Save the Planet: One Wedding at a Time!

April 26th, 2010 . Posted in Advice, Flowers, Reception | No Comments »
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Weddings produce a lot of waste, but one local event company is doing their part to care for the environment by partnering with a local recycling company to minimize their clients’ impact on the planet. CLINK offers clients the opportunity to have a recycling company pick up their fresh cut floral at the end of the night and recycle it by taking it to local retirement communities,hospitals and hospices. In addition to brightening someone’s day, this donation is also a tax write off. Read more about what CLINK is doing for the environment on their blog.

Busy brides make planning easy

April 23rd, 2010 . Posted in Advice, Uncategorized | No Comments »
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Beauty on the Go! knows that today’s bride is a busy lady and now you can get help planning your wedding from the palm of your hand. Wedding planning on your iPhone could not be easier! No more big binders and files, you can keep everything you need at your fingertips. Here are the top  iPhone apps that help plan your wedding:

Contacts (included with your iPhone) stay organized with all your vendors. Names, addresses, websites and notes are all just a few taps away.  Create groups to take it to the next level. How about linking your favorite vendors contact info with their blogs and websites?

Fast Contacts (.99 free for a limited time)  flip through your contacts by photo,  event reminders, anniversaries and birthday alarms. Can’t remember a name?  You can search by the notes field or even by city.

Banking Apps from Bank of America, Chase, Citibank Paypal to help you keep track of your finances.

iTunes (included with your iPhone) – download songs, and create playlists of your favorite wedding songs. This provides some great music for getting ready or so you can share ideas with your DJ.

Maps (included with your iPhone) – When you are visiting a venue, use the drop a pin feature to note the location then add it to your contacts. You can get directions from your hotel to the venue and send them to friends. Even check traffic patterns so you don’t get stuck. You can create a group of your top wedding venues with links to their location on a map.

Bump (free) Bump makes swapping contact info ad photos as simple as bumping the two phones together. The contact info is saved directly into contacts creating a virtual business card.

Big Day lite (free) Count down to the big day. Upgrade to the full version for up to 20 multiple dates and events.

AustinBeautyOnTheGo.com (added to home screen from webpage) Hair, Airbrush Makeup and Massage plus full service Salon.

SAweddings.com or Austinweddings.com (added to home screen from webpage )  Plan your wedding on the go and easily search local wedding professionals to plan the wedding of your dreams. This app will  find vendors in your area based on geo-location or selected area for your search.

WeatherBug (free) Planning an outside wedding? Stay up to date with video forecasts, radar maps, current humidity and more.

Wedding Anniversaries (free) – this little app tells you what the perfect gift is for your 1, 5, 10 and 20+ year anniversary.

WeddingDash (free) A fun little wedding game – the lite version allows you to play the first 5 levels for free. Assist couples in selecting all the details – cakes, flowers, and so on. But beware for pitfalls! Can you keep the bride and groom happy and run a successful wedding planning business?!

Amazon Mobile (free) Amazon.com is the most comprehensive on-line shopping site on the internet. You can create a wish list and share it with your friends. It’s just like a bridal registry. Family and friends can even order gifts right from your wish list and send them to you with a gift card.

iBridal Gown (3.99) Designed by a bridal salon owner, this app will help you in your search for the perfect wedding gown. As you visit bridal salons you enter info about the different dresses you love. Your favorite dresses are stored in an easy to use list, where you can view details, pictures and even directions back to the store with your perfect dress.

Bible (free) The YouVersion.com app allows you to easily search for, bookmark and access any passage in the Bible in many translations.

Article submitted by Lecia Harkins from Beauty on the Go!

Be My Cupcake Offers a Personalized Flair

April 19th, 2010 . Posted in Cake | No Comments »
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Austin’s Be My Cupcake specializes in baking quality cupcakes and cakes for weddings and any event. Cupcakes are making big news at weddings and special events these days; they’re not just for birthday parties anymore! They can take your personal design, favorite photo or piece of inspiration and create an exquisite cupcake and customized stand that perfectly reflects you.

Check out this amazing cupcake display for a fun, bird-watching couple!

Their wedding cupcake presentations are elegant, exciting and will be talked about for years to come.  Cupcakes are more versatile than traditional cake, and are being used not only to be served to your guests during cake time, but as beautiful centerpieces and favors for your guests to enjoy.

Bokeh Photography Contest Winner Announced!

April 16th, 2010 . Posted in Contest/Giveaway, Photography, Uncategorized | No Comments »
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Congratulations to Shelly and Jacob, the grand prize winners of the Bokeh Photography wedding photography giveaway. We can’t wait to see the beautiful wedding photos!

Read Shelly and Jacob’s self-written love story to see why they won the most votes:

Once upon a time there was this handsome prince named Jacob…he lived far far away, in a land named St. Louis, Missouri. He would come and visit his family and friends in good ole’ Somerset, Texas, and that is where it begins. He had a really good friend who just so happen to be a princess named, Shelly. They were such good friends…they would talk on the phone EVERYDAY when Prince Jacob had to go back to Missouri, and spent EVERYDAY TOGETHER when he would come and visit. One day Princess Shelly realized when talking to Prince Jacob on the phone…she was in LOVE…not just a friendly love, but I want to be with you forever LOVE. So they fell in love and lived happily Ever After!!

Not really how our story goes, but something along those lines. Jacob and Shelly is a real life love story, but we are still living it out!!

So, I am 26 years old (Shelly), and have come to a point in my life where I am so happy! I have lived a hard life, and haven’t made it easier on myself…I am a single mom of two beautiful children, Madison who is seven and Mason who is two…I was really content with my life, and knew that this was how it would be, just the three of us. Until the day Jake came into my life. I was friends with Jake before we had a relationship, however it was complicated…he lived in a totally different state, and I wasn’t to sure how this would work…well we made it work, and here we are today, in love and engaged to be married!!! Although, I knew Jake would be the one I spent the rest of my life with, I didn’t realize how soon we would make that promise to each other. He is the best thing other than my children to come into my life…he has changed his entire lifestyle around just to accommodate with mine. Once the Party Man is now the Family Man…and all for me and my kidos…I could not ask for more and am very grateful for what God has put in my life. Not a day goes by that I don’t thank God for the life I have and the people who are in it!! I have found my one true love, and wouldn’t have it any other way. Jake, you are my rock, and without you I don’t know who I am…I am so happy we are spending the rest of our lives together, I couldn’t think of anything else I’d much rather do than wake up to you every morning…You are my heart and my soul and I love you for who you are, and that is the love of my life.

Our wedding is August 7, 2010 in San Antonio, Texas. Our church is at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church. Our reception will take place at St. Paul’s Community Center.

Jake & I are very excited as we get closer and closer to the wedding, however with the planning unfortunately we still have to face reality. I work 2 jobs and am fininshing up school at Texas A&M @ San Antonio, and will graduate in December 2010, so other expenses are in the way and this contest would be heaven sent if we won!! Please vote for us not only because it would be a great help to our budget, but because although we will have pictures in our head for the rest of our lives, we would love the opportunity to have them taken by the talented Jamie!! Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity!!

4 Steps to a Show-Ready Home

April 14th, 2010 . Posted in Advice | No Comments »
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If you are selling your home, follow these helpful hints from Kristina Weaver of Remax Capital City to ensure you get a top-dollar offer on your home.

It’s nearly impossible to keep your home in a “show-ready” state day in and day out. In many cases you may find that your home will be shown to a prospective buyer with very little advance notice.

Even if you’re keeping things as clutter-free as possible, a little preparation for the actual showing is probably in order. Here are some short-term ways to get your home looking and feeling its best.


Step 1: Cleaning Frenzy

  • Scrub tile in the kitchen and bathrooms.
  • Thoroughly clean hardwood floors.
  • Vacuum carpets. If time permits, rent a steam cleaner to shampoo carpets, particularly in high traffic areas.
  • Dust all wood furniture, TV screens and computer monitors.
  • Clear counters of all clutter. If time permits, move unnecessary appliances and decorating touches into storage areas.
  • Clear the kitchen sink and counters of all dirty dishes.
  • Pick up all dirty laundry. Avoid over-filling any open air hampers – laundry is better kept out of sight inside your washer or dryer.
  • Remove stains from bathtubs, toilets and sinks.

Step 2: Critical Eye Test

  • After doing the first round of cleaning, take a walk through the house with the perspective of a buyer. Look for clutter, excess furniture or highly personal touches that might turn off prospective buyers.
  • Try taking pictures of main rooms with a digital camera for an “instant review”.

Step 3: Curb Appeal Checkup

  • Sweep the entryway, porch and walkways.
  • Mow and water the lawn.
  • Store any toys or garden equipment.
  • Clean up pet droppings.
  • Clean gutters and downspouts.
  • Add potted plants to the porch or deck.

Step 4: Closing Touches

  • Turn on all lights.
  • Open drapes and blinds.
  • Open windows to let in fresh air.
  • Burn scented candles or open jars of lightly scented potpourri. If you don’t have either on hand, you can always bake cookies (the oldest trick in the book) or simmer a few drops of vanilla extract on the stove.
  • Turn off all TV’s, stereos and computers.
  • If possible, relocate pets to a friend or neighbor’s home during the showing.
  • Clean the litter box thoroughly to rid your home of smells. If pets can be temporarily relocated, remove the litter box entirely.
  • Hang fresh towels in every bathroom.
  • Put fresh liquid soap or bar soap in each bathroom.
  • Remove rugs to showcase hardwood floors.
  • Put out fresh flowers and fill candy dishes.

For more information about buying or selling a home, contact Kristina Weaver of Remax Capital City.

Budget for your wedding flowers

April 12th, 2010 . Posted in Advice, Budget, Details, Flowers | No Comments »
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Wedding flowers are the perfect opportunity to infuse your wedding with natural beauty in your color scheme and your own personal sense of style. Choosing flowers for your wedding can be a daunting task, but with some basic information about what goes into the cost of your flowers, you’ll be able to make an informed decision that works for your wedding style and budget.

Use this guide from Oakleaf Florist to get a general idea of what you can expect to pay for your arrangements:

  • Bride’s bouquet: $85-$225
  • Bridesmaid’s bouquet: $25-$85
  • Boutonnieres: $10-$20
  • Corsages: $12.50-$35
  • Altar arrangements: $75-$250
  • Centerpieces: $25-$100

If wedding flowers seem expensive, consider the average retail cost per stem for these popular wedding flowers from Oakleaf Florist:

  • Calla lily: $12.50
  • Cala lily – mini: $15
  • Cymbidium orchid: $15
  • Gardenia: $30
  • Gerbera daisy: $5
  • Hydrangea: $15
  • Peony: $25
  • Rose: $5
  • Stargazer lily: $10
  • Stephanotis: $100 for a box of 20
  • Tulip: $5

Work with your florist to find ways to save on your wedding flowers including:

  • Opt for less expensive filler blooms accented with fewer, pricier flowers
  • Use non-floral alternatives such as ribbon and candles to accent your flowers and create impact without having to spend more on flowers
  • Toss the real bridal bouquet or a bridesmaids’ bouquet instead of paying for a separate toss bouquet
  • Reuse flowers whenever possible. Church altar flowers may be relocated to the reception or the florist can design reception arrangements that reuse the bridesmaids’ bouquets
  • Consider the season when choosing your wedding flowers to reduce the cost of importing flowers long distances for your wedding

DIY photos of your engagement ring

April 9th, 2010 . Posted in Advice, First Steps, Photography | No Comments »
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Share the news of your engagement by sending photos of your engagement ring to friends and family with these helpful tips from Debra Gulbas Photography!

Wedding Guide’s Spring Fling

April 6th, 2010 . Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
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The Wedding Guide hosted a Spring Fling for Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas and Family Service Association last weekend at Granberry Hills! Thank you to all of the volunteers who put on this event including the Wedding Guide staff, Limelight San Antonio, Platinum DJ Entertainment, Airwave Dave! and Costco. We had a great time, and the pictures prove it!

Photos by Limelight San Antonio

Happy Anniversary: Bokeh Photography

April 1st, 2010 . Posted in Photography | No Comments »
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Bokeh Photography is celebrating its one year anniversary with a wedding photography giveaway for one lucky couple! Vote here through April 11 for your favorite couple’s love story. Stay tuned and we’ll announce the winner on April 15!

Shelly & Jacob

Ryan & Jarred

Danyelle & Joseph

Bokeh Photography is owned by Jamie Turnage, a professional photographer who has had an eye for photography all her life. After formal photography classes in high school and photojournalism classes in college, Jamie received a degree in Fine Art photography from Texas State University. Jaime spent three years working with a very traditional wedding & portrait studio and three  more years with a documentary wedding & portrait studio and now combines all of her experience to get her clients the best photos possible.  She  loves capturing all the details that some will overlook, and if you are a bride, you know there is no detail worth overlooking.

Look Your Best with Professional Makeup

March 31st, 2010 . Posted in Advice, Beauty | No Comments »
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On your wedding day you want to look radiant, fabulous and relaxed — not stressed. A great way to prepare for your special day is by having the experts come to you! Don’t forget to ask your mom and future mother-in-law to participate as well as any other special friends and relatives. Imagine everyone getting together for a “beauty party” with snacks and beverages, some music playing and you and your friends laughing and talking as all of you are transformed with flawless-looking faces and a makeup application uniquely designed for your personalities.  Bring your cameras, take pictures and have fun!

Like an artist prepares the canvas before painting a picture, you too should prepare your skin before applying makeup. Taking good care of your skin by cleansing and moisturizing daily is probably something you already do but how often do you use a masque? Oily skin or combination skin benefits from a clay-based masque about twice a week. Dry skin can benefit from a moisture masque. All skin types can benefit from a light exfoliation at least twice a week. This will allow your fresh skin to glow and makeup looks dramatically better on skin that has been well taken care of. For those of you who utilize a waxing regimen, it is best not to wax eyebrows or other facial hair within three days of the wedding day.

Many brides opt for airbrush makeup where the makeup is “airbrushed” onto the skin with the use of an airbrush and an air compressor. The special formula and unique application easily covers imperfections, large pores and uneven skin tones to give a flawless look. The airbrush makeup feels smooth and light, almost as if you aren’t wearing anything. The result is flawless looking skin. It is the best makeup for humid Texas weather because it’s humid and transfer resistant; it won’t rub off!

Article submitted by Linda Kelly-Makeup Artist

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