FAB FRIDAY 500 LIKES GIVE AWAY

Thank you to all who have LIKED us and supported us!  It was a long time coming, but we finally reached 500 LIKES!  woo-hoo!!!

As part of our appreciation of all your love, we wanted to give a little back at ya’.  We have partnered up with two awesome vendors, Delice Chocolatier and Patisserie, and Jose Charo Photography.  Here are the deets:

Chocolate – There are 50 gorgeous little favor boxes for 50 of our fans available for pick up at Delice Chocolate and Patisserie.  They are located at 946 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 145 (by Hoolihans Restaurant).  They are open from 10:00am until 7:00pm.  Get there and get yours while supplies last.  Also, take a moment to breathe in everything chocolate while you are there.  The owner, Ignacio, is wonderfully nice and friendly, and he might even have other samples available.  Feel free to peruse, and browse, and purchase any additional goodies to tide you over through the weekend.  The chocolate dipped meringues are my absolute FAV.

They also have cute wedding favor chocolates boxed and tied for you to give to your guests.

1-piece box $2; 2-piece box $3.50; $4-piece box $6

     

Photography – Jose Charo is a talented, independent photographer, that has been so generous to give away, not one, BUT FIVE, photo shoots.  You have to be currently engaged, with an upcoming wedding, but you are free to choose either an Engagement, Bridal, or Boudoir shoot.  Be the one of the first 5 to email me at Lisa@myhautewedding.com  **restrictions may apply, based upon availability

So again, just wanted you to know that this is a big milestone for Haute Weddings and I am on top of the world.  Thank you so much FB peeps!!!  Have a Haute Day! – L

Get Haute Before Tying The Knot – 24 Day Hauttie Challenge

Day 1

Lisa:  Embarking on this challenge I wonder if I will be up to it.  If I will be able to complete it.  If it is going to work.  If it will make a difference.  I realize that I weigh the heaviest I have ever weighed.  I just don’t feel good about myself.  I’m ready for a change.  All the products are a little over-whelming, but the program chart is easy to follow and our Coach, Kara, has made a list of foods that I like that I know I can follow.  They are all foods that I typically eat anyways, just not as often as I should.  Shimeyka and Chris are joining me in this challenge and it has been fun keeping up with another, sharing what we are eating, etc…

Day 2

Lisa:  I got through day one and I wasn’t even hungry.  I’ve signed on to http://www.myfitnesspal.com to keep track of my calories.  Shimeyka says the fiber drink and the pills are a pain.  I don’t think it’s that bad.  We all agree that we love Spark!  I haven’t even needed coffee or miss it.  One thing I notice is that I don’t have that bloated feeling I always had before.

Day 5

Lisa:  Feeling really good and energetic.  Eating about 1200 calories a day, but not feeling hungry at all.  I purchased an additional supplement called Catalyst.  When you lose weight, you often also lose muscle, so this product is to help me keep muscle throughout the challenge.  My Hunbun said he can tell I’m getting thinner.  He hugged me today and he could put his arms further around me.  : )

Day 7

Lisa:  Working a wedding today.  Didn’t plan for lunch but Shimeyka brought a protein bar, fruit, and almonds.  Saved my life, because by 2:00 I was definitely starving.  Vendors I worked with who haven’t seen me recently commented that I look like I’m losing weight.  My clothes were actually loose and actually a little baggy.  I actually felt skinnier!  For dinner, the couple chose pecan crusted chicken, so I scraped off the breading and just ate the chicken and ate the vegetables.  No wedding cake for me tonight!  (but I didn’t even crave it or miss it)  One thing that was a bit of a bother is that all this time, I wasn’t really feeling any of the effects of the fiber cleanse.  Well, it finally kicked in!

Day 8

Lisa:  Really tired today from working 15 hours the day prior.  Lots of resting up.  Hunbun set up a stationary bike for me.  Hoping to start exercising this week.

Day 10

Lisa:  Can’t believe I have made it through the Cleaning Phase of the Challenge.  I was told it would be gentle and un-eventful and it definitely was.  I feel really good.  I have lost 8 pounds so far and it is really starting to show.  My clothes that used to be fitted, are loose.  Even my shoes are fitting looser.  lol  It was strange how I didn’t really feel any different until about day 7 or so and now I feel like the pounds are just melting off.  I’m so looking forward to the next phase!!  Supposedly, the Cleansing Phase is to prepare your body for all the nutrients you will be intaking the next 14 days.  Can’t wait…

Day 12

Okay, so I ‘ve started the MAX Phase.  IT IS A LOT OF PILLS.  My allergies have really flared up and so I haven’t been feeling good because of that.  Actually went to the doctor late last night after having a ton of coughing fits throughout the day and got a steroid shot and antibiotics.

I think with all the medicine, phlegm, pills, etc….my stomach was upset and I felt nauseous most of the day.  It tapered off in the evening after I had a good meal.  I actually indulged a little taking my daughter out for a birthday dinner because I truly felt that I needed a few extra calories.  Even then, I indulged in a slice of bread.  No sweets!!  I have recently only been eating about 1000-1200 calories a day.

Day 13

Ah, feeling Much, Much better.  I weighted myself this morning and I am down 10 pounds in 12 days.   I can actually look in the mirror and notice a difference.  Just a little bit slimmer, but slimmer none the less.   I’m going to stagger out my medicine and Advocare pills so I don’t get nauseous again.  I must say, that even after all of that, the weight loss has motivated me to keep with it.  I don’t feel deprived, or hungry, or anything. and feel like I have finally found something that I can stick with.  Wedding day today….but no wedding cake for me.  : )

Later in the evening:  Feeling good.  Wasn’t nauseous or anything today.  : )

Day 17

Missed a few days of blogging due to spring break.  The past couple of days I did indulge a little.  However, I’m back home today and back on track.  Although I cheated here and there, I didn’t gain.  : )

I went shopping today and stocked up on all kinds of goodies.  Individually packaged hummus for snacking, mixed nuts, lots of veggies and fruits.  string cheese, frozen chicken breasts, and the like.  I stuck to the program and had tons of energy today and am so happy I got back on and in control.

One thing that has been tough is that Hunbun keeps coming to bed at night snacking on items such as red licorice, pretzels, Cheezits, etc…I swear he’s doing it just to test my will-power!

Day 28

Sorry I have been MIA.  YES, I completed the 24 day challenge!  I loved it so much I am continuing with the MAX Phase of the challenge and have noticed the most drastic changes just within the last week.  Overall, I have lost 10 pounds and 6 inches.  I even lost weight in my calves!  And in my feet!  I have been wearing cloths and shoes that haven’t fit me in years.

Yes, I know I must sound like one big walking infomercial, but I am 45 years old, (whammy), Puerto Rican, (whammy), and have tried a few didn’t weight loss products with minimal success if any.  So, I am happy to share my progress.  It works for ME!

Okay, got a head out the door, but I will try and post more often.  : )

Haute Wedding Videos

Haute Wedding Videos

Click on the link above and see snippets of video from Haute Weddings events.  Wedding high-lights, entertainment, and Promotional Video.

Introducing our team of Haute Coordinators!

Haute Weddings couldn’t be possible without a team effort. From the early stages of the planning process until the day of the event, the Haute Weddings team is working diligently to make sure everything falls into place.

Shimeyka Olivares

Hauttie Shimeyka Olivares, not only has wedding planning and coordinating experience, but she also has tradeshow and corporate planning expertise. She is our attention to detail coordinator, always making sure that even the little things are just right.

Melissa Rios

Hauttie Melissa Rios always took on the responsibility of party planning for her family. It was then she realized wedding coordinating was an inner passion. She is quick on her toes, and is a swift problem solver.  She is also our official Spanish Interpreter.

Monica Rangel

Hauttie Monica Rangel has been in the design industry for over 20 years. Her focus is working behind the scenes from beginning to end. She strives to keep everyone in balance, from the vendors to the bridal party and their guests.

Chris Rodriguez

Our newest hautties are Christopher Rodriguez and Lori Carter. Both have strong disciplined backgrounds, which are a true asset to our team. Chris works closely with clients and uses his prep school and military background to thoroughly research all things technical. And as the only male coordinator, he is also literally the strength of our team. Lori’s civil engineering background provides organization, innovation, and efficiency for executing a well-planned event.

Lori Carter

The Haute Weddings Team members come from a variety of backgrounds – experiences with fashion, floral, cake, creativity and design.  However, there is one item that they all have in common.  Each one’s goal is to give each couple, their family and guests the best, most memorable, day possible.

Simple, or over the Top, Make It HAUTE!

Starlight Fireworks and FX – Who knew pyrotechnics and weddings would go hand in hand?

Haute Weddings has had the pleasure of working with Starlight Fireworks and FX lately, and let’s just say (and you know what I will say) it has been a BLAST! We’ve had indoor artificial snow, water soluable confetti shots, amazing firework productions and departure effects.

But, Starlight Fireworks and FX can do so much more to give that WOW factor to your event. To shed some light on this, we asked Tina Warwick (owner and producer of Starlight Fireworks and FX) some questions about her business and this growing trend:

Tell us a little about Starlight Fireworks and FX (aka Starlight Fireworks & Special Effects).
Our company specializes in close-proximity fireworks displays/pyrotechnics, both outdoor and indoor. Additionally, we produce departure effects, pyrotechnic ice fountains (for cakes & floral arrangements), pyrotechnic logos, water pyrotechnics, fire-writing, flame effects and sparklers. As the majority owner (Tina Warwick), never in a million years would I have thought I would be doing this type of work. I feel there is so much satisfaction and reward that comes from knowing our company is truly making a difference and providing for happy and even tearful (joy) moments each time we render our services.

Most people don’t realize you feature more than just fireworks. What other forms indoor/outdoor effects do you offer?
Starlight Fireworks & Special Effects offers artificial falling snow, bubbles, confetti/streamer cannons, water soluble confetti shots, smoke/ fog/haze, and low-flying fog. We also produce black light, snow and foam parties.

Mission Wedding 2012
Carmen and Shawn

If a bride is wanting to have a fireworks show for her event, what is a good estimated amount she should figure within her bridal budget?
Usually, a good range is $2,500-$4,000, with a minimum amount for pyrotechnics being approximately $1,800. Most professional companies charge an average of a $1,000 a minute for traditional fireworks. Sometimes, depending upon location, our company might have a little wiggle room to work within a budget that can’t meet the minimum amount. I would say it doesn’t hurt to ask and really encourage that communication. We will work hard to see how we can customize some effects for that special day or event that will fit into your budget.

A fireworks show is more than just igniting a fuse and standing back, can you tell us what is entailed in planning/organizing a fireworks production?
The number one priority of our planning is providing for the safety of people and property. This involves doing a site visit to become familiar with the area and assess any possible safety concerns and to find out the best production location at the venue. Lots of administrative work, research and phone calls associated with the permit applications (creation of site maps, sending copies of licenses of pyrotechnicians to the Authorities Having Jurisdiction – “AHJ,” ascertaining Certificates of Insurance, producing product and production descriptions, ongoing notification correspondence and communications to the AHJ, inspection meetings, meetings with city councils, commissioner courts, judges or municipal boards). In addition to the administrative tasks, our company has to make sure that we have the right type of devices for the specific location, wiring devices on-site, fabrication of racks for production installation and programming firing systems. Most importantly, being knowledgeable of what types of fire suppression equipment is necessary for the different types of pyrotechnics, governing laws, permit requirements and then becoming familiar with the laws and fire codes of each municipality. The great thing is that we take care of all of that and you, as the client or event planner, don’t have to worry about it.

Mission Wedding 2012
Carmen and Shawn

Lastly, what are the latest trends in pyrotechnics?
Our most requested effects which seem to be the trend for our company: fireworks display, departure effects and then indoor pyrotechnics, and believe it or not, low-flying fog seems to be an effect regularly requested, with and without pyrotechnics. Also, computer firing technology has become more of a readily available trend in the fireworks/pyrotechnic industry. This computerized element and the innovation of wireless firing systems provides for a higher level of safety and for the synchronization of music for displays, which then becomes even more of an art form. However, this technology still involves more involvement of time, which means more costs to the client and is most often reserved for those productions with a larger budget.

With such a detailed production, you want to make sure the right company is taking the right safety measures. Contact Starlight Fireworks and FX, Tina Warwick,
http://www.starlightfireworks.com, 512.801.5492 today!

Getaway Gerbs
Mission Wedding 2012

Maggie and Jose – Kendall Plantation (san antonio wedding planner)

This is the story of Maggie and Jose, and Haute Weddings, and Sugar Hill Bakery.  Let me explain.  Most of you do not know that I used to own a bakery called Sugar Hill Bakery, where I made wedding cakes for years.  Maggie’s sister was one of my first customers and I ended up making their families cakes for years.  When I sold the bakery, I lost touch with all my customers.  Who would know that years later, I would run into Maggie, while doing a facility tour, and our paths would meet again.  Long story short, Haute Weddings coordinated her and Jose’s wedding and it was MARVELOUS!  See for yourself : )

     

    

             

     

     

Maggie chose yellow and navy for her wedding colors.  Yellow lemons, summer sunshine, and bright yellow flowers…how could you not smile.

First dances and the father/daughter dance always get me…

               

The night was full of surprises.  One was a video played on Haute Cocktails’ video bar of their grandparents giving them well wishes and advise on how to have a long, happy marriage.

          

Maggie loved Olive Garden’s red berry sangria, so Megan got the recipe and all their guests sipped on fresh, home-made sangria.  It was a big hit!

          

Rafael, of Illuminating Celebrations, provided their creative lighting effects and music for the evening.

            

       

Sweet treats and a photo booth were also big hits.  Here are friends from, “back in the day” enjoying the fun and leaving Maggie and Jose sweet sentiments in their photo scrapbook.

The evening was full of even more surprises!  A beautiful gift from the best man and maid of honor, an exceptional thank you speech from the groom, and an unexpected announcement of a surprise honeymoon to California.  It was a great, great day and I’m so thankful to have been a part of it. Best of Wishes you two!!

Photos courtesy of www.elanimaging.com

Sarah & Trey – Kendall Plantation, boerne tx (san antonio wedding planner)

Sarah and Trey were married in the summer and their wedding colors of pinks and greens accented the season and the day perfectly.  From the very start, planning with Sarah was a breeze.  She really had a clear vision of what she wanted, and we just helped her execute it.  She ordered the catering, flowers, cake, linens, wooden table rentals and her bar and beverage service through Haute Weddings, in a customized package tailored to her preferences.

No peeking…..the bride and groom right before leaving for the church…

                   

Trey was as cool as a cucumber before the ceremony.  His love for Sarah out shined all we had put together that day.  Sarah was so nervous!  So, right before the ceremony, I went over to where the guys were and videotaped a sweet sentiment from Trey and my phone.  I then played it for Sarah and it instantly calmed her nerves, and melted her heart.  She was getting married…

Mr. and Mrs.

              

 

The bride chose a neutral pallet of linens in lattes, creams, and mochas, which really made her floral stand out.

A grand entrance down the grand staircase of the Kendall Plantation and right into their first dance

as husband and wife.

Sparklers and smooches end the night…

Photos courtesy of…