Wedding Planning Tips: Advantages of Working with a Multi-City Wedding Planner

We know Texas. We don’t say that to brag, but Instead to let you know that working with a multi-city wedding planner has its perks! We originally started in Austin and over the last 15 years, have expanded to Houston, San Antonio, and beyond. From SoCo to River Oaks, we’ve got you covered.

Each market has a unique set of nuisances that we’ve been able to gather from years in the market. Because of this, we know that not only is each couple unique, but each market is unique. There is no such thing as a typical Texas wedding! Although it may seem that all Austin couples are laid-back and relaxed while all Houston couples are traditional and go for all the frills, we know this isn’t always true! We know which venues and vendors fit the bill for every wedding style, budget and preference.

Having a team in multiple cities also allows us to ‘have each others backs’ should anything unexpected pop up. It’s our job to remain composed and confident- and our team effort approach allows us to do that!

We also have extensive experience with corporate and social events, which allows us to tap-into another skill set and a pool of resources that many other planners aren’t able to.

When you’re on the search for a wedding & event planner, it’s critical that you feel confident that they can handle your needs with grace and have a deep well of knowledge to pull from! Executing a wedding takes A LOT of work - having a solid foundation ensures that we’re able to keep everything running smoothly, regardless of what you throw at us!

Ready to talk about how our team can help you with your Austin, San Antonio or Houston (and everywhere in between) wedding? Contact us today!

Good as Gold

We're always looking for fun details that are on trend without being trendy.

Gold has been on everyone's radar over the last several years but we're starting to see it pop up in some fresh and unexpected places.

Gone are the days of faux pas, gold lame bridesmaids dresses! Brides now have fun and flirty options for their best ladies. Doesn't this group of girls look amazing!

via Elizabeth Anne Designs

Another fun place gold is popping up is on cakes! Sophisticated glamour with a touch of whimsy...my own holy grail! How fun would this be at your best friend's bachelorette party or wedding shower?!

via Style Me Pretty

via Bobbette & Belle

via Yummy Cupcakes

Cigar Rollers | Texas Live Event Planning

Although the wedding day tends to be the Brides day, it can always be fun to include a few things for the Groom. Ways to include the Groom's taste into the wedding could be by picking his favorite food and/or dessert to serve at the wedding or incorporating his favorite color into the color theme. Another way to include the Groom is to have something special for him and the other men at the wedding. One way to do this is to have a cigar roller at the reception. Every time we have a cigar roller at one of our weddings, the men love it! As soon as the guys are told about it, many of them head straight over and pick up a freshly rolled cigar.

Happy Planning!

Breanna

Weddings to Celebrate :: Leslie and Andy {Barton Creek Resort, Austin, TX}

Mood Board page from the Design Board I created for Leslie's wedding

Classic, lush, stunning.... this wedding was so much fun to design! Leslie and her mother, Kay, hired me about one year prior to help with their long-distance planning. We spent a lot of time together, and the hard work paid off. So excited to show you the images, captured by Stacy Cross! At the end, I've also included a video preview that you don't want to miss.

Leslie and Kay - thank you so much for choosing me. Your attention to detail and aspirations for perfection were a delight to work with. I miss working with you ladies!

Leslie and Andy - congratulations!! Your celebration was one for the books, and it was such a joy to see you enjoy every second of it. :)

Much love to the three of you!
jess

Not sure who was more emotional - Leslie or her sister. :) Love.

Leslie and Andy were able to spend some time together after their "First Look."

Gorgeous people!

Barton Creek Resort :: Pavilion

Aisle marker in urn by David Kurio Designs

Truly a collaborative creation, we spend a lot of time planning this Chuppah. Couldn't be more pleased with what David Kurio produced!

Two of the three table designs

Third table design in ballroom. Picture Display in atrium.

Amazing dessert display - bananas foster, creme brûlée, and a large assortment of truffles, parfaits, cheesecake bites, etc. Lovely.

Hora!

Leslie & Andy, the Introduction from Chris P. Jones on Vimeo.

Cast of Vendors:
Jessica Moore of Something To Celebrate
Barton Creek Resort
Stacy Cross Photography
Mason Jar Productions
David Kurio Designs
Dennis Prager
Collector's Item
High Island Hepcats
Emerald Entertainment
BBJ Linen
Marquee Event Group
Ilios Lighting
Say Cheese
Pamela's Beauty Secrets
Maris Malone Calderon Makeup Artistry

Groom's Cake

A groom's cake is a tradition that started, and is still associated with, the South. It's a gift from the bride to the groom, and usually chocolate, but can really be any flavor. The groom's cake is smaller than the wedding cake and reflects a particular hobby or interest of the groom. Traditionally, the groom's cake was not served at the reception, but sliced and given to guests as a wedding favor. Something new I learned was that single women would take home their slice and sleep with it under their pillow, so they would dream about their future husbands. Lately, the groom's cake is usually served at the reception along with the wedding cake.

I found some very interesting and unique ideas for a groom's cake; some of my favorites are shown below.

This guitar cake for the musical groom looks awesome, and I'm sure it tastes amazing as well. Photo credit here.

This Xbox 360 cake is for the groom that loves to game. Photo credit here.

I thought this one was a really funny idea for the groom that's obsessed with his iPad. Photo credit here.

Finally, what guy is not obsessed with cars? This could be a good way to let the groom have his perfect dream car.. without it costing nearly as much as a real one. Photo credit here.

I personally think having a groom's cake is such a great idea because it gives your future husband something at the wedding that is all about him. He can choose his favorite flavor, design it into whatever he loves, and it can tell a great story about him - or even a cute story about the couple.

Zineera

Sweet Treats

Wanting to get away from the traditional wedding cake or looking for a sweet addition? Take a look at these ideas that will keep you and your guests sweet tooth happy and wanting more :)

Cake Balls

courtesy of Sweet Tooth
Cake balls are a great way to still get all the cake you want but in bite size portion. Perfect for couples, who want many different flavors, and the picky cake eaters :)


Cupcakes

courtesy of Wedding Cupcakes
Cupcakes, like cake balls, are great for couples that want many different flavors and still want the cake. Cupcakes can also be decorated in many different ways, either to go with your theme or put a fun twist on it and allow your guests to decorate their own!




Cookies

courtesy of Martha Stewart
Yum! Who doesn't love the taste of some home-baked cookies? I don't know about you, but my sweet tooth is loving these ideas :)


Ice Cream

courtesy of 100 layer cake
Ice cream is a great for those hot summer weddings. You can choose to have it pre-made in mason jars or you can have an ice cream bar where your guests can be allowed to add their own toppings.


S'mores

courtesy of pinterest
Great way to get your guests to reminisce, at your outdoor wedding, about being young and making s'mores around a warm campfire.


Pies

courtesy of pinterest
For those that don't like cake, pie is a great alternative. Pies remind me of fall and family so what a perfect choice for your upcoming fall wedding!


Dessert Shots

courtesy of Cupcake Couture
Signature dessert shots are another fun alternative that will keep your guests light and happy throughout the night.

Sweet Planning!

Jacklyn

Creative Centerpiece Ideas

Although I love floral centerpieces, sometimes you might want to go a less traditional route and do something different. I went to a wedding recently where some of the centerpieces were vases filled with water beads. It was the first time I had seen that done at a wedding, and it got me thinking about some other creative centerpiece ideas.

Photo credit: San Diego Wedding Insider
The water pearls in the vase are created by adding water, which forms the spheres. They look beautiful, and you can choose from a variety of colors.


Photo credit: Bridal Inquirer
Another interesting idea is to use upside-down wine glasses as decorative pieces, as well as candle-holders.


Photo credit: EHow.com
If you want a fresh look, using fruit can be a great way to brighten up your tables. These are especially nice for spring or summer weddings.


Photo credit: Wedding Flowers and Reception Ideas

Photo credit: Brides.com
Using fishbowls is another great centerpiece idea. The decorating options are endless - you could use live beta fish or goldfish, floating candles, flowers, seashells, or whatever else you desire.

Photo credit: SuperWeddings.com
If you're a fan of floating candles, and want to go for a softer look, this centerpiece could be for you. Keep in mind to go for a sturdy base for your bowl of floating candles and rose petals. You could also opt for red roses for a change of mood, or any other color to suit your theme.

Photo credit: San Diego Wedding Insider
Finally, in my opinion, you can never go wrong with candles. They're perfect for adding a soft glow and romantic feel to your wedding. This might look hard to recreate, but all it takes is a whole lot of tea-light candles, some floating candles and wide vases.

Whether you decide to stick with traditional floral centerpieces, or try something a little different, there are countless ideas out there to create the perfect centerpiece that suits your personality and your wedding.

Happy decorating!

Zineera

Engagement Session (featuring Lora and Derek, with Sweet Caroline Photo)

Should you do an engagement session? Absolutely. Yes. Definitely.  :)

Here's why:

• You get to know your photographer, and vice versa. I notice a discernible difference in my clients who have Engagement Sessions with their wedding photographers. On the wedding day, these clients are much more at ease with their photographer, which allows the photographer to capture more genuine and intimate emotions.
• Engagement Sessions are a great way to see how you'll work with your photographer, before the wedding day. I have had one client who actually chose to go with a different photographer for their wedding, because the engagement session showed them that they didn't enjoy working with that particular photographer.
• You're young, you're fabulous.... you need to capture this time of your life while wearing something other than formal wear or a bridal gown. Excellent photos that capture you as a couple, in the place(s) that are important to you.
• Guestbooks that incorporate engagement pictures are awesome. The photographer provides an album of images from your Engagement Session, with lots of white/neutral space. Guests love flipping through the books, finding their favorite images to sign around. And the guestbook is then worthy of coffee table display, rather than being tucked on a bookshelf, rarely to be seen again.
• Save-The-Dates are more personal when they incorporate a picture of you guys, and even better if it's a stunning, professional picture.

When considering your photographer budget and customizing your package, be sure to seriously consider adding an engagement session.

Check out these fun engagement shots of STC couple Lora and Derek, who will be getting married this October. They did their Engagement Session with their wedding photographer, Sweet Caroline Photo.

Happy planning!

Things I Love for 2011!

With the new year just days away, it got me thinking, what is inspiring me for 2011? Above is a collection of items I am madly in love with for your spring 2011 wedding!

1. Essie's Spring 2011 Collection is inspired by french glamour! The colors include French Affair, Sand Tropez, Coat Azure (Your something blue!), Nice is Nice, Topless and Barefoot & Kisses and Bises. Tres chic!

2. Vera Wang has teamed up with David's Bridal to create White by Vera Wang. Her designs will be available in David's Bridal stores in February.

3. I am currently obsessed with all things french! Macaroons are the perfect addition to the dessert bar at your wedding or a lovely take home treat for guests.

4. Nudes and neutrals are on trend for spring 2011. These Christian Louboutin Canon 140's in Nude would pair nicely with any wedding gown and you can wear them again and again after the big day!

5. Jennifer Behr hair accessories! All of Jennifer's exquisite pieces are handmade in a small network of studios in Brooklyn and Manhattan. They are sold in 100 boutiques nationally and internationally, and can also be purchased online.

Happy 2011!

Lauren Carrillo