Wedding Bells Ring by nayelimramirez

FALL WINTER

T E X A S

WEDDING BELLS RING

2020

S H O W S T O P P I N G GOWNS YOU'LL

2020 B E S T

O F

W E D D I N G S W I N N E R S AND MORE!

WEDDING GUEST REALNESS WHAT THEY LOVED MOST

LOVE

PLUS INSIDER TIPS FROM DRESS CONSULTANTS

TEXAS WEDDINGS EVERYTHING K N O W

A B O U T

Y O U

G E T T I N G

N E E D

T O

M A R R I E D

NORTH / CENTRAL / SOUTH WEST COAST TEXAS

I N

issue N THIS

3 Elm Pass Woods 6 Questions for the WBR Crew 9 Get The Look 11 You're Engaged! 16 How To Get Your Ring 18 Best of Weddings

FALL/WINTER 2020

TEXAS WEDDINGS Everything in

you

North

need /

know

Central

about

South

Texas West

Weddings

Texas

PERFECT

the venue of your dreams NARROW IN ON THE IDEAL SETTING FOR YOUR "I DOS" WITH OUR PERSONALITY-BASED GUIDE. BY ALYSSA LONGOBUCCO

The most memorable weddings are ones that truly reflect the couple throwing them, and incorporate thoughtful details and special touches that really speak to who they are. When it comes to planning your dream day, you'll want to make each decision with an ultra-personalized mindset. This includes everything from selecting your menu to choosing favors and deciding where you'll host all your loved ones. To help, we've narrowed in on the top venues for your personality type to ensure you throw a bash that's totally you. »

ELM PASS WOODS 2 8 0 C E N T E R

E L M

P A S S

P O I N T ,

R O A D

T E X A S

7 8 0 1 0

A NEW VENUE in the Texas Hill

Country just outside of Comfort, TX - specializing in personalized festival weddings under Giant-Hat

Scandinavian Tipis. We custom build every couple a “sweetheart dining table” to use during their festival and then take home as a member of their special day. The perks of booking a venue with an on-site wood show. Plus there are multiple places around the venue where we personalize to the couple’s name/style to make the space truly yours for the day. For couples that are drawn to the outdoors and want something out of the ordinary to kick off an adventurous life together! Whether it’s black-tie or boho, our tipis provide the perfect woodsy backdrop to customize YOUR big day. We also have a beautiful,

spacious guest house on the property to get ready in - and stay the night with your forever person after your festival!

WE ALSO WORK HARD to partner with experienced wedding pros to provide our couples with exclusive discounts on guest accommodations and transportation to and from the venue. Just ask!

@elmpasswoods

EVERY BUT

FESTIVAL

HERE

HOW ELM

IS A

WEDFEST

PASS

GETTING READY: YOU AND YOUR FESTIVAL CREW CAN MEET AT THE WEDFEST COTTAGE ON-SITE TO GET THE DAY STARTED.

PERSONAL

AFFAIR,

MIGHT

WOODS…

DINNER: HAVE A FOOD TRUCK DINNER UNDER OUR BESPOKE GIANT HAT TIPIS, COMPLETE WITH WHIMSICAL TWINKLE LIGHTS AND FARMHOUSE TABLES.

RECEPTION: AFTER YOUR OPEN-AIR CEREMONY, THE FESTIVAL BEGINS!

EPW

CEREMONY: FOLLOW THE WINDING PATH DOWN TO A SECLUDED PECAN GROVE WHERE THE SUNLIGHT FILTERS DOWN THROUGH THE LEAFY CANOPY.

SEND OFF: FINALLY, WHEN YOU’RE READY – YOU CAN ENJOY A ONEOF-A-KIND EXIT THROUGH OUR OVERSIZED MACRAMÉ CURTAIN ENTRANCE – SPARKLERS, SMOKE BOMBS, NATURAL CONFETTI – YOU DECIDE.

You've got questions, we've got answers. We tapped our team-and one of our goto industry pros--to solve some of your most of-the-moment planning asks.

OUR TAKE

A + Q

WERC RBW EHT

I really want a modern, fun invitation suite, but my fiance is feeling something a bit more classic with calligraphy. Any design tips for picking invites that suit both of our styles? MALAK EL HALABI ART DIRECTOR

Marriage is all about collaboration and figuring out how to blend two individual styles. Here's the good news: When it comes to stationery design, seemingly opposing tastes can actually complement

each other nicely and really represent you as a couple. If your fiancé is nonnegotiable on calligraphy, try pairing hand lettering with clean, modern typefaces for a combo that won't feel too stuffy. Give your suite an energetic vibe by experimenting with color and avoiding

KSA

any fussy details that might not feel true

you might not

My partner and I are both major to your combined style. Letting the always find introverts-we don't do PDA and script shine as the focal point can feel yourself listening hate being the center of attention-clean and bold but simple and timeless at to. Try pop, hip- so a traditional ceremony seems really scary to us. Are there ways the same time. Win, win! hop, or even for us to rethink the structure to fit Afrobeats. If We're trying to settle on a first our personalities? dance song, but the classics feel nothing makes too serious. Where can we find a you want to first dance jam to start the party? enlist the help of MICHELLE SCHMITT your wedding CECE WINTSON dart and ask for Your wedding ceremony should be true song recs or to both of you--that includes reflecting Check out different radio stations or even a playlIstthey'll know what your style, love story, and personalities. comb through Spotify, but keep this in mind: as you're researching, don't be feels most like you both. afraid to explore a different genre MARKETING ADVISOR

AD SPECIALIST

Your wedding ceremony should be true to both SASHA HENRY

of you--that includes reflecting your style, love

HEAD DIRECTOR

story, and personalities. If you're both introverts, you could consider a city hall ceremony. This allows you to bring a few friends, keeping things intimate and casual. But, if you go with a city hall wedding, a majority of your loved ones will miss out on your public commitment. As an alternative rethink the day in a way that pulls the attention away from you. Maybe you could skip walking down a traditional aisle and instead hang out with your guests' preceremony. Think: no processing, just getting married where you are, on your terms. You could also walk down the aisle with your partner or ask guests to process to you, meeting you, your partner, and the officiant at the altar. Starting the ceremony together might make you more comfortable. In the end, the goal of the

My wedding band and engagement ring are both platinum, but I'm thinking about wearing gold jewelry for my wedding. Will that work? You can absolutely mix metals on your wedding day. Your engagement ring and wedding band might be your most meaningful (and asked about) jewelry, but that doesn't mean they have to stand alone or dictate your entire look. For a little fashion inspiration, let the color and details of your gown point you toward which baubles will work best for your wedding. Gold usually pairs beautifully with creamier ivory fabrics, while silver typically complements brighter whites.

wedding ceremony is to make your commitment to love in front of those you care about most. This can really take place in whatever form feels most authentic to your relationship. FRED NICK ADVISOR

A friend of ours keeps making comments about our wedding budget, wondering aloud how we're paying for it-in front of other people. How can we deal with these types of comments? We know it's easier said than done, but don't let a guest with a negative or insensitive attitude affect your wedding. You shouldn't have to defend yourself- plus, your budget is nobody's business but yours, so don't get into an argument about how much you are or aren't spending. Instead, simply thank them for noticing the details of your wedding and let them know how you plan to pay for it is a personal matter between you and your families. Being polite yet direct (not to mention honest) is the best way to get your friend to drop the subject for good.

EPW

7015 Bandera Rd Suite #13 San Antonio, TX 78238 San Antonio’s leader cake shop in creating unique and specialized cakes in which style and flavor come together making sweet and memorable experiences. The integrity of our company is based on the principles of quality products and satisfied customers.

Arcelia Ontiveros Martinez — “I’ve used The Exclusive Cake Shop for 7 years and I’ve never been disappointed. Thank you for all your

Isabel Gonzalez — “Ordered my daughter's cake from here last year and it was just perfect, from taste to what I wanted it to look like. It was that cake that brought me back this year for my daughter’s 6th birthday cake. I was blown away at how amazing it looked!! I will definitely be back next year. Always get what I want and more…”

hard work.”

Book us for your next event!

Lorena Estorga — “Our wedding cake turned out beautiful and delicious!!! It was gone in seconds! My husband’s groom cake was pretty awesome

Call us at 210.356.4545

too! Thanks a bunch!”

G E T

T H E

L O O K

SEEN

FRONT

THE

COVER

Love our show-stopping cover dresses? Check out more fashion-forward styles for your wedding day and beyond at WBR.com/showstopping.

CELIA WEDDING DRESS DRESS IN SIZES UP TO 28, $2,517, MORILEE.COM; NECKLACE, $75, KENNETHJAYLANE.COM

GTL

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRIS CRAYMER; FASHION STYLING: SHELLEY BROWN; HAIR: YOICHI TOMIZAWA FOR BUMBLE AND BUMBLE AT ART DEPARTMENT; MAKEUP: HECTOR SIMANCAS FOR ELIZABETH ARDEN AT ART DEPARTMENT;

BECKETT DRESS IN SIZES UP TO 28, $1,845, MAGGIESOTTERO.COM; EARRINGS, $89, SASHAFIERCE.COM; SHOES, $54, SOCKSON.COM

AUDREY WEDDING DRESS DRESS IN SIZES UP TO 28, $1,245, MORILEE.COM; EARRINGS, $75, MAXJAMES.COM; HEADBAND, $135, RULERS.COM

Our goal is to help you use your imagination to create the event of your dreams whether it is a fairytale wedding gala for you family and Friends.

KARLA MARROQUIN Egna did an awesome job as a florist and day-of coordinator! You can tell she truly cares about her clients! If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t have been able to make sure everything ran so smoothly the day of my wedding. Thank you so much Egna!

By Appointment Only A Particular Event 4729 Ramus St Suite E Houston, TX 77092. Telephone: +1 832 883 1585 E-mail: info@aparticularevent.com

STEPH VILLANUEVA I hired Egna to be my day of coordinator and she was perfect!!! Best decision ever made to hire her. The wedding day went so smoothly, and she made sure everything on our timeline was completed on time. I kept trying to set up my own decorations but she assured me she will get everything taken care of, and she did! Egna is amazing and had great communication with me, you won’t regret hiring her!

! s t a r Cong

YOU'RE ENGAGED! Here are the big to-dos from *yes" to "I do.* Keep turning the page for more..

Search for the perfect place to celebrate,

NAIL DOWN THE

keeping budget and guest count in mind. Then set the

BUDGET

date.

BO Envision your wedding and decide how much you want to spend (and who else will

A V EN UE Congrats!

HIRE YOUR TEAM

YOUR C ER

be contributing).

Ask your besties to stand by you at the altar and in the months leading up to your day.

Research and book pros- anyone you

have to have should be locked in ASAP.

A T

Shop for your attire and schedule necessary fittings-

don’t forget accessories. Choose what your wedding

party will wear too.

THE

TIE BAR

ANY COLOR, ANY BRIDE, ALL BUDGETS. Accessories for every wedding start at just $5.

www.thetiebar.com

+ CREATE A W R EB TA SI S I TE G Head to WBR.com to start a E

BUY YOUR WEDDING PAPER

wishlist and site. Share the link to guests are in on the details, like room blocks.

Select invites, thank-you notes, and other stationery. If you place one order, you may snag

PLAN THE

a discount.

FINALIZE OTHER PARTY DETAILS

CEREMONY

Plan your rehearsal dinner,

Meet with your officiant to discuss the

after-party, and morning-after brunch.

details and attend prewedding counseling, if required.

COMPLETE YOUR TEAM Book any outstanding pros like hairstyles, makeup artists, day-of transportation or a photo booth for your reception.

We love it!

WE LOVE TO SEE YOUR PHOTOS, @WBRMag K E E P

T A G G I N G

U S !

GET THE MARRIAGE LICENSE Head to the state registrar's office in the country where you'll wed for this must-have doc.

Have final attire fittings and arrange for

dress and/or suit pickup.

FOR FITTING

S CHOOSE A POINT PERSON If you don't have a wedding planner or day-of coordinator, task an attendant or family member

SHOP FOR RINGS

to be the go-to so you can relax and enjoy the day.

Try on and purchase your rings--then get insurance. (Now it's starting to feel real, right?)

GET MARRIED! The planning and hard work are behind you-time to celebrate your new status.

HOW TO GET THE RING YOU WANT.. Be Prepared

Start thinking about the cut and setting you'd like. (Ahem, there's a ton of "ringspiration" in this issue.)

Leave Clues Drop some subtle hints, like leaving your ring inspiration board open on your tablet or computer.

Ask a Friend Recruit a trusted pal to give guidance--just make sure they know your taste.

Give Props

Point out rings you love on other women's fingers by saying, "Isn't that gorgeous?"

Join Forces

Skip the surprise and go shopping with your partner-it's the best way to guarantee you'll absolutely love it. CUT THIS OUT TO CHECK YOUR RING SIZE!

...AND HOW TO PROTECT IT ONCE YOU'VE GOT IT.

Insure it! Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company specializes in, you guessed it, jewelry. Coverage includes protection against loss, theft, damage, and mysterious disappearance-with "same kind and quality" replacement. Best of all, you can get a quote in under a minute at JewelersMutual.com.

3 4 5

Keep your ring safe. When you're traveling (hello, honeymoon!), either wear your ring or pack it in your carry-onnever put jewelry in a checked bag. But know that with Jewelers Mutual, you're covered worldwide if something does happen to it.

Make it sparkle. To clean your diamond at home, soak it in warm water with a few drops of mild dish detergent, then gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush Rinse in lukewarm water and dry with a soft cloth. Have it inspected. At least twice a year, take your ring to a jeweler to have it professionally cleaned and checked for loose prongs and stones. Get it appraised. Your ring's value can change over time, so have it appraised every couple of years and adjust your insurance coverage as needed. In case of a claim, Jewelers Mutual will repair or replace your item for its most recent appraisal value.

How To..

Best of Wedding LAURA & K IRK KAUPKE,

For

Laura Lajiness Kaupke and K irk Frates Kaupke, it was like at first swipe. The

couple first connected on Bumble in 2017 and finally met when they grabbed drinks around Laura’s then-apartment. Naturally, drinks turned into an impromptu dinner—Kirk serendipitously chose Extra Virgin, a West Village haunts Laura loved for years—and the rest was history. A little over three years later, Kirk popped the question during a casual walk in Central Park.

Winners (2020) With small, personal touches—right down to the specially curated party playlist—the day

captured the couple’s laidback vibe perfectly. Keep reading for an intimate look at the special day, photographed by Annaleisa Friednash of Meraki Wedding Photo & Film and planned by Dahlia Events & Designs.

we loved how "Overall, relaxed and comfortable we felt on our wedding day."

The couple always envisioned an elegant outdoor wedding that didn’t feel stuffy. “Rustic minimalism was the vibe,” the bride shares. “We wanted to feel comfortable and connected with our guests throughout the day and avoid feeling like people were attending a super formal or overly structured event. We just wanted to hang with the people we love.”