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

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!

2010 :: A Year to Celebrate!

Whew - what a year! Resha launched our Houston office with enormous success. My adorable son was born (swoon!). And, we won The Knot's "Best of Weddings" for the fourth time! I'll say it again, Whew - what a year! :)

We coordinated some amazing weddings and events this year, and worked with over 400 vendors. Our events wouldn't be nearly as fabulous if it wasn't for some of these fabulous vendors, so we've narrowed down the list to our favorite ~150 vendors of 2010. Our own little "Best Of" list. :) Of course, be sure to talk to your coordinator about which vendor is the best fit for your style and budget, and remember this list is limited to only those we worked with in 2010. It'd be closer to 1,000 if we listed our favorite vendors of all-time!

To our awesome vendors - thank you for making our job a delight. We look forward to working with you in the future!

Much Love,
Jessica, Resha, Lorena and Lauren


babysitters
Grandparents Unlimited

cakes & desserts
Amy's Ice Cream
Austin Cake Balls
Cake Lady Bakery
Cakes by Gina
Edible Designs by Jessie
Jim-Jim's Water Ice
Joie Cakes
Krissy's Cakes
Le Duc Bakery
Matty Cakes
Michelle's Patisserie
Simon Lee
Supreme Kakes & More
The Chocolate Lounge
Tiff's Treats

caterers
Audie’s Catering
Circle C Café and Catering
Crave Catering
Dagar’s Catering
Glorious Cuisine
Gourmet Gals and Guys
Magnolia Hotel
Mighty Cone
Pappas Catering - Houston
Party Thyme Catering
Primizie Catering
Royal Fig

flowers
Art House Design
Bouquets of Austin
Clear Lake Flowers
Darryl and Co.
Dream Bouquet
Events in Bloom
Exquisite Petal
Flora Fetish
Green Petals Florist
Last Petal - Andrew
Last Petal - Melanie
Merveille Flowers
Prive Floral
Rosehip Flora
Simply Charming Flowers
The Glass Fountain
Verbena
Wedding Flowers by Lisa

hair/makeup
Deborah Lira
Frenchy's Beauty Parlor
Hush Salon
Jen Hoover
Maris Malone Calderon
Mel at Zig Zag Salon
Modern Muse Makeup Artistry
Pamela's Beauty Secrets

invitations
Invitation Solutions
The Inviting Pear

lighting
Altared Wedding Productions
Bright Star Productions
Ilios
Impressive Events - Joe Zuniga

music
Acoustic Production
Arundel Ensemble
Austin Wedding Jookbox
Avalon Music
Blind Date
Brent Warnock
Category 5 Productions - Larry
Complete Music - Coy Galloway
Divisi Strings
DJ Simcha
DJs Unlimited - Darrell, Jason
Friends of Sound
Full Circle Media - Kevin, Mike, RJ
Groove Labs - Kit
Hues by Heather - Devon
LG Entertainment - Lewis, Jose, Caesar
Look No Further - Ross
Los Brillantes
Mariachi Estrella
Mark Cruz
Minor Mishaps Marching Band
Platinum Band
PRP Entertainment Company - Brad, Phillip, Damion
Radio Star
Rock N Robin
Route 66 Band
Sauce
Suede
Tunes Across Texas - Jim

novelty vendors
Mancino Iron
The Cigar Room
Travis County Sheriffs

officiants
Catholics without a Church - Bishop Patrick
Mike Rinehart
Rabbi Folberg
Rachel Young
Rev. Joe Calovic
Rev. John Connor

photographers
Ben Godkin
Buller Photography / Sweet Spirit
Chris Carson
David Finkel Photography
Eric Hegwer
John Ly Photography
Kreative Angle - Huz
Lab L Artsf - Erik & Maite
Natural Expressions
Schmitt Photography
Shannon Cunningham Photography
She-N-He
SMS Photography
Stacy Cross Photography
Studio 563 Austin - Eric Von
Studio 563 Houston - April, Craig, Chip & Mathew
Sweet Caroline
The Mill Photography

photobooths
Booth 66
Party Booth Pix
Say Cheese

rentals
Any Occasion Party Rental
Elegant Beginnings
Green Petals Florist
Linens by Lisa
Marquee Event Group
Over the Top Linen
Premiere Party Central

transportation
Monarch British Limousines
Transportation Consultants
Uptown Valet

venues
AT&T Conference Center
Camp Lucy
Chateau Polonez
Congregation Beth Israel
Emmaus Catholic Church
Four Seasons
Grace Covenant Church
Horseshoe Bay Resort
Hotel Galvez
Laguna Gloria
Lakeway Activity Center
Lakeway Resort & Spa
Magnolia Hotel
Mansion at Judges Hill
One World Theatre
Red Corral Ranch
St. Mary Cathedral
Star Hill Ranch
Texas Old Town
The Allan House
The Bell Tower on 34th Street
The Gallery
The Grand Hall
The Houstonian
The Inn at Wild Rose Hall
The Omni
The Palm Door
The Parador
The Terrace Club
Vintage Villas
Wildflower Center

videographers
Alexander Wedding Films
BTL Productions
Capital Wedding Video
Joe Simon Weddings Films
Sweet Spirit Productions

Love from the Mother of the Bride

On Sunday, I coordinated the fabulous marriage celebration of Mimi and Ken. More on their wedding soon! I was thrilled to receive the following email yesterday from the mother of the bride.

Jessica, now that the out of town guests have gone, the 18 pole lamps are quietly sitting in my living room awaiting their fate, and all the tamaleras are clean and put away, I can  reflect upon Mimi and Ken's wedding.
 
It was a beautiful and fun event.  It went totally without a hitch.  Thank you for making it so.  You made sure all of us were at our places at the time we needed to be there and for making sure the venue was perfectly set up on schedule. 
 
You did a fantastic and fabulous job.  Jewish weddings can be complicated. They have many layers and traditions that must be orchestrated to perfection to be able to reach the desired outcome.  This wedding was especially complex.  Not only did you have to manage the intricacies of a Jewish wedding with the Tish, Kabbalat Panim, Ketubah signing, Bedeken, Wedding ceremony, Yichud, reception, and dance you also had to manage the traditions and idiosyncrasies of the Garcia and Cameron clans--from finding a caterer who would heat the 90 dozen tamales I made, to incorporating a 22-piece jazz band in the processional.
 
You and your staff managed everything perfectly.  You were calm, cool and collected through every single stage, guiding the wedding party and the vendors through their assigned tasks and responsibilities with the skill of an orchestra director, the grace of an experienced diplomat, and the smile of a beauty queen.  I specially appreciate the assistance you gave the family with the collection of all the personal effects after the reception.
 
Frank and I were able to enjoy our daughter's wedding knowing every detail was taken care of.  
 
Thank you for a fantastic and awesome job.  I truly appreciate and admire your work.
 
Thanks again,
 
Lupe, Mother of the Bride
November 7, 2010
Austin, Texas

Grey Likes Weddings - Particularly Shira and Kumar's! :)

So thrilled to learn today that Grey Likes Weddings chose to feature Shira and Kumar's gorgeous wedding. Congraulations Shira and Kumar!!!! And kudos to Stacy of SMS for the praise-worthy photography!

See the feature here.

-jessica

Star Hill Ranch

I confess... I have favorites. Especially when it comes to wedding venues. And Star Hill Ranch is definitely at the top of my list!



We've done some amazing weddings at Star Hill Ranch, and even a killer 2,000 person corporate event. It's such a versatile and unique venue! And owner Adam Woolley is a delight to work with.

If you're looking for a wedding venue, be sure to visit Star Hill Ranch before you make your decision. And if you get the chance, visit at dusk.

Tell Adam I said "Hi!"
jessica

Zilker Kite Festival

Welcome back summertime we have missed you! I am so glad we are back to warm weather so I can enjoy all of the outdoor activities! I hope all of you Austin brides are taking advantage of the amazing events that happen in our great city! A few weeks ago I went to the Zilker Kite Festival to witness hundreds of kites zipping through the air, truly a great experience!

sara :)

Free Engagement Photo Session!

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Austin photographer Matt Johnson over coffee. Matt would like to work with us, so he's offered one of our lucky clients a free 90-minute engagement session, and you get a CD of the images with reprint rights!

For your chance to win this great gift, you must be a current Something To Celebrate client. Just send a quick email to weddings@somethingtocelebrate.com and let us know you're interested. Winner will be notified via email in one week.

Happy Monday! :)
jessica

I think I have a girl-crush on Sasha Souza

If you know anything about wedding/event design, then you know the name Sasha Souza. As the VP and Education Chairperson of AWEC, this past year I've been working tirelessly on bringing Sasha Souza to Austin, and it's all coming to fruition this Tuesday!
Sasha will be talking about design and enhancing your wedding/event business during an extensive seminar that will include a book-signing, Q&A and a meet-and-great with Sasha. While this event is definitely geared towards wedding professionals, it IS open to the public! So if you can't get enough of looking at pictures of stunning weddings and would like to learn some design tips from one of our nation's pros, please join us! :) Here's the invitation (click image for larger view).

There's a game this weekend...

... right? I'm not entirely sure because there are few things I care less about than football, but I love an excuse for a party! And if someone in your group is excited about watching grown men chase a ball (I kid, I kid!), then you've got a great excuse to throw a party. Why not make it fabulous?

Have you discovered the deliciousness that is cake balls? I first heard about cake balls a couple of years ago, on the bakerella blog. And about a year ago, I was introduced to Stacey Bridges of Austin Cake Ball, an expert in all things cake ball! Check out these amazing cake balls that she has designed for this weekend's game:



Who knew football could be so pretty?? And, given my first-hand experience with Stacey's cake balls, I am sure they taste as amazing as they look. Give Stacey a call and serve these bite-sized samples of heaven to your pigskin-loving crowd. And, while you're at it, send a box to your favorite pregnant wedding coordinator! ;) Yum.

Go team!
jessica

Relax...

(photo from http://www.milkandhoneyspa.com/)

Yes, the holidays are upon us. A time of fun, family, and oh right: stress! Between all the shopping, wrapping, and cooking, why not take some time for yourself?? My friends and I just went to milk + honey day spa at the downtown location. (Thanks to a gift card I received from one of our fabulous brides!) The service was fabulous! We got to de-stress, hang out in comfy robes while drinking hot tea, and get an amazing massage.

sara :)

Team Member Spotlight: Sara

I've said many times that we're blessed with an awesome team. Every single team member is willing to go above and beyond to make each event perfect. The positive attitudes demonstrated by our ladies is both contagious and inspiring.

One of the most positive members of the Something To Celebrate Team is Sara. Sara joined our team in September 2008, starting with Jessica and Joseph's wedding. I knew then that she'd be a great addition to our team. That beautiful wedding was threatened by a hurricane that forced us to use a rain plan and kept almost half of the guests homebound, unable to fly out of Houston. Despite the hurdles of this her first wedding, Sara maintained a positive attitude and did everything in her power to make sure the bride and groom had an amazing wedding day.

I've never seen Sara without a smile. Even when she's had a mountain of stress and nothing seems to be going right, putting her on the verge of tears, she somehow smiles. She's such a bright light!

Sara has an amazing work ethic, one I hope my 2-year-old daughter one day has. Sara is always on time (usually early!), behaves professionally (even when drunk boys at weddings persistently try to get her to dance - she lets them down gently and stays focused) and she really does go above and beyond (umm, she's been known to spontaneously bring yummy treats to our team meetings!). Sara never complains about a task assigned. Even throughout her 12 month unpaid internship, Sara never once complained about the lack of pay or having to drive all over Austin for various weddings, events and meetings. Quite the opposite - she arrived with a smile and asked what more she could do to help.

It's no surprise that Sara's brides love working with her - I love working with her too! There's a strong possibility that Sara could be leaving us (and Austin) in June, and that makes me genuinely sad. You know that saying "good help is hard to find?" Well, I found it! And wish I could hang on to Sara for forever. But I understand and completely support Sara going where life takes her. I know she'll find success wherever she ends up, and am so thankful for the devotion she's given me and Something To Celebrate.

Sara - thank you for being awesome! It's truly a pleasure to work with you. :)

Love,
jessica


Picture of Sara taken by Schmitt Photography.

Engaged: Meg and Devin

Met: Meg and Devin!
Wedding Location: The Plant at Kyle
Date: October 17, 2009

Wedding Website? meganddevin.com

Where's Home? Houston, Texas

Why an Austin Wedding? When we first met we were in a long distance relationship- i was in Austin and devin was in New Jersey. Austin was like home for us and the place we came together and where our relationship really blossomed.

Length of engagement? 10 months

How long until the wedding? 6 weeks

Who did you first tell you were engaged? Our family and best friends

What are your three favorite blogs/websites (besides STC's)? Once wed, Green wedding shoes, Grey likes weddings

When selecting someone to entrust with your wedding day, why did you choose STC ? We love lorena! she is so amazing and has been so helpful with every little detail. We completely trust her to make our wedding day exactly the way we had pictured it!


Can't wait for their wedding day!

Lorena Molina

Adelante Austin

Hello to all you local Austinites. If you have not already checked out Adelante Austin in the 26 Doors Shopping Center on 38th street, head over right now. Adelante has fashionable clothing and chic home decor. Personally, I can't get enough of this store. For modern brides who want their bridesmaids in different dresses, this store is perfect. Your bridesmaids can each pick a dress they love and that flatters them each in its own way.

Check out Adelante the next time you have any fun event to shop for!

Love,
your favorite Austin Event Coordinators!

Lorena

Ceramic "Pillow" for your Ring Bearer

Yesterday, I met Caroline.
Caroline (of Paloma's Nest) is somewhat famous in the wedding-related blog world because she makes these awesome variations on the traditional ring bearer pillow:


Her tagline is "Handcrafted modern heirlooms" and that is so appropriate! Many of my brides have used their family's heirloom ring bearer pillow, but they end up being so delicate - yellowed, brittle fabric held together with restitching or cleverly placed lace - that I'm almost scared to let the cute little ring bearers touch them! The traditional ring bearer pillow just can't withstand the hardships of time.

But a ceramic bowl? What a great way to carry on your family's tradition and add a new (and durable!) heirloom to the collection! In just 3 weeks, Caroline will personally create this piece of art for your wedding....

I really love this idea, but I am also pretty darn impressed by the artist herself. She's so sweet and humble. And her Etsy rating is 100%, so I'm guessing her charm shines through in each transaction. Plus, she's one of our South Austin neighbors. :) Introduce yourself, and tell her I sent you her way.

And be sure to check out the other unique items on her site: http://www.palomasnest.com/

-jessica

Java Time

Living in Austin and being away from my California roots is exciting, but ocassionally there are things that I miss about the golden state. For one thing, we do not have a ocean, secondly, we are missing Trader Joe's (which is my favorite market) and lastly my favorite coffee shop was located only in several lucky states, until now that is. Coffee Bean has finally arrived in Austin, and with one location up and about ten more on the way, I couldn't be more excited. I know some people are loyal Starbucks fan's, but Starbucks is a thing of the past (well, for me at least). Check out coffee bean on S. Lamar and Barton Springs road. My favorite: A regular vanilla ice blended. MMMmmmm!

New Yummy Late Night Date!

Annie's Cafe & Bar recently opened it's doors on South Congress and the menu looks delicious!!!

Beginning this weekend Annie's will serve patrons until 2:00a!!, - The perfect way to end your night after you've hit all of the downtown hot spots!

Did I mention they take online orders as well!! Check it out!

I LOVE Austin and the new businesses that open up every day!!

-Cortney Zieky, PWC

Vendor Spotlight - Tyler Schmitt of Schmitt Photography

I love Austin, and the amazing selection of fantastic photographers that call Austin home. One of my favorite photographers is Tyler Schmitt of Schmitt Photography. We work together so often that we've become friends and our kids are in the same play group (see you at the pool on Monday, Schmitts!). :)

I'm thrilled to help you get to know Tyler.


jessica: In your previous life, what was your career?
tyler: Male model. Actually, I was a graphic designer/art director

j: Why did you become a photographer?
t: Always loved it, my dad traveled all over photographing auto racing in the 60's-70's. Very cool stuff. At one point Mario Andretti knew my name.

j: Why weddings?
t: Love the challenge, love the fact that she is coming down the aisle and I've got that one chance. It is very rewarding and always an honor to be such a big part of the wedding day. It is also amazing how every wedding is different and I love staying on my toes to capture those perfect little moments that just happen but can be overlooked.

j: What sets you apart from other austin wedding photographers?
t: We are gifted with lots of talented photographers here in town that I am honored to call friends. Luckily we all set ourselves apart with our styles and personalities. I just want the whole wedding day to rock and for everyone to have a great time. If that happens it will show in the images!

j: What's your number one photography-related tip for brides?
t:

1. Be sure to meet with any potential photographers in person to make sure you click well.
2. Be sure to see a full wedding they have done start to finish.
3. Pick one you love and on the big day trust them. Do what they say and just have fun with it. All we want to do is make you look incredible.
   

j: Funky chicken or Macarena?
t: Hora! Why should it only be limited to Jewish weddings?

j: What's the most impressive thing you've done in post-production editing?
t: Ahh, just fixing the little things that people don't even notice, that means it's done right. Things like power lines, sweat, blemishes, are just so distracting, that sort of thing never makes it out the door as part of the final product

j: If you have "down" time, how do you spend it?
t: Does spending time with the wife and kids sound boring? (Georgia 3yrs, Palmer 1.5 years). I love to have a few cocktails and golf / play poker with the boys.

j: Why do you prefer that your clients hire a wedding coordinator?
t: The best thing about wedding coordinators is that the families actually get to enjoy the day and be more of a guest at the wedding than a worker. I see it happen way too much and these poor Mothers never get a chance to sit and enjoy themselves when they are having to set everything up and tear it down. Plus the coordinator lets me do my job. When there is no coordinator all those responsibilities fall to me. I can handle it, it just means I am having to take time from doing what I am really good at.

El Chile es muy rico!

For all you margarita lover's out there, I just wanted to pass along a little notice that El Chile (at it's new location on Congress) is giving away two free drinks with the purchase of an entree. This will only be going on until they get their liquor license, so get your booties over to El chile for some amazing Mexican food and tasty beverages! Happy drinking!

Ciao
Lorena

Austin's Best--Well actually Gruene, Texas

So this may not be located in Austin, but it is close enough. Recently I had the pleasure of discovering Gruene River Grill! I can not even begin to tell you how awesome this place is! The food is delicious, the decor is impressive, and the location is right in the heart of Gruene, Texas. (The photos do not do this place justice)

While eating lunch here, I couldn't stop coming up with fun ideas in my head for a wedding, rehearsal dinner, or event at this location! I can not wait to start taking brides over here to check this place out! Even if you are not planning an event, I highly recommend that you venture over to Gruene and have a charming lunch or romantic dinner here! And please keep us posted on your experience!

I am already planning my next trip back!