A Slipcover for your Wedding Album

I have discovered a very cool product: ChrysQ Luxe Slipcovers These are beautiful slipcovers for your wedding photo album. What a great way to display, carry and store your precious memories. I've seen some beautiful albums, but in the end, they just kind of sit there, either on the bookcase or coffee table. What a stylish statement, using a ChrysQ Luxe Slipcover.

ChrysQ is designed and custom manufactured by Christina Quintanilla, wife of Ben Quntanilla (a wonderful wedding photographer). As Christina describes, BenQ needed a way to display his incredible work in a manner which reflected his brand. They designed a very luxurious line of wedding album slipcovers which are just to die for. Christina has a background in fashion design and a passion for accessories, mainly handbags (my kind of gal). Her abilities in design in allow to please all personalities and styles: rockstar leather look, vintage lacy, or fiery red hot metallic. (I want fiery red hot metallic)

There are two lines available and many swatches and customization options available. The Deluxe line for this Fall is available for order until December 31, 2009. The Deluxe line changes every season (3 months) to keep up with current fashion.





The Standard Line is available year round. You can find more pictures and swatches online.



These slipcovers are available for albums as small as 4x4 and up to and larger than 16x12. Each one is custom made per the client specification. The suggested MSRP ranges from $50 - $400 and higher depending on customization. Christina's brilliance does not stop with album slipcovers. She also has iphone and laptop covers AND has designed handbags too. I am just in love with ChrysQ. Photo album slipcovers are available through your photographer, so have them give Christina a call asap. What a great Christmas gift for you family when you gift them their parent album, make sure it was wrapped in luxury, a ChrysQ Luxe Slipcover.



last two photographs courtesy of Grant Isaac Studio

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.

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.

Creative Donations for Mission Road Ministries

Bill and Delaina Harrison at their mini-shindig Jan 2006

I have posted a few times about a non-profit I am committed to serve as long as I can be of service. This year, I am assisting in production and live auction items. In the past, I have contributed to the live auction item called the "mini-shindig". Here is the back story:

Many years ago, fresh out of college, awaiting to attend medical school, I volunteered with an organization call Communities in Schools. Their summer program employed many at-risk youth (at-risk of dropping out or getting in trouble if they had nothing to do). I was in charge of 5 teens who worked at a place called Mission Road Developmental Center (now called Mission Road Ministries). The program was called the Summer Outreach And Reacreation program (SOAR) and it was their first year. It was the most amazing experience of my life and I went to college in ROME and had mass with the POPE and swam in the AEGEAN SEA! There were so many great moments from that semester, but the SOAR program eclipsed it all. I left Communities in Schools and started medical school here in San Antonio, but my heart was with MRM. I went back, asked and for applied for a part time job. I was the part time recreation director. It was a blast. I held that position for about 2 years and then left medical school (much to the dismay of the parents) to take a QMRP (qualified mental retardation professional - more on that in another post) position with the adult program. I loved it....every minute. People with disabilities are so unique, yet so much the same like the rest of us. I have been a maverick in the industry and a forward thinking and always felt I was always ahead of my peers in thinking about this population in our society. Did you know Texas has ranked consistently last or next to last in funding for people with developmental disabilities for the past 15 years...so organizations like MRM need additional funds to supplement their programs. I have worked for 5 non-profits, both public and private in my 10 year career and hands down, MRM taught me everything I know in this career path. They also rank very high in the dignity and respect category. I have always been proud to have learned from them at such a young and impressionable age and hope to continue to serve.

The staff, leaders and the clients of MRM need YOUR support. Whether it be a small donation or a call to your friend who has something of value we can auction, use or otherwise gain benefit for and continue to serve. Every year, their large scale event is the Shindig. Last year it was the Great Train Robbery, this year it is the Boot Scooting Shindig. They have included mini-shindigs as an auction item. One of those years was purchased by Bill & Delaina Harrison. I think Bill bought this by proxy so Delaina wouldn't know. He used his mini shindig to throw a surprise 39th birthday party for Delaina. She was SHOCKED. He said she would expect something for her 40th but not her 39th. All their friends came out and it was wonderful. This year I am calling on my friends in the event industry to help create another mini-shindig for the live auction.

I am also calling on all my West Texas friends. I think a good old fashioned Deer Hunt in Sutton County would be great.... Jack Wardlaw, I'll be coming to see you soon.

I am calling on my friends in Port Aransas where we like to weekend, we need a big game fishing trip too.

If you have any suggestions, please post it on the comments here.

Louise Blum Events

The following events are scheduled for Louise Blum, a top of the line bridal salon. It is worth a trip to Houston to do some dress shopping. They carry all my favorites.

February 28 , 2008 - March 1, 2008

Badgley Mischka & Anne Barge Trunk Show

March 13 - 15, 2008

Reem Acra Trunk Show

March 28 - 29, 2008

Winters & Rain Trunk Show

Featuring a fabulous collection of hairpieces, veils & jewelry

May 15 - 17, 2008

Rivini Trunk Show

We will be there for the must see Reen Acra show.

We're getting a face lift!

and no, it does not require scissors....

soon, you will see some pics of our weddings in Mexico, Spain, the Carribean, Utah, Colorado. Destinations have been great and we hope to bring the world of weddings to you.

We will also unveil our event / wedding accessory website. We have been scouring the globe for unique wedding items for our boutique. We love all things shiny and you will see many items with genuine swavorski crystals. We have been working on this since early last year.

We continue to be your best choice for your Texas Wedding Planner, Destination wedding planner, and just plain event planner for any corporate event.

hot gossip: I hear Bret Michaels of Poison fame (I am showing my age here) is coming to town for a new club opening. Keep your eyes peeled to the blog for a press release coming soon.

Great idea for wedding guest book

A great photographer, Chris Moseley, has a cool new guest book on his blog. I don't know why I haven't thought of this. This is a great way to use all those engagement photos hardly anyone gets to see.

Chris often finds himself in San Antonio for weddings and parties. Check out these beautiful photos of a birthday bash at the Pearl Stables. Chris does a wonderful job...call him today for your event.

Colin Cowie on Oprah today

Join Colin and Oprah on Friday, August 24th to once again see some of the most spectacular weddings he’s ever designed, showcased in Colin’s latest book, Extraordinary Weddings.

The second half of the show peeks inside Colin’s home to see what "living well" really means. It’s an insiders glimpse of his up-and-coming book, Colin Cowie Chic, scheduled for release this coming December.

Regal Affair Boutique....coming soon

We have been working so very hard for the past 6 months on various merchandising ventures. Here is a sneak peek (a very small sampling) of some products for sale. We have tried to pick items that are useful as small gifts. These pictures are from our "bling" section. Look for the boutique website to go live by the end of August.