To Elope Or Not To Elope

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To Elope Or Not To Elope

Welcome back lovebirds!

Today we are talking about a very hot topic: Micro Weddings and Elopements.

We know we have done a blog on this subject before…BUT today we are talking about the idea and question of whether or not you should elope…

As you know, 2020 was the year of the smaller event thanks to Covid.

Now, 2021 has been more about celebrating and finally getting to WED — BUT — micro weddings and elopements are still happening.

Are you wondering why?

We think this is a trend to stay. There is a lot to be said about the positive points for doing smaller affairs and we are going to run through some reasons on why you still might want to elope or do a micro wedding despite Covid not being the determining factor.

To Elope Or Not To Elope

Reasons TO ELOPE:

Budget Friend

Smaller weddings mean smaller guest counts which means a lot more money to go things you want to spend your budget on: photographer, food, honeymoon, etc.

Intimacy and Meaningful

Sometimes when you have a big day, it can feel a little less special and more like a show. If you have a smaller event then you may feel like you can really connect with the people who are there.

Venue/Vendor Availability

Micro weddings and elopements typically happen during the weekday or in slower seasons for wedding planning. Also, due to their size this may mean that venues and vendors have more flexibility to schedule them!

Destination Wedding Fun

When you think on a smaller scale, this might make traveling to your dream wedding destination more of a possibility! Plus, guests might be able to make it on the trip too!

Less Stress

If you are just focused on getting married and not all the fuss that can surround larger days, the likelihood that your stress level goes down goes way up!

Now, if you are wondering if there are any reasons to possibly not think smaller when it comes to your wedding, here are some reasons we came up:

Reasons to possibly NOT Elope

Inability To Celebrate With Everyone

When you go to a smaller type event, that usually means not being able to invite everyone you know to your big day. This can sometimes risk hurting people’s feelings or even make you sad not to see all the faces you want to see.

Not Getting Your “Dream Wedding”

By doing a more intimate event, some people worry that they are risking the ability to have that wedding they have always dreamt of. They think smaller means losing out on detail or sentiment…

Not as Traditional

With the idea of doing this newer “cooler” type of wedding, it is some people’s opinions that tradition of a “big day” will be lost if you do a micro wedding or elopement.

So, as you can see lovebirds, like with anything in life, there are pro’s and con’s to the idea of eloping..

We are big fans though and as we can see in the Central Texas area, lots of couples are loving this new idea and option for their special day too.

Need help knowing what venues can help you with your micro wedding or elopement?

Let us know and we will connect you with your favorite venues to discuss availability and smaller options 🙂

Until then, we can’t wait to hear about all  your planning adventures! 

Cheers to love and cheers to intimate events!

C+K

Tips for Enjoying Wedding Planning

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Tips for Enjoying Wedding Planning

 

Welcome back to the WDW Blog, lovebirds!

 

Today we are talking about a subject you know we are all too passionate about: wedding planning!

 

Since we help you with one of the first steps of wedding planning, it is important to us to help you throughout the rest of the planning journey too.

 

Wedding planning can be so hard. It is a brand new endeavor that you have never tackled before and most likely never will again either. 

 

There are so many details, so many costs, so many questions! It can be completely overwhelming!

 

However, if done correctly, wedding planning can be really exciting and enjoyable too!

Here are some of our favorite tips for making the process a lot more fun and lot less hectic for you and your love!

 

Tips for Enjoying Wedding Planning

 

Hire HELP!

We know we might sound like a broken record, but this is the most important piece of advice we can give you: HIRE A PLANNER/COORDINATOR.

These professionals are incredible and are going to make the wedding planning process so much better for you. They will help you with timeline, details, bookings, etc. Trust us, if you are feeling overwhelmed you are going to feel so much better when you hire someone to help with all the little details you haven’t even thought of yet!

 

Hire Help You Connect With!

Hiring people you bond with is also SO important. If you hire someone you don’t like or don’t trust it is not going to help anything. In fact, it may do the exact opposite and make you feel even more stressed! No fun! Make sure you really vet the people you hire, interview them, see if you can really get along with them before putting them on the job.

 

Take Time Off

You might feel like planning your wedding is a second job. In some ways, it kind of is, especially if you are on a tight timeline. However, just like a normal job, it is ok to take time off! If you need a day (not weeks or months!!) to clear your mind and not think about all things wedding, take the day to have a little break. The break will help immensely and you will be ready to jump back in and tackle more details when you revisit everything.

 

Make it a Team Effort

You don’t have to go through this alone. After all, you are getting married to someone, so let that special someone help you and jump in! They say there is strength in numbers, so let your partner join in on the fun, make decisions and be collaborative with you! It will make the process all the more special too if you work together because come wedding day you can look at the amazing day you created together!

 

Make it Fun

Wedding planning doesn’t mean you have to be on the computer or on the phone all day bored and alone. Especially if you have your partner helping out, make it a fun and relaxing experience. Maybe go on a date and during the date look at all the florists you love on Instagram. Eating and planning can totally go hand in hand. Plus what is more romantic than talking about your upcoming wedding day??

 

Hopefully all these little tips will make your wedding planning process much smoother, lovebirds!

 

It is our hope for you all that you love the journey and enjoy every moment that leads up to your special day.

 

If you are struggling or need more help, let us know! That is why we are here. 

 

Until then, take a deep breath, enjoy the process, and watch your beautiful wedding unfold!

 

Cheers,

C+K

 

WDW Venue Showcase: Mae’s Ridge

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WDW Venue Showcase: Mae’s Ridge

 

Hello again, lovebirds!

 

Today we are shedding some light on an amazing venue that we love called, Mae’s Ridge.

 

Just outside of Dripping Springs, the chic and modern barn overlooks 28 acres of incredible Hill Country Views.  

The interior is crisp and sophisticated. Like nothing else we see in the area! This venue is one of a kind and we could not recommend it enough if this is the aesthetic you want for your wedding day!

 

Ready to learn more about the amazing Mae’s Ridge?

 

Here is some history:

Joell and Rick Ebbert (the owners) have built and remodeled several homes in California, Colorado and Austin.  Joell has been an Interior Designer for 20 years and has worked on the Property Brothers HGTV series– no detail goes unnoticed!

Known as the ultimate entertainers, Joell and Rick throw parties quite often for 100+ of their closest friends and needed a space to host outside of their home.  This lead to the building of Mae’s Ridge.  Friends and family are what life is all about for the Ebberts and you are assured that they have thought of every detail to make sure your celebration.

And boy did they! From the bridal suite to the sprawling grounds, every single back drop for your wedding day will be absolutely stunning.

 

Pricing:

Monday- Thursday- $4,000 (11:00- 10:00)

Friday- $7,000  (11:00- 11:00)

Saturday- $9,000 (11:00- 11:00)

Sunday- $6,000 (11:00- 10:00)

These hours may be moved up by 2 hours (example 9:00 am to 9:00 pm).

**They allow one extra hour for clean up.

 

Planner needed?

Yes! They require you to have a “Day of” Coordinator or wedding planner so your day runs smoothly.  We can offer a list of our favorites for you to choose from and work directly with.

 

Amenities included:

– A climate controlled, modern farmhouse-style barn for indoor ceremony and/or reception

– 250 folding white ceremony chairs

– 250 rattan and white reception chairs (which are unique to Mae’s Ridge)

– Round tables for 250, cake and buffet tables

– Several gorgeous settings for ceremony spots including The Grove and Sunset Ridge and the Pavilion

– Indoor/outdoor bar and patio including a lush green lawn for lawn games and cocktail hour 

– Gorgeous bridal lounge with private bathroom and shower

– New Groom’s (or extra wedding party) room with lounge, bar, TV, covered patio

-Vendors extra room

– 2 hour photo session

– 1 hour rehearsal (time and date permitting when there is not an event) You may use this as an extra hour for on your wedding day (prior).

– An amazing preferred vendor list to assure you are in best hands

– Several fun photo  spots including: with Rusty (our cute truck that always has a smile on his face), our distressed barn with a turquoise barn door, and 360 degrees of amazing Hill Country Views

 

Have you fallen in love yet, lovebirds? We bet so!

Mae’s Ridge is always offering tours. Go there for yourself and fall in love. You will not be sorry!

If you would like us to connect you with this amazing venue, let us know too! We are here to help!

Until next time, lovebirds!

Cheers to amazing venues and cheers to LOVE,

C+K

 

**All information taken from Mae’s Ridge website**

 

 

 

Wedding Seasons: Pro’s and Con’s

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Wedding Seasons: Pro’s and Con’s

Hi there lovebirds!

Can you believe August is just around the corner??

That means that Fall weddings will soon be upon us…but with the weather still telling us it is very much summer, it has us thinking about ALL the wedding seasons.


With every season there are Pro’s and Con’s to getting married due to the time of year and what the weather has to offer.

Today we wanted to give you a little food for thought snippets when it comes to thinking about when you might want to have your wedding.


Take a look at just a handful of things to consider when picking the season for your big day!

Wedding Seasons: Pro’s and Con’s

Fall

Pro’s:

  1. The Beautiful Weather — Fall is stunning and gorgeous. There is a reason it is the favorite peak season for weddings in Texas. The climate is lovely, the scenery is gorgeous, the beauty is like no other season!
  2. Less is More — Because Fall is such a beautiful season, you really don’t have to worry about decor as much. You can let your surroundings do the talking — or simply decorate with fall themed elements like pumpkins or lanterns.

Con’s:

  1. Holiday Timing — After Halloween, the rest of the year is surrounded and based off of Holidays. Thanksgiving and December based holidays keep everyone busy, so you may possibly need to consider this when it comes to guest availability.
  2. Indoor Options Might Be Hard to Come By — Due to the fact that Fall is a peak season, it may be hard to secure any venue — but specifically booking an indoor facility might be hard too. Be sure to plan ahead of time!

Winter

Pro’s:

  1. Lower $$$ — You have to love the budget friendly seasons. Winter is a slower season for weddings in Texas so that most likely means that venues and vendors may have better pricing if you are wanting to stick to a budget.
  2. So Romantic — Winter means all the romantic things, candlelight, snuggles, warming beverages…it is all so romantic! This is a great element that goes hand in hand with weddings. What is better than a romance filled wedding?

Con’s:

  1. Baby, it is COLD Outside — The likelihood that a winter wedding is going to be chilly is high. Consider this when thinking about if a venue has warming options for guests and your attire too! You don’t want to feel icy come wedding day.
  2. Shorter Picture Windows — In the winter, the sun goes down SO early — that means that you are going to want to plan with your photographer about an earlier timeline for your big day. You don’t want to miss out on the golden hour shots!

Spring 

Pro’s: 

  1. Nature Speaks For Itself — Spring is so gorgeous! From the blooming buds, to the abundance of greenery — this season gives you such a lovely natural background for your big day.
  2. Picture Perfection — the capabilities you have for pictures — timing, lighting, etc. are pure perfection. 

Con’s:

  1. Competition is Stiff — Due to this being the MOST popular wedding season in Texas, there is a good chance that you might have to wait or really plan ahead for your wedding. Spring dates are the first to go so beware!
  2. Beware of Allergies — If you are a Texan, you know what we mean here. Pack some tissues and drink lots of water. The sneezing is bound to happen.

Summer

Pro’s:

  1. Open Calendars — with Summer being a slower part of the year for weddings, venues and vendors most likely will have some great choices for weekend dates! 
  2. Plenty of Picture Time — Summer means the longest days in the year, which means plenty of time for pictures! Soak it up and use it!

Con’s:

  1. It’s Hot In Here… — is it ever not hot in Texas?? Summer is surely warm so when thinking about getting married in this season be sure to consider ways you can keep your guests and yourself cool on the big day.
  2. Too Much Lighting — there is such thing as too much lighting, if you can believe it. During summer days the sun is usually out and brighter than ever. This can make it hard to capture darker images — so if you get married here be ready for bright pictures!

As you can see this is only a handful of things to consider when you are picking a good time to get married during the year.

There are so many things to consider, but hopefully this list will get your brain pumping and excited about what season you want to choose.

If you need help or have any seasonal based questions – let us know! We are both native Texans so we know ALL about the seasons and can help you find a venue who will be the best fit for when you want to get married.

Until then lovebirds, cheers to all four seasons and all the love!

C+K

Didi Russell: Wedding Venue Expert

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Didi Russell: Wedding Venue Expert

 

Today we are calling all lovebirds AND venue owners!

 

We are really excited to introduce you to an amazing woman who is here to help wedding couples and wedding professionals in all kinds of ways.

 

Let us introduce you to the amazing Didi Russell: Wedding Venue Expert —  of Wedding Nerd and weddingvenueowners.com.

 

This gal is one of a kind and knows about all things weddings.

We are currently working with her and learning all about wedding venues around the country so we can help our lovebirds find and book the best wedding venues in the country!


However, she can do so much more!

Here is a little bit of information about Didi:

 

Didi Russell is a self proclaimed #wedding nerd. She helps wedding venue owners connect with each other for support, information and a sense of community. She also loves helping engaged couples find wedding venues through her website’s wedding venue search map and wedding venue gallery.

 

Learn more about Didi and all her amazing offerings here:

 

Engaged Couples:

If you would like help finding a wedding venue just send Didi a request for help! She will send you a list of venues within 24 hours of your initial inquiry and will help you with any of your questions. Everything she does for couples is FREE! While she is not a planner, her knowledge is invaluable.

 

Wedding Venue Owners & Managers:

Think about joining her amazing Facebook group for wedding venue owners and managers. This is a private group where you can find incredible information on everything you need to know about contracts, daily operations, venue management, advertising – anything you can think of, is talked about in this group. Our sister company, Ma Maison is in the group and has enjoyed the experience and the people immensely! 

 

Are you starting to see why we adore working with her?

 

This woman is so passionate about weddings and can really teach you so very much whether you are a lovebird looking for a wedding venue or a venue manager looking to connect with others and learn more.

 

If you want to learn more, please visit her site here.

 

Have fun with Didi, lovebirds and friends!

 

Until next time, cheers to you and cheers to love!

C+K

 

Top 5 Things To Look For When Choosing A Venue

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Top 5 Things To Look For When Choosing A Venue

Hello again lovebirds,

As you know, we love all things wedding venues! So, today we thought we could talk about the Top 5 things we think you should look into when choosing a venue!

While there are so many details to think about when deciding on what venue you want for your wedding day, we think these five things are crucial and can really help you when it comes to decision time.

Let’s take a look!


Here are the Top 5 Things To Look For When Choosing A Venue

  1. Privacy
  2. Space
  3. Features You Like
  4. Available Backup Plans
  5. Good Customer Service

Now, let’s break them down!

Privacy:

When getting married it may be important to you that the venue belongs to just you and your event the day of. When talking to venues, see if you have to share the space! Privacy also comes into play when getting ready and preparing for the day. Especially if you aren’t sure that you want to do a first look, think about asking about a specific and private space where you and your spouse-to-be can get dressed and prepped ahead of the ceremony!

Space:

Having enough space to do everything you want during your wedding is a big deal. The most beautiful venue in the world may exist but if it cannot fit the needs of your guest count, then you may want to think about looking elsewhere (or resizing your guest list). Make sure the space can accommodate your guest count and that it has enough space to do things you want to do like have a cocktail hour, dance, photo booth, etc.!

Features You Like:

this one always has us thinking of that sentiment, “you only get married once”…well if you only do this once, it is important that you love the space you marry in. If there is something specific your heart desires in a wedding venue, like an outdoor ceremony space, lodging, or a built in bar, seek out venues that have those special details. The more you love about the space, the more you will love your wedding day. Don’t compromise on details, they will be what make you smile come the day of and when looking back at pictures.

Available Backup Plans:

Texas is known for its crazy weather. One minute it is sunny and beautiful, the next it is pouring down rain. If you really love a venue, make sure they have provisions in place come yucky weather days. THEN, make sure that rain plan is okay with you. Bad weather plans usually involve tenting (which can be more money) or doing an indoor ceremony. Do your homework here!

Good Customer Service:

Working with a great team is so important when it comes to wedding planning. See if you like the vibe your venue gives off during the tour, through email, via phone, etc. If you don’t love the staff, communication may be difficult and you do not want to deal with the additional stress during wedding planning! Make sure your personalities mesh!!

As you can see, there is a lot to think about when it comes to choosing a venue, lovebirds! 

There are even more things to consider than just what is on this list.

If you have questions or concerns about your venue prospects, let us know! We are always happy to help!

Until then, do your homework and FALL IN LOVE with a venue!

Sending you all the food luck vibes! Cheers!

Xo,

C+K


  

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