Photo Credit: Alamo Photographic

The mother and son dance is an expression in itself.  Your mother has had that maternal bond with you since your birth.  She has cared for you and made sure you were safe, fed and clothed.  Now she is passing that torch onto your wife. The song you choose can perfectly express the bond between you and your mother, can tell the story of your relationship, and is your opportunity to honor and thank her for all she has done for you.

Sit down with mama and go over some of these songs and see if any spark her interest:

Classics:

• A Song for Mama –Boys II Men
• Blessed –Elton John
• Close to You –The Carpenters
• In My Life –The Beatles
• What a Wonderful World –Louis Armstrong
• You are the Sunshine of My Life –Stevie Wonder
• Simple Man –Lyrnyrd Skynyrd
• First Lady in My Life-Paul Todd
• Stand by Me –Ben E. King
• First Time I Saw Your Face –Roberta Flack
• Sunrise, Sunset –Steve Kirwan

Country:

• I Hope You Dance –LeAnn Womack
• Heart to Heart –Toby Keith
• The Best Day –Taylor Swift
• Angels –Randy Travis
• It’s Your Song –Garth Brooks
• I’ll Be –Reba McEntire

Modern classics:

• Hero –Mariah Carey
• Wind Beneath My Wings –Gary Morris
• Greatest Love of All –Whitney Houston

Not so mainstream:

• Dear Mama –Tupac

So many of the mother-son and father-daughter songs are interchangeable; don’t feel like you can’t do The Beatles’ In My Life with your dad just because it’s on this list. Listen to the lyrics and what speaks to you and your mother or father. And remember that you can always do a google search to help in this quest…last time we checked there was about 2 million hits about this topic, so you are sure to find something you can dance to!

Why not ask dad about some of these songs? It might get the juices flowing:

Classics:

• My Girl –Temptations
• Landslide –Fleetwood Mac
• The Way You Look Tonight –Frank Sinatra
• Butterfly Kisses –Bob Carlisle
• American Girl –Tom Petty
• Unforgettable –Natalie Cole & Nat King Cole Duet
• Through the Years –Kenny Rogers
• Isn’t She Lovely –Stevie Wonder
• She’s Leaving Home –The Beatles

Country:

• My Wish –Rascal Flatts
• I Loved Her First –Heartland
• My Little Girl –Tim McGraw
• Daddy’s Hands –Holly Dunn
• There Goes My Life –Kenny Chesney
• My Father’s Eyes –Amy Grant

Modern classics:

• Daughters –John Mayer
• You Raise Me Up –Josh Groban
• Daddy, Let’s Dance –Jamie Tate
• Daddy’s Little Girl –Michael Bolton
• Lullaby –Billy Joel

Not so mainstream:

• You’ve Got A Friend –James Taylor
• My Darling –Wilco
• Rainbow Connection –Muppets

Also, if your father has passed away, or is not in your life, consider dancing with your mom, grandfather or even a favorite uncle for this dance. You can still have a special moment with this person who has meant so much to you.

You’re not in the clear Mister!

While we all know that the bride-to-be has probably dreamt of her wedding day from as early as childhood, and more than likely has the colors picked, the dream location, and a long list of wedding musts.  That being said, it definitely does not mean the groom does not play a role in the planning process of the big day!  There are many things, besides being a supportive shoulder for his soon to be wife, that a groom can do that will help make the process a little less strenuous!  Here is a general list to help be sure that as a groom you have your basics covered!

Stage 1:
- Select a wedding date.

- Set a total wedding budget.
- Pick out your location. Keep in mind that venues book quickly, some book out a few years in advance, especially for the summer months and Saturdays, so make your reservation as quickly as possible.

- Go over caterer options that your venue accepts and find out the pricing for each plate.
- Choose your Best Man, Groomsmen and Ushers.  (For balance, many like to keep this number even with the number of bridesmaids).
- Start working on the guest list, keeping in mind your total budget.
- Meet with a Priest, Rabbi or Justice of the Peace, the choice is yours.
- Choose the music: Some choose to do a band or DJ.  (Meet personally, be sure they will make announcements and are well qualified and personable).

Stage 2: 6 months prior.
- Plan for your honeymoon and apply for a passport if needed.
- Shop for wedding rings.  (This is separate from the engagement ring and most jewelers will help you better understand your options).
- Finish up the guest list and mail out your save the dates.
- Check state requirements for blood tests and the marriage license.
- Secure transportation to the ceremony and reception.

Stage 3: 3 months prior.
- Order tuxes for or notify your Grooms, Best Man and Groomsmen to order their tuxes.
- Book your honeymoon.
- Order the wedding bands (rings).

Stage 4:  2 months prior.
- Meet with the person performing the ceremony to finalize details.
- Rehearsal Dinner: Plan it with your parents.

Stage 5:  1 month prior.
- Buy your bride a wedding gift.

- Schedule final fittings for tuxedos, and make sure all wedding attire has been ordered.
- Purchase gifts for Best Man, Groomsmen and Ushers.
- Take care of business and legal affairs. Add Bride’s name to insurance policies, medical plans and financial accounts.

Stage 6:  2 weeks prior.
- File for your marriage license with your bride-to-be.
- Attend your bachelor party and don’t forget to give them gifts as a thank you token.  Consider also mailing thank you cards.

Stage 7:  1 week to go!
- Pick up the tux
- Make sure Best Man and Ushers get their wedding attire
- Reconfirm all honeymoon reservations. If flying, make sure you have the plane tickets.
- Make sure your attendants are at the rehearsal and know their duties.
- Make sure your Ushers are aware of special seating arrangements.
- Bring your wedding license to the official at rehearsal. Be sure it is filled out properly so it can be signed and returned to you after your wedding.

- Make sure you know how to pin on the boutonniere and tie a tie!

Stage 8:  Typically day before…

- Attend your Rehearsal Dinner. Try getting there early to greet your family and bridal party.

- Go home and RELAX!!

The Wedding Day. Congratulations!
- Eat a good breakfast with carbs and protein to keep hunger at bay.  Avoid anything that might amplify a nervous and upset stomach!
- Make sure your luggage is in the trunk of your car or in the hotel room where you’ll stay on your wedding night.
- Get dressed. Start at least one hour before the ceremony.
- Give the Best Man the bride’s wedding ring.
- Prepare the official’s fee or gift in an envelope, and hand it to the best man so he can present it after the ceremony.

Keep in mind that here at Plaza Lecea, we are here to make your day as fun and memorable as possible.  With your booking, not only do we provide security, tables, chairs and linens, we also provide an event coordinator for your rehearsal and your wedding day to make sure your wedding goes according to YOUR plan!!

Photo Credit: Alamo Photographic

Looking for a makeup artist or hair stylist for your big day? Here is a short list of some of San Antonio’s finest:

Makeup

MAC Stores:

• Macys

2310 Southwest Military Drive

P:210.334.2000

• MAC (Northstar Mall)

7400 San Pedro

P:210.375.7804

• Dillards (Northstar Mall)

7400 San Pedro
Suite 900

P: 210.344.3450

• Macy’s

200 Northstar Mall

P: 210.340.4302

• Macy’s

6301 Northwest Loop 410

P: 210.647.2562

• Nordstrom

15900 La Cantera Pkwy
Building 13

P: 210.332.1900

Even if you don’t wear makeup on a regular basis, it’s important to have some on your wedding day as you will be taking a lot of photos and you’ll want to look your best. Just a little cover up, blush and lip gloss goes a long way if you are not comfortable with a complete look. Another note is to make sure you do a trial run before your big day (the day of your bridal shower would be perfect so you don’t have to worry about doing your makeup for the event and you’ll get to show it off to family and friends who will give you their opinion of how it looks). It’s important to do this so you will be comfortable with someone else doing your makeup if you haven’t had it done before and you’ll also be able to give the makeup artist feedback as to what you like and don’t like before the big day.

Hair:

Visible Changes:

• Northstar Mall

7400 San Pedro

Suite 810

W: www.visiblechanges.com/locations/northstar.pdf

P: 210.349.1581

• La Cantera

15900 La Cantera Pkwy.

Suite 10020

W: www.visiblechanges.com/locations/lacantera.pdf

P: 210.256.8770

Versi:

5528 Broadway

W: www.versi.com

P: 210.828.8725

Changes Natural Salon & Spa:

11745 IH10 West

W: www.changesnaturel.net

P: 210.641.0900

Sergio’s Salon & Spa:

116 Losoya Street

W: www.sergiossalonandspa.com

P: 210.224.4968

If you are comfortable with your hair stylist, ask them if they specialize in up-dos or wedding-day styles as some only prefer to cut or color hair. If they do, use them as you already know them. Ask for photo references if they have any or any suggestions for styles as they know your hair and see a lot of styles on a regular basis. Also schedule a run-though as well!

Hair & Makeup (in-store or on-location specializing in wedding day looks)

Madame Makeup & Hair:

520 N. Main Ave

W: www.madamemakeup.com

P: 210.826.0138

Blush:

On location

W: www.facesbyblush.com

P: 210.842.3794

A Very Good Hair Day:

On location

W: www.averygoodhairday.com

P: 210.836.5885

Pure Posh:

Village at Stone Oak

W: www.pureposhsalon.com

P: 210.490.7873

Indulgences Hair & Body Salon:

300 W. Bitters Ste. 229

W: www.indulgenceshairandbodysalon.com

P: 210.384.0134

Ciao Bella:

On location

W: www.theciaobellastudio.com

P: 210.385.8005

1. Where are you located? Our physical address is 5441 Babcock Rd., SATX 78240. Our offices are located in Suite 200, but the event center is located on the fourth floor–you will need to come to the second floor and sign in with us during the week in order to reach the fourth floor. We are located on the corner of Babcock & Eckhert Rd., just north of the Medical Center. Sonic, Valero and The Bubble Car Wash are adjacent to us.

2. When do you tour? We tour Monday-Friday between normal business hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. by appointment and on weekends (when we have events) by appointment as well. Contact us at 210.615.0009 to set up a time to tour.

3. What packages do you offer? We have day-time and evening packages available. Pricing is always based on date, time and number of guests. For more info, you can find pricing here: http://www.plazalecea.com/wedding-reception-fees.html 

4. Do you offer ceremony sites? Yes, we have two ceremony locations available. Our first location is in our two-story atrium lobby which boasts floor to ceiling windows and a grand staircase. The second location is in our Boardroom which overlooks the Texas Hill Country and has picturesque sunset views. We provide the chairs, all you need to provide is the decor, minister and groom!

5. Do you have adequate parking? Yes, we have 145 close parking spots available.

6. Is your facility handicap accessible? Yes, we have handicap accessible parking, ramps and elevators.

7. How many hours do we have for the event? We provide you with three hours prior to the event for set up, five hours for the event and one hour aftewards for the clean up. You can also add extra hours for $150 per hour or $75 for a half-hour. This charge is inclusive of your security guard’s time, coordinator’s time and associated building costs.

8. How far in advance do reservations need to be made? The is no real time constraint, just as long as we have the date available. Dates around holidays and specialty dates (ie: 11-11-11) book up quickly, so try to contact us sooner than later!

9. Is there a dressing room? Yes, we have a space off the second floor that has a private restroom, floor-length mirror and space for your bridal party to relax before the ceremony and leave their property in a secure spot during the event.

10. Are there convenient and adequate restrooms? Yes, we have women’s and men’s facilities available and both are handicap accessible (which will help with your ballgown!)

11. Is there a dance floor? Yes, we provide you with a 400 sq ft. dance floor in our large ballroom that is movable for an additional charge. You can also extend the dance floor where it is located to 600 sq ft. for an additional fee as well.

12. Are there any restrictions on decor, photography, videography or dj services? Nothing is allowed on the walls, but we do allow free standing objects (such as arches). Please consult with us if you have specific items you’d like to bring in. We do allow candles, but they must be in glass. We do not allow smoke or bubble machines from the dj. The photographer and videographer can access any part of the event center with the bride & groom but may need to have the coordinator give them access.

13. Who will coordinate with the vendors about set up? We will actually contact them the week of your event to go over set up times and specific details about your event. One less thing for you to worry about!

14. Do you provide a cake cutting service? No, this is something that is normally done by the caterer.

15. Is there an on-site caterer? Are we required to use your caterer? We have a list of approved caterers who are familiar with our facility. Although we strongly suggest you use one of our approved caterers, we do allow outside catering as well. We do add a 15% surcharge of your catering bill to your final payment when you choose an outside caterer. We also require that they have proper licensing and insurance. Outside caterers are required to adhere to the requirements of the Event Center at Plaza Lecea.

16. Do you have specific vendors for bar services? Yes, we have two approved bar services: Cocktails or Rookies. They can do a cash or open bar service for your event, but you will need to contact them for specifics. All of our caterers can provide a bar service for you as well.

17. What can I use for a grand exit? Please keep in mind that you will need to clean up anything that you use for the grand exit. We allow rose petals (must be silk if thrown inside), sparklers or bubbles. No confetti, birdseeds or rice.

18. Who will be my on-site coordinator? We have two awesome coordinators that have years of experience with special events. We normally know which one will be your coordinator a month prior to your event.

19. Are there any additional fees associated with the rental? We do require a damage deposit–this is normally just a credit card number on file–we do not charge your credit card unless any damages incur.

20. What are your terms of payment? We require a $600 deposit to secure your date (basically your first payment toward the rental), 1/2 is due nine months prior to your event, 1/4 due six months prior and the final 1/4 due one month prior to the event. Any monies paid towards the rental are non-refundable as they are liquidated damages.

We are also extending this offer for weddings as well! Always wanted a winter wonderland-themed reception? Or just in love with the idea of a Christmas wedding? Let us help you create the memories that will last forever!

We currently have a few dates available, including a Saturday! Contact Stephanie for more information at 210.615.0009. As an added incentive, An Event to Remember is also offering a special on catering for the month of December as well-5% off your catering. Tis the season for savings!

Here are some tips all brides need to know:

• Give your  guests multiple hotel chains to choose from
• They may travel a lot and have one that they can stay at for a cheaper price or that they receive rewards from
• Hotel rates change by season and prices are usually slightly higher during the summer season and mid-March due to people traveling for summer vacation and Spring Break
• There are always extra discounts they may be able to get, including discounts for people who are members of AAA or Sam’s Club. 
• If you know that your guests will bring a pet, Drury Inn and LaQuinta are pet friendly.
• Amenities are something you may look into.  There are some hotels that have a happy hour and/or a brunch.  For your guests that are not going to want to explore very much this may be a great idea.
• If most of your wedding party is coming in from out of town, book them in the same hotel.  Let the hotel know you would like to keep them close together.  Usually, the hotel will have a conference room on that floor you can be near.  If you would like they will rent that out to you and you can use that room as a room where your party can hang out. 

The best deal: Book a block of rooms

• Most hotels want you to block out at least 10 rooms and they will give your guests a discount.
• There is no charge to you if all the rooms do not get used.
• Some hotel chains will let you split the rooms between their hotels in the area.  So if some of your guests want to stay near the river walk and others near the location, they will get the same rate.
• Example Drury Inn and Suites: One room with a king size bed was $109.99, but for a block of 10 that price comes down to around $89.99.

Here is a list of hotels around the area with their phone numbers: 

• Residence Inn San Antonio Northwest/Medical Center
  • 4041 Bluemel Road, San Antonio, TX
  • 210-561-9660
  • http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sattx-residence-inn-san-antonio-northwest-medical-center/ 
• Drury Inn & Suites Northwest
  • 9806 IH10 West, San Antonio, TX
  • 210-561-2510
  • https://druryhotels.com/PropertyOverview.aspx?Property=0112 
• Best Western Posada Ana Inn – Medical Center
  • 9411 Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX
  • 210-691-9550
  • http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=44530 
• Towne Place Suites San Antonio Northwest
  • 5014 Prue Road, San Antonio, TX
  • 210-694-5100
  • http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sattn-towneplace-suites-san-antonio-northwest/ 
• Motel 6 San Antonio NW Medical Center
  • 9400 Wurzbach Road, San QAntonio, TX
  • 210-593-0013
  • http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60956-d99527-Reviews-Motel_6_San_Antonio_NW_Medical_Center-San_Antonio_Texas.html
• Regency Inn & Suites
  • 9727 Fredricksburg Road, San Antonio, TX
  • 210-690-2255
  • http://www.hotelstravel.com/North_America/US/TX/San_Antonio/RegencyInnAndSuitesSanAntonio.html 
• Quality Inn & Suites Fiesta Park
  • 10950 Laureate Drive, San Antonio, TX
  • 210-249-4800
  • http://www.qualityinn.com/hotel-san_antonio-texas-TX859
• Residence Inn San Antonio Northwest at the Rim
  • 10525 Huebner Road, San Antonio, TX
  • 210-561-0200
  • http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/satlo-residence-inn-san-antonio-six-flags(r)-at-the-rim/
• Hampton Inn San Antonio/Six Flags
  • 11010 IH10 West, San Antonio, TX
  • 210-561-9058
  • http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=SATWEHX
• Omni Hotel, San Antonio
  • 9821 Colonnade Bvld. San Antonio, TX
  • 210-691-8888
  • http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/SanAntonio.aspx
• Westin La Cantera
  • 16641 La Cantera Parkway, San Antonio, TX
  • 210-558-6500
  • http://www.westinlacantera.com/

• Grace Point Church 210-447-0032
• Bandera Road Community Church 210-523-5185
• St. Brigid’s Church 210-696-0896
• St. George Maronite Catholic Church 210-696-5937
• Oxford Church 210-696-0192
• Lutheran Churches Missouri Synod: Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran 210-614-8723
• University Unite Methodist Church 210-696-1033    
• Shavano Baptist Church 210-696-0826
• St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church 210-492-4600
• The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints 210-641-4700
• BAPS Hindu Temp/Mandir 210-492-4008
• Fortress Church 210-690-6360
• Baruch Heshem Messianic Congregation 210-593-0113
• Trinity United Methodist 210-684-5214    
• Islamic Center of San Antonio 210-614-0202
• Community Unitarian Universalist Church 210-614-2014
• Oak Hills Presbyterian Church 210-342-0271
• Emmanuel Worship Center 210-684-2687
• St. Matthew’s Catholic Church 210-487-5099
• Colonial Hills United Methodist Church 210-349-2401
• Our Savior Lutheran Church 210-696-2716
• Shenandoah Church of Christ 210-696-5532
• Oak Ridge Baptist Church 210-696-5475
• Destiny Church 210-349-2295
• Saint Andrew Church 210-341-4441

Plaza Lecea also offers brides the opportunity to host their on-site ceremony throughout one of the numerous spaces within our facility. Our grand entrance lobby, with two-story windows and gorgeous lighting, provides a modern backdrop for any wedding ceremony. Our brides also have the opportunity to make a grand entrance down our spiral staircase.

We also have a stunning Boardroom in our penthouse suite with views of the Texas Hill Country as the backdrop to your ceremony. With accommodations for up to 90 guests, you can exchange vows with the sun setting in the background.

• Bridesmaids
• Engagement Party
• Save the Date
• Bridal Shower
• Rehearsal Dinner
• Wedding Invitation
•  Thank You Card

We’ll start with the first one, the Bridesmaid’s Invitation:

Asking your friends to share in your special day is uber important! They are the people (because you can totally have a male bridesmaid or Man of Honor) that have already been by your side through thick and thin and sharing this day with them is almost as important as the groom . We have found a great source of pre printed selections here:   http://bit.ly/dlapbx. Although a lot of these already have a poem or some sort of copy already included, a nice personalized note would be a fabulous addition!

I have to say this was my favorite invitation that I sent out (actually hand delivered) was to my bridesmaids. I went to The Invitation Chickshere in San Antonio and made a fun little card asking them to be a bridesmaid in my wedding. I think the girls loved it more than the gifts I got them later on! I spent hours searching the internet for the perfect wording and I came up with this:

You have always been there, more than just a friend.
You know just who I am and everywhere I’ve been.

You’re the one who I can turn to, any hour of the day.
Seems, I only have to think of you and you’ll be on your way.

No matter where life takes me, no matter where I roam.
When I’m with you my friend, my heart feels right at home.

So on my wedding day, I will need you more than ever.
Please say you’ll be my bridesmaid now…. and my friend forever.

Here is another example:

Our friendship just gets better, through every passing year.
But it really has been this one, that I hold truly dear.

In helping with my wedding, and knowing you will be,
sharing in this day, by standing up for me.

You’ve taken something special, and added from your heart,
all the things that made us friends, right from the very start.

And though our lives are changing, our friendship will stay true.
This my heart will count on, as my life begins anew.

Thank you for being such a wonderful part of my life.

OR this is a fun spin on how to ask your bridesmaid, a la Letterman style:

Top 10 Reasons to be My Bridesmaid

10. You look great in (color of bridesmaids’ dress).
9. Someone has to help me go to the bathroom in a ballgown.
8. I know you will plan a great bachelorette party.
7. I will give you a great bridesmaids gift.
6. I want the people at my wedding to see how beautiful my friends are.
5. These wedding favors won’t make themselves.
4. You get to have the best seat in the house at the ceremony.
3. I need someone to pretend to want to catch the bouquet.
2. My fiance asked for some hot girls to be in the wedding party.

And the number one reason you should be my bridesmaid is…because you are one of my best friends and I love you!

There are surely other ways to ask your bridesmaids, and you can use your endless imagination if you want to create your own poem/wording but whichever way you ask your nearest and dearest, they will surely remember how special you made them feel that day!

Now-a-days we find that brides and groom’s are becoming more and more cleaver as they wow their guests with quirky exhibits of their personality. We would love to share with you some of our favorite cakes that we’ve seen at Plaza Lecea: http://ow.ly/2adiW.

And if you are just starting your search for the perfect cake, here are a couple more inspirational galleries that might help:

1. Brides.com: http://www.brides.com/wedding-ideas/wedding-cakes/gallery/cakes/editors-pick/results

2. Marthastewart.com: http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/cakes

3. For the really fun and fab cakes, check out Charm City Cakes: http://www.charmcitycakes.com/gallery

If you are looking for local bakers that have an edge up on the rest, check out these wonderful vendors:

1. Cakes and More: 210.494.3959 or www.cakesandmoreinsa.com
2. The Cake Shop: 210.561.1800 or www.thecakeshopsa.com
3. Lucy’s: 210.673.5965 or www.lucyscakeshop.com
4. Cakes by Cathy Young: 210.493.8466
5. Seventh Heaven Cakes: 210.490.4115 or www.seventhheavencakes.com
6. How Sweet It Is: 210.861.8468 or www.howsweetitissa.com
7. The Exclusive Cake Shop: 210.520.2004 or www.exclusivecakeshop.com 8. Nadler’s of San Antonio: 210.340.1021 or www.nadlers.com