Wimberley, TX, is located in the middle of nowhere. And that's exactly it's appeal to future brides and grooms. Texas Hill Country is popular location for lots of couples because their guests can take in Texas' natural beauty, enjoy its rustic styling, and feel like they're taking a vacation. All while only one hour outside of Austin, TX.
However, there are some disadvantages to Texas Hill Country. Weather is unpredictable. And cell phone service is fleeting. Both of which I discovered while working a wedding yesterday with Lauren Carrillo from the Houston branch of Something To Celebrate.
The bride and groom, Jessica and Aaron, live in Houston but wanted to get married at Red Corral Ranch outside of Austin. Hiring Lauren was a perfect decision as she is based out of Houston but works for a company that also has a branch in Austin.
When forecasts predicted a 70% chance of rain, Lauren decided to change her original plan to a rain plan, which included moving the ceremony inside and moving the cocktail hour to the reception area. Because of these changes, all the vendors had one hour less to set up before guests arrived.
Lauren spent most of the early hours of the day at the ceremony site preparing the decor and running the wedding rehearsal. She left me at the reception site to set up the sign in table, organize the escort cards, and prepare the dessert table. However, my job grew more and more as the wedding loomed.
As the only coordinator at the reception site, the vendors looked to me when they had a question about where to set up or what they were responsible to do. With no way to contact Lauren and confirm my thoughts with her, I just started making decisions. I directed the caterers where to set up their three stations, found a place for the baker to store his refrigerated desserts, provided the DJ with an area to set up, dealt with questions from the venue manager, and scheduled a time for the band to set up while not distracting the guests during cocktail hour.
I learned a lot about making decisions on the spot and sticking to your intuition and vision. I'm understanding that I need to trust myself more. I know what's going to work best. I just need to translate that to the inquisitive vendors that I work with.
My favorite part of the night was after Jessica and Aaron made toasts and the entire room of guests stood up and sang a traditional Polish song to them. It was so beautiful that it brought even the bride to tears.
Sometimes impromptu events make the night. While other times, they should be avoided.
When talking to the mother of the bride, Lauren explained it perfectly by saying, "This job would be hard for someone who doesn't love it."
And gosh do I love it more and more with each wedding.
Venue: Red Corral Ranch
Wedding Planning and Design: Something To Celebrate
Floral: Last Petal
Rentals: Premiere Party Central
Catering: Pok-e-jo's
Desserts: Michelle's Patisserie
Bartending: DNA Events
Photography: Hyde Park Photography
DJ: Altared Weddings
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