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

Hark! Hark to the wind! ‘Tis the night, they say,
When all souls come back from the far away-
The dead, forgotten this many a day!
~Virna Sheard

For many across the world, today is Halloween, a day of tricks and treats, fun costumes and spooky decorations.  As we celebrate, it is fun to reflect on the dark history that has shaped Halloween into what we know it as today.  Halloween is a holiday with ancient roots beginning around 2,000 years ago.  During this time, the Celts recognized Samhain, or New Years, on November 1.   Samhain signified the end of the year bringing an end to summer, the harvesting season and the beginning of winter.  Winter was a feared time of year and a time of death and famine among the people and their livestock.  The Celtics believed that this was due to the boundary opening between the living and the dead on October 31, unleashing the spirits of the dead.  Some of these spirits were believed to possess the living, ruin crops, or search for passage to the afterlife.  Costumes were worn in an attempt to ward off the evil spirits from the land giving birth to the modern day wearing of costumes.
It was also believed that during this time faeries would dress as beggars and ask for food from door to door.   Faeries rewarded those who gave food and punished those who did not.   This is believed to be the origins of what we know as “trick or treating” today.
When Christianity began to spread over the next several hundred years, the Christian church attempted to replace Samhain with All Saints Day or All Hollows, to honour the dead church saints and martyrs.  Since Samhain was celebrated the night before November 1, the celebration became known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween.
May you all have a safe and eventful Halloween!

by Laura, ECC

Looking for a way to add unique details to your wedding or special event?  Check out artisans and local artists to your area featured on Etsy! (www.Etsy.com) Featuring a large assortment of unique and homemade items, Etsy supports handmade goods and is a great way to add a unique and personal touch to your wedding or event from start to finish!  For details on the specific items featured here, check out local San Antonio/New Braunfels artisan and wedding stationer Jennifer Bishop of Architette Studios. http://www.etsy.com/people/architette.  Architette’s Etsy page features hand drawn prints that are perfect for cards, wedding invitations and save the date cards personalized to add that unique flair to your wedding or special event!

By Susan & Stephanie

Wedding Toasts/Speeches are one of many memorable pieces of a wedding reception.  This memory will stay with the bride and groom forever so, if you are the best man or maid of honor, you’ll want to ensure you create that memorable speech that they’ll treasure.

You might be saying to yourself, “I don’t like to give speeches or talk in front of others” but it’s really okay!  Many people are uncomfortable speaking in front of others. If you speak from the heart the words will flow, but we definitely recommend writing your thoughts down so you have some sort of outline of what you’d like to cover. Keep it under about three minutes because people tend to lose focus easily. Here is a breakdown of the anatomy of a wedding speech:

• Opening: Many people start of their speech with a joke to break the ice and their nerves.
• Compliments: Compliment the bride, bridal party and guests (ie: I have never seen such an amazingly beautiful bride or crowd)followed by letting everyone there know who they are and how they know the couple
• Introduction: Introduce yourself and your relationship to the bride or groom.
• Story: Tell a story of how the couple met and your involvement or when you knew that their partner was different from all the others. It’s fun to joke during this time, but don’t include intimate details that would embarrass the couple. Check out the information below for questions that might help with the stories.
• Advice: Give any advice that you think is applicable. Ask your parents or any successful couple about why they have lasted and share this with your best friend. It might just save their marriage.
• Wishes for the Couple: Here is where you may get a little emotional and tell them about what you hope for in their future (ie: I wish you both the best in life and love).
• Toast: Raise your glass and ask guests to do so as well, and toast to the newlyweds.

If you are still struggling as to what you’ll be saying, think about what you know about the bride and the groom. You don’t need to mention lots of things, but those things that you love about each of them and about them together. Don’t forget the funny or crazy stuff you know about each of them also. Some questions you may want to ask yourself to prepare the speech are:

• How did you become friends and what makes your friendship special?
• What special moments as a family member do you have with either/or both of them?
• How did the couple meet?
• Why do you think they belong together?

If you need to read from a written speech, go ahead!  That’s okay too!  Remember, it’s not about you, it’s about the bride and groom.  The bride and groom will appreciate anything you say or do.  Just relax, speak from the heart and let it happen.

On an added note, sometimes speeches are also given by the Father and Mother of the Bride, the Father and Mother of the Groom, and other close family members.  This is a great opportunity for the bride and groom to thank and toast their guests if they have not been able to make it to all the tables or if they did not do a receiving line.

The internet is full of information about this subject.  You can even find examples of speeches you can use.  All you’ll have to do is fill in the right information. Do some research if you need to, but it’s important to get it done ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about it at the last minute.

Here’s to the husband
And here’s to the wife;
May they remain
Lovers for life.
– Traditional toast

A toast to love and laughter, and happily ever after.
– Traditional toast