Tag: Plaza Lecea’
The Tradition of the Wedding Ring
- by Stephanie
By Laura, ECC
While there is not a specific date that the tradition of exchanging wedding rings began, it is to the surprise of many people that the wedding ring is a tradition that dates all the way back to Ancient Rome. However it was not to be used in the Western World however until the late 13th century. While modern day wedding rings are typically exchanged as a symbol of love and devotion, historically speaking, the wedding ring was a symbol of valuables and the contract of economic safety between two individuals. During this time, the wedding ring was traditionally only given to the bride and the male partner did not wear a ring. The double ring ceremony is more of a modern tradition beginning in the 1920’s as a result of the American jewelry ad campaign promoting male engagement rings.
While the exchanging of wedding rings is a popular tradition through the United States and Europe, it is not the only tradition used worldwide. The exchanging of wedding rings as we know it today throughout the United States is heavily based off European influence, namely the Church of England’s Book of Common Prayer whose vows included “With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen”. This practice is also seen in the Jewish, Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox religions.
While the use of wedding rings or marriage bands are nearly universal throughout the world, other symbols are used in some cultures to signify marriage. For instance throughout South Asia, a married woman of the Hindu religion wears a gold necklace known as a Mangalsutra and the groom marks the forehead of the bride with vermillion to symbolize marriage.
In the Amish society, marriage is a very sacred institution; however, because those of the Amish community do not wear jewelry, there is not an exchanging or wearing of rings to 
symbolize marriage.
However you choose to symbolize your marriage, with a ring, a necklace or without a symbol at all one thing is universally consistent with nearly all cultures and societies and that is the celebration! When you are ready for your celebration, no matter what the occasion, let Plaza Lecea help make the process a memorable one!
Make-Up & Hair Resources
- by Stephanie
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
P: 210.828.8725
Changes Natural Salon & Spa:
11745 IH10 West
P: 210.641.0900
Sergio’s Salon & Spa:
116 Losoya Street
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
P: 210.826.0138
Blush:
On location
P: 210.842.3794
A Very Good Hair Day:
On location
P: 210.836.5885
Pure Posh:
Village at Stone Oak
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
P: 210.385.8005
San Antonio’s Best Shops for Bridesmaid’s Dresses (plus some online resources too!)
- by Stephanie
Beyond your wedding dress shopping, finding a dress for your bridesmaids can just as daunting. So we’ve “maid” it a little easier on you with a local resource guide for some of San Antonio’s best bridesmaid dress shops:
Photo Credit: Alamo Photographic
Local Resources:
Alfred Angelo: http://bit.ly/aabridesmaids
Two locations in San Antonio:
- 9951 I-10 West
San Antonio, TX 78230
(210) 558-3168 - 209 Northwest Loop 410
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 530-5100
Hours of Operation:
M-F: 11 am to 8 pm
Sat: 10 am to 6 pm
Sun: 12 pm to 6 pm
Bella Bridesmaid: www.bellabridesmaid.com
5800 Broadway St #201
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 804-1000
Hours of Operation:
T-F: 10 am to 6 pm
Sat: 10 am to 5 pm
Sun-Mon: Closed
Designers: Alvina Valenta, Amsale, Anna Elyse, Badgley Mischka, Carol Hannah, Coren Moore, Jenny Yoo, Love by Enzoani, LulaKate Bridal, Priscilla of Boston, Melissa Sweet, Monique Lhuillier Maids, Simple Silhouettes, Two Birds
Photo Credit: Alamo Photographic
Bridal Galleria: http://www.sawhost.com/bridalgalleria/
7319 San Pedro Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 342-5752
Hours of Operation:
M-F: 10:30 am to 7 pm
Sat: 10 am to 6 pm
Sun: Closed
David’s Bridal: http://www.davidsbridal.com/Browse_Bridal-Party
Two locations in San Antonio:
- 5841 NW Loop 410
San Antonio, TX 78238
(210) 680-5094 - 125 NW Loop 410 (Plaza del Norte)
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 340-5385
Hours of Operation:
M-F: 11 am to 9 pm
Sat: 10 am to 7 pm
Sun: 12 pm to 6 pm
Julian Gold: www.juliangold.com
4109 McCullough
Photo Credit: Alamo Photographic
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 824-2493
Hours of Operation:
M-Sat: 10 am to 5:30 pm
Sun: Closed
Designers: Amsale, Vera Wang, Melissa Sweet, Priscilla of Boston, Lazaro, Bill Levkoff, Watters & Watters
Nordstrom’s: http://bit.ly/Nordstromsbridesmaids
Nordstrom The Shops at La Cantera
15900 La Cantera Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210)332-1900
Hours of Operation:
M-Sat: 10 am to 9 pm
Sun: 12 pm to 6 pm
Designers: ABS by Allen Schwartz, Adrianna Papell, Adrianna Papell Day, Aidan Mattox, Alexia Admor, Amsale, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Betsy & Adam, Cachet, Calvin Klein, David Meister, Donna Morgan, Donna Ricco, Elie Tahari, Eliza J, Ellen Tracy, Glint, Halston Heritage, JS Boutique, JS Collections, Laundry by Shelli Segal, Maggy London, Max & Cleo, ML Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids, Nicole Miller, Patra, Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique, Tadashi Shoji, Tahari by Arthur S. Levine, Taylor Dresses, Xscape
The Bridal Connection: www.bridalconnectionsa.com/
6909 N Loop 1604 E
San Antonio, TX 78266
(210) 967-4696
Hours of Operation:
Photo Credit: Alamo Photographic
M-F: 11 am to 7 pm
Sat: 10 am to 7 pm
Sun: 12 pm to 6 pm
Designers: After 6 by The Dessy Group, Mori Lee, Alexia, Bari Jay, Forever Yours, Eden Bridals, bill Levkoff, Mary’s Bridal
The Bridal Salon of San Antonio: www.bridalsalonsa.com/
2150 East Hildebrand Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78209-6333
(210) 828-7931
Hours of Operation:
T-Sat: 10 am to 5 pm
Sun-Mon: closed
Designers: Watters & Watters, Wtoo, Vera Wang Maids, Jim Hjelm Occasions & Separates, The Dessy Group
There are also tons and tons (we really mean tons) of resources online that you can order from as well. Here are some unique choices that you may already shop at already!
Online Resources:
J Crew: http://www.jcrew.com/wedding/Wedding_Bridesmaid/bridesmaidpartydresses.jsp
Photo Credit: Alamo Photographic
The Dessy Group: www.dessy.com/bridesmaid-dresses/
The Limited: http://bit.ly/limitedbridesmaids
White House Black Market: http://bit.ly/whbmbridesmaids
And remember, think about your bridesmaids feelings and budget before choosing the dress. You will be in their shoes one day too! Happy planning!
New Bar Service: Cowgirls Unlimited!
- by Stephanie
You asked and we listened! We have had a couple clients and vendors recommend adding Cowgirls Unlimited to our list of approved bar services because of their stellar customer service and great prices. Cowgirls Unlimited has been servicing San Antonio’s events for over 10 years. With what started as a small idea to provide bartenders for events serving alcohol has blossomed into a full-fledged operation that serves between 100-125 events per year.
We sat down to talk to Jen Tyson, owner of Cowgirls Unlimited and asked her a few questions:
(PL) What sets Cowgirls Unlimited apart from other bar services in San Antonio?
(JT) We are absolutely 100% professional in everything we do from answering the 1st phone call to the very end of the special event. 10 years ago, we were the only company in San Antonio who operated in this sort of fashion. We are an all-female group who can adjust to any and all, casual or formal, special events. We firmly believe our staff personalities are extremely friendly, kind and catering to all of our client’s needs. There is also no limit to our services as we can customize any order to fit each client’s needs and budget.
(PL) Do you provide clients with guidelines for the amount of alcohol they should provide for their guests?
(JT) Yes.
(PL) What other services do you offer besides bar service?
(JT) We focus 100% on the bar area. We want to ensure our clients have the best experience when it comes to their special events. Alcohol is such a popular but dangerous category so we want to make sure that everyone has a great time but remains safe while doing so. We also want to make sure that our clients get the most value for their budgets. Whether they choose an open/hosted bar, cash bar or just want to hire our bartending staff only for what they choose to provide, we always was to make sure everyone is happy in the process.
(PL) What do you hope to get out of a relationship with Plaza Lecea?
As with all our vendor relationships, we want to make sure that everyone involved in the event has a great experience with our services. We always strive to make processes quick, easy and clean. Upon gaining 100% trust from our vendors and facilities, we believe the entire process from beginning to end always goes much quicker and smoother. Then in turn, we hope the healthy facility relationship with us is transferred over to each and every client and their served guests.
(PL) Is there anything else you would like to include?
We never want to disappoint anyone! We not only cater to our clients but we are also very friendly and kind to other vendors that may be working the event as well. Positive relationships with everyone is very important to us!
If you’d like to get in touch with Jen Tyson and Cowgirls Unlimited for your next event, check her out on the web at http://www.cowgirlsunlimited.com/index.aspx or at 210.872.8746. We’ll cheer to that!
