Texas Weddings Honeymoons Fall '24 by Bridal, Weddings, City Magazines Houston, Texas

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HAPPY WEDDING PLANNING AND HAPPY FALL!

As the weather takes a slight turn to the more tolerable, it’s time to pick up your wedding planning activities. Here at Texas Weddings Magazine, we ﬁnd trends to make your special day, well, special.

Look at the many photo shoots in this magazine, our team worked all summer with you in mind. And be sure to check out our advertisers. All of them will be available to meet you face to face at the Bridal Extravaganza January 11-12, 2025.

ON THE COVER

Rancho La Puerta, Mexico

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Laurette M. Veres

MANAGING EDITOR

Dayna Penna

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Dayna Penna

DESIGN

Dayna Penna

EDITORIAL

Amelia Hall

Grace Hare

Elisa Irish

PHOTOGRAPHY

Manuel Cisneros

Jesse Garcia

BRIDAL EXTRAVAGANZA HOUSTON SHOW

The Bridal Extravaganza is Houston’s Biannual Bridal Event that brides do not want to miss! The next show will be in January 11-12, 2025.

story by Grace Hare

photos by: Manny Cisneros and Jesse Garcia

Are you a bride-to-be? Have you found your wedding planning to be more burdensome than bountiful? Are you tired of stalking a bride’s Instagram account to ﬁ nd out where she found her cake, dress, and dreamy venue?

If that’s you, let us tell you more about the Bridal Extravaganza!

This July marked the 40th anniversary of Houston’s Bridal Extravaganza, a bi-annual event where brides can ﬁ nd their dream vendors, shop, and plan the details of their big day.

Extravaganza offers two ticketing options for guests.

The General Admission ticket is an inexpensive option for access during the show hours. With this ticket, you can see the full range of show vendors, participate in watching and winning during the fashion show and Bridescan giveaways, and dress up with your squad for a chance to win gift cards.

If you choose to upgrade, you can purchase our VIP tickets! In addition to the GA perks, these tickets allow you early entrance to the event: perfect for beating the lines and surveying the booths while they’re quiet.

Our fashion shows, sponsored by some of the beautiful bridal boutiques present at the show, have giveaways and a vast variety of wedding dresses

for brides to see and consider. From boho and contemporary, to clean and classic, there are styles to see for everyone.

With the simple download of the Bridescan app, you can connect with vendors by scanning a QR code. You can also scan and be entered into various vendor giveaways.

The show will be back at the George R Brown Convention Center this January. This is the event of the season for couples, families, and friends. With options for every budget, bring your best bride squad outﬁ ts, your phone to scan to win, and an appetite for cake samples and champagne.

The next Bridal Extravaganza is January 11-12, 2025 www.BridalExtravaganza.com

Photo by: Annette Boatwright

GRACE’S EDIT

By: Grace Hare

Alarm Clock

Earrings

These understated, elegant 14-karat gold plated earrings were an exciting purchase at this year’s Bridal Extravaganza, and have become a beloved staple of mine that adds a shimmer to my everyday look. I love the unique marquise shape of the simulated diamond and the wearability of these earrings. This classic set is available in both a 12 mm and 15 mm diameter size, as well as in gold and silver. In my experience, the assistance of the MW Curated team was superb. I was engaged in purposeful conversation that helped me to ﬁnd high-end jewelry in both its quality and practicality. You will leave with full conﬁdence in your beautiful new purchase. Peruse the full collection of their jewelry online at mwcurated.com.

This is the dream alarm for the early birds. Whether you need an alarm for starting the workday, the school day, or just a quiet moment before the chaos- the Phillips Sunrise Alarm is the perfect morning alarm for you. This alarm wakes you up gently with a growing, warm glow ﬁfteen minutes before it begins beeping. Unlike an iPhone, the Phillips alarm allows you to avoid the harshness of a phone screen waking you up or the fallibility of turning off your alarm for good in an accidental bout of early morning brain fog. Instead, this alarm keeps the warm glow of the ring light on, even after you turn off the beeping.

I chose this alarm because it meets the functionality of a standard alarm clock, but has the elevated experience of a gradual wake-up call.

I’ve noticed a heightened sense of awareness in my early mornings, and the simplicity of the alarm cuts out the complications and frustrations of other similar alarms on the market.

Wide-Leg Pants

These stylish, colorful & comfortable Maeve pants can be found in Anthropologie, and are known for their top-tier ability to sculpt as it stretches. With perfectly placed pockets, a high waist, and no side seams; these functional and adorable trousers are the perfect basic to dress up or down for the fall.

Available in a variety of exciting colors and patterns, Maeve has a lower price point than many other pairs of comfortable and functional trousers. For this fall, I chose the turquoise blue. I love to pair them with a snuggly sweater, a dressier blouse, or a colorful tank. They’re wearable to school, to work, or for a dinner out.

Available at Anthropologie, the fall colors are out, and I want more!

Gola Sneakers

To continue with the theme of employing bright and bold colors for the fall season, the Elan sneakers by Gola are a line of creative color blends that make an adventurous addition. With my light yellow tennis shoes, I can dress them up or down. I’d recommend these for someone always on the go! If you’re looking for chic and comfortable, look no further. They’re stylish, they’re trendy, and they’re inexpensive. What more can someone look for when it comes to quality shoes?

Moisturizer

Eye-Liner

I have always been intimidated by ﬁnding eyeliner. The smooth effortlessness of a lined eyelid is a subdued and feminine touch that I envy! For the longest time, I tried liquid eyeliner, various sticks of eyeliner, and brands… and found myself falling short.

Whether it was smudges, cakiness, or ﬂakiness, this eye pen deﬁes the odds and rolls onto the eye seamlessly.

I love the warm brown of this Pixi Bronze Beam Endless Silky Eye Pen, with a light shimmer that catches in the light and leaves you feeling conﬁdent and beautiful for the day!

For this product, I’ll be frank in my endorsement. While it’s a more expensive product than some others, this is the gentlest, the most consistent, and the lightest moisturizer I have ever used. The value is unbeatable. In the upcoming cooling months, I’m prone to skin dryness, and ﬂakiness. It wrecks my self-esteem. With Clinique Moisture Surge, it truly does feel like the moisture returns to my face almost instantly. I’ve never struggled with any skin irritation when I use that moisturizer, in contrast to the outbreaks I had experienced when I used other brands. Instead, the moisture surge is a product that I can reapply throughout the day and feel conﬁdent in. It’s something that I swear by in the skincare world!

ELISA’S EDIT

By: Elisa Irish

Bows

Hydrangeas

Transform a wedding into a fairytale affair with the timeless charm of white and blue hydrangeas. These delicate ﬂowers exude grace and sophistication, creating an enchanting ambiance that will captivate guests. Whether in centerpieces, bouquets, or arches, they are beautiful and symbolize purity, love, and harmony.

Everything with a bow is so on trend right now, even in weddings. Add a touch of elegance and grace to a wedding party with bridesmaid dresses adorned with bows. They accentuate bridesmaids’ silhouettes and create a feminine look that enhances the beauty of each bridesmaid. Whether tied at the waist, the neckline, or anywhere else, bows complement any gown so well!

Live Painter

Elevate the magic of a wedding day with the enchanting presence of a live painter. Capturing the essence of love and the beauty of the special day in realtime with each stroke of the brush, a live painter adds a unique and personal touch to any celebration. As guests mingle and toast to happiness, the artist transforms the ambiance into a gallery of cherished moments. This masterpiece will be treasured for generations to come. With a live painter, a wedding becomes not just an event, but a true work of art.

Courtesy Photos

Checkered Dance Floor

A checkered dance ﬂoor at a wedding reception to me is *chefs kiss*. As guests twirl and sway, the checkered pattern adds a touch of vintage allure and timeless elegance to the celebration. Whether a rustic barn wedding or a classy church wedding, dancing the night away on a checkered dance ﬂoor sets the stage for joyous festivities and picture-perfect memories.

Mocktail Bar

Worthy of raising my glass to is a wedding reception with a mocktail bar, intertwining creativity and taste to craft refreshing drinks for all to enjoy. Perfect for guests of all ages and preferences, a mocktail bar offers a vibrant array of alcohol-free beverages. From fruity punches to zesty spritzers, each concoction is crafted with fresh ingredients and artistic ﬂair. As a unique and ﬂavorful alternative to alcoholic beverages, a mocktail bar promises to be a fun highlight of a wedding where connections and conversations are fostered as friends and family gather around it.

360-degree Photo Booth

Capture every angle of joy and love at a wedding with a 360-degree photo booth, where memories come to life in panoramic perfection. Unlike traditional photo booths, this immersive experience allows guests to step into the spotlight and strike a pose, surrounded by a whirlwind of excitement and laughter. Each spin captures the essence of the special day from every angle, ensuring that no moment goes undocumented. With a 360-degree photo booth, the magic of a wedding will be sure to live on.

HAT BAR EVENTS

HOST A LIVE ACTION HAT BAR AT YOUR EVENT

Hats, On Site Shaping, Ribbons, Playing cards, Branding Irons, Feathers, Hat Bands, Cowboy Toothpicks, and more!

Great entertainment for your guests and a party favor to remember your special day for years to come!

ALSO OFFERING CUSTOM HANDCRAFTED HATS

Our Hatter can make the hat of your dreams for your special day. Our 50x and 100x fur felt hats are hand-crafted to order.

We can outfit the bride, groom, or whole wedding party!

WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

We are a small family owned company based out of Katy, TX and are looking forward to meeting you and outfitting both you and your guests!

Communication, sex, money, and resolving conflict are common hot-button topics, even in the happiest marriages. Learn how to approach these subjects with your new spouse and apply time-tested principles for a fulfilling marriage that lasts.

Preparation for Marriage is a one-day class on Sat, Mar 2 for couples who are intentional about creating a marriage that lasts. The class offers insight and best practices for what happens after you say, “I do.”

93% of couples attending our programs over the last 15 years are still married.

TORIE KROLL

&AUSTIN SMITH

by Grace Hare

After meeting through online dating, Torie and Austin had their ﬁrst date at the warm, cozy quaintness of a Starbucks café. They shared a vanilla iced latte, and even though it’s not Austin’s regular- he tried it for Torie. The date was a success! Within the next couple months, the couple fell hard for one another. Finally, while home together and decorating the Christmas tree, Austin took his opportunity to get on one knee. “He held my hand and said the sweetest words to me that I have ever heard in my life,” Torie said. “Asking me to be his wife was the best question I have ever been asked.”

Through tears, Torie said yes. The rest of the wedding planning for the ceremony in March 2023 came together wonderfully. With

March 12, 2023

the help of the mother of the bride, Torie and Austin selected Big Sky Barn as their ceremony, a historical building on acres of land with pine trees and hardwood. The combination of forestry, stones, and chandeliers created the perfect atmosphere. Tori found her gorgeous dress pictured at the Spring ceremony at Whittington Bridal in Kingwood. With the help of her bridesmaids, she found a dress that she felt conﬁdent in and will cherish the memories of for a lifetime. She paired her bridal gown ﬁnd with a sentimental veil that her mother made her, incorporating pieces of her own vintage wedding dress.

For the rest of the details of the big day, Torie and her family members made the drive from Conroe to

Houston for the January Bridal Extravaganza.

“We spent several hours walking around and gaining knowledge of exactly what I wanted and what I didn’t want. I booked two of my vendors there and it was a huge relief to know that I had knocked those off of my planning list,” Torie said.

One of those vendors, Stephanie Davis with SD Photography, became a key part of the wedding celebrations.

“I knew I needed to ﬁnd someone that I would be comfortable with, but would also bring some fun to our experience,” Torie said. “She is not only professional, but she was energetic, remembered everyone’s names and gave us some wonderful images to help us reminisce how perfect our wedding day was. And after receiving my ﬁnal images, we ordered her album and loved that even more!”

Bride’s Advice:

I would deﬁnitely say, start planning early! Even if you like to plan and organize, you need to ﬁnd someone to delegate some responsibility to. It can become overwhelming

without your people to assist you. Not everything will go the exact way you expect. But, if you hire the right vendors, you might not even know that something didn’t go according to plan. At the end of the day, all that matters is...you are marrying your person, the one who your heart has chosen. We did not do some of the traditional events throughout our evening, because it just wasn’t us. Our photographer helped us create the perfect timeline to be fun, ﬂow and efﬁcient at the same time.

DONALD RYAN REED &HEIDI OLIVIA WITTENMYER

by Grace Hare

August 27, 2022

Heidi and Donald loved the idea of a rustic and elegant look. Driving through Santa Fe, Texas where they caught their eye on Willowynn Barn, a modern/rustic chic venue. With only a small glance, they knew where Heidi was going to take Donald’s last name.

Heidi chose her beautiful gown from Brickhouse Bridal made by Martina Liana. An elegant V-neck gown with a train of love.

At the ceremony, she was photographed holding her bouquet of beautiful purple and white ﬂowers, made by Heidi and her mom, with a special locket tied on the bouquet.

After losing her dad before the ceremony, Heidi kept a picture of her dad inside of the locket. It was a beautiful way to commemorate and have him with her on her special day.

With a shot donkey during cocktail

hour, a jar full of date nights and advice, a ginger snap photo camper, and cocktail napkins with their dogs faces on it saying “We do too!” the couple had their special night full of unique details and adventure!

Heidi is a bride that loves all the small details, “It’s okay to be the Pinterest bride and have fun with ﬁnding creative ways to showcase your personal touches in your wedding,” she says.

Heidi cherished all the moments from the rehearsal dinner at the barndoninium to the late night private dinner after the big day. “I loved that time when it was just us and we actually got to taste our food.” she says.

Bride’s Advice: “Be sure to take in all the moments of your big day because the big day goes by so fast.”

by Gary Blake

Photos

&KITTY LEE JACK LINDLEY

by Grace Hare

December 15, 2023

It was in New York City, under the foliage and timelessness of Central Park, where Kitty and Jack were engaged.

The setting of this classic city set the backdrop for the beautiful, elegant wedding that the couple had in December of 2023.

From the venue to her wedding gown by Danielle Frankel, Kitty pulled together details that made the wedding one for the books.

The ﬁrst decision? Their location of Boxwood Manor in Tomball, Texas.

“We had heard great things about Boxwood Manor. The location was very convenient for everyone, and

we wanted everything indoors, so Boxwood was the perfect place for us,” Kitty says.

This charming cottage venue has clean, crisp lines and fresh aesthetics. Paired with the lighting and the sleek style choices that Kitty made for the ceremony, it served as a beautiful pairing for the special day.

During the ceremony, Kitty made a special choice to have Jack meet her before she reached the end of the aisle with her father.

“When my dad was walking me down the aisle, my husband met us right before I got to the end of the aisle to symbolize how Christ will one day come for His bride which is the

church,” Kitty says.

Afterwards, the couple met their guests to celebrate and cut the cake from Virginia’s Bakery! As the night came to an end, they prepared to embark on their honeymoon at St. Barths where they stayed at Le Toiny, a tropical resort hotel.

Bride’s Advice: Take as many pictures as possible! The day goes by so fast, and you will be so glad that you captured every moment. Soak it all in!

by Kate Moore

Photos

&RACHEL CRIPPEN GARRETT PELTIER

by Grace Hare

by Auth�r

Nestled in the tall pine tree woods, Rachel and Garrett got married in the romantic, rustic Magnolia Bells on a lovely day in early Spring. With hints of greenery, and a color palate of sage and peach, their wedding brought in the bright and organic colors in the Spring.

April 12, 2024

stuffed jalapeno poppers and stuffed mushrooms.

The ﬂorals shone brightly in among the dark wood of the inside of Magnolia Bells, complete with bright orange roses and delicate pieces of baby’s breath.

“My ﬂorist truly captured my inspiration and brought my vision to life,” Rachel says.

To celebrate, the couple brought in classic comfort foods by Mel’s Cafe for guests. They offered tender pot roast, Veracruz chicken, and other mouthwatering appetizers:

At the end of the evening, Rachel and Garrett shared a delicious almond cake ﬁlled with fresh strawberries and topped in whipped buttercream. Their friends and family were offered homemade sweets; including brownies, cookies, lemon squares, cheese cake pecan bites, and cheese cake brownie bites! Overall, the wedding night was a joyous event. Captured in the serene, yet playful photography, the love of Rachel and Garrett shone brightly on their Spring night.

Bride’s Advice:

My advice would be to enjoy every moment. Time goes by so quickly. All the time planning, to the day of your wedding will ﬂy by in a blink of an eye. Don’t forget to enjoy the journey to the big day. Making your dream wedding a reality is fun! Enjoy all the

by Heidi Borden Photography

Photos

little details. Even with the long list that comes with planning, special memories can be made! As well as really being in the moment, taking it all in on the wedding day, don’t rush.

Most importantly, to help with that... Hire a Wedding Planner! They are well worth the investment, they will help take the weight of stress off your shoulders!

In addition to that, Don’t take to many people with you when you try on dresses, that is one thing that should stay more intimate, to many opinions will be overwhelming, don’t let opinions steal your joy! They won’t be the ones walking down the aisle. Don’t be shy, use your voice!

Rachel Driskell Photography

Every facet of C Baldwin, from our meticulously curated interiors to our culinary offerings, reflects a deep appreciation for the rich fusion of Houston's history and culture Our esteemed design and culinary partners have collaborated to craft a setting where modern indulgence seamlessly intertwines with timeless charm Immerse yourself in the allure of the C Baldwin, where luxurious materials, refined details, and unparalleled hospitality converge to create an unforgettable experience

Small weddings

Bachelor/bachelorette parties

Family reunions

Corporate retreats

Hunting trips

Special interest groups

Destination holidays/experience gifts

Color Analysis

‘Perfect White’

Best 1M colors

Best Makeup colors

Best Hair Colors

Best Jewelry Metals

Style Analysis

Best Fabrics

Best Dress Length

Best Jewelry Size

Best Hairstyle

Best Shoe Designs

&

SAMANTHA SWAN

CORY CHAPMAN

byGrace Hare

Planner’s Paradise

Samantha and Cory were incoming sixth graders at Cypress Christian Middle School. After making it through the awkwardness of that ﬁrst day, they became fast friends, and were dating by the time they started high school.

Ten years later, their engagement began.

It was June 4th, Samantha’s birthday. They spent the entire day with family, and that evening for dinner, they headed to the Tribute restaurant at the Houstonian. Afterwards, while they walked, excitement stirred as Samantha realized what was about to begin. There, underneath the beautiful lit tree, Cory got on one knee and asked Samantha to be his wife. From that point onward, Samantha took the wedding planning in stride. With her own personal experience in wedding planning, Samantha looked forward to the challenge of ﬁnding her own preferences, and a decision

May 28, 2023

to have a color scheme of blue and white.

For the venue, The Farmhouse in Houston was a natural choice. It’s proximity to their family was a priority, and the clean, fresh lines of the location ﬁt the stylistic aesthetics of the ceremony.

From the hints of blue in her engagement photos to her different patterned blue bridesmaid dresses, every photograph of the wedding highlighted the thoughtful planning and effort of every detail.

The day of, Samantha wore a Martina Liana gown from Brickhouse Bridal, and this A-line gown elevated the footage taken of her ﬁrst reveal, where the photograph from behind shows the long, full train.

To end the evening, Desserts by Holly provided two cakes for the wedding guests. One, the three-tiered white wedding cake was accented with light blue ﬂowers, and the other was an A&M jersey, honoring their Alma

by Sarah Tribett Photography

Photos

Matter. While the guests ate cake and danced in celebration, Samantha and Cory celebrated their love with family and friends.

After, the couple headed out on their tropical honeymoon to Costa Rica, their life-long adventure began.

Bride’s Advice: Be creative! Let everyone that is involved in the planning process choose three things that mean the most to them, and focus on those things. Create a vision for what you want the day to look and feel like. And most of all, choose a photographer you love!

Love Beyond Words

The way you express your love each day, whether through words or actions, strengthens your relationships and makes those close to you feel valued. Love can be expressed in many ways: a knowing glance, a kind deed, shared memories, a thoughtful gift, or words of encouragement.

Getting life insurance is an expression of love that goes beyond words. It shows your loved ones—with certainty—that you care about protecting their future.

So, do you need life insurance?

If someone depends on you financially, you are most likely someone who needs coverage.

Life insurance provides cash to your loved ones in the event you pass away. This lets your nearest and dearest remain on firm financial ground even though your earnings have stopped. They can use this cash to pay for expenses like funeral costs, a mortgage, college tuition and more.

It’s time to express love beyond words with life insurance.

CAMERON BAIN &MARGARET NANCE

byAmelia Hall June 1, 2024

A TRUE TALE, ALL THE WAY FROM HOUSTON, TX

“Everything happens in threes,” Margaret’s Matron of Honor always said, and Margaret adopted that belief throughout her engagement. It helped her stay calm and prepared when the caterer’s business burned down, the bridesmaid dress shop went under, and even when war broke out where they had planned their honeymoon. Margaret thought she had seen it all, until the wedding day.

First, Margaret’s mother-in-law’s car broke down, arriving late and smoking to the venue. Then, one of the bridesmaids arrived with both ankles sprained, but still ready to stay by her side! As if that wasn’t enough, another bridesmaid realized she had ordered the wrong shade of green for her dress. She thought the bad luck

trio was complete.

But just two hours before the ceremony, a tornado swept through the area, leaving streets ﬂooded and the venue without power. Guests couldn’t make it, and the lights went out just as Margaret was ﬁnishing her make up. Her bridesmaids held up phone lights, and her photographer (Collen Vavra) reassured her that everything would be okay.

During the ceremony, the water pumps failed, and the venue grew hotter, but when Margaret saw Cameron at the end of the aisle, all the stress vanished. Cameron’s teary eyes reminded her that this was the moment that truly mattered.

The reception turned out to be a success, thanks to Margaret and Cameron’s incredible vendors. The bar had plenty of ice for drinks, the DJ kept the music going with a battery pack, and the photographer brought extra lights to illuminate the dance ﬂoor. Despite the chaos, Margaret and Cameron celebrated into the evening.

Margaret’s bridal advice: “Though it may feel silly, please ask if the venue has a generator, and if your vendors have battery operated equipment. Just in case”

Crystal ShowCase Events & Décor has been proudly serving the Houston area for over a decade. We are committed to professional, personalized and precise service that will set your special event high above the rest. We are here to provide one stop shopping for your event with our unique linen rentals, eccentric décor rentals, custom floral arrangements and elegant event design.

THE HAPPIEST MOMENT FROM THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH

&VICTORIA GRACE RODRIGUEZ

ANTONIO DE JESUS FLORES

by Grace Hare

It’s a crisp day in late October, and Victoria and Antonio are in the place where many dreams come true, Disney World in Orlando, Florida. It’s the place where magic comes to life, and this is certainly true for the couple who have anticipated this special day for a long time, especially after the engagement began with a proposal in front of the Magic Kingdom ﬁrework show.

As soon as they became engaged, Victoria introduced Antonio to the Disney Wedding Pavilion, a dreamy, open space where the two could become one.

With the big, bay windows to let in the light, and the opportunity to wander the Disney grounds for the perfect picture, the couple knew it was the right place for them.

October 29, 2023

At 5 a.m., the couple woke up early and headed to the park to take their portrait photos. By beating the crowds, Victoria and Antonio agreed the quiet moment together was well worth the wake-up call.

Victoria walked down the aisle in the Pocahontas Wedding Dress, a long, A-line wedding dress with detailed ﬂoral applique from Ventura’s Bridal. By chance, the dress was part of the Disney Collection, an exclusive wedding dress line the bridal shop carried.

After the ceremony, the couple and their guests enjoyed cake made by the Disney bakery chefs.

“It was a simple cake with ﬂowers and the castle was a topper. It was Disney churro ﬂavor, the best choice for the cake!” Victoria says.

They kept the reception quick, because they were looking forward to a moment together in Epcot, drinking around the world to ﬁnish the night! With the honeymoon afterwards also in Orlando, spent at Disney and Universal Studios, the couple made the most of their travel and had an absolute blast.

Bride’s Advice: If anyone ever wants to do that destination wedding and people are telling you not to do it, trust us, it is so worth it!

&

Go Ask Wendy Weddhni Plannhni &

Coordhnathon

MUSIC COORDINATION DANCE FLOOR LIGHTS GOBO MONOGRAMS

MARQUEE LOVE LETTERS PHOTO/VIDEO BOOTH UPLIGHTS

With Premium Sound, there are always two people at your event. Ferdy, the DJ, plays the music while running the optional lights. Wendy, the MC and Certified Bridal Consultant, coordinates your customized timeline and keeps the event running on schedule. With a professional sound system, a large music selection, full liability insurance, planning forms and music database, 20+ years of experience and reasonable prices, Premium Sound is the right choice for you!

Getting married? Are we providing music but you still want more coordination? We do that! Do you have someone else providing the music but still need Day of Coordination or Full Planning? We do that! Need someone to coordinate your ceremony rehearsal or set -up your reception? We do that! Just got engaged and don’t know where to start? With our Full Wedding Planning, we do that as well! From touring potential venues to creating your wedding day timeline to keeping everything running smoothly on your big day, we are here for you!

Your gusband and whfe DJ/Coordhnator team!

T

A K

E Y O U R E V E N T T O T H E N X T L V L .

D a y - o f C o o r d i n a t i o n

W e d d i n g M a n a g e m e n t

W e d d i n g C o a c h i n g

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T i m e l i n e C r e a t i o n

F l o o r P l a n D e s i g n

S e t u p / B r e a k d o w n

L i n e n / R e n t a l P a c k a g e s

P r e f e r r e d V e n d o r L i s t

V e n d o r D i s c o u n t s & M o r e !

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Decompress in Door County

A COLLECTION OF CHARMING, WATERFRONT TOWNS ARE SITUATED ALONGSIDE LAKE MICHIGAN.

By Laurette M. Veres

As you make honeymoon plans, allow us to introduce you to a hidden gem in the Midwest. Known for years to folk in Chicago and Green Bay, Door County provides a respite from big city life. With quick ﬂights from Houston and Dallas, Door County is quite accessible to Texas couples.

A collection of charming, waterfront towns are situated alongside Lake Michigan. As you explore the area, you’ll ﬁnd that there’s no better place for a romantic getaway. Spend your days hiking hidden trails and cherry orchards, enjoying locally prepared meals, or hop from bar to winery to pub.

Depending on the time of year, cherry blossoms may be in bloom. Do not miss the chance to capture this breathtaking site on the many roads in town, or drop by the Seaquist Orchards Farm Market for the perfect photo opp.

Stay

The DoRR hotel is a sleek, Scandinavian-inspired hotel in the heart of the Sister Bay area of Door County. This hotel has it all: great water views, walking accessibility to bars, restaurants, and attractions.

Enjoy

Local wine makers and distillers have found a home in door county and are expanding their offerings daily. The rapidly expanding spirits scene provides choices from barrel-aged wine to hand made glutenfree ciders. These artisans infuse passion into their processes and products. On this journey, variety is the spice of life, and each location provides unique tasting options.

Sway Brewing + Blending

Since opening in 2022, Sway has created simple, easydrinking beers. According to Matt Sampson, “it’s the closed vessel fermentation that traps in aromas and ﬂavors and they are slowly reabsorbed in the beer.” These refreshing beverages are served directly from the fermentation cell to your table at the inviting beer garden.

Hatch Distilling Co.

The wine program specializes in mead which is made from fermented honey instead of fermented grapes. One of the standouts is the Dandelion Mead made from hand foraged dandelions. Hatch prides itself on being part of the local ecosystem, using wheat, barley and corn and sending unused portions of these ingredients back to farmers. Be sure to try the single malt whiskey crafted from three unique varieties of malted barley.

One Barrel Brewing Co

At this expansive beer garden, enjoy your One Barrel beer, cider, seltzer, or soda alongside tasty pizza from Pizza Bros, conveniently located inside the tap room. Try one of their numerous rotating fresh brews or sip on a gluten-free hard cider, fresh out of the barrel.

Anchored Roots Winery

Owners Eric and Amy Gale met in college. “I was a biology, chemistry kid who grew up dairy farming,” says Eric. Amy’s background is in communications, events, coordination, fundraising, nonproﬁts, etc. And so, the winery was born. “We planted three acres in 2020. In the spring of 2021, we planted three more acres.” The winery serves Washington State wines, and is expanding with wine from grapes grown on their sixacre property each season.

Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market

Celebrate cherry blossom season at arguably one of the best places in Door County to see the spectacular sight of rows, upon rows of cherry blossoms. Carrie Lautenbach and her relatives have been harvesting and producing different food products since 1955. “We got our start from our great grandma who used to come up on the Greyhound, from the pier, and would help us with our harvest, take care of the kids, and sell food by the roadside.” This family business still celebrates the cherries after all these years, “as you walk around our market, you’ll find all those different products. Cherry barbecue dressing, cherry barbecue sauce … you can do a lot with it. A lot of people come and pick their own tart cherries during the summer season: mid-July through early August,” she says. “In 1999, we planted our first vineyard and in 2004, we released our first estate grown grape wine,” says Carrie. The family tradition continues.

Stone’s Throw Winery

Just 2500 miles northeast of Napa Valley, you’ll ﬁnd a whole other wine country. Since 1993, Russell Turco has been crushing California grapes at his Stone’s Throw Winery. He invites you to sample his ﬁne wines made from premium California grapes in the traditional one-barrel-at-a-time manner. It’s an ideal spot for couples to unwind and reconnect with one another.

Dine

Breakfast at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant

Al Johnson’s is an authentic Swedish family-owned restaurant where you can ﬁnd goats grazing the sod roof. As you top the hill and head down the main street in Sister Bay, you’re sure to get excited. The grassy roof and those goats draw tourists and locals alike. The menu features items such as Swedish pancakes and meatballs served with Swedish lingonberries. Breakfast is served all day.

MacReady Artisan Bread Co.

Jenny MacReady’s grandmother wrote her a poem on her wedding day called “Jenny and Mike Bake Bread.” Even before the bakery opened, grandma knew. The ﬁnal line in the poem became the bakery’s tagline: A Good Recipe for a Happy Life. Breads, cookies, quiches, are all baked from scratch. Drop in for a fresh sandwich, bread pudding, or a double chocolate cookie. The happy hippie cookie, which is an original recipe, is like a granola cookie or a mufﬁn cookie with cranberries.

Dinner with a view at Carrington at the Landmark

The Carrington offers a full bar and award-winning food, featuring favorites like the line-caught walleye and beef tenderloin with a cabernet sauvignon demiglacé. Located on top of the bluff, every seat in the house offers an outstanding view of the Green Bay.

Fish Boil

It is Saturday night in the village of Ephrin, Door County, Wisconsin. Right behind the Old Post Office Hotel, the long-standing fish boil tradition lives on. At the turn of the century, a boil was an economical way to feed a lot of people. Today, fish, potatoes and onions are boiled in huge bins in a bonfire type setting. Diners gather around the pot and learn about Door County history. Then, fish is de-boned and served table side with Cole slaw, bread and a slice of cherry pie.

From honeymoons and anniversary trips to weekend jaunts, Door County is the perfect spot for your couple’s escape. For more information log onto www. doorcounty.com

DarKerSideDJs.com

Honeymoon on Moorea

DON YOUR SUNDRESS AND FLIPFLOPS, LEAVE THE STRESS OF YOUR WEDDING BEHIND, AND HEAD TO FRENCH POLYNESIA FOR A DREAM HONEYMOON.

By Laurette M. Veres

The intimate island of Moorea creates memories to last a lifetime.

Moorea is a 30-minute Catamaran ride from Papette. From the large ferry, it’s clear the island is lush, green, and welcoming—the resort is even better. Individual huts serving as rooms spill down the mountain slope to the ocean and continue over the water. There are about 100 huts, half of which are built over the water in a reef- protected lagoon.

Each thatched-roof hut is rich in natural woods, has a high vaulted ceiling, a big, beautiful bathroom, and lounge-y patio area. Huts over the lagoon have glass panels in the ﬂoors to watch ﬁsh swim by and private steps for snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters off the patio. If that’s not enough, breakfast is delivered by canoe at your request.

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Laurette M. Veres

The path to the main restaurant and bar is an elevated, polished-ironwood walkway over a large koi pond. The gleaming natural wood theme is consistent throughout the pitched roof facility. Dining at the Moorea hotel is an indulgence. Try the elaborate seafood bar complete with grilled langoustine lobsters and oysters on the half shell. The meal is complimented with white wine, live music, and Polynesian dancers.

Moorea is known for growing vanilla beans, pineapples, and papayas. An island tour from brings you up close and personal to these native crops.

There are few restaurants in town, but one of them, Te Hono Iti, is featured in the book “1000 Places to See Before You Die.” The tables are situated over shallow bay waters. Stingrays and petite sharks race to eat meat scraps waiters toss over the railing. The food is fabulously French—foie gras, seafood bisque, and Mahi Mahi mousse with rich lobster sauce.

and

Essentials:

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa www.hilton.com/en/hotels/pptmlhh-hiltonmoorea-lagoon-resort-and-spa/

Moorea, rumored to be the most beautiful island on earth, is the perfect place to honeymoon

start your new life as one.

beautiful invitations laser folders vellum wraps lined envelopes hand pressed wax seals fast turnaround time

Escape to Rancho La Puerta

THE WELCOMING IRON GATES HAVE BEEN SAYING HOLA TO WELLNESS SEEKERS SINCE 1940.

By Laurette M. Veres

Getting ready for your big day can be stressful. If you can get your timing right, as soon as all the details are buttoned down, head to a spa for some “me time.” You’ll be glad you did.

As the grey van pulls up to the courtesy vehicle island at the San Diego airport, anticipation rises. It’s just an hour southwest through the lush green mountains, past California’s vineyards and wineries. The fertile ground gives way to the border town of Tecate, Mexico. As soon as you clear customs, it’s seven minutes to Rancho La Puerta.

The welcoming iron gates have been saying hola to wellness seekers since 1940. Vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow form a stained-glass ﬂame on the lobby doors. As a nod to the name, you’ll see many unique doors on property. Continuing inside, the lobby is inviting with bright red and yellow pillows on

a semi-circular couch hugging the open space, art that pops, and an overall traditional Mexican village aesthetic.

We are met at the door by our personal docent Larry. He greets us, asks us where we are from and eagerly shows us a little peak at the 4000-acre property. “Expect to get lost,” he says. We ﬁnd a rock with a handwritten quote “Do not fear mistakes, there are none” Miles Davis.

We arrive just in time for lunch. The dining hall is festive with Mexican Papel Picado (colored paper) hanging from the ceiling. The meals here are nonprocessed, super fresh, and vegetarian. Although the serving style is buffet, you don’t feel the overwhelm of most buffets. Fresh salad, gazpacho, tuna, cottage cheese, fresh baked breads and fruit are enough to satisfy the appetite.

The rooms here are oversized with plenty of space for sharing. My friend and I occupied a double and had a seating area between the two beds. White linens compliment the carved brown bedframe, chair and table. Bright artwork adorns the walls. Hand painted tile in the bathroom and wet bar complete the hacienda feeling.

A main attraction of this resort is the plethora of ﬁtness and exercise classes offered. We are in time to hop in the Cardio Drum class. Not knowing what this would be, it turns out to be a group class where each participant has drumsticks and a large trashcan with a lid. Follow the leader as he shows patterns involving banging on your drum as well as your neighbors and remembering the sequence of steps. He tells us this class was developed over 20 years ago to help children with cognitive and developmental issues such as dyslexia. The class is now offered for all ages because as we learn new patterns, new neural pathways are created improving mental well-being.

We quickly found our next class a 30-minute intensive core class.

New this year is a wine tasting hosted by a local natural wine maker. If you are not familiar, natural wine contains no preservatives and are devoid of additives.

Activities here are boundless and you can literally attend a class almost every hour. Since Pickleball is all the craze, and I’ve never given it a try, my friend and I attended a beginner’s clinic. We were pleasantly surprised to ﬁnd the sport very

approachable. There are six courts here and clinics and open play are both available options. We headed straight to aqua board which takes place in one of the four pools. Here we balanced onto ﬂoating mats most similar to stand-up paddle boards; joined together via bungee rope. It looks like an obstacle course creating an ameba type effect. If one person falls off their board, a ripple effect is created; the entire class feels it and must adjust. Next, aerial yoga is a treat as not many studios have this apparatus. The class was led by a guest instructor who had beginner, level two and three for every pose. Many people love the cocooning feel created by the aerial swing.

Aside from the full schedule of fitness and wellness classes, there are two spas on property. The Watsu pool is located at the women’s spa. If you haven’t heard of Watsu, it is a mixture of floating and massage with a heavy emphasis on breathing all taking place in a private pool. For most of the treatment, you have a swimmer’s nose clip forcing you to breathe in and out only with your mouth. This increases the amount of oxygen entering your system. Instructor Ben ebbs and flows your body as you stretch creating a surreal massage experience.

At the Villas spa, I had a Cranial Sacrum healing treatment. This is a breathing and energy clearing exercise. I could feel the heat coming from the therapist’s hands, even though she never actually touched my temples. The focus is on restorative breath, grounding and clearing.

Hikes are another cornerstone here as the mountain setting is just so beautiful, it’s as though the land calls you to hike. There are many hikes daily ranging from three to seven miles. Groups of guests set out each dawn to hike the foothills above the expanding campus in the valley. The most popular leads to the farm where nearly all the vegetables served here grow. Sergio greets you here, introduces you to chickens and goats and truly offers a sense of where your food comes from. This is one of the few activities you do need to sign up for ahead of time as a bountiful breakfast is served at the farm for those on the 6:05 a.m. hike.

The spa has a long history as a wellness resort and most people you meet come back again and again. One guest came ﬁrst in her twenties, next in her thirties and she is here today her fourties. She recalls a time when wine was not allowed. Happily, one of the newest additions is the Bazar Del Sol offering gorgeous mountain views, coffee, handmade crafts, and wine. The mountain view setting is spectacular, and white lights create a relaxing vibe. A perfect way to say goodbye to a busy day.

Unique Nautilus Ballroom • Seated banquets for 50-400 guests • Private wraparound balcony with breathtaking views of the downtown skyline

• Aquarium Restaurant & Dive Lounge available for private functions • In-house event planner

• Exhibit packages • Full facility buyouts available

Private Events Open House

Sunday, February 4, 2024 | 11:30AM - 2:30PM Reservations required. Please email NautilusWeddings@ldry.com or call 713-315-5168

RSVP by Tuesday, January 30, 2024 Wedding Open House events.

SD Photography

Fashion takes Center Stage at Pine Lake Ranch

GET THIS LOOK:

Venue: Pine Lake Ranch

Gowns: Ventura’s Bridal Fashions

Floral: Wildbloom Wedding & Events

Cake: For Heavens Cake

Decor & Linens: Affordable Linens & Decor

Hair and Makeup: Bella Expressions

Photography: Cabrera Photography

Design & Coordination: Visit the Venues

Downtown Glam

GET THIS LOOK:

Gown: Ventura’s Bridal Fashions

Hair and Makeup: Hues by Heather

Photography: Manny Cisneros and Jesse Garcia

How Texan of You

Although a cowboy hat cannot be considered a new wedding trend; Laura Wilcox, owner of LWx Custom Hats is adding her own spin to this iconic symbol. Through her traveling hat bar, couples can offer customized gifts to their wedding party. Typically, the couple will gift the price of the hat, and the bridesmaids pay for any additions like hatbands or feathers.

by: Manuel Cisneros

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