 10,000+ sq feet of interior space, along with over 8,000 sq feet of covered porches and acres of landscaped yard to host any event. On-site lodging is available in the main house, along with 8 individual cabins to allow for a unique “get-away” wedding or event close to home. They can provide all-inclusive event packages or a-la-carte options as well. Come experience a perfect mix of modern, rustic, simple and spectacular at The Lodge At The Harvey 5 Ranch!

LEATHERBERRY OAKS 955 County Road 2200, Aquilla, TX (254) 479-6305 | info@leatherberryoaksweddings.com Leatherberryoaksweddings.com Your wedding is a once in a lifetime event that will leave you with timeless memories. A wedding shouldn’t be controlled by the clock and at Leatherberry Oaks, no wedding ever is. Brides can arrive Thursday and depart Sunday as they only offer one wedding per week. The Barn can handle a 400 guest wedding and brides also can enjoy on-site cabins designed to allow the entire wedding party to stay the weekend without leaving the property. Leatherberry Oaks includes a bridal cottage that sleeps 12, a comfortable groomsman’s cottage, and 2 parent’s cottages. The bride and groom have a separate cottage that Leatherberry Oaks calls the “Love Shack,” nestled away from the rest of your wedding party.

MOON RIVER RANCH 402 County Rd 417A, Satin, TX 76685 254-546-2233 moonriverranch.com For a most elegant and exclusive wedding, choose Moon River Ranch and make it a unique Texas country event! Breathtaking views, cascading waterfalls, shimmering pools, swaying palms and the tranquil Brazos River, provide the perfect ambience. You’ll find the ranch a peaceful place for your wedding, while enjoying the hospitality of our staff and lovely accommodations. You choose where to have your ceremony, from the charming country chapel to the waterfall grape-lined arbor. Venture out to the rolling pastures painted with pecan trees or to the shimmering natural rock pool, it’s a perfect place for you, your family and guests to enjoy memorable moments to be cherished forever.

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VEN UES OLD BETHANY 2730 Old Bethany Road. Bruceville, Texas (254)221-8088 | info@oldbethanyvenue.com Oldbethanyvenue.com

Old Bethany is a 6500-square-foot white barn nestled in the middle of a grove of beautiful Texas oak trees. The barn rests on 100 acres of open fields and scattered trees. Their 35-foot barn has a large covered porch adjacent to a 30’x80’ turf lawn with string lights hanging overhead. The downstairs area is comprised of the 3500 sq. foot grand room, foyer, a spacious prep kitchen, and a beautiful bridal suite. Upstairs is the groom’s suite, office and a balcony that overlooks the grand room.

ONE ELEVEN EAST 111 East St, Hutto, TX 78634 512-791-5745 | Info@oneeleveneast.com Oneeleveneast.com One Eleven East is an adaptive reuse and modernization of the historic building at 111 East Street, which was built in 1893. While preserving the original architectural details, the property has been fully restored and thoughtfully designed to host intimate weddings and other private events. One Eleven East features the main open area, built-in bar, loft, skylight room and outdoor courtyard. This award-winning boutique wedding venue has become the premier event space in the North Austin MSA, merging past with present and historic with modern. One Eleven East is one of the few wedding venues in the Austin-area to host beautiful indoor ceremonies and receptions year-round.

RUSTIC ACRES EVENT CENTER 8513 Fox Road, Belton, Texas (254) 791-9010 | rusticacreseventcenter@hotmail.com Rusticacreseventcenter.com Located between Belton and Salado and just minutes off I-35, Rustic Acres offers a beautiful venue that can accommodate your indoor or outdoor wedding and reception. They offer weekend rentals, so you have the flexibility of utilizing the venue Friday from 8 am to 11 pm for decorating and/or rehearsal dinner, Saturday from 8 am to midnight, and Sunday from 8 am to noon. Tables and chairs are included in the rental, and there are no restrictions or hidden fees for using outside vendors.

SHADY VILLA HOTEL 416 S. Main Street, Salado Texas (254) 947-5111 | Info@shadyvillahotel.com Shadyvillahotel.com A Magnificent setting filled with a rich history on the South bank of Salado Creek covered in giant oak and pecan trees. Spaniard explorers, gold hunts, and Tonkawa tribe legends just scratch the surface of what the original structure from the 1800s has been a part of. Now a beautifully remodeled property with accommodations, a variety of venue spaces, a full restaurant and bar, a year-round pool, and onsite catering are all located on Main Street for guest convenience to enjoy the small oasis of Salado. Shady Villa Hotel is a place for generations past and to come.

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VENU ES THE EXCHANGE EVENT CENTER 300 S. Jefferson Avenue. McGregor, Texas (254)236-8400 | Theexchange@mcgregor-texas.com Exchangeeventcenter.com The Exchange Event Center is a 3.5-acres property property that includes the Main Hall and Cavitt Caufield Center. The Exchange is a 15,000 sq. ft. facility with variable lighting and a flexible floor plan. This rustic, but elegeant, event facility can accommodate up to 600 guests seated around tables or 950 people at a cocktail event. The Cavitt Caufield Center is an 1,100 sq. ft. facility that can accommodate 65 guests seated at 60” round tables and up to 100 people for a cocktail event. The Exchange is availabble for weddings, private rentals, coorprate events and more!

THE VINEYARD AT FLORENCE 111 Via Francesco Florence, Texas 76527 (512) 572-7000 | Cheers@tvaf.com Thevineyardatflorence.com The Vineyard at Florence is a romantic Tuscan-inspired vineyard resort that offers the perfect setting for your fairytale wedding. Choose from four venues to begin planning your perfect day. Enjoy on-property amenities including overnight accommodations, tasting room, restaurant, views of a working vineyard, and so much more. Their on-site catering ensures you and your guests savor perfectly prepared Italian dishes while being spoiled by their outstanding service. Located just forty-five minutes north of Austin in the Texas Hill Country, The Vineyard at Florence is convenient, but miles away from ordinary. Beautiful thirty-three acres of vines, stream, wildlife and oak trees await you.

VINTAGE VILLAS 4209 Eck Ln. Austin, Texas (512)220-0185 | sales@vintagevillas.com Vintagevillas.com Vintage Villas is a full-service wedding venue offering outdoor ceremonies and indoor receptions with expansive views of Lake Travis, in-house catering and a 44 room hotel. With two gorgeous venues, and floor-to-ceiling picture windows in each space, you can enjoy the stunning sunsets over the lake fom any point on the property. The experienced Vintage Villas staff will assist you with every aspect of your wedding, from ceremony and reception details to rehearsal dinners and overnight accommodations. Their in-house chef will create custom menues specific to your taste and budget, while the staff caters to your guest throughout the night.

VIDEO GRAP HY CINDERELLA FILMS (713) 878-4864 | chatra3@gmail.com Cinderellafilms.com

Elegant, Professional, Cinematic, and Storytelling are just a few words couples have used to describe Cinderella Films. They specialize in creating moments that will last a lifetime through their videography services. As a dedicated film crew of three, their goal is to bring joy to clients and everyone else around them through handcrafted content. Their story-driven wedding films will let you and everyone else relive the moment all over again as if you were there.

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Bliss Bridal Magazine Issue #28

Articles inside

STATIONERY

MUSIC

BEAUTY

CAKE

CATERING

RENTALS

PLANNING

ATTIRE

FLORAL

BUDGET BREAKDOWN

HIRING YOUR DREAM TEAM

WEDDING VENDOR PRICING

PLANNING TIMELINE

PHOTOGRAPHY