Status of Events in Texas: Well Sort Of.

The past 8 weeks of quarantine have been unprecedented for everyone. There have been many sad, frustrated and hollow conversations that answers cannot be provided for. I have been taking this time to listen to webinars and attend zoom calls with industry professionals. As much as our job requires us to provide answers to our clients, we simply are just able to gather as much as we can and provide the best guidance as possible with that information. This is definitely the time that I wish there was a clear and definite answer.  Unfortunately, as we all know, the information is changing daily. I do feel confident that the members of this industry are working hard daily to help each other out. We definitely are better when working together.

I absolutely appreciate that there are much bigger things happening in this world which my heart goes out to, however, a special place in my heart will go out to the couples who have been affected. What should have been a wonderful and exciting time, found itself with sadness and uncertainty. Yes, every bride deserves a collective cry and/or scream.

Another special part of my heart goes out to my fellow small businesses and their owners affected by this. We are finding out right now that we need to dig deeper in a much different way then we have had to do in the past to stay with our passion of this industry. We are stronger when we are together and we will come out stronger when this is over. We surely have come to the understanding that events will have a ‘new normal’ when normal resumes. There will be a new set of policies to learn about and we will do it to ensure the safety of all the guests and employees who make weddings and events happen. We will reach levels of success by providing patience, grace, determination and education to ourselves and our staff while not sacrificing the utmost level of service to our clients. This will definitely be a marathon and not a sprint.

Below is a list of the Texas government requirements to date (and as mentioned they will most likely change). If you have anything you would like to add, feel free to do so.

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OpenTexas-Checklist-Wedding-Reception-Attendees

OpenTexas-Checklist-Wedding-Reception-Venues

OpenTexas-Checklist-Wedding-Venues

Lauren and Lucas Bell

When Lauren contacted us to help with wedding planning for her October 21st wedding at Camp Lucy, we hit it off immediately! Lauren and Lucas are the epitome of high school sweethearts. Growing up together in San Angelo, Texas, they had been friends for life. Little did they know, they were also soulmates!

Seeing the love that Lauren and Lucas have for each other was just a preview of the love that I witnessed on their wedding day! Over 250 people attended their wedding on the most beautiful Sunday in October. The weather was unbelievably perfect and guests came from near and far to celebrate the love of such an amazing couple and family!

Working with our vendor dream team was just icing on top of the cake! Drinks were flowing as guests lined up to take pictures with the beer burrows {you can’t have a wedding in Texas without Donkey’s that serve beer to your guests} and the dance floor was packed the whole time with live music from Matchmaker Band!

The day was simply magical. Check out the pictures to see for yourself! {warning, you’ll be jealous you weren’t there!!}

xox Haley

Gwen + Jesse’s Elegant Mountain Wedding

Gwen and Jesse were married on a beautiful, yet chilly May day in Vail, Colorado at Donovan Pavilion!  Guests flew in from all over the states to watch these two love birds say their I Do’s.  We continued the party with a fabulous dinner by Ocassions Catering and danced the night away with Trading Post Duo!

Enjoy these fabulous pictures and video from Lisa O’Dwyer Photo and Canvas and Light!

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Gwen & Jesse’s wedding video!

 

Wedding Vendors: 

Planner | Platinum Weddings and Events // Venue | Donovan Pavilion // Photographer | Lisa O’Dwyer Photo // Videographer | Canvas & Light // Catering | Occasions Catering // Cake | Megan Joy Cakes // Florist | Petal & Bean // Entertainment | Trading Post Duo // Hair & Make Up | Wedlocks Bridal Hair and Make Up // Rentals | Alpine Party Rentals // Transportation | Colorado Mountain Express // Stationery | Pink Champagne Paper // Bridal Dress | Dora Grace Bridal

Maddy + Lucas’ Vail Wedding

When I first met with Maddy + Lucas at a cute little coffee shop on Pearl St, I knew we were going to hit it off!

Maddy + Lucas are the definition of love and their wedding was proof!  A group of fantastic vendors came together to put on a party of a lifetime for the happy couple and their family and friends! The rain cleared just in time for a beautiful (but cold) outdoor ceremony, but everyone was all smiles and (happy) tears.

Did I mention that the couples pups played as the ring bearer and flower girl? The proof is in the pictures!

Choosing Your Bridesmaids

Choosing bridesmaids

You’re engaged!  Congratulations!  Now let’s get on that wedding party game.

Choosing your bridesmaids can feel overwhelming.  Maybe you have so many girlfriends that you can’t even wrap around your head around who you’ll bridesmaids will be! We’re here to give you a breakdown on how to effectively choose your top girls.  Choosing your bridesmaids is a monumental part for your big day!  After all, these are the girls that will be standing by your side from the beginning up until you’re marrying the love of your life.  They need to be relationship with meaning behind them.  You’re not just choosing someone to fill an empty spot!  So, first step- brainstorming your wishlist of attendants.  Do you have a sister?  Does your fiance have a sister?  It’s common courtesy to include your fiance’s sister, unless she tells you not to!  Now, let’s work down your list of friends.  Who is your oldest friend?  Are y’all still close?  Is she Maid Of Honor status?  If yes- great!  If no- add her on as a bridesmaid!  Any other close family members (cousins, aunts, etc.) Consider bringing them on to stand by you as you say your ‘I Do’s’.  Who was the first person you called when you got engaged?  Was it a newer best friend (co-worker, roommate, etc.) If yes- bridesmaid status!!

 

There really is no limit to how many bridesmaids you can have, but again, keep in mind that this is a huge day for you.  You want the very best and supportive people standing by your side!  Whether it’s two bridesmaids or 10 bridesmaids, make sure that each gal you pick has a meaningful relationship with you!  The girls you don’t choose as bridesmaids can always be readers, house party or ushers!  They all hold important roles as well and would still be considered ‘Wedding Party’ status!

 

Happy Planning!

 

xox Haley