and “Rocked the Frock” for fun! Look at them keeping it real after 10 years.

Click here to see the original post.

In fact, “many hands”  helped me transform a space into a wedding wonderland, at the Austin Wedding Day’s “Diamond Domain Bridal Soiree” at The Westin Austin at the Domain.

Room Name: Beyond the Ordinary

Theme: 1800′s Royal European Reception with a Modern Twist

Royal Mannequins: Douglas & Sibriena Ashley

Soiree High Lights:

• 755 persons in attendance

• ~300 brides-to-be

• Beyond the Big Day’s “mannequins” were invited to stroll the runway during the fashion show

Attire provided by Alexia Gavela Bridal

• Beyond the Big Day received a “shout out” from Tracy French, guest speaker/international wedding and event planner/owner of The French Connection.  The French Connection is featured on two of the Style Network’s hit wedding series Whose Wedding Is It Anyway? and Married Away.

The quote went something like this – “Valerie Williams with Beyond the Big Day said, brides-to-be should hire a wedding planner so that they can focus on what’s more important - the long-term success of their marriage.  After all, your wedding will last ONLY one day, but your marriage should last a lifetime.  So you shouldn’t be spending your valuable time taking care of the venue,  caterer, photographer, videographer, florist, rentals, lighting, cakes, guest accommodations, music, transportation, etc.”

Isn’t that EXCITING?!!!

Lastly…

• Beyond the Big Day coordinated a “Creative Eye Contest” between three local wedding photographers to see which photographer could capture the decor details in my space, in the most creative ways.  Check out their photos below and vote for your favorite photographer.  Will the winner be… (1) K. Kilgore Photography, (2) Rojo Pictures, or (3) Wayne Solum Photography.  You decide.  View the photos below and leave your comment and vote at the end.

Bride's hair stylist - Salon Beso; Make-up Artist - Glamartist

Stationery elements by Bloom Art & Design

China, flatware, stemware, candelabras provided by Marquee Rents

Cake provided by Haute Cakes Couture Desserts; Florals by Flowers by Nancy, too!

Linens & place plates by BBJ Linen; Candelabras, china, flatware & stemware by Marquee

Bride & Groom's Jewelry by My Private Jeweler

Seating Chart/Escort Card/Dance Card

Florals by Flowers by Nancy, too!

Bride & Groom's attire provided by Alexia Gavela Bridal

Truffles by Eclectic Chocolate; Pettit Four by Haute Cakes Couture

Seating Chart/Escort Card/Dance Card

Special thanks to the Beyond the Big Day team and all of the participating service providers… we couldn’t have done it without you!

Bride & Groom’s Attire by: Alexia Gavela Bridal; Linens & Place Plates by:  BBJ Linen; Scentsy & $1k Coupon by:  Best Agents In Texas – Baaba Coleman-Kumi; Stationery Elements by:  Bloom Art & Design; Jazz Musical Performance by:  C.C. & The Rev; Truffles by:  Eclectic Chocolate; Florals by:  Flowers by Nancy, too!; Make-up for Bride by: Glamartist; Cakes by:  Haute Cakes Couture Desserts: Lighting by:  Ilios Lighting; Photography by:   K. Kilgore Photography; Marketing Collateral by:  Leander Signs; China, Flatware, Glassware and Candelabra Rentals by:   Marquee Rents; Jewelry for Mannequins by:  My Private Jeweler; Photography by:  Rojo Pictures; Hair Style for Bride: Salon Beso; Transportation for Rentals by:  Transportation Consultants; Marriage Education:  Twogether In Texas; Photography by:  Wayne Solum Photography

Beyond the Big Day will have a “show down” with 7 of Austin’s top wedding planners at the Austin Wedding Day’s 1st  Diamond Domain Bridal Soiree on Sunday, January 9th from 1pm to 6 pm.

Each wedding planning company has been individually challenged to assemble a team of wedding professionals to transform a 11′ x 13′ ballroom space into a wedding wonderland.

Come and see our “Beyond the Ordinary”… modern rendition of an 1800′s Royal Reception and also enjoy an…

• Exquisite Cocktail Reception
• Fabulous Desserts
• Runway Fashion Show

Special thanks to my AMAZING team of participating service providers:

• Alexia Gavela Bridal
• BBJ Linen
• Bloom Art & Design
• C.C. & The Rev
• Eclectic Chocolate
• Flowers by Nancy, too!
• Glamartist
• Ilios Lighting
• Haute Cakes Couture
• K. Kilgore Photography
• Leander Signs
• Marquee Rents
• My Private Jeweler
• Rojo Pictures
• Salon Beso
• Transportation Consultants
• Twogether In Texas
• Wayne Solum Photography

Many, many thanks to my super supportive model Bride & Groom… Sibriena & Douglas Ashley.

Let me tell you how this all came about…

The wheels started turning on Sunday, November 7th after we wrapped up the photo/video production for Krystal Jaimes and Sean Pow’s wedding (Stay tuned for that one).  I said to the team, “I would really LOVE to plan a ‘Trash the Dress’ production at Villa de Vistas.  I would LOVE to see a bride go down their slide in her wedding dress.”   Almost IMMEDIATELY a soft sweet little voice said, “I’ll do it!”  That was the voice of Kristy Wooten, the lead videographer’s assistant and wife.  He (Joe) almost IMMEDIATELY chimmed in “I’ll do it too”! And we (me and the photographer – Keri Kilgore with K. Kilgore Photography) took a gasp of air and belted out “YOU WILL”?  and the rest is history.

It all began at the lovely Lakeway home of Donna O’Klock, color expert for bo salon.  On very short notice, Donna graciously opened her private residence to us, to allow me and my team (bride, groom, hair stylist, make-up artist, and videographer) to get a jump start on hair and makeup while we waited to gain access to Villa de Vistas. – We had NO time to loose.

Here are some photos that Donna took for us.

Joseph Wooten (Groom) and me - working very hard! He! He!

Emily Brown (Glamartist) Kristy Wooten (Bride) and Rhonda Arms (Stylist w/Salon Beso)

Look at what Donna had to say about my team: “You assembled a very nice, and very competent, team – anyone would be happy to have them at their event!”

So after we finished hair and make-up, we quickly made our way to Villa de Vistas – and there we found two photographers (Keri Kilgore with K. Kilgore Photography and Erica Payne with EP Photography anxiously awaiting our arrival so they could get this party started!

So…. drum roll…. this is what you have all been waiting for….

Are they newly weds? NO 10th Anniversary just around the corner.

Oooohhh they're getting closer to the water.

Look at this daring duo!

Here goes... No Turning Back Now!

They survived! How sweet!

What did he say?...

Weeeee! Once wasn't enough for Joe!

How Beautiful! by Amy Pratt with Flowers by Nancy, too!

Wait there is more!!!  We had a 2nd shooter – Erica Payne w/EP Photography.

There they go....

Still kissing....

Oh my...how romantic is that?

Next Cover for Sports Illustrated - Wedding Edition!

And this is how we do it… Beyond the Big Day, style – That’s a wrap!

So tell me what you think…insert your comments below.

On Monday, November 15th I had the special privilege of hosting a Wedding Social for my clients, preferred service providers, family and friends at Villa de Vistas private resort in Lakeway, Tx.

Special thanks to resort owners, Michael & Jeri Archuleta for opening their breath-taking resort. And, of course, special thanks to the following participating vendors:

Bar Service provided by:  Joe Mladenka aka Joe-the-bartender

Wedding cake provided by:  Tad Simon & Judy Lee with Simon Lee Bakery

Wedding cake provided by:  Falana Thomas with Haute Cakes Couture Desserts

Live Jazz Music by: Cassandra & Scotty with CCandtheRev

And last but certainly NOT LEAST… special thanks to one and all who came out to support this event.

Look at what some had to say:

“Hi Valerie,
Thank you so much for such a wonderful evening.  You gave me the opportunity to share the venue with loved ones before the event!  The ladies are still talking about how beautiful Villa de Vistas is!”

~Melisa Waters – Beyond the Big Day, Bride-to-Be

“Hello there, Valerie—-I thoroughly enjoyed last night and am glad Kim grabbed me for the road trip. Smiles & Blessings,”

~Debby Stevens – 3D Cruise and Travel

“Dear Valerie

It was great meeting you the other day! Thank you so much for having me at this beautiful event….The resort is beautiful for small gatherings. It feels intimate and cozy like getting married in a friends house…The musicians are wonderful. Her voice is just delightful. Great performance!…Wonderful cakes (by Simon Lee Bakery) all 3 were amazing even though I’m not a huge sweet fan I really enjoyed the cake!…the owner (of Haute Cakes)  is super friendly and I enjoyed talking to her…I like the fact Joe has his rate displayed! I would definatelly call him next time I have a party!”

~Amanda Wang – Hindsite 20/20 Real Estate Inv

“Valerie, I would rate all of the items a 1…   everything was top of the line!  Good commnication on the event, well organized, beautiful setting, & great networking. Great job!”

~Jeannette Peten

“Hi Valerie

Thanks for the invite!  Enjoyed speaking with you and the home owners!  We thought the venue was spectacular!…We thought you did a wonderful job with the event… We, of course, would love to be the exclusive transportation providers for the venue.  Thanks again! Best,

~Bill Talley – Transportation Consultant

“Thank you for such a beautiful event the other night.  It was just gorgeous and you did such a wonderful job. and The food was great. The cake was scrumptious… I think it was just top notch.  I have nothing but good things to say about you and the whole event.  It was very nice.  You did a very good job!”

~Jan Goss – Austin School of Protocol

“Valerie,

Hey thanks again for last night – that is truly an incredible place! Sorry I couldn’t stay longer.  Hopefully we’ll get to shoot there someday.”

~Thomas Meredith – Rojo Pictures

” Yesterday was simply stunning! Not only was the facility beautiful, it transports you to a different place, and the hosts were equally enchanting.  It makes me want to have another wedding!… I’m afraid we didn’t get to see or sample the cakes, but the “fake” cake from Simon Lee was gorgeous!… Joe was wonderful!  We only had water, but he had lightly flavored water available for us and bottled water and was Johnny on the Spot with our requests.  He came across as a friendly and sincere individual.  I would definitely hire him for my party!…I was very impressed by the communications leading up to the event. Nicely done, professional, yet friendly as well, and reminders that kept the event on the minds of the guests without being overly done.  Bravo!.. It was just one of those perfect afternoons just like a scene out of a movie.  One of those moments in time where everything aligns perfectly — location, people, refreshments — just perfect.  Not over done, not under done.…I’m looking forward to seeing the bride & groom go down the water slide on your blog!…”

~Cassandra – CCandThe Rev

On Tuesday, Beyond the Big Day’s team produced an elegant “Trash the Dress” episode at Villa de Vistas.  Stay Tuned for details.

Doug, Sibriena and the Officiant

Sibriena and Doug exchanging vows; the Officiant - my sweetie - Terry.

Sibriena & Doug's 1st Kiss as husband & wife at their exclusive resort.

Their wedding was the first to be held in Central Texas’ newest private wedding resort Villa de Vistas.

Villa de Vistas, is an exclusive, luxurious, well-appointed, and very accommodating Mediterranean style private resort located on the beautiful Lake Travis in Lakeway, Texas.  This dream resort affords the perfect setting for a local “destination” wedding.

Garden Ceremony at Villa de Vistas in Lakeway, Texas

Once you’re on the premise, you will quickly forget that you’re in Texas.

Villa de Vistas becomes "Your Private Resort!"

When you check in at Villa de Vistas, this private resort becomes your home away from home.

Your Bridal Suite.

Your Fully Furnished Kitchen and Game Room.

Your Honeymoon Suite.

Your hot tub and edgeless pool.

Your Amazingly Exciting Super Slide. (photo by Kim)

Your Night View at Villa de Vistas.

Notice what the bride and her mother had to say…

“The venue is so beautiful it took my breath away from the moment I laid eyes on it.  The setup was perfect for our intimate outdoor wedding of about 60 guests.  Our gracious and accommodating hosts, Michael and Jeri Archuleta, were so helpful they really helped to make our day special.  I highly recommend Villa de Vistas”. ~Sibriena

They have been very accommodating, whatever we asked for it was no problem – they are very nice people”. ~Prudence

Photos by: Civic Photos, Houston, Texas

]]> http://www.beyondthebigday.com/2010/10/breathtaking-private-waterfront-resort-on-lake-travis-hosted-its-1st-wedding-and-i-witnessed-it/feed/ 14 http://www.beyondthebigday.com/2010/06/hereheis-marcos-alejandro-urruchua/ http://www.beyondthebigday.com/2010/06/hereheis-marcos-alejandro-urruchua/#comments Wed, 09 Jun 2010 08:17:43 +0000 Valerie http://www.beyondthebigday.com/?p=296 VITAL STATISTICS:

Arrived……………….April 4, 2010

Time………….…………….….2:16 am

Weight……………………….7lbs 9oz

Length……………….………………20”

Birthplace………….Cedar Park, Tx

MFD by: Roxana and Federico Urru’chua

INGREDIENTS:  Snakes and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails.  *Contains more than 100% baby boy!

An AUSTIN Original is Celebrating!

Marquee was born 25 years ago in Austin, Texas
and it’s time to party!

Come see our NEW DIGS and take the 50¢ TOUR!
(that’s how much the Howard Ln. toll will run ya!)

• Enjoy a casual lunch by Austin favorites!
• Hob nob with Austin’s event pros!
• Get the VIP treatment in our VIP Lounge!

January 20, 2010 11am – 2pm
11am – Lunch & Tours
1pm – Remarks & Ribbon Cutting

4616 W. Howard Lane Bldg.4 Austin, TX 78728 map

Thursday, January 21, 2010
5:30 – 8:30 pm

Stop by for cocktails, Hors d’oeuvres and a chance to mingle with best in the business. For details go to
http://www.allanhouse.com/upcoming.php

Saturday, January 9, 2010 NOON to 5pm
Sunday, January 10, 2010 NOON to 5pm
Palmer Event Center

For details go to http://www.austinweddings.com/bridalextravaganza/