January VIP

volume 2 issue 4 | NovemBeR 2009 | theVIPmag.
com
VOLUME 7 ISSUE 3 | January 2014 | theVIPmag.com
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o f s o u t h e a s t t e x a s
The worlds WORST
wedding advice
6 great things
to do this month!
Wedded
Bliss
Everything you need to achieve
Including
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fowers,
cakes,
stationery,
venues,
dresses,
decor,
themes,
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Editorial
Editor
DAVID CONSTANTINE
dconstantine@thevipmag.com
Contributing Writers
CATHLEEN COLE
LArENA HEAD
grACE mATHIS
jANE mCbrIDE
HOLLI pETErSEN
CHEryL rOSE
Photography
Contributing Photographers
SCOTT ESLINgEr
LACIE grANT
rEN SHEppArD
LEE E. STINSON
Graphic Designer
DAVID CONSTANTINE
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on the cover
Rachel Hervin of Orange played center stage as the bride in our Urban
Garden wedding photoshoot a perfect theme for the city girl who
still loves the great outdoors. See the complete pictorial, pages 16-20.
Wedding styling and fowers by Tamara Menges Designs, Hair and
makeup by Ashly black, Something Beautiful, Dress courtesy of
Brickhouse Bridal, Photography by Sarah e. Evans, Shot on location in
downtown Beaumont
c o n t e n t s
vip magazine
06 vip home
06 3 country estates
turned wedding venues
12 food&drink
12 Event fruit carver
Lesya Grifn
16 vip style
16 Urban Garden wedding
22 Trendy bridal bouquets
27 Sewing-inspired
nuptials with a twist
of citrus
34 vipersonality
34 Bob & Leann Adams:
50 years of marriage
35 vip worthy
35 Wedding ceremony
traditions
37 Trash the dress
photography
40 vip spotlight
40 SE Texas events
45 vip adviser
45 The worst wedding
advice youll ever receive
47 6 great dates this month
48 Calendar
49 Crossword puzzle
50 vip voices
50 A lesson on jumping
(into marriage)
inside january
27
22
12
4 January 2014 | theVIPmag.com
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Turning properties into wedding
destinations joyful, but hard work
text by CHERYL ROSE
L
and: They may not be making any more of it, but its not
cheap to keep with taxes and maintenance. Three area
residents knew they had the space to convert part of their
properties into destination venues, but they had to have the
friendly personalities and experienced organizational skills to pull it
of. The owners of Angel Gardens, The Barn and the Bauer Ranch all
agree that running a wedding venue is a lot of work more than you
might think at frst. However, they all appreciate being part of the joy
and celebration that marks a major milestone in couples lives.
w e d d i n g v e n u e s
vip home
V
icki Bauer knows
how to throw a
party. Because she
enjoys entertain-
ing, she has hosted
various parties and
events at her ranch
home for friends
and organizations over the years. Visitors
and vendors at these events would always
encourage her to turn it into a business.
After retiring from a career as a school
principal, Bauer thought the time had come
to give the venue business a try. She hosted
her frst paid wedding in November 2011.
Ive always loved the art of celebration,
she said. I feel very blessed for Tim and me
to be living in the Bauer Ranch homestead.
Tims parents built it in 1951 and it is a grand
old house. But I didnt know retirement
would be this much work. In the frst year,
I learned a lot about what I was doing. It
was a hard thing for me to grasp how to be a
business person. Now Im a lot more efcient
and thinking like a businesswoman.
Bauer already had a lot of the talents
necessary to run a wedding venue, such
as natural leadership, organizational and
problem-solving skills, patience and insight
into human behavior. In addition to as-
sistance from her husband, Bauer has a staf
to help set up and tear down, guide parking,
assistants for the bride, groom and family
throughout the event. The smallest wedding
theyve done had 80 guests; the largest had
350. She quickly learned it was better for
her staf to ensure that details get covered
and events fow rather than assuming the
families will have a plan. Shes also restruc-
tured her pricing; originally, it was based
on headcount, but now it is a fat rate based
on services and amenities provided. She
recommends any prospective venue owners
know all the hidden costs such as liability
insurance, beer and wine licenses, and main-
tenance of the property.
The Bauers open their own home to
the bride and groom before the wedding.
Friends have asked her how she copes with
having strangers in her home, but she said
by the day of the wedding, the couple are
no longer strangers. If you have a gift of
hospitality, you trust the good in people,
she said. Weve never had an issue.
Bauer dedicates herself for the week
prior to the wedding. Im exhausted the
next day no matter how many staf I have,
she said. But we want to provide that
unforgettable wedding. Im excited about the
longevity of what were doing. These couples
are going to come back and show their chil-
dren this is where they got married. I enjoy
being surrounded with happy people who
are celebrating. That energy is special.
Bauer Ranch, Winnie
>>
photography by lisa stRamecki
theVIPmag.com | January 2014 7
C
indy Reed and her
husband, David,
were traveling
through the Hill
Country in 2009
when the idea of
turning some of their
acreage in Kountze
into a wedding destination occurred to
them. They saw examples in the Hill Coun-
try and thought they could do something
similar.
When they got home, they built a ga-
zebo. They slowly added additional features
such as a bridge, water ponds and foun-
tains, walking trails and now a new chapel
that holds 70 people. The next project they
are considering is a bridal cabin where the
bride and her entourage can dress.
What were making we are putting
back in, Cindy Reed said. Its very hard
work. We hope when we retire, we can do
it full-time.
The couple owns Reeds Janitorial Ser-
vices and Cindy works at the Big Thicket
National Preserve book store. They start
about a week before a wedding to manicure
their site mowing, killing ants, setting
up chairs and more. Before the wedding
week, Cindy has already met with the bride
several times.
In creating a wedding venue, Cindy
noted that you need cash fow and advertis-
ing the best being word of mouth. I have
experience working retail, she said. So I
am familiar with customer service. Making
sure a customer is satisfed is the only way
word is going to get out and get you refer-
rals. Sometimes I go an extra mile, but its
the most special day of that brides life.
They hosted their frst wedding about
a year and a half ago, with several since,
along with other celebration events such
as birthday parties and reunions. Until the
chapel was fnished, the weddings were all
outdoor ceremonies.
The largest wedding theyve hosted had
350 guests under a huge tent. One lesson
they learned was not to let the guests park
themselves. Now David guides that process.
Cindys also learned that every bride is
diferent, but the dreams for a wedding are
much the same.
Its exciting to me to be a big part of
these couples weddings, she said. I enjoy
talking with them and following their lives
on Facebook.
Angel Gardens, Kountze
photography by Christy seiley
A
t Indian Springs
Camp, Ronnie
Stockholm and
his friends used
to meet in a
screened pavil-
ion to pick some
bluegrass and
sing some Southern gospel, but were often
uncomfortable with the heat or the cold. He
decided to build The Barn for his bluegrass
buddies to have a better place to play.
We were sitting around on the porch
playing one day and a couple camped out
wanted to come sing with us, Stockholm
remembered. A month later, they called
my wife and wanted to get married out
here. That was the downfall of the blue-
grass and the beginnings of the wedding
business.
Stockholm had owned the property
since 1977. He built The Barn in 2005. We
built it out of our own timber, he said.
We wanted it to look as much like an origi-
nal old barn as we could make it.
The frst wedding came right on the
heels of Hurricane Rita. Stockholms family
and the bridal couple worked fendishly
to remove downed trees and brush, all
without electricity. Since then, The Barn
has hosted many events, though now they
are concentrating on weddings twice a
month or so. Inside, The Barn can ft 172
guests. The largest outdoor wedding had
300 guests.
In my wildest dreams, I never thought
it would turn out, Stockholm said. I
didnt realize people wanted non-conven-
tional church weddings, semi-destination
weddings, a place to hold the rehearsal,
wedding and reception all in one place.
Over the years, theyve learned some
lessons through experience. We learned
by the seat of our pants, Stockholm said.
We didnt have any guidelines. One thing
I would tell anyone with any idea of doing
something like this is to make sure you
have alcohol guidelines. That can be one of
the major problems at a wedding.
Stockholm claims to be retired, func-
tioning as groundskeeper and handyman
and letting his two daughters, Darlene
Thomas and Kimberly Hernandez, work
with the weddings. He enjoys seeing the
creativity of how each couple brings their
personality to the function. He described a
circus-themed wedding, a wedding where
the bride arrived by horse and carriage
and another one where they came in on a
tractor.
Its been worth having the place to
see couples start their careers together,
he said. Its always fun to see them again.
They show me pictures from their wed-
dings, pictures of their kids. Its especially
meaningful to hear from couples that
started here and are still married and going
strong.
The Barn, Kountze
>>
photography by lisa sTramecKi
Outdoor
Weddings
All three of these wed-
ding venues have very limited
indoor space for ceremonies
or receptions. The majority of
their weddings are held out-
doors, making them subject to
weather. That can scare some
brides of, according to Cindy
Reed. It also condenses the
number of months that a Texas
bride might consider having an
outdoor wedding. Vicki Bauer
doesnt even book weddings in
January-February or July-Au-
gust because her venue space is
not a controlled environment.
Though the weather factor
could be risky, these outdoor
venues do have an edge when
it comes to gorgeous settings
for photography. The fower
gardens, bridge and rope swing
are popular photo spots at
Angel Gardens. Sunset shots
are a favorite at Bauer Ranch.
The Barns rustic setting and
porch rockers create great
atmospheric shots. VIP
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EdibleArt
text by CATHLEEN COLE
T
he banquet table at
the wedding recep-
tion is overfow-
ing with beautiful
fruits and veg-
etables carved into
amazing designs delicate zucchini
roses, intricately carved watermelon
baskets, even a meticulously designed
peacock made from radishes, carrots
and blueberries. It all looks too good to
eat, but you can if you want to, or if the
host lets you! Silsbee artist Lesya Grif-
fn doesnt mind if you do.
f r u i t c a r v i n g
food dining
Lesya Griffn
carves fruit and
veggies into
delicious, artful
masterpieces
p
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t
o
g
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a
p
h
y
b
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R
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Practice and a good paring knife
Grifn, originally from Ukraine,
started learning to carve fruits and veg-
etables after she married her husband,
Dallas, three years ago. I like cook-
ing and decorating plates or trays, so
I decided to try this kind of craft too,
she said, adding that she searched the
Internet for carving ideas and tutori-
als. Now that I stay at home with my
daughter, Katrina, its a great way to
work and at the same time still be able
to be with my family.
Grifn began by practicing with
a paring knife on every fruit and
vegetable she could fnd in her kitchen
including potatoes, carrots, cucumbers
and mangoes. I carved diferent types
of fowers or just symmetric patterns,
she said. After every practice, I used
those carved fruits and vegetables for
cooking something tasty for my family.
For example, from zucchini squash I
made an amazing stew. Now she has
many tools for fruit carving but mainly
uses a quality knife.
After her artistic skills became
known around Silsbee, she met Diane
Wilson of Dianes Wedding Designs &
Rentals in Kountze. The two started
working together on events, and now
Grifns fruit designs are displayed at
wedding receptions and all types of
parties around Southeast Texas.
A plethora of produce
Watermelon is the artists favorite
fruit to carve because she can create
many colors and shadows on the same
fruit. She loves to carve roses out of
other produce including zucchini, she
explains, because those fowers are
beautiful and come in many shapes and
colors in nature just inexhaustible
inspiration!
However, she can carve all kinds
of designs from diferent fruits and
vegetables including mangoes, papa-
yas, pineapples, cantaloupes, squash,
carrots, eggplants and potatoes. Most of
her produce comes from a grocery store
with an occasional supplement from
her father-in-laws vegetable garden.
Incredible and edible
All of Grifns designs are ed-
ible, she says, but each client chooses
whether the pieces are just for looks or
if theyll serve them to guests.
Grifn often makes her produce
products beautiful and practical, since
she prefers food not to be wasted. I
like making a carved basket out of
watermelon or cantaloupe, for example,
and flling it back only with the edible
part of the fruit, she said. Im carving
just the skin part, which people throw
away anyway, but now it gives so much
aesthetic enjoyment and happiness, and
with no waste!
It takes from three to eight hours
to create a peacock, depending on her
design choice. It took her about six
hours to create one she made from
daikon radishes with some carrots and
blueberries. I carved it the day before
the wedding day and kept it in ice-cold
water till it was time to put all the parts
together, she said. You have to fnish
it at the very last moment, so it will
stay nice and fresh during the party.
Cool as a cucumber
Creating artwork from fresh fruits
and vegetables isnt something that
can be done a week before an event,
so timing is everything. The produce
has to be kept cold, so Grifn has three
refrigerators in her house.
Grifn admits it is sometimes
I put all my heart in
every order I do.
>>
stressful to work on tight deadlines.
For a large display, she would prefer
to have up to 10 hours to set it up,
but most venues allow her to start
no earlier than three hours before
an event. She credits Wilsons team
for helping her get the work done on
time.
Pricing is based on the hours Grif-
fn estimates spending on a project.
She usually charges about $10 an
hour for her labor. A large table
centerpiece that includes fowers and
birds would cost about $100 to $300.
Factors include how many watermel-
ons are carved, how heavy the design
is, what other fruits and vegetables
are used and how far from Silsbee
she has to travel to set up the display.
For one carved watermelon, she
charges about $30 to $40, but if
words are included, the price goes
up to $50. A carved honeydew melon
runs about $30, a papaya about $20
and a mango about $5. Roses carved
from zucchini are $5 a piece, but
most of the time, as an addition to a
big order, I do them for free so my
clients can relax and not count every
rose on the table, she noted.
Prayers for creativity and patience
Clients have a lot of input when it
comes to their edible creations. My
clients help me a lot in choosing the
right design to make it more per-
sonal, she said. One client ordered
a fruit display for her father-in-laws
birthday party with two carved
watermelons. She knew she wanted
Happy Birthday carved on one,
but wasnt sure what to have carved
on the second watermelon. Grifn
suggested carving a book design with
the number 60 in the middle for her
father-in-laws age. The client liked
that idea and suggested the book look
like the Bible. Its become a popular
design in Grifns repertoire.
With all her beautiful designs,
youd think shed have a favorite. She
disagrees. I dont have a creation
I would be most proud of because
I put all my heart in every order I
do, she observed. Before I start to
do anything, I pray to our Heavenly
Father for creativity and patience,
so at the end I am proud of every
result because I feel blessed that God
uses me to bring into the world such
beautiful art. VIP
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wedding styling and fowers by Tamara menges Designs
vintage rentals from BourBon anD Bloom VinTage renTals
hair and makeup by ashly Black, someThing BeauTiful
cake by Therese JorDan, T cakes creaTions
stationery by Jenny sanDers, moira ink calligraphy
dress courtesy of Brickhouse BriDal
mens suit courtesy of mens Wearhouse
photography by sarah e. eVans
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modeled by rachael heVrin and isaac fenTer
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vip style
&#!"%
#!"&%$
text by Grace Mathis
$
ith the evolution of wedding celebrations in the past sev-
eral years, along with the addition of The Event Centre to
Historic Downtown Beaumont, there has never been a better
time to get married in Southeast Texas. For a bride who
considers herself a city girl, yet holds a deep appreciation
for the beauty and wildness of the great outdoors and nature,
she may consider the theme of Urban Garden for her nuptials. >>
The concept
According to Tamara
Menges, owner and
lead designer of Tamara
Menges Designs a
design, foral and styl-
ing frm the Urban
Garden wedding is all
about juxtaposing the
hard lines of concrete
and steel next to the
softness of organic-style
forals and greenery. For
Menges, whose typical
aesthetic is more South-
ern romance meets
modern elegance, this
was a new and challeng-
ing creative concept.
I chose the con-
cept of Urban Garden
because I wanted to
push brides in our area
to think outside the box,
and also to push myself
out of my style comfort
zone, said Menges.
I think as a business
owner and designer I
need to continually be
pushing the boundar-
ies, so that I continue
to grow in the craft that
God has blessed me
with.
Florals
The foral style in
particular was a major
change for Menges, who
regularly creates tradi-
tional Southern style
bouquets and table set-
tings. This time, there
was not a hydrangea in
sight.
The foral was more
free-fowing, which is
a nice change of pace
from what I usually pro-
duce, she said. I used
lots of greeneries with
diferent textures and
variations in coloring.
To refect the bold,
urban side of the
concept, she used big,
beautiful coral charm
peonies. I used lots of
greens simply because
it is reminiscent of the
garden feel, and whites
sparingly so it didnt
over power the punch
of the coral.
Menges noted that
there is a trend in wed-
ding forals away from
traditional arrange-
ments, and towards
less structure. I am
really loving the more
organic style and shape
of foral centerpieces
and bouquets. Its more
towards how they would
naturally growIts
very refreshing!
Creating the setting
Ashley Laakso Tins-
ley, owner of Bourbon &
Bloom Vintage Rentals,
provided many of the
urban elements. We
wanted to create a foral
oasis in the middle of
a concrete jungle, she
said. Her metal chairs,
clean place settings and
other pieces helped
reiterate that.
The Event Centre
was the perfect setting
for the shoot, with a
beautiful lake and other
outdoor elements, con-
trasted with the modern
building and downtown
skyline. That made it
easier for photographer
Sarah e. Evans to cap-
ture the Urban Garden
essence.
When I think of the
Urban Garden Wed-
ding I envision a mix
of metal and greenery,
which is what we got,
Evans said.
This style would
attract the bride who is
not wanting your ordi-
nary church wedding. I
see someone who loves
the outdoors but also
appreciates the arts and
the industrial side of
things.
She added, It means
city chic to me the
marrying of two oppo-
site styles that mesh so
well together Just like
many marriages today.
Wedding cake
The wedding cake
is one of those timeless
traditions that doesnt
often get a chance to
change.
This Urban Gar-
den theme, along with>>
this cake design, is for
the bride that wants
to think outside of the
norm, said Therese
Bible, of T Cakes Cre-
ations in Spurger.
This cake doesnt
have a fawless look but
rather a more natural
one with rough icing,
she said. It is a cream
color rather than white
and the slender look is
very modern. Simple
and diferent speaks
volumes. Bible encour-
ages all brides to choose
a cake as unique as this
one.
The bride
As for the bride
herself, Ashly Black
of Something Beauti-
ful Hair and Makeup,
wanted to create a more
natural, less formal
look. I kept the hair
slightly messy, so that is
was edgy but romantic,
she said.
Although a lot of
brides request a smoky
eye, Black encour-
ages them to try a
softer makeup look, so
their beauty can shine
through. For this look,
I used browns and a
little bit of pink. I was
thinking of the secret
garden, so I wanted to
keep it more whimsical
a little innocent and
fresh, not over-done.
Finishing touches
A modern, couture
dress, complemented
by the grooms suit in
a muted tan, reiterates
the non-traditional feel.
Even the hand-painted
stationery is unique
elegant, bold script
accented by watercolor
renderings of the natu-
ral elements.
For a bride who has
a classic sense of style,
but also wants to do
something outside-the-
box, the Urban Garden
theme is ideal. With
modern and romantic
elements seamlessly
combined, the celebra-
tion will be one to re-
member. And The Event
Centre is the perfect
place to do it. Ladies,
and gentlemen get
planning. VIP
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the difference between practicing
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text by Larena Head
F
lowers play a big role in weddings this
year, from bringing the outside inside with
organic elements to over-the-top bouquets.
To highlight 2014s hottest bouquet styles, we
asked local forists to create an on-trend piece
with their own personal spin, along with a few
helpful tips for brides-to-be.
Trend: Whimsical
Clyde Savoie, Clydes, 5400 39th Street, Groves, 962.6753
Materials used: Roses, sunfowers, burlap and pins.
Inspiration: I just do it. I work with the fowers and start
creating.
Wedding fower tip: Why settle for the rest when you can
have the best.
Any tips on preserving your bouquet? Visit a specialist to
have your bouquet preserved and placed in a shadow box so
you may enjoy it after the wedding.
bridal blooms
b o u q u e t s
vip style
photography by Lacie Grant
Trend: Glitz
Gina Savoie, Forever Yours Florist, 5785 Old Dowlen, Beaumont, 898.0988
Materials used: Antique rose, cream sweetheart roses, rhinestone applique,
rhinestone pendants, iridescent rhinestones and beads.
Inspiration: A combination of an old-fashioned and contemporary look, for an
antique, glitzy piece.
Wedding fower tip: Choose fowers that will stay fresh for a long amount of
time and pick something thats in season.
How can a bride keep her bouquet looking fresh all day long? When not
in use, keep it refrigerated and in a vase of water.
Trend: Vintage
James Perrio, Twigs Florist, 1990 Calder Ave., Beaumont, 835.3930
Materials used: Pink roses, babys breath and rhinestones.
Inspiration: Roses were a staple back in the 50s, so I gave an old classic a
modern feel by adding the jeweled handle.
Wedding fower tip: Be your own person. Make your wedding day special to
you.
What are some unique family heirlooms that youve incorporated into
bridal designs? We incorporate heirlooms all the time; weve worked with
brooches, gloves, rosaries, prayer books, handkerchiefs, lace from moms veil,
buttons from grandmas dress. Vintage is a good element to incorporate into a
modern brides wedding.
>>
Trend: High Drama
Sandra Hubbell, Petals Florist, 770 Neches St, Beaumont,
832.1799
Materials used: Roses, gerbera, snapdragons, aspidistra
leaves, baby eucalyptus, a magnolia and feathers.
Inspiration: I like to be different; I draw inspiration from
tropical fowers, exotic leaves and feathers.
Wedding fower tip: Pick fowers that are in season.
What are some details to consider when selecting a
bouquet? Pay attention to color, size and shape.
Trend: Rustic
Meg Landry, The Cherry Tree Florist, 1208 Port Neches Ave., Port
Neches, 722.4848
Materials used: Sweetness roses, orange sweetheart roses, dried
millet, cotton, plumosa, seeded eucalyptus, amaranths, Spanish
moss, baby pods, birds nest, burlap and lace.
Inspiration: Hearing the love songs of Bob Dylans Nashville Skyline
and Planet Waves played on vinyl on my record player.
Wedding fower tip: Just go with what makes you smile.
Have you noticed a strong foral trend among local brides?
Bohemian, rustic and vintage. Sometimes a mix of all three which
is perfect for us because those are the styles we would choose for
ourselves. VIP
Say Yes To The
Very Best
Picture your wedding at the Beaumont
Country Club located on the Neches River
in the shade of hundred year old trees.
The Beaumont Country Club offers
spacious facilities for wedding parties,
anniversary celebrations, and corporate
meetings. We welcome non-members to
take advantage of the event amenities
we offer.
Our event director will work with you to
create the wedding of your dreams. We
pride ourselves on personalized service and
exceeding your expectations.
Make your 2014 reservation today!
Call 409.892.9431
or email our Director of Events
Christina Majdalani
cmajdalani@wowfoodconcepts.com
Dr. Duchini is also accepting patients by appointment
at
is pleased to announce
the opening of his private
practice in Gastroenterology
andTransplant Hepatology
Andrea Duchini, M.D., FACP
Dr. Duchini has recently relocated from
the Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
at The University of Texas Medical Branch
at
St. Lukes Medical Center
Texas Medical Center (TMC)
6624 Fannin Suite 2250, Houston, TX 77030
SoutheastTexas Gastroenterology Associates, PA
950 North 14
th
Street, Suite 100
Beaumont, Texas 77702
Appointments (713) 275-3778
Nickolinas
1257 W. Lucas, Beaumont, TX
409-896-2543
facebook.com/nickolinas nickolinas.com
Enhance your home with the old-world splendor
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The Arte Italica Regale collection consists of handmade,
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Gift Registry is now available at Nickolinas!
Luxury Flush
409-767-0914
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Our portable restrooms offer your guests a
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gentlemans quarters.
AC/Heating
Delivered to your venue
For Heavens Sake
4190 Calder Avenue, Beaumont
409-898-3340 FHSBeaumont@aol.com
Dressing up is not just for girls!
We Specialize in:
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and so much more...
Stop by
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5
fabulous fnds
Retailers we love and their
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New items put out daily!
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2195 Calder Ave. @ 6th. Beaumont
409.835.3080
***+%,"&!'&!)-',!+#$(
)&('!"%
)$#)
text by CHERYL ROSE
P
lump and plentiful satsuma
oranges dot the landscape
and scent the autumn air.
The groves of the Wilcox
Market Garden in Orange
created the perfect backdrop
and inspiration for Stephanie Do of La Belle
Fleur Wedding Designs & Events. With the
assistance of several specialty designers and
photographer Allen Ayres of BellaFotografca,
Do created a wedding vision that is soft and
sophisticated with a bit of pop. >>
A romantic, sophisticated
wedding with vintage fair
w e d d i n g s
vip style
The Setting
As soon as Do and Glenda Little of
Dressy Designs Wedding and Event
Stationery visited the farm, they knew
they had the perfect venue. The Wilcox
family has farmed the land in Orange
for several generations. The farm house
was built in 1886. Owner Charlie Wilcox
grows prize-winning tomatoes in the
summer and juicy satsumas in the fall.
Do knew she wanted a quaint and
unique atmosphere. I always tell my
brides that the venue is the frst thing to
book, she said. For a decorator, it af-
fects how you envision the wedding.
Though she had a color palette
selected, once Do saw the oranges she
knew she had to expand the colors and
incorporate the fruit into the dcor.
Branches, leaves and oranges are in ev-
ery foral arrangement, including small
kumquats in bridal model and hair styl-
ist Ashley Denaes foral crown. Do and
Little came up with a clever use for the
oranges as the escort cards that direct
the guests to their seating assignments.
Little designed the tags and pinned them
to the oranges.
The Theme
Do chose a sewing theme to give an
antique air that was casual and crafty.
To me, nothing is of limits, she said.
Brides today dont follow traditions.
Anything goes. There are no rules to
follow. Its very popular to incorporate
something personal, and I have a passion
for sewing.
Do used vintage sewing machine
tables at the entry and decoupaged old
sewing patterns to create a guest board
for people to pin their names. Denise
Talbot of Cakes So Special picked up
the theme with buttons and ribbons
on the cake. The cake and table were
accessorized with sewing notions such
as buttons, thread spools and measuring
tape. The scripted message Talbot added
to the cake was Sew N Love.
The Mood
The soft, romantic vision was
enhanced by the brides gauzy veil,
the suspended fabric swatches and the
plentiful cascades of pastel fowers. Dos
color palette included pale peach and
pre-washed steel blue, accented with
gold. For an organic, fresh-picked look
for the foral displays, she used jasmine
vine, silver-dollar eucalyptus, garden
roses, phlox, snapdragons and hydrangea
blooms in addition to greenery from the
satsumas.
Mixing sophisticated antiques and
rustic pieces in the landscape, Do cre-
ated elegant outdoor rooms. A window
frame draped with fabric swatches and
a fower-topped chandelier suspended
from an oak created the ceremony space.
A farm table set with antique china
and tea cups created a pleasing tension
between chic and country.
An outdoor wedding provides many
beautiful photo landscapes, but also uses
gorgeous natural light for a photogra-
pher to work magic. Ayres shot these
pictures during the golden hour right
before sunset. He cautioned that because
of the abundant light, photographers
need to know how to adjust appropri-
ately or risk blowing out the details.
Of course, the chemistry is greatly
enhanced when the couple is in love, as
the bride and groom models, Denae and
Clint Hill, actually are. The two are >>
wedding design and foral by
Stephanie Do, La BeLLe FLeur
WeDDing DeSignS & eventS
cake by DeniSe taLBot,
CakeS So SpeCiaL
gowns by SukiS BriDaL
hair by aShLey Denae, Ciao BeLLa
macaroons by keLLy gerLaCh,
SWeet CheekS
makeup by eriCa Strazz,
SaLon StatuS
photography by aLLen ayreS,
BeLLaFotograFiCa
stationery by gLenDa LittLe,
DreSSy DeSignS Stationery
tuxedos from ortiz FormaLWear
shot at WiLCox market garDen
modeled by aShLey Denae and
CLint hiLL oF Beaumont
getting married in June.
The Bride
The centerpiece of any wedding is the
bride. Denae is modeling two diferent
gowns from Sukis Bridal, both refec-
tive of the 1920s era. Do said there is a
trend of brides wearing one dress for the
ceremony and another for the reception.
The frst gown is a satin Maggie Sottero
slip dress enhanced with an embroidered
lace bolero with beading and Swarovski
crystals. The second dress, accompanied
by a lace cap, is a Stella York creation.
Denae, who works for Ciao Bella
Hair, Skin & Nails, designed two dif-
ferent looks for her hair also. I was
inspired by the old Hollywood beauty
of Veronica Lake for the frst look,
she said. I designed my hair to refect
the theme with a wave front and soft
collected curls at the bottom. For the
second dress, the up-style was modeled
after the fapper era with the cap veil
and soft shiny waves on one side.
Erica Strazz of Salon Status applied
Denaes makeup. I chose colors from
our theme that complimented Ashleys
skin tone, she said. I did light con-
touring and minimal eye liner. I always
use false lashes I guess thats just my
signature thing. Most women want to
look like themselves, only better. But I
have a lot of ladies that really want to
glam it up!
Strazz advises that more makeup is
needed on the wedding day because it
can photograph two shades lighter. Also,
they need a makeup style that looks good
both in person and in the photos.
The Groom
Hill also modeled two looks, one
more casual and one more formal.
For the ceremony, he wore a tan suit
provided by Ortiz Formalwear. Jef Ortiz
said lighter suits are popular for outdoor
weddings. Gray or silver tuxedos have
been the most popular choice in 2013 for
Ortiz, so Hill models an example in the
reception shots.
The Details
Several charming details polish the
look, from Littles chalkboard art signs
at the entry to Kelly Gerlachs delicate
French macarons (Americanized to
macaroons) towers on the dessert
table. These light-as-a-feather treats can
be customized for color and favor. I
chose the colors for this set to refect a
very feminine and vintage feel, Gerlach
said. I think they look beautiful with La
Belle Fleurs stunning fowers arranged
on top.
Gerlachs business, Sweet Cheeks
Macaroons, is the frst of its kind in
Southeast Texas. Do said that previ-
ously, brides would have to fnd specialty
bakers in Houston or Louisiana to make
these delicious treats. >>
The frst impression a guest
has, of course, is the invita-
tion. Littles foral notes with
elegant script immediately cre-
ate the vision. Floral wedding
invitations from traditional
blooms to shabby chic patterns
are popular, she said. Well
also see vintage luxury styles
inspired by the Art Deco era as
in The Great Gatsby.
The Trends
Many of the brides Do
works with prefer a modern
and contemporary style, but
vintage and rustic have strong
appeal to Southeast Texas
brides also. Little forecasts
that navy blue and nauti-
cal themes will be strong in
2014. She sees popular colors
including coral, turquoise,
peach and gray. Do sees gold
making a strong comeback as
an accent. Silver has been the
go-to metallic, but may recede.
Strazz said thick lashes and
dramatic eye makeup is all
the rage right now. Whatever
theme or look appeals, the
creative options are endless
and the more personalized to
the bridal couple, the better,
the experts agree. VIP
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Ad Name:
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Size: 2.00 x 5.00
Customer: PROMOTION/
RETAIL DEPT.
text by Terry evans
B
ob and Leann Adams
expected the top of their
wedding cake to be a hard,
nasty lump of black dough.
The last time they had seen it was at
their wedding reception at North Fort
Worth Baptist Church in 1963. There
was just enough cake for the 250 or so
guests that day, so the happy couple
decided to save the top tier with its tiny
bride and groom, lovely little fowers
and all, wrap it in aluminum foil and
put it in the freezer.
Over 50 years, the cake has been
stored in three freezers in three houses
and has endured occasional defrosting
during power outages and unrefriger-
ated transportation.
Imagine the couples shock when
they unwrapped the cake this month
and found it as beautiful as the day they
wrapped it up a half-century ago.
We were amazed, Leann said.
The frozen cake is just one more
happy memory for the Adamses, who
were introduced in Sunday school. Bob
says he had his eye on Leann every time
he walked into the downtown Leonard
Bros. store, where she worked.
She was a 16-year-old high school
student and he was a 24-year-old Army
veteran with a good job. It was 1961.
I was home from the Army and
working at Preston Geren Associates
as an architect, he said. I would go
to Leonard Bros. for lunch and right
after work. Thats where everyone went
back then to hang out. She worked in
the jewelry department right inside the
front door.
Bob caught Leanns eye, because he
was older, out of school and more inter-
esting than the other boys, she said.
After two years of dating, they wed.
Their golden anniversary was cele-
brated this year with an Alaskan cruise.
Thats when they decided to check out
the 50-year cake.
The icing in the middle was so hard
I couldnt cut it, Bob said. But the
cake looked as fresh as if it was baked
yesterday.
The cake was rewrapped in its
original foil wrapper and put back in
the freezer. Neither of the Adamses was
tempted to take a taste.
Well save it for the next 50, Bob
said. MCT
after half a century,
the wedding cake
looks as good as
the happy couple
sweet memories
a n n i v e r s a r i e s
vipersonality
text by CATHLEEN COLE
D
ancing down
the aisle to the
latest popular
love song, writing
personal vows,
having a pet as the ring bearer, lighting
a candle, mixing sand, designing a
decked-out chuppah, even though
some customs are new, when it comes
to religious wedding ceremonies, much
has remained the same.
Protestant Faith
Rev. Brenda Warren, pastor
First Christian Church, Beaumont
The couples
who get married
at First Christian
Church tend to
like things the
way theyve been
done for decades.
It seems that
the ones who
want to have their
ceremonies here stay traditional, said
Rev. Brenda Warren, pastor. Even the
presentation of the couple after the
ceremony tends to use the custom-
ary Mr. and Mrs. followed by just the
husbands name.
Something new in recent years at
the church is the sand ceremony. Its
gained in popularity, especially for
second marriages when the spouses
have children from previous marriag-
es. After the pastor pours white sand
into a clear, heart-shaped vase, the two
families each pour in their respective
colored sand from their containers.
Warren then takes the vase of striated
sand and shakes it so that the colors
are blended together. After, she says,
Just as these grains of sand can never
be separated and poured again into
the individual containers, so will your
marriage and your family be.
Although Warren hasnt had any
bridal parties dancing down the aisles
to the altar or a dog as a ring bearer,
shes open to both ideas. What she
wont condone is a photo-frenzy with
professional photographers or friends
and family members with smart-
phones getting in the way. During the
ceremony, photographers need to stay
in the background. To me, a wedding
is a sacred ceremony, she emphasized.
She believes its important to keep it
that way and not interrupt the worship
experience.
Jewish Faith
Rabbi Joshua Taub
Temple Emanuel, Beaumont
When couples
marry at Temple
Emanuel, they
want all the
symbolism and
tradition that
their Jewish faith
ofers. They
have in mind a
sacred, religious
ceremony, said
Rabbi Joshua Taub.
However, theyre not against get-
ting creative with their music, includ-
ing adding Broadway show tunes to the
song list. They might also get creative
with the wedding canopy, called a
chuppah, that symbolizes the home. In
its simplest form, the chuppah is
THE THINGS
PEOPLE DO
TO SAY
I DO
Religious wedding ceremonies in SE Texas
tend to stay traditional with a few modern twists
c e r e m o n i e s
vip worthy
>>
made from four poles with cloth draped across the top. Taub
married a pair of engineers who designed their chuppah to foat
perfectly balanced using helium balloons. Another couple had a
small chandelier hanging from the top of their chuppah.
At the end of the ceremony, the groom performs the ritual
breaking of glass by crushing a piece with his foot. The act
reminds the wedding party and attendees that joy must always
be tempered.
Taub warns photographers and videographers to respect the
religious ceremony and stay in one place so as not to distract
anyone. Were not flming a documentary here, he noted.
Catholic Faith
Msgr. Jeremiah McGrath, pastor-rector
Saint Anthony Cathedral Basilica, Beaumont
At the basilica, wedding ceremonies are
sacred acts of worship following the Roman
Catholic universal rituals the same ones
that have been followed for centuries.
You wont see couples dancing down the
aisles to popular show tunes. In fact, only
sacred music is allowed, although updated
renditions are acceptable.
Unity candles arent allowed either.
Msgr. Jeremiah McGrath notes that the
Eucharist (the bread and wine turned into
the body and blood of Jesus Christ) is the sacrament and source
of the churchs unity.
And forget about Fido being part of the ceremony. Get real,
McGrath said, laughing. Not in the basilica.
The pastor confrmed that many couples want to be intro-
duced at the end of the ceremony as Mr. and Mrs. (fll in with the
grooms frst and last name), but hell introduce them any way
they want. Some women retain their family name, he said.
There are designated spots within the basilica for photog-
raphers and videographers. They have to stay within those
photographic areas, McGrath said. VIP
Sand Ceremony
A sand ceremony
involves a sym-
bolic blending of two
different-colored
sands into a single
vessel. It represents
the blending of two
different people, the
bride and the groom,
into a single, insepa-
rable unit that is their
marriage. It usually
takes place after the
exchange of rings and
vows.
Unity Candle
Catholic: Although not
part of the Catholic
rite of marriage, light-
ing a unity candle is
common in Catholic
weddings. The fames
of two candles light
one candle to signify
two lives becoming
one. A unity candle is
not required and in
some churches it is
not allowed because
the Eucharist symbol-
izes unity. Also, can-
dles primarily refer to
the light of Christ and
baptism. If permitted,
the lighting should not
occur during the rite
of marriage itself and
should not be done on
the altar.
Breaking Glass
At the end of the
ceremony, the groom
breaks a glass, crush-
ing it with his right
foot while the guests
shout Mazel tov!
Yiddish for Good
luck! The origin of
this custom is un-
known, although many
reasons have been
given. The primary
reason is that joy must
always be tempered.
Popular Wedding Ceremony Traditions
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text by Jane McBride
ho knew dragging a new bride through the
mud would become not only acceptable,
but celebrated?
The latest trend in bridal photography
is Trash the Dress, also known as Rock
the Frock. It began in Las Vegas in 2001
when a visionary photographer upended
the staid formality of bridal portraiture
virtually unchanged for centuries.
How it started
John Michael Coopers portraits pro-
vided a marked contrast between the ultra-
formal elegance of bridal gowns and edgy
surroundings. His most famous shot is of a
bride with her gown in fames. Instead of a
regal pose on staircases and rose gardens,
Trash the Dress photographs capture stark
imagery of spirited brides foating in a
swamp, lying across a railroad trestle or
sitting with bare legs exposed in a grafti-
laced doorway with peeling paint.
Beaumont photographer Allen Ayres
admired Coopers work and jumped at the
chance to work with him a few years back
as the trend gained traction.
My frst Trash the Dress session was
with John in 2007 in a small workshop >>
p
h
o
t
o
g
r
a
p
h
y
b
y
a
M
a
n
d
a
L
a
M
a
n
i
in Austin, Ayres said. We
recreated a Bonnie and Clyde
scene in which the police take
the bride and groom down on
the road complete with mug
shots afterwards.
Casey Sturrock, 31, a photog-
rapher who switched careers to
become a Realtor for Keller-Wil-
liams, had worked with Ayres
and followed his blog. She loved
the idea and ofered to model for
his portfolio. Shed been mar-
ried for a couple of years, had
the usual formal bridal portrait
and a once-worn wedding dress
hanging in the closet. Because
she had sons, she knew she
wouldnt be passing it down.
The frst time around the
photos were stufy. The second
time it was no-holds-barred.
You could drag the dress through
the mud or let waves crash over
you at the beach. Everyday pic-
tures are stif and proper. These
let me be me, she said.
For her wedding, Holly Mire-
les went the traditional route.
After being married fve years,
the hairstylist was chatting with
a client, photographer Amanda
Laman, who told her about the
Trash the Dress trend. She im-
mediately was intrigued.
It appealed to me because
of the name. I thought, what
does that mean? You pay a lot of
money for your gown and you
only wear it one day and youre
so worried about things that
you cant really relax. I love my
bridal portraits but they are so
pretty and perfect and posed. I
wanted something more edgy
that ft my personality. Im all
about fashion and whats current
and doing it with your head held
high.
Its all about the location
When Laman told Mireles
about the locations shed chosen,
Mireles was a bit concerned.
Some of the places were
pretty questionable. I couldnt
visualize me and my gown in
those grungy atmospheres. But
I went with her instinct and Im
so glad I did. She has such a great
eye. The photos were so unpre-
dictable. They have a sense of
beauty and artistry about them.
Expressing personality is a
common denominator for Trash
the Dress brides and Mireles is
surprised more brides dont opt
for the extraordinary.
Why not? I wanted to look
at a photo of me in my gown and
be able to say, Thats me. Thats
everything I stand for right there.
A liberating experience
The photo shoot can be as lib-
erating for a photographer as for
the bride, Laman said.
I get to shoot a beautiful girl
in a fabulous dress, but without
the anxiety that always accompa-
nies a bride before the wedding.
Once the stress of the big day has
passed, you just have a happy,
glowing girl in a gorgeous gown.
The images turn out fantastic
every single time. I love that
freedom.
Laman trashed her own dress
in 2008.
Brides have diferent reasons
for doing these shoots. Some do it
I wanted to look at
a photo of me in my
gown and be able to
say, Thats me. Thats
everything I stand for
right there.
photography by AmAndA LAmAnI
after being divorced, possibly as a
type of closure on the relationship.
And others, like myself, never
took bridal portraits, or just want
more relaxed, modern images in
their gowns. The idea is to take
a beautiful, pristine subject and
photograph it in a contrasting
setting. The starkness of a beauti-
ful woman in a pure white gown
against a dirty, gritty, wet or just
completely unexpected backdrop
has shock value and the possibili-
ties are endless.
Trashed but not ruined
While some people are ap-
palled at the idea of dragging an
exquisite gown through mud-laden
waters, it doesnt mean the dress
has to be ruined. After gritty,
grimy shoots in New York and on
Gulf Coast beaches, Ayres clients
have had their gowns cleaned
without any problems.
When she lived in New Eng-
land, Lisa Stramecki (lisaraephoto.
com) once photographed two
brides jumping into a pool with
their entire wedding party. Most
of her clients didnt plan on pass-
ing their gowns down, but some
had it cleaned to use the fabric
for christening gowns for future
grandchildren.
Most planned on saving the
dress to salvage any part that
could be turned into other family
heirlooms, since dress size, style,
etc. are more complicated to suc-
cessfully pass on generation after
generation.
Allen Ayres said most clients
are brides with fun and quirky
personalities who know theyre
getting one more chance to return
to the childhood joy of playing in
the mud.
They are certain they wont
be wearing this dress again, so
why not? VIP
photography by Allen Ayres
Say I do to beautiful, flawless skin
on your wedding day..
Bridal Party Packages Available
$20 per person
*minimum of 5 people
P.S. Moderne Cheveux Salon
355 N. 18th Street, Suite 105, Beaumont, TX
409-454-0313
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Cattle Barons Ball
Casey Daigle, Stormie Reed
Paul and Jennifer Bergen
Antoinette Safar, Derek McWilliams
Butch and Crystal Holmes Cheryl and Robbie Biddy Suzanne Montondon, Kent Walston and Kevin Steele
Barry and Michelle Barnette
Vanessa Holmes, Stephen Williams Davilyn and Kent Walston, Carl Vitanza
Damon and Heather Davis, James and Paisley Ware
Todd Ellison, Kasi Harmon, Audrey Pitre,
Joe Pitre and Bonnie Graham
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Wedding Preview
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Jason and Michelle Randall Angela Gill, Ashley Denae
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3380 Hwy. 365
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Beaumont
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337.478.0901
Experience the resort feeling without the price!
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Phone: (409) 842-5995 Fax: (409) 842-7810
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TANs Paint the
Town Red
Scott McCreery
concert
Brad Klein, Ayna Parsons and Jeff McManus Bryan Russell, Jazmin Savoy
Meg Baird, Alyssa Kuykendall, Megan Ward Nicole Delarosa, Korie Neuman
Stacey Savino and Jeff Philmon
Jaycey and Jordan Kubala
Mike and Christy Persia
Debbi Bryant, Sharon Woodle
Van DeCordova and Carey Lombardo Jodi Clark, Carol Leen
Starlet Smock, Cameron and Ola Shipp Alyssa Lavey, Krista Egerstaffer
Catherine Klein, Peg Gibson and Debbie Savoy
Hannah Bennett, Kyndal Scotek, Adrienne Chapman and Jordan Glenn
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Dinner for Life
Adrienne Henny, John Broussard, Gwen Chandler, Nicole Marks and Sherman Lewis
Regina Davis, Edward Brathwaite Kent and Davilyn Walston
Dr. Ali and Lubna Osmon Dr. Paul & Christie Gerstenberg
Dr. Bodo and Sharon Brauer, LaNell Wilson and James Byerly
Brian and Jordan Gaspard Ashley Voivedich, Melissa Jordan
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Whenthejobis of a
specializednature, it pays
tocall inanexpert. Its just
smart business.
But whenit comes to
cateringfor business
functions, toooftenthose
decisions areleft until the
last minuteor not seriously
consideredat all. Withso
muchridingonthechoices
that youmakeinyour
business, thesedays you
cant afordtomakeabad
decision. Dont let catering
beoneof those. Call the
experts. Call Monclas.
When its
time to cater,
dont wait til
later
call Monclas
right now!
Monclas Catering family owned
and operated, serving
the GoldenTriangle since 1918.
(409) 840-9051 2530W. Cardinal Dr.
www.monclas.com
Integrity from the Ground Up
7770 Gladys, Beaumont 409-860-3133
AndersonCustomHomeBuilder.com
We design spaces tailored to
our customers. We create ideal
environments for husbands, wives,
children, and guests. In these
havens, architecture and interior
design are never purely aesthetic;
but always have a functional role,
helping to make life more enjoyable
for the people who live there.
Art Studio
30th Anniversary
Harvest for
Hope
Paul and Daniela Begnaud, Greg Busceme
Clarmeshia Donnell,
Meg Sastre
Pamela Gage and Bill LIndsey Barbara Broussard, Catherine Armstrong
William and Lindsay Spector
Archbishop Fiorenza, Tom Broussard,
Toni Mulvaney
Abigail McLaurin, CC DeVille
Jim Fiorenza and Mikka Gordon
Summer Sanderson, Candice Swift, Magda Villarreal Laurie Pfeifer, Matthew Phillips
Marie, Paula and Donna Broussard Cheryl and Larry David
Sheena McCrary, Olivia Gardner, Betty Smith,
Melody Ann, Randee Tibbetts
Archbishop Fiorenza, Paul and Beverly Hay and Rabbi Joshua Taub
lacie grant
ren sheppard
text by Miles stiverson
F
rom the moment you get engaged, it seems everyone has some wedding know-how to share. A
lot of these tips are helpful; some are borderline disastrous. We asked brides for the worst wed-
ding advice theyve heard. Heres what not to do when you plan a wedding.
w e d d i n g a d v i c e
vip adviser
REALLY
BAD
WEDDING
ADVICE
skip the wedding,
buy a house
Bad Advice: A lady I worked with over-
heard me telling another coworker how
much my fance and I were planning on
saving up for our wedding. She decided
to pipe in and say, Wow, you might as
well just buy a house, youll get divorced
anyway. Caroline, Flagstaff, AZ
Our Advice: Avoid snide money-related
comments by discussing your wedding
budget only with those who need to know,
like your parents and fance.
randomize the
seating chart
Bad Advice: My fance suggested we
randomize the seating for all our guests
because it would be cool for everyone to
meet new people. I can just imagine my
crazy friend from grad school and Aunt
June at the same table. Yikes! Vicki,
Durham, NC
Our Advice: This idea is only partly off-
track. To mix tables with a few people who
dont know each other is a good way to
bring everyone together at the recep-
tion. But dont put anyone at a table with
no one else they know, and spare Aunt
June the stress by seating like-mannered
guests together.
Wedding gifts should
go to parents
Bad Advice: I was told that the bride
and groom dont receive the gifts. Instead,
the brides parents get them. Suzie,
Norfolk VA
Our Advice: Give each of your parents a
small gift as a token of thanks for being
so supportive throughout the wedding
planning process. The Cuisinart mixer and
all the other goodies on your registry?
Those are defnitely your gifts to keep.
Kiss the best man
Bad Advice: I was told that if the groom
was unavailable during the toast, the bride
has to kiss the best man. Anonymous
Our Advice: Making out with the best
man at the reception is a great idea if
your wedding happens to fall on Opposite
Day.
Dont wear bigger ring
than the bride
Bad Advice: I was recently a bridesmaid
in a friends wedding. Im also engaged
and was amazed when she told me I
couldnt wear my engagement ring during
her wedding because it was larger than
hersridiculous! Scarlet, Longview, TX
Our Advice: Being upstaged by a brides-
maid can be a very real fear for some
brides. Handle the situation gently
explain that youd rather not take off the
ring for personal reasons. If she persists,
remove it to avoid more drama.
Sing your vows to
each other
Bad Advice: The worst wedding advice
anyone has told me was to sing our vows
to each other. Erin, Richmond, VA
Our Advice: We totally encourage per-
sonalizing your wedding vows, but unless
you moonlight as opera singers, leave the
American Idol aspirations for the wedding
after-party.
Wear a hoopskirt
Bad Advice: My future father-in-law
thought that since we were getting
married in an historic home and Im
a costume designer, we should wear
hoopskirts and crinolines! Abbey,
Austin, TX
Our Advice: We love historic homes,
but unless youre into the idea of a
masquerade ball wedding, play up the
decor rather than your attire. Likewise,
your wedding photos will be around
for years to come, so wear something
that wont leave your grandkids in
hysterics. MCT
Do RSVPs online
Bad Advice: My mother said that to cut
costs, we could send invitations without
an RSVP card. Guests could go online in-
stead and RSVP on the web page my dad
built for us. I thought it was a good idea,
but only two people RSVPd! I ended up
having to call my entire guest list to fnd
out who was coming. Nicki, Oklahoma
City, OK
Our Advice: In the age of online-mania,
RSVP cards are defnitely still relevant,
especially for older guests who might
not be as accustomed to the Internet. If
you do opt for digital responses, enlist
your parents and attendants to spread
the word and help guests who dont have
access to a computer. The online option
is an easy way to keep track of guest
responses, but have a backup plan (a
traditional RSVP card) for those who arent
as tech-savvy.
Beggars cant be
choosers
Bad Advice: Beggars cant be choos-
ers. This advice was given to me when I
decided to wait on making a decision on
a dress and venue. I have a low budget,
but being rushed into any decision seems
unwise. Erin, Rockford, IL
Our Advice: Sticking to your budget
certainly doesnt mean you have to settle.
Its always best to check out a few options
before you make a decision, and if a cer-
tain vendor is just out of your price range,
see if you can negotiate for a slightly
scaled-down package.
Spend less on food
Bad Advice: My mother-in-law said that
it was perfectly fne to spend $9 a plate
on dinner for our guests. She based this
on my sister-in-laws wedding, where they
served cold meat sandwiches, au gratin
potatoes, and questionable-looking fruit
salad. Morgan, Madison WI
Our Advice: Food is one detail every
guest remembers. Whatever your budget,
you should allot about 40 percent of it for
wedding catering. Work with your caterer
to prepare a menu within your budget and
try to cut costs in other ways (like by trim-
ming your wedding guest list) rather than
skimp on the meal.
Wear your junior
prom dress
Bad Advice: My mom insisted that
I wear my gold-colored junior prom
dress as my wedding gown. She
thought it was silly to buy yet another
dress that Id only wear once. Alyssa,
Madison, WI
Our Advice: While hand-me-down
gowns can add a sentimental touch
and colored gowns are gaining popu-
larity, most prom dresses should stay
securely in the back of the closet for
the wedding day.
Pick bridesmaids for
your brother to date
Bad Advice: My mother wanted me
to ask random pretty girls at church
to be in my wedding party so that my
brother could meet and then date them.
Anonymous
Our Advice: Its true that weddings are
a great place to match-make. But your
bridesmaids should be your dearest
friends and relatives, so pick attendants
you know you (not your brother) will want
standing by your side at the altar.
AVintage Afair
Wine Tasting
January 31
7:30-10 p.m., Art Museum of
Southeast Texas, Beaumont. The
event ofers samples of a variety of
fne wines from diferent regions,
grapes and wine makers paired
with appetizers from area chefs
and food vendors, cheeses, gourmet
chocolates and assorted appetizers.
Tickets $35. Advance reservations
recommended. (409) 832-3432 or
www.amset.org.
great dates in january
Pairings 2014
January 17
6 p.m., Mary and John Gray
Library University Reception
Center 8th Floor, Beaumont.
Five course dinner paired with
the wines of Caymus Vineyards,
featuring Elizabeth Autenreith,
Wagner Family of Wine, Napa
Valley, Calif. Tickets $250 per
person. Reservations: (409) 880-
8137 or www.lamar.edu/pairings
Event Submissions
Do you have an event you would like to promote? Do it with VIP for FREE! Please send us details-dates, times, location, contact phone, web address
and a brief description-to kmoujaes@beaumontenterprise.com. Information should arrive at least 60 days in advance of the event.
Gumbo Fest
January 19
11 a.m.-2 p.m., Knights of Columbus
Hall, Beaumont. The Mardi
Gras-themed family event ofers
gumbo and two sides and dancing
to the Cajun sounds of Jerry and
Cajun Friends. Dine in or take out.
Adults $10; children $5. King cakes
(advance sale only) $8; quarts of
frozen gumbo to go (advance sale
only) $12. Proceeds beneft Anayat
House, Inc. (409) 833-0649 or email
assistant.anayathouse@gmail.com
Bridal Traditions Show
January 19
Find everything for wedding planning,
including food, cakes, fowers,
bridal gowns, rings, registries,
limousines, honeymoons, music,
photographers and more. Advance
tickets $8 at Cindys Bridal, Vidor;
J&J Monogramming, Lumberton;
Heartfelds, Beaumont; Occassions,
Nederland; the Garden District,
Orange; and the Classy Peacock,
Bridge City. Tickets $10 at the door. 11
a.m.-5 p.m., Beaumont Civic Center,
Beaumont. (409) 679-7599, www.
bridaltraditionsstexas.com.
Fashion Week Tour
January 17
Tour, by way of limousine or buses,
of area boutiques. 6-9 p.m., starting
at Bistro Lemonde, Beaumont. VIP
tickets $75; fashion feet tickets $25.
Proceeds beneft Baptist Hospitals
of Southeast Texas Foundation.
Reservations: (409) 212-6110 or email
kate.carroll@bhset.net.
La Soiree
January 25
The event, which promises to ofer
mystery, suspense and surprises,
includes a silent auction, Bond
Girl greeters, one-of-a-kind fashion
show and performance by Austin
band Sauce. Tickets $175 per person.
6:30 p.m.-midnight, Beaumont Civic
Center, Beaumont. Proceeds beneft
the Baptist Hospitals of Southeast
Texas Foundation. (409) 212-6110.
January 3
Four Stand-Up Dads
Comedians Dan St. Paul, Tim Bedore,
Kelly McDonald and Milt Abel
perform, 7:30 p.m., Lutcher Theater
for the Performing Arts, Orange.
(409) 886-5535 or www.lutcher.org.
January 4
Texas Strikers soccer match
Texas Strikers soccer vs. Hidalgo La
Fiera, Ford Park, Beaumont. 7:05 p.m.
Tickets $9-25. www.fordpark.com,
1-800-745-3000
January 11
Drillers Reunion
Spindletop Anniversary Celebration
and Reunion, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.,
Spindletop Gladys City/Boomtown
Museum, Beaumont. Blacksmithing
and printing demonstrations,
contests, door prizes, family activities,
food and more. Adults $5, seniors $3,
children 6-12 $2. Lamar University
students and faculty free with valid
ID. (409) 880-1750.
Texas Strikers soccer match
Texas Strikers soccer vs. Dallas
Sidekicks, Ford Park, Beaumont. 7:05
p.m. Tickets $9-25. www.fordpark.
com, 1-800-745-3000
2nd Annual Zumba Away Hunger
Fitness party jam-packed with a fun
workout, door prizes, refreshments,
and a ftness concert performed by
Watatah and the Los Mantatanes!
Proceeds beneft the Southeast Texas
Food Bank. 10 a.m., Ford Park,
Beaumont. Admission: $10 donation
and 5 canned goods.
January 12
The Biggest Loser Run/Walk
7 a.m., Event Centre, Beaumont.
Chip-timed race for all ftness levels
for runners and anyone tracking
personal goals. Fees $25-$99. (815)
464-1265.
January 14
Tyler Perrys Hell Hath No Fury Like a
Woman Scorned
7:30 p.m., Julie Rogers Theatre,
Beaumont. Tickets $39.50 at
Ticketmaster outlets, (409) 838-3435.
January 16
Comedian Brian Regan
Beaumont. Tickets $37.50 at
Ticketmaster outlets, online
at Livenation.com and www.
ticketmaster.com or call (800) 745-
3000.
January 17
Sammy Kershaw
7 p.m., The River, Beaumont.
Tickets $20 at www.outhousetickets.
com. (409) 832-2999 or www.
theriverbeaumont.com.
One Heart: Pok Chi Lau
Photographic exhibition by Hong
Kong-born photographer, Pok Chi
Lau, reception 6:30-8:30 p.m.,
Dishman Art Museum, Beaumont.
Runs through Feb. 28. Hours: 8 a.m.-5
p.m. Monday-Friday. Free. (409) 880-
8959, (409) 880-8141 or www.lamar.
edu/dishman.
January 17-18
Cabaret
Beaumont Community Players
presents the Tony Award-winning
musical about an American girls
romance with an English writer
set against the background of a
crumbling Germany at the start of
the Third Reich, 7:30 p.m., McMillan
Theatre of the Betty Greenberg
Center for the Performing Arts,
Beaumont. (409) 833-4664 or www.
beaumontcommunityplayers.com.
January 17-19
Orange Trade Days
9 a.m.-5 p.m., Orange Trade Days
grounds, Orange. Flea market,
farmers market, food and music. Free.
(409) 883-4344.
January 18
Port Arthur Little Theatre Garage Sale
7 a.m.-2 p.m., Port Arthur Little
Theatre, Port Arthur. (409) 727-7258
or www.palt.org.
Will the Real Larry Gatlin Please Sit
Down
8 p.m., Grand 1894 Opera House,
Galveston. Tickets $25-$45. (800)
821-1894 or www.thegrand.com.
January 20
MLK Jr. Anniversary Brunch
10 a.m., Robert A. Bob Bowers
Civic Center, Port Arthur. Guest
c a l e n d a r
vip magazine
2290 IH-10 S
@ Washington
Beaumont, TX
409-842-0686
DINNER SPECIALS MONDAY-SUNDAY
www.floydsseafood.com
Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-7pm

'%(!&&
1 Oscar winning director for Argo
5 The __ Couple
8 Stock exchange index
9 Principal character in NCIS
10 Supermodel Campbell
11 Titanic actor, frst name
14 Greys Anatomys Sandra
15 Baby of Kim and Kanye
17 Measure of electrical resistance
20 Top Mexican golfer, ____ Ochoa
22 Golfer Michelle
24 Physics unit
25 Designer Christian ___
26 Rolling in the Deep singer
$!"#
1 The Tourist star, frst name
2 The Beatles slang name (2 words)
3 Star Trek rank: abbr.
4 Hes a doll
5 He married Khloe, Lamar ___
6 Funnyman DeLuise
7 Former Laker, now Rocket, frst
name
12 One of the Olsen twins
13 Bruce Willis movie series
16 Spa handout
18 Bring on board
19 Ryan of When Harry Met Sally
21 Mrs. John Lennon
23 Marketing medium
Find answers on page 4
speaker is Ed Gordon of the BET
program, Weekly with Ed Gordon.
Tickets $10. (409) 722-5314, (409)
543-3727, email mlksgosetx@gmail.
com or go to www.drmlkjrsgosetx@
webbly.com.
January 24
Stuart Little
9:30 and 11:30 a.m., Lutcher Theater
The show, about the misadventures
of a little mouse, is geared to
children kindergarten through grade
two. Admission $4. (409) 886-5535
or www.lutcher.org.
Jim Stafford and Moe Bandy The
Grand Tour
Beaumont. Reserved seats $25, $35,
$45 at Ticketmaster outlets. (409)
838-3435.
Mirrored and Obscured:
Contemporary Texas Self-Portraits
and Figures: Artwork from the
Permanent Collection
Reception 6-8 p.m. Jan. 24, Art
Museum of Southeast Texas,
Beaumont. Runs through May 11.
Free. Suggested donation $2. Hours:
noon-5 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday. (409) 832-3432 or www.
amset.org.
January 24-25
Cabaret
See previous listing.
January 25
Port Arthur Little Theatres 11th
Annual Burns Supper
6:30 p.m., Courtyard Cafe and
Bakery, Groves. The event celebrates
the birthday of Scottish author,
Robert Burns, and includes honorary
toasts, songs, poetry, bagpipes,
haggis, food and more. Social hour
6:30 p.m., program and dinner 7
p.m. BYOB. Tickets $30 per person,
children younger than age 12 $15.
(409) 727-7258 or www.palt.org.
Beans and Jeans 2014
Mardi Gras dance presented by
Krewe of Krews and Mardi Gras of
Southeast Texas, 7 p.m., Robert A.
Bob Bowers Civic Center, Port
Arthur. Champagne Room will
provide the dance music. For tickets:
(409) 721-8717.
Chris Cagle, with Cody Canada and
the Departed
7 p.m., Nutty Jerrys, Winnie.
Tickets $25, $30, $35. (877) 643-
7508 or www.nuttyjerrys.com.
January 25-26
The Oak Ridge Boys
7:30 p.m. Jan. 25; 3 p.m. Jan. 26,
Grand 1894 Opera House, Galveston.
Tickets $35-$75. (800) 821-1894 or
www.thegrand.com.
January 27
Step Right Up! Behind the Scenes
of the Circus Big Top, 1890-1965
Museum of the Gulf Coast, Port
Arthur. Runs through March 16.
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-
Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Adults
$4, seniors $3, children 3-18 $2,
and free for children younger
than 3. (409) 982-7000 or www.
museumofthegulfcoast.org.
January 28
Mental Health America of SE Texas
53rd Annual Meeting and Gala
6:30 p.m., MCM Elegante Hotel
and Conference Center, Beaumont.
Honorees include the Junior League
of Beaumont with the Julie Rogers
Special Service Award and the
Samaritan Counseling Center of
Southeast Texas with the Doris
and Dr. Harry Starr Award for
Excellence. Tickets $100 per person.
(409) 833-9657.
January 30
The Ten Tenors on Broadway
Australias Rock Stars of the Opera
bring rock and classical music
together, 7:30 p.m., Lutcher Theater
(409) 886-5535 or www.lutcher.org.
Fakes and Forgeries in the Art
Market
Art lecture by Meredith Meuwly,
director of appraisal services at
Heritage Auctions House, Dallas and
appraiser for Antiques Roadshow,
6:30 p.m., McFaddin-Ward House
Visitor Center, Beaumont. Free.
(409) 832-1906, (409) 832-2134 or
www.mcfaddin-ward.org
January 30-Feb. 1
Cabaret
See previous listing
January 31-Feb. 1
Hot Hearts 2014
Regional evangelism conference
for teens, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 31; 8:30
a.m. Feb. 1, Ford Park, Beaumont.
Scheduled to appear are emcee Kacy
Benson, preacher Timothy Ateel,
illusionist Jared Hall and concerts by
City Harmonic, Jan. 31; Switchfoot,
Feb. 1. Tickets $35. www.hothearts.
org, (409) 792-1960.
c r o s s w o r d
vip magazine
g u e s t c o l u m n
vip voices
text by Holli Petersen
R
andom fact: Ive
never jumped of a
high dive.
In my elementary
school days, jumping
of our community
pools high dive was
the pinnacle of all dares. The intrepid
souls willing to tackle such a feat
earned an entire summers worth of
respect.
Others, of the lily-livered variety,
were forced to endure the sunniest
months of the year under a shroud of
shame and taunting.
Sure, I daydreamed about joining
the ranks of the fearless, wanting
nothing more than to bravely soar of
that high dive. But, all I could muster
were a few steps up the ladder before
Id have to scurry back down, amidst a
soundtrack of groans and snickers.
Those courageous enough to jump
year after year had dramatic descrip-
tions of their experiences. They re-
counted a breathtaking sensation
of fying before they hit the
water.
But, see, thats
what always got me.
Thats where the al-
lure abruptly ended.
Forget the heights.
What I couldnt get past was how
those two seconds of bliss outweighed
all the possible negative outcomes of
meeting a solid surface of water at
such a high velocity?
It looked so painful, so disorient-
ing, so not worth it.
Hitting the water is still my great-
est fear in life.
There are those who will always
jump in with both feet, inebriated
with the thrill of the unknown. Rav-
enous for the adrenaline, they might
never even consider the costs or
consequences of their decisions.
And, then there are those like me,
huddled in the shallow end, carefully
weighing risks. We are the variety
who dont go all in to see whats be-
hind door number three. We like what
is predictable, solid and safe.
Yet, no matter how carefully we
try to live our lives in the shallow
end, we sometimes fnd ourselves on
the edge of a high dive with trembling
toes peeking of the edge into the
unknown.
At those crucial moments in life,
we must decide if we want to jump or
tiptoe back down to what is comfort-
able and familiar.
I actually did jump once.
Faced with a litany of negative
outcomes and a smattering of dis-
heartening statistics, I closed my eyes
and said, I do.
When I jumped, I wasnt think-
ing about the many people I know
whove drowned in divorce, capsized
in contention, or were lost in a sea of
bitterness. Instead, I focused on oth-
ers who might have sunk beneath the
surface, but bobbed back up and then,
stroke for stroke, made it to the other
side together.
So, I jumped head over heels.
The fall was everything I imagined
it be liberating, feverish, unadulter-
ated bliss.
The inevitable impact with reality
was deeper than I imagined, but not
impossible to navigate.
Stroke by stroke, breath by breath
we found our footing.
Weddings are scary, but not nearly
as terrifying as marriage.
As a society, we publicize grand
fetes. We splatter them on maga-
zine covers and drool over intricate
beading, exquisite place settings and
swanky receptions.
But, then the vows are said. The
lights go of. The crowd goes home.
And, the party is over.
Theres nothing sensational about
loving each other, year after year.
Theres nothing outrageous about
sticking it out when times get tough.
There are no investigative reports on
just how a couple managed to survive
all the calamitous storms of life.
So, then why do we do it?
Why do we jump?
I suppose its diferent for every-
one. But, for me, my decision was
simple.
Even for a girl from the shallow
end, there are some things that are
worth the risk.
And, our love was one of them. VIP
A Lesson
on Jumping

January VIP

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volume 2 issue 4 | NovemBeR 2009 | theVIPmag.

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