a HOT video short

This is HOT. When I say hot, I mean smokin'. Engage is a fusion of high quality video and photography. I've been hearing about it for a couple of weeks now and my friend and colleague, Carlos Baez of Miami shared this link and the following video.

For all our international brides, we must consider this fusion team.



And this was all shot with the Canon 5D Mark II!

Holiday colors for your event

I know when you think of holiday events, or weddings during the holidays, clients really struggle with the color scheme because they don't want it to look like Christmas. Red is a beautiful and dramatic color. Here is a way to use red without the obvious Christmas comparison.

My favorite blogs

Part of being a good blogger, besides blogging with frequency is given kudos to fellow bloggers.

So here is a list of blogs I read with frequency. Some of these are related to events, but some aren't...so you will seem some crazy stuff here.

Gossip blogs. None other than Perez Hilton. I used to check others out, but Perez has really blown up and actually improved over the last year, so Mario Lavandeira: good job.
Here is a tip - Perez lists a lot of cool new music my ears would have never heard of except for his blog.

Wedding blogs:
The Wedding Bee
The Bride's Cafe (look for a feature on us soon)
Southern Wedding Style
Planning Forever Events
Parisian Party
Life Mosaics
Blu Door Studios
Photography by Vanessa
Perez Photography Blog
A Magical Affair
The White Box

A Worthwhile Cause

Click here for the pdf verion of the invitation

The local San Antonio Rape Crisis Center is holding their 2nd annual Partners for Change event on September 22, 2008 at the Pearl Stables.

In July 2008, 114 families in San Antonio were faced with dealing with one of the most horrific crimes - sexual assault. The Rape Crisis Center responded to each of these "cases" - and, on average, works with three families each and ever day who are forced to deal wit sexual violence.

The Center was established in November 1975 by a group of concerned victims and visionary leaders as part of a grassroots effort to address the needs of sexual violence victims, their families, and the community at large. Today, the Center has grown into of the largest "stand-alone" sexual assault centers in the state, serving as a community resource for San Antonio and surrounding counties by providing:

-24-hour crisis hotline services via the telephone and internet
-Advocacy and support for survivor receiving medical exams at area hospitals
-Free counseling services for children, women, and men impacted by sexual violence and their loved ones
-Community Awareness and Public Education for community groups, the business community and / or school districts

Partners for Change

Recognizing Four Champions

in t Fight Against Sexual Violence

Jane Macon, Partner Fulbright & Jaworski, LLP. Ms Macon has been committed to women's issues, and is one of the founding members of the Rape Crisis Center.

Anita Perry, First Lady of Texas, who as earned the reputation of championing women's health issues throughout Texas and across the country.

U.S. Representative Charles A. Gonzalez, 20th Congressional District of Texas, is passionate about the City of San Antonio, and supports the Rape Crisis Center and its programs through sponsorship of various legislative bills.

U.S. Representative Ted Poe, 2nd Congressional District of Texas, has worked tirelessly through the Congress to sponsor legislation in support of victims of sexual assault and victims' rights.

6:00 - 6:45 pm Cocktail Reception

7:00 pm Partners for Change Award Presentation

Co-hosts Representative Joe Straus and Cynthia Lee, Fox News @ 9 anchor

7:30 pm Dinner & Headliner Entertainment by Mingo Fishtrap

The entertainment is going to be great and I am so happy to Mrs. Perry, First Lady of Texas recognized. She has used her political clout to push through legislation for Centers across Texas and to raise funds for education and done quite a bit of work for our own local Rape Crisis Center here in San Antonio.

Click Here for sponsorship information. If you can't attend, please send a donation. Any amount is helpful.

Tablescapes by Kimberly Schlegel Whitman

Dallas socialite and planner extradonaire, Kimberly Schlegel Whitman is releasing a new book soon. You all may remember Kim's wedding from 2005. The write up in Brilliant magazine by none other than Dominick Dunne. Everyone in the industry, at least here in Texas was all abuzz about this wedding. Held at the Meyerson in Dallas, the great Todd Fiscus as lead designer / florist. This wedding was featured in Vanity Fair, D Magazine (one of my faves), Town and Country and who knows where else. You'll have to google it and catch up if you haven't hearf of our own Texas royalty.

Kimberely has a great sense of style and I can't wait to see her again when we are in Dallas in midseptember for a book signing at Nieman Marcus. Pick up our copy of Tablescapes and find some inspiration for your home, your holiday celebrations and your special event.

We'll be visiting our good friends up in Dallas and enjoying some shopping. For you Dallas brides, this might be a good little book to pick up and see some great tables. September 12th at the Willow Bend Nieman Marcus from 11am - 4 pm. There will be tablescapes by Kimberley and her friends. I am sure there will be some serious eye candy, bring your camera.

Our Wedding Video

Kudos to my friends over at Our Wedding Video, Jim and Laura Rough. I have been using them since I started way back when and they are still my go-to videographers. Here is a link to a wedding from early July.

Click Here to check it out and please give them a call if you are looking for a videographer. Speaking of vendors: when planning your special day, it is important that you build a team that has synergy. This event was a classic example of great vendors working together to pull off an event. Rebecca and Joga's wedding was two full days over a holiday weekend. We were non-stop beginning early in the week and cooperation amongst the wedding professionals was key in delivering quality services. I want to acknowledge the core of our team. They are wonderful San Antonio wedding professionals with whom you will not be disappointed:

Catering: Holly, catering manager and Robbie, Chef at Anne Marie's Catering
Photography: my favorite go-to guy, Brian Tsai of Life Mosaics
Beauty: again, my favorite, Hilda of Salon Diva
Video: Our Wedding Video
Venue: Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum
Floral: in house designer at A Regal Affair
Cale: Elms Bake Shoppe
Lighting: Bishop-Petty Lighting

Update: 8.22.08 8:40 am
I've been receiving a lot of emails about the music on my website and this video. I actually first heard on this video created by Jim Rough of Our Wedding Video. It is Michelle Tumes, Lovely. You can buy it here:

Website updated

It's been 3 years and finally, the Regal Affair website has been updated. I know - what is up with 3 years. Well, for one, it's not my forte. I didn't know how to do it. I also paid three different designers and it just didn't work out. Finally, I completed it.

I have so many weddings I want to share. Most weddings that are just off the hook, I cannot share, because of signed confidentiality agreements. More events will be coming soon along with some international events. I took my sweet time requesting photographs but hopefully soon, you will see some pics from Paris, Italy, Mexico and the Turks and Caicos (now our Christmas vacation 2 years in a row! We love the Providenciales)

Please check it out and let me know what you think.

2008 Summer Olympics - go team Argentina!

bare with my rant......

We've never seen an opening ceremony quite like what China has done. Words cannot describe, I was glued to my seat, for all of it, even the parade of flags which just goes on and on and on....

If you didn't see it, you really missed out. I watched and TIVO'd it in High Def (I heart HDTV). I noticed so many NBA players carrying the flag for their countries. Our favorite: Manu Ginobli.

We've seen Michael Phelps win his first gold and Dara Torres win her 10th medal. I was really rooting for her to come from behind in the relay. We can't wait for more swimming!

We set our alarm and woke up to watch Manu and Fabricio of team Argentina play Lithuania. Manu really busted out his classic run and gub playing style and staged a late rally in the 4th, but they lost 79-75. I am up now watching team USA play Yao Ming and his countrymen. I have to say, I was surprised when I started rooting for the Chinese team. I just loved it when Kobe's shot was totally STUFFED by Yao Ming. You know, you just can't let years of being a die hard Spurs fan, Laker Hater, and hater of so many other teams and players just fall to the wayside. So hate mail, I welcome you, but I am rooting for team Argentina and NOT for team USA.

I love the commentators remarks about team unity and there are no superstars on this USA team. Is the air quality that bad in Bejing that he thinks he is talking to a band wagon basketball fan. While I think Chris Paul of the Hornets is amazing, I could care less about Kobe Bryant - ugh, Carmelo Anthony - barf, Jason Kidd of the Mavericks - blech, Carlos Boozer and Deron William of the Jazz - double blech.... To me they will still be players of other NBA teams I don't like. Oh, and please, the biggest crybaby of them all coaches - Mike D'Antono formerly of the Suns, now with Knicks (good luck with THAT one).

Speaking of other teams I am against - Spain - home of brothers Marc and Pao Gasol who plays for the Lakers and Germany, home of the Mavericks Dirk Nowitinski.

So come on Spurs fans - rise up and support team Argentina and pray Manu comes home without an injury.

Tony & Eva Parker Celebrity Casino Night

August 9, 2008

Pedrotti's Northwind Ranch

13715 FM 1560 North (just outside loop 1604 / Hausman)

Doors open at 5:30 pm

Dinner at 6:00 pm

Casino and Poker Tournament begins at 6:30 pm

Tony and Eva Parker invite you to join the First Annual Tony and Eva Parker Celebrity Casino Night Benefiting Eva’s Heroes. Eva’s Heroes was founded by actress Eva Longoria to provide support for children and young adults who are developmentally challenged. Hosted at Pedrotti’s North Wind Ranch in San Antonio, TX, on August 9th, the event will include traditional casino games such as blackjack and roulette, and guests will also have the chance to participate in a Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament with the grand prize of a seat to the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.

Here is a partial list of celebrites who have committed to attend:

• Eva Longoria Parker (Desperate Housewives)


• Tony Parker (San Antonio Spurs)


• Ricardo Antonio Chavira (Desperate Housewives)


• Katie Chonacas (Righteous Kill, Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans)


• Tim Duncan (San Antonio Spurs)


• Sean Elliott (San Antonio Spurs)


• Willie Garson (Sex and the City)


• Phil Hellmuth (11-Time World Series of Poker Winner)


• Ashton Holmes (Smart People, The Pacific)


• Jennifer Morrison (House)


• Adam Rodriguez (CSI:Miami)


• David Zayas (Dexter)


• and more...

While this list is partial - you can expect Tony and Eva to kick it up a notch. Last year at the golf tournament, there were easily more than twice that was expected.

I hope to see you there Saturday night! The dress is Casino Chic

Whose Wedding Is It Anyway???

The style network peeps arrived in town yesterday to begin filming another episode of the very popular Whose Wedding Is It Anyway. Wow, I was really shocked to learn of what really happens with these reality shows.

Donnie Brown of the fabulous Dallas event planning firm of W. Donnie Brown Weddings is in town to save the day. He is working on a local wedding held at El Tropicano Hotel in downtown San Antonio.

If you have not had the chance to meet Donnie - he is a hoot! He is so clever and so funny. My dear friend Margaret Dodson of A New Leaf Floral Design has been friends with Donnie for years and did floral design back in the day when she lived in Dallas. I look forward to seeing Margaret on the show with Donnie.

While I won't give away anything going on with the show, just know that it will be fun in that reality show crazy kind of way.

Sylvia Weinstock Cake

Photo courtesy of David Sixt

An update for the Polaroid Guest Book

I hate to admit, when client's ask me about a guest book idea for their wedding, I have been saying the same thing for 4 years and I do hate sounding like a broken record. The Polaroid Guest Book. My favorite version is 12x12 black acid free sheets filled with gold or silver loving messages from their guest accompanied with a picture of how they looked at that moment. My favorite end product is storing them in a square archival box, unbound and loose for them to look at.

Yesterday, I went out and purchased the newest product from Polaroid. The Polaroid PoGo - Reinventing Instant Photography for the Digital Age™. It is a nifty little printer that prints out in about 1 minute. Sometimes a little more and sometimes less. You can send pictures from your phone (must be compatible) or your digital camera. When I heard about this, I just had to have it. It debuted at Best Buy on July 6th and you know I was there on the 7th. My kids and I love it. I have had a few photos in my palm centro that I wasn't sure how I was going to get out of the phone and printed.

The great thing for wedding is that it comes with a sticky back and the size - 2"x 3" borderless images. I can't wait to use this for someones event, but just on a personal level, it has been fun. The cost per print is also less than a regular Polaroid. 33 cents per print vs. $1 per print. I have found the pictures from my centro come out better than my digital camera. Regardless, I love t his little thing... However I will recommend 8x11 sheets of archival paper for weddings as opposed to 12x12.

Here are the stats straight from Polaroid:

Polaroid has reinvented instant photography for the digital age with the
Polaroid PoGo™ Instant Mobile Printer. Sleek, stylish, and easy to use, the
Polaroid PoGo™ Instant Mobile Printer lets you share photos whether you are on
vacation or just hanging out with your friends. Bring Polaroid magic from your
camera cell phone or digital camera with ZINK™ Zero Ink™ Printing Technology
from ZINK Imaging. Mobile and easy-to-use, the Polaroid PoGo™ Instant Mobile
Printer provides a new, innovative way to share digital photos directly from
your camera cell phone or digital camera, instantly. The Polaroid Way.

What You Get
• 2” x 3” borderless, sticky-back prints

• Bluetooth, PictBridge compatible

• Smudge-proof, water-resistant, tear-proof photos

• Fade-resistant, long-lasting images

• No waste – no ink cartridges

• Prints in about 60 seconds

• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery

Mobile Printer:
Size: 120mm (4.7”) H X 72mm (2.8”) W X 23.5mm (0.9”) D
Weight: 8 oz (without paper) includes battery
Battery: 7.2V rechargeable lithium-ion15 Prints per charge at 25 C Battery is replaceable
User Interface: 2 Tri-Color LED indicators
AC Adapter: 9V output Universal Input 100V to 240 VAC Printer will print when plug into the AC adapter
Connectivity: Bluetooth (Class 2) OPP USB 2.0 USB A connector
Print Speed: 60 seconds per print, from send to share

ZINK™ Paper:
Size: 50mm (2”) X 76.2mm (3”)
Features: Full-bleed, border less image ZINK™ inkless printing embeds color into the paper Prints dry-to-touch, water-resistant, tear-proof, smudge-proof

Peel-off, sticky-backed Automatic image quality optimization

Anuthentic Hindu Wedding in Telugu Tradition

We are just coming off a long weekend. We are pleased to have been a part of the Welker - Ivatury wedding these past few days. The priests at the Temple in Helotes were so gracious and welcoming. I hope to return soon.

I wanted to share this one bit of information which endears me to the Hindu religion: "Hinduism accepts all religions as true and valid paths to God."

Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world that has been in continuous practice for thousands of years. Although it has changed through the years, the core principles remain the same. The goal of a Hindu is to attain Self (God) realization. Hinduism allows for wide latitude in practice of religion and each devotee decides for him/herself what the most suitable way is.

Anyone can adopt the principles of Hinduism in daily life without being required to convert to Hinduism. Hinduism does not encourage proselytization or conversion from other religions. It respects all other religions and paths to God as valid. A popular hymn elegantly expresses this notion:

Aakaashaat patitam toyam yatha gacchhati saagaram Sarva deva namaskaaram Keshavam prati gacchhati
transalation:

Just as rain water, regardless of where it falls, eventually reaches the ocean, salutations
to all Gods eventually reach Keshava (One God).

Here is the content of their wedding program:

The marriage of Rebecca and Joga unites two souls, two families, and two communities into one harmonious existence. A deep significance is attached to every step within it. With the completion of the ceremony, Rebecca and Joga enter into Grihasthashram, the second phase of life, which is devoted to family.

8:30am-10:30am
Upanayanam, Sacred Thread Ceremony

Upanayanam is known as the sacred thread ceremony. Upa means near and nayanam means going; that is the act of going to a teacher to learn. The meaning of the word upanayanam can also be interpreted as nayanam meaning eye prefixed with upa- (auxiliary), creating the interpretative meaning: bringing the ultimate truth nearer in sight. The hallmark of having gone through the Upanayana ceremony is the wearing of the Yajñopavītam (Sacred Thread) on the body. The thread is circular, being tied end-to-end (only one knot is permissible); it is normally supported on the left shoulder and wrapped around the body, falling underneath the right arm. The length of the thread is generally 96 times the breadth of four fingers of a man, which is believed to be equal to his height. Each of the four fingers represents one of the four states that the soul of a man experiences: waking, dreaming, dreamless sleep, and knowledge of the absolute. Joga performs the Upanayanam the morning of the wedding day in order to prepare for marriage.

10:30 am
Snathakam and Kashi Yatra

Snathakam is a ceremony performed at the temple. Joga will wear a silver thread on his body and perform a Puja, or prayer ceremony, and Kashi Yatra.

Kashi Yatra is a unique ceremony that takes place in the early morning hours of the wedding day. This ceremony has Joga saying that he has discarded worldly pleasures and is going to Kashi, the sacred city in India. For a higher spiritual purpose, Joga is given a final opportunity to leave before the bride enters. He is asked if he would like to abandon worldly life and lead the life of an ascetic. To stop Joga from his symbolic departure to Kashi, Ron Welker, Rebecca’s brother requests Joga not to leave, but to stay and marry his sister.

11am-1:30pm
Mehndi Ceremony

Mehndi is the application of henna as a temporary form of skin decoration that is applied for special occasions, especially weddings. The tradition of henna started in India in the early days when bridal decoration was scarce. The patterns of mehndi are quite intricate. Henna is applied to Rebecca, female family members, and her closest friends in the late morning of the wedding day. Rebecca has good reason to look after her henna, for she is not expected to partake in housework until the henna is gone. This means she will not be rubbing, scrubbing, or tubbing.

6pm-7pm
Gauri Puja

In Hindu tradition, any auspicious event is commenced by a Puja. Puja is the prayer ceremony when blessings from the Gods are obtained for the event. Rebecca worships the goddess Gauri. Gauri is the Mother Durga who symbolizes divine supremacy, energy, woman power, and fertility. During this time, female relatives give their blessings to Rebecca to remove obstacles and to bring good fortune to the her. Rebecca offers prayers to the goddess Gauri seeking the blessings of prosperity and a long and happy married life.

Hinduism believes in the existence of a Supreme Being. This Being is described in the Vedas (scripture) as "unmanifest, unthinkable, and unchanging." The Supreme Being manifests in this world in different forms and at different times. Hinduism also believes that the soul is divine and eternal. It is neither created nor destroyed. When a soul has found release from this cycle of rebirth is it said to have achieved liberation (moksha).

Hinduism accepts all religions as true and valid paths to God. In the Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna says, "Whenever there is a decline in dharma (righteousness) and an increase in adharma (unrighteousness), at that time I manifest Myself." In this way, all religions are seen as the manifestation of the Divine into this world.

The Hindu Wedding

The traditional Hindu wedding is a deeply meaningful and symbolic combination of rituals and traditions. It is a ceremony that is about 4000 years old. Each phase of the ceremony has a symbolic, philosophical, and spiritual meaning. The ceremony not only joins the souls of the bride and groom, but also creates a strong tie between two families. The ceremony is traditionally performed in Sanskrit, which is the language of ancient India. Today the ceremony will be performed both in Sanskrit and English.

7:30pm
Welcoming of the Groom

Accompanied by his parents, Joga arrives at the site of the ceremony, and is greeted by the bride’s parents. The mother of the bride, Patricia Welker, welcomes the groom with an aarti (prayer). After receiving the blessings of his elders, Joga is escorted by Rebecca’s parents to the mandap (wedding altar) accompanied by his parents.

Ganesh Puja

The priest begins the ceremony with an invocation to Lord Ganesh so that his divine grace, power, love, and spiritual strength may remove all obstacles for the bride and groom. Ganesh puja is considered auspicious for any important occasion as it ensures the successful completion of the wedding ceremony.

Kanya Agaman (The Bride’s Arrival)

Rebecca arrives at the Mandap in the company of her Godfather: Steven Welker, maternal Uncle: Michael Hickey, and two eldest Aunts: Mary Ann Welker and Virginia Aharrah. As Rebecca’s family members guide her to the Mandap, they promise to guide and morally support the couple. During the bride’s entry, Julie Popplewell, Rebecca’s cousin, will play auspicious music on the oboe.

Antarpatalam

An Antarpat (a white fabric) is held in front of Joga as Rebecca makes her entrance to prevent him from seeing her. This symbolized traditional barriers and reminds the bride and groom to avoid ideological differences in marriage. The Purohit (Priest) chants the Vedic shlokas invoking

the blessings of God.

Kanyadaan (Giving away of the Bride)

Daniel Welker joins the hands of Rebecca and Joga, declaring to all gathered that he hands her to the care of the man of her heart. Dan seeks a pledge from Joga of his enduring love, fidelity, and security in caring for his daughter. Once Joga has agreed, He and Rebecca both pledge to support each other in fulfilling the four goals of human life: Dharma, the duty to lead a moral life; Artha, the duty to lead a joyous and fruitful life; Kama, the duty to lead a pleasant and productive life; Moksha, the duty to obtain enlightenment.

Sumuhurtham

The Purohit seeks the blessings of the couple’s ancestors as well as the blessings of God. Thereafter, Joga and Rebecca apply the paste made from cumin seeds and jaggery on each other’s hands. The bitter taste of cumin seeds and the sweetness of jaggery cannot be separated, applying this paste communicates that the relationship of the wedded couple is unbreakable and inseparable. The Antarpat between the two is removed at this stage. As the fabric is brought down, the couple greets each other as a gesture of their willingness to accept each other as partners in life.

Sumangli

The bride changes into a white cotton sari with a red border. This is called Mandhuparkam. White signifies purity and chastity and red signifies strength. Rebecca returns accompanied by eight married women (Sumangalis). Some hold plates full of rice and turmeric powder mixed together. The others hold plates with small lamps m ade from a mixture of rice flour, sugar and milk. Rice, the staple crop of the south, signifies abundance. The lit lamps represent sweetness and light, two qualities that the bride brings with her to this new phase of life.

Mangalsutra

Joga ties two strings (each with a golden disc representing the mangalsutra) separately around Rebecca’s neck, each with three knots to represent the strength of their union on every plane - physical, mental and spiritual.

Kanyadaan Akshata

Having tied the mangalsutra, Joga and Rebecca now exchange garlands. Those present at the wedding shower their blessings on the couple by sprinkling flowers and turmeric-coloured rice (Akshata) on them.

Havan (Lighting of the Fire)

The fire is lit outside to invoke Agni, the Vedic Deity of Fire, to be the witness and bless their marriage. The flames are enhanced by offering crushed wood and ghee (butter) into the ceremonial fire.

Saptapadi (Seven Steps)

These steps are representative of their marriage vows. The Purohit ties Joga’s cloak to Rebecca’s sari and guides them to take seven steps hand in hand around the sacred fire. The number seven refers to the earth, sun, moon, and the four planets visible to the naked eye that are all locked together in harmonious interrelationships governed by a single law.

Rebecca leads three rounds and then Joga leads four rounds, signifying that both are capable of leadership. At this time, John Aharrah fills her hand with rice, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. Rebecca will offer the rice to the sacred fire. The seven steps symbolize the following:

Step 1: To love you and be faithful always. I take this first step with you.
Step 2: To put our love and marriage in front of all social, cultural, and religious difference, with you I take this second step.
Step 3: To always respect your family. I take this third step with you.

Step 4: To be your best friend and eternal partner. With you I take this fourth step.
Step 5: For an abundance of pure and nourishing food and a life that is noble and respectful. I take this fifth step with you.
Step 6: For the welfare of all entities in the universe and for begetting noble and healthy children. I take this sixth step with you.
Step 7: For a long and joyous life that is filled with loyalty, harmony, unity, and trust. With you I take this seventh step.

Having exchanged these vows of love, devotion, and faithful union the couple agrees to be each other’s partners for eternity. Upon the completion of the seven steps and the declaration, Rebecca and Joga are officially considered husband and wife.

Arundhati Darshana

Rebecca and Joga gaze up at the pole star (Druvaloka) and meditate on stability in the marriage union. Each night as the stars rotate in the sky, the pole star (north star) always remains fixed. In the same way as life is constantly changing the union of the bride and groom should remain fixed like the pole star, Druvaloka.

Aashirvad (Blessings):

The priest offers his final blessings and good wishes to Joga and Rebecca and declares them husband and wife.

Here are the vendors for Friday, July 4th.

Hindu Temple of San Antonio (in Helotes)

Priest: Sri Lanka Ramalinga Sastry

Brian Tsai of Life Mosaics
Anne Marie's Catering

Sarovar Indian Cuisuine

Maharaja Resturant (for the sweets)

Jim Rough of Our Wedding Video

the staff of A Regal Affair

Mandala Art Gallery, Mehndi Artist: Pramod Goshai
Hilda DeHoyos of Salon Diva, Rebecca’s Hair/Make-up

Sitarist, Chuck Morrow of Austin

and Star Shuttle for getting stuck at the bottom of the hill and making it one crazy night! Like the bride's family said, it wouldn't be a Welker wedding without at least one big mishap. We were happy to keep the tradition going.

A Smiling Bride

This is Leticia. She married the man of her dreams, Jake on May 24th. We loved working with Leticia because this is pretty much how she looked the entire time. She was so happy and always smiling - it was infectious.

Here she is cooling off outside of Mission Concepcion. The only fan around. Summer came early this year and I think it was around 95 degrees. It felt like 102. She was a trooper.

Grandpa Glowacki, giving the traditional toast of the family: "Jake, put your hand on top of Leticias. I want everyone to see, this is the last time you will have the upper hand."

Parents of the Groom

Grandpa dancing with a Bridesmaid.

My hearfelt thank you to all the vendors who made this day so easy for us:

Anne Marie's Catering

Southwest School of Art and Craft

A&M Floral Elegance for body flowers

Philip Thomas Photography

MTV is calling...again

MTV wants to feature your quinceanera. I remember my own quinceanera...oops...about 22 years ago - ouch! Read the flyer below and please call or email if you have questions about the type of event they want to feature.

in lieu of the dollar dance...

Why is cousin Joe so happy? Because he won the wedding raffle. What is that - you ask?

It's this thing. We had 100 raffle tickets custom made similar to these above. We had 100 printed and they sold for $10 per ticket. So we raised $1000 for the bride and groom that evening. The prize was tailored for our family demographic - oh, yeah, did I mention this was for my baby brother's wedding this past November - back to the demographic: drinkers.

I wish I could claim credit for the idea, but it was my sister Christie. I was the one that provided all the liqeur, the favorites of the demographic. Crown Royal, Jack Daniels, Skky Vodka, Jose Cuervo Gold and the great standby Parrot Bay Coconut Rum. These were no regular size bottles. In the event a more sophisticated palette won, I threw in a few bottles of wine, champagne and truffles.

Before the raffle drawing, Cousin Joe and Uncle Jimmy were saying that if they won the basket, they would auction it off and get Michael and April more money. So, Joe, man of his word did just that.

Now throw in Uncle Danny as the auctioneer. He starts the bidding at $300. Uncle Danny has had few and sometimes hears bids that really weren't there, but they didn't mind.

There is cousin Joe, with wife Abbie, staring down Uncle Jorge who has ran the bid up to over $1000.

There is my cousin Jorge, Jr., egging on Cousin Joe as Uncle Jorge (on the right) has the high bid at $1000.

Here are Michael and April in shock as Cousin Joe bids again and gets the basket for $1300.
Wow, that's $2300 on a basket of booze. Like I said, know your target demographic.

Here is the check hand off. Woo Hoo!

Here is Joe, telling his Uncle, my dear Dad, that he would have gone higher because he wasn't leaving the reception without the basket. He made my father proud that evening. It was a family rivalry of sorts. Joe is from my Dad's side of the family, his sister's Virginia's son and Uncle Jorge, the doctor from New Mexico is my mother's brother. It was fun all around.

All photographs courtesy of Winfield Little. The dollar dance is a traditional feature at Mexican American weddings. This was our way of continuing with the dollar dance tradition of gathering money for the bride and groom for their new household in an updated fashion to fit our needs. We knew the family attending would be receptive and fun.

Intern Slot available

Twice a year, we have an available slot for internships. We had agreed to work with an intern for this summer, but her plans changed and she moved out of town....so we have a slot to fill.



If you are interested, please forward a resume to us along with the requirements from your university's department. For this summer, we are looking for an intern majoring in marketing or public relations. We are gearing up our Fall marketing campaign now, design ads for national publications, and working on a new website. Intern will also be required to assist with major fundraising gala.

Internship compensation: $1000

Additional opportunities available.

Bridal Gown Sample SALE!!

Louise Blum Bridal Salon is probably my favorite place for bridal fashion in Texas. You can find all the couture gowns you need here. They have excellent customer service and an exquisite collection. One of my favorite things besides a trunk show is the sample sale. If you are a street size six or close to it, a sample sale is a great way to get a couture gown.

I know when you look at the samples, you can see the dirt. What do you think your dress will look like at the end of the evening? Have it professionally cleaned and altered and voila! brand new gown for a fraction of the price.

Louise Blum Bridal Salon
713.622.5571
1801 Post Oak Boulevard
Houston, Texas

mobile blogging from NOLA

As an event professional, I am SHOCKED to see what is happening in front of my eyes. Having been to many Spurs games and worked many varied events - this is unacceptable.

I would hate to be the director of special events for the new orleans hornets.
I will post pics when we return to san antonio.

GO! SPURS! GO!

Congratulations Manu!

I know, I know - this is an event planners blog - but, the Spurs are a big part of our life this time of year. We have been blessed to know many players, their wives and families these past years. I'll get to the events a little later. WIth Fiesta upon us, we have 5 private events this week and pictures will be coming soon.

Manu Ginobli won Sixth Man of the Year award today.

I will see you all at the game tomorrow.

Tonight - the Cavaliers River Parade.