Moments of Grace
















NO TWO LOVE STORIES ARE THE SAME









































































































Becky



























































NO TWO LOVE STORIES ARE THE SAME
Becky
In my three years of being in the wedding industry, I have gotten to capture some pretty incredible moments. If there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s to expect the unexpected. But that’s just one of the many things I love about being a wedding photographer, and it’s one of the many reasons why in 2023, I have taken the plunge to take Moments of Grace Photography full time.
I’m Grace-Anne Matocha, owner of MOG and a big fan of Fayette County and the people who reside in it. I like to consider myself a personable person, which I believe has played a huge role in the success MOG has seen over the past 10 years. Although going full time and depending on a hobby I started when I was 13 is terrifying, it’s so rewarding at the same time. Coming from a small town, I understand the importance of community, especially when it comes to developing a special relationship with your clients.
From your initial inquiry to the final gallery delivery, expect me to be your biggest hype girl. I’ll hold your dress so it doesn’t get dirty, grab you and your boo water before you ever get thirsty, and dance alongside you on the dance floor to make sure the party never stops rockin’. I’m all about transparency and revealing raw emotion. My goal is to make you feel comfortable and to trust I’m capturing your day the way you want it to be captured.
Today, I wanted to share a few tips on how to make your big day feel a little less stressful. Wedding planning can be crazy, but it doesn’t have to be. Some people may say the most stressful part of the day is the getting ready portion, as you might feel rushed and anxious. Here’s a little secret: just breathe. Anxiety and excitement will always be present; however, if you prepare well and prioritize good vibes, you’ll feel 100% ready to go down the aisle. Below, I have listed my top tips for having a smooth getting-ready morning. As always, my priority is your experience and feeling amazing on your wedding day!
In my opinion, the mood for the entire wedding day is set during the morning preparations. Create a day that is focused on your happiness and excitement! What would a perfect morning for you look like? Perhaps beginning with a morning walk, a massage, or yoga. Doing the things you love on the morning of your wedding creates an inner glow that’s better than any cosmetic product or facial.
I know, I know -- you are probably giddy with excitement, fear, and worry. But the first step to ensuring that you feel renewed and revitalized on your special day is getting a decent night’s sleep. Make sure you unwind by listening to soothing music, reading a book, or sipping tea.
The people you pick to be in your presence on your wedding day are crucial. Nothing can destroy the morning mood more than a negative attitude or someone who has frantic energy. To keep your peace, I advise being extremely cautious about who you let get ready with you. Your closest friends and family should be composed, encouraging, upbeat, and relaxed.
Additionally, you want to pick vendors who support you and create a welcoming vibe! They should encourage you just as much as your friends and family do. This is why choosing vendors who actively help you unwind and feel good will save you a ton of time when it comes to preparation.
Undoubtedly, this is one of my most crucial recommendations. Create a playlist of fun tunes to help set the day’s tone. After doing this, you’ll be in the best frame of mind, and it will help you feel grounded!
One of the worst things to discover on the day of is to realize your dress is wrinkled and still has the tags on it. Before going to your getting-ready location, steam your dress and remove the tags. That also applies to the hooks by the shoulders where the dress hangs! This tip can also be used as a reminder for anyone in your wedding party.
Make sure you refuel and eat something prior to the wedding day celebrations because we all know how awful it feels to be hungry. Losing track of time can be simple when your wedding day is full of events and things to accomplish. Make sure you are providing your body with plenty of nutrition, especially if you want to drink throughout the day.
There are various reasons why your wedding day timeline was designed, but your comfort and happiness are the most crucial ones. Make sure you monitor and adhere to the timeline that has been established when working with your wedding photographer. Staying on schedule is essential to a stress-free wedding day!
Make sure to plan ahead and allow extra time to get your hair and makeup done. Your wedding timeline is there for a reason (as previously stated). Even though we make every effort to avoid problems, they occasionally cannot be avoided. You don’t want to feel hurried on your wedding day, so give yourself plenty of extra time, so you don’t feel rushed.
Easily the most important tip of all: have fun. If there’s one thing that most people will agree on, your wedding day will go by quickly. Take it all in - today is all about you. Enjoy it.
One of the most unforgettable days of your life will be your wedding day. A low-stress day mostly depends on feeling prepared, at ease, and ready. With these tips on wedding day preparation, hopefully, you can get a little more rest at night.
My wedding books are open wide for 2024. If you feel like we could be a good fit, inquire via my website,www.momentsofgracephotography.com, today! I can’t wait to see what we create together.
REBECCA PROSKE AND TYLER GERIK, NOVEMBER 12, 2022
SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH, LA GRANGE, TEXAS MOMENTS OF GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY
Rebecca and Tyler Gerik were married on November 12, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in La Grange, Texas. The reception was held at The Compound - Peck Barn in Round Top, Texas. Rebecca is the daughter of Chris and Emma Proske of La Grange. Tyler is the son of Shannan and Tom Gerik of Columbus. Lindsey Joost with Love and Memories Events of La Grange handled the month of coordination. The florals were provided by Cati Flory with Florys Flowers. Grace-Anne Matocha with Moments of Grace Photography was in charge of photography. Vincent Lewis with StoryHead Studios was in charge of videography. Catering was provided by Koopmanns, and the cake was made by Christy Kuhn. Hair was done by Brenna Beseda, with makeup done by Audrey Nolen. Jamin Walters with Texas Pro DJ provided the music.
CEREMONY SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH
RECEPTION THE COMPOUND - PECK BARN
PHOTOGRAPHY MOMENTS OF GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY
VIDEOGRAPHER STORYHEAD STUDIOS
MONTH OF COORDINATION LOVE AND MEMORIES EVENTS
FLORALS FLORYS FLOWERS
HAIR BRENNA BESEDA
MAKEUP AUDREY NOLEN
DJ TEXAS PRO DJ
CATERER KOOPMANNS
CAKE CHRISTY KUHN
Weddings are steeped in tradition. Some of those traditions may be exclusive to particular families, but many others are embraced by families of various backgrounds.
Couples needn’t feel beholden to popular wedding traditions, but some may feel that these customs make their weddings more fun and serve as a great way to connect their ceremonies with those of their parents, grandparents and possibly even their ancestors.
The rhyme “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” is likely familiar to people about to get married. This traditional rhyme has existed for centuries and refers to items a bride should wear and keep with her on her wedding day. The old alludes to a bride’s past, the new refers to her future, the borrowed is intended to be something borrowed from a married couple or bride, and the blue is a symbol of purity, love and fidelity. These items are traditionally given to the bride-to-be by family members or female friends who are already married.
It’s now up to brides if they want to wear a veil on their wedding day, but it was once a tradition all brides adhered to. Some trace the tradition back to ancient Greece, while others suggest the tradition began in the days of the Roman Empire. Veils were believed to shield brides from evil spirits on her wedding day, thus paving the way for a healthy and happy future. Many brides still wear veils today, though likely due more to their aesthetic appeal than out of a belief that the veil will ward off evil spirits. Some brides still use veils to cover their face as they walk up the aisle, while others flip the veil over their heads.
Perhaps one of the lesser known superstitions surrounding weddings, giving knives as a wedding gift is a no-no for some people. The origins of this superstition are uncertain, but people who abide by this tradition feel that knives are symbolic of a broken relationship. That would likely come as a surprise to the many engaged couples who have a set of knives on their wedding registries.
Historians trace this tradition, which Hollywood has undoubtedly helped to keep alive, all the way back to medieval Europe. Also inspired by a bride’s perceived vulnerability to evil spirits, the tradition of a groom carrying his bride over the threshold into their new home was believed to keep the spirits form entering the home through the soles of the bride’s feet.
Couples break glass for different reasons on their wedding days. Within the Jewish faith, one member of the couple will stomp on a carefully wrapped glass to serve as a reminder of the destruction of the Jewish temples and to inspire reflection among those in attendance. Italian newlyweds also may smash glass, but they’ll do it with a little more gusto. Local tradition in Italy dictated that, at the end of the wedding, the newly married couple would smash a wine glass. Folklore suggests that the number of pieces the glass breaks into indicates how many years the couple will stay together. Tradition is part and parcel of many weddings. Some traditions are more solemn than others, but all can add something meaningful, dramatic and even a little fun to the ceremony.
Looking for a quiet, rustic venue that lends the perfect oak tree backdrop for warm hospitality, great company, and exceptional memories that special events are made of? Then Camp Kubena is a hidden gem in Fayette County to host your wedding or special event. With its rustic and natural ambiance, Camp Kubena lends itself to events of all types like weddings, special receptions, barn dances, family or group dinners and outings, and much more. The fantastic staff at Camp Kubena can help create an occasion for families and friends to come together to create new memories – slowing time down for a moment to enjoy life.
Situated on 182 picturesque acres in northern Fayette County, you can instantly visualize that special event that has existed only in your dreams. The simple yet rustic space offers a blank canvas for decorating. Camp Kubena’s facilities include a meeting and dining lodge, a state-of-the-art kitchen, climate-controlled cabins, a large barn, three lakes, a swimming pool, and a covered pavilion. Campfire areas and hiking trails are located throughout the property.
While Camp Kubena feels like it has been a family gathering place for many decades, it was only recently when the non-profit organization SPJST knew it was the perfect location for a wedding venue as well as a conference and retreat center for the community. Originally, the land where Camp Kubena sits was a working family farm that was acquired by LCRA in the 1980s. LCRA operated and maintained the property with the mission to develop people’s connections with the plants, animals, and habitats of Central Texas through educational and recreational opportunities.
SPJST, a fraternal benefit society founded in Fayette County in 1897, had those same values in mind when its leaders decided to purchase the property from LCRA to create a year-round facility that would serve the surrounding cities and communities. The property was then renamed Camp Kubena after J.R. Kubena of Fayetteville, who was one of the founders of SPJST and its first secretary.
“It felt like a really good fit for SPJST to own the property since we constructed so many of the buildings and activities on it,” says Melanie Zavodny, Vice President of Communications at SPJST.
With overnight accommodations available for up to 160 people, groups may reserve the facility for themselves to have a more personal atmosphere.
“When you come to Camp Kubena, you receive a lot of oneon-one attention,” says Rob Clift, Executive Director of Camp Kubena. “We love to spend time with our customers to make sure that expectations are set. We pride ourselves on making sure that when you visit Camp Kubena, you have the positive experience you’re looking for.”
Through this communication and hard work, the camp is easily able to manage expectations of the facilities – and even raise them above and beyond. Currently, the staff at Camp Kubena is completing work on a new amphitheater that is surrounded by live oak trees. Friendship Oak Amphitheater will be a beautiful, rustic-style wedding venue with a stunning backdrop of a 400-year-old oak tree and a beautiful country pond.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the hard work of the Camp Kubena staff. Two permanent, full-time staff members reside onsite. Executive Director Rob Clift and Assistant Director David Motley schedule, communicate, and oversee all aspects of the facility. In addition to the directors, year-round staff includes Maintenance Manager Earl Preston, a conference manager, and a programs manager. In the summer, local and international seasonal staff are employed. The seasonal staff are professionally trained for three weeks prior to the beginning of the summer camping season. “We’re very connected; we communicate constantly. We’re regularly working together on activities and the mission of ‘impacting lives through positive outdoor experiences,’” explains Zavodny. “Anything that goes on at Camp Kubena, SPJST is usually a part of or has knowledge of, and we support each other. We all love Camp Kubena!”
Camp Kubena is a beautiful, serene location with a variety of rustic buildings and natural areas that are sure to make any event something memorable.
“When you are at Camp Kubena, you have a sense of peace, of being somewhere special,” says Clift. “We are passionate about what we do, and that is reflected is everything we do at Camp Kubena.” With its friendly staff, quality facilities, and breathtaking views, Camp Kubena is the perfect space and ambience for weddings, corporate and family events, and parties. You’re sure to want to return to Camp Kubena over and over.
KALEIGH BLASCHKE AND CALEB MURRILE - JULY 9, 2022
FREYBURG UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, FREYBURG, TEXAS LASTING DETAILS BY LAUREN
Kaleigh and Caleb Murrile were married on Saturday, July 9th, 2022 in the quaint Freyburg United Methodist Church. Kaleigh is the daughter of Mr. Roger Blaschke and Mrs. Tami Walker and the granddaughter of Mr. & Mrs. Maynard Warnken of Schulenburg, TX. Caleb is the son of Greg and Danna Murrile of Shiner, TX. The celebrations spilled over to the beautiful grounds of The Oaks at High Hill, nestled in the beautiful rolling countryside just outside of Schulenburg. The tables of the reception hall were showered with locally grown greenery and florals from Cuts of Color in Weimar, TX. Cyndi Stein coordinated the reception and brought the coolest cold sparklers for their grand exit photos. Kaleigh was a jaw-dropping stunner in her wedding gown from Brickhouse Bridal. While the bridal party was dolled up and glammed by Cathy Galipp and Bianka Vanicek from The Hair Studio in Schulenburg, Alexandra with Empire Beauti Makeup in Flatonia and Sarah Mesa Makeup in Yoakum. The beautiful cakes were another perfect creation by Melissa at The Best Little Cake Shop in Texas. Darryl Appelt was in charge of the mic and kept the party going ‘til midnight and Lasting Details by Lauren was there to capture it all!
CEREMONY FREYBURG UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
RECEPTION THE OAKS AT HIGH HILL
PHOTOGRAPHY LASTING DETAILS BY LAUREN – WEIMAR, TX
VIDEOGRAPHY AZUL DREAM FILMS
COORDINATOR CYNDI STEIN - SHINER, TX
HAIR CATHY GALIPP AND BIANKA VANICEK – THE HAIR STUDIO
MAKEUP ALEXANDRA – EMPIRE BEAUTI MAKEUP AND SARAH MESA - YOAKUM, TX
DJ DARRYL APPELT
CATERING BEN’S CHUCKWAGON
CAKES THE BEST LITTLE CAKE SHOP IN TEXAS
A destination wedding is indeed possible in Fayette County, Texas! If you desire, you have your choice of any of the famous and historic Painted Churches for your wedding vows that are picture perfect in creating lasting images of one of the most important days of your life. Wedding reception venue options are plentiful whether you are wanting a pristine farm, rugged ranch or a vintage music hall complete with wooden dance floors that may be almost 200 years old now. Need a live band, singersongwriter, or someone to spin discs? Being so close to Austin means you have your choice of any number of great entertainers.
You can capture the fun and expectation of your wedding day by selecting one of Fayette County’s beautiful and historic homes for you and your bridesmaids on the night before the wedding and as newlyweds. You need not look any further than the romantic and oh so lovely Das Meyer Haus in downtown Schulenburg, TX. This charming and luxe 1905 Victorian home is a delightfully comfortable and cozy gem that will certainly fit your needs for both pre and post wedding happenings! Think about the interior photos that can be created while you are together. As you can see, Das Meyer Haus lends itself well as an elegant and vintage backdrop.
How about catering? Fayette County is home to family-owned dairies and farm fresh vegetables and local meat are plentiful and delicious. The caterers host dinners for the locals and we can vouch for their creative and tasty menus. And our vineyards seem to be doubling every 5 years. Last count was eight wineries in and around Fayette County. Take some time to visit and consider “buying local” for your prewedding and wedding wines. Adding local foods to the local wines can create the most interesting meals for your guests.
Arrive pre wedding at our Haus where your party can unpack and relax before the rehearsal dinner. Many wedding parties have taken photos in front of our porcelain sign near the front door or have walked down the street to two amazing wall murals for a photo op.
At Das Meyer Haus, we encourage brides to bring in their videographers and photographers to take posed and candid shots. On your wedding day, maybe cater a breakfast of local Kolaches and Klobásníky (pigs in a blanket) from the Kountry Bakery or call Darlin’s Diner or Cowgirl Provisions to deliver a morning spread or enjoy local coffee treats from Jack & Mary’s or Tillie’s Café.
With all this said, we cordially invite you to consider Fayette County and Das Meyer Haus for your wedding celebration and can assure you that you will be well cared for!
Swiss Alp Hall & Chalet is painted with red, white, and blue, proudly showing o its heritage. Its interior is built from paneled wood and structured beams. This adds a charming rustic element to the hall and compliments the expertly crafted bar which is available to serve drinks to couples and their guests. Sliding barn doors create a grand entrance for any event, and also provide a gorgeous backdrop for photos. A path that leads from the hall is an ideal space for activities such as sparkler exits or coordinated entries. Capacity 250 guests.
By holding your event at the Historic Casino Hall, you are able to become part of the history of this stunning 130+ year-old landmark. Renovations to the Hall bring modern conveniences that live among the walls of the beautiful 1880s-era structure.
The Casino Hall was founded as a gathering place, providing an environment of good cheer for the community of La Grange. Over the years, its purpose changed; from a public school (1885-1924), to the La Grange fire station (192592), to city hall (1925-68), and to a senior citizens center before undergoing a complete renovation in 2014.
Today, it serves its original purpose as a performing arts center and community gathering place.
The Historic Casino Hall can be used for a variety of events and has space for a maximum of 180 guests in a customizable layout. The 2,600 square foot space is ready to accommodate any type of event.
The space is able to be utilized to accommodate business meetings, wedding receptions, banquets, professional conferences, nonprofit fundraising events, private parties, vendor fairs, dance and theater performances, movie showings, and much more.
Call Us!
For more information and booking availability, please call our rental coordinator at (979) 968-3017 or visit our website www.VisitLaGrangeTX.com. We look forward to having you!
The Historic Casino Hall can be used for a variety of events and has space for a maximum of 180 guests in a customizable layout The 2,600 square foot space is ready to accomodate any type of event.
Whether it’s in the shadow of the 175 year old ceremony tree, or inside beneath our breathtaking chandeliers; there is sure to be a location that you'll fall in love with.
• All-inclusive Wedding Packages
• Multi-day Packages for decorating and rehearsal event space
• 10,000 sq. ft. Ballroom
• 3,500 sq. ft. outdoor patio & beer garden
• Accommodates groups from 50 to 750 people
• Luxury two-story bridal suite with 6 make-up stations
• Grooms saloon
• Indoor and outdoor ceremony options
• Covered outdoor bar & patio with seating for up to 250 people
• 9 onsite cottages available for rent for friends and family
• Honeymoon Suite
WE WOULD LOVE TO BE PART OF YOUR WEDDING CELEBRATION!
Call Event Director Clarissa Marshall at Clarissa@highhillweddings.com or 512.228.1351 or visit highhillweddings.com to begin planning your dream wedding day!
VICTORIA CALLOWAY AND LUKE JUIST - JUNE 4, 2022
ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, ELLINGER, TEXAS - BRITTANY DAWSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Victoria Calloway and Luke Juist were married June 4, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellinger. The reception was at the Peak Barn at The Compound in Round Top. The event was catered by Celebrations and the event coordinator was Last Petal. Brittany Dawson Photography of La Grange was in charge of photography.
EVENT COORDINATOR LAST PETAL FLORIST LAST PETAL
VENUE THE PEAK BARN AT THE COMPOUND CATERER CELEBRATIONS
PHOTOGRAPHER BRITTANY DAWSON PHOTOGRAPHY
VIDEOGRAPHER RESOLUTE VIDEOGRAPHY
BAKER YELLOW DOOR BAKERY
RENTALS MARQUEE
HAIR/MAKE UP BUTTER ARTISTRY
TRANSPORTATION SAM’S LIMOUSINE & TRANSPORTATION
BAND DRYWATER BAND
Glamp Inn, America’s only indoor glampground, located in Warrenton, just outside of Round Top, features ten vintage campers and eighteen large teepees each designed with bright and bold themes in climate-controlled comfort. Each unit has something unique and unexpected. We specialize in bachelorette parties, family reunions, wedding receptions, retreats, birthday parties, ANY reason to celebrate! Our guests love that they can gather in the big, open areas, and have their privacy inside their little camper or teepee. We know it’s not “real” camping, but it’s our way to repurpose the buildings and preserve the vintage campers for guests to enjoy for years to come. And who doesn’t love the Great Indoors, especially in Texas!
Our road to Round Top started way back in the 70’s. My husband, Sterling, spent many weekends during his childhood running through the woods at his uncle’s area ranch. In 2004, we renewed our vows in the “World’s Smallest Catholic Church” on Hwy 237 and in 2013 we purchased the Old Car Museum from his uncle. Years of experimenting with the space led to this unique lodging idea and we haven’t looked back! We had no idea how much joy would come from hosting happy glampers! Our guests love
staying up late, sharing memories, and waking up to continue the conversation with a hot cup of coffee in one of our cozy seating areas. Most of the time when you travel, you’re excited about what you are going to do, not necessarily where you’re staying. A hotel is a hotel. At the Glamp Inn, the lodging IS the main event and our guests would agree! We’ve hosted many bachelorette parties, wedding receptions, and we’ve even had wedding parties that wanted to get to know each other better before the big day stay with us. And since you have the whole space to yourself, you can dance and karaoke the night away!
During Antiques Week and other big events in Round Top, the units are rented individually, but the rest of the year it is rented to groups. The buildings sleep up to 56 and are available to reserve in sections of 16 to 20 guests. Each unit is equipped with two twin beds with restrooms centrally located, think bathhouse with private stalls, just steps away from your glamper. Other amenities include big screen tvs, microwaves, coffee bars, refrigerators, a ping pong table, a pool table, a piano and a foosball table. We’re excited about our future plans that include adding an outdoor kitchen area, firepit and rooftop bar! For an unforgettable experience check out www.lonestarglampinn.com or call Kaci at 512-797-9815.
There’s no other place quite like this. We’re located right on Hwy 237, in the heart of Warrenton shopping. During Antiques Week, this glampsite has a fun-loving atmosphere along with a great sense of community. Our guests come as strangers and leave as happy, glamping friends! We’d love to have you stay with us in the great indoors!
Allen and Amy were married on Saturday, September 24th, 2022 in the historic St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Praha, TX. The ceremony was followed by a reception at the KC Hall in La Grange, TX. Amy is the daughter of Edward and Cynthia Koncaba of Flatonia and Allen is the son of Arlin and Pam Keilers of La Grange. Lauren Dahse with Lasting Details by Lauren from Weimar photographed all the things from wedding day. Sanora Owens filmed the Keilers’ wedding as their videographer. The ceremony included vibrant, silk floral arrangements designed by the bride’s MOH (and sister) Hillary Grahmann. The KC Hall in La Grange was decorated by the ever-so-talented Jackie Nicholson of Weimar, who also coordinated the entire wedding reception. The decadent white almond vanilla bride’s cake from Susie’s Cake Bakery in Weimar featured a raspberry and white chocolate ganache filling and was displayed on a rotating cake stand. The groom’s cake was a delicious Ghirardelli chocolate decorated with chocolate covered strawberries by Jamela Brown Cakes. Dinner was prepared and catered by the Knights of Columbus, La Grange, TX. And lastly, the bride and bridal party were glammed by Ashton Laake of Ashton Makeup and the stylists over at Reve Salon.
CEREMONY: ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH - PRAHA, TEXAS
RECEPTION: KC HALL – LA GRANGE, TEXAS
PHOTOGRAPHY: LASTING DETAILS BY LAUREN – WEIMAR, TX
VIDEOGRAPHY: SANORA OWENS
COORDINATING: JACKIE NICHOLSON - WEIMAR, TX
HAIR: REVE SALON
MAKEUP: ASHTON LAAKE, ASHTON MAKEUP
CATERING: KC’S OF LA GRANGE
BRIDE’S CAKE: SUSIE’S CAKE BAKERY – WEIMAR, TX
GROOM’S CAKE: JAMELA BROWN CAKES