Christine and Parker

I have known Christine and Parker for awhile now. Christine was a bridesmaid in Kelly's wedding last year. When they came to me to coordinate their wedding I couldn't have been happier. It was a beautiful wedding. The details were wonderful and I have to say they were one of the most precious couples to work with. Here are a few photos. Check out more at our facebook page.

The Stephen F. Austin Hotel was the perfect setting. The staff was great and the food was wonderful. A few communication details slipped when the event manager left and a new one came on, but they made it all work out great.

Photos were captured by the team of Carli and John from inked fingers fotography. I love working with them. And the photos captured it all so well.

There were so many others involved in making this day happen. Let me know if you want contact information for any of them.

This was just a precious moment caught after they left in the horse drawn carriage.These two just about stole the show. Loved the colors they choose.

It's been way too long.

Ok I knew I was behind on blogging. I just didn't realize how long. So please forgive me. I promise to start blogging tonight. At the rate that my computer is uploading photos it might be tomorrow before anything is actually posted.

Idea for smaller weddings.

I have many brides that are freaked out a little at the cost to rent china for their wedding. I am planning a shower right now and got an idea for a wedding. I have this amazing china that was my grandmothers. My mom has some beautiful china as well. My other grandmother has some great china as well. Well if you have a smaller wedding and are not stuck on everything matching fully then here is the idea. Have several family members host different reception tables. Depending on the size of their collection they might be able to host two tables. You still cover the tables with a neutral table cloth and make arrangements for the centerpieces but your family and friends provide the china place settings. This would work great with a dinner that is served family style. Again i would not recommend this for large weddings, but smaller events this would work very well. And gives your family a way to participate in your big day.

This is a great artical from the Knot

So you thought it'd be great to write your own wedding vows, but now a healthy dose of writer's block (not to mention fear of embarrassing yourself) has hit you squarely on the head. Don't know how to transform your heavy, life-altering, feelings into a string of coherent words? You're not alone -- but don't worry, your goal is within reach: Just take it one word at a time. Here's the homework you need to do (and the questions you should ask) to make your wedding vows perfect.


Prep Step A: Get clearance
Make sure your officiant will accept personalized vows. Catholic and Episcopal congregations, for instance, may require you to recite all or part of the traditional vows, though in most cases that's left to the officiant's discretion. Remember: Even the most accommodating officiant will want to review your words in advance.


Prep Step B: Make a plan
You need to tackle the logistics to make sure you and your fiance are both on the same page: Are you each going to write your own, or will you write them together? Will you show them to each other before the ceremony?

Knot Note: If you're feeling shy, opt to write your vows together and even recite the exact same promises. If there's more you wish to say, privately, say it in the cards you exchange on the day of your wedding or on your honeymoon.


Prep Step C: Create your outline
An outline can help to establish a structure that you both stick to. For example, plan to first talk about how great your fiance is, then about how great you are as a couple, then about what you're vowing to each other.


Prep Step D: Find your voice
What overall tone do you want: Humorous and touching? Poetic and mushy? It's your call -- the most important thing is that your vows ring true and sound like they're from your heart.


Prep Step E: Cut it down
Finally, pick a length and stick to it by keeping the mantra pithy and to the point in mind -- anything longer than a minute or so, and no matter how gorgeous your prose, the audience will start to squirm.


Ready to Write!
What exactly do you say? To help you think of sentiments to include, take turns answering this list of questions. When you're done, look through your answers for the phrases that best capture your intended message and incorporate them into the structure of your vows.



What did you think when you first saw him/her? Start from the beginning -- you didn't want to go out and now you're grateful your friends dragged you out? How to use: When we met at __________, I knew __________.



When did you realize you were in love? The more specific you are able to be, the more touching the story. Was it when he helped you bring your sick puppy to the vet? How to use: I knew I was in love when ____________. Don't underestimate the power of humor. Throw in at least one more playful sentiment (When she recited Don Mattingly's RBI record...).


What do you have now that you didn't have before you met? Focus on the heart and head, not material possessions. Has she taught you to appreciate beauty differently? Has he helped you learn to savor creating a home-cooked meal? How to use: Before I met you, I ___________. Now I ___________.


How has your worldview changed? Life has likely gotten better since the two of you joined forces, so tell everyone about it. How to use: Because of you, I see the world __________. Having trouble? Think about the new things you've tried with your mate -- what have you experienced together that you never would have on your own?


What do you miss most when you're apart? This will probably be something mundane but powerful -- what about his smile first thing in the morning, or the way she puts out your lucky mug for your morning coffee? How to use: You are such a part of me that when you're gone, I __________.


Where do you see yourselves in 10 years? 20 years? 40 years? Go deeper than Happily married in a big house. What are your long-term hopes, dreams, and goals? How to use: I look forward to __________, laughing and __________ as we __________.


Is there a line from a movie, song, or poem that says it all? It's okay to borrow, as long as it's not too much of a cliche (we're sorry, but You complete me is suffering from overuse). Instead modify something familiar to personalize. How to use: Subtly. I watch you ________, and I think to myself, what a wonderful world.


Do parts of the traditional vows resonate with you? Maybe you're not so sure about the obey part, but can you really go wrong with love, cherish, and...? How to use: Try I promise to cherish and honor you ____________, but add a time frame and funny reference for levity: ...all the days of my life, especially when curled up on the couch with takeout.


Can you think of a funny or touching experience that put your partner in a new light? The way he played with your little cousin or helped your grandmother up the stairs showed you that under his macho exterior is a wittle, bitty bunny wabbit and you love him for it. How to use: When you ____________, I saw you for the _____________ person you are. And that made me want to ____________.


Is there a harrowing experience that strengthened your bond? This one rides tandem with #9. How to use: See #9.


What goals and values do you both have? Stating your common bond may just expose your inner Wordsworth. These ties -- whether your shared faith or your mutual love of wine -- will also help demonstrate why you're a perfect pair. How to use: We share ___________, so together we can ___________.


What about him/her inspires you? What is it about your fiance that you'd like to improve in yourself? What do you most respect about your partner? How to use: Your ___________ has shown me how to be___________.


What promise can you make to codify your devotion? Here's an opportunity to personalize your vows -- many couples pledge their endless love, but how many promise to take the dog out in the morning, even in the snow? How to use: I promise to always ___________.


How will you change together? You know what your goals are -- think about the steps the two of you will need to take together to reach them. How to use: I look forward to ___________ as we __________.


What metaphor (or simile) would capture your love? Think of something that describes or defines your love: Is it strong like a castle? Peaceful like a mountain stream? How to use: Our love is like a ___________ because it ___________.


Why are you entering the bond of marriage? Think about why marrying your fiance is so special. You may be surprised how the answer leads you to the perfect words. How to use: To me, marriage is ___________. With you, it's ___________.


What will keep your marriage strong? Find the bedrock of your relationship. What makes your relationship tick? Is it your resilience? Your shared sense of humor? How to use: Even when ___________, we will have ___________.


What are you most looking forward to about married life? The wedding is just the beginning. How to use: I look forward to ___________ as we embark on ___________.


What do you expect out of married life? Defining your expectations will help you make and keep promises. Think about your dreams, and what you'll have to vow to do to make them come true. How to use: I know our marriage will ___________ and I vow to ___________.


What words do you associate with love? Make a list of romantic terms so you can avoid overusing love -- too many repetitions dilute its power. How to use: My devotion/adoration/ passion is ___________.

Dress for your body

You are... an Hour Glass
Tall or short, hourglass girls' bodies are defined more by their typically curvy frame. If you are an hourglass you’ll have a naturally thin waist with a medium to large bust and smaller shoulders. Small waists and curvy figures mean that often hourglass girls have more defined hips.
Tips to Remember: Being curvy isn't a bad thing! If you are blessed with curves and love them then why not opt for a sheath gown that shows off your shape? Panelling, beading and silk inserts of lace can help distract from problem areas and draw the eye to your favourite assets. For those who would like to diminish the curves, choose a dress with a tight bodice or cinched waist and a full skirt like an A-line dress or ball gown.
The dress for you: Sheath, ball gown or A-line.

You are... Pear Shaped
With curve on the bottom half, pear shaped girls will often have a smaller bust paired with a slimmer torso and waist. On the bottom half, pear shaped girls tend to have shapely hips, butt and thighs and usually carry little weight on the back.
Tips to Remember: Your slim shoulders waist and torso means that dresses with intricate top halves such as detailing across the décolletage or shaping in the torso are great choices for you. Empire line and ball gown dresses skim over the hips and thighs whilst your trusty friend the A-line is a great choice for wedding attire. Another good option is to show off your back with a plunging back on a simple halter or ball gown dress.
The dress for you: Empire, A-line or ball gown.

You are... an Apple
Shapely slim legs and delicate shoulders are some of the key features of an apple shape. With a larger bust, wider torso and a full waist you have a curvy and feminine figure.
Tips to Remember: Most people opt for longer length gowns but with your killer legs a tea length gown may be a great option! Another thing to think about is a gown that is floor length but features a subtle slit. Empire line dresses tend to flatter apple figures a lot as they re-proportion the figure and draw the eye up towards the bust. A-line dresses again add balance while a dress that cinches heavily at the waist can help create a more hour glass figure.
The dress for you: Tea length, empire or A-line.

You are... Petite
Small with delicate body features and subtle curves, you tend to also be a little bit shorter than most. An average size bust and naturally toned body means that proportion is key.
Tips to Remember: A lot of your tips are around hemlines. If you feel swamped in a full length gown, play around with one of a shorter length. Don't be afraid to play around with different hem shapes like asymmetrical, pillow or tulip shapes. A simple sheath dress can be very classic, or to elongate the frame a tailored empire or A-line dress can work wonders.
The dress for you: Tea length, empire or A-line.

You are... Slim Athletic
Thin and tall, your straight and narrow frame may not have a lot of curve. Small around the bottom and the bust, your typically thin or toned frame can benefit from a little pomp and frill.
Tips to Remember: If you love your figure why not show it off in a sheath? A straight sheath or mermaid dress can add curves and enhance your figure all on its own. And with the addition of beading around the bust or ties at the waist it can create a feminine form. A ball gown with its full skirt will instantly fill out your frame while an empire line dress can help create shape on your top half.
The dress for you: Empire, sheath, ball gown.

Dress Breakdown

The Dress Breakdown
Dresses may all look quite different but you will find that with a little close examination they will fall into one of the following groups....

The Empire Line: Falling from under the bust, an empire line dress can have a full skirt (great for hiding hips and thighs) a tulip, bubble or puff shape (great for creating curve) or even a bit of an A-line shape (balancing). The top half itself can vary from dress to dress giving this one style a lot of variance.

The Ball Gown: Often called the fairy tale dress, a ball gown will have a shaped bodice sometimes with a lace up back or a corset type top with a full skirt. These may be in separates or together as a one piece. The skirt can fall on or below the hip line and is a great shape to create a sense of drama. The tight fitting bodice will balance out the full skirt making it a great choice for many body types.

The Tea Length: Not so much a dress shape as a length. While many girls will instantly think floor length when looking for a ball or wedding gown, shorter lengths are now just as popular. These are great for showing off legs that you love or the detail on footwear. A great choice for summer events or petite frames.

The A-Line / Princess: Shaped through the bodice until the hip line where the dress falls away to an A shaped line. The A-line is one of the most typical shapes and is very balancing. These dresses can be found in both full length and shorter gowns and are a great choice for pear shaped girls.

The Mermaid or Sheath: Fitted throughout the body a sheath is a simple, elegant and sexy shape. Typically best for narrow frames these dresses have a classic and timeless appeal.

Flower Girl Help

Depending on the age of your flower girl you might be having a hard time coming up with the perfect gift for her. Well I have found what every little girl wants. Tutu Savvy has it for them. Angie at Tutu Savvy is local to central Texas and so shipping is minimal or non-existent. I can personally pick things up from her and deliver them to you. Her Etsy site does not have all her tutu's but I can get you more photos. She makes hair pieces and flip flops to match. These are high quality and can be made for any size child and in color you want. I recommend these as they are reasonable price and well loved by any little girl.