We were first introduced to Captured Memories Photography almost two years ago when Julie Hill photographed a wedding here. The decor was beautiful and ornate, the cake was fabulous and quirky, the bride was stunning and even the groom looked dapper. But when we received the photos…they were simply breathtaking. From the unique angles to the classic shots, we were taken aback as we looked through all the photos—each one better than the last. Julie has an exquisite eye for detail and the big picture at the same time.

For over 25 years, Julie has had a love for photography. Stemming from her childhood memories of her mother snapping photos of her family, she decided to pursue photography full-time in 2007. That very same year, she was recognized by International Society of Photography as an Outstanding Photographer. It’s a pretty awesome accomplishment to be awarded with something so prestigious in her first year as a professional! Julie has developed quite a magnificent reputation for photojournalistic shooting—we love her intimate shots of the brides and grooms. She photographs anywhere from 15-30 weddings a year plus numerous corporate events, senior portraits, family sessions, maternity shots and newborns. She has even shot the UTSA Cheerleaders official photos!

From watching her interact with her clients to working with her on a professional level, it really doesn’t get any better working than with Julie Hill. Her prompt return of phone calls/emails and really listening to her clients makes for a fantastic relationship. Plus, her pricing is a very affordable investment: $1100-$2550. We sat down and asked her a couple of quick questions that we thought we’d share:

{PL} What is your favorite part about shooting weddings?

{JH} Everything! They are so exciting and everyone is full of energy and happy. I have one of the most important jobs of the wedding and no money can ever buy the happiness and joy I feel when providing my clients with those pictures and telling their story.

{PL} Why is photography a good investment for couples?

{JH} I feel very passionate about this subject.  I didn’t hire a photographer. I didn’t feel it was important at the time. I have been happily married to my best friend for 23 years and I only have a few snapshots of one of my most important days of my life. Don’t cheat yourself—make the investment.

{PL} Why do you like shooting at Plaza Lecea?

{JH} What makes a person beautiful? It’s in the heart…and that’s how I feel about Plaza Lecea. You are not only getting a beautiful building with the most stunning views, but you are getting the heartbeat. That’s everyone working there is in complete harmony with each other to provide you with everything that you’ve always hoped and dreamed for on your wedding day.

{PL} Anything else you’d like to share?

{JH} Make sure you are comfortable with your photographer, that way you will be relaxed and not even know he or she is there. Also, if you hire a male photographer, remember he will be there with you as you are getting ready (ie changing).

We seriously think you should consider Captured Memories Photography for your special day. You will not be disappointed! Here is her contact info:

Julie Hill, owner

P: 210.681.7713

W: www.capturedmemoriesphotos.com

E: julie@capturedmemoriesphotos.com

Spice of Life Catering has been on our list of approved vendors since 2006 and operating since 2004. Chef and owner, Mike Bomberg, brings to the table years of experience as a chef in some of San Antonio’s top restaurants and hotels. You know that when working with Chef Mike and Spice of Life that you will be getting quality products, a unique and customized menu as well as remarkable service.

While serving as the executive chef at the Dominion Country Club, Chef Mike began to take on side jobs for his clientele, providing them with delectable business lunches and scrumptious private dinners. Pretty soon he knew that working for himself and creating the food he loved to prepare was where he needed to be, and thus Spice of Life Catering was born.    

What we love about Spice of Life is their approach to ensuring that their clients get the best value and service for their money. They create distinctive menus for each of their clients to guarantee that their event will be completely unique. While they do offer set menus, they consult with their clients and connect with their hopes, dreams and history. What a great idea to create a menu that reflects the couple’s first date, or what they ate on their first vacation together. Investing a little bit of time into their couple’s history really makes all the difference.

Some of their most popular choices include ethnic foods, chef stations (where uniformed chefs prepare signature dishes to order in front of guests—it’s quite a show!) and family style service. With dinner service starting at $15 per person, they have something to suit the needs of all their customers. They also have the experience to back it up too, with hundreds of satisfied clients every year. Just call them up for a consultation and they will create an exceptional menu for you and your fiancé as well offer a complimentary tasting to try out their mouth-watering fare! Call Jessica Silvaggio, Spice of Life’s newly married catering manager (she can totally relate to you brides planning for your big day) for a tailored menu at 210.366.1220 or check them out on the web at www.spiceoflifesa.com.

Spice of Life Catering loves working with us too! We are one of their top venue choices because of our prime location and elegant décor. We have a great partnership with Spice of Life as they enter their 5^th year on our list of approved vendors. If you have a chance to venture out tonight, and you’re in the mood for first-rate food, check out their open house at 6:00 p.m. at their 11319 West Avenue location.

Until next time, happy planning!

We just have to thank Caitin from Caitlin’s Creations for the beautiful montages we now have from a few of our past events. She has shot three weddings her in the past year and each of the montages expresses her incredible talents. We absolutely adore the sunset views she was able to capture, as well as the shots on and from the stairs. Simply stunning work! Check out her website for more info and photos: http://www.ccportraitdesign.com/

One of the first caterers to be on our approved vendors list was True Flavors Culinary Concepts. We knew from the start that San Antonio’s brides and corporate clients would love their food and services, so to have them on our list was a must!

True Flavors really had a truly unique start. Chef and owner Johnny Hernandez had a passion for cooking that eventually lead him to New York City at the mere age of 16 to study at the world-renowned Culinary Institute of America. After graduating, he spent time sharpening his skills as a chef in four-star hotels and resorts across the country.

Just five years later, in 1994, True Flavors began their catering services here in San Antonio.  They have notably grown to be one of San Antonio’s most regarded caterers in the past 16 years, collecting covenant awards along the way. When you hire True Flavors as your caterer, you will be choosing the 2006 Restaurateur of the Year and NACE’s (National Association of Catering Executives) Caterer of the Year (twice mind you!).  

What we love about True Flavors is their outside-the-box thinking when it comes to décor and their fabulously fresh food, not to mention impeccable service. They have the ability to serve intimate groups of 5 people to lavish parties of up to 5000 guests. Their experienced team is dedicated to making sure that all guests will have a great culinary experience. True Flavors is always committed to providing the highest quality of artistic and sustainable cuisine, excellent service, and stylish décor.

With all that said, on average, True Flavors executes approximately 1000 events every year, so you most likely have had their food at one of the many events they have done in San Antonio. In addition to all of those stellar events, True Flavors has found time to diversify their business to include a traditional Latin-inspired restaurant, La Gloria that will open next month on the banks of the San Antonio River Expansion at the Pearl Brewery.

Back to their catering side, True Flavors has a distinction of creating culturally inspired dishes. Chef Johnny has travelled the world to learn about different types of cuisines so that their food has the right preparation and ingredients to make authentic versions of the originals. Some of their more popular dishes include their fresh fish ceviche,  tequila shrimp shooter, mole verde and Mantachie grapes (we had to look it up–goat cheese coated with fresh herbs and pistachios, doesn’t that sound wonderful?). Breakfast pricing starts out at $7.95 per person, lunch from $11.95 per person and dinner at $14.95 per person. They customize their menus as well to suit your budget and taste.

Our partnership with True Flavors has really worked out for the betterment of our facility as well as for True Flavors. Knowing that a professional and helpful staff will be onsite for your next event is crucial for a good working relationship.            

Here are the essentials: Website: www.trueflavors.com; Phone: 210.226.3670; Email: areyes@trueflavors.com or dlopez@trueflavors.com. Call or email them today!