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

Beyond your memories of your special day, you will want to capture and look back at those special moments from time to time. Here is a list of shots that you should ask your photographer to take of your wedding ceremony and reception:

Bride’s Pre-ceremony Shots:

• Shots of bridal party preparing for wedding
  • Bridal party putting on make-up
  • Bride’s dress hanging
  • Bride’s shoes, accessories, garter
  • Placement of the garter
  • Putting on the veil
• Bride completely ready
• Bride w/parents
• Bride w/mother
• Bride w/father

Groom’s Pre-ceremony Shots:

• Shots of groom and groomsmen getting dressed
• Groom completely ready
• Groom w/parents
• Groom w/mother
• Groom w/father

Wedding Party Shots:

• Bride w/each bridesmaid individually
• Bride w/all bridesmaids
• Bride w/all bridesmaids & flower girl
• Bride w/all bridesmaids & ring bearer
• Bride w/all bridesmaids, flower girl & ring bearer
• Ring bearer and flower girl together
• Groom w/each groomsmen individually
• Groom w/all groomsmen
• Groom w/all groomsmen & ring bearer
• Groom w/ring bearer
• Bride & groomsmen
• Groom & bridesmaids
• Bride & Groom w/flower girl & ring bearer
• Entire bridal party

Family shots:

• Bride & Groom w/Bride’s parents
• Bride & Groom w/Bride’s immediate family
• Bride & Groom w/Bride’s grandparents
• Bride & Groom w/Bride’s extended family
• Bride & Groom w/Groom’s parents
• Bride & Groom w/Groom’s immediate family
• Bride & Groom w/Groom’s grandparents
• Bride & Groom w/Groom’s extended family
• Bride & Groom w/both sets of parents
• Any additional family shots

Wedding Ceremony Shots:

• Shot of church/ceremony site pre-ceremony
• Seating of parents & grandparents
• Members of the bridal party entering
• Bride walking into ceremony
• Groom when sees bride walking into ceremony
• Mother’s doing unity candle (if applicable)
• Various shots during ceremony
• Bride & Groom’s vows, rings & kiss

Reception shots:

• Various shots of reception set-up (location, location sign, table set ups, centerpieces, favors, sign-in, gift table, cakes)
• Presentation of Bride & Groom (and bridal party if applicable)
• Guest tables
• First dance
• Any family dances
• Bride & Groom’s rings
• Toasting
• Cake cutting
• Dollar dance
• Bouquet toss & garter removal
• Candid shots of guests
• Couple’s last dance
• Couple’s exit

There are just suggestions and you should definitely sit down with your photographer and let them know about what is important to you for your big day. That way he/she will be better prepared to take the shots you want!

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 1^st 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!

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!

• 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.

They have a wonderful special going on right now: Book your reception at Plaza Lecea and your photography from Once Upon a Time, and you will receive a complimentary engagement session! Check them out online: www.onceuponatimephoto.com or give them a call at 210.495.3686!

• 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!

Cocktails offers clients the option of doing an open bar, cash bar or partial cash bar for their next event. For an open bar, the client would bring in the alcohol and Cocktails would serve it to their guests. Or, for a nominal fee per person, you can have Cocktails do all the work and provide all of the alcohol and mixers so that you don’t have to worry about a thing on your special day. For brides on a budget, a cash bar is a wonderful option. You simply pay for the set up and your guests pay for the drinks. If you would like to offer your guest some beverages, but do not want to break the bank, a partial cash bar would do the trick. You could do a cocktail hour, where you pick up the tab during a 1-2 hour timeframe and then a cash bar the rest of the evening. Another option is providing beer and wine free of charge for your guests, but if they would like hard liquor, they can pay for that themselves.

Making their mark in the event world of San Antonio, Cocktails works approximately 75-100 events per year and provides services for events exceeding 3000 guests. They are also very comfortable working at Plaza Lecea because they have the same priorities as we do: Keep the client happy (the night time view is a plus too)! They continuously work with their clients to provide the best service and customize packages to fit their budget. They also take that extra step to ensuring client satisfaction on the day of their event as well by assisting caterers when needed, arriving early for set up and staying late to help with the clean up, or providing a special drink recipe for an individual’s wedding party.

A bar service tends to be an after-thought, but in reality it is an integral part of a successful event! Don’t leave it to last minute to book or hand it off to your groom. Here is some insight from Lisa about the importance of a professional bar service,

“Brides should remember that as well as the venue, caterer and decorations, the bar service is a vital part of an enjoyable wedding. A professional, responsible and courteous service will always leave a lasting impression on your guests. We spend most of the event providing service to your party, (so) don’t let your bar service be an after-thought in your planning. Cocktails will help you decide on a service to fit your budget and can also provide you great contacts and suggestions, for all your needs on your special day.”

The Essentials: Website: www.cocktailservices.com Phone: 210.363.8025; Email: info@cocktailservices.com. Click here to see all of their happy client’s testimonials: www.cocktailservices.com/testimonials.htm

Where you need to go:

Bexar County Clerk’s Office, 1st floor 

300 Dolorosa, San Antonio, TX 78205

Phone: (210) 335-2221

When you can get it:

Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

What you’ll need to bring:

• Proof of age and identity (i.e. Driver’s License, Miltary ID, Passport)
• Social Security card
• $36 cash (they do not accept checks or credit cards)
• If you have been married previously, a copy of your divorce decree

Important things to remember:

• 72 hour waiting period after you obtain license before you can get married
• Only good for 30 days
• Must have present at your ceremony (this might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s happened before!)

1. BUDGET: Create a budget and stick to it.  It may be a good idea to have a percentage reserved for small overages and those things you just have to have, but try to keep things in check.  This will eliminate the most common arguments between you and your fiancé, and you and your family. Great resources like Martha Stewart’s Planning Tools (http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/planning-tools) or TheKnot.com’s Tools (http://www.theknot.com/pl_main.html) can help you track where you are spending your money.  
2. WEDDING DATE: Your budget will go further if you select dates that don’t fall near to holidays such as Christmas, New Years or Valentines Day. While our pricing stays the same all year around, you may see some additional expenses from other vendors for premium dates.  Availability tends to be very limited and you can expect to pay a premium for all rentals during these dates.  Also consider Friday or Sunday weddings. We offer anywhere from $200-$800 off the price for those days. If you go with a Friday wedding, remember to start the reception a bit later, around 7 p.m. so that guests who work will have time to go home and change first. Sunday receptions are great if Monday is a holiday (think President’s Day, Memorial Day or Labor Day).
3. GET ORGANIZED: Keep notes on each vendor that include all contact information, price quotes and what is included with each quote. Notate each phone call or save emails to document what was said. We keep a CRM w/all communication with our clients, but make sure you are doing so with all your vendors. Keep in touch on a regular basis to ensure that you both are up to date on the latest decisions.  Design a timetable of what details need to be taken care of each month (or you can find helpful checklists on SanAntonioweddings.com or TheKnot.com), so you can keep on top of everything without feeling overwhelmed.
4. GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING: and make sure every change is initialed, etc. Before leaving the vendor go over the notes to ensure that you understood what they said.  Like all trades the event center industry has their own vocabulary, be sure that you ask questions concerning the meaning of words that you do not understand   Do not be embarrassed for asking questions, it is important to you to understand everything that you are committing to pay for.  You do not want to be surprised on your wedding day or when the bill comes. 
5. RECEPTION SCHEDULE:  We include an itinerary and coordinator in every package, but come prepared to your appointments with a vision of how you want the event to take place. We help you create a timeline that will include when you want to be announced and how, the approx. time to serve dinner, cut the cake, toast, and begin your first dance, garter and bouquet toss and all other wedding formalities.  These are just approximate but it will save you from being bombarded by questions during the night, and will ensure everything you want done flows smoothly. 
6. ASK FOR HELP:  Enlist help: if you don’t have a wedding planner, delegate tasks:  planning a wedding is a big event with lots of details.  Don’t stress yourself out by doing it all yourself.  This is a happy event and friends and family are usually eager to help. For example, give your finance tasks like selecting the dj, slideshow, or bar service- things he can relate to. Have your bridesmaids over to help with the menus, placecards and favors. They will all feel like a bigger part of the day and you will have one more thing crossed off your checklist.  
7. LAST MINUTE DETAILS – Enlist trusted friends or family for “last minute details” (taking favors and sign-in book, dropping off and taking away centerpieces, taking gifts after reception). Don’t overload yourself of the big day, you will have enough to do with hair, make up, dress, pictures, etc. Arrange for transportation from the reception to your hotel or wherever you will be staying.  Then you can enjoy your party and not worry about designating a driver. 
8. CAKE:  Have the caterer cut the cake- it is worth the small extra charge.  Cake cutting is time consuming and messy, don’t put your mom through it! 
9. SHOES:  Bring comfortable shoes to the reception (pretty and comfortable sandals). You want to be able to dance the night away! And if they are seen, no one will care, you are going to be beautiful anyway! Remember to try to get heeled sandles so that your dress does not drag on the ground. You’ll be happy you did! Another recommendation, purchase inexpensive flip flops from Old Navy or Walmart and leave them in the restroom for your female guests to wear during the reception. They have probably been on their feet all day in heels, so having some comfortable shoes for them to dance in will be a welcomed relief.  
10. RELAX:  Don’t forget that this is a FUN, HAPPY EVENT- A special day for both of you and a day for rejoicing. The whole point is to celebrate the marriage of you and your fiancé with your loved ones and friends. The event is going to fly right by so take a few private moments with your new husband when you can and take mental pictures of the special moments. Don’t let minute details distract you from having fun, chances are no one will ever know. Relax and enjoy!