Promises 2020 by Fredericksburg Publishing

2020 Wedding Guide

S A publication of the Fredericksburg Standard

Contents Marriage Licenses ......... 6 Planning a honeymoon. 8 Couple’s questions ...... 10 Spread the news .......... 22 Special moments.......... 24 Healthy habits............... 26 Gift registries ............... 27 Wedding costs ............. 28 Wedding parties .......... 30 Cakes, desserts............. 32 Wedding planning........ 34

2020 Wedding Guide

S A publication of the Fredericksburg Standard

The Cover

Sandra Jacoby, of SRJ photography, captures bride Steffanie Coleman in a grass field on her family ranch as the sun shines across her face. Steffanie was married Sept. 14 at The Venue at Rafter E.

Chelsea Burow, who was married to Guy Chadwick on June 15, 2019 in Fredericksburg, was photographed on Enchanted Rock by Mariana Oneill of Mariana Wanders Photograhy.

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Things to know when getting a marriage license No union is complete without getting a marriage license. The following are important reminders about applying for and using a marriage license: Where to go? • Gillespie County Clerk’s Office is in Room 109 of the Gillespie County Courthouse. Mary Lynn Rusche is the county clerk, and personnel there are ready to assist applicants with the paperwork. Office hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. • To contact the county clerk’s office, call 830-997-6515. Rusche asks that if anyone has any questions about types of identification needed for obtaining a marriage license, they should call first to confirm the type of identification they have is proper to purchase the license. This saves them a trip to Fredericksburg and not having the right identification. What to bring? • Couples applying for a marriage license must both be present when the license is issued. • Each should bring at least one form of photo identification (such as a driver’s license or passport) or two other forms of non-photo identification (such as certified birth certificate, Social Security card, current utility bill or school report card, etc.). A Mexican Matricula Consular card will not be recognized as appropriate identification but a Mexican voter card can be used as a non-photo identification. • Be prepared to pay the $71 cost of the marriage license. Payment can be made only by check or cash. • A reduced marriage license fee of $11 is available to couples who complete the free eight-hour “Twogether in Texas” course and bring in a certificate of completion at the

time of applying for their marriage license. The course is free if done in person. In Fredericksburg, the course is not religionbased and is offered through Victory Fellowship Church (414 East College Street). Their telephone number is 830-997-9717. The course is also available through St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where it’s collated with counseling. A couple will receive two separate certificates. One, recognized by the Catholic Church, says they’ve completed the program. The other certificate for the county clerk shows that they’ve completed the “Twogether in Texas” program. St. Mary’s is at 307 W. San Antonio St., and the telephone number is 830-997-9523. • The minimum age required to apply for a marriage license is 18 years. Anyone younger should bring with them a court order to obtain a license. Applicants who are 16 or 17 years of age must bring with them their legal guardian at the time of applying for the license and the guardian is also required to show photo identification. Common law marriages • Couples claiming to be married by common law should keep in mind that if they have a baby, the father must undergo an affidavit process to claim paternity unless the couple comes to the county clerk’s office some time before the baby is born and declares that they have been married and living together since a certain date. That “informal marriage” fee is $36. Someone claiming an informal marriage cannot claim a date that places them at less than 18 years of age. Other things to know … • Divorced persons applying for a license to wed again must be divorced for 30 days or longer, unless there is a waiver of that wait in their divorce decree.

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Travel agents key to planning honeymoon

ne of the most exciting parts of the wedding process is always the honeymoon. It’s a chance for the bride and groom to get away from ooh’s and aah’s of the family members and just enjoy a vacation together. However, it can be tough at times to not only figure out where to go, but also to work within a budget. Also, after planning an entire wedding, the honeymoon just becomes one more thing to do. One way to make this process more simple is to hire a travel agent. Judy and Ed Kramer, owners of Judy’s Land and Sea Travel, LLC, break down why and how using a travel agent works, and how to find legitmate travel agents. When a couple contacts Mrs. Kramer, she sits down with them for free to figure out what they want to do, and what their budget is. “It doesn’t cost anything to use a travel agent,” she said. “Using us is the best way because we know the best destinations to travel to and when the best time is to travel there.” One reason using a travel agent is better than planning alone is because it eases the stress. “The internet has become so overwhelming with options,” Mrs. Kramer said. “You can see a picture of someplace online and choose it, but when you get there, it’s nothing like the picture.” The Kramers try to offer clients a firsthand perspective. “We’ll look at destinations we’ve travelled to, and if there’s somewhere we haven’t been, we contact a travel agent who has,” She said.

Mrs. Kramer said a couple’s budget is usually around $5,000. She and her husband will work with that, but their primary focus is always quality first. “Sometimes, we’ll find a honeymoon within that budget. Other times, we’ll show them what they could get with a little bit more,” she explained. “It makes a difference if you choose a room with an ocean view, versus a room with a view of the parking lot. You definitely get what you pay for.” While the idea of a travel agent is nice, it can be overwhelming trying to screen all of the choices available online. Who is legit and who is a scam? “In Fredericksburg, just call me,” she said while laughing. “Don’t use a travel agent who asks you to pay them. Your money should go straight to the vendor, and not through the travel agent’s account. That’s where you can get scammed.” Judy’s Land and Sea Travel, LLC, is affiliated with Avoya and American Express. They are also a part of the American Society of Travel Advisors, and Cruise Lines International Association. The client’s funds never go through Mrs. Kramer’s account. When finding a travel agent, she said the best way to go is word of mouth. Kramer will either sit down with her clients face-to-face, or over the phone, and work to find the best honeymoon for their budget. To plan a honeymoon through Judy’s Land and Sea Travel, LLC, give her a call at 830-997-7513, or email her at judy.kramer@avoyatravel.com.

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Laura O’Loughlin and James C.E. Helms were married on July 20 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church. — Lauren Bosse Photography

Couples share wedding day memories For some couples planning their wedding, the venue or the season is important while others say that sharing their special day with family

and friends is the most important. Five couples who married in 2019 share their memories of what made their wedding special, their favorite

memory, how they selected the date and venue and if they have any advice for couples planning a wedding. They also share some of their fa-

vorite wedding day “bloopers.” Answering from their hearts were the following couples: • Ann Stehling and Eric Krohngold were married on Feb. 23, 2019, at One Eleven East in Hutto. A reception, dinner and dance followed at One Eleven East. • Baylie Vogel and Jon Cluck were married on April 27, 2019, in the Hill Country Church. A reception, dinner and dance followed at the St. Mary’s Holy Family Center. •Laura O’Loughlin and James C.E. Helms were married on July 20, 2019, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church. A reception, dinner and dance followed at the St. Mary’s Holy Family Center. • Hailey Welgehausen and Emmett Gold were married on Aug. 10, 2019, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church. A reception, dinner and dance followed

All smiles on their wedding day on Feb. 23, 2019, were Ann Stehling and Eric Krohngold. — Photo by Local Embers & Co.

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at The Barn at Swallow’s Eve. • Cheryl Kaderli and Brendan Boyle were married on Oct. 11, 2019, in the Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church (Marienkirche). A reception followed on the grounds of Pioneer Museum. Q. As you were planning your wedding, was there one particular aspect of the ceremony or reception that was the most important to you and why? Ann: We didn’t want a boring, stuffy wedding. At every point of the planning process, we made decisions based on what we thought would allow people to relax, have fun and let loose! We had a pre-ceremony cocktail hour and open bar reception, had our favorite food truck cater dinner, kept the speeches to a minimum, and packed the wedding playlist with songs that got everyone on the dance floor. It was the biggest, best party with all the people we loved. Baylie: In planning the wedding, it was very important to me that we get married in Fredericksburg in the church I grew up going to. Laura: The most important

When Ann Stehling and Eric Krohngold were planning their wedding, they wanted a wedding that would allow their guests to “relax, have fun and let loose.” — Photo by Local Embers & Co.

aspect of our wedding was getting married in a Catholic church. Not only is St. Mary’s Catholic Church my hometown parish, but it is also the church where my parents got married and has the same name as the church where James and I met at in College Station. We take our faith in Christ very seriously and know that He is the foundation of a strong marriage. Hailey: I was really excited about the flowers. I loved looking through ideas on Pinterest and working with my florist to find the right combination of textures and colors.

We ended making two flower chandeliers which were probably my favorite thing decoration aspect of the reception. Cheryl: I wanted to honor my German heritage from the Hill Country with an Oktoberfest theme at the Pioneer Museum, while also honoring Brendan’s Irish roots. So, we incorporated both German and Irish themes in the music, food and drinks, which blended pretty well with the guests and made the reception mood much more dynamic. For example, serving Guinness Stout with my Dad’s homemade venison sausage.

Q. How did you go about selecting your wedding date and venue? Ann: Our wedding was in late February at One Eleven East in Hutto. I found the venue on Instagram and fell in love with the natural light and minimalist industrial interior. It photographed beautifully, and I felt like it was a blank slate that we could make our own. We picked the month of February to avoid the heat!

Cheryl Kaderli and Brendan Boyle were married on Oct. 11, 2019, in the Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church (Marienkirche). A reception followed on the grounds of Pioneer Museum. — Photo by Dudley Harris

Baylie: We could not have a wedding during peach season, so we needed to have either a fall or spring wedding. The weather in the spring is so beautiful, especially in Fredericksburg, so we chose April 27. COUPLES 14

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Laura: As I mentioned, we knew we wanted to get married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. It is a gorgeous painted church that is reminiscent of a European Cathedral. Because of its beauty, the church was booked pretty far in advance so we took the first available date — July 20. After we booked the date, we realized it was the same month (July) as his birthday and the same numerical day (the 20th) as my birthday. The combination seemed symbolic of the two of us coming together to as one. I’m a dork, I know. Hailey: Attending/watching Texas A&M football is a big thing for Emmett and I. After getting engaged, we quickly realized we needed to plan around football season. Instead of waiting, we opted to plan for August (despite the heat). We wanted a venue that was casual and open so everyone could easily mingle and be involved in the event. Cheryl: I knew I always wanted to get married in the Marienkirche from when I was a child. I’ve always loved the simplicity and the history of its sacred space.

Hailey Welgehausen and Emmett Gold were married Aug. 10, 2019, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church. A reception, dinner and dance followed at The Barn at Swallow’s Eve. — Honeygem Creative

Pioneer Museum was conveniently around the corner, and had both an outdoor or indoor option as needed if the weather didn’t comply. We chose October for the weather, and as we had hoped, a nice norther blew in that weekend, giving us a crisp, gorgeous fall evening. Q. What is your most treasured memory of your wedding? Ann: The father-daughter dance was a highlight. My dad and I secretly took classes for months with a professional dance instructor and learned a choreographed dance to a special song that he picked out. We aren’t particularly graceful, but we had so much fun making those memories together. And I think we surprised our guests, too! Baylie: My most treasured wedding memory is dancing with Jon to “Frauline,” which was my grandparents’ favorite song. They were married for 68 years, and my grandfather had passed away the month before, so Jon and I danced while her sons and grandsons took turns dancing with her. It was a beautiful moment, and I will never forget it. Laura: My most treasured memory of our wedding was our first look. It was amazing to have a COUPLES 16

Baylie Vogel and Jon Cluck were married on April 27, 2019, in the Hill Country Church. A reception, dinner and dance followed at the St. Mary’s Holy Family Center. —Lori Blythe Photography

COUPLES

Cont. from 15

moment to ourselves before the ceremony to slow down and embrace the moment and the day. Hailey: Our first dance was a very special moment because you’re able to see all your friends and family as you dance around the room — the day slows down in this moment and you’re able to appreciate one another and the community of support around you. Cheryl: Dancing with my father to “Pancho and Lefty” — our favorite song when I was growing up. Q. Did you have a wedding day “blooper?” Ann: Since we had a Jewish wedding, we did our vows in both Hebrew and English. I hadn’t practiced before-hand and had a tough time getting through the Hebrew parts. At one point, I had to ask the rabbi to repeat my lines again, which got a good laugh. We made it through! Baylie: I do not think I had any kind of “blooper.” If I did, I don’t even remember it now, so it must not have been a big deal at the time. Laura: Right before our grand entrance to our recep-

As a surprise for her Aggie husband, Laura O’Loughlin had some of her bridal portraits taken on Kyle Field on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station. — Photo by Rachael Houy with Shutterray Photos

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tion, we thought we wouldn’t have enough time to bustle my dress, so we gave the DJ the “go ahead” to introduce us as Mr. and Mrs. We had a really cute entrance planned, which turned out great! The only catch — I forgot that we were going straight from our entrance into our first dance, so my dress wasn’t bustled yet. I was so worried I would trip on the train during our first dance! Good thing my hubby is a great dancer and was able to lead us around the sea of lace!

A picturesque setting provided the backdrop for wedding photos of Hailey Welgehausen and Emmett Gold when they were married on Aug. 10, 2019. — Honeygem Creative

Hailey: I think we were so excited that nothing could have ruined the day anyways! Cheryl: None really! Everything went off pretty well, and if there was a blooper with anything, I definitely didn’t notice! COUPLES 18

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Q. Knowing what you know now, do you have any advice to give to brides as they plan their wedding? Ann: Hire a wedding coordinator! Our wedding coordinator, Lindsey (of Bespoke Events), took over everything for us six weeks before the wedding and managed everything for us on the day of the wedding, as well. Hiring Lindsey was the best decision we made — it allowed my husband and I to focus on each other, enjoy time with our family and friends, and soak in every moment without worrying about all the event details. Baylie: Choose to be stressfree in your planning — it will make the whole process so much easier, and the less you stress about, the fewer possibilities

Sealed with a kiss — Cheryl Kaderli and Brendan Boyle start their life together as husband and wife. — Photo by Dudley Harris

there are for disappointment. Laura: Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially if you’re a perfectionist.

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Having a little fun while taking their engagement photos were Laura O’Loughlin and James C.E. Helms — Lauren Bosse Photography

Hailey: Don’t get too caught up in the details — you and your guests won’t notice the small things the day of! Cheryl: I would advise to not sweat everything. Just narrow down your list to two to three big priorities of “must haves” and make sure those happen. Everything else is lost in the chaos, and you won’t remember them two weeks after the wedding. _________ Q. As the groom, was there a particular aspect of the ceremony or reception that was important to you

COUPLES 20

COUPLES Cont. from 19

and why? Eric: In a Jewish wedding, the ceremony is broken into two parts, a private small ceremony for just the immediate family and two witnesses, and a larger public ceremony. You technically get married in the first private ceremony, which I felt was really special because we got to share that moment with just our immediate family and closest friends. Jon: It was very important to us that we keep up the tradition of getting married in a church. It is a promise to God to love one another, and I feel that there was no other place to make that promise. James: The most important part of the ceremony to me was the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Because we keep Christ as the center of our lives, it was amazing to receive Him together as a married couple. Keeping the sacraments in the center of our lives is what will provide us the grace to have a wonderful marriage. Emmett: I wanted to make sure that the day was as stress-free for Hailey as it could be, so I got ready at the venue with my groomsmen to help out with set-up and any last-

Ann Stehling and Eric Krohngold were married in a Jewish ceremony on Feb. 23 at One Eleven East in Hutto. — Photo by Local Embers & Co.

minute decisions (while Hailey got ready at the church). I also thought the food was important. We both love Tex-Mex and wanted good chips, salsa, guacamole, fajitas, etc. Brendan: The music was the most important to me, since Cheryl and I are both musicians. We knew exactly what songs we wanted, and went with more traditional Latin hymns, with one hymn sung in German. We were also really lucky to know so many outstanding musicians we’ve worked with in Austin that came and sang the ceremony for us.

Q. Did you have a wedding day “blooper?” Eric: I was so preoccupied seeing our guests and having fun that I didn’t even get to try our wedding cake! Jon: No. Everything went smoothly. James: The font for “Table 7” was different from all the other fonts on the seating chart. But thanks to some careful planning, the ability to stay quiet and a very helpful bridesmaid (thanks Sarah), Laura didn’t find out until now!

Emmett: There weren’t any true “bloopers” that I know of … however, we did almost run out of beer and had to send someone to get more (no one noticed).

We did it! — Baylie Vogel and Jon Cluck were all smiles following their April 27 wedding ceremony in the Hill Country Church. — Lori Blythe Photography

Brendan: I discovered a moth had eaten a small hole in the knee of my tux pants, but nothing that a mother with some thread can’t fix! Q. Knowing what you know now, do you have any advice to give to grooms as they get ready for their wedding? Eric: Bring extra belts and socks for when you and your groomsmen get ready. Inevitably someone will forget one or the other! Jon: Just enjoy the day. A good friend of mine told me to take a moment during the reception and look around to see who all is there and take it all in. This is probably the only time in your life where you will have all of your friends, family and anyone else you are close to in the same spot at the same time. James: Have a friend, that is not in the

wedding party, who is able to run errands for you. Your groomsmen will be busy and there will be fires to put out the day of the wedding. My buddy, Matt, saved the day three times! He’s one of my best friends. This was a great way to include him since I made my five brothers my groomsmen.

Emmett: Have fun! The entire preparation process is fun and exciting — from sampling cakes, foods, and drinks to planning your honeymoon. Brendan: Go into the ceremony with a clear head and conscience. Remember all the small moments and details.

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Spread the news with the Standard In a world of sharing news and life events on popular social media sites, it is easy for couples to forget to announce engagements and weddings in the newspaper. By including engagement and wedding announcements in the Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post, couples are sharing their news and preserving a bit of history for future generations. The Standard-Radio Post will run wedding and engagement announcements and photographs, as well as follow-ups on wedding parties and showers. To help couples share their news in the paper, the Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post has several options available for submitting the information. There is no charge for having engagement and wed-

ding announcements and shower stories published in the newspaper. And while there is no deadline prior to or after the wedding, couples are still urged to submit the information and photographs in a timely manner. The deadline for submitting articles and photographs for the “Gillespie Life” section of each week’s paper is noon on Monday. Black and white photographs or color photographs can be used, providing the picture is in good focus and is of good quality. Photographs that do not meet reproduction standards will not be used. Also, full-length wedding pictures will not be used. Photographs can be submitted in a variety of formats. Some couples may choose to submit an original photo

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with their information while others may choose to submit the photograph on a flash drive. Also, e-mailed photographs will be accepted, provided that they are submitted in a jpg format at a minimum of 300 dpi resolution. Couples are discouraged from submitting photographs that are reproduced on a home printer or copy machine. Engagement and wedding forms are also available at the newspaper office at 712 W. Main St, by telephone at 997-2155, by writing to P.O. Box 1639, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 or by e-mailed requests to yvonne@fredericksburgstandard.com. In addition, couples can visit www.fredericksburgstandard.com for online engagement and wedding forms.

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Special moments

Flower girls Julianna and JessaRose Cox hang from a tree before the start of a Hill Country wedding. Moments like this and other wedding events were captured by Sandra Jacoby of SRJ Photography.

Kris and Patrick Moellendorf, of Harper, were captured next to two horses following a wedding at Tres Molinas Ranch in Harper. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Kayla Jane Photography

At right, Kerrville couple Danielle and Doug celebrate a recent wedding at Sendera Springs in Kerrville. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Kayla Jane Photography

Coty and Sam were married in Hunt. Following the ceremony, Kayla Jane of Kayla Jane Photography, captures the couple as the sun sets.

Aaron and Christal Lively embrace following a wedding in Mason. — Kayla Jane Photography

Bride Ryan of Hunt and photographer Kayla Jane use an old red pickup truck as a backdrop for photos prior to her wedding ceremony. — Kayla Jane Photography

Stephanie and Josh Luero were joined by their children after an elopement in Fredericksburg. — SRJ Photography

Make healthy habits a part of wedding prep health could falter. According to a Cornell University study, more than 70% of brides-to-be have weight loss on the brain, but shedding pounds shouldn’t be the only health factor to consider. Here are some easy ways to stay mentally and physically fit in advance of a happy wedding day. Get daily exercise. Exercise is important for maintaining a healthy body weight and keeping stress levels in check. Exercise also can boost mood. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week. Strength training exercises performed at least twice a week complete a well-balanced exercise regimen.

Couples can exercise together to maintain physical and mental wellbeing as they count down to their wedding day. — Metro file photo

After the big question is popped and loving partners decide to spend their lives together as a married couple, a whirlwind of activity will ensue. Although wedding planning is exciting, some couples may feel overwhelmed with all the decisions that need to be made before they can tie the knot. In this state of increased pressure, stress may build and

Slow down and relax. Those who go full-throttle with all of their responsibilities – including wedding planning – may burn out. Stress can weaken the immune system and make people vulnerable to illness. Schedule some time for date nights with your fiance, and don’t overlook the benefits of hanging out with friends and getting away from wedding planning for a bit. Eat body-boosting foods. The foods we eat can impact everything from energy levels to skin radiance. Foods like berries, sweet potatoes, broccoli, greens, green tea, and

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dark chocolate all contain antioxidants that boost the immune system, states The Food Network. Avoid drastic diets that can do more harm than good. Simply cutting 500 calories a day can help the average person lose a pound per week if weight loss is a goal. Simple ways to trim calories are to choose skim milk over whole milk and choose lowcalorie snacks. Cut down on alcohol consumption. Toasting to the future with a glass of wine may become rote in the months leading up to the wedding, but alcohol is a diuretic and a source of liquid calories. Alcoholic beverages dehydrate the body and cause it to hold onto water. When imbibing, stick to low-calorie cocktails like a vodka spritzer (60 to 80 calories) instead of a calorie-laden frozen margarita (300 calories). Feeling and looking one’s best starts long before the wedding day. By making health a priority, couples can start their new lives together on healthy footing.

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Gift registries available in Fredericksburg Wedding planners recommend opening a gift registry as soon as there is an engagement for soonto-be brides and grooms. Choosing multiple stores and interviewing sales representatives can help a couple ensure they receive all they need to start their lives together. The following is a list of places around the Fredericksburg area that will help with gift registry.

Der Küchen Laden 830-997-4937 258 E. Main St. Dooley’s 830-997-3458 131 E. Main St. Linens-N-More 830-990-1212 302 E. Main St. Segner’s Jewelers 997-2559 236 W. Main St.

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Price points: Wedding costs add up Newly engaged couples may experience an array of emotions when they sit down to plan their weddings. Some cannot wait to jump into planning and want to catalog every aspect of the process, while others may proceed with caution because they don’t know what to expect — particularly in regard to cost. Many couples find it difficult to create their wedding budgets because they have no previous experience to draw on. The wedding planning advisor TheKnot.com indicates the average wedding cost in the United States is $33,931. Individual costs can vary greatly depending on couples’ preferences, including where they hope to tie the knot. By breaking down wedding expenses, couples can get a clearer picture of how much they may need to pay for their weddings and where they may need to cut costs.

Reception site According to ValuePenguin by LendingTree, couples typically spend between $12,343 and $14,006 for wedding venues. Fredericksburg venues range from $7,000 to $10,000, said Donna Solbrig, founder of local retail and rental party store, Party Affair. One smaller venue, The Alegria Barn, is less expensive at around $5,000. The average price for catering per person is roughly $70, according to The Knot. Locally, catering can range from $20 to more than $100 and plated dinners can run up to around $100 each, Solbrig said. She added that a family-style dinner is currently popular. Bar service may be around $2,000-$3,000 for a three- to fourhour party. Some reception sites combine the room cost with the food and beverage costs, while others have a la carte fees. Solbrig said many venues have their own alcohol licenses, and clients go through

them for alcohol sales. All venues require venue insurance, a liability that covers accidents between a 24-48-hour period, depending on what the venue is requiring. Cake Wedding cakes tend to be multitiered intricate designs, so they will cost more than birthday cakes. According to Statistics Brain, wedding dessert will come in around $390. Solbrig said local prices range from $4-$6 a slice which is standard around the Hill Country. Desserts such as donut walls, cookies and small pastries are growing trends. Music The Knot says average cost of ceremony musicians is almost $800. An average cost of a DJ is almost $1,300. Locally, deejays can charge anywhere from $700-$1,500, depending on strobe lights, karaoke and

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other options. Planner Many couples employ wedding planners to make planning their weddings easier. Wedding planners cost between $1,350-$1,800, says Thumbtack, a company that matches professionals with people who require their services. Solbrig customizes her plans for each client, so prices can vary greatly. Guest count depends on how many staff she, herself, has to hire. Transportation Limousines and other transportation prices vary depending on the vehicle(s) couples choose. WeddingWire.com notes that wedding limo and bus services can cost an average of $750, with most couples spending between $500-$1,100.

Other expenses Smaller details, such as accessories, gifts, officiant fees, stationery, spa services, and favors can quickly add up, as well. Some bride’s cover rooms, hair and makeup for bridesmaids. Grooms can add in golf, skeet shooting or a fifth of whiskey for groomsmen. Couples should be sure to leave some wiggle room in their budgets for incidental expenses that may pop up.

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Gown Brides-to-be should expect their gowns to cost around $1,000, according to WeddingWire.com. A dress usually ranges from $280-$1,650. Solbrig said custom gowns can go all the way up to $10,000. Photography/Video Preserving wedding day’s memories costs around $2,500 or more for video and photography services.

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Many things factor into planning a wedding party. — Metro file photo

What to consider when choosing a wedding party Making the important decision to get married can fill couples with joy and excitement as they imagine spending the rest of their lives together. Naturally, brides- and grooms-to-be are anxious to share the good news with others and include family and friends in the festivities.

One way couples exemplify inclusion is by asking their closest acquaintances to be part of their wedding parties. Being asked to serve as a bridesmaid or groomsman is an honor. Some couples may be tempted to ask every friend, sibling or cousin they have to be in their wedding

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parties, and some do. In fact, ancient Roman law required 10 witnesses to be part of the wedding ceremony. However, the larger the wedding party, the more people couples have to coordinate and the more personalities they must manage. While large wedding parties are in style, there isn’t any one-size-fits-all formula to decide which size party is right for a particular situation. These tips can help couples decide on the size of their wedding parties. Match it to scope and style. Wedding planners may use a standard ratio for a proportion of guests to wedding party members. That ratio is one pair of wedding attendants for every 50 guests. This creates a balanced feel where the more people in attendance, the larger the wedding party and vice versa. Consider your expenses. Wedding party members may be asked to spend considerable amounts of money to be in the wedding, but the couple will have certain expenses tied to the wedding party as well. These can include limousines to ferry people between the ceremony and reception, photography costs to arrange and photograph large wedding parties, the cost of boutonnieres and bouquets, attendants’ gifts, as well as extra mouths to feed at the rehearsal dinner. Small wedding parties can be easier on couples’ budgets. Know your expectations. Couples should discuss what they expect from their wedding parties. Do couples want their loved ones to be very hands-on or waiting in the wings? For those who want a lot of input from their wedding parties, asking distant friends or family to be included may be impractical. Select reliable, easygoing people. Wedding party members should be people couples can rely on, and it only helps if wedding party members are not prone to overreacting. Choose a wedding party that can be trusted and people with whom you get along.

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Best cakes, desserts for 2020 weddings One of the most important parts of a wedding is the cake. It has to look precise, and it has to resemble a couple’s relationship in some way. Most recently, though, people have started saying a lot less with their big dessert. “Less is more for 2020,” said Sophie Lochte, owner of Sophie’s Bakery. “Simple designs in the buttercream icing are popular. Small servings are a must.” Still though, couples are going to want a good-looking cake. Lochte said generally, the most common

concern from couples is “trying to acquire the most flavorful cake to fit their budget, with a nice look to compliment the wedding.” Those focused on budgeting during the planning process should note that an average 100-serving (or small serving) cake is $300-$400. If someone is looking at a bigger wedding of 200-400 guests, Lochte said, “It’s fine to cut back by 10 guests per 100 (invitation) replies.” It’s smart to budget when planning for a wedding, but don’t cut corners, especially on the sweets.

Lochte said the most overlooked aspect when buying a cake is filling in the flavors. Most couples are so concerned about the design, they forget about the taste. Another important part of the cake is how well it keeps, since a big tradition is to eat some of it on the first anniversary. Lochte said the best way to keep the top of a cake is to “place it in the topper box provided by the bakery and wrap it in plastic, then store it in a chest freezer.” While a cake is most important, couples shouldn’t forget about other

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desserts. It can often be tough to figure out what to buy, so Lochte had a few trendy suggestions. “Cookies, cake bites, tartlets, brownies, cheesecakes and cake balls,” she said. Lochte added that the reason these are so popular is that they’re self-served. Remember to take all of this into consideration during the planning so as not to have an unsweet reception.

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Timeline for planning your wedding The thought of planning a wedding can be overwhelming, and getting started can be daunting. The following checklist is offered to help couples plan for that special moment — their wedding day. At 6 to 12 months • Set a date. • Who will stand with you? Choose, ask and confirm the bridal party and groomsmen. • Announce the big news! Plan an engagement party and don’t forget to announce the engagement in the local newspaper. • Crunch the numbers. This helps to stay on budget and avoid confusion or hurt feelings. • Reserve venues. Book locations for both ceremony and reception, and account for potential weather and size of attendance. Popular venues sell out quickly. • Determine time and type. Formal affairs are in late afternoon or evening, while more casual ones are usually in the morning or early afternoon. The type of wedding decides if the reception should feature a formal meal or just cake and punch. • Color it fantastic.

Jacob and Sarah Summersgill were married in June 2019 at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church. A reception followed at the Gillespie County Fair Grounds. — Photo by Sandra Jacoby of SRJ Photography

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Choose wedding colors early and stick to them. Avoid trends and pick what feels right. • Say “yes” to a dress. Order the bridal gown, bridesmaids’ dresses and their accessories. Keep the budget in mind. • A celebratory trip of love. Visit a travel agency or online sites and review options (and prices) for the honeymoon. Both bride and groom should agree whether it’ll be a simple relaxing outing or an itinerary-filled adventure. • Register gift wishes. The bride and groom should visit their favorite stores and register for items that’ll be needed in their new life together. • Decide the details. Choose musicians, a florist, a photographer and a caterer. Sample their wares and check their references. Keep their contact information handy for discussing details as they are decided. • ‘With this ring, I thee wed …’ Shop and design/purchase wedding rings. • Begin pre-marital counseling (required by some churches.)

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TIMELINE Cont. from 35

select and order invitations. • Moms’ day out. Mothers of the bride and groom should both get their dresses to compliment the rest of the wedding party in style, color, etc. • Introducing Mr. and Mrs. … In the groom and bride’s first appearance together as husband and wife, keep a running list of any needed items (i.e. chairs, tables, linens, etc.) and be sure to reserve them early. • Bite the bullet. Go ahead and sign on the dotted line for the honeymoon. Mention to all providers that the guests planning to travel are newlyweds, because many will provide free

surprise perks along the way. • Double-check and recheck. Call and confirm dates and information with the photographer, musicians, florists, caterer and the church to ensure there’s been no double-booking or other potential disasters. • ‘Your chariot awaits …’ Decide on transportation to and from the wedding and reception sites. Limousine? Horse-drawn buggy? Drive yourself? • Finalize this and that. Pick a final wedding cake design and groom’s cake design and any other pastries for the reception and get them ordered. Get the groom and his groomsmen to get fitted and order their tuxedos. Spend a girls’ day with bridesmaids, getting dresses fitted and scheduling any future fittings.

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Choose shoes and get them dyed, if necessary. At 2 months and closing ... No turning back. • Mail out invitations to the pre-determined guest list. • Visit the courthouse together, with photo identifications and fees in hand, to procure the official marriage license. • Pay for honeymoon and finalize any side trips or relevant details to the trip. • Help guests with reservations for flights or at local overnight accommodations. At 1 month Lists, lists and more lists … • Start a list of gifts being received. Begin writing and mailing “Thank You” notes as soon as gifts arrive. • Plan the rehearsal and dinner. The groom’s family

traditionally arranges and pays for this, but the entire family can contribute to the set-up, planning and pulling it off. • Give credit where it’s due. • Buy gifts for the wedding party. • Take care of final dress and suit fittings, as well as appointments for beauty treatments, pedicures/manicures and hair salon visits. • Host a bridesmaids’ luncheon to show them support and appreciation. • Buy a guest book, choose where to station it at the reception, and designate a “keeper” of the book who can encourage guests to sign. At 2 weeks It’s getting close, so … • Finalize transportation to the church, to the reception and off to the honeymoon.

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TIMELINE Cont. from 37

• If planning to take the groom’s last name, brides should visit the proper offices to officially change their driver’s licenses, Social Security cards, passports and other official documents. Also put in calls to credit card companies, utilities, doctors’ and dentists’ offices and others regularly contacted. At one week Full speed ahead … • Pick up wedding rings and make sure they fit. • Start packing for the honeymoon. • Give the caterer a final estimate on number of guests. Plan seating arrangements. • Practice hair styles and/or makeup for the big day. • But don’t forget … • Brides should find time in the rushing about of final arrangements to take care of themselves. Drink lots of water, eat healthy foods, get plenty of rest each day and smile, knowing they’ll soon be united with the ones they love. The wedding day Hearts joined at last. • With all the planning taken care of, the final hours leading up to the wedding should be a snap. • Best advice for brides: NO amount of planning will

Bride Ryan celebrates with her closest friends and family prior to her wedding in Hunt. — Kayla Jane of Kayla Jane Photography

guarantee a “perfect” ceremony or reception. Remember: It’s the mishaps that make things unique and memorable, but the bride’s reaction to these events becomes unforgettable in the minds of her family and friends. So, roll with the flow, smile and enjoy the spotlight (and the happily ever after, of course).

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