KATIE and RYAN

VIDEO

It’s a Small World, After All

by Tiffany Batchelor

“It’s a world of laughter, a world of tears. It’s a world of hopes and a world of fears. There is so much that we share, it’s time we’re aware. It’s a small world after all.” Robert Sherman, Richard Sherman

There are certain moments during a wedding reception when I pause to embrace the memory. Wedged between the couple’s first dance and opening food service, the Host and Hostess typically share a few words to welcome guests and honor the bride and groom. These sentimental pearls of wisdom invariably offer a perspective of the couple that I did not know and leaves me pleasantly surprised.

Bride Katie is the daughter of two career educators, Karen and Bill. When Karen and Bill stood in the spotlight offering a toast, I expected to hear about past students not worthy of their daughter’s hand and even qualifications Karen and Bill had spent a lifetime making note of. What I did not expect to hear was that Karen and Bill were co-workers and friends with the Groom’s parents. Additionally, father of the bride, Bill, had been the Groom’s high school golf coach. “It’s a small world” seemed an understatement.

Katie and Karen came to Avenue I Events with partial planning complete. Their goal was to manage the heavy lifting on the front end, then have a professional complete the planning process and to execute wedding day. Our work began at the Art Museum of South Texas, walking through the venue to create a floor plan that worked for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception.

One of the most beautiful venues in the Coastal Bend, the Art Museum is, well, a museum.  Therefore, the curated art may or may not be the same during planning as it is on wedding day. Additionally, restrictions for food, beverage, lighting, and sound may change, further altering logistics. Six months after our initial layout, new art called for a new floorplan. While a seismic shift can create unrest for the bride, a seasoned planner sees beauty in new opportunity.  

Edits to the layout, reworking the design and carefully walking the family through the revision helped the wedding day run seamlessly. Florist, Peggy Keaton of Keaton Designs, fit into the small world story as a long-time friend of both families. Peggy brought beautiful blooms to the event with colors of blush and crimson, perfect tones for that late February romantic wedding.

The intimate ceremony in the Upper Gallery was only matched by the festive mariachis calling guests to cocktails below. (The mariachis may or may not have interrupted the quiet prayer at end of the ceremony, offering a big south Texas laugh.) The rooftop photo session with photographer and childhood friend Jaycie Hillard truly captured the wedding day’s magical moments with perfect lighting and a view for miles over the bay. Childhood friend of the bride, Amy Netek of Amy Netek Bakes sweetens the story with her talents on display, baking the bride’s and groom’s cakes.

Katie and Ryan’s wedding was a night that brought together old and new friends, sharing stories, dancing and celebrating. With love, laughter and stories old and new, the night proved it is a small world after all.

For more photos click to see the KATIE and RYAN GALLERY

Photography by Jaycie Hillard Photography

TIPS FROM THE PROS Guide to the Wedding Ceremony

Guide to the Wedding Ceremony

by Tiffany Batchelor

My most-asked wedding ceremony question is: What is the wedding processional order?

My simple answer to an engaged couple is, “It’s your wedding day. You get to choose.”

This simple answer, in reality, is not so simple. The bride and groom know they will stand front and center, yet all other family and friends in attendance need a place, too, and look to the couple for direction on when to enter, what to do, and where to sit or stand.

Each religion has its own guidelines for the wedding processional order and reserved sides for family. In addition, church ceremonies will be dictated by the church and officiant.  It is important to discuss the wedding processional order with the officiant to get an understanding of what is traditional, as well as, the details eligible for customization. Non-denominational, secular, or a non-traditional ceremony can either borrow one of these traditions or use it as a template to create a personalized ceremony layout.

Christian Ceremony

Processional

Grandparents of the Groom: If present, the groom’s paternal grandparents enter prior to the groom’s maternal grandparents. Grandmothers can be ushered by the grandfather or by any family member or usher. Grandparents sit in the first or second row on the right side.

Grandparents of the Bride: If present, the bride’s paternal grandparents enter prior to the bride’s fraternal grandparents. Grandmothers can be ushered by the grandfather or by any family member or usher. Grandparents sit in the first or second row on the left side.

Groom’s Parents: The mother of the groom is escorted by the father of the groom. Couples can elect for the groom to escort his mother, with father to follow. The groom will seat his mother on the first row of the right side of the aisle and then exit to take his place with the best man. The father of the groom traditionally sits next to the aisle, and the groom’s mother sits in the second seat.

Mother of the Bride: The entrance of the mother of the bride signals the end of the pre-ceremony processional, and once she is seated the wedding processional will begin. The mother of the bride is traditionally escorted by a family member. A couple can choose for the father of the bride to escort the mother of the bride, and then he will circle back to escort the bride. Once the mother of the bride reaches the end of the aisle, she takes her seat to the left of the aisle in the first row next to the aisle. The bride’s family traditionally sits on the left side of the aisle so that the father of the bride and groom can make eye contact.

Officiant: The officiant represents the leader of the ceremony.

Groom and Best Man: After the mother of the bride takes her seat, the groom traditionally enters solo. More commonly, the groom and best man will follow the officiant to the center of the aisle. Should the couple elect for bridesmaids and groomsmen to process as couples, the best man will enter with the maid of honor or as the last groomsman. The best man often holds both rings. If the maid/matron of honor holds the groom’s ring, the best man will hold the bride’s ring.

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen: Bridesmaids walk down the aisle one by one. Couples can select to have bridesmaids and groomsmen line up in height order or in a specific order of personal preference. If a bride selects junior bridesmaids, in addition to bridesmaids, junior bridesmaids are usually between the ages of 8 and 16, and will process before the bridesmaids.

Matron/Maid of Honor: The last to process is the maid/matron of honor who assists the bride with final preparations before she walks down the aisle. She takes her position closest to the officiant on the left side.  She will stand at the bride’s side at the altar and assist with the bride’s dress, veil, train, hold her bouquet and sometimes the groom’s ring. If the bride selects both a matron of honor and maid of honor. The maid of honor processes before the matron of honor.

Ring Bearer: The ring bearer precedes the bride and traditionally carries a small pillow with decoys of the ring. More contemporary options include a sign. Boxes of glass or wood are alternatives. The ring bearer can stand at the front along with the rest of the wedding party or sit with a family member.

Flower Girl: The flower girl precedes the bride, traditionally preparing the way with flower petals. Traditional symbolism of the flower girl, is a child -like version of the bride dropping rose petals as a symbol of good luck.

Father of the Bride and Bride: The father of the bride traditionally escorts his daughter down the aisle, standing to her right. Should the bride’s father not attend, the bride can walk alone or with any loved one or special friend. Once down the aisle, the father or escort will shake hands with the groom, lift the bride’s veil signifying his blessing, then he takes his seat next to the bride’s mother.

Bride and Bride’s wedding party stand on left side of Officiant/Priest

Groom and Groom’s wedding party stand on right side of Officiant/Priest

Alternative options

Seating Right vs. Left: The couple can elect to have immediate family swap sides for seating. Moving the bride’s parents to the right side allows the mother and father of the bride to look at their daughter’s face during the ceremony and vice versa for the groom’s family.

Grandparents: A multitude of reasons can prohibit grandparents processing down the aisle. Couples can elect for grandparents be seated prior to the wedding. It is polite to seat them in a reserved row near the front.

Catholic Ceremony

In order to have an official Catholic wedding, the couple must wed in a Catholic church. According to the Catholic dioceses, the couple’s marriage must take place in the presence of Christ and in a setting intended for worship and prayer.

Processional

Groom and Best Man: The groom and the best man follow the priest and enter from the side, taking position at the center of the altar.

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen: Traditionally, bridesmaids and groomsmen escort one another down the aisle. When reaching the altar, the bridesmaids break left and groomsmen break right to line up.

Matron/Maid of Honor:  The last to process is the maid/matron of honor who walks alone and takes her position closest to the officiant on the left side.

Ring Bearer

Flower Girl

Ultimately, the processional is the couple’s choice, options are all morally neutral and a matter of preference.

Photography by Chandra’s Collection, Lori Romano, Lauren Rathbun, Jess Barfield Photography

FEATURED EVENT Molly's Debutante Party

VIDEO

Light up the Night

by Tiffany Batchelor

“Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.” – Maya Angelou

There is a magical moment each evening when the golden haze passes from day to night. The Corpus Christi Yacht Club proves to be an optimal location to catch glitter on the water and downtown cityscape on the horizon.

The Flood family came to Avenue I Events with an event concept. The objective, a debutante party for daughter Molly with a casual, yet chic, refined, yet bohemian, candle-lit night. Molly, warm, authentic, and graceful was immersed in the design by Avenue I Events and TM Wildflowers. The final product: bohemian chic with eclectic illumination with candles and lanterns to light up the night.

A burgundy and gold foil invitation in a laser cut pocked announced the event to guests. The indoor and outdoor venue was transformed with creative lighting and casual seating. The patio offered couches, peacock chairs, poufs and pillows for a communal lounge vibe. Long farm tables and bar tables were lit with prayer candles and tin lanterns for dining. The comfortable seating and warm candlelight reflected the friendly and warm nature of the honoree.

A polished, yet eclectic menu offered a seasonal salad station, hearty charcuterie, and coastal cuisine. Every guest’s thirst was quenched at the open bar. Continuing the “light up the night” theme, bananas foster was served on the patio at an interactive sweet station.

The band entertained guests with a mix of genres from singer songwriter to pop. With the music loud, the dance floor proved multi-generational with songs for everyone. As the band concluded, the DJ mixed songs and kept the crowed dancing past midnight. A photo booth captured guests’ personalities and the evening full of memories and laughter.

The night’s focus was to celebrate Molly surrounded by family and friends. Molly’s warm, genuine personality was reflected as only she could “light up the night”.

For more photos click to see the MOLLY GALLERY

Photography by Dreamthorp Photography

Design collaboration by TM Wildflowers and Avenue I Events

Lighting and floral by Peony Bliss

ERIN and CHADWICK

VIDEO

Love Language

by Tiffany Batchelor

TE QUIERO JE T’AIME TI AMO I LOVE YOU

“Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind and fills your life with stories to tell.” – Paula Bendfeldt

When travel is a common interest and brings adventure to the relationship, a couple that celebrates this passion during the wedding will take guests on a journey.

Erin and Chadwick, avid travelers, thoughtfully considered past travels in every aspect of wedding planning. Avenue I Events was hired early on to manage all of the details for the couple who resides in the Austin area. The bride chose to focus on details she enjoyed such as visiting the linen showroom, designing her table scape and researching unique entertainment for the immersion experience.

Upon arrival to the Art Museum of South Texas, guests were greeted with a glass of champagne and walked a living red carpet. Guests were ushered to the Upper Gallery for the wedding nuptials. The candlelit ceremony was accompanied by acoustic guitar playing Spanish music. At the conclusion, the intimate group migrated downstairs to the Singer gallery where all enjoyed a menu with cultural flair.

The gallery was softened with tropical leaves, white blooms, metallic accents and a personal note at every place setting. The dinner hour took guests to Spain with paella and a flamenco performance. As the night progressed, the live band kept the dance floor hopping with southern rock and country western.

“The crazy hour” brought Hora Loca, with lit costumes like Brazil’s carnival. Stilt walkers and Spanish dancers passed glow sticks and lit glasses to light up the night. In case of emergency, guests were given a take home emergency kit; thoughtfully packaged: the take-away was full of night time necessities.

When travel is a couple’s love language, what a  memory to take closest family and friends on the adventure of their lifetime.

For more photos click to see the ERIN and CHADWICK GALLERY

Photography by Eureka Photography

NATALIE and BEN

VIDEO

Beautiful Little Sky

by Tiffany Batchelor

Outside the city limits, beyond the horizon, lies a sweet slice of heaven. Situated nine miles north of Kingsville, off a two-lane highway, look up and behold a beautiful little sky. Rancho Cielito Lindo, appropriately named, offers a south Texas venue rich with culture, cabins and cuisine.

Corpus Christi residents, Natalie and Ben, sought out this secluded gem for an outdoor wedding weekend celebration under the Texas sky. Natalie, a seasoned not-for-profit event coordinator volunteer, felt comfortable beginning the planning process.  However, when a career change 4 months prior to wedding day demanded her attention, she sought out Avenue I Events to transfer responsibility of all remaining details.

Rich in color, manicured lawns and bountiful flower beds, the ranch offered the perfect setting for an outdoor celebration. The ceremony took place on the steps of the quaint chapel as guests participated from the lawn. The Event Center offered the perfect pavilion for an indoor and outdoor cocktail hour. The party further progressed to the back lawn for dinner and dancing.

With the bar drinks cold and the dance floor hot, guests enjoyed a night under the stars. Simple centerpieces of sliced wood, potted ferns, and deer antlers softened the venue’s farm tables and wooden chairs.

“Baby, you’re a firework!” The groom surprised the bride with a firework display perfectly cued to the lyrics. It was a colorful display like no other and truly was the grand finale. Guests were invited to linger around the outdoor fire place before calling it a night.

In the time since the wedding, our bride, Natalie, has joined the Avenue I Events team. We could not be more honored. We consider her a valuable resource, having worked with Avenue I Events as a bride, and now sharing her experience with future couples.

For more photos click to see the NATALIE and BEN GALLERY

Photography by Lori Romana Photography

JESS and TRENT

VIDEO

Vintage Vibe

by Tiffany Batchelor

Unconventional and outside cultural mainstream styles lend themselves to a uniquely distinctive wedding style. Trent and Jess, a New York City duo, did not disappoint. Living on the East Coast and planning to tie the knot in Corpus Christi meant long-distance planning with Avenue I Events managing local logistics. Our bride, an art director by trade, meticulously designed and planned a ceremony and reception showcasing remarkable creativity.

The ceremony and reception were held on the upstairs patio of the Corpus Christi Yacht Club. With the breathtaking downtown backdrop, the two wed before a macramé altar hand knotted by the groom’s mother and sister, and the ceremony was sweetly officiated by the groom’s father.

The wedding décor held its own unique charm. Vintage style medicine bottles with tropical foliage were accentuated with layers of candles and floral stems of crimson and white. Guests found their seats by selecting a personalized, hand-painted Mexican tile. A Polaroid photo album uniquely served as the guest book and was positioned next to photographs of loved ones who have inspired lasting love.

Anthony Gauna, photographer, hand crafted authentic photos for this non-traditional couple by creating a collection of photographs emulating an out of the ordinary display.

The one-of-a-kind night ended with a South Texas serenade by local mariachis and a sparkler exit.

For more photos click to see the JESS and TRENT GALLERY

ALYSSA and CADE

VIDEO

The Sparkler

by Tiffany Batchelor

The Sparkling City by the Sea has many treasures and quite a few of them are located in the Marina Arts District, located downtown. The area is fitting for the wedding of Corpus Christi’s Executive Director of the Downtown Management District, a real gem, in the community she serves.

With a passion for planning, our bride took the lead on design, catering, and rentals right up to the last 30 days when she relinquished duties to a professional planner. Avenue I Events was hired to fine tune the final stages and execute all of the wedding day details.

The full Catholic ceremony at the Corpus Christi Cathedral was thoughtfully articulated through the ceremony program, communion, and rich traditions of the bible, lasso and coins. Following the ceremony, guests traveled from the uptown church to the Bayfront Courtyard of The Art Center.

A crisp, casual breeze provided the perfect weather for a dance floor hot with 275 guests surrounded by layers of champagne and white. A social media wall for this socially savvy wedding was the perfect touch. Guests were invited to engage in a live feed with photos and comments using #meethemasons. What a modern way to display photos, messages, and well wishes live from another’s unique perspective!

The portrait session with photographer, Heidi Rae, captured the treasures of the Coastal Bend along the Bayfront, including the Water’s Edge landscape, Marina, and memory benches at sunset.

The sparkler exit in the Sparkling City lit up the night and was the perfect ending to a love story between a bride, groom, and a city they love.

For more photos click to see the ALYSSA and CADE GALLERY

MARY WADE and JAROD

VIDEO

Wading in a Winter Wonderland

by Tiffany Batchelor and Jacqueline Gonzalez

Austin swagger is relaxed and informal, yet energetic; it is down-home, but cultured; and it is sophisticated but funky all wrapped up in one cool vibe. It was only appropriate for Mary Wade and Jarod to bring that eclecticism to the Bride’s hometown of Beeville, TX!

With demanding jobs and regular travel, the Bride entrusted her mother to take on the task of wedding planning. A true Rembrandt, the Mother of the Bride artistically created every detail to Mary Wade and Jarod’s personalities. Avenue I Events was hired to skillfully organize her thought process and bring artful ideas to life.

The ceremony was traditional in Mary Wade’s childhood church; but when it came time for the reception, fun was the focus! Guests celebrated with the newlyweds in a backyard reception that was far from a simple gathering.

One elegantly draped tent was placed to accommodate dinner seating for 275 guests, complete with a second tent fit for a stage, band, and dance floor. In true Texan style, there were 5 bars available to keep the party alive- one of which was located in a converted chicken coop and decked out to resemble a cantina.

The color scheme brought a unique and stunning twist to the décor. A backdrop of black and white provided an element of sophistication, while luscious pops of red made for a swoon worthy contrast between seasonal and modern elegance.  The lighting surrounding the outdoor décor was salvaged rustic wrought iron chandeliers from an old church, something the Mother of the Bride picked up for this occasion.

“Swagger, sophisticated, funky” shine in the portrait session Mary Wade and Jarod created with the photographer, Benjamin Garrett Photography. This unique couple in the family home, make for some of the most artistic wedding portraits I’ve ever been a part of.

Every wedding gets thrown a curveball and the ever-changing Texas weather is no exception. It rained in biblical proportions days before the wedding, not to mention, the significant cold front that blew in on wedding day! Surprise weather aside, this ship was unsinkable. Rain boots and ready, we stayed on task and managed to pull off an epic evening.

Oh, what a (cold) December night, with live music (muddy shoes) and Beeville’s finest furs. What a fete and honor to organize such creative genius and make artistic ideas a reality.

For more photos click to see the MARY and JAROD GALLERY