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INTERVIEWS

2013 BEST PHOTOGRAPHERS World Class Photographers

BEAUTYBridal Airbrush

SPOSA MIA COUTURESpecial Edition

AVANT-GARDE

• A walk on the woods• Metal & Lace Tablescape• Ceremony Set-Up• It's all about the chairs• The new trend is you

• Lesvia Cardenas• Blanca Cantu

WEDDING VENDORSDIRECTORY

WEDDINGS• Trisha & Ross • Andres & Janet

DESTINATION WEDDING• Joanna & Robert

ENGAGEMENTS• Lorena & Jesse• Brenda & Robert• Elisa & Ted • Brenda & Travis

BRIDALBrenda Fabiola Leal de Chapa

THE DRESSBridal Fashion 101

THE GROOMTips for grooms

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Index

Page 30

villas de palmas

WEDDINGS• Trisha & Ross • Andres & Janet

ENGAGEMENTS• Lorena & Jesse• Brenda & Robert• Elisa & Ted • Brenda & Travis

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 Editor Guillermo Cruz

Administrator/Production Manager: Olga Adame

Gráphic DesignerIleana Monserrat Miranda GuzmánAdrián Dario Vera CalderónErnesto Adahir Cruz Alcaraz

Contribution Writers/TranslateArlina Casas

Contributing PhotographersDavid Pezzat Anahí NavarroEdgar NavarroEric Sierra

Published by Grupo Editorial Maxwell S.A de C.V.

DistributionMaxwell Brides801 W Nolana Ave. Suite 200 McAllen, Tx., 78504 Ph. (956) 222 6506 (956) 648 8978

email: olgaadame@maxwellmcallen.com guillermocruz@maxwellmcallen.com

Special Thanks:Susana RosserBrenda GuerraBlanca GonzalesDavid PezzatMary ChapaAnahi NavarroEdgar NavarroEric SierraArian CasasEzequiel GonzalezAgence Red Wall

GRUPO EDITORIAL MAXWELL S.A DE C.V.

Dear Brides,As 2013 comes to a close we can’t help but reminisce on the passing year. The warm afternoons and windy nights offered a collaboration of nourishment for our growth and flurries of ingenuity that has contributed to MAXWELL BRIDES magazine’s prosperity. With this issue we close our first year. To celebrate our first anniversary we have composed an installment filled with inventive and posh material to provide a unique tool for the soon to be married couples to assist in devising a spectacular event, to feel empowered and to spark a creative flow where ideas are endless.

We have put our best effort to address every aspect of a special occasion. We recognize that a wedding is one of the most important events in one’s life and are focused on providing a navigational supplement that will provide an influential awareness to our aficionados.

We would like to give our eternal gratitude to all of our colleagues and friends that have offered their support and participation on this project. It has given us considerable joy to work with all of the amazing places, brands and personalities; and to have the opportunity to showcase their fascinating stories, accomplishments and talents has made offering the absolute best in each edition that much easier.

To our readers, partners, customers and friends we THANK YOU for giving us your trust and support. It has given life to our publication. It has inspired us to continue to provide an outlet for your imagination and a guiding hand for your occasions.

Maxwell Brides

On the front Cover:Photography: David Pezzat

Location:San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden

Dress:Sposa Mia Couture

Stylist:Olga Adame

Hair & MUA:Mary Chapa

MODEL:Melody Gee (Agence Red Wall)

Find us on Facebook

Editor's Letter

By: MAXWELL BRIDES / Photo by: Eric Sierra10 Interview

"All social events, business and corporate require a loca-tion that can identify customer needs according to what they want to communicate. Knowing how to perform a correct survey of the location, adapt the use of colors, tex-tures, lights and more are some of the tasks that we devel-oped in Kalos ".

How and when did this project start?Kalos had been a project I had in mind for several years and finally was made thanks to the response from our customers, opening its doors on April 21, 2012.

Lesvia CardenasOwner of Corinthian Banquet & Special Event Center & Kalos Event CenterAn event to remember

What kind of events do you perform?In Kalos mostly do weddings, anniversaries, quinceañeras and proms, but we also do corporate events.

What inspires you to do your job?The ideas, personality and dreams of each client, giving exclusive touch to each event.

How do you get your customers satisfied?Doing our best to fulfill their dream, beginning in the care we provide from the first moment they visit us until that long awaited day of their event.

What is your minimum and maxi-mum number of guests that Kalos can accommodate?We can cater for small events such as bridal showers, baby showers, and birthdays from 50 people to weddings, quinceañera, graduations 650.

What services do you offer?We offer tablecloths, centerpieces, floral arrangements and food.

What has been the key to success?The years of experience and reputation that has given us our 1st event center called Corinthian Banquet & Special Event Center and the care we provide to our customers.

In your opinion, what characterizes wedding events?First of all we must take into account that this is a unique and special day, so the place is an essential part for maximum enjoyment and what better to do so in a place where part of the care provided to clients, is provides an elegant and distinct as that offered in Kalos.

How far in advance should I hire you?Approximately 18 months before the chosen date.

What is the detail that makes a cozy wedding?I think the warmth of the guests and the atmosphere that surrounds the place.

By: MAXWELL BRIDES – Photo by: Eric Sierra

The first is to define the dream; second design the dream, third deliver the dream and the most exciting is living that dream….

How did the idea start of becoming an event de-signer and how long have you been one?It has always been part of my passion for floral design and interiors.29 years ago I started in the floral industry since then I felt a great passion for interior decorations especially for events. Little by little the demand grew, so for the convenience of my clients I decided with my husband, in the year 2004, opening our company in McAllen, focusing specifically in the area of events.

What kind of events do you decor?All kinds of social events, my specialty is designing Weddings, Quinceañeras, religious ceremonies, corporate events, among others.

Blanca Cantu

What inspires you to do your job?I often get asked that question and the answer is that inspiration comes at any time, comes when you least expect it. Everything you see around you can inspire, such as nature or traveling. But definitely the relationship I have with my clients is a great source of inspiration.

How do you get your customers feel satisfied?That's one of the biggest challenges for an event designer, since the goal is to make my clients dreams come true, this is only achieved with much inspiration and total dedication.

What complete service do you offer?Obviously the main service we offer is floral design, however we can offer rental linens, chairs, tables, lighting, setting, design and banqueting service.

What has been the key to success?Learning from mistakes, take risks to get closer to success, and the dedication and perseverance.

In your opinion, what characterizes wedding events?It is a unique moment and is the dream of every person, and our goal is for them to feel we are making their dream come true.

How far in advance should a bride hire your services?Depending on the size and how detailed is your event. We sometimes contract with two years in advance or even last minute.

What is the detail that makes a cozy wedding?The roofs, smart illumination lighting, as well as the detail of the candles.

Do the bride & groom actively get in-volved or do they leave everything in your hands?It's amazing how the couple actively get involved in every single detail of their event; most of the times we get their opinions so we can make the wedding of their dreams come true.

Interview12

Owner of Cantu Special Events

By: MAXWELL BRIDES - Photo By: Edgar Navarro

Maxwell Brides World Class Photographers

Eric Sierra Has worked in RGV, Las Vegas, Puerto Rico, San Miguel de Allende, Riviera Maya, New York.He has received awards in: Several from Texas Professional Photogra-phers Association for portraits and

14 2013 Best Photographers

wedding albums, this month conclu-ding the rigorous standards of the Pro-fessional Photographer Certification (issued by Professional Photographers of America).

He belongs to the association of photo-graphy of Professional Photographers

By: MAXWELL BRIDES - Photo By: Edgar Navarro 2013 Best Photographers

of America, Texas Professional Pho-tographers Association, National As-sociation of Photoshop Professionals, Wedding & Portrait Photographers International, and Fearless Photogra-phers.

He has attended many conferences and class in WPPI @ Las Vegas, Imag-ing USA, Texas School @ Dallas, Light Pro Expo @ Captiva Island, FL, The Light 7. Conferences given: Starting on 2014: Texas & Mexico.

Anahi NavarroAnahi Navarro has worked in Ja-maica, Turkey, Madrid, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, San Miguel de Allende, Monterey, Parras Coa-huila, New York, New Jersey, San Francisco, Napa Valley, Aspen, Col-orado, Texas Hill Country, College Station, Austin, San Antonio, Hous-ton, Dallas, and Fort Worth.

She has received awards in numer-ous international accolades from Wedding & Portrait Photographers international and was awarded top 10 photographers by the Interna-tional Society of Professional Wed-ding Photographers.

She belongs to the association of photography or has belonged to the ISPWP (International Society of Professional Wedding Photogra-phers) PPA (Professional Photogra-phers of America) WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers Interna-tional).

Has been a speaker and instruc-tor of workshops and conferences in Madrid, Mexico City, Cancun,

Queretaro, San Luis, Real De Catorce, Monterey, Also has at-tended conferences in Las Vegas, Guadalajara, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, and Dallas with some of the best wedding photographers in the world.

David PezzatDavid Pezzat has worked in San Francisco, Taos Mexico, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Ha-waii Maui/Oahu, Guadalajara, Guanajuato, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Rico, Co-lumbia, and other locations in the hill country and cities of Texas such as Fredericksburg, Greene, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas. He recently decided to submit prints/photos for awards and have received 4 awards this year so far.

He belong to the association of photography of PPA (Profes-sional Photographers of Amer-ica) WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) SMFP (Sociedad Mexicana de Fotografos Profesonales) FDF (foro de fotografos) BodaF.

He has attended many confer-ences and has been also a confer-ence speaker at Bodaf (Mexico), Wedding & Portrait Photogra-phers International (USA), Pre-mera Convention de Fotografos en Columbia (Medellin, Co-lumbia), Sociedad Mexicana de Fotografos Profesonales (Gua-najuato Mexico), Foro de Foto-grafos (Argentina).

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The dress16 By: Maxwell Brides • Photo by: Éric Sierra

THE ENCHANTED FOREST

“Fairy Style Wedding Dress”

Creative Concept:Olga AdameAnahi Navarro

Styling:Blanca Gonzales

Photographer: Anahi Navarrowww.anahiweddings.com

Hair & MUA:Mary Chapa

Model:Autumn Gibbs

912 N 10th Street McAllen, Texas 78501(956) 683-8740

Email: beautifulbrides@sposamia.comwww.sposamia.com

THE SWEETHEART “Flirty Wedding

Dresses”

Creative Concept: Olga Adame / Eric SierraStyling: Blanca GonzalesPhotographer: Eric Sierra

www.ericsierra.comHair & MUA: Mary Chapa

Models: Rebecca Syer / Viri Mendez

THE ORIENTAL Exquisite headpiece trend

Creative Concept:Olga Adame / David PezzatStyling: Blanca GonzalesPhotographer: David Pezzat www.davidpezzat.comHair & MUA: Mary ChapaModel: Melody Gee (Agence Red Wall Model)

22 By: Mary Chapa “Flawless Makeup Artistry” • Photo by: Anahí Navarro

Makeup Beauty Tips & Tricks

Bridal Airbrush -The primary thing to consider is whether you are having an indoor or outdoor wedding. -Make sure to ask your makeup artist to sculpt your face and give you a little dimension. Contour, highlight, and add a touch of bronzing powder; it can give you the perfect glow.

-Stick to a matte look for wedding day look (matte skin captures a flawless look in photographs).

-Blush always adds life to the face. Even if you don’t usually wear blush every day, you may want to apply a small amount of color to give your face a bit of life....

-A warm cheek color makes the skin glow and look fresh. A little bronzing powder can do the trick.

-You can wear matte or shimmer eye shadows. Stay away from frosted eye shadows! Frosted eye shadows always look too shiny and artificial. -When choosing shades for eye shadows, stick to warm under tones (including brown). Undertones always enhance eye color and will photograph beautifully.

-Select eye shadow shades that are deep enough to create definition, and enhance your eye color, but don’t go too dark to demand attention.

- When choosing a lip color, remember don’t go for shades that are too bold. Choose a lip color a few shades darker than your natural lip tone. -Always define your lash line, you can layer with mascara to help thicken and lengthen your lashes.

-My absolute favorite is FAUX EYELASHES!!! Best definition to the eyes!

-Eyebrows should always be well groomed and defined with brow color. A little color is always necessary to give definition.

-Remember every woman is beautiful; the trick is focusing on your best features. Celebrate your personal beauty. Makeup is meant to be beautiful, and beautiful makeup is all about the colors you choose, not about how much you put on! Mary Chapa

Beauty22

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26

One of the best parts of the wedding is the brides getting ready. It is always full of emotion and great details to photograph. Always to compliment there is coverage of this time for the groom and we are always asked what does the groom do? There are some obvious things to point out which is getting dressed and ready for the wedding day is not as time and detailed intensive for the groom as for the bride. This leaves some time to fill. Here are a few tips on what you could do with that time.

Tip one: The hang out! Have all the groomsmen come over to your house or a hotel room and hang out together before it’s time for the ceremony. Add some food, a game on TV and it is a great way to get relaxed before that walk down the aisle.

Tip two: The field trip! Have groomsmen and maybe some friends meet you at one of your favorite restaurant or bar. The atmosphere can create great images and a fun time.

Tip three: The photo session! Have the groomsmen and you go to a couple of destinations for some great outdoor photos. You have a photographer and you should use that to capture some great memories.

The most important part of this time is to create a relaxed and memorable experience before the start of a great wedding so take one of these tips or come up with your own and have a lot of funs! Anahi Weddings

Tips for Grooms: On what to do right before the ceremony.

Written & Photo by: Anahi WeddingsThe Groom

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Wedding and Quinceanera Fairs O V E R A D E C A D E O F E X C E L L E N C E

R I O G R A N D E V A L L E Y ’ S L A R G E S T

wedding fairS U N D A Y , J A N U A R Y 5 T H , 2 0 1 4

* E V E N T S A R E F R O M N O O N T O 5 P M A T T H E M C A L L E N

C O N V E N T I O N C E N T E R *

* F A S H I O N S H O W S

* F O O D & C A K E S A M P L I N G

* M O N E Y S A V I N G O F F E R S

. . . A N D M U C H M O R E !

or go tofor more informat ionC A L L 1 - 8 8 8 - 8 2 8 - 1 3 1 4

W W W . W E D D I N G FA I R E V E N T S . C O MW W W . Q U I N C E A N E R A E V E N T S . C O M

S U N D A Y , M A R C H 2 N D , 2 0 1 4quinceanera & wedding fair

~

P H O T O B Y P O L L U X C A S T O R W E D D I N G P H O T O G R A P H Y & V I D E O

Wedding and Quinceanera Fairs O V E R A D E C A D E O F E X C E L L E N C E

R I O G R A N D E V A L L E Y ’ S L A R G E S T

wedding fairS U N D A Y , J A N U A R Y 5 T H , 2 0 1 4

* E V E N T S A R E F R O M N O O N T O 5 P M A T T H E M C A L L E N

C O N V E N T I O N C E N T E R *

* F A S H I O N S H O W S

* F O O D & C A K E S A M P L I N G

* M O N E Y S A V I N G O F F E R S

. . . A N D M U C H M O R E !

or go tofor more informat ionC A L L 1 - 8 8 8 - 8 2 8 - 1 3 1 4

W W W . W E D D I N G FA I R E V E N T S . C O MW W W . Q U I N C E A N E R A E V E N T S . C O M

S U N D A Y , M A R C H 2 ND , 2 0 1 4quinceanera & wedding fair

~

P H O T O B Y P O L L U X C A S T O R W E D D I N G P H O T O G R A P H Y & V I D E O

By: Dream Weddings By All Party Rentals • Photo by: David Pezzat

Metal & Lace Tablescape. Consist of our pecan colored dupion linen paired with our opulent Cobie champagne colored lace overlay. Topped off with our crystal broached embellished tuxedo folded pecan colored dupion napkins which are placed ever so slightly over our White glass silver rimmed charger plates. In which the table is fully dressed and set for your three course meal. The favors were all handmade in gold fabric and wax paper centers and metallic damask gold paper roses

as menu holders. It’s surrounded by our silver leafed chameleon chairs with ivory cushions; and a sand colored backdrop to anchor the entire tablescape.

34 Avant-garde Concepts

Design by: Susana Rosser of Dream Weddings by All Party Rentals.Menu Cards: The Social Club Events and Catering.Flowers by: Special Flowers Couture.Photographer: David Pezzat.

Ceremony set-up:Our ceremony setup exists of Gabriela our rounded huppah dressed in silk ivory drapes gathered at its four posts. Staging veiled in ivory carpeting and topped off with an empire chandelier. For the guest seating we have set out our silver leafed chameleon chairs with ivory cushions.

Design by: Susana Rosser of Dream Weddings by All Party RentalsFlowers by: Special Flowers CouturePhotographer: David Pezzat

36 Avant-garde Concepts By: MAXWELL BRIDES • Photo by: David Pezzat

By: MAXWELL BRIDES • Photo by: David Pezzat

By: Dream Wedding By: All Party Rentals • Photo by: Anahi Weddings

It’s all about the chairs…Our moss green organza chair is adorned with a copper crystal embellished ribbon on the back side of the chair reaching down to the ground. Our draped chameleon chair is done in a copper satin with a copper crystal embellished belt topped off with a pleated copper satin sash. Our Anastasia chair is capped off in our Anastasia linen in an array of copper and brown to be finished off with four ruffles of moss colored organza…

38 Avant-garde Concepts

Design by: Susana Rosser of Dream Weddings by All Party Rentals

By: Special Flowers Couture • Photo by: David Pezzat

The New Trend is You

to emerge as a popular trend; be currently popular: trending

topics on the Internet; words that have trended this year.

to veer or turn off in a specified direction, as a river, mountain

range, etc.: The river trends toward the southeast.

Trend: noun the general course or prevailing tendency; drift: trends in the teaching of foreign languages; the trend of events.

style or vogue: the new trend in women's apparel.

the general direction followed by a road, river, coastline, or the like. verb (used without object)

to have a general tendency, as events, conditions, etc.

to tend to take a particular direction; extend in some direction indicated.

40 Avant-garde Concepts

By: Special Flowers Couture • Photo by: David Pezzat

42 Avant-garde Concepts By: Special Flowers Couture • Photo by: David Pezzat

Trends come and go and tend to do so in a general direction, you can see them coming. The floral design along with the overall feeling of an event could be traditional, could be classic and elegant, but it could also be electrifying, thought provoking, fun and inspiring. There is no longer a set of rules, autumn colors in autumn, spring colors in spring- so throw the rule book out. There is no longer a limit on what can be created, what colors can fuse together, the setting or the time of year.

The beauty of today’s world is it is not so black and white anymore; it does not have to be one style or another. The mixture of eclectic materials adds to the element of surprise and with a careful touch Gatsby in the country and gilded palm trees in the woods just works

I don’t see myself as a follower of floral trends, I don’t follow the general direction or have general tendencies, I don’t tend to take a particular direction that is indicated and I don’t veer. I flow in different directions all at once. I take inspiration from fashion, works of art, anything I see in my daily life and most importantly the customer. I would rather excite, motivate, influence and trigger that something that allows you to discover and forge your own trend. My advice, you are the creator for the temperament of your celebration; saturate it with your personality and own it!

Design & Flowers by: Brenda Guerra of Special Flowers CoutureLinens/Tables/ Chairs by: Dream Weddings by All Party RentalsMenu Cards: The Social Club Events and Catering.

By: Special Flowers Couture • Photo by: Anahi NavarroBy: Special Flowers Couture • Photo by: David Pezzat 43Avant-garde Concepts

Trisha & RossPlanning my wedding was never something I dreamed about. I wasn't one of those girls who longed to wear a beautiful white dress and live happily ever after with Mr. Right. But, the Lord had plans for me, and He sent a wonderful man my way when I was least expecting to meet one. Six years after Ross and I met, we were married in my hometown of McAllen, TX by my dad, an ordained deacon, and it was the most beautiful moment of our lives. It was an absolutely perfect day. It was a dream wedding!

Early in the planning process, we decided we wanted an outdoor wedding and Quinta Mazatlan was the perfect venue for us. It has an elegant

Spanish charm that we really love and it fit the theme of our wedding, "Mexican shabby chic," perfectly. I also realized early on that if I really wanted a specific look that I would have to tackle many DIY projects. Luckily, my family and friends stepped up to the challenge and helped me create so many personal details that really made our wedding feel like us.

My grandparents made the gold maracas and paddle fans we gave our guests. We exchanged our vows under a beautiful chuppah my dad built himself. My aunts baked delicious pastries for our dessert table, and my coworkers made mini recipe books for the table, too! I printed, cut, pasted, and punched every single napkin ring, table sign, wedding program myself, and I LOVED every minute of it.

Our vendors also did an amazing job, and as a team, we created a truly special event that our family and friends are still talking about. So, while I was never one of those girls who dreamed of my perfect wedding, I was blessed to have had one!

By: MAXWELL BRIDES • Photo by: Anahi Weddings46 Wedding

VENDORS:Photographer: Anahi Weddings Floral Design: Special Flowers CoutureCatering: Wray & Company Catering by DesignLinens: Dream Weddings by All Party Rentals Hair + Makeup: Beautiful Brides by Rosemary

By: MAXWELL BRIDES • Photo by: Anahi Weddings

The dress48 By: Maxwell Brides • Photo by: Éric Sierra

Andres & JanetThe big day had arrived! We were so busy worrying, planning and making sure that our wedding would come out as perfect as it could be that we kept forgetting that this was our big day; the day that would be the start of a new chapter in our lives. The venue was the setting that we had fallen in love with, the setting we knew we wanted for it to be the stage for our big event.

VENDORS:Photographer: Eric SierraBridal Gown: Sposa Mia Couture

By: MAXWELL BRIDES • Photo by: Eric Sierra48 Wedding

The ceremony was filled with loved ones, promises, tears, great joy, and nerves. Before God and our loved ones we made a promise to love each other thru everything and anything. Valencia helped capture the perfect atmosphere for our celebration and the perfect ending to our big day. We are extremely blessed and thankful to our family, friends, loved ones, Eric Sierra, and Sposa Mia Couture for making our special day so memorable and full of happiness and joy.

By: MAXWELL BRIDES • Photo by: Jay Caballero

Joanna & Dr. RobertAn Anti-Valentine’s Day celebration was the motto for the non-believers in 2010; when Joanna Baltierra celebrated the weekend with her sisters and friends in Austin, Texas. Little did she know that she would be meeting her future husband that evening, Dr. Robert Just. Following their

initial encounter, they went on their first date two weeks later. This marked the beginning of their loving future. Having dated for a year, Joanna’s chihuahuas, Chiquita and Rocky, were the first to make residence at Bob’s, with Joanna following soon after.

After three years of dating, Bob surprised Joanna with an engagement ring on Easter Sunday. With the help of Joanna’s Mother and Grandmother, they prepared a special Easter cascarón that was secretly placed in Joanna’s Easter basket from Bob. When Joanna cracked the cascarón open, Bob got down on one knee and proposed to her in the presence of her family. Enlisting the

50 Destination Wedding

By: MAXWELL BRIDES • Photo by: Jay Caballero

help of Leave the Details to Me, Event and Wedding Consulting from Austin, they planned an extraordinary destination wedding in South Padre Island, Texas. A welcome dinner was planned for the night preceding the wedding, for the families and friends traveling from New Jersey, Robstown, Austin and San Antonio. Guests received a specially-made Mexican beach tote, made by Erica Maree and to culminate the evening, the guests were treated to a firework show. On the wedding day, guests arrived at the ceremony where they enjoyed aguas frescas before the ceremony. The wedding

venue was decorated in a fun, festive Mexican theme that was draped in colorful ribbons from the chairs to the ceiling. Guests enjoyed food and dancing until the wee hours of the morning.

VENDORSPhotographer: Jay Caballero (RGV Photography)Venue: Namar Event CenterLinens /Rentals: Dream Weddings by All Party RentalsCatering & Bar: Wray & Company Ceremony Officiant: I Do 4 U Wedding Officiants

The dress52 By: Maxwell Brides • Photo by: David Pezzat

Lorena & Jesse

We meet through school in a student leader program in 2007 and we remained friends, then we ran into each other again when Jesse was going to apply for the PA program in 2009. My class and his class went out to celebrate after our finals for the semesters, the whole night we stayed talking and afterwards we started studying together at Starbucks, Denny’s and ihop. We would quiz each other; of course I would beat him.

In Dec 15, 2012, he invited me to go to the beach for my birthday, and after dinner he asked me to walk with him on the beach we started talking about the program and he told me the best thing about joining the program was that it brought us together, his hands were clammy and sweaty, and he was shaking, I was nervous but he looked ill. I said are u ok, he smiled and got down on one knee, and said will u marry me, jumping up and down and crying!!! I said yes!!!

The memorable part is that he waited until 12am to ask me so that way it would be my birthday the 16th of December…

VENDORSPhotographer: David Pezzat Rentals: Cantu Special EventsWedding Dress: Sposa Mia Couture

52 Engagement

Brenda & Robert Their story began over 7 years ago. They met in April of 2006 to be more exact. Over those years, they have been blessed with three wonderful and beautiful children; Robert Jr, Romeo & Regina. Their lives have been filled with lots of joy, fun and laughter. But, Robert knew there was still something very important missing…”The blessing of the Lord Jesus into Holy matrimony” So after extensive research, careful planning and lots of praying Robert knew it was definitely time to take the next step. On the night of June 5, 2013 Robert gathered the entire family for dinner at Pappadeux. Before dinner was over Robert got on his knees and asked the question. With tears of joy Brenda said yes.

VENDORS Photographer: Eric SierraBrial Gown: Sposa Mia Couture

By: MAXWELL BRIDES • Photo by: Eric Sierra54 Engagement

They will get married on Oct. 19, 2013. Brenda will be wearing a beautiful bridal dress from Sposa Mia Couture. Brenda Juarez is the daughter of Jose A. and Rosa H. Juarez. Robert is the son of Theron+ and Nora Tudor. The couple took their engagement pictures in SPI. They are looking forward to the new wonderful life God has planned for them as husband and wife along with their children…

The dress56

Elisa & Ted Ted and I had crossed paths multiple times over the course of 10 years. From having Judicial Process together, of course he sat in front and I sat in the back, to having a very close mutual friend in common. However, we had never formally been introduced until the night of November 25th, 2011 at Alhambra where we both were attending different birthday parties. He approached me and said, “This isn’t a pick up line, but you look familiar…” I proceeded to say, “of course I had you for Judicial Process in 2001!” He looked at me with a confused look, and said, “I don’t remember you.” We joke that he used that line to snag my interest.

We talked and exchanged numbers, followed by a 3 ½ hour lunch that Monday. That was the first day of our soon to be whirlwind romance. It was followed by a courtship straight out of a book. It was undeniable we were madly in love and would soon be married.

October 20, 2012 seemed like a normal Saturday morning. As I shouted out plans about our day from down the hall, I realized he never responded…As I walked into our bedroom, I was shocked to find there on a bended knee, my love Ted. In a plain white t-shirt, holding a polished wooden box was the most beautiful ring a woman could ask for. He said,” I have waited for you my whole life, Will you marry me Elisa?” I said, “YES!” He held me in his arms as I cried. Time seemed to stand still. In what started as just an ordinary day, actually was the best day of our lives! On November 2, 2013 we will vow to spend the rest of our lives together as one. Meeting each other and falling in love was OUR destiny.

Photographer: Jay Caballero (RGV Photography)Wedding Dress: Sposa Mia CoutureCake: Honey’s Cake

By: MAXWELL BRIDES • Photo by: Jay Caballero56 Engagement

Brenda & TravisAlthough both Horned Frogs, Travis and I didn’t meet until graduating from TCU. We had mutual friends yet didn’t know it until one fateful night the summer of 2010 at the local pub; The University Pub. If you know us you know that making conversation is not our weakness, but talking to Travis was easy and fun.

By: MAXWELL BRIDES • Photo by: David Pezzat58 Engagement

The true Fort Worthian that Travis is, he proposed after attending the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo on February 09, 2013. Followed by a surprise celebration with our friends at, of course, The Pub.

VENDORSPhotographer: David Pezzat

Brenda FabiolaLeal de Chapa

Like every bride, I always dreamed on how would my bridal photo shoot be? How would I feel about it? Six month ago I meet the perfect incredible group of professional that made my bridal experience the best feeling ever. They just made my dream photo shoot come true...

My satin elegant wedding gown and accessories were by Sposa Mia Couture. “I Said YES to my dress” My make-up and hair was done by makeup artist Mary Chapa. My lovely bouquet was created by Cantu Special Events. San Jose Photography captured MY special moment. These wonderful photos that will last a life time of memories.

It was a pleasure and honor to have worked with Maxwell Brides...

To my Husband Ever Chapa "Thank you for making my childhood dream comes true, I am truly blessed. I LOVE YOU"

“The Enchanted, Mystical memory of The Perfect Bride"

By: MAXWELL BRIDES • Photo by: San Jose Photography60 Bridal

VENDORSPhotographer: San Jose Photography Wedding Gown & Accessories: Sposa Mia CoutureRentals/Flowers/Bouquet: Cantu Special EventsMakeup/Hair: Mary ChapaWedding Invitation: Nocta Invitations

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For more than half of my life I’ve been surrounded by opulent silk, enchanting lace, delicate tulle and every other kind of textile designers have fashioned into a wedding gown. When other kids were learning how to lace their shoes I was learning how to lace up corset dresses. And while other girls played dress up with their dolls I had fun playing dress up with life sized mannequins. I grew up in the industry and learned the ins and outs of the business from my mother. Through the years I also experienced the ever-changing bridal fashion and have seen within the vast contemporary collections hints of traditional suggestions. When it comes to bridal fashion, I can list every fit, bodice structure, skirt style, train length, textile and fad… However, I don’t want to overwhelm you with information. So, for now, I’ll list and discuss train lengths.

These days train lengths are usually an afterthought but in the Middle Ages train lengths were of the utmost importance, even in day-to-day wear, as they represented an individual's place in society. During this time period marriages between royal families were arranged for political purposes and served as alliances between two countries. Thus, the weddings were very important and the wedding dresses were used to boast the wealth of the brides’ nation. While wealth was most often shown by the types of textiles used, the amount of fabric was also significant. As proof of their families' wealth, princesses wore long trains constructed of expensive silks and embellished with gold embroidery and precious stones. To emulate high society style, brides of all classes popularized long trains.

In today’s fashion, brides have six basic train lengths:

Train Lengths

Bridal Fashion 101

Written & Photos by: Jackie S.

• Brush (sweep) length- This train gets its name from the fact that it barely “brushes” the floor behind the bride as she walks. Due to its mobility the brush length is perfect for intimate weddings or outdoor ceremonies.

• Court length- In comparison to the brush length this length is slightly longer and extends approximately three feet behind the waist. This length is ideal for most weddings and even gives an informal event a touch of sophistication.

• Chapel length- has the ease of the court length but the extra two feet gives it a grander look. The chapel length stretches approximately five feet from the waist and allows the bride to make a statement without going over the top.

• Cathedral length- measures about seven feet. Any bride who chooses this length will need assistance keeping the train extended during the ceremony and pictures. This is where the page boys come into play.

• Royal length- the name says it all! The royal length measures an incredible ten feet making it appropriate for the grandest of weddings. Because of its length the bride will need help keeping all the fabric in place. Perhaps a double bustle will be needed to keep it tucked away during the reception.

• Watteau train- This last train isn’t necessarily a length, but it’s a style worth mentioning. The Watteau train is a single panel of fabric that is attached to the top of the dress, usually at the shoulders, but can sometimes be placed at the upper back of the bodice. This train is very versatile and can be as short or as long as the bride likes.

Keep in mind that there are variations of these six lengths and the measurements are approximate. However, I hope this information will help you on your quest for your wedding dress. Don’t let the train length be an afterthought when choosing your gown and try choosing one that will be in harmony with your wedding location. On the other hand, whether it’s a dress with no train or a dress with a train the size of Thalia’s, don’t let the length of the train keep you from saying “I DO” to the dress of your dreams.

Happy hunting!Jackie S.

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