Texoma Bride Guide | Issue 007 | Summer/Fall 2020

A WEDDING PLANNING MAGAZINE
THE
(Texoma)
BRIDE GUIDE
ISSUE 007 | SUMMER/FALL 2020

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BALEIGH CREED PHOTOGRAPHY

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Baleigh Creed Photography
(903) 815-4444
baleighcreedphoto.com
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Finding Your Vendor Dream Team
12
The Art of Wedding Dress Shopping
14
The Blushing Bride
18
The Essential Groom Guide
24
How to Find Your Dream Venue
26
Planning the Ceremony
36
One Table at a Time
40
Lighting
43
What’s for Dinner?
44
The One Service You Don’t Want to Forget 51
A Beginner’s Guide to Wedding Invitations 52
The Perfect Cake For You
58
Five Things to Consider When Choosing Flowers 66
Why We Love Engagement Shoots and You Will Too72
Wedding Photography: What to Expect
74
Three Easy Ways to Entertain Your Guests 82
Creating the Atmosphere
84
What’s Your Honeymoon Style?
88
Vendor Directory
93
Who Pays For What
Budget Breakdown
Average Spending in Texoma
Simple Planning Checklist
Eight Phrases You Need to Know
Vendor Contracts
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10
11
13
Preparing for the Unknown
Marriage License
Serving Alcohol
Creating Your Registry
Changing Your Name
Announcements
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39
49
90
92
92
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Once you have an idea of how much you would like to spend, you should consider which
aspects of the wedding are most important to you. That will allow you to allocate more
money to those while saving on other areas.
In 2019, Texoma weddings cost an average of $17,765. To give you an idea of what things
cost in Texoma, we gathered the average wedding spending in the counties of Grayson,
Cooke, Fannin, Carter, Bryan, Love, Marshall, and Johnston. Keep in mind that not all
couples include each of these in their wedding and these are averages.
Bar Service
$2,232
Cake
$390
Catering
$4,358
Ceremony Music
$595
Day of
Coordinator
$722
Dress
$1,118
Favors
$215
Floral Design
$1,761
Full Service
Planner
$2,424
Hair & Makeup
$118
His/Her Rings
$416/$705
Invitations
$339
Officiant
$200
Wedding Day
Photographer
$1,508
Reception DJ
$705
Reception
Venue
$3433
Rehearsal Dinner
$532
Rentals
$1,651
Transportation
$459
Tuxedo
$145
Videographer
$1,018
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PLANNING
EIGHT PHRASES YOU NEED TO KNOW
The wedding industry has a language of its own, and you’re probably not used to hearing and
using these words every day. We’ve gathered some of the most common and important
phrases to get you started on learning the words and terms you’ll need to understand when
planning your wedding.
The ideal choice for couples who may not
want (or be able to afford) a full-service
planner but still want a pro the day of the
wedding to assure everything goes smoothly.
An employee of the wedding reception
venue that acts as a liaison between the bride
and groom and the venue’s operations team.
The role of a venue’s coordinator’s varies, but
typically their focus is solely to deliver their
contracted services and oversee the building
as a whole.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE MINIMUM
This is your contracted minimum spend at
your venue. In most cases it does not include
venue rental fees, service fees or taxes. Be
sure you’re clear on what counts towards
your minimum. Please please understand that
your food and beverage minimum is NOT an
estimate of your actual spend.
RSVP
The abbreviation RSVP is so well known that
its actual meaning is what needs defining. In
French, “repondez s’il vous plait” translates to
“please reply.” To avoid any last-minute guest
list headaches, require our guests to respond
“yes” or “no” at least two to three weeks
before the wedding.
Also known as COI, it’s common practice for
event venues to require vendors working in
the space, especially florists, photographers,
caterers and musicians to submit proof of
general liability insurance in the amount of
at least $1 million and to list the venue as
additionally insured for the wedding date.
That way, if anything goes wrong, neither the
venue nor you are responsible.
Unless provided by your caterer, many
venues and caterers charge an opening fee
per bottle of alcohol, wine or champagne that
you supply. The price per bottle can range
drastically, so ask ahead of time about your
venue’s regulations surrounding alcohol. Then
factor the additional cost into your budget if
you plan to bring your own bottles of vino or
are envisioning an elaborate champagne toast
at the reception.
PER-PERSON
The PP that appears next to the pricing you
see on your contracts indicates the cost per
guest or per person. You’ll want to keep an
eye out for this type of pricing structure on
anything that involves your catering or liquor
choices.
MARRIAGE LICENSE
Obtained from a state registrar’s office before
your wedding, a marriage license grants you
permission to legally wed. After the signed
license is filed, you’ll receive a marriage
certificate as record of your union.
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FINDING YOUR
VENDOR DREAM
TEAM
Selecting your wedding vendors is one of the most important aspects
of planning your wed ding! You want to choose vendors whose work
you love, that you trust and that you enjoy work ing with. Of all your
vendors you'll spend the most time with your wedding photographer
but that doesn't mean you shouldn't carefully select your florist, cake
baker and other vendors with the same level of care.
Our number one recommendation is that you communicate very
clearly with your vendors. The best way to start a relationship with
a potential vendor is to meet with them in person or at least have a
phone conversation with them. Get a feel for their personality and
how they interact with you. If you get an uneasy feeling, trust your
instincts and continue searching until you find a vendor that you feel
you can trust and work well with.
Choosing vendors that you love for both their work and their
personalities will definitely make wedding planning a more enjoyable
experi ence!
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PLANNING
VENDOR CONTRACTS
Before we get into the fun stuff like dresses, cakes and flowers, we want to take a moment
to talk a little business. Every time you hire someone to do something for your wedding, get
your agreement in writing. Go back and re-read that sentence again. Do not be intimidated by
contracts. They are legal agreements put in place to explicitly state the terms and conditions
of the work to be done, and protect both you and the vendor. Until you sign a contract and put
down a deposit, you have no guarantee that vendors will hold the date of your wedding.
After thoroughly reading through the
contract the vendor shares with you, do not
be afraid to negotiate. If your requests are
reasonable, and the vendor won’t agree to
them, do not hesitate to look elsewhere. Do
not sign the contract unless you are 100
percent comfortable with it, and with the
vendor. Then make sure both you and the
vendor each have a signed copy for your
records.
Here are some things we recommend be
included in the contract:
• Names of all parties involved in the
agreement
• Date of the wedding
• Times of all services - this should include
the time the vendor should arrive, and
when the vendor is expected to return
for pick up if applicable
• Detailed description of services
• The deposit and final payment amounts,
as well as the payment schedule
• Contingency plans and substitutions
• Cancellation and refund policy that
specifies any refund you will receive if
you cancel and what penalty the vendor
will pay if they cancel
Once signed, these contracts are legally
binding documents. If your vendors fail to
meet the terms of the contract, you could
take them to court. But the same is true for
the vendor. If you don’t hold up your end of
the deal, they could take you to court as well.
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THE ART
OF WEDDING
DRESS SHOPPING
Your wedding dress will set the tone for your entire wedding. Our best
advice: say yes to your dress as early in your wedding planning process
as possible. Not only will this relieve bridal stress, it also ensures that
the dress will arrive on time and will have plenty of time for any
needed alterations.
Wedding dresses take time to produce, and most are manufactured
overseas which can mean long shipping times and possible delays as it
goes through customs.
No matter your budget, shape, personal taste, wedding size, or
wedding type, there is a perfect dress out there just waiting for you to
find it.
Be sure to make appointments at any bridal shop you wish to visit. Plan
to visit several since they carry different designers and styles. Above all,
don’t forget to bring along your mom, your fiancé’s mom and your best
gal pals!
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THE DRESS
Before you head to your local bridal shop, favorite bridal store chain, or bridal warehouse, take
a moment to consider the theme and location of your wedding as well as your own personal,
everyday style. This will help you narrow your search. For example, a princess wedding dress
with a long train may be beautiful, but not well-suited to a breezy destination wedding on the
beach. Strapless wedding dresses may fit the standard idea of what you think a bridal dress
should be, but the time of year or location of your venue may make wedding dresses with
straps, sleeves, or a jacket more practical.
While considering these factors will certainly help you narrow the field, the most important
factors in trimming down your search are your personal style and which silhouettes make you
feel the most confident. If you hate lace, and curve-hugging dresses make you feel
self-conscious, it is probably safe to assume that all lace-covered, form fitting wedding dresses
can be crossed off the list. You want to look beautiful and bridal on your wedding day, but you
also want to be comfortable and feel like yourself.
If you don’t already know what types of dresses highlight your favorite parts and conceal those
that you aren’t that fond of – an easy place to start is by determining the best fit for your body
type.
HOURGLASS
You have a full bust and hips
with a smaller waistline.
A-line/Princess
Mermaid/Trumpet
Sheath
APPLE
You have a full bust in
relation to your small hips.
Ball Gown
Mermaid
A-line/Princess
Empire Waist
TALL AND THIN
You are proportional through
the bust and hips with an
undefined waistline.
Ball Gown
A-line/Princess
Mermaid/Trumpet
Empire Waist
PEAR
You have a small bust in
relation to full hips.
Ball Gown
A-line/Princess
Empire Waist
PETITE
Your shorter height is
proportional to your smaller
bust, hips, and waistline.
Column/Sheath
A-line/Princess
Empire Waist
FULL FIGURE
You have a fuller bust, hips,
and waist.
Ball Gown
A-line/Princess
Empire Waist
There’s so much more to know!
Download our free Wedding Dress
Guide for more wedding dress
shopping tips and tricks.
www.texomabrideguide.com
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THE DRESS
WHAT TO WEAR TO THE SALON
What you wear under the dress can make a huge
difference in how the dress fits and looks. Before
heading to the bridal salon to find your dress, put some
thought behind the type of under-things you’re going to
need for your wedding day.
BRA
Even if you think you want straps on your gown, you’ll
likely still end up trying on a dress or two without
straps, or with a different neckline. We recommend
wearing or bringing a strapless bra with you. This will
help you see what the dresses look like without your bra
straps in the way. It’s fine to go out and shop for a new
bra after you’ve found the dress, but avoid bringing or
wearing an old one that is falling apart and doesn’t make
the girls look their best. You can put it back on when you
get home. We understand.
UNDERWEAR
A marathon of trying on wedding dresses isn’t the time
to be distracted by panty lines or the peek of hot pink
lace. Don’t go completely granny panty on us, but wear
a simple pair of underwear. Something close to your
skin-tone if you have it. You’ll thank us later.
SHAPEWEAR
If you’re considering using shapewear under your dress,
bring that with you to your dress consultations. Not
all dress fabrics work well with shapewear, it’s best to
learn what works and what doesn’t before you make
your decision.
SHOES
We recommend bringing along a pair of shoes that are
a similar height to what you plan on wearing on the big
day. Most bridal boutiques have shoes you can borrow
when trying on dresses, but we prefer something we
own rather than something that doesn’t fit, isn’t the
correct height, or isn’t your style.
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Michaels Photography
THE BLUSHING BRIDE
With so many things to check off your wedding to-do list, who has
got the time to think of beauty and self-care? The answer; you
do! It’s never too early to start taking care of yourself and planning
to look your best on your wedding day is a great motivator.
Here are a few tips for looking your best in time for your big day.
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BEAUTY
• Do what you can to reduce stress. We recommend reserving at least one night a week
for some non-wedding fun with your friends or fiance, or quiet time to regroup and
catch up on your favorite shows. Any Bachelor fans out there?
• If you’re thinking of trying a new hair color or style, you’ll want to start talking with your
stylist 5 to 6 months out from the big day. That way you’ll have plenty to time to make
additional changes or grow your hair out before the big day.
• Skin care! Start a good cleansing and moisturizing program as soon as you get that ring
on your finger (if you haven’t already), and consider consulting a medical professional for
any blemishes or lines you want to fix. Looking amazing for your wedding is also a great
reason to make appointments for monthly facials if it fits within your budget.
• Examine your eating habits, but don't crash diet or seriously deprive yourself. The
easiest way to loose those stubborn few pounds is to track your calories and be mindful
of everything that passes through your lips. If you're not planning to use a nutritionist,
stick to specific goals, like incorporating more whole grains and fruits and veggies into
every meal.
• A great way to de-stress and also tone up those arms and legs is by exercising. A walk
around the block each night is an easy way to start, but a few sessions with a trainer may
help to jump-start your routine and give you some tips and tricks. Try practicing yoga;
the postures build strength and are great tension relievers as well. You'll look great, feel
better and be less stressed out.
The week leading up-to the wedding is usually stressful and full of last minute
preparations. Be sure to take time for yourself and keep these tips in mind:
• Avoid overindulging in salty snacks and alcohol in the week leading up to the wedding. We
know its hard to resist the cheese plate and the glasses of wine, but you’ll thank us later.
• Consider a bikini wax and a final eyebrow shaping so you have less things to worry about
on the day-of (and on the honeymoon!).
• Splurge on a massage. After all the work you’ve done to put together your dream day, you
deserve it. Booking a facial the week before the wedding wouldn’t be a bad idea either. But
make sure you give your face a day or two to get back to normal.
• Drink lots of water.
• Pack an emergency beauty kit of items you shouldn't leave home without.
• Deep condition your hair.
• Exfoliate your skin (with products you've tried before) to amp up your wedding day glow.
• Have a professional pedicure and manicure.
• On the day of the wedding, be sure to eat a healthy breakfast to help keep you energized
for the long day ahead.
• While you’re getting your hair and make up done (or doing them yourself), don’t forget
to wear a robe or button-down shirt that can be easily removed once you’re ready to put
on your dress. If possible, find one that matches the color of your gown, to help with the
makeup application. You could have your bouquet near by and pick up some of the colors
from the flowers for your eyes, cheeks and lips.
Above all things, sit back and enjoy the day!
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BEAUTY
Whitesboro
(903) 564-9815
texomawellness.com
Treat yourself, your fiancé and your bridal party
to one of our bridal packages put together with
overall health and wellness in mind. Enjoy
massages, foot detox sessions, sauna sessions,
gym membership and classes all at a special
price to help you look your best for the big day!
Call your nearest clinic today for
more information and pricing!
Get your skin wedding ready!
(903) 357-5108
www.nourishedmedspa.com
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BEAUTY
6 THINGS TO
KNOW BEFORE
YOUR MAKEUP
TRIAL
Your goal is to look as beautiful as possible
on your wedding day, so it’s understandable if
your makeup is one of your biggest concerns.
Once you’ve booked your makeup artist, it’s a
good idea to schedule one or two trials. This
will allow you to work out any conflicting
visions, decide on the best products for you,
and decide on a final look.
Before you have your trial, you need to find
some pictures of what you want your makeup
to look like. There are a lot of different terms
for the same thing, so providing an image of
what you want (or don’t want) can be helpful in
avoiding miscommunication. Remember that
your makeup artist may have to make some
changes based on your wedding venue, time of
year, and your skin or face type.
Discuss any skin concerns you may have with
your makeup artist before the trial run. They
may have to make adjustments to the products
they’re using, plus they’ll be more prepared
to deal with any issues that may happen on
the day of. Take care of your skin leading up to
your big day by eating healthy, drinking plenty
of water, getting facials, and seeking
dermatological help if necessary. Makeup can
be used to cover up your skin, but it’s much
better when it’s used to complement it!
Ask your makeup artist how you should touch
up your makeup throughout your wedding day.
Write down what brand and shade of products
they use, and purchase these to have on hand
in case of crying, sweating, or kissing. Your
powder and lipstick are the most likely to fade,
so it shouldn’t cost too much to make sure
your look stays on all day.
your lipstick or mascara. It’ll be much easier
to make adjustments to accommodate the veil
before the day of the wedding.
You should look like yourself on your
wedding day. If you usually wear simple,
natural makeup, it would be a jarring change
to have a dramatic look on your wedding day.
Your wedding makeup shouldn’t be a drastic
change from your everyday makeup, because
you may not like how different it makes you
look (or feel). On that same note, your makeup
shouldn’t be dated. You may think you like
defined eyebrows or extreme highlighter, but
your tastes may change down the road, and
you don’t want to look back on your
wedding pictures with regret.
Obviously, you get what you pay for. Don’t
book a makeup artist just because they’re
cheap, because you’ll want to look back at
your pictures with a smile, not a cringe at how
unprofessional your makeup looks.
Remember that the price of trials may or may
not be included in the price you agreed to pay
for the wedding day. Also, keep your bridal
party in mind. If you’re paying for their makeup
to be done, ask for an estimate based on how
many people you have.
Wear a white shirt and bring your veil along to
the appointment so that you’ll get an idea of
the final look. It’s important to have your veil
there for another reason: some veils tend to
cling to the face and can smear or take off
Bridal suite at The Wildflower
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BEAUTY
WEDDING HAIR DON’TS
When it comes to wedding planning, there are so many different things to plan
and choose. The most important decisions are the ones that directly affect how you
will feel on your big day. Things like your wedding gown, your make up, and your
hair style. You know how having a good hair day can instantly change your mood?
Your wedding hair should be that times ten. While there are steps you can take to
make sure that happens, there are also some wedding hair don’ts that you definitely
want to avoid.
First and foremost, do not, WE REPEAT, do not change your hair style or color right
before you get married. You will hate it. We promise. Stick to what you know and the
look that is classically you.
Be sure you don’t book your trial run with your hair stylist too far in advance. You’ll
want to already have your dress, shoes, and accessories picked out so you can make
sure your hair style matches the entire look. If you are wearing a veil or hairpiece,
don’t forget to bring that to your trial! Before the trial, make sure to look for
inspiration photos and bring them with you. Don’t limit yourself with just one photo.
Instead, bring lots of photos so your stylist gets a better overall picture of who you
are and what your vision is for your wedding day.
On your wedding day, do not have unrealistic expectations. You know what kind
of hair you have and what it can or cannot do. If you know you have thin hair, don’t
expect your stylist to wave her magic hair wand and transform your hair into think,
voluminous curls. (But do consider getting extensions if that’s important to you!)
Another big don’t for you wedding day: don’t forget to plan a “getting-ready” outfit!
You need to wear something with closure in the front so that you don’t mess up your
hair when changing. For example, a robe or a men’s button up shirt.
It’s also worth noting that while your mom, sister, or bridesmaids probably have the
best of intentions, what they want your hair to look like doesn’t matter. Don’t get
caught up in trying to please everyone. Stick to the hairstyle that you and your stylist
decided on to avoid any regrets afterwards.
When it’s time to plan your wedding hair style, avoid these wedding hair don’ts and
get ready for the best hair day of your life!
Learn more about our
favorite hair stylists and
make-up artists at
tbgvendors.com/beauty
Brooke Himes Hair Design
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(469) 450-0865 | himeshair
www.brookehimeshairdesign.com
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THE ESSENTIALGroom Guide
TUXEDO OR SUIT?
Today’s less formal weddings often seem suited (see what we did there?) to a more casual
approach to men’s wear. A black tuxedo with a starched white shirt and cufflinks is always a
classic and perfect for a formal event, but don’t forget how good your man looks in a suit. If
you know where to look, you can get a nice suit on sale for about the same cost as renting a
tuxedo.
Tuxedo rental businesses have caught onto this less formal trend and are now offering more
casual options for rent. This rental option may be less stressful than coordinating six men to
go shopping together to ensure they get the same slacks.
RENT OR BUY?
This question comes up repeatedly. Sure, it is more expensive to purchase a tuxedo, but you
do end up with a custom fit that may pay for itself over time. To help you decide, think about
how often you will have the opportunity to wear a tuxedo.
If you’re coordinating with the rest of the wedding party, rent. Don’t be worried about the
tuxedos looking cheap or worn out. Reputable locations rent high quality, well-constructed
garments made specifically to withstand a lot of use and dry-cleaning without wearing out.
Don’t forget to rent shoes!
The groom should be the best dressed of all the men in the wedding party. If
the photographer can’t tell the groom from a groomsman, a guest, his father in
law, or a waiter, you’re doing it wrong. Outfit your groomsmen so they
complement the groom without identically matching.
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photo by Mirranda Marrs Photography
RENTING A TUXEDO
The way tuxedo rentals used to work involved being measured, picking up your
tux the day before the wedding, and hoping everything fits and looks nice. For
most of us, this involved a trip to the Dallas area to visit the store, and then
coordinating who would make the trip after the wedding to return all the
rentals. If something didn’t fit or was missing, resolving the issue could be a
headache and usually involves another drive to Dallas.
Online tuxedo rental companies are part of a growing market of direct-toconsumer,
online retailers that are working to improve the experience of
shopping for or renting formal clothing and accessories. The process of renting
a tux online is still about the same as the in-store experience. About three
months before the wedding, the couple getting married will pick out the style
they want and inform the wedding party where to send their measurements.
The best part- everything happens online and through the mail. To help those
of us who don’t take measurements every day, most of the online sites have a
tutorial system to help renters measure their own lengths and widths.
The online rental companies mail out the tuxedos two weeks before the
wedding to give everyone a chance to make sure everything fits and is in tip-top
shape. Typically, garments from the online companies have a much shorter
rental life, usually less than 20 wears, than the traditional stores. If something
doesn’t fit right, send it back for a different size. The return process is just as
simple- each renter can drop their tuxedo in the mail using the provided prepaid
label.
Another great benefit of using an online tuxedo rental company is that they’ll
help you get in touch with everyone and make sure they’ve done their part. So
that friend who always procrastinates will be reminded that their
measurements are due, and you won’t have to lift a finger!
2 5

HOW TO FIND YOUR
DREAM VENUE
There is an adage that is as true for weddings as it is for real estate: Location, Location,
Location. Picking your Texoma area wedding venue is important and should be one of the
first items - if not the first item - on your wedding planning to-do list. After all, isn’t your
wedding just as big of an investment and as important of a life event as purchasing real
estate? We think so.
WHEN TO BOOK YOUR WEDDING VENUE
Honestly, if you’re reading this, the answer is probably now. Both ceremony and reception
venues can book up a year or more in advance, so if you want a venue that you like, can actually
afford, is in the chosen location, is convenient for your guests, has your preferred date available,
and isn’t already booked - securing a venue is your first priority.
The Pointe
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THE VENUE
CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING DATE
Many couples decide their wedding date based on any number of sentimental reasons: a dating
anniversary, when they first met, a romantic holiday, a parent or grandparent’s anniversary.
This is a lovely thought, and one you should stick to if it’s really important to you and your
partner. However, it may restrict your venue selection.
For example, let’s pretend you had your heart set on a September wedding, but you love a
venue that is not available until June of the following year. You will either have to compromise
on your date or find a different venue. It all depends on your priorities.
It is a good idea to discuss and decide your wedding planning priorities with your partner
before officially booking any venue. It is also important to remember that your wedding date
isn’t officially reserved until you sign the venue contract, and, in most cases, not until you pay
the deposit.
TWO DIFFERENT VENUES, OR ONE VENUE
If you want to have a religious ceremony in the church where you grew up, but the church
doesn’t have the facilities to support the type of reception you want, you will want to find a
separate reception venue. If getting married in a church isn’t a priority, there are plenty of
options in Texoma with beautiful ceremony sites and plenty of space for you and your guests to
party the night away.
If you do choose two venues, map out the logistics of how you and your guests will travel from
the ceremony to the reception, and plan to provide transportation for the bridal party at a
minimum. Parking is also something to consider as many cars shift from one location to
another.
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THE VENUE
6196 N3860 Road Bokchito, Oklahoma 74726 THERANCHVENUE.ORG
www.weddingsonpointe.com (918) 508-6402
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THE VENUE
2611 E DAIRY LANE | TISHOMINGO, OKLAHOMA 73460
THEWILDFLOWEROK.COM
Leonard, TX
Contact us to schedule a tour today!
info@magnoliagraceranch.com
magnoliagraceranch.com
(214) 560-4222
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THE VENUE
Leonard, TX
Our stunning three acre
waterfront venue is
nestled among the pecan
trees giving a perfect
setting for an outdoor
ceremony or bring the
outdoors in. Along with
eighty-three acres
surround by scenic views,
our tranquil oasis is a
place to make your
wedding day dreams
come true.
(903) 505-9349
whisperingwatersranch.com
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THE VENUE
THE CEREMONY VENUE
The ceremony venue is arguably one of the
most important aspects of your wedding, as
this is the place where you and your fiancé will
be married in front of your friends and family.
While you want it to be special and reflective
of your love for each other, there are some
logistical things to consider before booking
the ceremony venue.
Think about how you want your ceremony to
flow. Is having a center aisle for you to walk
down to your fiancé at the beginning of the
ceremony important? Where will your
attendants stand? Will you be kneeling at any
time in your ceremony? Is there space for
musical accompaniment? Make sure the
ceremony space can accommodate your
vision for your ceremony.
THE RECEPTION VENUE
You’ll want to ensure that your reception
venue has enough room to accommodate
all your guests comfortably as well as the
activities you’ve planned for your wedding
reception. As you look around, try to envision
the way the space would be used. In addition
to places for guests to eat and mingle,
consider the space and layout needed for the
cake, gifts, dance floor, photo booth, etc.
Learn about the restrictions and rules
associated with the venue. If you absolutely
love the venue, knowing these restrictions will
help you incorporate them into your vision for
your day. For example, if the reception must
end at 9 p.m. sharp because of noise restrictions
but you want to dance the night away,
consider having an after-party elsewhere to
keep the festivities going.
INDOOR OR OUTDOOR
Rustic, outdoor weddings have become a
popular trend in the last few years. If you
have your heart set on an outdoor wedding,
please keep two things in mind: the weather
and a backup plan. We know it is obvious, but
planning an outdoor wedding in Texoma in
the heat of the summer is not something we
would recommend.
In case of bad weather, make sure your venue
has a building or other covered space that
could be used or plan to rent a tent. Keep
in mind that rented tents do not look like
camping tents or the awnings you see over
cookouts at the park. They are large
structures that can be accessorized with
other rental items such as lights, fabric, and
floor coverings, and truly rival any indoor
space.
Other things to keep in mind when planning
an outdoor wedding include bugs, a power
source, restroom facilities, and accessibility.
The more rural the location, the more
amenities you will have to provide.
INTIMATE
WEDDING &
EVENT VENUE
810 N Frisco Rd
Sherman, Texas 75090
facebook.com/thegardensherman
(903) 513-9605
3 1

THE VENUE
QUESTIONS TO ASK
• Is our date available?
• Are there others looking to rent your
venue on our date?
• What is the facility rental fee, and what is
included in that fee?
• What is the length of the facility rental?
Are there overtime fees if the wedding
reception lasts longer?
• For outdoor weddings, what is the
alternative plan if it rains?
• When can we get into the facility to
begin decorating for the wedding?
• What is the required deposit and when
is it due?
• When is the balance on the facility fee
due?
• What is the cancellation policy?
• Is there, or can you set-up, a coat room?
• Are candles or open flames allowed?
• Does the site have any noise or music
restrictions?
• Are there any decorating restrictions?
• Will there be another event on the site
during, before or after ours? If so, how
will this impact our event?
• What on-site staff do you provide for the
day of the wedding?
• What type of clean-up is required?
• Is there a fee for security personnel?
• Will there be enough parking for my
guests?
• Do you offer valet services?
CEREMONY VENUE
• Are there changing rooms for the bridal
party?
• Are there picturesque locations for
photos, both inside and out?
• Do you have an in-house pianist or
organist that we could use?
• Is there a podium and/or a microphone?
Is there a sound system?
• Will you allow photographs and videos
during the ceremony?
RECEPTION VENUE
• Is there an in-house caterer or a list of
preferred caterers? If so, are they
exclusive caterers, or can we bring in our
own?
• Are there on-site kitchen facilities? What
do they include?
• Do you allow alcohol to be served? If so,
what are your policies?
Learn more about our favorite Texoma
venues at tbgvendors.com/venues
Before signing a contract with your wedding venue, ask if there are any special
permits you need or ordinances to note regarding noise, alcohol or time
restrictions. Also consider special permits you may need for a reception held on
private property. A backyard reception in may require parking permits from the
city beforehand so guests don’t need to worry about their vehicles.
32

THE VENUE
PREPARING FOR THE UNKNOWN
The day has finally arrived. It’s your wedding day! You’ve been planning this event down to
the very last detail for over a year and nothing could go wrong. Except when it does. Best
case scenario, it rains on your big day and you must rent an expensive tent for your outdoor
ceremony and reception at the last minute. Worst case scenario, someone drinks too much at
your reception, drives under the influence, gets in a crash, and ends up suing you.
Wedding insurance exists to protect your investment in your big day from circumstances
beyond your control. We also recommend that you check with each of your vendors to see if
they have their own insurance so you don’t pay for overlapping coverage.
There are two different types of wedding insurance available, which provide different types of
protection for you, your venue, and your wedding. Be sure you understand the differences:
Wedding Liability Insurance: Some venues require couples to purchase this for protection in
the event of injuries, property damage or alcohol-related accidents.
Cancellation/Postponement Insurance: In case of unpredictable illness, inclement weather, no
show vendors, damage to gifts or to the bride’s dress, etc.
Please note that the above statement is for informational purposes only. All statements are
subject to the provisions, exclusions, and conditions of the applicable policy. For an actual
description of all coverages, terms, and conditions, please speak with an insurance agent.
Pottsboro, TX
texomadestinations.com
(903) 361-8500
297 Cemetery Rd., Pottsboro, TX
www.grayacresvenue.com 903-647-8923
3 3

THE VENUE
Ranch 82
All day access to the
venue and outdoor
space
6000 sq feet of space
in main hall with
open floor plan,
seating up to 300
guests
12265 E US HWY 82
Whitesboro, TX
(469) 396-5070
ranch82.com
5015 South US 75 Denison, Texas
903-463-3331
34

TRANSPORATION
LIMO OR PARTY BUS?
When making plans for wedding transportation, you will want to consider all the different
places people will be moving between. Will you need to move people from the getting ready
location to the ceremony and then to the reception? Who will you be providing transportation
for?
You will want to make sure your important guests, such as parents, grandparents and the
wedding party, have a way to get around. You don’t necessarily have to rent a limo to for them
to ride in, but make sure there is a plan to get them from one place to another. Hiring
professional transportation is one way to ease the stress of coordinating rides or worrying
about designated drivers. If parking is going to be an issue at your wedding venue, consider
renting a party bus to move guests.
Most planning checklists recommend booking your transportation at least four months in
advance. However, if you’re getting married during prom and graduation season, you will want
to book your transportation even earlier due to demand.
As with all vendors you’re hiring for your wedding, be sure to get all of the details in writing
from your transportation company. You will want to confirm that the company is licensed and
insured. This means the drivers have received the proper training and the vehicles meet all the
legal requirements for operation.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
Hannah Hix, Photographer
• What car types, sizes and colors do you
have available?
• What is the passenger capacity?
• Do you charge by the hour, or by
mileage?
• What does the driver wear?
• What amenities do your vehicles have?
• Are any food and beverages provided in
our rental?
• What does the your insurance policy
cover?
• What are your cancellation and refund
policies?
3 5

Bethel Rock
PLANNING THE
CEREMONY
Planning the party is the most fun and takes the most time, but don’t wait
until the last moment to plan the ceremony. When you’re not
stressing over floral arrangements or frosting flavors, take the time to schedule
a time to sort out your ceremony. Here’s everything you need to know.
36

CEREMONY
TYPE OF CEREMONY
The first order of business is to decide
whether you want a religious or secular
ceremony. There is no right or wrong answer,
and one is not necessarily easier than the
other. As with all decisions you have to make
when planning your wedding, this is your day
and you should get married in an environment
that suits you both.
If you and your fiancé are considering a
religious ceremony, remember that some
religious services require a specific location,
like a church, temple, or mosque. However,
some religious officiants will be glad to go
to an untraditional location. Consult with
the officiants you are considering before
you make final decisions to avoid any
uncomfortable situations. Also, remember
that you may be required to be a member of
a specific religious institution if you want to
be married on their property.
A civil ceremony is one that is still legal, but
the exact requirements you need to meet
vary from state to state, and even from
county to county. Having a civil ceremony
means that you’re free to be more
Wcreative with the elements you want to
add or remove, or to have a destination
wedding or an elopement. That’s not to say
that you couldn’t make a religious ceremony
work for all of those, but it will be much
simpler to create an untraditional wedding
with a civil ceremony.
When it comes to who will be marrying you,
you’ll need to check out the legal
requirements for your area once again. If
you have any questions, you can always
contact the county clerk’s office in the city
where you will be having the ceremony
to find an officiant that will fit your needs.
Keep in mind that if you want to be married
by a close friend or family member, they’ll
need to be ordained first. After you’ve
found your officiant, follow up about
paperwork, fees, or counselling that may
be required before you can be considered
legally married.
VOWS
Hilo Sisters Macramé
If you and your fiancé decide to write
personal vows, we recommend setting
some guidelines before you begin
writing. Maybe limit them to 30 seconds
or a minute, or say that you’re both going
to tell a story about your life as a couple.
Begin by collecting inspiration from old
texts or love letters, other weddings,
books, or movies and documenting them
somewhere. About a month before
your wedding, compile your gathered
thoughts into a draft. Remember that
this is just your first attempt, so it’s fine
if it’s a little choppy or rambling. Wait a
couple of days, then come back to edit.
Read it aloud and make sure it sounds
like you, because you’re the one getting
married.
As your wedding day nears, go back and
review your vows periodically. Read and
re-read for clarity, and work in additional
thoughts as they come to you. By taking
the time to write your vows over the
weeks leading up to your wedding and
not waiting until the last minute, you will
not only be confident in your words, but
you will know that you put your best self
into them.
3 7

CEREMONY
CEREMONY ORDER
The basic order of events can be applied to almost any ceremony, but you may want to add
or take away any elements that don’t fit your wedding vision. We recommend including your
officiant in the planning of your ceremony, as they will know more about what is practical.
Prelude: It is customary to have music play as your guests begin to arrive for the ceremony.
Processional: This is a fancy word for special guests and the wedding party entering the
church to take their place. This usually concludes with the entrance of the bride.
Greeting: The wedding officiant will usually say a few words to welcome your guests, remind
them to turn off their cell phones, and thank them for coming.
Address or Homily: This is the time for your officiant to share personal details about you and
your fiancé, or for a sermon if you’re having a church wedding.
Declaration of Intent: This is the only legally required aspect of the ceremony. The officiant
will ask you to take your fiancé as your legally wedded partner, and you will answer with “I
do”, or “I will”, or something to that effect.
Unity Ritual: If you want to include a special ceremony signify your bond, this is a good time
to do so. You could also do this after exchanging rings, if that would suit your vision.
Exchanging of the Vows: This is where you recite your personal vows, or repeat after the
officiant using traditional wording.
Exchanging of the Rings: These vows are different than the above vows, but are usually very
short and done “repeat-after-me” style.
Closing Remarks and Declaration: The officiant may offer a blessing, a benediction, or piece
of advice before declaring that you’re married and announcing the kiss.
Recessional: The opposite of the processional, this is a fancy word for everybody leaves the
church, and heads to the party!
Arielle Humphries Photography
38

PLANNING
YOU CAN’T LEGALLY GET MARRIED
WITHOUT A LICENSE
While planning your wedding can
be fun with things like cake tastings,
dance lessons and finding the perfect
entertainment, there are some
strings attached to tying the knot
Understanding the ins and outs getting
your marriage license is just as important
as picking out linens or finding the
perfect dress.
Marriage licenses must be obtained from
the county clerk’s office and presented
to your officiant prior to the beginning
of your wedding ceremony. Following
the ceremony, the officiant fills out the
license, and asks the witnesses, usually
the maid of honor and best man, to sign
it. Some officiants will file the license for
you at the courthouse, or you will have
to do it yourself. Once the license is filed
and processed, you will receive your
marriage certificate.
The cost, requirements, and validity
varies between Oklahoma and Texas, but
you don’t have to be a resident of either
state to get married there. Be sure to
research the state’s marriage license
requirements where you will be getting
married so that you understand the
time-lines and associated costs.
photo by Cromer & Co
GRAYSON COUNTY, TEXAS
100 W Houston, Suite 17, Sherman
(903) 813-4283
COOKE COUNTY, TEXAS
216 West Pecan Street, Gainesville
(940) 668-5420
FANNIN COUNTY, TEXAS
800 E. 2nd Street, Bonham
(903) 583-7486
LAMAR COUNTY, TEXAS
119 North Main, Paris
(903) 737-2420
WICHITA COUNTY, TEXAS
900 7th St, Room 250, Wichita Falls
(940) 766-8100
BRYAN COUNTY, OKLAHOMA
402 W Evergreen St #C1, Durant
(580) 924-1446
CARTER COUNTY, OKLAHOMA
20 B St SW #203, Ardmore
(580) 223-5253
JOHNSTON COUNTY, OKLAHOMA
403 W Main St #101, Tishomingo
(580) 371-3184
LOVE COUNTY, OKLAHOMA
405 West Main, #203, Marietta
(580) 276-3059
MARSHALL COUNTY, OKLAHOMA
219 Plaza, Madill
(580) 795-3220
3 9

The Hills of Luella
ONE TABLE AT A TIME
Remember all of those amazing photos you have seen of your venue? The
space did not start out the day looking like that. Most likely, the majority
of those items were rented. It takes a keen eye for colors, textures, and
lighting to create the look and feel you see in those photos. We’ve got a
few pointers to help even the most un-stylish have a beautifully styled
wedding.
40

RENTALS & DECOR
Don’t make assumptions that your venue comes with anything. If you’ve booked a raw space,
get ready to rent everything down to the bathrooms. Please don’t forget those or you’ll have
some unhappy guests. If you’re planning an outdoor event, it goes without saying, you will
need to make sure you have a backup plan. Be sure to have a tent or other covering on standby
to ensure the comfort and safety of your guests.
If you’re lucky, your venue comes with chairs and tables, maybe even cloths for those tables.
Those chairs are probably standard folding chairs, and the tablecloths are probably white. Your
caterer may provide standard white plates and unremarkable flatware. All of that is fine, but
why not glam it up a bit?
From a photography point of view, consider the two most photographed spaces of the day: the
altar where you say your vows and the head table at the reception where the married couple
sit and where the toasts are usually given. Instead of spending your money on tiny details like
custom candy or elaborate escort cards, we recommend investing in something that will not
only enhance the feel of your wedding but will really enhance your images as well! Couples are
often afraid to even dream about rentals because they assume it will be outside their budget,
but it’s more affordable than you may think.
You can rent crowd-pleasers such as cotton candy makers and popcorn machines for a late
night snack. If the weather is going to get cooler when the sun sets, propane space heaters are
always a nice thing to have on hand for outdoor spaces.
RENT OR BUY?
Ah, this question again. You did read the
section on Groom’s Attire, didn’t you? The
idea is the same, but on a much larger scale.
One of the main benefits of renting: storage.
Sure, you can buy 15 teal tablecloths, but
what are you going to do with them after the
wedding? You can take the time to sell them
online, but at the end of the day, it may end up
being cheaper (and less hassle) to rent them.
Rental companies have an amazing collection
of goods they’re more than happy to let you
use for your event. Companies that specialize
in event rentals have high quality items that
are in great shape. These items get cleaned
after every event, and are replaced once they
start looking less than their best.
Remember to order a few more than what
you think you will need. It is always better to
have extra chairs than to make a guest stand
because you don’t have enough. Talk to your
vendors, particularly your caterer, about other
types of rentals you may need.
DELIVERY & SET UP
Delivery and set-up before the event, and
pick-up after the event, are just as important
as the rental items themselves. When
selecting your venue, think about the items
you’ll want to rent and where they will go.
This will help you determine how difficult it
will be to get the items delivered and set up at
the venue. It is also important to have an idea
of how long set-up and tear-down will take.
This may impact your venue rental time.
Be sure to find out when rental items need to
be removed from the venue after the
reception and who is responsible for getting
them back to the rental company. Assign
someone in the bridal party to oversee this
task on your wedding day, even if the rental
company is responsible for picking up the
items.
Follow up with your rental company to finalize
your rentals two to three months before your
wedding.
4 1

RENTALS & DECOR
Tables
Chairs
Linens
Tents
Decor
Lighting
Flowers
Bathrooms
Draping
Party Rentals
Tuxedo Rental
Catering
Tableware
Cake Stands
Bounce Houses
Dance Floor
Invitations
www.a1wedding.com
903-463-7709
Magicians
Entertainers
Decor
Balloon Sculptures
& More
580-931-9083
info@texomaparties.com
www.TexomaParties.com
facebook.com/hilosisters 903-267-9054
42

LIGHTING
Lighting by Cadence Studios
If you’re using a DJ, they may bring their
own lights for the dance floor, but there
are other ways to use lights to add color
and ambiance to your wedding. When
done well, lighting can make everything
look better, from your wedding cake to
your guests.
Where you celebrate will greatly impact
the kind of lighting you’ll need. Before
settling on a concept, try to plan a site visit
for the same time of day as your
wedding—you’ll get a better idea of how
much lighting, whether natural or built-in,
exists in the space you’re using.
Uplighting is one of the more popular
wedding lighting options, and for good
reason too. The proper placement of
uplighting can do wonders and transform
even the most basic of spaces into a
dramatic room. Uplighting creates a new
perspective on familiar items.
Architectural features like columns,
windows, and ceilings can be lit for
ambient effect. Materials like unfinished
brick and plaster often look dynamic and
beautiful when uplit. This adds a flash
of drama that is crucial in an otherwise
ordinary space.
TERMS TO KNOW
While there are many different types of lighting
that can be used, here are the most common
types of lighting used for wedding decor.
Pin spot: A focused beam of light that shines
directly onto an object, like a centerpiece or
wedding cake, as a highlight effect.
Color wash: Basically a blanket of colored light
covering an entire area to create a mood or
change the look of built-in décor.
Gobos: Circular stencils that are put over a light
to project a design or pattern onto a wall, ceiling
or floor. Monograms, dates and wedding motifs
are popular gobo designs.
String lighting: A strand of lights that can create
a magical effect (think Christmas or market
lights). An installation can be labor-intensive, but
the lighting itself is fairly budget-friendly.
Uplights: Small lighting units that are placed on
the floor around the perimeter of your venue.
The lights will illuminate the walls from floor to
ceiling with colored light.
4 3

CATERING
Bon Appetit Y’all
WHAT’S FOR DINNER?
From plated dinners to food trucks set up outside the reception venue, the options for
feeding your wedding guests are growing every day. We recommend tackling this to-do
fairly early in your planning process just because the best caterers tend to book up well in
advance. Don’t assume that your catering costs as are going to be similar to costs at a
restaurant. In most cases, it is more expensive because catering is personalized to your
tastes.
44

CATERING
If your venue comes with a caterer or if you’re using an outside caterer, meet with the person
who will be providing food for your wedding. Talk with them about your wedding plans, sample
some of the dishes they recommend, and get comfortable that this caterer will truly treat your
guests well. Most caterers will offer a few selections for you to try to get an idea of what they
recommend for your event. This tasting is definitely on our list of our favorite things about
planning a wedding.
A buffet dinner is most likely going to be the most economic way to serve all your wedding
guests a good meal without blowing your budget. Interactive food stations set up around the
reception room are a trend with weddings right now. These stations are usually hosted by a
chef or member of the catering staff to help your guests customize their selections. Having
these stations spread out keeps down the line of guests waiting for food. However, one of the
quickest ways your catering bill can add up is for the labor your catering company provides to
the event. Take a close look at how many servers, chefs, or other staff they have allocated to
your event on the invoice, and ask your caterer if there’s any way to cut down those costs. It
can be as simple as opting for stationary instead of tray-passed appetizers.
Find your caterer at tbgvendors.com/catering
Be sure that you and your new spouse take the time to eat during the
reception! You’ve got a night full of dancing and merriment ahead of you so
you’re going to need the food!
Catering &
Rehearsal
Dinners
Let Chef Robert
make your wedding
unforgettable with
a custom-designed,
made from-scratch
meal for you
and your guests.
903.821.8115
chefrobertaranson.com
4 5

CATERING
QUESTIONS TO ASK
• Can you provide examples of suggested
menus and prices?
• Considering our needs and budget, what
suggestions do you have?
• When is the deadline for making menu
selections?
• Are you familiar with our wedding site?
• Do you have any kitchen requirements?
• Do you have a minimum? If so, how
much?
• Are tax and gratuities extra?
• Does the cost cover set-up before the
reception and clean-up following?
• How long will the food be available to
guests?
• What happens to any leftover food?
• What are your deposit and cancellation
policies?
• Do you provide staff to serve, refresh the
buffet, tidy up used dishes, etc.?
• Do you supply and serve beverages? Is
there an extra fee for this service? Are
you licensed to serve alcohol?
• What is the deadline for the final guest
count?
• Do you provide linens, dishes, cutlery, or
other service items? Are there options
for me to select?
• Are you able to handle special requests
such as food allergies, kids menu, etc.?
• Will you cut the cake and supply plates
and forks? Is there an extra fee for this?
UPSCALE DINING... THE WAY IT WAS MEANT TO BE.
CATERING REHEARSALS RECEPTIONS
115 S. TRAVIS ST.
SHERMAN, TX 75090
903-892-8409
WWW.FULBELLIS.COM
46

CATERING
at WinStar Casino
FINE CUISINE
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE
PRIVATE EVENTS &
CATERINGS
580.276.1484 I KirbysSteakhouse.com
4 7

CATERING
FEEDING YOUR VENDORS
You should plan to feed any
wedding professional who will be
there with you at the reception.
This includes your photographer,
videographer, DJ and band at a
minimum.
Before you sign contract with
your vendors, make sure you
understand what the vendor is
expecting to be fed. Some vendors
are okay with not being served
the same meal that guests will
receive. Talk to your caterer about
what they offer for vendor meals.
Sometimes it is included in your
catering fee, while other times it
is at a lower price than food for
your guests, depending on what is
offered. When you’re confirming
your final guest count, be sure to
give your caterer the final count
for vendor meals, too.
Food display by Kirby’s Steakhouse
HAPPINESS
ON TAP
SERVING
PROSECCO &
CRAFT BEER
Bubbles and Brews Dallas
cindy@getcozybars.com
214-957-8561
@bubblesandbrewsdallas
Bubbles and Brews OKC
OKC@getcozybars.com
405-255-1239
@bubblesandbrewsokc
48

CATERING
SERVING ALCOHOL
If you are planning on serving alcohol at your
wedding, you will want to bring this up with any
venue as you are touring to get an understanding of
their policies. Some venues require couples to hire
their own bartender and an off duty police officer
for security. Others will provide one or the other. If
your caterer can offer bartending services, then try
to work a deal into your catering package. It may be
more economical to supply your own alcohol if your
venue allows it, even if they charge a corkage fee.
If you’ve ever ordered a drink in a restaurant, you
know that mark-ups on alcohol are quite steep, so
you’re better off stocking the bar yourself, if that’s
an option.
The cost of providing alcohol to your guests should
not be overlooked or underestimated. Determining
your booze budget is the first step in deciding which
kind of bar you want to have at your wedding. You
want everyone to have fun but serving alcohol at
your wedding can easily break the bank without
some careful planning in advance.
Purchasing alcohol in bulk from Costco or Sam’s is
an economical choice for couples who want to be
mindful of their alcohol budget. But the costs still
add up. One way to minimize alcohol costs is to
only serve beer and wine, but if your heart is set on
serving liquor, having a signature cocktail or two on
your menu is an economical option.
Bubbles and Brews
If an open bar simply doesn’t fit into your budget,
there are a few other options you should consider
before going straight to a cash bar. You could choose
to have an open bar during cocktail hour, then
switch to wine and beer only for dinner and dancing.
If the cost is still too steep, try to host at least part
of the evening, then switch to a cash bar during
dancing. If your guests want a third or fourth drink,
they’ll be more willing to take out some cash if their
first and second drinks were free.
This is also an appropriate moment to bring up
insurance. Anyone serving alcohol needs to have
liability insurance, including your caterer. If your
wedding guests leave your party after taking
advantage of the open bar and injure themselves, a
third party or damage property, you could be held
responsible. Liability insurance will minimize how
much you’ll have to pay if something goes wrong.
4 9

Marriage means
sharing the rest of your
life with your best friend,
knowing that there is
always someone by your
side, through all the ups
and downs, and that you
will always have someone
who has to laugh at your
bad jokes.
Gray Acres Venue
50

STAFF
THE ONE SERVICE YOU DON’T WANT TO FORGET
While your party certainly cannot happen without you, there are some other notable people
that are necessary beyond an officiant and guests. If your party location or catering package
does not include servers, you’ll need to hire wait staff and bartenders.
Service staff truly are the heroes of all celebrations. They operate in the background by helping
with set up before the event, clearing tables, restocking the food displays during service, and
cleaning up at the end. If you haven’t made arrangements with your caterer or
planner/coordinator, they can also be tasked with cutting and distributing the cake to your
guests.
Certified bar staff should be hired to serve any alcoholic beverages to guests. This includes
specialty drinks, mixed drinks, beer and wine. They will keep the area clean and help manage
guest consumption. When interviewing bartending companies, you will want to verify that the
staff will stay with the alcohol at ALL times until it is released to an individual of the wedding
party at the end of the evening. They should also be TABC Certified, part of the American
Bartending Association and fully insured.
The great thing about event staffing companies is that they can often fulfill all of your event
staffing needs. An expert event staffing company can help you identify your needs based on the
number of guests, venue, and event type. We normally recommend the industry standard of 1
member of staff per 10-12 guests for a plated dinner or 1 member of staff for every 30 guests
for passed items like hors d’oeuvres.
Server Staff & Bartending Company
www.servicegemevents.com
5 1

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO
WEDDING INVITATIONS
Photo by Baleigh Creed Photography
52

While most aspects of your wedding don’t follow a strict set of rules, your
invitations do. However, keep in mind that knowing the rules and proper
etiquette will also give you the tools and knowledge to bend them just a little
to suit your needs. The presentation of information on your invitations can
vary widely based on your style, colors and theme but all the basic pieces
still need to be there.
Although subtle, your invitation is the first clue that your guests will get as to
the formality of your wedding. A traditional letter press printed invitation with
simple colors and addressed with calligraphy would be used for a wedding that
is more formal in nature, whereas a square invitation with a playful font and
bright colors would fit a more casual celebration. Regardless of design, many
couples still use formal wording on their invitations. The lifetime commitment
you’re making in front of your family and friends is a significant event, and most
couples approach the ceremony with decorum.
You should also be mindful of the costs associated with mailing non-standard
sized envelopes. Post offices have machines that can only process certain
envelope sizes, generally rectangles that are a minimum of 3.5 by 5 inches to a
maximum of 6.125 by 11 inches. If your envelopes are a non-standard shape,
for example square, you may end up paying a surcharge, usually around 20
cents per envelope, for hand-processing.
Keep in mind that the size of your guest list does not equal the number of
invitations you will be sending out. Don’t make the mistake of ordering double,
or even triple the number of invitations because you didn’t pay attention.
“CAN’T I JUST SEND OUT AN E-VITE
OR CREATE A FACEBOOK EVENT?”
We know putting on a wedding is expensive,
and sending invitations via email or another
internet platform is basically free.
Most etiquette gurus still recommend paper
wedding invitations. They tend to set the tone,
establish expectations and specifically state
who is invited to the wedding. This can be
hard to do with electronic invitations.
There are also a large number of places you
can purchase pre-designed invitations and
print them at home to help stretch your
budget.
Find your stationer at
tbgvendors.com/invitations
BUYING POSTAGE
Before purchasing stamps, take an
assembled invitation to the post office and
have it weighed. Inserts can add additional
weight, or unusually shaped envelopes will
require extra postage. Skipping this step could
result in your invitations being returned for
insufficient postage. This would throw your
entire timeline off because the invitations
would arrive late, plus you’d have to purchase
new envelopes, re-address them and
purchase the correct postage to send them
out again. Take our advice, and get your
envelopes weighed.
Once you are sure you know how much it will
cost in postage to mail your invitations, you
can look in to purchasing wedding-themed
stamps. It’s certainly not required, regular
stamps will work, but adds a special touch to
your envelopes!
5 3

INVITATIONS
THE ANATOMY OF A WEDDING INVITATION
The wording on your wedding invitation should reflect the formality, location, and hosts of
your wedding. There are many different approaches-- simple, traditional, and even fun -- that
allow you to express the type of event your guests can expect. Our advice is to come up with
wording that makes sense to you and your partner, and causes minimal conflicts with your
family.
THE HOST LINE:
As the opening of your invitation, this is where you specify who is throwing the party.
INVITATION:
This is where you let people know what is going on. “The honor of your presence” is only used
if the ceremony is taking place in a house of worship. “The pleasure of your company” is used in
all other venues.
Depending on how you wish to word the invitation, this line and the name line can switch.
NAMES:
This lets your guests know who is getting married. Traditionally, the bride’s name goes first,
and only the first and middle names are printed followed by the groom’s full name on a
different line. But the rules are changing, and it is up to you what you put here. If you’re slightly
embarrassed by your middle name, leave it off.
CEREMONY INFORMATION:
This is the crucial part of the invitation. This lets your guests know the date, time and
location of your wedding. It is useful to list the address of the venue, but sometimes this is
excluded.
RECEPTION INFORMATION:
If your reception is in the same location as your ceremony, your job is easy. Just include
‘Reception to Follow’ on your invitation. This lets your guests know they won’t have to drive
anywhere following the ceremony.
However, if your ceremony and reception are at two different locations, you just need to add a
couple extra words to your invitation, for example ‘Reception immediately following the
ceremony,’ and include the name of the reception venue. We also recommend including an
insert with directions to the venue, as well as providing your guests with maps from the
ceremony to the reception venue at the ceremony.
Although there are many ways to create invitations, some things never change.
For example, you should not include your gift registry information on your save
the dates or invitations. Your family and wedding party can fill in any inquisitive
guests, and you can also put in on your personal wedding website if you have
one.
Speaking of wedding websites, it is perfectly acceptable to put the link on your
save the dates, just not your invitations.
54

INVITATIONS
NAMES
THE HOST LINE
INVITATION
CEREMONY INFORMATION
RECEPTION INFORMATION
THE HOST LINE
INVITATION
NAMES
CEREMONY INFORMATION
RECEPTION INFORMATION
5 5

INVITATIONS
ENVELOPES
It may seem strange, but you’ll need two envelopes for your invitations. The outer envelope is
for mailing purposes, and the inner envelope holds your invitation ensemble. The outer
envelope is formally addressed only to those who are invited to attend the wedding, but the
inner envelope is a bit less formal and includes just the first names of invited guests.
Just like for every other part of your wedding, there are some recommendations when dealing
with the outer envelope:
• Address each envelope by hand, and pay special attention to spelling, addresses and
handwriting
• Your guests’ names should be written out in full, using their titles such as “Mr.” and “Ms.”
• Spell out all the words in the address
• Spell out all house numbers that are less than 20
• The return address should go on the back flap of the envelope, and can be handwritten,
embossed or stamped
• RSVPs and gifts will most likely be sent to the return address on the invitation envelope
• Self-address the return envelope for the RSPV, don’t rely on your guests to do this for you.
Always include a postage stamp with the reply card.
Modern brides are turning to online RSVP systems to capture the
responses of their guests. Be mindful of the guests you are inviting and their
level of comfort with technology and offer other ways for them to respond.
TIMING
Ideally, you should send your wedding invitations eight weeks before your wedding. This gives
your guests plenty of time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements. Request that
RSVP’s be returned by two to three weeks before the wedding. This allows you to know how
many guests to expect before crunch time!
If you’re having a destination wedding, give your guests more time to make arrangements by
mailing invitations three months before the wedding.
If you’re sending out save the dates, mail them six to eight months before the wedding so that
calendars can be marked and there will be no surprises when the actual invitations arrive. Just
make sure that everyone who receives a save the date also receives an invitation.
56

INVITATIONS
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RSVP
As the RSVP’s start pouring in, you will want to have a system developed to keep track of them!
Make sure to note how many guests confirm their attendance because your vendors will want
an accurate headcount a few days before the wedding. If serving a plated meal, include food
options on your RSVP cards so that guests can make their selection. Tracking the number of
guests is especially important if you’re paying for cake or food per person.
Before you mail your invitations, count and number your guest list and assign each RSVP card
a number accordingly. If a guest forgets to fill out the line for their name before returning it to
you, the number on the card will help you know who has RSVP’d and who hasn’t! Be careful not
to make the numbering too obvious.
If you want to make things easier for your guests, consider pre-addressing and stamping your
RSVP cards!
If you’re still missing a few response cards at the deadline, go ahead and place some calls. It’s
easy to get annoyed and frustrated at the lack of response, but don’t let that show. Politely ask
if they’ll be attending, reminding them that the vendors need to know the number of guests
by a certain date. Remember that it never fails that you will end up with an unexpected guest
or two, so we recommend adding a few additional people to your head count if you can’t get in
touch with everyone.
PLAN WITH
THE TEXOMA
BRIDE GUIDE
Feeling overwhelmed and out of place in
the wedding space? In addition to
comprehensive wedding planning guides
and this magazine, we also provide
wedding planning coaching services. We
can help guide you through the process
and give you tips and tricks to succeed on
your big day.
TexomaBrideGuide.com
5 7

58
Juniper Cake Company

THE PERFECT CAKE FOR YOU
Cake is the traditional wedding dessert, with everyone waiting with baited breath to see
if the groom is going to smash the cake all over his new wife’s face, but there is no rule
anywhere that says you must serve cake. Many couples who want to serve a wedding cake
alternative, yet still want the traditional cake cutting, will order a small cutting cake for
the reception.
Not really a cake person? Serve pie. Love ice cream? Set up a make-your-own sundae bar.
Remember, this is your special day, everything about it should reflect you and your fiancé.
THE CONSULTATION
As you browse Pinterest and wedding sites looking at cake designs, start to gather inspiration.
Take a close look at the cake designs that resonate the most with you. Are you in love with the
idea of a rustic buttercream cake decorated with fresh flowers, or does an ornate cake covered
in fondant make you sigh?
To help you decide which bakeries to visit, look at their websites and social media to see what
aligns the most with what you are looking for. When you meet with the bakers, bring along
pictures of the designs you like, and even pictures of those you don’t.
We recommend booking your cake designer about six months before your wedding. If you are
feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list, you can wait until up to three months before. The best
bakers will fill up months in advanced, especially during the busy wedding season.
Designers aren’t mind readers and this will help them get a clear understanding of the look
you’re going for. Don’t expect them to copy the design outright. Allow them artistic license to
incorporate your personalities and their creativity into the final product.
HOW MUCH CAKE DO I NEED?
Wedding cakes are typically priced per
person and serving sizes are typically 1” x 2”
in size. Work with your baker to determine
what you’ll need, but these numbers will give
you an idea of what to expect based on the
number of people on your guest list.
SQUARE CAKES
6”: 18 servings
8”: 32 servings
10”: 40 servings
12”: 72 servings
ROUND CAKES
6”: 10 servings
8”: 28 servings
10”: 42 servings
12”: 56 servings
5 9

CAKES
DO I HAVE TO SERVE CAKE?
Not at all! If you don’t want to serve cake at
your wedding, follow your heart and don’t.
Whether it’s to keep costs down, because you
don’t have a sweet tooth, would rather serve
up doughnuts instead or really any other
reason, it’s your celebration. There’s no
reason to designate a chunk of your budget
toward something you don’t see as a crucial
part of your wedding day.
The great thing is, skipping the wedding
cake doesn’t mean your party has to be a
dessert-free zone. The sky is the limit when
it comes to desserts for your wedding. Serve
yourself dessert and popcorn bars are quite
popular, or bringing in a local confectioner to
make custom treats on the spot is a great idea
and always a crowd pleaser.
Don’t think you have to miss out on the
traditional cake-cutting photo opp just
because you aren’t serving wedding cake.
Slice into a pie or share bites of your favorite
cupcake. If that’s not your style, swap it out
for a celebratory toast, linked arms and all.
Find something that reflects you and your
fiance.
PICKING YOUR CAKE FLAVORS
Arguably, one of the most fun parts of
planning a wedding is the cake tasting
appointment. (Appointments if you’re lucky!)
When you meet with prospective bakers, you
will get to taste lots of flavors and filling
combinations. The most important thing
about your cake is that it tastes good. There’s
no possible way you’ll please everyone at
your wedding, so focus on cake flavors that
make your mouth water, and don’t let others’
preferences drive you insane.
If you can’t decide (or agree!) on just one
flavor, there is nothing wrong with mixing it
up and having different flavor layers in your
cake. This may even surprise and delight your
reception guests who will want to try a bite
of everything! You don’t want to pair things
that are too wildly different, but talk with the
baker about your preferences.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with
Texoma’s best bakers at
tbgvendors.com/cakes
QUESTIONS TO ASK
• How much experience do you have
making wedding cakes, and will you be
the one creating our cake?
• Can we schedule a tasting?
• Do you lend, rent, or sell cake knives,
cake plates, flatware, etc.?
• What is your policy on returning any
rentals or extras? What if something gets
damaged?
• Are we required to provide the cake
stand/pillars?
• Will you deliver and set-up? Is there an
extra charge for this?
• What is the cost per serving?
• How far ahead do we need to order our
cake?
• What is your deposit policy?
• When is the balance due?
• Can you make a groom's cake?
• Will you provide a written contract for
us to sign outlining the costs and details
of the cake?
60

CAKES
6 1

CAKES
FROSTING
As you browse the cakes online, take note of some of the different styles that
you like. Bakers can do amazing things when it comes to decorating cakes-- a
simple and elegant white frosted cake with white details or an elaborately
carved cake covered in fondant with jewel embellishments made from sugar and
gumpaste flowers that look real. Your imagination, and budget, are the limits!
Simple cake designs are the least expensive. The more complicated the cake
design, the higher the price tag. Fondant icing is more expensive than
buttercream, and if you want elaborate molded shapes, vibrant colors, or
handmade sugar-flower detailing, you’ll pay for the cake designer’s labor. Also
consider the weather and time of year. If you’re having an outdoor reception,
stay away from whipped cream, meringue and buttercream becasue they melt
easily. Ask your baker about summer icing options. Here are some of the more
popular types of frostings and how they are used:
Bite Me Bakery
Sug-Ah Sweets & Confectioneries
BUTTERCREAM
Buttercream frosting can be made in a
variety of flavors and is usually piped
onto cakes using different sized and
shaped tips. A layer of buttercream is
applied as the base, and then
decorations are added on top. It does
not do well in the heat, and works best
on cakes that are a simple shape.
FONDANT
Fondant is a very smooth, matte icing
that givescakes a flawless, porcelain
finish. It is also used for ribbons and
swags, and can be cut into different
shapes to be used as appliqués or
textured using a variety of
different tools. It is usually more
expensive than buttercream and not
as tasty.
62

CAKES
CUTTING THE CAKE
Cake cutting is one of the highlights of the
wedding reception. It usually is the first act
performed as a married couple, and the
beginning of your new life together. Along
with the symbolism, the cutting of the
cake traditionally serves as a segue from
dining to dancing. Older guests will usually
wait until after the toasts and cake cutting
before saying their goodbyes.
When it comes time to cut the cake, the
bride stands closest to the cake with the
groom behind her. With both of your
hands on the cake knife, cut a small wedge
out of the bottom tier of the cake and
place it onto a plate. Remember to cut the
bottom tier because the top tier is too
unstable for a good first cut and you may
topple the cake! Speaking of the top tier,
it’s a long-standing tradition for the bride
and groom to save the top tier of their
wedding cake for their first anniversary.
Let your baker and caterer know of your
plans in advance so it doesn’t get served.
Most couples opt to slice the groom’s cake
immediately after cutting the wedding
cake, and serving slices alongside pieces of
the wedding cake so guests have a choice
of flavors. If both cakes are large enough,
you could offer a plate with slices of each
cake, or place one flavor on each plate and
let your guests choose what they’d prefer.
A detail that is often overlooked is what
happens to the cake after you and your
new spouse cut it. Make sure you know
who is going to be responsible for cutting
and serving the wedding cake after it is
cut. It could be your catering staff or
wedding coordinator and it’s usually
complimentary, but not always.
Don’t forget to make sure there are
additional plates and silverware for
serving your guests!
Cake:The Frosted Shoppe
Photography: Gingersnap Stuidos
Venue: Rustic Grace Estate
Satisfy your sweet tooth with Texoma’s best bakers at tbgvendors.com/cakes
6 3

CAKES
GROOM’SCAKE
Did you know that the groom’s cake is mostly
a Southern tradition? That’s right…go to a
wedding up north and you may not see a
groom’s cake. That can be a bummer, because
often the groom’s cake is chocolate!
Here’s a fun bit of useless trivia: In the
mid-1800’s, cake was sent home with guests
as their wedding favor. Female guests would
put their piece of cake under their pillow and
dream of their future hubby. That’s the reason
this is called a groom’s cake.
In our modern times, the groom’s cake is
usually a gift from the bride to the groom and
designed to represent the groom’s career,
personality or interests.
As with all aspects of your wedding, this
tradition is completely optional, so don’t feel
pressured to order one. However, we love it
when the bride surprises the groom with his
own special cake.
WAYS TO SAVE ON THE COST OF
YOUR WEDDING CAKE
When it comes to ways to save money on
your wedding cake, there are two options
that come up most often. The first is to have
the cake of your dreams made with fake
layers. Essentially, your cake will be made of
foam and only a tiny part will be real cake for
the cutting ceremony. Since the cost of your
cake is determined more by the decorations
on the outside than the cake on the inside,
this really isn’t going to save you much in
the long run. You’re still paying for the labor
required to decorate the cake.
The easiest way to save on the cost of your
wedding cake is to order a small, elaborately
decorated cake and several sheet cakes. You
will display and cut the small beautiful cake,
but after the cutting ceremony, the cake will
be removed to the kitchen and the cut sheet
cakes will be passed among your guests.
Once the cake is cut, it all looks the same so
no one will be the wiser.
Custom Cakes
Iced Sugar Cookies
Cake Pops
And More
(903) 328-9928
1226 South Austin Avenue
Denison, Texas 75021
www.TheFrostedShoppe.com
facebook.com/Bitingmeatthebakery
krazykakesbykris@yahoo.com
FORMERLY KRAZY KAKES BY KRIS
64

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6 5

A-1 Wedding & Party Rentals
66

FIVE THINGS
TO CONSIDER
WHEN
CHOOSING
WEDDING
FLOWERS
Choosing your wedding flowers may seem simple at first
but, much like wedding planning in general, things can get
stressful and out of hand fast. Just like the rest of wedding
planning in general, remember to keep your priorities in
order. If you keep the following five things in mind when
planning your flowers, the rest should fall more easily into
place.
BUDGET
Flowers can get expensive quickly, so make sure to establish a
budget with your florist right off the bat. Your budget will be the
biggest influence not just on how many arrangements you will
have, but also the types of flowers you can afford to put in them.
Keep in mind that certain flowers are only available during
certain seasons, and can be quite pricey at any other time.
Additionally, there are some flowers that just are expensive by
nature - such as flowers that must be imported.
You should also consider the number of arrangements you’ll
need. Remember to consider who will be receiving and/or
carrying flowers, as well as floral arrangements for both the
ceremony and the reception. These can be numerous and
include things like altar flowers, aisle arrangements, sweetheart
or head table decorations, and centerpieces. Get a guest count
to your florist so you can work out a good number together.
6 7

FLOWERS
LOCATION
The location of your wedding can
impact your wedding flowers in many
ways, including things like cost, style,
and the size and number of
arrangements. Some ceremony
venues, such as churches, have specific
restrictions and parameters you must
follow. Other venues, like gardens, are
highly floral or decorative on their own
and don’t need many additions.
Likewise - reception venues can be
overly stark and require a lot of
flowers, while others may be
ornamental or themed and only
require accents. If you have your ceremony
and reception in the same space,
that can require an entirely different
strategy altogether.
STYLE
The style of your wedding has a
great deal of influence on your floral
arrangements because you want
your ceremony and reception to look
cohesive. For a sophisticated affair,
consider elegant rose bouquets and
dramatic centerpieces. If it’s a rustic,
outdoor venue, your floral
arrangements can be more
free-flowing and less structured.
Additionally, make sure that the
vessels and embellishments you’re
using match the feel of your
wedding. Huge rhinestones and
peacock feathers don’t usually go with
rustic or bohemian blossoms - unless,
of course, you’re going for a more
unique or artistic wedding style.
Nothing smells as sweet as fresh flowers. Find our favorite Texoma area florists at
tbgvendors.com/flowers
Hannah’s
Florist
Q
225 S. Travis St.
Sherman, TX
75090
(903) 893-8171
hannahsfloristbytj.com
68

FLOWERS
COLOR
If you want your wedding flower
arrangements to match your colors
exactly, consider bringing paint or
fabric swatches for your florist to
see. Describe other key decor items
like your table linens and china so
that the florist can understand the
style you’re going for. Keep in mind
that pastel and brightly-colored
flowers will be more available in the
spring and summer, while deeper,
jewel-toned blossoms will be
available in the fall and winter. If
you want to have a light, colorful
wedding with lots of bright
flowers, having it in the spring would
increase the accessibility of your
desired flowers while keeping costs
down.
SEASON
In order to create the best aesthetic
possible, you’ll want to match your
wedding flowers to the season. In
addition to keeping costs down,
you can avoid any (unintentionally)
strange combinations that might
raise some eyebrows. While you
shouldn’t sacrifice your dream
wedding, some flowers just make
more sense than others. For
instance, you probably don’t want to
have pinecones and poinsettias at a
summer garden wedding, and you
might not want bright wildflowers at
an elegant winter wedding.
Additionally, seasonal availability is
an important consideration. Some
flowers are seasonal, but some are
available year-round, Greenery is
also always available, and it looks
great with or without flowers.
Vine &
Branches
Floral & Decor
Gainesville, TX
940-612-1829 vineandbranchesgainesville.com
6 9

FLOWERS
(469) 200-5254
www.fullbloom.shop
116 Rose Lane, Suite 103
Frisco, Texas 75036
FLOWER PRESERVATION
Flowers are a classic, beautiful form of decoration - and, let’s face it - you will put in a lot
of time and effort into making sure your wedding flowers are perfect for you and your
partner’s big day. Whether you’re a sentimental bride who wants to keep the memory alive,
or a practical bride who wants to get the most bang for your buck out of your bridal floral
investment, you should think about preserving your wedding flowers.
Don’t wait until the week before the wedding - or worse, while you’re at the reception - to
make up your mind on whether or not you want to preserve your wedding bouquet and/or
other wedding flowers. Decide now so that you can budget money and time to the process
so that it’s done properly. If you are going to preserve your flowers but still want to do a
bouquet toss, then you will need to plan on having a separate toss bouquet.
There are many, many ways to display your wedding flowers, and what kinds of displays you
like will often determine the type of preservation you can perform. Do you want to frame
your flowers and hang them on a wall, or do you want them to act as a sort of centerpiece
or type of table decoration? If you’re having trouble deciding on a type of display for your
wedding flowers, think instead about where you have space to display them.
70

RINGS
WITH THIS RING
photo by Miranda Marrs Photography
When browsing the jewelry stores in
search for your wedding band, keep
your lifestyle in mind. Do you or your
fiancé have jobs that require you to get
your hands dirty, or do you enjoy weight
lifting in your free time? Maybe your
jewelry tastes are simple and you don’t
want to wear your engagement ring
everyday. You don’t have to get your
wedding and engagement bands soldered
together, there is nothing wrong
with wearing your engagement ring for
special occasions (or when you want
to feel fancy!). The metal you choose
for your wedding ring can be picked
for fashion reasons or can be based on
lifestyle and desired durability. Spend a
little time getting to know your metals,
but feel free to mix and match metals,
settings and
decorations.
Gold in any of its variations, such as
yellow gold, rose gold, or white gold, is
the most popular choice of metal for
wedding rings, and has a very classic
look to it. However, it is a softer metal
and will bend or scratch more easily
than some of the other metals.
Platinum bands are the most expensive
of the commonly used metals. The
hardness of the metal makes them
durable, and they are naturally
hypo-allergenic which makes them
a great choice for people with skin
sensitivities.
Alternative metals such as titanium
look trendy and are at a nice price point.
Tungsten is also a popular option for
men’s rings since its hardness makes it
resistant to scratching. That same level
of hardness also means that it won’t
bend, but it will break or crack if enough
force is applied to it, kind of like a
diamond. However, most jewelers aren’t
able to work with alternative metals
like titanium, so your ring cannot be
repaired or resized as easily. Keep that
in mind when making your selections.
7 1

Kaley Nicole Photography
72

PHOTOGRAPHY
WHY WE LOVE
ENGAGEMENT SHOOTS,
AND YOU WILL TOO
You’re engaged! This is a time filled with anticipation, joy and love. With
everything that is going on in your lives, capturing and celebrating this special
moment in your lives often gets overlooked. Some couples may feel it’s a waste of
time or isn’t necessary, but there are many valuable reasons why you should have
engagement photos taken. Despite the naysayers, we’re pro-engagement shoot.
We’re champions of preserving this chapter of your life forever. These photos
aren’t for today, but for the rest of your lives and beyond. Imagine being able
to open up an album many years down the road, and have those memories and
feelings come rushing back. And to be able to say to generations to come, “This is
us at the beginning of our love.”
Beyond capturing the memories of engagement, your engagement shoot is an
opportunity for you to get to know your wedding photographer before your big
day. Most of us don’t take professional photos on a regular basis. Your
engagement session can be a time for you to build a relationship with the
photographer and learn more about what to expect when it comes to
photography on your big day.
During the session, your photographer will have an opportunity to learn more
about you -- how you and your fiancé met, your proposal story, more about you as
individuals. You and your fiancé will get to learn more about your photographer
and their style. You’ll also get an idea of poses you’ll be doing on your wedding
day, and most importantly, how to be comfortable in front of the camera. Plus,
you’ll get some amazing photos of you and your fiancé! You can use these photos
for Save-the-Dates if you’re sending them, or for your engagement
announcement in a local newspaper. You can even have them printed and hang
them on the wall in your house.
And this doesn’t just apply to engagement shoots. Bridal portraits and even
boudoir shoots serve a similar purpose. They capture a moment in time that will
be gone before you know it. Except we don’t recommend using your boudoir
photos for your Save-the-Dates.
Some photographers include an engagement shoot as part of their wedding
packages. If your photographer doesn’t, consider the long term benefits of ask
about adding an engagement shoot to the package you’re considering.
7 3

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY:
WHAT TO EXPECT ON
YOUR WEDDING DAY
74

Hannah Hix, photographer
Arielle Humphries Photography
Kate + Co Photography
Gingersnap Studios
7 5

PHOTOGRAPHY
DETAIL SHOTS
Your photographer will
show up a few hours
before your ceremony to
capture shots of you and
your bridesmaids getting
ready, and to get detail
shots of all the elements
that go into your day. It is
worth making time for the
photographer to take these
pictures because these
detail shots are an
important part of your
story.
GETTING READY
After the detail shots, it’s
time for the bride to get
dressed. Everyone
assisting will want to be
fully dressed at this point so
the bride can be the center
of attention. Once the dress
is zipped, buttoned, or
laced, the rest of the details,
such as jewelry, veil, and
shoes, will be photographed
as you put them on. If time
allows, you can squeeze in a
few bridal portraits.
THE FIRST LOOK
Most couples are doing
first look shoots these days,
and we love them. It is such
a lovely, private moment
when the couple get to
see each other before the
ceremony, and we love
seeing the reaction shots
of the grooms when they
first see their brides! If you
can afford it, this is a great
opportunity for two
photographers - one
trained on each of you.
RECEPTION DETAILS
If the reception is at the
same location as the
ceremony, your
photographer will be able
to get detail shots of the
reception space once your
guests start arriving and the
bridal party hides before the
ceremony. If the reception
is at a different venue, most
photographers recommend
having a cocktail hour
outside of the reception
area so the photographer
can take photos of the
untouched reception space
before guests start arriving.
THE CEREMONY
When it’s time for the
ceremony to start, your
photographer will be there
to capture all the details,
with the most important
being the first kiss as a
married couple! Following
the ceremony is a great
chance to take family
portraits. It is best to
save the majority of these
until after the ceremony
because all family members
will be present at that time.
THE RECEPTION
Based on the wedding
package selected, the
photographer will offer
you a set number of hours.
When planning your
reception’s timeline,
consider how much of the
photographer’s time will be
left to capture the highlights
of the reception. In addition
to the cake-cutting and
first dance, some couples
plan a faux exit with just the
bridal party and a few select
guests to capture that
moment before the
photographer’s time is up.
76

PHOTOGRAPHY
THE FIRST LOOK EXPLAINED
A fi rst look photo session can be an amazing part of your wedding day! The goal is
to capture the raw emotion of the couple seeing each other for the fi rst time,
away from family and friends. If you're not sure about this break from tradition,
let us explain why it would be a romantic addition to your wedding day celebra tion
that not only adds to the experience but reduces stress as well!
Some of the biggest reservations around
the first look are about capturing the
reaction. We often hear, “I want my
partner to cry when they see me walking
down the aisle” or “Having a first look
might lessen their reaction at the
ceremony.”
Most couples don’t realize that when
you come down the aisle and see your
partner for the first time, there isn’t
really a moment for each of you to talk,
touch, or embrace. You have to wait
until after the ceremony is over, and the
reaction just isn’t the same.
Now, imagine the scene: a private placemaybe
outdoors or in a nice room- no
people, no on-lookers, no distractions,
just the two of you (and your
photographer). You approach your
partner from behind, gently tap them
on the shoulder and watch their face as
they turn around and finally get a first
look at you. Not only do you get to get
a good look at each other, but you can
embrace, cry, laugh, kiss, whatever
comes to you in the moment and really
enjoy your private time together.
A practical consideration of adding a first
look shoot is that you’ll receive 30-40%
more portraits of the two of you and
those are the im ages you will decorate
your first home with. It also allows you
to extend your wedding celebration.
Normally the wedding day would start
when you come down the aisle, then the
ceremony would end, you would rush
through portraits so you’re not late for
the introductions and then it’s recep tion
time. With a first look. your wedding day
is extended by several hours!
The walk down the aisle, and the first
time you see your partner is still an
amazingly powerful moment, and
something you’ll remember forever, but
if you’ve had a first look, and you’ll both
be much more relaxed. Instead, the
pressure will be off and you’ll both be
able to enjoy the ceremony. The nerves
will be gone and when nerves are gone,
true emotions are free to be expressed!
photos by Michaels Photography
7 7

PHOTOGRAPHY
www.gsnapstudios.com
(903) 271-4936
(903) 815-5558
WWW.CROMERANDCO.COM (580) 916-2465
78

PHOTOGRAPHY
www.kaleynicolephotography.com
7 9

PHOTOGRAPHY
www.photosbymichaels.com
Find your wedding photographer at tbgvendors.com/photography
There’s so much more to know!
Download our free Wedding
Photo & Video Guide for more
wedding photography and
videography tips and tricks.
texomabrideguide.com
(903) 815-4444 www.baleighcreedphoto.com
80

PHOTOGRAPHY
WHAT IS BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY?
MORE THAN NUDITY
Boudoir photography is becoming more
and more popular, with photo shoots and
boudoir albums making excellent
wedding day gifts for your future
husband. “Boudoir” is the French word
for a lady’s private dressing room or
bedroom and in photography terms,
boudoir photography is a style in which
women pose for photographs partially
clothed or in lingerie. The photos are
tasteful and nudity is typically implied
rather than explicit. That means you’re
not wearing much of anything, but you’re
also not showing off anything either.
PLANNING THE PHOTOSHOOT
Planning a boudoir shoot can be a fun way
to indulge and take some time out from
wedding planning. Just like a bridal portrait
session, it is worth investing in the details
like hair, makeup, nails and even a spray tan.
It’s also important to choose outfits that
make you feel confident and sexy. If you bring
in outfits too far outside your comfort zone,
you may struggle with being comfortable and
it will show in your face and body language
in the resulting photos. To prepare for the
session, you can do a bit of searching on the
internet for poses you might like to try, but a
good boudoir photographer will have some
suggestions of their own.
Boudoir photographers are masters
of creating elegant, sensual and classy
images of you in your lingerie. As with
your wedding photographer, finding
a boudoir photographer that you are
completely at ease with is important, or
the session won’t be worth it. When you
start speaking with potential candidates,
think about how relaxed and at ease you
are with them.
photos by Hannah Hix, Photographer
8 1

ENTERTAINMENT
THREE EASY WAYS TO
ENTERTAIN YOUR GUESTS
Lituation Photo Booths
As more couples move away from favors and takeaways, they’re focused on creating a
memorable experience for their guests with entertainment taking the main stage. Literally.
Instead of hiring one form of entertainment, like a DJ or a band, couples are hiring several
different performers to provide a variety throughout the reception. From experiential theater
performers (think fire breathers or trapeze artists) and roaming sketch artist or live painters,
to tarot card readers, astrologist, and magicians, couples are pulling out all the stops to create
an interactive, unforgettable night that reflects who they are.
82

ENTERTAINMENT
FOR THE KIDS
Many couples can’t imagine planning a
wedding without all the little ones in their
lives there. Here are a few ways to make sure
the little kids at your wedding have just as
much fun as the big kids:
• Ask the DJ to play a few kid friendly
songs that everyone can enjoy
• Provide kid friendly snacks
• Kids table with crayons and wedding
themed activity booklet
• Create a kid friendly centerpiece using
things that can be played with such as
blocks
• Kids only tent with books and games
• Consider hiring someone to help watch
the kids so their parents can enjoy the
festivities
• Kid friendly wedding favors such as
bubbles, glow sticks, or chalk
PHOTO BOOTH
FIREWORKS
One way to wow your guests is with fireworks
-- and it doesn’t have to be at the end of the
reception. Fireworks choreographed with
your first kiss as a married couple, or with
your
pronouncement as husband and wife, are a
great way to celebrate your marriage.
A simple sparkler send-off, or a full show at
the end of the evening, will be something that
your guests will always remember, and it’s a
great finale to your wedding.
Be sure to check with your venue and local
by-laws to make sure fireworks are something
you can do! Hiring a professional can make
it easier to obtain the proper permits and
insurance that are required.
View the best Texoma area musicians
at tbgvendors.com/music
Photo booths are becoming popular at
weddings because of their simplicity and
appeal to all age groups. They’re also a great
alternative to a traditional guest book. You
can rent a photo booth or make it yourself,
but just make sure that it reflects your style!
Most photo booth rentals come with props,
custom designed photo strips, and an
attendant. If you’re doing it yourself,
incorporate your wedding colors and themes
into the booth to bring it all together! Use a
chalkboard to write out the instructions in
different fonts for a fun carnival wedding,
or set up a wall and decorate it with delicate
flowers and chairs for a garden wedding.
In order to ensure that people take
advantage of the photo booth, lead by
example. Hop in there with your new spouse
and take some pictures! Your guests will
love interacting with you and will make some
memories of their own.
Mobile DJ
Photo Booth
Photography
10% OFF WHEN YOU
COMBINE MOBILE DJ AND
PHOTO BOOTH PACKAGES
(903) 647-9739
PlatinumEventsCompany.com
8 3

CREATING THE ATMOSPHERE
There are quite a few options when it comes to the music you’ll be playing at your wedding. When
touring venues, it’s a good idea to talk with the venue manager about what type of music typically
works best for the space. Things like electricity for a DJ or space for a band or musicians will be
important when it comes time for the event. Choose one or more music options based on what
will fit your budget, wedding style, and desired wedding vibe.
84
Strings: This is a popular option for
ceremonies, and can also be used for
music at the cocktail hour or dinner.
Soloists: A soloist at your wedding
ceremony will make it feel intimate and
memorable. Hire a singer, or ask a
talented friend or family member to sing
a song that’s special to you.
DJ: If your reception venue has limited
space, you should use a DJ. They don’t
use up as much space as a band and
usually cost less, making them a good
way to save money while still providing a
great wedding experience.
Band: Bands provide a unique
experience, and the energy of a live
performance is hard to beat. If you’re
willing to spend a little more money and
have the extra space, a band is the way
to go.
Playlist: If a band or DJ is outside of your
budget, and you want to truly personalize
your wedding, make your own playlist.
You can rent a sound system and ask a
friend to supervise. Just make sure the
music appeals to everyone!

MUSIC
CEREMONY MUSIC
Ceremony music has a reputation for
being boring and slow, but that doesn’t
have to be true for your wedding!
Choose musicians that will express the
feeling of your wedding through their
sound and music selections.
Most wedding ceremony musicians are
strings and soloists, typically performing
traditional music. If you and your fiancé
want something unique and that will
show your personality as a couple,
consider asking your ceremony
performers to do an acoustic cover of a
song you like.
Wedding guests will begin arriving about
30 minutes before the ceremony starts,
but the wait will seem a lot longer if they
have to wait around in silence. Schedule
your ceremony musicians to start playing
no later than 20 minutes before the
ceremony is set begin.
Keep in mind that some churches have
restrictions on secular music, so if your
ceremony is being held in a church, ask
your officiant about the types of songs
that can be acceptable.
View the best Texoma area musicians
at tbgvendors.com/music
Musicians: Four Strings
There are several parts of the ceremony
that traditionally have their own music:
• The prelude is the music played while
people are gathering a half hour or so
before the ceremony.
• The ceremony begins with the
seating of special guests and
grandparents, followed by the
seating of the mothers.
• The processional starts when the
pastor and the groom and
groomsmen proceed to the front
and the bridesmaids make their way
down the aisle.
• Then it is the bride’s turn to make a
grand entrance.
• There may be special moments
during your ceremony such as the
lighting of the unity candle or a solo
after a prayer.
• It’s time for the recessional and your
grand exit!
8 5

We create memorable
guest experiences.
Audiovisual Rentals
Livestreaming
Mobile DJ
Lighting
Photo Booth
Videography
86
903.891.4104
cadencestudiostx.com

MUSIC
RECEPTION MUSIC
The reception is usually two parts: eating
and dancing. Background music is
typically played during dinner so your
guests can visit and enjoy their meal.
The background music will continue
during the toasts and cake cutting, if
these are part of your timeline. You may
also have special songs played during the
traditional dances you have planned.
As the evening progresses, the music
will transition from background to main
event. Your DJ or band will play popular
songs, both fast and slow, to encourage
your guests to get up and dance.
If you are working with a DJ, you will be
able to wait until about a month before
your wedding day to make your music
selections. This will ensure that the DJ
has enough time to make sure the songs
are downloaded. However, working with
a live band will require a bit more planning.
If the songs you’re wanting played
at your wedding aren’t already part of
their regular rotation, the band will have
to learn and rehearse them so they will
be perfect for your big day.
THE TRADITIONAL DANCES
Most couples seem to have a special song,
one that has significance in their lives. That
song is what should be played for your first
dance as husband and wife. That or another
song that is special and unique to you as a
couple, not just a random song from a list
you found on the internet.
If you don’t want to dance by yourselves for
the entire length of the song, work out a cue
with your DJ so they know when to invite
other guests to join you on the dance floor,
or to move on to the next activity of the
evening.
FIRST DANCE SONGS
“Thinking Out Loud” - Ed Sheeran
“I Can’t Wait (Be My Wife)” - Runner Runner
“You Are The Best Thing” - Ray LaMontagne
“A Thousand Years” - Christina Perry
Remember that the parent dances are the
one part of the reception that is not about
the bride and groom. While some couples
might not want to include parent dances in
their big day, we encourage you to let your
parents decide as it is their moment.
FATHER/DAUGHTER DANCE SONGS
“I Loved Her First” - Heartland
“My Girl” - Temptations
“My Little Girl” - Tim McGraw
“Cinderella” - Steven Curtis Chapman
MOTHER/SON DANCE SONGS
“A Mother’s Song” - T Carter Music
“What A Wonderful World” - Louis
Armstrong
“I Hope You Dance” - Lee Ann Womack
“Simple Man” - Lynrd Skynyrd or Shinedown
Platinum Events Company
8 7

WHAT’S YOUR
HONEYMOON
STYLE?
No matter what you and your fiancé like to do, the
honeymoon of your dreams will be the perfect way to
celebrate your new life together.
Are you and your fiancé the type of people who
love spend your vacation relaxing on the beach and
soaking up the sun? Or do you love exploring new
locations and cultures? Regardless of your vacation
style, there is a honeymoon destination just for you!
We have many amazing places worth exploring here
in the United States, so you don’t have to travel far
to find what you’re looking for. However,
honeymoons are a great opportunity to explore the
wider world around us.
88

HONEYMOON
Don’t feel like you have to leave for your honeymoon
trip immediately following the wedding. Many couples
choose to spend the day after their wedding with their
friends and family who have travelled to witness their
marriage. A simple brunch at the hotel where most
guests are staying or at a local restaurant is a great way
to visit with wedding guests you may not have been
able to spend time with at the reception. Some couples
even choose to wait a couple of months before leaving
on their honeymoon.
When you sit down to plan, be sure to have an idea
of when you’d like to travel, how long you’d like to
stay and an idea of the types of things you’d like to do
on your trip. If you don’t have a specific destination
in mind, contacting a travel agent and sharing your
wishlist is a great way to get started. Travel agents
tend to have extensive knowledge and experience with
honeymoon travel. They work directly with resorts and
cruise companies which usually means you will get a
better deal and maybe even a few perks added in. Your
travel agent will monitor your reservations as your trip
approaches and alert you of any changes. This will save
you time and money, and give you peace of mind as
you travel because you know if something goes wrong,
the answer is a quick phone call or email away.
Charlie Brown’s Travel
(972) 880-4141
charliebrownstravel.net
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
We know it’s a bummer, but if you and your
new spouse are jet-setting on your
honeymoon right after the wedding, you’re
going to want to use your maiden name
when making your travel reservations.
It takes time to process and issue the
marriage certificate which is required for
changing your name on official documents.
Then you have to wait to receive your
updated identification such as a drivers
license or passport in your new married
name. Traveling under your maiden name
will cut down on the stress of receiving
these documents on time.
Once you get back from your amazing trip
you can apply for a name change on your
passport. You will have to mail in your old
passport, but it will be returned to you
along with your brand new passport with
your new last name. As long as you file
the name change form for your passport
(called a 5504 form) within 12 months of
your wedding, you will not have to pay an
additional fee for the change.
8 9

CREATING YOUR
REGISTRY
Registry shopping must be one of the most fun parts of wedding planning. Who doesn’t love
new towels and sheets? However, if you were looking forward to going up and down the aisles
with one of those scanner guns, you might be disappointed. Most retailers have moved away
from this process, and most wedding registries are created online.
The days of the traditional registry with its formal dinnerware, crystal stemware, and silver
that requires polishing, are behind us. Today’s bride and groom are registering for items that
fit their lifestyle. That’s not to say you shouldn’t register for porcelain and crystal if that’s your
entertaining style, but don’t feel like it’s a requirement.
Before you and your fiancé rush into creating your registries, either online or in person, take
inventory of the pieces you have, and what you wish you had. Be sure to note down anything
that is starting to look worn, or maybe doesn’t work anymore. Those are great items to add to
your registry. Don’t hesitate to do a bit of research on some of the larger ticket items, either.
Guests appreciate plenty of options, so be sure to register for a wide range of items across
many different price points. To the right is a list of traditional and modern items often found on
registries.
WHERE TO REGISTER
Where you register can be just as important as what you register for. Keep in mind that some
of your guests prefer to go to a physical store and browse your registry items in person, while
other guests will want the ease of ordering online. With that said, almost anything can be
added to a registry these days. Retailers like Best Buy and Domino’s Pizza have even jumped
on the wedding registry bandwagon. Yes, you can create a pizza wedding registry.
Stores like Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Kohl’s are popular locations for registries, and are
easily accessible within the Texoma area. For those wanting to create an online registry,
Amazon, Zola, and Blueprint Registry are popular.
Some retailers offer a completion discount which allows you to purchase unfulfilled items on
your registry at a discounted rate for a short period of time after your wedding.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to pick just one place to register; two or three gift registries
are completely acceptable and even expected. Remember that your guests like to have options
on where to shop and what to get you.
90

FORMAL DINNERWARE
Dinner, salad and dessert
plates
Pasta and soup bowls
Bread and butter plates
Teacups and saucers
Fruit bowls
Teapot, creamer and sugar
bowl
Gravy boat
Serving bowls
Covered casserole dish
Platters
CASUAL DINNERWARE
Dinner plates
Soup and cereal bowls
Bread and butter plates
Salt and pepper set
Covered butter dish
Mugs
Canister set
FINE CRYSTAL
Water goblets
Wine glasses (red/white)
Champagne flutes
Iced beverage glasses
Martini glasses
Brandy snifters
Decanters and pitchers
Candlesticks
BAR-WARE
Tumblers
Highballs/Pilsners/Beer
glasses
Ice bucket and tongs
Wine cooler or wine rack
Cocktail shaker and pitcher
Bar utensils
FLATWARE
Knives, forks and salad forks
Soup spoons and teaspoons
Serving spoons and forks
Butter serving knife
Cake and pie server
Gravy ladle
Serving set
KITCHENWARE
Cutlery and stake knives
Cutting boards
Timer
Mixing bowls and spoons
Dish towels and hot pads
Paring, chef and bread knife
Carving knife
Colander
Spatulas and whisks
Pizza cutter
Spoon rest
Baster
Rolling pin
Cheese grater
COOKWARE
Sauce pans, sauté and frying
pans
Stock pot/Dutch oven
Steamer/Double boiler
Wok/Stir Fry pan
Roaster
Grill/griddle
BAKE-WARE
Cookie sheets
Muffin pans
Cake and pie pans
Baking pans
Bread pans
ELECTRIC APPLIANCES
Hand mixer
Waffle iron
Bread maker
Rice cooker/vegetable
steamer
Toaster/Toaster Oven
Food Processor
Blender
Electric indoor grill
Coffee and tea makers
Can opener
Slow cooker
KITCHEN LINENS
Dish towels
Cloths
Kitchen mats and rugs
TABLE LINENS
Table cloth/table runner
Place mats
Napkins and rings
HOME ELECTRONICS
Television
Bluetooth Speaker
Radio/Clock radio
Home stereo components
DVD/Blu-Ray player
DECORATIVE
ACCESSORIES
Picture frames
Lamps
Vases
BEDROOM LINENS
Flat and fitted sheets
Pillow cases and shams
Comforters and bed skirts
Blankets
Mattress pads
BATH LINENS
Bath sheets and towels
Hand towels and wash cloths
Bath mat and rug
Shower curtain and rings
Bath accessories
Hamper
HOME & PERSONAL
CARE
Vacuum (upright and
hand-held)
Rug cleaner
Iron and ironing board
Portable steamer
Broom, dust pan and mop
LUGGAGE
Upright suitcases
Garment bags
Duffel bags/Tote bags
Accessory bag
9 1

CHANGING YOUR NAME
Following the wedding, you will need to take your signed marriage license to the county clerk’s
office to obtain your marriage certificate. The marriage certificate is a piece of paper that
proves that you are legally married. It does not mean your last name has legally changed. When
you are getting your license before the wedding, be sure to find out the timeline for filing it
after the wedding.
You will be required to present a copy of your marriage certificate to complete the process
of changing your name at government agencies as well as non-government institutions. We
recommend ordering three certified copies of your marriage certificate because you may have
to surrender a copy as you go about changing your name at different places.
The first place to change your name is at the Social Security Office. Then you may begin to use
your new name. We recommend going to the Department of Motor Vehicles next. Don’t forget
to change your name at these places as well:
Banks
Medical Care Provider(s)
Insurance
Mortgage Lender or Landlord
Professional License
County Tax Assessor
Credit Card Companies
State Tax Commission
Employer (fill out new W-2)
Dept. of Revenue
Retirement Documents
U.S. Passport
Postal Service
Investment Companies
Utility Company
Voter Registration
Legal Documents
Wills
A newspaper engagement announcement
is one of the first opportunities for a couple
to announce their engagement to the public
using their local and city press. With different
requirements for each newspaper and issues
of etiquette to consider, writing newspaper
engagement announcements can be tricky,
especially if you’re writing your own.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
requirements and whether or not they accept
photos. Some newspapers have a form for you
to fill out, which they then use to compile your
wedding details into their own newspaper
format. Others will allow you to write the
announcement.
Typically written in the past tense (since
the engagement has already occurred), the
announcement is from the point-of-view of
the party hosting the wedding, traditionally
the parents of the bride-to-be.
The first step is to contact the news source in
which you plan on placing the announcement
to find out their guidelines and any associated
costs. Be sure to ask about length
92

VENDOR
DIRECTORY
9 3

VENDOR DIRECTORY
ACCOMODATIONS
Hilton Garden Inn
Sherman/Denison
Texoma Event Center (pg. 34)
5015 South US 75
Denison, Texas 75020
(903) 463-3331
hilton.com
APPAREL
A-1 Wedding & Party Rentals
(pg. 42)
3031 S. Woodlawn Blvd.
Denison, Texas 75020
(903) 463-7709
a1wedding.com
LC Customs
(903) 249-3673
www.lc-customs.com
BAR/BARTENDING
Bubbles & Brews (pg. 48)
(214) 957-8561
bubblesbrewbar.com
Service Gem Events (pg. 51)
(903) 744-4729
servicegemevents.com
TheTipsyTraveler Bartending
(903) 815-1677
sites.google.com/view/eventbar/
thetipsytraveler
BEAUTY/HEALTH
Brooke Himes Hair Design
(pg. 23)
(469) 450-0865
brookehimeshairdesign.com
Leanna’s Family Cuts Salon
2012 North Loy Lake Road
Sherman, Texas 75090
(903) 813-1532
leannasfamilycutssalon.com
Nourished MedSpa and Wellness
Center (pg.20)
1405 North Travis Street
Sherman, Texas 75092
(903) 357-5108
nourishedmedspa.com
Texoma Wellness Center (pg. 20)
580 US Hwy 377 North
Whitesboro, TX 76273
(903) 564-9815
texomawellness.com
CAKES & SWEETS
Bite Me Bakery (pg. 64)
formerly Krazy Kakes By Kris
(903) 821-7016
facebook.com/krazykakesbykris
Bon Appetit Y’All (pg. 47)
2120 N FM 1417
Sherman, Texas 75092
(903) 868-2100
bonappetityall.ne64
The Frosted Shoppe (pg. 64)
1226 South Austin Avenue
Denison, Texas 75021
(903) 328-9928
thefrostedshoppe.com
Juniper Cake Company
(903) 814-1042
facebook.com/junipercakeco
Pam’s Pops
(916) 628-4366
pamspops.com
Pop Around The Corner (pg. 61)
501 W. Main St
Denison, TX 75020
(903) 820-8123
poparoundthecorner.com
Sug-Ah Sweets & Confectioneries
(903) 819-3663
facebook.com/SugAh.Edible.Art
CATERING
Bon Appetit Y’All (pg. 47)
2120 N FM 1417
Sherman, Texas 75092
(903) 868-2100
bonappetityall.net
Bubbles & Brews (pg. 48)
(214) 957-8561
bubblesbrewbar.com
Chef Robert (pg. 45)
210 West Houston Street
Sherman, Texas 75090
(903) 821-8115
chefrobertaranson.com
Fulbelli’s (pg. 46)
115 South Travis Street
Sherman, Texas 75090
(903) 892-8409
fulbellis.com
Kirby’s Prime Steakhouse
at WinStar (pg. 47)
21444 World Way Drive
Thackerville, Oklahoma 73459
(580) 276-1484
kirbyssteakhouse.com/winstar
Smokey B’s Bar-B-Que
(903) 744-6759
smokeybscatering.weebly.com
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VENDOR DIRECTORY
ENTERTAINMENT
Cadence Studios (pg. 86)
(903) 891-4104
cadencestudiostx.com
Masters of Ceremony
Entertainment & Lighting
(214) 412-2720
mastersofceremonydj.com
Platinum Events Company
(pg. 83)
(903) 647-9739
platinumeventscompany.com
FLORAL DESIGN
A-1 Wedding & Party Rentals
(pg. 42)
(903) 463-7709
a1wedding.com
Bon Appetit Y’All (pg. 47)
2120 N FM 1417
Sherman, Texas 75092
(903) 868-2100
bonappetityall.net
Hannah’s Florist (pg. 68)
225 South Travis Street
Sherman, Texas 75090
(903) 893-8171
hannahsfloristbytj.com
Full Bloom (pg. 70)
116 Rose Lane, Suite 103
Frisco, Texas 75036
(469) 200-5254
fullbloom.shop
Vine & Branches (Back cover,
pg. 69)
401 N Grand Ave
Gainesville, Texas 76240
(940) 612-1829
vineandbranchesgainesville.com
HONEYMOONS &
DESTINATION WEDDINGS
Charlie Brown’s Travel (pg. 89)
(972) 880-4141
charliebrownstravel.net
INVITATIONS & CALLIGRAPHY
A-1 Wedding & Party Rentals
(pg. 42)
(903) 463-7709
a1wedding.com
Brush and Letter Studio
(817) 798-8737
brushandletterstudio.com
Ellie and Ace Calligraphy
(903) 815-6247
www.ellieandace.com
MUSICIANS & DJS
Cadence Studios (pg. 86)
(903) 891-4104
cadencestudiostx.com
Four Strings
(903) 364-5185
fourstrings.com
Platinum Events Company
(pg. 83)
(903) 647-9739
platinumeventscompany.com
PLANNERS & COORDINATORS
A Time To Remember
(903) 806-2177
atimetoremember.net
Bon Appetit Y’All (pg. 47)
2120 N FM 1417
Sherman, Texas 75092
(903) 868-2100
bonappetityall.net
The Day of Your Event
(972) 984-8591
thedayofyourevent.com
Kiss and Tell Weddings
(405) 309-9311
kisstellweddings.com
Southern Celebrations
(469) 525-5984
southerncelebrationstx.com
Texoma Event Planning
(580) 565-0045
View more information about all of our vendors on our online vendor directory:
www.texomabrideguide.com
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VENDOR DIRECTORY
RENTALS & DECOR
A-1 Wedding & Party Rentals
(pg. 42)
3031 S. Woodlawn Blvd.
Denison, Texas 75020
(903) 463-7709
a1wedding.com
Hilo Sisters Macramé (pg. 42)
903-267-9054
facebook.com/hilosisters
Texoma Parties (pg.42)
(903) 965-3180 or
(580) 931-9083
texomaparties.com
PHOTO BOOTHS
Cadence Studios (pg. 86)
(903) 891-4104
cadencestudiostx.com
Lituation Photo Booths
(214) 620-0732
lituationphotobooths.com
Platinum Events Company
(pg. 83)
(903) 647-9739
platinumeventscompany.com
SMP Party Booths
(903) 738-2730
smppartybooths.com
Kaley Nicole Photography (pg. 79)
(940) 736-0070
kaleynicolephotography.com
Kate & Co Photography (pg. 79)
(417) 335-1105
katecophotography.com
Melissa Millsap Photography
(903) 818-6075
millsapphoto.com
Michael’s Photography (pg. 80)
(903) 463-1228
photosbymichaels.com
Miranda Marrs Photography
(940) 284-8080
mirandamarrs.com
REHEARSAL DINNER
Bon Appetit Y’All (pg. 47)
2120 N FM 1417
Sherman, Texas 75092
(903) 868-2100
bonappetityall.net
Chef Robert (pg. 45)
210 West Houston Street
Sherman, Texas 75090
(903) 821-8115
chefrobertaranson.com
Fulbelli’s (pg. 46)
115 South Travis Street
Sherman, Texas 75090
(903) 892-8409
fulbellis.com
Kirby’s Prime Steakhouse
at WinStar (pg. 47)
21444 World Way Drive
Thackerville, Oklahoma 73459
(580)276-1484
kirbyssteakhouse.com/winstar
PHOTOGRAPHY
Arielle Humphries Photography
(pg. 79)
(214) 994-3359
ariellehumphries.com
Baleigh Creed Photography
(COVER, pg. 80)
(903) 815-4444
baleighcreedphoto.com
Cromer & Co. (pg. 78)
(580) 916-2465
cromerandco.com
Gingersnap Studios (pg. 78)
(903) 271-4936
(903) 815-5558
gsnapstudios.com
Hannah Hix, Photographer
(pg. 80)
(580) 380-3403
hannahhix.com
SERVICE STAFF
Service Gem Events (pg. 51)
(903) 744-4729
servicegemevents.com
VIDEOGRAPHY
Cadence Studios (pg. 86)
(903) 891-4104
cadencestudiostx.com
Cromer & Co. (pg. 78)
(580) 916-2465
cromerandco.com
Gingersnap Studios (pg. 78)
(903) 271-4936
(903) 815-5558
gsnapstudios.com
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VENDOR DIRECTORY
VENUES
Bell Tower Event Center (pg. 30)
218 North 3rd Avenue
Durant, Oklahoma 74701
(580) 931-9474
belltowerdurant.com
Bethel Rock
5262 FM 896
Leonard, Texas 75452
(469) 500-1505
bethelrock.com
Chapel Creek Ranch
3794 West Ganzer Road
Denton, Texas 76207
(940) 634-6043
chapelcreekranch.com
The Garden (pg. 31)
810 N Frisco Rd
Sherman, Texas 75090
(903) 513-9605
facebook.com/thegardensherman
Gray Acres Venue (pg. 33)
297 Cemetery Road
Pottsboro, Texas 75076
(903) 647-8923
grayacresvenue.com
The Hills of Luella (pg. 34)
3183 Luella Road
Sherman, Texas 75090
thehillsofluella.com
Hilton Garden Inn
Sherman/Denison
Texoma Event Center (pg. 34)
5015 South US 75
Denison, Texas 75020
(903) 463-3331
hilton.com
Magnolia Grace Ranch (pg. 29)
636 Country Road 4945
Leonard, Texas 75452
(214) 560-4222
magnoliagraceranch.com
Mustang Creek Event Center
(pg. 27)
27923 US 82
Sherman, Texas 75092
(903) 814-0864
mceventcenter.com
Old Quail Run Farm (pg. 30)
233 Old Quail Run Road
Sherman, Texas 75092
(903) 868-2100
oldquailrunfarm.com
The Pointe (pg. 28)
72 Golda Drive
McAlester, Oklahoma 74501
(918) 508-6402
weddingsonpointe.com
The Ranch (pg. 28)
6196 N3860 Road
Bokchito, Oklahoma 74726
(580) 295-3154
theranchvenue.org
Ranch 82 (pg. 34)
12265 E US Hwy 82
Whitesboro, Texas 76273
(469) 396-5070
ranch82.com
Rustic Grace Estate
13299 FM 121
Van Alstyne, Texas 75495
(972) 737-3259
rusticgraceestate.com
Texoma Destinations (pg. 33)
21 Tacle Box Drive
Pottsboro, Texas 75076
(903) 361-8500
texomadestinations.com
The Wildflower (pg. 29)
2611 East Dairy Lane
Tishomingo, Oklahoma 73460
(580) 371-1582
thewildflowerok.com
Whispering Waters Ranch
(pg. 30)
1020 County Road 4930
Leonard, Texas
(903) 505-9349
whisperingwatersranch.com
INDIVIDUAL SALES
CONSULTANTS
Arbonne Independent Consultant
Stefane Carpenter
(903) 818-0332
StefaneCarpenter.Arbonne.com
Mary Kay
Rennie Brigman
(903) 368-2688
marykay.com/Renniebrigman
Polish Me Pretty
Mishael Metheny
(713) 855-4701
colorstreet.com/mishaelmetheny
Tori Belle Cosmetics
Rane Baker
(303) 503-3335
shop.toribellecosmetics.com/
Reyngirl
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