Editor's Letter

Ad contents are not responsibility of Maxwell Brides. No portion of this guide may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher 801 W Nolana Ave. Suite 200, McAllen, Tx. 78501; (956) 222 6506 / (956) 648 8978.

Printing by Coloristas y Asociados, S.A. de C.V., Calzada de los Héroes 315, Col. Centro, León, Guanajuato. Tel. (477) 716.69.61

Publisher EditorGuillermo CruzAdministrator/ Production Manager:Olga Adame

Marketing Director:Marina Castillo

Graphic Designer:Adrian Dario Vera CalderonSofía Malacara MuciñoErnesto Adahir Cruz Alcaraz

Contribution Writers/Translate:Wendy Estrada Building Bridges LIS

Contributing Photographers:Anahi NavarroEdgar NavarroEric SierraJay CaballeroDany Ruiperez

Contributing Editor:Elia Noemi EscalantePublished by:Grupo Editorial Maxwell S.A de C.V

DistributionMaxwell Brides801 w Nolana Ave Suite 200McAllen, TX 78504(956) 222-6506 & (956) 475-7263

Email: olgaadame@maxwellmcallen.com guillermocruz@maxwellmcallen.com administration@maxwellmcallen.com Contributing Vendors:Susana RosserBrenda GuerraBlanca GonzalesMary ChapaAnahi NavarroEdgar NavarroEric SierraJay CaballeroMaricela SalinasNatalia Gisell

GRUPO EDITORIAL MAXWELL S.A DE C.V.

Every bride deserves to have the best on her wedding day. After a couple of years in this industry we have learned that “the best” means different things to different people, but in the end what matters most is love. Sooner or later we begin to understand that love is more than verses on valentines and romance in movies. We begin to know that love is here and now, real and true, the most important thing in our lives - for love is the creator of our favorite memories and the foundation of our fondest dreams. Love is a promise that is always kept, a fortune that can never be spent, and a seed that can flourish in even the most unlikely of places. This radiance that never fades, this mysterious and magical joy, is the greatest treasure of all - known only by those who love. We certify that vendors published in this edition are professionals committed to providing the best service by focusing on you!

Maxwell Brides

ON THE FRONT COVER:Photography:Eric SierraLocation: Ottea RanchDress: Sposa Mia CoutureStylist:Marina CastilloHair & Makeup:Natalia GisellModel:Kristen Ottea

Find us on Facebook

10

12

1416

18

232426

54

56

ELEGANCE ANDENCHANTMENTRancho La Pergola

BUYING GUIDEKarlas Jewelry & Gifts

HOW MUCH WOULD YOU CHANGE FOR LOVE?Couple

FEMENINE DIGNITY:I’m a woman, a real one.

YOUR ALTERNATIVETO FEELBEAUTIFULInside and out

NATALIA G. HANMakeup Artist

PERSONAL FINANCESMarriage and Finances

SPOSA MIA COUTURE

FLORAL DESIGNSby Frayancy

YOUR FIRST HOMEFinance

Index

28 ENGAGEMENT

Coleccion 2014

WEGGINGWEGGING32

10 By: MAXWELL Brides • Photography: Alejandro BastidaStyle

Elegance and Enchantment at Rancho La Pérgola since

1952

Rancho La Pérgola has just launched its grand opening earlier this January. As you enter the private and secluded twenty-five acre property through its own private winding road, you will be captured by the charm of nature that comes from beautiful mature trees and over 80 palms trees making it a magical setting.

The property offers a fully furnished 1952 colonial style home with hardwood and natural stone floors, beautifully painted walls, a chimney, a bar, full island kitchen, social area, and four restrooms. It also counts with an outdoor swimming pool with a water fall, gazebos, and acres of manicured greens.

11

The master bedroom has an extra spacious dressing/make-up room for the special bride or quinceañera with a full body mirror and am-ple room to accommodate your hairdresser or make-up artist.

Rancho La Pérgola offers an exceptional out-door setting where you can boast and enjoy your special event surrounded by the splendor that mother nature has to offer. Rancho la Pégola is available for private and corporate events: wed-dings and receptions, showers, quinceañeras, re-unions, parties, day retreats, and business meet-ings. Its location offers a quick 10-minute drive for Convenience Stores and Hotels. Rancho La Pérgola is located in the outskirts of San Benito and prides itself on anticipating your every need for your special outdoor private Event.

Photographer: Alejandro Bastida PhotographyCreative Styling Director: Carla Goodner

Hair and Makeup: Cesar VillarrealModels: CG Productions

Rentals/Linens: Dream Wedding by All Party RentalsFlowers: Frayancy Exclusive Creations

Style

The dress12 By: COURTESY • Photo by: Alejandro Bastida Photography12 Place

Throughout history, lovers have given flowers to each other as a token of their longing, devotion, and love.For us, flowers are one of the most important aspects of a wedding. They bring color, life, and aroma to a wedding. They help make table settings more beautiful, and can transform a formerly dull space into a beautiful personality-filled one.

Our commitment extends beyond customer satisfaction. Professionalism & innovation characterize us. Constantly innovating and improving our service is primordial to make of your event a unique and original dream come true.

Beautiful atmospheres can be created; flowers are also used to tie in the colors and theme of their wedding. It is my belief that flowers convey emotion and express personality. As a florist I can help you create a bouquet and flower scheme that will be personalized and designed to match you and your wedding.The bridal bouquet is the most important flower arrangement a husband will ever give to a wife. It is an expression of love and commitment.

Floral Designs by Frayancy…

“The Bridal bouquet is an expression of love and commitment.”

Creative Styling Director: Carla GoodnerHair and Makeup: Cesar VillarrealModels: CG ProductionsRentals/Linens: Dream Wedding by All Party RentalsVenue: Rancho La PérgolaPhotographer:Alejandro Bastida

By: MAXWELL Brides • Photo by: Eric Sierra14 Interview

“It’s always an honor to take such an important role on her big day. When brides come to me they trust my beauty expertise which is very much appreciated. It’s always a pleasure to be a part of that one time expe-rience that will change her life.”

Natalia G. HanMakeup Artist

Leave it to one person when all those beauty secrets will not unfold. This proficient stylist introduces innovative ways to reinvent a fresh image with the highest level of style followed by her expert advice. She is known for creating rav-ishing looks that project in every aspect of her work. Natalia allows her creativity to flow through her passion for the art of makeup. Let’s hear form her!

Natalia in a paragraph… Most people that know me would say I push my limits. A good challenge makes me little more ambitious about my work but is also a con-stant battle with striv-ing to become better at what I do. It is important for me to always remain who I am and be com-passionate on and off work.

Much more than makeup.

My very first encoun-ter with makeup had me hooked. Models and celebs on the cover of high profile maga-zines have always been quite fascinating to me. Inspiration comes in different forms and it al-lows me to help people walk in their purpose by transforming the way they look and feel in a positive way. I took on a professional take with makeup for some years and many more behind me with continuous learning, through beau-ty school, self –taught and from others.

15Interview

In love with beauty because…All that makeup artistry entails of course but I have to say, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some pretty amazing people while working in this field. Some who turn out to be the closest friends and others who are not afraid to joke, share stories and laugh-ter making this enjoyable. When I first started I didn’t know doing makeup could be a profession! It allowed me to express my style of beauty so I defi-nitely consider it art. It wasn’t until I entered beauty school that made me aware of makeup services for people who struggled in this department. More than ever before, women now are so concerned with their appearance and there’s always some special occa-sion so makeup beauty services are on high demand.

Professional makeup PLEASE!As a professional makeup artist we look at things a bit differently. Experience and quality is really what sets the artist and client apart. In this profession we understand the key points and requirements for the image of the person. Whether it’s to be in public or on camera, makeup artistry involves much more than applying products on the face. There are tech-niques and skills that are studied by the makeup professional.

Wedding Makeup Secret… There is a secret in it; haven’t you ever wondered why everyone literally stops and stares at the beau-tiful bride? I’d tell you but the brides are confiding in me to keep these secrets until your wedding day.

Tips for the Bride to be!The makeup can be changed but the emotions can-not so there is a way to prevent this from happening. Ladies, if you’re still concerned about the way you’ll look, ask for a makeup trial prior to the wedding date. Makeup gone wrong is a bride’s second worst nightmare!

As a professional makeup artist I understand that the list of expenses Starts to add up but don’t over-look booking in advance. You’ll have one less worry because the way you’ll be walking down the aisle is just as important to us. Don’t torture yourself and narrow your options down to last minute DIY at home. Consider a professional that has experience and will ensure you look your absolute best.

Most often than not I have women stressing over the way they’ll be presented but relax, take a breath, the

artist you hired is in charge of that for you. Make this your greatest experience and remember he already chose YOU!

Musts in the maid of honor’s purse!Lipstick, mints, and a handkerchief to stop the tears from ruining the Bride’s makeup!

What comes for Natalia?Five years seem so far fetching from now but during that time, I’d like to spend it traveling more often collecting and gathering ideas that may derive from inspirational people and places. Possibly becoming an international beauty educator? Beauty institute? The possibilities are endless.

A dreamer? YESNone other than my own! We often get caught up in the lavish lives of others and lose the sight of what makes us happy so do what makes you get up and look forward to your day!

In Short:

• Languages: English, Spanish & Korean

• Hobbies: Love to cook but I enjoy eating out more, outdoor activities, traveling, makeup makeup make-up..did I mention beauty?

• Food: This is one is always tough to answer. Italian, Asian, Argentinian dishes.

• Movies: Don’t have a favorite movie but I really en-joy watching the food and home network.

• Phrase that represents you: “Be yourself- not your idea of what the world thinks you should be, if that doesn’t make you different then there’s something wrong.”

16 By: Dr. Pilar Reyes • Photo by: GFxtraHealth & Beauty

Your alternative to feel beautiful inside and outIf we were to discuss holistic beauty we’d delve into the works of Dr. Pilar Reyes Aguero who has exten-sive experience in certified cosmetic treatments with the most advanced, modern, and specialized methods, maintaining at the forefront of innova-tive technology.

Her professionalism in the field of beauty positions her as the best option on the market, since you can count on highly-specialized experts who are backed by the appropriate equipment. Furthermore, they attentively adjust to each patient’s individual needs, making it much easier to achieve strong short-term results, guaranteeing full satisfaction. “Clinica Prado Sur”, Dr. Aguero’s clinic, offers a full range of medical services consisting of the best revolutionary surgical techniques which target problem areas including several types of cosmetic surgery such as: Liposculpture through Vaser (ul-trasound-based liposuction), Breast Augmentation, Rhinoplasty, Facial Rejuvenation, Abdominoplasty, and Bioplasty – alternatives you'll love.

HAVE THE BODY YOU ALWAYS WANTED WITH VASER LIPO

VASER Lipo, also known as LipoSelection, is an ad-vanced body-contouring technique for eliminating undesired fat.

VASER Lipo is an alternative to the harsh techniques of traditional liposuction, based on ultrasound technology, designed to carefully reshape the body. What distinguishes the VASER Lipo procedure is its ability to differentiate between undesired fat and other important tissues (like nerves, blood ves-sels and connective tissue). Innovative VASER tech-nology breaks up fat while preserving these other important tissues to achieve smooth results with rapid scarring to promote faster healing.

Thousands of men and women have undergone VASER ® Lipo interventions in their arms, hips, chest, knees, breasts, ankles, waist, chin, abdomen, back, buttocks, neck, thighs, etc. VASER LIPO is the next generation of body sculpture!

Dr. Maria Del Pilar Reyes AgueroOffice: Clínica Prado Sur P. Ortíz Rubio #520 Col. Del Prado 88560 Reynosa Tamaulipas, México. Phone: (899) 922 2143 / (899) 922 2147 USA Cell: (956) 648 8668E-mail: dr_pil@hotmail.com

Coleccion 2014Creative Concept:

Maxwell Brides Photographer: Dany Ruipérez

MUA/Hair: Natalia Gisselle HanLocation: Villa de Palmas

Model 1: America Montse GómezModel 2: MaryFern Romero

ww

w.th

ewys

tudi

o.co

m

Dress: Tara keely Tera Keely & Lazaro

Exquisite

ww

w.th

ewys

tudi

o.co

m

Dress: Tara keely by Lazaro

UniqueDress:

By Lazaro

ww

w.th

ewys

tudi

o.co

m

Exclusive

ww

w.th

ewys

tudi

o.co

m

Dress: Ti Adora by Alvina Valenta

Dress: Tara keely by Lazaro

912 N 10th StreetMcAllen, Texas 78501

(956) 683-8740 Email:

beautifulbrides@sposamia.com www.sposamia.com

www.sposamia@aol.com ww

w.th

ewys

tudi

o.co

m

Sophisticated

Buying Guide 23

Something Lovely Something Blue...

44915 N. 10th Street · McAllen,TX · 956.630.1771www.karlasjewelry.com

Like us on Facebook Like us on FacebookLike us on Facebook

24 By: Esmeralda Montiel H. • Photo by: Creativo tres

Your First HomeAfter the excitement and euphoria of the wedding, and upon return from the honeymoon comes the time to arrive as a couple to your first home. What will your new home be like? How do you picture it? We chatted with Carlos III de Madrid University interior design graduate, Leticia Pizano Diaz, who gave us interesting decorating tips for orchestrating that first love nest.

Aspects to consider when choosing furniture

"Without a doubt, the style you wish to create for your new home – if one has conservative tastes

while the other prefers contemporary or minimal-ist – should be settled with a neutral style which both can identify with. If, for example, the selected style were modern Mexican, your furniture would primarily be heavy, rustic wood with smooth uphol-stery.”

Crucial or key elements "When making purchases, it is very important to keep household dimensions handy. Never acquire grand elements for small spaces or vise versa, for it will look inappropriate and result in a loss for the room. A great recommendation is to decorate one room at a time, some interior designers prefer to be-gin with the living room since it is a common room and the first thing future visitors will see.”“Remember that taste cannot be bought.”

Finance

“Accessories definitely create an ambi-ance, the wedding pictures and gifts can help create points of visual attrac-tion, light can be utilized by being di-rected at the wall where a collage or gallery of photos resides and further-more, the wall could be painted with a color that stands out from the others.”How should rooms be harmonized?

“They key is to avoid ‘competing ele-ments’ between rooms, the objec-tive is that each room be part of the whole. A recommendation is to choose a light paint color that will repeat throughout the majority of the house and some intense tones or special coatings in each room for a distinctive touch. Choose a color spectrum that gives life to the rooms; a work of art or rug could be utilized for reference to unify the wall colors, curtains, and decorative accessories.”

RECOMMENDATION FOR VISUAL

CONNECT IN THE HOME

Aspects to keep in mind when purchasing decorations for your home:

“The style you wish to remain predominant, col-ors, textures, chosen shapes and furniture, the predominant environment, the season of the year, dimensions of the living space.”

Basic tips for future newlyweds in regards to your new home:

- Study various types of design styles.- Bookmark room styles that both find pleasing.- Use decorative and functional elements which help in harmonizing the living environment.- Define your style. Contemporary: Metal furni-ture and doors, stained glass windows, and lus-trous floors. Or Conservative: which provides in-timacy and comfort with wooden furniture, and fabric upholstery.

Finance 25

Young couples upon marriage are, in actuality, initiating their pat-rimonial life, filled with com-monly surfacing factors which take part in the financial success

or failure of their new family.

Normally, both spouses work but are oblivi-ous to their partner’s income, splitting liv-ing expenses, with each partner paying their respective personal expenses. In terms of distribution, each individually decides how much to spend (on occasion entering into a detrimental competition: if you splurge on a watch, then I will splurge on a purse, etc.)

In most cases, couples generally do not have a financial plan. For this reason, I have in-cluded a series of tips to aid couples to achieve financial success in matrimony:

By: Financial advisor perlacamarena@prodigy.net.mx | Image: Gfxtra26 Finance

Personal FinancesMarriage and Finances

How to be financially successful as a couple.

1. First and foremost, men and women – by nature – do not share the same in-terests nor communicate in the same manner, and neither possesses absolute truths. Therefore, constant dialogue for the purpose of understanding each others’ viewpoints will aid in achieving productive discussions leading toward financial success.

2. It is neither a competition, nor a race to the finish where your partner is your opponent; on the contrary, you both play for the same side and form a team to beat the true enemy – failing to plan.

3. Always set long-term goals: buying a house, saving up for the kids’ college fund, a savings account grand enough to start a business, saving for retirement, etc.

4. Consider that in the first few years as man and wife, long-term debts will begin to sprout (such as buying a house through a mortgage loan). It could be the case that at first the payments were not an issue, but as the family grows so do the ex-penditures, increasing exponentially in certain occasions and dependent on a certain income level which doesn’t reflect the same increase. A decision that at the time didn’t seem like such a grand expense can cause financial issues as the years pass by. It is advisable to take into con-sideration income expense forecasting utilizing current income and the total expenditure when making a decision in order to project both fac-tors at 5, 10, and 15 years to evaluate the finan-cial harm with the passing of time (planning). 5. Always count on fluctuations in family dis-cretionary income when budgeting to promote controlling spending in accordance with income.

6. Always save up for your long-term goals, at least at 10% of your joint income. If you have short-term goals, such as: a trip, a car, or electric appliances, it will be necessary and advisable to create additional savings for such expenditures. Otherwise, you’ll be saving to spend and never end up forming a patrimony.

7. Always protect your patrimony, buy life insur-ance to bring peace to the family in the event of a patrimony risk arising (like premature death or disability of either spouse). They will take com-fort in knowing that they can count on the lump sum of liquid assets which will enable them to make good decisions with a clear mind, without having to risk the family patrimony.

8. If financial planning isn’t your forte as a cou-ple, seek professional advice to aid in forming a plan and put it into action as soon as possible in your marital finances. I hope that these small tips will prove helpful and can be put to good use so that when the time comes to fulfill your role in matrimony, you will have achieved financial independence.

�e dress28 By: COURTESY • Photo by: AM Photography28 Engagement

A week before I proposed marriage to Dennise, on New Years I went to speak with Dennise’s father to ask him for her hand in marriage, and he said YES. And in that exact moment Dennise walk's in to the room, and I was like, MAN…. The entire time I had the engagement ring in my pocket.

One night at a friends gathering we were playing charades, after a night of fun and games it was Mario’s turn to participate, strangely he was very nervous, he starts making weird signs then he makes a “T” and a friend screams “te quieres casar con migo (would you marry me), but he didn’t cave in, he was waiting for me to say the words, then he continues with all the signs and when I was getting the picture I said “Don’t play with that Mario” afterwards he takes out the ring and gets down on one knee and I was like “oh my God this is for real, we’re going to get married.

Dennise & Mario

�e dress 29Engagement

VENDORSGown: Sposa: MiaPhotography & Videography: AM - Anette Miguel photographyInvitations: AM - Anette Miguel invitation BoutiqueVenue: Kalos Event Center

29

Elsa & MikeWe met by fate in Houston while he had a game there. We exchanged numbers and the rest is history. Two years into it he decided to spontaneously propose in china without a ring in front of our first daughter then reproposed in the same manner but this time with a 2.5kt flawless yellow diamond, after our second daughter was born. Our wedding will be on August 16th.

Recently, Wy Studio Photography took us these pictures in Puerto Rico, during our engagement portrait session.’

VENDORS Photographer: Magaly Gisel

By: Courtesy • Photo by: www.thewystudio.com by Magaly Gisel 30 Engagement

�e dress 31Engagement 31

The dress32 Wedding By: MAXWELL BRIDES • Photo by: AM - Anette & Miguel

Brenda & Omar

VENDORS INVITATIONS: AM -Anette & Miguel - invitation boutique

PHOTOGRAPHY: AM -Anette & Miguel - photography and videography.

We met in Hollywood… theater. We weren’t looking to fall in love, it just happened. For five months we talked until during another date at Hollywood theater while watching Terminator Salvation, we became a couple. Now, five years later on the 5th month of the year, husband and wife. We guess the number five is our lucky number.

�e dress34 Wedding By: MAXWELL BRIDES • Photo by: Anahi Navarro

Mary Ann & Mish Mish and Mary Ann met and fell in love in Dallas and after a Christmas Day proposal in Puerto Rico, quickly decided on a wedding in South Padre Island. From the Tex-Mex themed welcome party, to the BBQ style beach party to the glittering reception, guests were treated like royalty all weekend. The bride and groom chose a “Gossip Girl” theme for the elegant reception and their vendors made this vision come to life! Their guests were blown away by the beautiful floral arrangements and the stylish table settings. The showpiece of the ballroom was the towering, glamorous cake that tasted as good as it looked. When the last song had finished, none of the guests wanted the party to end!

35

VENDORSPhotographer: Anahi Navarro

Planner: Social SituationsLighting: Backstage Productions

Florist: Special FlowersRentals: Dream Weddings by All Party Rentals

Cake: Cynthia's Cakes

Wedding

By: Maxwell Brides • Photo by: Jay Caballero

Nora & Tomas On April 5, 2014 I married my best friend, my love, my everything. The day started with a beautiful religious ceremony at St. Mary's Catholic Church followed by cocktails, dinner and lots of dancing at at the South Padre Island. After months of planning our dream wedding, the day turned out even better than we envisioned it. All of our vendors were amazing and went above and beyond to make our day absolutely perfect. Most importantly we spent the day surrounded by lots of love and laughter from our closest friends and family.

The dress36 Wedding

VENDORSPhotographer: Jay CaballeroLinens: Dream Weddings by All Party RentalsFlowers: Zoe Flowers & DesignWedding Dress: Sposa Mia CoutureHair & Make up: Mary Chapa

Natasha & Carven

�e dress38 Wedding By: Courtesy • Photo by: Anahi Navarro

VENDORSCoordinator: Social SituationsFlowers: Special FlowersRentals/linens: Dream Weddings by All Party RentalsLighting: Backstage ProductionsPhotographer: Anahi NavarroPhoto Booth: Loco Booth

7am was my wake up call that day, the start of my new life. A whole year and three months went into wedding planning. I knew no matter what, the day would be perfect in my eyes. The dress, the shoes, the veil, my Grandmas ring, and being surrounded with so much love felt like a dream. The moment I saw my Carven waiting down the aisle, my heart melted, life made sense right then and there. As I walked towards him I thanked God for saving him for me. Every detail of our wedding was everything I could have ever hoped for, it was my fairy tale.

The flower arrangements that left me in awe, the lighting that was magical , our friends and family, every moment of that day was beautiful. I still replay every moment in my head before I fall asleep at night. Love has a way of allowing you to view the world differently, it makes you appreciate the beauty of a person that loves you more than life itself, and for that my heart is at peace. To all the future brides out there: Enjoy every second, cherish every moment, and never stop saying I love you.

39Wedding

�e dress40 Wedding By: Courtesy • Photo by: Jay Caballero

Candice & Alex

VENDORSPhotographer: Jay Caballero Lighting: Backstage ProductionsFlowers: Zoe FlowersHair & Makeup: Mary Chapa

Alex always imagined getting married on South Padre Island. Since we both met in San Diego, California getting married on the Island was a must. We wanted an elegant, modern, but simple wedding. We found the most amazing vendors to

make our fairy tale wedding come true. All our vendors possess natural talent, passion and style unlike any other. Our wedding day felt like a moment. Even though we both tried so hard to take in every second, it was IMPOSSIBLE. These photos and videos will allow us to relive our favorite day forever. A chance to relive each moment of pure bliss, A second time; where two became one for this we are forever thankful.

41Wedding

�e dress42 Wedding By: Courtesy • Photo by: Anahi Navarro

Megan & ChrisVENDORSPhotographer: Anahi NavarroRentals: Dream weddingsCake: Cynthia's Cakes Planning: Social Situations

We couldn't of asked for a more perfect day! The weather was perfect, all our guests were here and the ceremony and reception venue was breathtaking. We were so happy with the decision we made to see each other before the ceremony; it was a moment we will never forget and a story we will always share. We married on the front steps of Quinta Mazatlan in front of our family and friends.

The celebration continued inside with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while listening to the sounds of a guitar. Our reception then followed in the courtyard where our guests were treated to several food stations, yummy wedding cake and fun music. This was the day we married each other, once best friends and now one forever!

�e dress44 Wedding By: Courtesy • Photo by: Anahi Navarro

VENDORSPhotographer: Anahi Navarro Cake: Honey’s Cakes

Lindsay & Brice

Brice and my wedding day turned out being everything I had ever dreamt of and more. We had our wedding in McAllen at the church I grew up at, St. John's Episcopal Church! Surrounded with our families and friends, I walked down the aisle in a beautifully decorated church to marry the love of my life. We had a delicious champagne and butter cream cake that was designed and baked by

Honey's Cakes. Everyone was so easy to work with, and together each one of them helped to make our dream wedding come to life. We are now so thankful to be able to look back at our wonderful day thanks to Anahi Navarro's amazing photography! We were very blessed that everything turned out perfect and to have amazing pictures that reflect a day with changed both of our lives.

�e dress46 Wedding By: Courtesy • Photo by: Eric Sierra

Annayancy & George Waves splashing in the background and the beautiful beach of Cancun, Mexico could not compare to the beautiful bride walking down the aisle. Wearing a beautiful lace, ivory mermaid gown, Annayancy walked down the aisle accompanied by her mother. George, wearing a white ivory tuxedo, waited patiently for his bride as he smiled. The religious ceremony took place on March 13, 2014 at Our Lady of Guadalupe chapel, a beautiful chapel overlooking the beaches of Cancun, Quintana Roo. Friends and family gathered to share this special

moment with George and Anna. The ceremony was sealed with a kiss as two best friends forever joined their lives. After the ceremony, guests were escorted to the beach for cocktail hour where friends and family enjoyed some drinks, appetizers, and took pictures with the bride and groom. The view was spectacular and without a doubt this was truly a dream wedding. After some fun in the sun, guests gathered for the Reception held at Terraza Villitas just upstairs in the hotel. Mr. and Mrs. George Garza joined the reception where guests

VENDORSPhotographer: Eric Sierra

cheered on the beautiful couple. The lovely couple danced their first official first dance that included “I cross my Heart” by George Strait. Guests enjoyed a quiet dinner followed by some dancing in the beautiful night of Cancun. They say, “Happiness is being married to your best friend”, and indeed George and Anna truly married their best friend.

�e dress48 Wedding By: COURTESY • Photo by: www.thewystudio.com

Adrienne & Marcos

We met coaching gymnastics together at Palm Valley in Harlingen. We both share a love of kids and gymnastics and that's where the spark started. We became good friends and it turned into a great relationship.

All of our vendors worked together to create the perfect evening. Dream Weddings by All Party Rentals provided stylish furniture. Clara from Social Situations was our day-of coordinator and made the day run smoothly and did all of our worrying. WY Studio provided photography and did a fantastic job at capturing all of the special moments. Loco booth provided a fun opportunity for more guest pictures with a photo booth. I could not have asked for a more magical night and special wedding.

VENDORSPhotographer: WY Studio Photo Booth: Loco BoothRentals: Dream Weddings by All Party Rentals

Wedding 49

Esmeralda & AbrahamThat is what I like to think about Abrahm and I. We knew each other from our youth group at church. Little did we know that God would prepare us for matrimony fifteen years later.

Abrahm proposed at the celebration of my 30th birthday party. Friends and family witnessed the special moment and were eager for the grand celebration of our wedding day.

The dress50 Wedding By: COURTESY • Photo by: ERIC SIERRA

VENDORSPhotographer: Eric Sierra Photography

A match made in heaven.

Wedding 51

We started planning for our wedding as soon as we set a date. Even though we both live in Austin we decided to plan our wedding in the Rio Grande Valley. We searched for a venue that would take care of everything; from the decorations, the cake and the catering. Kalos was the perfect venue. Lesbia and her team went above and beyond catering to our needs. Kalos is an elegant venue with style and sophistication.

As a photographer, I believe that the most valuable investment of any wedding is the photography; capturing the romantic story. We interviewed a couple of certified professional photographers in the valley. When we met with Eric Sierra, we were blown away by how much passion he puts into his work. He is genuinely grateful for being a part of such a special day and it was such a comfort knowing that we were working with a professional that took his work very seriously.

Abrahm and I enjoyed our wedding day to the fullest. Everything fell into place, not only on our wedding day, but for the past fifteen years. This truly was a match made in heaven.

�e dress52 Wedding By: MAXWELL BRIDES • Photo by: Digital Artistic Image

Chioma & Emeka Chioma &

Destination wedding

VENDORSVendor: Digital Artistic ImagePlace : Houston , TX.Reception : Houston Petroleum Club

54 By: Maxwell Brides • Photo by: GfxtraCouple

How much would you change for love?It’s true that a life as a couple offers much more than company, support, intimacy and promise. The decision to live beside of another human requires alterations in various aspects, no lon-ger can we think solely of ourselves, nor choose freely without taking into consideration our partner’s opinion in certain circumstances; personal time and space will now be shared and ad-justed according to mutual needs – in short: the “me” becomes “we”.

It’s normal to discover ourselves feeling the need to yield in certain as-

pects from time to time in order to maintain harmony in the relationship. The problem arises when one of the two, or even both, begins to lose themselves in the necessities or requirements of the other, that is to say, when one world begins to revolve around the other, as if nothing else were more important or re-quired more attention or enthusiasm.

Many of my patients arrive at my office with a small notion of who they are themselves (what they feel, need, or want), with the sole intention of having so-meone tell them how to get their partner to be or do what they believe they “should” be or do.

Along the way they have forgotten not only their

55

personal interests, but also their relationships with their closest family or friends. It’s sad to see a wo-man in this day and age (as incredible as it seems) renouncing her own feminine identity, for if she continued to put on make-up and dress herself as she always has, she would have to put up with her husband’s anger and jealousy, or a depersonalized man under the control and manipulation of his wife, automatically reacting to a single menacing look if he answers, greets or asks questions in this or that manner.

CAUTION!If conditioning exists in your relationship, if you dis-cover that you’re belittling yourself with your part-ner so as to be accepted, that is, if you are converting into what your partner expects – solely to please them, if you notice that each time you visit those you love a little less or it has been a while since you gave attention to your own matters in exchange for being constantly attentive to those of your partner, if you look in the mirror on a good day and simply don’t

recognize yourself, take caution! It isn’t progressing well, and it’s time to put an end to this path. Love does not hurt, nor censor, it does not restrict the right of the other to be who they are.

CHANGE FOR LOVE?I don’t believe in it. Being yourself - when in love - is indeed quite different since in love there is the ca-pacity to tend to the necessities of both and to care for the other without forgetting to care for yourself. Remember that the person who is at your side is just as important as you, and deserves as much respect and love as you; the only difference is that you are not responsible for that person, but you are for your-self !

ANA ELAINE GARCÍA GOLLAZPersonal trainer and couples counselor. Author of the book“Todo lo que te sucede tiene nombre y apellido.” (Everything that’s happening to you has a first and last name)TEL 3244987/ID 52*174376*2www.centroamores.com

“Love does not hurt, nor censor, it does not restrict the right of the other to be who they are.”

Couple

56 By: Luz Ivonne Ramírez Padilla • Photo by: Magaly GiselCouple

Femenine dignity: I’m a woman, a real one. With all the confident we could define the woman as perfect tenderness, unique, blessed with virtues as well as incomparable and non-transferable talents. Half an angel and half person. From God’s creation, the most beautiful, so that he picked her to be resource of light and life. Daughter, friend, girlfriend, wife, mother, partner… The most beautiful and pure thing always has a name: WOMAN. Because of this, if God wanted to be born from one of our kind: Let’s live with that dignity!

Talking about this woman’s dignity is just recognizing the value that it has in the different ambits in life. Is needed to defend her in her value and own wealth, in her own roles as daughter, wife or mother. Where does this dignity of the women rely? Let’s begin with the understanding what is NOT dignity. Dignity does not lie in wealthy, physical qualities, or external motives, because of this, dignity lies in achieving being a “human” person that deserves love and respect, rather than doing or achieving.

Today’s woman is torn between her being and her will. In one side, she wants “to be” what many women have as a rightful vocation and it comes with their nature: to be a wife so then they can become mothers and be

the backbone of the family she dreamed since she was a little girl. In the other hand she wants the professional success and the social recognition distinguishing her as a prominent businesswoman. To find the perfect balance between her being and her will is not easy, but not impossible either, you may be asking yourself how? Once you have decided to become a wife and a mother, you’re deciding to run the best company in this world, your own family. You’ll fill the CEO position and you’ll have assure success, then if you take the Sacred Family as role model and in your family organization you put God in first place, be confident that your steps, and decisions would be divine inspirations directed to take your entrusted (husband and children) to heaven.

Let’s remind that every woman independently of her relationship status must be treated with dignity and respect. It is very, very important that the modern woman comes back where she belongs: to be gentle, kind, lovely, subtle, audacious, modest, and feminine. Leaving behind phrases like “I don’t need a man to support me; I can do it by myself.” However, things are not that way; that is to say, you meet your lady roles (reproduction, breeding, care, emotional sustenance) and let the man to meet his (protector, supplier and hunter). So many virtues you possess! The greatest gift you can give to yourself is to be a straight and congruent person, and you’ll achieve that through a deep life of piety and prayers. Value yourself! Don’t wait to someone else do so. And always remember with humility that no woman depends on a man, on the other hand, a man depends on a woman even to be born.

Luz Ivonne Ramírez Padilla Heal Your Life Teacher & Life and Spiritual Coach (956) 310-5572Vo Bo: Guillermo Cruz