Do I really need a Wedding Coordinator?

Can’t I just plan my own wedding from beginning to end? Of course you can! But the real question is do you want to?

It takes a vast amount of time to truly plan a wedding, especially since it’s only the one day of your life you’ve been dreaming about it since you were a child! There are logistics that you probably haven’t even thought of at this time that are everyday tasks for someone with experience. Many venues now include a Day-of-Wedding Coordinator with their facility fee. Some venues also provide a Site Manager to manage staffing, vendors and any complications or trouble-shooting that may come up which helps everything run smoothly. Your Wedding Coordinator will provide a detailed timeline for you and keep everyone on track from the start of the evening until the very end. If they are not included with your venue, many brides find them well worth the investment just to help assure their day is as stress free as possible. The Wedding Coordinator will be your ‘best friend’ of the day, and your go-to person for nearly everything!

Questions you have to ask yourself are: do I want to be responsible for thinking about when it is time to make a toast or cut the cake or have special dances? Do you have the time to make arrangements for lodging, a departure vehicle, catering – tastings and arranging a menu? Or, do you want to relax and enjoy this special time in your life. Most brides, even those who still want control of their day, go for the latter when their budget allows.

This is your day to shine, a Wedding Coordinator should be your right hand person to handle all the stress of planning and pulling it all together,. So take the time to just simply be the bride, not the planner.

Clients recognize that Old Glory Ranch is a full service venue from the time they walk through for a tour until they leave for their honeymoon. Old Glory Ranch has received accolades from previous clients and been awarded by their peers in the industry. They pride themselves in quality service and treat their clients with respect. Their brides are their priority and they show each of them that by ‘holding their hand’ every step of the way and helping as “much” or “as little” as the client desires.

Happy Wedding Planning!

www.facebook.com/oldgloryranch

Wedding Venue or Wedding “Factory” what’s your pleasure?

It isn’t easy choosing a wedding venue. After all, the ‘place’ is going to be the first thing your guests see when they arrive on your big day and you want it to be the perfect reflection of you and your ‘soon to be’. Naturally location, cost and ambiance are huge factors to consider for your special event but they aren’t the only things to examine as you muddle through your many options.

First and foremost visit the venue personally so you can vision how your wedding will look ~ and when you make that trek be sure to arm yourself with an extensive list of questions . They might include things like:

  1.  How many guests can they accommodate
  2. What is included in the facility fee
  3. Is it full service or self service, i.e. are you responsible for the setup and break down or are they
  4. Do they have their own Wedding Coordinator/staff/caterer/florist
  5. Do they allow outside vendors
  6. Is there an all inclusive package
  7. Do they have preferred or required caterers, bakers, photographers, bar tenders, etc.
  8. How long do you get the facility & does it include both ceremony and reception time
  9. Are additional hours available, and if so, what is the fee
  10. Does the fee include any personal meetings
  11. How many events do they handle per day; in other words, do they pump out newlyweds like a rabbit does bunnies or will your event be the only one they focus on that day

No matter which venue you choose, try to build a relationship with those in charge. The better you communicate with them, the better they will understand exactly how to make your dream wedding come true.

HAPPY WEDDING PLANNING!

Fox News Jenna Lee weds at Old Glory Ranch

On the eve of our country’s Independence Day, Jenna Lee and Leif Babin had a special day of their own. The Fox News co-anchor of “Happening Now” and her Navy SEAL stepped across the marriage threshold in a lovely ceremony held at Old Glory Ranch (OGR) in Wimberley, Texas. They were  couple number 300 to exchange vows in Chapel Hall.

Jenna was escorted down the aisle by her father, Robert Lee (a former NFL Viking/Ram quarterback), to Leif who was waiting for his beautiful bride with his 11 groomsmen and a best man.

A photo of the happy couple was published in the July 18th issue of People magazine on page 70 and People magazine online posted an article referencing the big event quoting  ”At first I was worried I wouldn’t be able to keep it together,” the co-anchor of the show Happening Now tells PEOPLE. “But once the moment arrived, I didn’t shed a single tear!”

Instead, the day was filled with laughter and applause, as Lee, 31, wearing a gown by Lazaro, exchanged Christian vows with Navy SEAL Leif Babin, 35, in front of 225 guests.

Following the ceremony, the two joined their guests for a Texas-inspired celebration that included the state’s official bread Pan de Campo, as well as hamburgers, sliders, sweet potato fries with Habanero ketchup and an assortment of cupcakes for dessert.

The couple, who shared pink margaritas on their first date, also treated their guests to frozen pink margaritas from a margarita machine.

“One of the most fun parts of the night was to sit down on the stairs in my dress and watch everyone have such a great time,” Lee says of the reception, which also featured lanterns hanging from trees.

A DJ [OGR's Chris Heckendorn] kept the newlyweds and their guests dancing until midnight, when Lee and Babin were sent off in a 1946 Mercury convertible surrounded by their guests holding sparklers.

“Walking down the aisle to Leif is a dream come true,” says Lee. Adds Babin: “From the moment I saw Jenna, I knew she was incredibly special.”

Other vendors for Lee/Babin event:

Innovative Photography – Austin, TX

Classic Cakes by Lori - Dripping Springs, TX

Gruene Flour Cupcakery – Gruene, TX

Say Cheese Photo Booth – Austin, TX

Don Strange Catering – San Antonio, TX

Texas Ritas – Austin, TX

OGR Wedding Coordinator – Carey Millington – BASH Events

Floral Design – Old Glory Ranch Floral Team – Wimberley, TX

Lee also gave a “shout out” from Fox News after returning to the show following their honeymoon. watch clip

You can find more photos or their wedding on our Facebook page.

Also follow us on Twitter.

Jenna and Leif walk through the traditional Navy saber archway

find more related articles:

New York Times

Wikipedia

Mediaite News

US Navy SEALS

Show Biz Spy

Media Bistro

Huffington Post

Digital Spy – UK

Clare & Brian

With a beautiful smile and personality to match Clare was ready to meet her future husband, Brian at the altar. The weather was perfect for a June bride. A scrumptious menu prepared by Sullivan Street provided guests with a real pallet pleasing sampling. Clare chose Classic Cakes by Lori as her baker for the bridal and grooms cakes. Soft peach and pink flowers highlighted centerpieces and her bridal bouquet. Special music as the couple were pronounced husband and wife was the theme song from The Magnificent Seven.

Clare and Brian shortly after saying "I do"

See more photos of their wedding at www.facebook.com/oldgloryranch

Covered Patio at Old Glory Ranch

The Perfect Location for Casual Wedding Receptions & Dances

The covered patio at Old Glory Ranch is a great venue for wedding receptions and corporate events. It offers great views and an area perfect for dancing and dining. Fire up the outdoor fireplace and you’ve got a year-round opportunity for a memorable occasion.