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You’ve said yes and now the planning begins. Getting married is a life-changing experience and we want your wedding to bring you decades of memories and happiness. Planning your big day at a time like this is ever changing, however we have so many vendors making the necessary adjustments in the meantime. We’re completely in awe and inspired by the local businesses that are coming together and supporting each other through this. I believe that we will all come out stronger, more connected and ready to serve on a whole new level. Rather than cancelling your wedding, we highly suggest re-scheduling. Nixing your hard work up to this date is not a wise idea. We can’t stress this enough: don’t stop planning! Wedding planning is not quick and easy. It requires months of researching, exploring options and making decisions. We never want to put things off and right now is actually a great time to begin mood boarding and researching ideas, as you likely have a lot of free time on your hands if you’re stuck at home. While we know pictures aren’t enough when you’re making such big decisions for your venue, dress, etc., consider doing a virtual, Zoom or Facetime call/tour for the initial narrowing down of ideas and options. You can stay in the comfort (and safety!) of your own home while having others join in on the tour as well and get a head start on what is available. In times like this, when nobody has answers or knows when this will be over, we also recommend looking into wedding insurance policies to CYA. We never know if we’ll run into another issue like this again in the future. We’re here for you and we will get through this. Don’t lose hope, brides! 
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 Planning anyone’s wedding, especially your own is no small task. It is not simple and usually takes much more time than expected or that you have to devote. The excitement from the moment of the proposal to the moment you say “I DO” could not be greater. By hiring a wedding planner who will follow your directions and knows the common pitfalls will alleviate much of the stress and allow you to enjoy your wedding.
Organizing Planning a wedding is serious business! If you know what you want, it is best to book it - it’s never too early. The more organized you are from the start will mean less you have to do before the big day. A wedding planner will help guide you through the steps and see that advance bookings and reservations are made in a timely manner. A good wedding planner will also help provide you with alternatives when something is simply not available on your wedding day. Obligations When it comes to your wedding, you can hire a professional who will help relieve much of the craziness that surrounds the planning, organizing and scheduling. They are the wedding planners. With their help, you will have time to enjoy the journey to your wedding day and not become stressed over it. Your wedding planner will help see that details from the grand to the mundane are handled in an appropriate and timely manner. Save your energy, you will need it. Decorating Tip Although you would like the invitations, chairs, door wreath, flowers and other details you’ve made or choose for yourself, it requires a lot of time, energy and effort to carry those details to fruition. You don`t have to do it yourself, despite your knowledge that you are the best. You can achieve it by hiring a professional to drop off, set up and take down for you. Don’t spend your wedding day delegating and putting family and friends to work when it’s so much easier and efficient to let the professionals handle it. Wedding Day On the day of your wedding you need to relax and enjoy the moment, enjoy your family, close friends, bridal party and certainly, the groom. Assign someone to take care of the scheduling and seeing that guests are properly greeted and pampered because your job for the day is to smile, be radiant, and enjoy the day. Photographer The wedding lasts just one day, but the photos remain forever. Hire a photographer whose photographs will make you feel those same emotions and trigger memories years later when you view the pictures as when those events happened on your wedding day. This is not the area to cut from the budget as these photos will last a life time.  Wouldn't it be fabulous to plan your wedding during a lunch break? Well, with the right planner that can be done. All you need to do is schedule a 20 to 30-minute phone call during lunch to talk with your planner and let them know what vendors are still pending, what still needs to be done and then let them get to work.
You get to check out vendor proposals and information with your family and fiancé as the proposals come in over the week. You will be able to figure out when everyone is available for the food or cake tasting and organize sit-down meetings with vendors as needed. You will have time to schedule a follow-up call and inform a vendor what times or days you may be available and when they can start scheduling and planning. With the right planner’s help, you can eliminate much of the running around and stress involved in the planning process …..and not to mention it’ll save you time and money. Fewer days you must ask off work, less stress of trying to organize it all around your schedule and no worries on picking the right vendors. Leave it to the professionals so you still get to enjoy the pre-wedding bliss, you just show up for some food, cocktail or cake tastings and you can still enjoy the process.  Yay! It is time to go find that wedding dress that you’ve been dreaming about since you were little! It really is a magical time, but it’s also one that can turn overwhelming if you go in blindly. However, we are here today with some tips that will help ease the process and help keep it a happy time for you and everyone involved! Here are some tips you should keep in mind when shopping for your wedding dress!
Stick to a Budget We can’t stress this one enough, it’s why it’s first on our list! Make sure you plan out these details before you go in to shop for a dress because that can be dangerous territory! Pick a budget and once you start shopping, make sure whoever is helping you is well aware of that number and nothing more. Remember, there is still a whole wedding to plan and things can get pricey! Plan in Advance Our first tip leads us to this one… plan in advance! From the style of dress to the shade you want, make sure you have a vision in mind before entering a bridal store. Not only can it be extremely overwhelming if you go in blindly, but it may force you to choose a dress that you actually didn’t want. Sit down and talk with family and friends, mark up bridal magazines, or head to Pinterest for some inspiration to find your vision for your dress! Remain Open Minded The next thing you should do is remain open-minded. Not every bridal store has every style of dress or they don’t have certain styles in certain shades. Maybe you have your heart set on a certain detail, but they don’t have any dresses with that detail… anything can happen. Don’t get stuck on one particular style, but instead be open to various details and elements of a dress. It is great to go in with a vision, but also make sure you’re ready to have some alternate versions of that style. You’ll have a much happier experience because of it! Shop Sooner Than Later Searching for that perfect dress can take some time! It is best to put “wedding dress shopping” at the top of your to-do list when it comes to wedding planning. Also, finding your dress sooner allows room for there to be plenty of time for alterations if needed! Check Different Locations Not every bridal store will have every style. We suggest checking out other stores to make sure you have all of your options in front of you. Of course, it will take more time when scheduling appointments at various locations, so make sure you plan ahead. However, this will help you see what’s out there and find more options that will make a great fit for your special day! Don’t Skip Out on Eating Wedding dress shopping can actually be daunting for some women. Having to squeeze into a dress and look like a queen has been embedded into the wedding world by society for a long time. However, we are here today to shut that all down! YOU are beautiful and it’s best to remember that the dress is made to fit you, not the other way around. A lot of brides like to go early in the day or skip eating before they try on dresses, but the truth is that at your wedding you’ll need to eat and you should be comfortable. Let me repeat that again… you should be comfortable! You are going to be in the dress all night, so this is key! Find a dress that fits YOUR body and know that you are already a queen! Finding that special dress is such a fun and memorable experience, but without the right tips it can become an overwhelming fast! Make sure to remember these tips and everything should go a lot smoother! Happy shopping! Photo by Allison Jeffers Photography While planning your wedding, you probably have information and advice being thrown at you left and right about what you should be doing, how you should be doing them, and when to do them. You hardly ever hear anybody tell you what you SHOULDN’T be doing on your wedding day (even though this is important information to know). We are here today to give you a heads up about what not to do on your wedding day so that way things can go a lot smoother!  1. Wear New Shoes The last thing that you want on your wedding day is to have your feet hurting. With all of the standing, walking, and dancing that occurs throughout your special day, you want to make sure that you are comfortable! Pro tip- wear your wedding shoes early and break them in before the big day! You can wear them around your house or even to your first dance rehearsals! Trust us, it’ll be worth it. 2. Write Your Vows Vows take time and thought and shouldn’t be thrown together at the last minute. These are the words that you are vowing to your future partner, which isn’t something that should be taken lightly. If you are needing help, there’s a lot of resources out there to help guide you. 3. Forget to Eat We totally get it… nerves run high on your wedding day. With sweaty palms and those butterflies in your stomach, eating is the last thing on your mind. However, it is something you should not skip out on! You are going to need your strength and the last thing anybody wants is for the bride or groom to pass out during their wedding day (yikes)! Make sure to have a small snack before the ceremony and if you find yourself too busy during the reception, make sure to have someone set aside a plate for you so you can eat when you have free time.  4. Try New Skincare Sparkle and glam are definitely a feature of most brides, but we always advise our brides to skip out on trying any new products before their big day. If you have never tried a certain product before, you may not know how your skin is going to react (breakouts, redness, etc.). Stick to what works for you and what you know! 5. Worry About Weather This is a BIG worry for so many couples about to tie the knot. Although, our best advice is to let that worry go! Since we can’t control the weather, it is unnecessary stress added to your shoulders. If weather is a big concern, make sure to talk to your wedding venue about a plan B and let the rest occur as it is meant to!  6. Take Away All Technology Simply put, we live in a very technological focused society. Everywhere you look there are phones, cameras, tablets… you name it! Unless you have a “no phones” sign up during your ceremony, you should expect your family and friends snapping away! Our best advice is to focus on each other and enjoy the moment! Pro tip- create a wedding hashtag to people to tag their photos with. That way, you and your new spouse will have more photos to look back on! 7. Expect Everything to be Perfect One of our main points when talking to future brides and grooms is that not EVERYTHING will go as planned. At every wedding we have been at or have heard stories of, the reality of it all is that not everything is going to happen like you are envisioning. From veils flying off to kids sticking their fingers in the cake, the best thing to do is prepare for it all and laugh it off with your new spouse! In the end, everything will happen as it should, and it will be a beautiful day no matter what!  Each couple’s wedding day is different, but making sure you aware of these things listed above will help you enjoy the experience a lot better! Remember, this is YOUR day, so enjoy it to the fullest!
Vendors: Photo: Allison Jeffers Photography Venue: Park 31 Planning: Hill Country Planning Invitations/Menu: The Girl General Calligraphy: Selah Creative Studio Dress: Beatitude Bridal Rentals: Cru Rentals Flowers: Couture Dezigns Cake: Creations Cake Shop Officiant: Texas Wedding Minister Hair and Makeup: Simply Serene Boerne Bar: Bartenders 4 You Catering: Heavenly Gourmet Catering What is a wedding without your family and friends? Having the people that love, support and care about you two the most at your wedding is one of the most special feelings in the world! However, a lot of couples get so tied up in wedding planning that they forget about incorporating elements into their wedding that will make their guests feel at home. Not only that, but elements that will create memories that will last a lifetime! We know how busy wedding can be, so that’s why we are here today and have done the work for you! Here are the 5 ways to make your wedding more memorable and comfortable for your guests: Personal Guest Book  Photo: Amy and Jordan (https://www.amyandjordan.com) One of the first things your guests will be looking for is the guest book. With this being such an important element for your wedding day and the days that follow, you want to make sure it is special! Signing a book with a paper and pen is very traditional and there has been a major shift in the last few years to stray away from this tradition. We are seeing more and more couples opt for a more personal guest book, which we absolutely love! Not only does it add a unique touch to your wedding day, but it also helps your guests feel a little bit closer to the happy couple! If you’re looking for some unique guest book ideas, Pinterest is your best friend! Welcoming Gifts  Photo: Hannah Duffy Photography Traditionally, couples would just include wedding favors and call it a day. However, we suggest adding in little elements on your wedding day that shows your guest you’re thankful they attended and that you care about them! For example, if you’re having a wedding during the colder months, then adding in some blankets for your guests is not only kind, but adds an element of love for your guests! If you’re worried about fitting it into your budget, don’t worry! There are many options out there that are very inexpensive and buying in bulk can help reduce the cost as well. It’ll be worth it to have your guests walk away saying “wow, that was so beautiful,” and with warm hearts! Ice Breakers  Sold by Envy Events ($60) Unless you’re only inviting family members, not everyone at your wedding will know one another. Having ice breakers is a great way to help your guests interact and mingle! It will also add a unique touch that will sure to get you smiles from your guests! Some of our favorites include giant jenga, giant checkers, and ceremony program quizzes! There are a lot of fun options out there will help your guests become friends!  Wedding Favors Along with welcoming gifts, wedding favors (or otherwise known as the parting gifts) will be one of the last things that your guests see and remember. Customizing or adding a personal twist on this will be sure to leave a lasting impression on your family and friends! Add in a little note, place their name on the item or even add in your wedding day details. It’s all about the little items that add up to big gestures! Photo Via Pinterest Add a Timeline  Photo: Nataly J. Photography Each wedding flows differently, so adding in your own wedding day timeline will help your guests know what is expected throughout the day. This will ensure that your guests know what time and where certain events are happening. It also helps show that you care about your guests and want everything to go smoothly for not only you, but for them as well. The last thing you want is a lost guest at your wedding (that wouldn’t be good)! With these tips, your wedding guests are sure to feel comfortable during your wedding day and to walk away with warm hearts! After all, your guests are making a big effort in attending your wedding day, so you want to make sure it is worthwhile for them. There are many different options for the options listed above, but in the long run just remember that it’s the little things in life that make for some of the happiest moments! The marriage license is signed, your wedding dress is hung up in your closet, and all of your extended family is back home. Now, it’s your chance to soak up some time together and live up that newlywed life! Yep, it’s honeymoon time and we are here to help you with your options! We know it can get a bit overwhelming finding the right location, so we are here today with a list of our top picks that we hope can serve as some inspiration for you. Cannon Beach, Oregon  Photos: Issac Ordaz Via Unsplash This is definitely a honeymoon choice for those of you who want a more laid-back and relaxed honeymoon. Not only are there many romantic hotels and cute boutiques nearby, but it is well-known for it’s long shorelines and beautiful scenery! You can rent a bike and take a ride down the shore, sit out and catch some sun, or go to one of their famous restaurants in town. This is a nice place to just enjoy time together with minimal worries, yet maximum enjoyment! Napa Valley, California  Photo: Trent Erwin Via Unsplash If you are a couple who loves to sip on some wine once the weekend hits, then this is the place to be! Beautiful views and amazing wineries with romantic resorts and bed and breakfasts… this place is definitely one of a kind! You both can take a hot air balloon ride, wine and dine at a romantic restaurant in town, and of course go do a wine tasting or two! Maui, Hawaii  Photo: Mike Baker Via Unsplash For the newlyweds who want a good mix of fun and relaxation, this is the best place to be! There are so many fun adventures on the island like snorkeling, the road to Hana, hiking (with breathtaking views might we add), live shows and dancing, and whale watching (in the colder months)! However, it’s easy to switch into relaxation mode with all of the spas on the island that offer couples massages, sunset cruises, romantic dinners, or simply just laying out on the beach (we recommend going to the black sand beaches, they are gorgeous). Either way, you can’t go wrong with Maui! For the next three places on our list, you’ll need to get those passports ready and pack up your favorite book to read because you’ll be hopping on a place to arrive at these marvelous destinations! These are some of the most remarkable and beautiful places in the world and if they don’t end up being your pick for your honeymoon, they definitely need to be at the top of your bucket list! Interlaken, Switzerland  Photo: Pascal Debrunner Via Unsplash This city is a special one because they call it the city of two’s because it sits between two lakes (you are sure to get some amazing views)! Whether you’re visiting during the summer or winter months, you are sure to have many adventurous options for you two to choose from. With being called “the adventure capital of the world,” there is something for everyone here! From exploring Oberhofen Castle to paragliding, this romantic city has it all. Lombardy, Italy  Photo: Igor Oliyarnik Via Unsplash In the beautiful Lake District of Italy, you’ll have romance wrapped around the both of you! With Lake Como and the City of Milan, you’ll have a wide range of romantic restaurants, breath-taking views, unique stores, and adventures to choose from your pool of to-do’s! While you’re on your way to a wine tasting, you may pass by couples kissing and embracing the moment in this truly romantic place! This is definitely a place to connect, relax, and to make some amazing memories together. Antiparos, Greece  Photo: H. Fall Via Unsplash Have your heart stolen by this beautiful, more seclusive little town in Greece! A short ferry ride away from the main island, you both will be able to take in the breathtaking views of crystal clear waters and stunning sunsets. Go snorkeling at the gorgeous Faneromeni Beach, embark on an adventure in Antiparos Cave, or simply lay out in your lounger and catch some sun. Romance and relaxation all in one little (yet extremely stunning) city!
 Destination weddings are quickly becoming popular and we are on board with this trend! There's excitement, thrill, and so much romance! However, we know planning a destination wedding can be daunting, so we are here to give you some tips that are sure to make things easier! 1. Visit the Venue in Advance We all know that scrolling through Pinterest can be mesmerizing, but when it comes to choosing your venue for your destination wedding it is better to see the site in person! Plan a trip with your partner months in advance to make sure the place is one that you both absolutely love and cherish. You will both be able to gain a feel for the area and see if it is actually somewhere you would like to start this new chapter of your lives together! 2. A Wedding Planner is a Must Destination weddings can be tricky when it comes to planning everything out. Not only are you unfamiliar with the area, but the lack of connections with vendors will also put a strain on your wedding planning. Hiring a wedding planner or coordinator will not only allow for those connections to be established, but it also creates more time for both you and your partner to focus on what you need leading up to the day of your wedding. 3. Send out Invitations well in Advance With this being a destination wedding, you’ll want to make sure your guests have a heads up in advance! Make sure to give them enough time to figure out if they are able to go, book a flight, and find a hotel around the venue. Much more planning goes into destination weddings, so making sure everyone has an ample amount of time to set everything into motion is definitely needed! 4. Use Local Vendors Booking with local vendors will not only lower the cost of the wedding, but it will also save you a lot of time! However, we suggest doing research before signing a contract. In addition, it will also make things easier if you have a wedding planner by your side. They have connections that will make the process of finding vendors a little less hectic! 5. Make a Checklist (passports, etc.) You want to make sure that both you and your future spouse have everything ready to go! With destination weddings, you want to make sure that you bring along everything you need and leave nothing behind. Start planning out your list in advance and give yourself plenty of time to pack. The last thing you want on your wedding day is to have forgotten something important! We are now offering Destination Weddings! If you or someone you know is planning their destination wedding, we would love to help make this very special day easier. Head to our contact page above and lets make some magic! Photo: Benjaminrobyn Jespersen via Unsplash We know how it can be when it comes to picking the first dance song for your wedding day. You search and search, but nothing speaks to you and the anxiety starts to set in. Well, grab a drink and take some notes because we are here to take you through a list of songs that make for perfect first dance songs! The best part? They are songs that you haven’t heard over and over again!
1. Better Together by Jack Johnson An airy and light acoustic folk song that will make you want to grab your partner and start dancing! This song will surely put a smile on both of your faces as well as all of your guests. 2. Falling Like the Stars by James Arthur Looking for a romantic tear jerker? Well, look no further! This song has a heart warming effect that will have everyone in awe while you and your new spouse dance away! It will make you feel as if you are truly dancing with the stars! 3. From the Ground Up by Dan + Shay This song is a country love song that doesn’t get enough credit! With lyrics signifying the start of a new beginning, this is the perfect song to symbolize the new chapter of both of your lives. 4. The Bones by Maren Morris This soulful pop song with hints of country reflects a strong relationship. Despite everything that may be going on around them, these two people can get through anything together. 5. I Will Spend My Whole Life Loving You by Imaginary Future ft. Kina Grannis This folk love song truly encaptures the meaning of love between best friends and all that it entails. This one is sure to pull at some heart strings! 6. Blessed by Thomas Rhett With this slow, romantic country love song, both of you will be reminded of how lucky you both are to have each other in your lives. You can definitely feel the love in the lyrics with this one! 7. You Are Mine by Spencer Combs ft. Holley Maher Folksy yet instrumental, this is a song that may call for tissues once it is over. The lyrics from this song seem like vows themselves and not only are they touching, but they are filled with so much love. 8. I Get to Love You by Ruelle This is another song on our list that really focuses on how appreciative and grateful one is to have the love of their life right in front of them. The reflection of loving one another forever is mirrored perfectly with this one! 9. How Would You Feel by Ed Sheeran Ed Sheeran is an artist whose songs make an appearance at a lot of weddings. With songs like “Perfect” and “Photograph,” how could they not? However, this song is one that not a lot of people turn to, yet has the same heart-warming effect! We like to call it a hidden gem. 10. I Choose You by Ryann Darling Saying “I do” and the union of two souls is perfectly translated in this song by Darling and makes for a beautiful first dance song. With the background music featuring the piano, this song is one that will get the water works going for everyone! 11. Crazy Love by Michael Bublé Lighthearted and feel good are words that perfectly sum up this one! This song fully captures those joyous moments and happiness in every way. If you are a couple that wants a more mirthful effect, Michael Bublé is the man for the job! 12. I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz When this song came out, it had so much buzz, but for some reason it slowly faded. Well, we are here to put it back on the map! This acoustic, ebullient tune embodies positivity and hard work in a relationship. Everything a first dance song should be! 13. Here Tonight by Brett Young If you and your partner want to truly live in the moment during your first dance, this song is a perfect song for you! With a more upbeat melody, it will definitely be one to create a heartening, romantic effect. 14. Better Together by Us the Duo Everytime we hear this song, we always start to sway our heads back and forth. With such a light hearted, acoustic vibe, this song is sure to make for such a sweet moment between you two lovebirds! 15. How Long Will I Love You by Ellie Goulding Sentimental and sweet, this tune is one that focuses on the depth of the love that one has for another. The piano background music adds for a soft and romantic effect that will perfectly reflect the emotions of your special day! |
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Hill Country Planning
512 North Main St. Boerne, Tx 78006
phone (210) 723-9547
512 North Main St. Boerne, Tx 78006
phone (210) 723-9547