Tom Flynn
Logan Sullivan
DESIGN
Logan Sullivan
Kate Axtell
Copyright 2022-2023
Texas Weddings Magazine
PO Box 667399
Houston, TX 77266
www.texasweddingsmagazines.com
All the couples who put a hold on the honeymoons due to the pandemic have reported that travel is back. We couldn’t be happier!
Taking a cruise on your honey moon is a great way to see a lot of various cites (even countries) without lugging your bags on trains and planes. Take a look at our cover story on Wind star Cruise’s Sicilian Splendors cruise. Windstar’s small fleets offer access to many port cities larger boats cannot access due their size. The exquisite service of the staff and the fact that you don’t spend your time in buffet lines are just some of the reasons to love Windstar. Booking a cruise offers scrump tious meals, great drinks, enter tainment and mostly time off with your love at sea!
The next Bridal Extravaganza is January 21-22, 2023. Tickets are on sale now!
Photo of Laurette Veres by Ivan Garcia ON THE COVER Gozo, Italy as seen from the Windsail
Couples meet Houston’s best local vendors at Bridal Extravaganza.
Photos by Faith JohnsonThe Bridal Extravaganza in Houston was one of the largest wedding planning events to take place this summer. As the wedding industry is back in full swing, couples are enjoying the opportunity to plan their big day at the show.
The show offered a new, touchless feature where brides and wedding vendors exchange information via QR code. Both brides and vendors loved this safe way to communicate via our new exciting app, BrideScan. The most exciting events of the day were the fashion
shows --- the main stage was packed with gowns and brides giddy to see the models take the runway. There was a lot of excitement sur rounding the Bride Tribe spirit competition as bride teams took the stage to create a TikTok video for the Bridal Extravaganza.
New this year, the Immer sive Fashion Experience was an explosion of fash ions from Houston bridal boutiques. As the finale of the show on Sunday, the red carpet rows became the runway and brought Glori ous gowns right to the ven dor booths. Retailers loved the opportunity showcase their gowns on models and couples loved seeing the fashions up close and personal.
Overall, couples, vendors and guests are ready for 2023 and beyond!
From the garter to the getaway car and everything in between– The Bridal Extravaganza – Experience this Houston tradition.
Tickets are on sale now for the January 21-22, 2023 Bridal Extravaganza.
Whether you lull yourself to sleep with country ballads or blast rock tunes to help you wake up in the morning, you’ll love this elevated bedding from Hard Rock Home by Sobel Westex. This new collection celebrates music in a fun and fashionable way. From soft, smooth sheet sets with a rock theme, to bed sets honoring pop and country music, you can turn your bedroom into a song-inspired sanc tuary. Hard Rock Home Guitar Sheet Set Collection, starting from $70. www.sobelathome.com
Take your favorite pillow on the road to avoid flimsy hotel pillows.The travel and dorm sized Scrumptious Side Sleeper pillow from Honeydew Sleep will ensure you continue to get your best sleep, no matter where your honeymoon takes you. www.honeydewsleep.com
Get your skin care groove in place with J&L Naturals. Cleanse without stripping your skin of moisture. This awe some product kit includes a Konjac sponge for gentle ex foliation, face salve moistur izers, face mask, and lip balm. www.jnlnaturals.com
Cindy Crawford’s iconic skincare and beauty line, Meaning ful Beauty, is expanding their retail presence at ULTA Beauty. From SPF for the face and neck, to firming, tightening and hydrating serums, Meaningful Beauty takes care of all your skincare needs. Look for these products on ULTA’s We Love Skin Wall in all their stores. www.meaningfulbeauty. com
These fun maps were made using Proxi- a platform that makes it simple to create a map and invite friends and family to contribute to it, adding in essential locations like places to stay, favorite restaurants, bars and points of interest. With Proxi, wedding planning is made easierand makes your guests feel special. www.proxi.com
You may now kiss.... Your favorite pair of wedding heels. Wedding season is here to stay and Bella Belle has the per fect shoe for any bride. Whether you’re into the classic satin heel, comfy block heel, love bowsor pearls, BellaBelle gives you the Cinderella feeling. When you try on aBella Belle, you’ll knowit was madefor you. www.bellabelleshoes.com
Barista Brothers offers couples a unique gourmet coffee experience. Imagine having skilled baristas serving handcrafted, made-to-order espresso at your event. Sourcing the finest quality espresso beans from Clutch Town Coffee, they roast and provide delicious coffees from around the world.
In addition to the full espresso bar, you can also serve chai tea, hot chocolate, and iced options—so even non-coffee drinkers and children alike can enjoy a treat. www.HoustonCoffeeCatering.com
Laurette Veres cruises Sicily on the Windsurf to discover charming villages, pristine beaches, and legendary cities.
If a large floating city is too much for you and your part ner, consider the smaller side of cruising. All cruise ships let you see the world. Only Windstar’s private yacht style cruises bring you close enough so you can truly experience it. Each Windstar Cruises yacht serves between 148 and 342 guests. This in timacy provides you with the luxuries of time, space and freedom. Immerse yourself in both the journey and the des tination- and make lifelong friends along the way.
Intimacy is definitely a theme here. Captain Neil Broomhall spoke to our group often, letting us know sailing de tails, or itinerary changes. One of the most exciting events of the day happens as the ship leaves one port to head to the next. The music blares and the sails go up. Most passengers are on deck to enjoy this ritual and appre ciate the beauty and grandeur of it all. Dinner follows with creative offerings featuring meals from around the world. While in the port of Naples,
the amazing culinary staff offered their in terpretation of a bar-b-que. It was a grand evening, overflowing with food from every nation, over the top carvings made from fruits and vegetables and so much more. Each day after our morning excursions, we enjoyed an open-air lunch with fresh fruits and salads, a grilled burger, pastas, breads and desserts. Getting on and off the boat is a breeze.
Upon arrival in Valletta, you walk the Upper Barracca Gardens for a panoramic view of Mal ta’s natural harbors and historic cities. Then proceed to St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the concep tual church of the Knights of Malta, where you will also have the opportunity to see Caravaggio’s famous masterpiece: The Beheadings of St. John. The rest of the tour is a scenic drive through the Three Cities - Senglea, Cospicua, and Vittoriosa.
Don’t miss Ggantija Temples “the Giants Tower” erected in 3500 B.C. before touring the capitol, Victoria. Highlights include the Citadel in Gozo, the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu, and Dwejra to take a photo at the Inland Sea and Fingus Rock.
A highlight of this journey is the amazing Argrigento and the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the mixture of old and new as you enjoy modern art sculptures strategically on dis play throughout the site. There are eight temples built between 510 B.C and 430 B.C. In the Valley of the Tem ples it’s possible to admire the remains of ten doric order temples, three sanctuaries, a large number of necropolis, fortifications, water projects and part of a Roman – Hel lenic district, two agoras, one Olympeion and one Bouleuterion (council house). The remains of a Greek theatre were also found in 2016. Moreover, it’s possible to admire the Tomb of Theronthe tyrant who helped Akragas grow - a large tuff monu ment of pyramidal shape.
Perfectly preserved since the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D., learn about the excavation techniques and what the residents were doing at the time of the eruptions. You’ll gain insight into the lives of ancient Romans as you discover baths, theaters, temples, markets and more.
The most famous of the Aeolian Islands, this trip takes you to a picturesque and quintessential Italian beach. Close your eyes to visualize your ancestors sending postcards to America from this awesome island. Hop on the bus at Marina Corta and take a bus tour to see the panoramic views. Two beaches, Marina Lunga and Marian Corta frame the town of Lipari.
There was some rough weather that prevented us from visiting Sorrento, but luckily we were still able to make it to Positano when we docked in Napoli. A gem of Italy for sure, once a sleepy little fishing village, today this colorful town plays host to the creative crowd. The charm is still evident in the little squares and white Moorish style houses. As you descend the steep steps from the mountainside to the bay, check out the splendid dome of Santa Maria Assunta and take a break from the hundreds of hillside steps at an ocean side cafe. Or, waste the day away staring at the buildings and the mountains.
Whether you’re planning an intimate rehearsal dinner, a large wedding and reception, or anything in between, Saint Arnold Brewing Company has you covered. Our historic brewery building just north of Downtown Houston features two one-of-a-kind venues for your special occasion.
Our Beer Hall, a German-inspired gathering place perfect for large events, holds up to 300 with communal seating for up to 224 at 28 handcrafted wooden tables and benches. Our English-style Investors Pub is a more intimate room with space for 100 and seating for up to 60 at handcrafted wooden tables with benches, 20 barstools, and 16 leather chairs.
Our in-house kitchen offers a full catering menu for events of all sizes. Along with draft beer, a selection of wine, Saint Arnold Cider, and non-alcoholic beverages - including our own Root Beer, Ginger Beer, and dry hopped sparkling water, Hop2Oare also available.
I do not give to the charities or the church.
I do not save money from my paycheck
I have less then four weeks of take home pay saved
I do not have a bank account. I prefer to pay for bills by cash or money order.
I have no dream of owning a home one day
I feel that I deserve expensive name brand items to reward myself
I do not plan on retiring
I believe whoever makes the most money has the final say over household finances.
I only pay the minimum on my credit card debt.
I believe that all bills and household necessities should be split 50/50
My credit score is under 675
I am currently delinquent on personal debt.
I feel it is ok for a spouse to have a "secret" bank account if they are contributing towards bills
I do not contribute towards my companies 401K program
I have less then 4 credit cards.
I believe my money is my money and I do not have to consult my partner on how I spend it
I have a financial commitment to a former spouse, friend, business partner, or other that will continue after we are married
I have a budget/spending plan that I refer to often.
I do not believe in a shared checking account.
I plan on buying/leasing a vehicle every 2 3 years.
I feel that loaning money or signing an extended loan for family is not a problem.
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Nestled in the mountains of the Baja California Sur in Mexico on the Sea of Cortez, the Costa Baja Re sort and Spa in La Paz provides a true escape from the overcrowded, bustling tourist beach wedding destinations.
For couples looking for a destination wedding ex perience that offers a serene, private location, this is the perfect resort. While some airlines offer flights to the La Paz airport, the resort is only a two hour drive from Los Cabos International Airport.
The 550 acre property offers several rehearsal din ner, wedding, and reception venues. Most couples prefer a beach wedding ceremony, but some desire a mountain top setting overlooking the ocean at sunset, and both can accommodate several hundred guests. A wedding at the grand pool provides a grand staircase for the bride’s entrance.
Costa Baja offers a full time wedding planner onsite for the couple. Weddings are often customized with the flowers sourced locally and the menu prepared by the resort’s chef. While there are several packages available, couples can customize the menu to reflect their food preferences and their story.
Most couples opt to stay in one of the ten luxuri ous “Super Suites” at the hotel, which includes a bedroom, living room, outdoor bathtub and wrap around terrace overlooking the Sea of Cortez or the Marina. Guest rooms, condominiums and town homes are also available for wedding guests on the property.
The marina surrounding the resort offers the amenities of what can be found at larger resort properties, including several restaurants that can satisfy any pallet, from sushi to Italian. The restaurants located on the hotel site can provide a custom chef tasting menu at the signature restaurant Steinbeck’s. Breakfast is offered daily at the more casual Mosaic restaurant in the hotel. Additionally, like most resorts, the property offers pool side snacks and a bar.
In planning activities for wedding guests or a honeymoon, the hotel concierge can make ar rangements through FunBaja, which is located at the marina. Top excursions include fishing, scuba diving, city tours, and snorkeling with the gentle giant whale sharks. Some of the can’t miss activities include a visit to Balandra Beach, a 15 minute drive provides a quiet respite that is populated by the locals and visitors in the know for kayaking among the mangroves and a beach walk to see the naturally sculpted mushroom rock. If couples are looking for more of a party scene, then a visit to Teco lote Beach, lined with open air restaurants serving fresh seafood, music and is typically fairly crowded, especially on the weekends.
La Paz is the capitol city of Baja California Sur, Mexico and a visit downtown shouldn’t be missed. Guests can visit the Mercado Market for fresh seafood, produce, locally crafted souvenirs, and fresh squeezed juices.
The local culinary specialty, which can be prepared and eaten in the market, is manta ray. Chefs dry it with salt, sauté and serve it in tacos with tomatoes and onions. True to the Cabo area cuisine, tacos of all sea food varieties are found in most of the local restaurants.
Downtown La Paz also boasts a 5k promenade for strolling, jogging or exercis ing along the seaside route at the exercise stations. The downtown district is lined with boutiques for shop ping, most of which are locally owned and operat ed. If meat is on the mind, then most recommend trying the barbeque at J&R Ribs. If a Catholic Church wedding is a must, couples can request the Santa Rosa historic church in the heart of downtown, but it must be reserved at least six months in advance.
A visit to La Paz would not be complete without a boat tour to Isla Espiritu Santo, a private beach, for homemade lunch, kayaking, snorkeling, and relaxing. Isla Espíritu Santo is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and has the most intact ecosystem of any island in the Sea of Cortez. The area is home to coral reefs and over 400 species of fish. Along the way, visitors should make a stop at Los Islotes (a set of three rock formations) to snorkel and play with a den of more than 400 sea lions, or as they call them, the puppies of the sea. Juvenile sea lions will pose, swim, race, and play chicken with their visitors.
Costa Baja offers onsite activities as well, including a 95 acre golf course, with 14 of the 18 holes offering an ocean view. The course is one of the first Gary Player signature golf courses in the world. The hotel provides a palm-fringed, freeform outdoor pool with an adjacent children’s pool. In addition to exercise equipment, the fitness center includes a roof top lap pool. And, if there are families in the wedding party, children, ages 3–10, have access to a kids club.
Espiritu, the resort’s spa, offers guests unique treat ments that aim to harmonize the body, mind and spirit for a journey of inner and outer wellness. The spa utilizes a fusion of aromatherapy, local herbs, Chakra, Reiki, hot stones, quartz, reflexolo gy, Ho’oponopono, and self-made elixirs to blend the new and ancestral techniques for custom spa treatments. The signature Damiana Ritual, based on a local, ancient plant with therapeutic benefits, begins with a foot massage with oranges, a cleans ing of the aura with local Copal incense, a reading of the body’s energy that indicates the custom aroma therapy treatment needed, followed by a full body mas sage, facial, body wrap, and scalp massage using pure al mond oil, Mexican lavender and Damiana extract. The spa can also accommodate hair and make up for the bridal party if needed.
Story and Photos by Logan Sullivan
Planning a bridal shower doesn’t have to be stress ful! It’s easy to provide your guests with beautiful catering and decor... you can even DIY the whole process! Take some inspiration from this spread, and make your next event unforgettable!
