Hill Country Weddings by Digital Publisher

From the Publishers PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY Hill Country Weddings Magazine Publishers Brenda Sealy Crystal Wiedenfeld Editors Ron and Cheryl Lehman Graphic Design/Art Direction Brenda Sealy Advertising Sales Lisa Bourgeois Brenda Sealy Contributing Writers Crystal Wiedenfeld Contributing Photographers Benjamin Garrett Phtography Chandra’s Collection Photography Limelight Photography Rebecca McCoy Photography Hill Country Weddings is published quarterly and promotes city, community, and business activities in and around the Texas Hill Country. Our mailing address and HGLWRULDO RɤFH LV ORFDWHG DW 624 North Main Street #105 Boerne, TX 78006 Ph # 830-816-5215 info@hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com www.hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com © Hill Country Weddings Magazine

Send queries about articles or photographs to Hill Country Weddings Magazine at 624 North Main St, Boerne TX 78006. For advertising information call (830) 816-5215; email info@hillcountryweddings.com. NEWS POLICY Hill Country Weddings Magazine encourages submission of news and event announcement items. News and event announcements must include contact name and contact phone number. All news and event items must be for activities that occur inside the Texas hill country and are subject for review prior to submission. Publication cannot be guaranteed. If you would like to submit an item to Hill Country Weddings Magazine, email us at info@hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com or call us at (830) 816-5215. The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the Hill Country Weddings Magazine. All products and services advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental handicap, political affiliation or other nonmerit factor of purchaser, user or patron. Any publication of Hill Country Weddings Magazine, whether draft or final is sole property of the Hill Country Weddings Magazine and cannot be reproduced or distributed in any way, whether in print or electronically, without the express permission and written consent of the Hill Country Weddings Magazine.

We are excited to bring you the second Summer issue of Hill Country Weddings & Events Magazine! We are pleasantly overwhelmed with the positive response from readers of our first issues! We are excited that we have officially made it over the one year hump. Thank you so much for your support. We hope that you enjoy the fifth issue as much as we enjoyed preparing it for you. Brenda Sealy, a Boerne native and owner of Hill Country Planning, the premier wedding and event planner in the Texas Hill Country, has over ten years experience and enjoys all aspects of the industry. Brenda has dreamed of planning special events since she was little. Now that she is doing what she loves, she has decided to expand her dreams into something larger. Crystal Wiedenfeld has always had a love for fashion and style, whether it is hair and makeup or clothes and design. After doing what she loved for over ten years she opened Simply Serene Salon and Spa in her hometown of Boerne, TX. She spent years telling anyone who would listen about her fashion tips and hair trends.

As sisters they put their heads together to create a magazine where they could both grow and continue their dreams. Hill Country Weddings & Events Magazine features everything from weddings to events, style, fashion and more. Nothing could be more exciting or anticipated than a bride’s walk down the aisle! If you’re planning on tying the knot, the Texas Hill Country has proven to be an ideal location to say your I Do’s! We have provided all the resources you will need to plan your special day. If there’s one piece of advice that continues to ring true, it’s this: take time to enjoy your engagement, plan a wedding that reflects you as a couple and get a wedding planner. This is just the beginning. Other unique ideas, columns and features will be added as we continue growing and expanding Hill Country Weddings & Events Magazine. We started our magazine with just thirty-six pages and have increased to forty four already. Can you believe how much we have grown in just a year? We are beyond excited for the amazing things to come and thank everyone for being a part of our journey with us.

cheers, Brenda & Crystal Photos by: Rebecca McCoy Photography

Cover Photo Contest TOP FIVE COVER PHOTOS

Cover Photo by: Rebecca McCoy Photography at Kendall Plantation

Hill Country Weddings & Events Magazine holds a contest on our Face-

book page inviting all fans to post their favorite Hill Country Wedding photos for a chance at the cover. Our 2015 issues were a success and we are excited to continue the 2016 issue contests! Hill Country Weddings staff will select up to 100 photos tos to highlight in an album to be posted and will then invite ourr entire Facebook community to “vote” for their favorite photoo by liking and/or sharing the photo. The Top 10 pictures will be chosen and then will be narrowed down to the Top 5! The Top 5 will be published in the magazine and one lucky winner will be featured on the cover once chosen by the committee. So find your favorite photo and share it on our Facebook page for a chance at the cover!

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Photos by: Allison Jeffers Wedding Photography, Jennifer Youngblood Photography, Kati Maxwell, Rebecca McCoy Photography and Stacy Felan Photography

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Summer News 26

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Do you have a wedding planner? Do you need one? Open Bar Getting Wedding Ready

The Texas Hill Country is one of the most sought after locations in the United States to host your happiest memories. Here is a map of all the local possibilities. hillcountrywedding

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Engagement Photo Contest TOP ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

For a chance to be in the magazine, send your engagement photos to info@hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com Photos by: Amy Roberts & Lauren Fox, Double A Photography, Eureka Photography, Griffith Photography, KS Photography, Kati Maxwell Photography, Skeem Photography, Stacy Felan Photography, Picture this by Casey

MEET THE COVER PHOTO COUPLE... Brett & Lindsay

Photos by: Rebecca McCoy Photography

Brettt and a I bboth h workk iin the h oil and gas in industry and met in the he small sma ttown of Dilley, Texas We in Texas. instantly became thee best b off fr friends. After a yea and a ha year h half of friendship, we had h our first kiss and we knew then we were soul mates. Six months later, Brett proposed. We truly feel blessed with a once in a lifetime love. The Proposal: My stepmother was battling cancer and Brett

set up a spa d day for my sister and I to go enjoy. (My sister told me it was a treat from her!) When I got home to my parent’s house, there was a knock at the door and a ‘Build-A-Bear’ in a black tuxedo with a beautiful letter for me to read. As I was reading it, Brett snuck down the hallway - I had no idea he was even in town. I turned around and he dropped down to one knee in front of my family and proposed.

ENGAGEMENT STORY

It was sophomore year at Baylor when I introduced myself to this guy named Hunter in my pre-cal class. Although we weren’t assigned seats, our places next to each other became permanent. Over time we realized we had a weird amount of stuff in common, and got along like we had known each other forever. Eventually we started realizing that what we had was way more than just a friendship. Fast forward 3.5 years later, I am in in grad

school at Baylor and Hunter is getting his Masters at A&M. The weekend of Dec. 4th, 2015 Hunter was visiting in Waco, and he told me that he wanted to go “tortilla tossing” off the suspension bridge (a Baylor tradition), and then go to dinner after. This weekend was the last Baylor football home game before I finished up my grad program, and Hunter had never gone tortilla tossing before, so I thought that he was just being extra sentimental. As we parked and walked to the bridge, I started to get slightly suspicious of something happening (it was sunset and Hunter was wearing slacks), but after we threw the tortillas and nothing had happened,

Through my tears I said yes. My beautiful step mama was there to see it. And that was his plan. She went to Heaven eight days later. The Wedding: I’m from South Texas so I wanted something a little different. We chose The Plantation because of its beautiful character, how nice Kristen was, and the location, which was conveniently down the road from our church. We got married in our church,

I knew I was over thinking it. We were about to walk to the restaurant, when Hunter asked if he could show me a video on his phone. As it started playing, I realized that this was the moment. I watched a tear-jerking video showing how Hunter had prepared to propose- including filming himself being a nervous wreck on the way to ask for my dad’s blessing, as well as my parents expressing their happiness for our upcoming engagement and marriage. I was still in shock, but overjoyed when Hunter got down on his knee and took out the ring (a custom ring that he designed), asking me to spend the rest of my life with him. I was so excited that I actually grabbed the ring and put it on before

Saint Joseph Honey Creek Catholic Church. We had the traditional Catholic mass followed by dinner, dancing, and of course, open bar. We then had a beautiful honeymoon in Jamaica! One of the best decisions we made in planning our wedding, was enlisting the services of our photographer, Rebecca McCoy. She truly became part of the family by the time it was all over!

giving an answer. When Hunter said, “Is that a yes?” Obviously it was- and after some crying and hugging, I turned around, and both families were coming down the bridge towards us. The surprises continued when we went to a restaurant afterwards, and all of our closest friends were there. It was the biggest surprise of my life, and because of Hunter’s thoughtfulness the weekend was filled with love from our friends and family.

Photos by: GRNWRKS Media

SUMMER FLOWERS By: Angie Rodgers, Evember Floral & Event Design

Summer time means it’s time for some of my favorite things: pool time, beach trips, flip-flops and summer weddings and summer flowers. Now, don’t get me wrong… I love all flowers, but there is something about summer weddings and summer flowers that are just… well fun! Summer color is here. Color pallets with bright shades of oranges, pinks, yellows and blues are popping up on our design boards for the summer. Florals like fuchsia peonies, yellow billy balls, succulents and blue delphinium work well with this color scheme. Cobalt blue and white are also popular color schemes with Blue Bom orchids being a favorite with brides and grooms.

Bright and bold color pallets and fun textured flowers seem to go hand-in-hand with summer weddings. Luckily, some of the wedding flower favorites like peonies, roses and dahlias are in season during the summer months and come in the perfect shades for summer pallets. In addition to traditional flowers such as peonies and roses, some flowers to consider incorporating in your summer wedding bouquets and centerpieces are flowers like blushing bride. Blushing bride are Proteas with blush colored centers and pointed petals ranging from white to cream with pink. With their unique shape and texture, they are quickly becoming a summer favorite.

Gerbera daisies are another flower that often comes to mind when thinking of summer flowers. With their big, bold blooms in colors of pinks, oranges, reds and yellows, they make great additions to bouquets and centerpieces. Tropical flowers such as ginger, orchids, Pincushion Proteas and Antherium are heat resistant flowers that hold up well in our Texas summers and add lots of great texture to arrangements. There are a lot of flowers that work well in summer weddings. There are also a few that do not work well in our Texas heat like hydrangeas. One of my favorite flowers to design with is the hydrangea. I love hydrangea garlands and large hydrangea altarpieces. Unfortunately, hydrangeas wilt quickly when not hydrated properly and should not be used for outside weddings in our Texas heat. Stock is another fragrant and beautiful flower that should be used cautiously in the summer. It too can wilt quickly when exposed to the summer temperatures. The last thing you want is to have wedding photos of you holding wilted flowers, so it is important to

make sure you choose flowers that work well in our Texas summers.

We love when couples come to us with different ideas such as centering their ceremony around a pool with floating flower décor or want beach inspired weddings. Out of the box ideas are fun, too. We once had a bright yellow and grey wedding and used cinder blocks to hold the centerpieces. They were beautiful, fun arrangements and a great conversation piece. We created floral pieces for two professional golf players that utilized golf tees in their centerpieces, arrangements and boutonnieres. If you have an idea, share it. It is your day and your story should shine through. My biggest piece of advice to our summer couples is to contact a professional and experienced wedding florist to ensure that your vision will come to life for your summer wedding with flowers that will hold up in our Texas heat. We want your wedding day to be the happiest day of your life and your flowers to be everything you dreamed they would be.

Photo by: Rebecca McCoy Photography SUMMER 2016

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{DEAR BRIDE}: PLEASE HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER. LOVE {YOUR VENUE} By: Kristin Voss, Kendall Plantation

Let’s face it: weddings are an investment. It is a one time, once in a lifetime magical event for two people to celebrate their union. It is also important to note that no wedding is perfect, or will be perfect. It just doesn’t exist. But one way to get really close is to hire a professional wedding planner. The bottom line: venue coordinators are there because they are hired by the venue to maintain and manage the venue only. They work for the venue and not you. Their main goal is to ensure the facility runs smoothly. The feedback from vendors I have worked with says more times than not, there is a huge difference between weddings with a planner vs. ones with out. Not only are the

finishing touches and design usually better, but also the flow of the event and communication between the parties. Although venues have vendor recommendations, a wedding planner has a vast list of professional vendors that they work with and know. They know which ones show up on time, communicate effectively, and are passionate about their services. They are able to look over contracts, negotiate prices, and be the go-between. These are things a venue manager would not necessarily be involved in. The process of vendor research is extremely time consuming but a wedding planner is there to help you decide and bring you the resources that best fit your needs. A few more reasons to hire a planner… You need a mediator. A planner is a good third-party mediator in tricky family situations. It is impossible to please everyone; however, at least a planner can give an unbiased opinion to help navigate problems.

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Most often I hear “I have family and friends who have volunteered to help me day-of.” While this is a nice gesture, unless your family member is a professional wedding planner, it will not be fine. They are your guests and should not be working on your wedding day. They will be preoccupied with socializing, drinking a little too much champagne, admiring how beautiful you look, taking hundreds of photos and not focused on the important details that make the event run smoothly. A planner can save you money and time. They put together a realistic budget including discounts from vendors that they have developed relationships with. Give your family a break, a gift to yourself and a gift to your family. You deserve it!

Are you looking for the perfect addition to your event? If so, Grab a Prop, Strike a Pose and Snap a Shot with our Photo Booth! The Portrait Bar is designed to blend in and compliment your event while adding another level of entertainment for your guests.

Get Reel: Videography vs. Photography By: Kyle Nibling, Penitent Man Productions There’s a question you may have asked yourself that many others have asked, too: “Should I get a photographer, a videographer or both?” There’s not exactly a right or wrong answer.

First, let me say if you can afford both video and photos, then obviously do so. However, if you can afford only one, I recommend getting a videographer. Don’t get me wrong - still photography is amazing. What photographers can do with the technology they’re exposed to these days is truly phenomenal. However, I firmly believe that videos are able to capture more than still photos. An argument I often get is, “Well, you can’t hang a video on the wall.” Well, technically you can. Again, technology is amazing. You could mount a screen on your wall and have your video playing whenever you want, which is pretty awesome. But I see the point they’re trying to make so I just go with it. Yes, you may not be able to hang a video on a wall as easily as photos, but photos only tell part of the story. Beautiful as still photography is, photos are silent. Much time is spent on music selection, perhaps a special reading by a loved one, the actual ceremony pronouncement

and, of course, the processional and recessional music. With video, the spoken word and music are captured - not so in still photographs. Try as you might to tuck away everything you are experiencing on that whirlwind day, there are going to be many things you will miss or not remember. Having an audible and visual record of the day and those moments caught in real time will be priceless. Long after everything else is gone, faded or broken you will still have this living record of your wedding day. Let’s say you have someone very dear to you who will not be able to attend the wedding for whatever reason. What better way to share this special day than with a copy of the DVD?

Speaking from personal experience, I would much rather have had videographers than a photographer. Yes, the pictures came out amazing and they do look great on the wall. But I can only remember what the picture tells me. With video, you get to see things that the camera often misses. Photographers are constantly changing lenses and flashes for different shots. With video, the camera is constantly rolling. Personally, I

would much prefer watching a video of my wedding day twenty years from now because I could ultimately relive the day. And with the quality of cameras available these days, one can actually record HD video while capturing still photos at the same time. So again, if you have the choice of getting a photographer AND a videographer, do it. But if you only have room in the budget for one, go with the videographer. In the coming years, you’ll be glad you did.

CAPTURE THE Magic ON VIDEO

Here are some quotes from brides after the wedding: “After everything is said and done, I really wish I would have had one (videographer). Photos will help you relive the memories, but I think a video helps you relive the day a lot more than the photos do.”

Kyle Nibling PENITENT MAN PRODUCTIONS Videography Company

713-443-5841

“We didn’t have a videographer. We thought we could just ask our cousin to do it. Wrong. He taped the wrong portions and did a poor job.”

penitentmanproductions@gmail.com

Videography for: Weddings, Rehearsals, Parties, Sports, Dance, Real Estate, On-Location Vacations ... and More.

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TOP WEDDING SONGS FOR 2016 “Remedy” by Adele Knock everyone’s socks off with this track as your first dance song “Hold My Hand” by Jess Glynne This disco jam will coax everyone onto the dance floor. “Die a Happy Man” by Thomas Rhett As long as you have each other, you’ll be eternally happy. “One Call Away” by Charlie Puth Play at your wedding as a tender tribute to your new spouse. “Always” by Chuck Wicks There’s no better way to celebrate your union than slow dancing to this romantic country song. “Sorry” by Justin Bieber The song’s totally chill, island-inspired beat is fresh and contagious, so kick off your heels for this number. “Stand by You” by Rachel Platten A feel-good anthem that bears an uplifting message of hope and companionship, perfect for your wedding reception. “Over and Over Again” by Nathan Sykes featuring Ariana Grande Brimming with romantic lyrics and a beautiful melody

Four Star is the area’s hottest, hippest, most sought after DJ company in San Antonio and beyond. No matter what kind of event you are planning, no matter what your style, they can do it all. From alternative to hiphop, top-40 to rock and roll, rap to classical, they deliver what you want and need. Their sound systems are superior and can be customized depending on the venue and crowd size. Their lighting is state-of-the-art. Their music library is massive. But it is their people who make the difference. Whether you are planning a school dance, a private party, or a wedding, Four Star DJ Events is the company to call in all of Texas.

#1 DJ in San Antonio, Rated by Brides

“Yours” by Russell Dickerson Sweet, powerful and straight from the heart, this country tune is everything a first dance song should be

THE FOUR STAR DIFFERENCE: • An attitude that puts you ﬁrst. • We simply focus on providing the best music entertainment in Texas. • FREE cocktail hour and dinner hour music when you hire us for your reception. • Professionalism is our trademark

Start planning the celebration of your dreams:

210-326-0649 www.fourstardj.com

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hair This is an easy summer for style in all departments. I think we all know that the one length messy bob is taking off by storm. It started in the spring and it will continue through the summer. It’s just such a fun fresh new look, and, did I mention, it’s EASY!! Add a few honey highlights and a little sea spray and there is your look! So let’s get to cutting, ladies!

Style & Beauty Tips for Summer By: Crystal Wiedenfeld

All my picks can be purchased at Simply Serene Salon and Spa. www.simplysereneboerne.com

makeup It is time for the maintenance to take a back seat. And I could not be happier, believe it or not! I love a simple easy look! It’s all about the skin, so you must have a nice tinted sunscreen. My recommendation is the new sunscreen by Glo. It’s not greasy and has great shades (I’m a little obsessed!). I know this isn’t make up, but Skin ceuticals makes a great self tanner that should be in everyone’s weekly regime. It gives the perfect color and glow to your body for summer, without damaging your skin. So that is basically it - put on a beautiful brow and a little lip gloss and you are ready for some fun in the sun!

clothing Let’s Keep It Simple, Fashionistas!! It’s all about traveling somewhere fun and easy, so grab your denim cut-offs and a bra top to throw in your bag, put in a few tops with stripes and we are going to call it a day! And head for the nearest beach!!! That, my friend, is how I am planning for my summer! Have fun!!

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2016 TRADITIONS: TRENDS AND TRAGEDIES! By: Kristin Voss, Kendall Plantation

Here at Kendall Plantation, we don’t do too much dabbling in the design aspect of a bride’s wedding. But we do pay attention and oooh and aww at each special detail, including the invitations! We have seen mason jar after mason jar, and purple after purple after purple, donut trees, head pieces, and trends galore. But one thing that remains the same: tradition. Traditions, such as a real wedding cake and a real cake topper. A father daughter dance, champagne toast, something blue, something borrowed, and something new. We see 2016 as the year of the bride who brings back more traditional wedding elements like the ones listed above. Traditions are traditions, and moms and grandmothers LOVE tradition! There is nothing more a mom wants to see than her little girl follow in her footsteps on wedding day. I bet that brides will begin to use more of what their mothers and grandmothers passed down to incorporate into their wedding. Super cool! We especially love when brides choose a date based on their parent’s and grandparent’s anniversary. Ultimate honor! Here are a few things we think 2016 will show more of in the wedding world: 1. Grandmas as flower girls. Long are the days of begging a 4-year-old to walk down the aisle… Use grandma to be the flower girl. Genius! 2. Neutral Elegance. Organic and clean floral. Elegance - not sensory overload. I see more brides building their personality into each centerpiece rather than robbing

Pinterest blind and making it super perfect. Blush, gold, sequins, champagnes… Colors that pour out elegant, classy, and a little sexy. I don’t see gold going anywhere this year, but I see it with more pops and bold colors to back it up. I have not seen a color yet that doesn’t match with true gold or blush gold. Gold is every color’s best friend. It just works. 3. Gone are the days of a barn wedding. Trend reports (and our calendar!) show that brides are looking for more elegant affairs. Thanks to big time celebrities throwing all-out glamorous weddings, and new lines of fabulous linens and gowns, brides are steering towards elegance. Let us not forget we are in Texas, and the best part of Texas at that! So we expect to see cowboy boots, antler sheds, and “Texas glam.” Bring on the sequins, neutrals and elegant venues. 2016 will be sure to glam it up! Kendall Plantation is a graceful grand staircase, sparkling chandeliers, exquisitely detailed mouldings, and elegant decor throughout make brilliant first impressions. Flawlessly decorated in neutral tones carefully

chosen to blend with any wedding color, the Plantation’s romantic Antebellumstyle architecture and elaborate interior embellishments are breathtaking. The focal point of Kendall Plantation is the spectacular grand ballroom, which features a spacious dance floor and room for 400 guests insidewith additional seating outside on the wrap around porches to enjoy the spectacular Texas Hill Country. Kendall Plantation is the most elegant wedding ceremony and wedding reception venue in the Texas Hill Country.

5 WEDDING PLANNING TIPS FROM THE PRO Planning anyone’s wedding, especially your own is no small task. It is not simple and usually takes much more time than expected or that you have to devote. The excitement from the moment of the proposal to the moment you say “I DO” could not be greater. By hiring a wedding planner who will follow your directions and knows the common pitfalls will alleviate much of the stress and allow you to enjoy your wedding. Organizing Planning a wedding is serious business! If you know what you want, it is best to book it - it’s never too early. The more organized you are from the start will mean less you have to do before the big day. A wedding planner will help guide you through the steps and see that advance bookings and reservations are made in a timely manner. A good wedding planner will also help provide you with alternatives when something is simply not available on your wedding day. Obligations When it comes to your wedding, you can hire a professional who will help relieve much of the craziness that surrounds the planning, organizing and scheduling. They are the wedding planners. With their help, you will have time to enjoy the journey to your wedding day and not become stressed over it. Your wedding planner will help see that details from the grand to the mundane are handled in an appropriate and timely manner. Save your energy, you will need it.

Decorating Tip Although you would like the invitations, chairs, door wreath, flowers and other details you’ve made or choose for yourself, it requires a lot of time, energy and effort to carry those details to fruition. You don`t have to do it yourself, despite your knowledge that you are the best. You can achieve it by hiring a professional to drop off, set up and take down for you. Don’t spend your wedding day delegating and putting family and friends to work when it’s so much easier and efficient to let the professionals handle it. Wedding Day On the day of your wedding you need to relax and enjoy the moment, enjoy your family, close friends, bridal party and certainly, the groom. Assign someone to take care of the scheduling and seeing that guests are properly greeted and pampered because your job for the day is to smile, be radiant, and enjoy the day. and certainly, the groom. Assign someone to take care of the organization and for the guests, because your job for the day is to smile, enjoy and be happy.

Photographer The wedding lasts just one day, but the photos remain forever. Hire a photographer whose photographs will make you feel those same emotions and trigger memories years later when you view the pictures as when those events happened on your wedding day. This is not the area to cut from the budget as these photos will last a life time.

Couture Dezigns furnishes floral items for weddings and large events! The design studio specializes in providing professional floral advice and services to create a true couture experience. They work with leading wholesalers around the world, which allows them to provide quality floral for even the most discerning of clients. Couture Dezigns realizes that every client has a different vision for their special day and they work to achieve that. Their work varies in style, and is not limited to specific trend or technique. Quality is their guide and not trend!

An Elegant Day Awaits You

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For a truly Southern-style wedding with timeless appeal and picturesque scenery, Kendall Plantation is the place to say â&#x20AC;&#x153;I do.â&#x20AC;? Set atop a hill, which offers amazing views of the Hill Country and cool breezes anytime of the year, Kendall Plantation highlights some of the most desirable features for todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bride. We offer two distinct locations to vow forever: the gazebo, which overlooks a natural spring pond, or an indoor ceremony underneath a cascading staircase. The venue features wraparound porches, large columns, hardwood floors and classic architectureâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;perfect for a bride looking for a distinct yet classic look.

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OPEN BAR QUESTIONNAIRE By: Jennifer Smith, Bartenders4you LLC. What are three th Wha things eve every couple ple should s kn w ab know about offeringg an a open pen bar? r?

Just ust because you off offer an open barr doesn’t m mean it’s goingg to be a drunk drunk fest. This is whyy you ou hiree a reputable bar service that will follow all local and state alcohol laws and serve responsibly. Responsible service is the key, no matter if you are serving just beer and wine or beer, wine and liquor. Open bar is not an invitation to drink as much as you want.

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Open bar is not as expensive as you think, especially if you choose a venue that allows you to provide the alcohol for your guests and not have to purchase the alcohol through the venue or the venue’s in-house caterer. This will save you thousands. One of the biggest misconceptions is that beer and wine are more budget friendly to serve. This is proven to be wrong. A bottle of wine serves four glasses and an average couple will spend $10.00 a bottle, which equates to $2.50 a serving. You can purchase a name brand, mid shelf bottle

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of rum 1.75L for $22.98 and will get 39 mixed drinks from that bottle. That is only $.60 per drink. By adding the mixer, garnishes and cups, the total will still not even be close to $2.50 a serving. The math speaks for its self! Do your homework and find a company that allows you to customize what you want to serve for your menu. A reputable company will help guide you on counts, trends and even cost saving tips. Alcohol calculators are not always accurate nor are the types of alcohol in certain regions. For instance, wine consumption for a wedding in California will be huge difference than Texas. You know your guests better than anyone and you should ultimately trust the professionals you hire. I always say you generally get married once but “Bartenders4you” gets married 500 times a year, so the professionals are here to help you. What does a typical open bar include? Your typical open bar should include the basics: 2-3 beer choices, 2-3 wine choices, and your basic liquors such as whiskey, bourbon, vodka, rum, gin, scotch and tequila. Basic mixers include juices, tonic, club soda, assorted sodas, and sweet and sour garnishes. With these basic ingredients, a mixologist can make hundreds of cocktails.

What are some budget-friendly ways to have an open bar? Hire an independent bar company whose expertise is bartending/mixology. Find one that allows you to purchase

your own alcohol and supplies. Of course a reputable company will help guide you on amounts and even help you build a menu just for your theme, creating signature cocktails for you as well. These companies will provide the professional mixologist and you will just supply the ingredients. Have a stock the bar party. Let’s face it: how many toasters do you really need? Some online sites have wedding registries for alcohol - what a fun way to get your friends together and stock the bar for the wedding. But be selective of the brands you want so you don’t end up with a crazy mixture of odds and ends that not even a skilled mixologist can make a decent drink with. Decide on a budget for alcohol and stick to it. Offer the best bar you can for what your budget allows. The best ways to save money on your bar are to cut down on your serving time, skip cocktail hour and serve after dinner. Let your guests get that yummy food in their stomachs before you start pumping them with alcohol. This will help them not drink as much or as fast. Another way to save money is foregoing champagne toast. Let them toast with what they are already drinking. This saves not only on champagne cost but the rentals of the flutes as well. Plus 80 percent of your guest will thank you. Are there any etiquette rules associated with having an open bar? Open bar should mean just that. Your guests should not have to pay for their drinks

at any point including a tip. When you are hosting an open bar, you should take care of your guests and including the tip in the bar bill is a part of that. Are there different types/ styles of open bars? I believe a bar should be the style of the couple and their guests. If you know that your guests don’t like wine, don’t serve wine. If they don’t like gin don’t have gin. Make a bar your own. It is your wedding… Let it represent you and your style. Why should couples invest in an open bar? Couples have no problem investing in food and your beverages shouldn’t be any different. Look at all the weddings you’ve been to. What do you judge the wedding on? Food, music and drinks! If you don’t have a great bar, your guests are less likely to stay and have a good time. I am not talking about how much alcohol they drink, and getting so intoxicated they can’t walk. I am talking about having a good time because the DJ has them dancing and the bartenders are interacting with your guests, keeping them happy with great, balanced cocktails. Your bar service is the only wedding professional you will hire that will interact with your guests one-on-one multiple times throughout the night. You need to invest in the best that will not only have your best interest in heart but also keep your guests having the best time of their life and being safe about it in the process.

DJ for Hire is be b becoming the fastest growing premiere wedding d jockey disc ck y servic rvi in San Antonio, and the surrounding areas. service Theyy have been sspecializing in wedding DJ services, and have steadilyy grown row to over 50 events a year in San Antonio, and the surrounding hill surrounding ill countries areas.

DJJ for fo Hiree is also als on the preferred vendor list for many establishments in San Antonio. When it comes to your wedding reception. They set the bar for other DJ’s. A successful event depends on the quality of the entertainment, sound and lighting to make your event a complete success!

Photo by: Chandraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Collection Photography

Photo by: Rebecca Weems McCoy Photography

Food For some guests, the most memorable part of the wedding can be the food! You no longer have to limit the menu options to chicken, steak or fish. Try incorporating some comfort foods for all to enjoy. Spice up the option for guests and think outside the box for your wedding.

the Fourth of July Holiday? Why not offer up mini hot dogs as an appetizer option to get everyone in the mode. Donuts. You can never go wrong with donuts. Consider a donut table for dessert or a midnight snack for guests. This could even replace your cake if you wanted and will add that personalized touch.

Are you having a hot summer wedding? Why not greet your guests with an ice cream cone after the ceremony to enjoy and refresh? Or how about a frozen cocktail?

There is nothing better than grilled cheese and tomato soup as comfort food and would be perfect for a cooler fall wedding. These appetizers will look just adorable atop a small drinking glass with the small wedge of sandwich

Are you getting married on

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on top. The glass can also be used for dipping the sandwich. Doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t this remind you of your childhood? Is your favorite food French fries? Why not take a glass filled with ketchup on the bottom and French fries inside so guest can carry the glass and have ketchup! This will also prevent your guests from getting sticky ketchup fingers. You can never go wrong with a mac and cheese bar! Why not let your guests be a kid again and offer that special treat with sides to let them

mix and match their favorite items! If you want to serve it as finger food, consider frying it up and putting it in a cup or on a stick for guests to enjoy. Have you seen the milk and cookie escort cards? This is such a cute idea, depending on your theme, for the wedding. Another fun idea is bringing them out at the end of the night for that special snack before everyone heads home. PB&Js are another fun midnight snack as well.

Do you have your copy? Take a picture with the magazine and send it to us for your chance to be featured in the Hill Country Weddings & Events Magazine!! info@HillCountryWeddingsMagazine.com

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GETTING WEDDING READY!

Bringg on the Br Bridal Party! Why? Because tthere is numbers! Get strength h in num together for a fun your group roup toge to and fit time. t

three-month mark is The three-mont typicallyy crunch crun time for any bride counting down to her wedding day: There are invitations to mail out, seating charts to finalize, and hair appointments to make. But the term â&#x20AC;&#x153;crunch timeâ&#x20AC;? takes on a whole new meaning when you have 12 weeks to get in the best shape of your

life. We at e+l Barre Studio customize our sessions for the woman who wants to work out alongside her bridesmaids and we work to target specific areas within your body to get you ready for your BIG DAY! We are able to work with your schedules to correlate a Private Class time devoted to you and your fitness goals, we offer weekly consultations with personalized meals plans, and we include the flexibly to attend our regular group classes. You set your goals,

we guide you in the process! e+l Barre helps you to fill your dress in all the right spots with our 60 minute full-body workout as we work to tone your arms, strengthen your core, and sculpt your thighs and seat. We recommend attending at least three to four classes a week in addition to healthy eating. Our barre workout is designed to give women a feminine figure. It tightens your

midsection and sculpts and defines your shoulders so you have a long and lean shapeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; just like a posed dancer. ~No dance experience required~

www.hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com Phone 830-816-5215 For bookings please contact Hill Country Weddings

WEDDING QUIZ What type wedding should you have? Dream Date A. Concert and the local bar B. Romantic walk and picnic on the beach C. Art gallery opening in the city

Mode of Transportation A. Truck B. Bike C. Subway

Favorite Pet A. Black Lab B. ϐ C. Exotic cat

Hair Style Preference A. ǡ B. C. Sleek

State of Choice A. B. California C. New York

What are you willing to spend the most money on for your wedding? A. The venue B. ȋ ǡ Ȍ C. The honeymoon

Mostly A’s: Boho Country You are looking for the traditional Ǥ top on your wedding gown and the ǯ Ǥ Ǧ ± Ǥ Mostly B’s: Relaxed and Beachy You will have a laid back and relaxed wedding. You may decide the beach Ǥ Your groom will be in relaxed clothing Ǥ The bridal party will likely be in cool, Ǥ

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Mostly C’s: Classic City Glam Ǥ a picture-perfect elegant gown. Your Ǥ

Calendars

Sunset Times

June 4th: Annual LBJ Fishing Day in Stonewall 10th: Burnet County Fair and Rodeo 17th: Peach Jamboree Stonewall 17th - 19th: 50th Annual Boerne Berges Fest 24th: Vino and Pasta Wineries along US 90

July

JUNE 1ST JUNE 15TH

8:29 PM 8:35 PM

JULY 1ST JULY 15TH

8:38 PM 8:35 PM

AUGUST 1ST 8:26 PM AUGUST 15TH 8:14 PM

August

3rd: Josh Abbott Band and Fireworks Show Roundup Beer Garden

4th: Boerne Fire Department 4th of July Fireworks show 16th: Night in Old Fredericksburg

13th: Pari-Mutuel Horseraces Fredericksburg 25th - 28th : Gillespie County Fair Fredericksburg SUMMER 2016

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Real Weddings

John and Amanda Walker CAKE: THE BRIDES TABLE

THE CREEK HAUS IN DRIPPING SPRINGS

CATERING MOPSIES

VIDEOGRAPHY LIZAMA VIDEOGRAPHY

FLORIST PETAL PUSHERS

TRANSPORTATION ROADRUNNER

PHOTOGRAPHY EUREKA PHOTOGRAPHY

DOVE RELEASE LONESTAR WHITE DOVE RELEASE

VENUE

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CATERING FRITZE’S BBQ DJ FOUR STAR DJ

PLANNER HILLCOUNTRY PLANNING VENUE HAPPY H RANCH

FLORIST PETAL POST PHOTOGRAPHY CHANDRA’S COLLECTION PHOTOGRAPHY

Matt & Amanda Bean congratulations to our hill country couples SUMMER 2016

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Real Events Cory and Jenniferâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wedding at Kendall Plantation

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REAL WEDDING FEATURE

At Hill Country Planning, we love working with our clients! Cory and Jen were no exception. We got to have a hand in the amazing details for their special day. After meetings, phone calls and lots of planning, the wedding was absolutely stunning. No detail or thought was missed for Cory and Jen’s special day. We can’t tell you enough

how fun, organized and amazing it was to work with such a special couple. We wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness! Vendor Info This day wouldn’t have been perfect without the help of wonderful vendors, which included: 5150 Productions, SUMMER R 2016

DPC, Rebecca McCoy Photography, Absolutely Delicious Catering, Creations Cake, Nadlers Bakery, Couture Dezigns, Kendall Plantation, Revive Vintage Rentals, Elegant Limo, Vita Booth, Bartenders 4 You and Allegretto Music. Dress by Mayfair Bridal and Suit by Hugo Boss hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com

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H Venue Management

The Moss Ranch at Enchanted Rock is family owned and operated wedding and event venue covering over 100 acres of ranch land originally part of the entire 2300 acre Enchanted Rock property. ( see History section). The Moss Ranch is located on RR 965 across from the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in Llano County.

Hill Country Weddings & (YHQWV LV QRZ RIÃ&#x20AC;FLDOO\ GRLQJ YHQXH PDQDJHPHQW 2XU SURSHUWLHV DW WKLV WLPH LQFOXGH 7KH 6HDO\ %HG %UHDNIDVW DQG 7KH 2DNV DW %RHUQH :H ZRXOG OLNH HYHU\RQH WR YLVLW RXU QHZ ORFDWLRQV ZKHQ SODQQLQJ \RXU QH[W KROLGD\ SDUW\ ZHGGLQJ JLUOÂ·V QLJKW RXW RU DQ\ RWKHU HYHQW &DOO IRU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ RQ WKH QHZ YHQXHV LQ WKH IDEXORXV +LOO &RXQWU\

LAIMED REC MAKING HIS + HERS . . . YOURS

Heather Scott Huebner Interior REdesign

979.574.4727 // heather.s.huebner@gmail.com

Living Together So you were married and did the honeymoon. Now the final step: living together!

You either get to merge two homes together or you start fresh creating one. The furniture for your new home will be the next step in the process, so where do you start? Do you want to purchase a new bed for the bedroom or maybe start by adding a few key pieces of living room furniture such as a couch or chair? A few things to keep in mind before you begin your shopping journey: Buy the big pieces of furniture first. After you have your necessities, add details and accessories to fill in the gaps.

Take a break from Pinterest. Sometimes inspiration boards can be overwhelming and offer too many ideas. Stay focused! Embrace the serendipity. Your first home will not be perfect. There will be old chairs and odd furniture pieces. It takes time to learn what you like and you’ll eventually figure out what works and what doesn’t. It’s time to head down to your local furniture store and start doing some shopping! Sit on the couches and chairs, look through magazines and start envisioning your life together in the new home.

WEATHERED TIME ROOF AND 1800’S ORIGINAL WOOD BARNS The history is present and the spirit is unforgettable TEXAN PRIDE. As a child, the owner of Cherokee Rose saw the potential of this old family ranch. Watching, learning, and helping his grandmother restore this old settlement homestead for years (along with the rest of the family), an idea emerged. An idea that if folks could just experience this place; touch the stones in the fachwerk walls, smell the harvests, hear the deer, feel the water polished stones in the Guadalupe, that they would be taken by a feeling that so many have been taken with, all the way back to our German and Cherokee ancestors. Our mission is to pay homage to all that gritty, wonderful, dangerous, hard, beautiful history by awakening all of our guests to that wonderful story... and help them create stories of their own.

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family dinner night d a l a S r e mm

u S s ’ y d n Sa

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: There is not much more important than time with your family. That is why we have decided to do a recipe page. Pick a favorite recipe you would like to make and get your family together. Use this time cooking to bond and create memories. Don’t forget to have fun and take pictures or even include a short story on how much fun you had together. Submit your recipes and photos to info@hillcountryweddingsmagazine. com for a chance to share with your Hill Country Weddings friends.

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honeymoon Publisher’s Pick for a Summer Honeymoon By: Crystal Wiedenfeld

If you know me, then you know I am all about the Vacation - so I get a little excited when I get to plan an exotic trip for two!! I saw a post on Facebook advertising a new Sandals resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. They have Villas over the water! Yes, you heard right - it is like they are bringing Bora Bora to your backyard without 24 hours of travel!! This will be beyond a 5-star experience - they literally have glass bottom floors in the rooms, so you can experience the ocean in your very own suite. You will also have your own personal infinity

pool, with around-the-clock personal butler service. It will be like nothing you have ever seen before and this close to home makes it all that more appealing!

once-in-a-lifetime lovers’ vacation, because it will cost a pretty hefty penny - I am not going to lie. But I’m drooling just thinking of how amazing this vacation would be!!

Jamaica is a short, easy and inexpensive flight from your nearest airport, which makes it pretty ideal, and, let’s face it, it is ALWAYS a good time of year to travel to the Caribbean!

And for those of you who do not have the budget - you need not worry!! All of the Sandals resorts are amazing, and they have many affordable all-inclusive resorts. There are 7 in Jamaica that I know of, and they are all relatively close in price, so you can decide which is the most appealing to you.

I did go out on a limb with this suggestion for Sandals in Montego Bay in hopes that there are a few couples with a hefty budget for a special

So....Enjoy some drinks in Jamaica and Salute! from the Hill Country Weddings Magazine Family!!!! P.S. Please send us some fun pics to post of your Honeymoon. We are excited to share your experiences!!

Photos provided by: Sandals Resort

Enjoy!

Happily Ever After THE MILLER FAMILY

Engaged: March 2014 Married: May 2015 Baby: April 2016 Caleb Michael Miller

Photos by: Jena Craig Photography

Pipe Steel Fence Oil Feild Service Welding Inspection

Phone 210-849-8608 www.kwwelding.com

www.TaylorMadeSweets.com

Photoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s by: LimeLight Photography San Antonio

Everlasting E Love

How Ho w exciting xciting ggetting to visit with a real Boernites! (that’s what rea pair ooff B Great-grandma Hagan used to myy Great-gra Great-gran Great-g -g call people born and raised all all off th the p here!). here!) Our home-town couple, County Commissioner Mr. Thomas Charles and Mrs. Julia Lee Pfeiffer, are our wonderful couple for this issue. Most Boerne locals refer to them as Julie and Tommy. This family has been in Boerne for 6 generations, on both Tommy’s and Julie’s sides. If there is anyone who knows what Boerne is all about, this is the family! The two met after Tommy served four years for the United States Air Force. He came home and found his wife-to-be Julie while “Draggin Main”(cruising up and down main street) in his orange Dodge Dart. Julie remembers all too clear how cute he was in his spiffy car! (Draggin’ Main is what a lot of the town locals would do on a Saturday, being as there was not a whole lot to do in the little ol’ town of Boerne, Texas). It was a true quick connection Tommy saw Julie and he just knew. Julie said she realized how much she liked him when she was willing to put up with him watching so much football. They were married at St. Helen’s Church on Main Street on December 18, 1971. Tommy opened his own surveying company, and the

By: Crystal Wiedenfeld two began a family. They had four children together, three boys (one set of twins), and one little girl. Julie was fortunate enough to stay home and take care of the house and kids, which she really enjoyed. She also helped run the family business, until they sold it in 2012 when they decided to enjoy a new life in retirement after 32 years of owning and running a business.

The Pfeiffer’s married DECEMBER 18, 1971

When it came to the infamous question of their secret to a longlasting marriage, they both agreed that since they came from very similar upbringings, and their families meshed well together, their truth is short and sweet. The key? Always spend the time to work it out. Stick it out through the bad and you will always have the good. In their retirement Julie and Tommy enjoy spending time with their family and their seven grandchildren. They enjoy dancing, traveling, camping and hunting, and basically anything outdoors. A big Thank You to Thomas and Julia Pfeiffer for taking the time to come spend the afternoon with us, telling us about their love story and beautiful family. We are so grateful for your time and words of wisdom! Happy Weddings! SUMMER 2016

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hillcountryweddingsmagazine.com Photo by: Rebecca McCoy Photography at Kendall Plantation