Last week, I attended my cousin Connie’s wedding. She and her husband got married at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa.

I was a little skeptical because I knew she had wanted a beautiful outdoor setting and I was thinking: Okay, so what changed? How did we go from wanting an outdoor venue to a hotel? But, she’s my cousin and if this place made her happy, I was all in, so I brought my girlfriend and off we went.

All I can say is wow. I was completely blown away. This isn’t “just” a hotel, it’s…an experience. I honestly couldn’t believe it.

We got there early so I had a chance to actually walk around and do a little exploring. Let me just say that at every turn the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa surprises.

For one thing, there are tons of indoor venues she could have picked, including two different ballrooms and an absolutely gorgeous exhibit hall. All of these are probably a little “too fancy” for me, but I was stunned by how beautiful they were, and I can just imagine all the happy couples who are destined to get married in them.

The real treasure though, was the pavilion, which is what Connie had picked out because it offers a mix of both indoor and outdoor spaces and she didn’t want her special day spoiled by the prospect of rain, so she played it safe.

Not that she needed to worry, it hasn’t rained in half of forever, but I have to say that the pavilion was beautiful, and the space is enormous. There was plenty of space and even with more than a hundred friends and family, we barely made a dent.

It’s beautiful too, and when I got a chance to talk to her a little bit before the ceremony, she told me that the choice of the pavilion was kind of agonizing. I could understand why because as pretty as the pavilion area is, it’s just one of three different outdoor venues that the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa has to offer.

The River Bend Pavilion was amazing too, but she was really tempted by the Sunday House. Her only concern there was that it’s smaller than the space she chose, at just 900 square feet, making it a great choice for small, intimate gatherings but with so many guests, she was worried there might not be enough space for everyone to move about comfortably.

I think she made the right decision given the size of her wedding but me? When I get married, I’m totally into the idea of a smaller wedding and the Sunday House looks perfect. That’s one of the best things about the resort. They offer something for everyone.

What made the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa such a great venue though, was the fact that she had lots of wedding guests coming in from out of town.

If you’ve ever done something similar (and you probably have) you know what a challenge it can be to find your way around a city that’s totally unfamiliar to you. It’s so easy to get lost and if you do, there’s a chance you might miss the wedding completely.

That’s not a concern here, since your guests can simply stay at the wedding venue. One of the perks of being both an awesome venue and a hotel, right?

On top of that, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa caters and has an IT staff on site, so you won’t have to worry about the food angle, and all of their ingredients are locally sourced.

If you want to do something high tech and incorporate video, pictures or music into your big day, you’ve got experts right there on the property that you can rely on if your technology gets uncooperative. As an added bonus, the hotel has fiber optic cable throughout and offers a massive 100-foot-wide screen projection to display those photos and videos on. Talk about larger than life!

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is a lot more than just a hotel too. My girlfriend and I both got a lot of use out of the Lantana Spa while we were staying there. Between the fantastic spa treatments and the lagoon-like pool, you might not want to go home.

If all of that sounds like a dream come true, that’s because it absolutely is. In fact, if anything, the words you’re reading here don’t really do the place justice. To get the full effect, you really need to check out the photos on the hotel’s website, or even better, book a stay for yourself and someone special. Spend a couple of days being treated like a King or Queen and enjoying all that the resort has to offer.

That’s all it will take to hook you for life and convince you that whether it’s a wedding or some other type of gathering, you need to host it here. It’s an absolutely unforgettable space with a warm, friendly staff and service that’s to die for.

The hotel has just over a thousand rooms and while we were there, I got talking with some of the staff. Did you know that every single one of them has been redecorated? These people are obsessed about details (in a good way!) and it really shows.

Best of all, after the wedding, the newlyweds can plan their honeymoon in such a way that they can spend the first few days (or even the whole thing) enjoying the hotel’s amenities. They even offer spa packages for that exact purpose (Which by the way can booked online here with booking code 33S).

Connie’s wedding was absolutely beautiful and I was absolutely stunned by the venue and everything it had to offer. It’s the perfect place for weddings, elaborate Christmas parties, and really, any occasion where you want to bring family and friends together for an unforgettable experience.

I may not get married any time soon, but even if I don’t, I’m going to host something at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. It’s just an incredible venue. Just spend one day there enjoying all that it has to offer. You’ll be hooked just like I am.

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Kingston’s Steakhouse & Venue is a new spot and is looking forward to entertaining clients in the area with its excellent service and awesome venue.

The stunning look of velvet and the romantic look of taper candles were fused to make things look magical. Fresh florals were displayed everywhere complemented by a hint of fresh citrus fruits for a radiant pop of color.

The bride felt like an absolute queen with the exquisite diamonds she wore courtesy of Siebke Hoyt Jewelers.

The cake by Sugar Flower Cake Design was an elegant masterpiece. Its simple design with edible flowers was framed by a dramatic arch of styled balloons and floral for a visual focal point in the ballroom.

The first dance was a dream-like experience for the couple. It was a magical finale where fireworks lit up as the couple were caught in their intimate bond. Carter Photography captured this breathtaking scene. Would-be couples can take this inspiration and create this magical scene in their once-in-a-lifetime event.

Vendors

Invitation Designer: Allegra Iowa City
Beauty: Essence Salon
Other: Bliss Balloons Co.
Cake Designer: Sugar Flower Cake Design
Reception Venue: Kingston’s Steakhouse & Venue
Floral Designer: Flourish By Faith
Jewelry: Siebke Hoyt
DJ: Clife DJ Company
Dress Store: Hope’s Bridal
Cinema and Video: Graphic Formation Films
Equipment Rentals: R&D Events
Photographer: Carter Photography

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Associated Vendors:

Bride & Groom: @katelynnrdorsey @avery.c.dorsey | Accommodations: The Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club | Floral Designer: Lemon Drops Weddings & Events | Photographer: The Ganeys | Bridal Boutique: CC’s Bridal Boutique | Dress Designer: Martina Liana  | Hair & Makeup: Femme Akoi | Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Cake: The Colors of Food, LLC | Bridesmaids Dresses: BHLDN | Officiant: Pastor Randy Morris | Ring Box: The Mrs. Box

The post Garden Themed Wedding Featuring A Floral Peacock appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

From The Bride

The best thing I did for my wedding was hiring Robb as our photographer. From the start, he was professional and so easy to work with. I find myself constantly looking at the pictures he took of our wedding because I simply can’t get enough of them. He gave us timeless, gorgeous wedding pictures and I will never be able to thank him enough for that!

Associated Vendors

Event Venue: WatersEdge Event and Conference Center | Reception Venue: The Renaissance Hotel | Floral Designer: It’s Your Day Wedding and Events | DJ: Encore L’Amore Events | Bridesmaid Dresses: Henri’s Cloud Nine | Cake Designer: Cindy Patrick Cakes | Photographer: Robb McCormick Photography

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A perfect wedding has all minute details in place including the colors, accessories, and wedding favors. Finding the ideal accessories and favors need not be a daunting task since online shops such as Wedding Favy make them easily accessible. Vintage glass bottles, wedding fans, heart-shaped tea infuser, and Wedding Favy lip balms are just some of the wedding favors you can give to your guests.

Custom Name Badges

It’s so helpful for your guests if the ushers and anyone doing a more hands on work are wearing name badges. It’s the little things!

Wedding Bouquets

One of the most important accessories you should never miss out on your big day is the wedding bouquet. Do you know that the color of flowers used in a wedding bouquet has a symbolic meaning? White roses represent purity while red ones signify passion. White hyacinths embody loveliness while the blue ones symbolize constancy.

Ring Bearer Pillows

Elegant ring bearer pillows usually come in colors such as ivory and gold, embellished with laces and pearls and other ornaments. Rustic burlaps are also commonly used in rustic and shabby chic weddings because of its freshness and versatility as a decor.

Flower Girl Baskets

The little ladies in your entourage are made to look even more adorable with stylish charming baskets to hold the petals. Flower girl baskets can be designed based on your wedding theme and preference. The frequently used colors for an elegant looking baskets are white, satin, ivory, and chiffon.

Dress Up Kit

Bridesmaids and groomsmen often spend a lot of money on bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen suits. Giving them accessories to match their outfits can be a good way to thank them for their support on your wedding day. This awesome accessories tri-pack has all the accessories your groomsmen will need, including cufflinks, money clip and a tie clip.

Unity Candle

Unity candles are important in every wedding ceremony. Do you know what they symbolize? When candles are lit, it signifies the bride and groom leaving and cleaving from their respective biological families and uniting as one flesh.

The designs and colors of favors, such as those customized by Bridal Shower Co, provide an additional personal touch that would surely make the wedding memorable to everyone present at the occasion.

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If you love the idea of a Christmas wedding, this post will serve as inspiration to you. Many brides and grooms choose to celebrate their wedding on Christmas day, while others simply choose to have a winter wedding with a Christmas theme. Check out some of the amazing ideas other brides had for their Christmas-themed weddings.

This aisle is absolutely stunning. It really does give the impression that the bride is walking through a snow-coated forest to meet her groom. It’s absolutely beautiful and not difficult to pull off, with the help of some branches and white spray-paint.

Instead of having a focal point table overflowing with flowers, this couple chose to have tiny Christmas trees. With the bottoms draped in white fabric and dotted with pine cones, the effect is absolutely beautiful.

A bouquet of white roses is made perfect for a Christmas-themed wedding with tiny pine cones and silver embellishments.

This beautiful and simple Christmas wedding cake is white, and features snowy branches and pine cones as embellishments.

We also love this wedding cake, featuring white and pearl snowflakes on a simple white, three-tiered cake.

Your wedding dress can be made instantly perfect for a Christmas themed wedding by adding a broad red or silver sash. Adding red flowers to your hair completes the look!

These are just a few beautiful ideas that brides have had for Christmas-themed weddings. Hopefully, these ideas will give you some inspiration for your own beautiful Christmas-themed wedding.

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There will never be the right amount of words to explain how a perfect couple can find each other in this perfectly imperfect world but you know, when they do,  it’s definitely for keeps.

From Linczak Photography – We were thrilled to be able able to kick off our wedding season with Nick and Sarah! They are as sweet as can be, and their schedule allowed for some really great photography. They opted for a first glance, which we always recommend, especially if having time for gorgeous imagery is of high importance to you. The Cleveland Renaissance Hotel was an amazing backdrop for their reception, and some of the final images we got of Nick and Sarah in the ballroom have become some of our favorite images of the past year! This day wouldn’t have been complete with the help of some great vendors, including Kirkbrides Event and Wedding Planners, Lynda Loren, Event Source, The White Flower Cake Shoppe, Jamie Huntsman, and 56 Daze.

Sarah looked completely stunning and flawless in all her photos that you can’t help but fall in love with her too! She radiated in happiness and their love just overflowed in all the parts of their wedding. What more can we say, it was love that was meant to be. 

Vendors

Photographer:  Linczak Photography
Reception Venue:Wyndham Playhouse Square

The post Nick & Sarah – An Elegance to Behold appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

From Carrie – photography.  The Bohemian Hotel in Celebration was the perfect location for Samantha and Brad’s garden wedding and Alice in Wonderland inspired reception.

Sam’s gown was stunning! Organza with just 2 small butterfly accents and sparkly Chanels. The girls had knee length flowy grey dresses with yellow heels. I absolutely loved that Brad and his mom had a special moment before ceremony. She changed it to a short lace dress to dance the night away and they exited with sparklers. I don’t think it could have been any more perfect!

Brad’s sister, Melissa, worked with Sam, and invited her to a graduation party where she and Brad first met:-)The patio had bright red chandeliers and a arch that matched it perfectly. The reception decor had lounge furniture, chess tables, and green and gold accents. Sam had swag bags for their guests with some of their favorite things.

Congrats Sam and Brad!! xoxoxo

 Vendors

Photographer: Carrie Wildes Photography
Event Designer: MMD Events
Event Designer: Amanda Allen Designs
Musicians: Breezin’ Entertainment & Productions
Event Planner:Confetti events
Makeup Artist: Michele Renee Hair and Makeup Artist Group
Event Designer: MMD Events
Cake Designer: Party Flavors Custom Cakes
Officiant: Sensational Ceremonies

The post Samantha and Brad’s – Bohemian Elegance appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

What you’ll need:

• Paint in any color you want.
• Baking Soda

How it’s done:

Mix 1 cup of paint with 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Paint it on the item you want to transform into a chalk “board” and allow it to dry for at least 24 hours. It’s that easy – the baking soda changes the paint’s texture and as it dries it becomes a surface that you can easily write on with chalk. Here are some great projects you can create:

Chalkboard Wine Glasses

For this project, just take your wine or champagne glasses and paint the bottom of the stem. Then, everyone can write their name or initials on the glass so there is no confusion during the reception.

Chalkboard Menus

For this project, you’ll need thin wood that will fit inside a frame. Paint the wood with the chalkboard paint and allow it to dry. Then, put it in the frame with no glass. You will be able to write the menu or candy bar/dessert bar items on the wood and it looks decorative and pretty.

This is a super cute idea and there is no limit to the things you can create. A simple Pinterest search for chalkboard items can reveal the hundreds of projects you can use your chalkboard paint for!

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