Wedding Decor: Rough Luxe

Are you a trendy spring bride looking for the latest trends for your Spring 2012 wedding?  Well the Plaza Lecea has you covered. This year’s spring trends are leaning toward the “rough luxe”.  Combining the look of the “rough” and the raw with the elegance of luxury.  Natural raw woods/twigs and linen cloth paired with delicate flowers and laces. To keep the elegance subtle use soft spring hues: muted blues, greens, yellows and pinks.  Monogramming is also becoming a popular trend, custom napkins, linens, etc.

The Dress: Illusion Necklines and Vintage

Illusion necklines are becoming ever popular with our 2012 spring brides!  Delicate fabrics, sheer lace and often with an embellished layer of fabric, veils the skin that would normally be left bare above a strapless dress line.  This transforms a stark sexy look to a more elegant look. If you want to get the same elegant look without the illusion necklines try a vintage 50’s and 60’s wedding dress design or simply a bird cage veil is a great way to add this vintage look without overdoing it.

The Cake:

Think ruffles and monograms personalized to your wedding needs!  Teamed with some muted spring colors!  Still need help, come visit us at the Plaza Lecea!

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!

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!

1. Matted frame: Put your beloved engagement photo in a frame that you’d like to display in your casa. Make sure you choose a mat for the frame that is large enough for all of your guests to sign. Pick up a couple fine-tip sharpies and you are all set! Put the mat in the frame for guests to sign because otherwise they might sign too close to the edge and their message may not be readable when you put the glass and frame on.
2. Quilt: Have guests sign or leave a well-wish on swatches of fabric in the colors of your wedding (or really any colors you’d like to have a quilt in). Ask a quilting enthusiast to help put your lovely quilt together!
3. Photo booth: Love this fun idea because it gives your guests an opportunity to take home some instant photos of your special day! Most of the photo booth companies will print two copies of the pictures you take and give one to your guests as a keepsake and put another in a book and have them sign it. And there are so many fun accessories that the photo booth companies bring to make your pictures memorable! We recommend San Antonio Photobooths: http://www.sanantoniophotobooths.com/ or TNT Photobooths of Texas:  http://www.tntphotobooths.com/
4. Guest Book Store: Ok, so we haven’t seen this one here, but I came across it on another blog and thought it was too cool for school! People always find it troubling figuring out what to write in that small two inch space, and a guest book from the Guest Book Store gives them an opportunity to answer a couple of fun questions and even draw a picture of the bride and groom! You will be amazed at the funny things your guests come up with! Here is the site: www.guestbookstore.com.  
5. Wishing tree: Pick up some branches or curly willow from your local florist or Hobby Lobby and spray paint them the colors of your wedding. Cut out shapes (we’ve seen lots of hearts) and connect a hook to the shape so guests can hang the wishes from the branches. You can display this tree at your home or put the shapes into a scrapbook later.
6. Photo book: Gather all of your favorite photos as a couple (or even as kiddos) and put them into a photo book on Kodakgallery.com or shutterfly.com. There are so many ways to personalize the book

Check back tomorrow for six more awesome ideas–you’ve most like not heard of a few of them!!!

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!

What to Register for:

You can register for almost anything!  The main items are kitchen utensils, appliances, bathroom necessities, tools and décor. Many of the main places you might register at have a guide that can help you with the things you need. Here is a great guide from Target.com broken down into different categories: http://bit.ly/9M4qZu. Now-a-days, nothing is off limits as something you can register for.   You just need to remember you are trying to come up with things that are affordable, you want or need, and fit what you want your home to look and feel like. Don’t be surprised if you find a random Snickers bar or even that 60” TV listed on the registry too—the great thing about registering at chain retail stores is that they allow you to edit your registry online as well!

Where to Register:                                    

It is okay to go to more than one place to register; this gives your guests options.  You need to think about your guests when deciding on places to register.  Think of the price range that most of your guests would be able to pay and pick your place accordingly.  If you have a mixture of price ranges, go with somewhere like William Sonoma for your higher end items and then pick somewhere like Bed Bath and Beyond for your more reasonably priced items so that way no one feels left out. If you decide to go with only one place, then make sure you pick items you will use in all price ranges. Note, even if you think there is no way any of your guest would buy something like that for you, you may be surprised so put it on the list anyway. Plus for the brides in a time crunch, completing your registry online gives you the opportunity to figure out what you want to get whenever you are available to do so! It’s unfortunate that Crate & Barrel isn’t open 24 hours when you are planning your wedding—so inconsiderate!  

Here is a list of our fav stores and price points:   

• William and Sonoma: $$$
• Crate and Barrel: $$$
• Pottery Barn: $$$
• Macy’s, Dillard’s, etc: $$+
• Bed, Bath, and Beyond: $$
• Target: $+
• Sears: $+
• Home Depot/Lowes: $$
  • If you are building a new house to move into together this is a great option.  You never know if you will need a ceiling fan or blinds.

There are many places you can register beyond the list we’ve provided so think about your fav retailers! When you get there let them know what you are there to do and the company will have someone to help you get started. Recently, they have started giving you cards to put in the invitations to say where you are registered and many stores give you a completion coupon as well. Check with your retailer about special offers on items that were left on the registry and they often give you 10% off that item!

Until next time, happy planning!

• 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.

If you can spring for fresh flowers for your upcoming reception, we highly recommend it! There is no better way to add that extra flair to your wedding than with fresh flowers. Plus your reception space will be filled with the fresh aroma of these gorgeous additions.

A way to keep down costs for your fresh flowers is to purchase ones that are in season. You can even combine in-season flowers with flowers that are available year-round to make it more cost-effective. Here is a list of flowers that you can get all year round and by the season. Happy searching!

Year-round florals:

Alstromeria

Aster (if from Africa)

Bouvardia

Calla Lily

Carnation

Chrysanthemum

Delphinium

Freesia

Gardenia

Gerbera (Gerber Daisy)

Gladiolus

Gloriosa Lily

Iris

Lily

Orchid

Ornithogalum

Rose

Stephanotis

Stock

Veronica

Winter (December-January)

Amaryllis

Anemone

Aster (US grown)

Camellia

Daffodil

Dutch Tulip

French Tulip

Grape Hyacinth

Hyacinth

Jasmine

Parrot Tulip

Poinsettia

Ranunculus

Sweet pea

Filler foliage: Ivy, Holly, Baby’s Breath, Wax Flower, Hypericum Berries

Spring: March – May

Bells of Ireland

Camellia

Daffodil

Forsythia

Grape Hyacinth

Hyacinth

Lily of the Valley

Parrot Tulip

Peony

Queen Anne’s Lace

Ranunculus

Scabiosa

Sunflower

Sweet Pea

Tweedia

Filler foliage: Banana leafs, Heather, Wax Flower, Baby’s Breath

Summer: June – August

Cockscomb

Cornflower

Cosmos

Dahlia

Daisy

Forget Me Not

Hydrangea

Lisianthus

Love in a Mist (Nigella)

Phlox

Queen Anne’s Lace

Scabiosa

Snap Dragons

Sunflower

Sweet Pea

Tuberose

Tweedia

Zinnia

Filler Foliage: Mint, Baby’s Breath

Fall: September – November

Amaryllis

Anemone

Cockscomb

Cornflower

Cosmos

Daffodil

Dahlia

Daisy

Dutch Tulip

French Tulip

Grape Hyacinth

Hyacinth

Hydrangea

Kniphofia

Marigold

Parrot Tulip

Phlox

Queen Anne’s Lace

Ranunculus

Scabiosa

Sunflower

Sweet Pea

Tuberose

Tweedia

Zinnia

Filler foliage: Ornamental Cabbage, Hypericum Berries, Euonymus, Heather, Baby’s Breath & Wax Flower

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