Sparkle Via Design LLC Let Us Make Your Event Sparkle

Sparkle via Design LLC Let us make your event Sparkle… Hello my name is Sharrell McKennie and I am owner and event planner of Sparkle via Design. Thank you for choosing Sparkle via Design. We are an event design and planning organization providing services to individuals and corporations. The organization is supported by me and an administrative assistant provides quality and expertise for our clients at an affordable cost. We value each client and work with them to bring each of their events to life with a sparkle. I started Sparkle via Design after 15+ years of planning events and weddings as a hobby for family and friends. My very first event was a Baby shower in 1989. From there, I begin to plan graduation parties, bridal showers, retirement parties, church events, small corporate functions and weddings. Details are important to me and I make sure to gather the right information concerning your vision to design and plan your event successfully. My role as an event planner is to allow you to enjoy your day and leave the worry to me. I take pride in making each event sparkle with a personal touch. My experience is supported by a foundational education. I am currently enrolled in a certified wedding and event planning program which is providing me with additional knowledge, tools and networks to support my event planning. My certification provides you with confidence that I am knowledgeable and stay abreast of industry standards. I complete this program in April 2016. I also hold a PhD in Social Science, a Masters of Business Administration and a BS in Accounting. I have a list of preferred vendors that I like to work with but am willing to consider others. I offer multiple service options with my specialty being day of event services where I provide organizational leadership and management to provide a successful event. I am confident no matter the size or budget I can help make your day sparkle. I am happy to provide you with professional references upon request. This packet contains information that I will need to make your event successful as well as some useful information for you to get you started planning your event. Let’s get started… Why Hire a Wedding Planner? What will a professional bridal consultant do for me? In addition to helping make your wedding dreams come true within your budget–and perhaps saving you from costly mistakes—a bridal consultant will save you time. With today’s hectic lifestyles, many bridal couples and their families do not have enough time for the detailed planning and work that a beautiful wedding requires. Won’t a consultant want to run the whole show? A professional bridal consultant will work with you to handle as much or as little of your wedding as you wish. After all, it is your wedding. The consultant is there to help you and your family and make the day as perfect as possible. Why can’t I do the planning myself? You certainly can do the planning yourself, and that sometimes is part of the fun. But it also can be a hassle: checking many sources for each vendor category, making sure all the details are in place and worrying about whether you’re getting the best deal and whether everything will turn out all right. A bridal professional has the training and experience to make it all come together while you relax. Do I need a contract with my consultant? You should have some agreement in writing. While some people prefer a formal contract, a letter of agreement signed by both of you is usually enough. This is an informal contract which spells out fees, payment schedules, and what each of you will do. What qualities should I look for in a consultant? It is important you look for one with professional credentials. You should also be very comfortable with the person. You will be spending a lot of time together planning one of the major rites of passage in your life. Do Bridal Consultants get “kickbacks” from suppliers? Some vendors do offer commissions to consultants, much as airlines pay commissions to travel agents. Many consultants pass these commissions to you in the form of additional savings. The Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) strongly discourages commissions, so in all cases, you should know how the consultant is being paid and by whom. The ABC Code of Ethics requires they disclose to you any payments received from suppliers. How can I tell if a Bridal Consultant is reputable? All Association of Bridal Consultants members agree to uphold the ABC Code of Ethics and Standards of Membership. Look for the Association’s logo and ask to see a current ABC membership certificate or contact the Association to verify a bridal consultant’s status. Be sure to ask the consultant during the interview what kind of education and experience they have. Our members work towards the designation of Professional Bridal Consultant once they have completed the Professional Development program. Some senior members have the designation of Accredited Bridal Consultant or Master Bridal Consultant. Each of these has a certificate and indicates higher levels of training and experience. Some members also participate in Association-sponsored seminars and workshops. Certificates indicating that they have completed this training also may be displayed. What will a Bridal Consultant charge? ABC discourages its consultants from charging a percentage of the cost of the wedding. Most ABC consultants charge an hourly rate or a fixed fee, or a combination of both. All these methods are acceptable, but you should clarify in writing how and when you will compensate your wedding coordinator for his or her services. A wedding consultant is part of your budget, not an extra expense. In fact, you often save money because a consultant suggests affordable alternatives that still enhance your wedding. The professional bridal consultant will work with you to produce your dream wedding, including the consultant’s fee, all within your budget. How can I tell if a Bridal Consultant is providing a quality vendor? Bridal Consultants work with many different wedding vendors and service providers. They have experience to know who is the best suited for your wedding. The consultant’s reputation depends on the quality of the services you receive. A bridal professional is committed to providing the best possible wedding for the lowest possible cost. Also the consultant’s job is to keep you on budget. How can a Bridal Consultant help? With so many brides and their parents working, a bridal consultant can handle much of the time- consuming, detailed planning for your wedding. You save time, reduce stress and concentrate on having fun as your wedding approaches. An experienced consultant can often smooth the complex relationships found when today’s modern family plans a wedding. Do I need a Bridal Consultant? A consultant will be a distinct asset as you plan your wedding. Wouldn’t it be nice to spend time with your fiancé and your families, rather than worrying about all the details of your special day? A consultant will take care of those details, leaving you to have the fun. And on your wedding day, you shine as the star, while your consultant works behind the scenes to make your dreams come true! Reprinted with permission from the Association of Bridal Consultants. Copyright 2011.

Things I will need to know to make your day sparkle…

 How did you two meet?

 Where are you from?

 Are there any cultural requirements?

 What’s your budget?  How many people are you inviting?

 What’s your dream venue?

 Do you have any vendors in mind?

 How involved do you expect a wedding planner to be?

 What weddings have you been to that you didn’t like?

 Do you have any non-negotiables? Wedding Packages:

Sapphire WEDDING CONSULTANT PACKAGE - $500 A great package for those who just need help getting started, or at any point in the process of planning, where a little assistance is needed Up to three hours of consultation regarding the planning Referral to reputable vendors and advice regarding contracts Unlimited basic email and telephone questions (long distance excluded) Full payment required at signing of contract

Ruby WEDDING DIRECTING PACKAGE - $1,500 Perfect for those wanting professional assistance ONLY on the day of their wedding Review of all vendor contracts and confirmation of vendor services 1-2 weeks prior to the wedding day Assistance in development of a wedding day itinerary Consultant's services on the wedding day for a maximum of 10 hours Provision of complete wedding emergency kit Personal management of the wedding day itinerary, vendors and the wedding party 50% deposit due at signing of contract, with the remaining balance due one week prior to the wedding day

Emerald WEDDING CONSULTATION PACKAGE - $2,250 Full assistance with event plans, but not the wedding day directing services FREE wedding planning binder with tip sheets questions for vendors, worksheets and timeline guides, including pockets for your contacts, pictures and other important information Up to ten hours of consultation regarding your planning Referral to reputable vendors, review of vendor contracts and confirmation of vendors 1 to 2 weeks prior to wedding day Assistance in developing your wedding day itinerary FREE wedding style consultation One visit to your ceremony and reception venue prior to the wedding (travel charges may apply) Unlimited email and telephone questions (long distance excluded) $1,000 deposit due at signing of contract with the remaining balance paid off one week prior to the wedding day

DIAMOND WEDDING COORDINATION PACKAGE - $4,000 All-inclusive wedding package Includes all of the details of the Gold Wedding Consultation Package Coordinator attendance and assistance at the wedding ceremony rehearsal Coordinator services on the wedding day for a maximum of 12 hours Provision of complete wedding emergency kit Personal management of wedding day itinerary, vendors and wedding party $2,500 deposit due at signing of contract, with remaining balance due on the wedding day

Day of Event Package - $750 Visit to both ceremony and reception sites prior to wedding Development of a detailed wedding timeline and floor plan for contracted vendors and bridal party Follow up telephone calls to all contracted vendors 1 – 2 weeks before wedding day Wedding Rehearsal Supervision (1-hour maximum) On-site coordination and supervision at the ceremony site and during the reception for up to 10 hours on the day of your wedding Provide Bridal Emergency Kit – aspirin, energy bars, mints, sewing kit, etc. Manage wedding party Manage and direct vendor & décor setup at ceremony & receptions sites insure that the timeline is adhered to Facilitate the wedding ceremony Properly line up processional & cue musicians Coordinate entertainment and all announcements/events during reception Ensure payment of vendor tips & balances insure distribution of payments to vendors, Assist with guest seating assist with direction of guest seating for ceremony & reception Be prepared to meet any emergency situation that may arise Ensure payment of vendor tips & balances insure distribution of payments to vendors, Assist with guest seating assist with direction of guest seating for ceremony & reception

Tools for Planning Your Own Wedding: For brides who want to plan their own wedding and need tools to help make their day absolutely sparkle, we offer the following useful tools to get you headed in the right direction! Wedding Planning Checklist - $25 Depending on the amount of time you have before your wedding, you will receive a checklist designed to be accomplished within a 6, 9, or 12-month timeframe. Organizational Package - $100 Package includes two easy to use forms: one to keep track of vendors selected and when the payments are due for each vendor, and the other to keep track of invited guests and members of the wedding party. These are provided as excel templates bearing the Sparkle via Designs logo. Vendor Recommendation List - $100 Two to three recommended vendors will be listed per category, based on our prior experience with them and your specific event. Wedding Budget Development - $25 -$ 150 depending on type of wedding We provide a template and work with you to create a budget for you that breaks down how much you should plan to spend on each category depending on what is most important to you. There is a 10% discount offered when purchasing more than one tool. Sparkle via Design - Day of Service Contract

This agreement is entered into on this ______day of

______, by and between Sparkle by Design, a Business, and

______, an individual. Day of Services

− Visit to both ceremony and reception sites prior to wedding

− Development of a detailed wedding timeline and floor plan for contracted vendors and bridal party

− Follow up telephone calls to all contracted vendors 1 – 2 weeks before wedding day

− Wedding Rehearsal Supervision (1-hour maximum)

− On-site coordination and supervision at the ceremony site and during the reception for up to 10 hours on the day of your wedding

- Provide Bridal Emergency Kit – aspirin, energy bars, mints, sewing kit, etc.

- Manage wedding party

- Manage and direct vendor & décor setup at ceremony & receptions sites insure that the timeline is adhered to

- Facilitate the wedding ceremony

- Properly line up processional & cue musicians

- Coordinate entertainment and all announcements/events during reception

- Ensure payment of vendor tips & balances insure distribution of payments to vendors,

- Assist with guest seating assist with direction of guest seating for ceremony & reception

- Be prepared to meet any emergency situation that may arise

- Ensure payment of vendor tips & balances insure distribution of payments to vendors, - Assist with guest seating assist with direction of guest seating for ceremony & reception

Fees & Payment Schedule

− Fees for Day of services are $750

- Payment will be made as follows:

o A non-refundable retainer in the amount of 50% due upon signature of this letter of agreement

o Balance due one week prior to even

- Any additional hours accrued on the wedding day are payable within 14 days of the wedding date. The coordinator has full discretion regarding the addition of extra hours on the wedding day, and may decline for any reason Payments may be made via cash, certified check, credit/debit card, or via PayPal. Please note that the services listed above do not include running any wedding related errands such as picking up or delivering attire, supplies or equipment, documents, etc. Conditions

− Contracts with all vendors will be between the Client and the Vendor. Sparkle by Design will not enter any vendor contracts on behalf of the client.

− The undersigned agrees to let Sparkle by Design know of any changes to the wedding/event and or vendors that they will be using.

− The undersigned also agrees to immediately notify Sparkle by Design in the case of a cancellation, the deposit is non-refundable.

− The undersigned agrees that there will not be another wedding planner/event coordinator working with the undersigned except for ______.

− The undersigned agrees to pay a 50% deposit upon signing this agreement and pay the remaining balance one week prior to the set wedding/event date of ______. − If an act of God, such as a fire, flood, earthquake or other natural calamity shall cause you to cancel your wedding; I will require payment only for the time actually spent planning your wedding.

− Changes/Cancellations Any changes made to this letter of agreement must be made in writing and signed by all parties. You may cancel this agreement, in writing, for any reason. If the wedding is canceled, refunds are limited to unearned fees, funds in excess of unused or non-refundable fees and out-of-pocket expenses. If you cancel less than [#] days before the wedding – except for the death of a member of your immediate family – there will be no refund. If the wedding is not canceled, there will be no refund. Agreement I understand that I am using Sparkle via Design to help with my wedding planning. I also understand a 50% deposit is required and final payment is due one week prior to the wedding/event date. I can cancel at any time or change my contract at any time and agree to pay all fees associated with it. I acknowledge Sparkle by Design and its representatives are not liable for the products or services and warranties of participating vendors. I understand that it is my responsibility to purchase my own wedding insurance, if I desire to do so. In the event of any dispute or legal action between the parties concerning the enforcement or interpretation of this General Contract, each party shall be responsible for their own attorney’s fees.

In witness to their agreement to the terms of this contract, the parties affix their signatures below: ______Couple, signatures & date Wedding Planner, signature & date Address______Address______City, state, ZIP______City, state, ZIP______

Maid of Honor’s Checklist  Helps the bride select bridesmaids’ attire

 Helps address invitations and place cards

 Attends as many prenuptial events as possible

 Organizes bridesmaids’ gift to the bride. Usually gives an individual gift to the couple

 Makes sure that all the bridesmaids, the flower girl, and the ring bearer are at fittings, the rehearsal, and the ceremony on time

 Is expected to attend the rehearsal and is included at the rehearsal dinner

 Walks in processional and recessional

 Holds the groom’s wedding ring

 Helps with the bride’s gown

 Arranges the bride’s veil and train before the processional and recessional

 Makes sure the bride’s gown is “picture perfect” throughout the day

 Holds the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony

 Witnesses the signing of the marriage certificate

 Stands in the receiving line

 Keeps the bride on schedule

 Helps the bride change into her going away clothes

 Takes care of the bride’s gown and accessories after the reception  Pays for own wedding attire and transportation to the wedding

Bridesmaids’ Checklist  Assist the Maid of Honor as requested

 Attend as many prenuptial events as possible

 Possibly host or co-host a party or shower (optional)

 Assist the bride with errands

 Contribute to bridesmaids’ gift to the bride. Usually gives an individual gift to the couple

 Are expected to attend the rehearsal and are included at the rehearsal dinner

 Arrive at dressing site promptly

 Walk in processional and recessional

 Possibly participate in receiving line

 Dance with ushers and single male guests

 Help gather guests for the first dance, cake cutting, and bouquet toss

 Participate in bouquet toss, if single

 Look after the couple’s elderly relatives or friends

 Pays for own wedding attire and transportation to the wedding

Best Man’s Checklist  Organizes a pre-wedding party for the groom

 Coordinates the ushers’ gift to the groom. Usually gives an individual gift to the couple

 Is expected to attend the rehearsal and is included in the rehearsal dinner

 Gets the groom dressed and to the ceremony on time

 Makes sure the groom’s wedding related expenses are prepared (Officiant fee, tips, etc.)

 Makes sure the groom has the marriage license with him

 Delivers any payment to Officiant, sexton, and ceremony musician(s), as prearranged

 Enters the sanctuary with the groom  Takes care of and holds the bride’s wedding ring

 Makes sure all ushers and properly attired and in place on time

 Walks in the recessional

 Witnesses the signing of the marriage certificate

 Drives the bride and groom to reception, if no driver is hired

 Helps welcome guests at reception

 Offers first toast to bride and groom at reception

 Dances with the bride, maid of honor, mothers, and single female guests

 Helps the groom get ready for the honeymoon

 Gathers up and takes care of groom’s wedding clothes after he changes

 Has a car ready for the bride and groom to leave the reception or perhaps drives them to their next destination Head Usher’s Checklist  Expected to attend the rehearsal and is included at the rehearsal dinner

 Receives any lists of guests who are to be seated in a specific pew and is aware of the importance and sequence of seating special guests, such as the mothers and grandmothers of the bride and groom

 Makes sure that programs, if used, are handed to guests when they are seated

 Makes sure that people who are designated to receive special flowers or corsages do, if the flowers have not been delivered to the recipients beforehand

 Checks that all ushers are dressed properly and wearing their boutonnieres on the left side, stem down

 Makes sure that the ushers know how to usher: how to greet guests, how to offer an arm to a single woman guest, and how to precede a couple to their seats

 Helps gather the wedding party for photographs either before or after the ceremony and ensures that transportation arrangements have been made for all members of the wedding party to and from the ceremony

 Completes entire Groomsmen and Ushers Checklist, as needed Groomsmen and Ushers’ Checklist  Participate in party for the groom, if there is one

 Contribute to the ushers’ gift to the groom. Usually gives an individual gift to the couple

 Expected to attend the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner

 Review any special seating situations with the head usher before the ceremony begins

 Greets guests as they arrive

 Seat the eldest women first if a group of guests arrive simultaneously

 Ask guests whether they are to be seated on the bride’s side or the groom’s side

 Offer their right arm to female guests (with the guest’s escort walking behind) or ask couples to follow behind (leading couple to their seat)

 Walk to the left side of a male guest

 Hand each guest a program when they are seated

 Put the aisle runner in place after guests are seated and before the processional begins

 Know the order of seating per tradition such as special guests, grandmothers of the bride and groom, and bride’s mother last

 Remove pew ribbons, one row at a time, after the ceremony

 Close windows and check pews for programs or articles left behind after the ceremony

 Are prepared to direct guests to the reception site (having extra maps available, if used)

 Dance with bridesmaids and other guests at the reception

 Look after elderly relatives or friends

 Participate in garter ceremony, if there is one, and encourage other single men to participate

 Coordinate return of rented apparel with head usher or best man

 Pay for own wedding attire and transportation to the wedding Mother of the Bride’s Checklist  Hosts an engagement party (the bride’s family traditionally gets the first opportunity)  Helps couple to decide on sites or assists in making other big planning decisions

 Usually contributes to the wedding budget

 Assists the bride in putting together the family’s guest list

 Offers suggestions for special family or ethnic ceremony traditions

 May help bride to shop for wedding gown and accessories

 Chooses own wedding day outfit (may consult with mother of the groom about formality)

 Along with the maid of honor and bridesmaids, may plan and host bridal shower

 On wedding day help bride to get ready

 May accompany daughter and husband to ceremony

 Walk in recessional with husband following wedding party

 Greet guests in receiving line

 May be announced along with husband

 Sits in an honored place at parent’s table

 May assist with coordinating vendors

 May host a post-wedding brunch Father of the Bride’s Checklist  Hosts an engagement party (the bride’s family traditionally gets the first opportunity)

 Helps couple to decide on sites or assists in making other big planning decisions

 Usually contributes to the wedding budget

 May select hotel for out of town guests and reserve a block of reduced rate rooms

 Rents own formalwear (work with couple to coordinate with wedding party)

 Helps pick up out-of-town guests from airport. May also arrange transportation to and from the wedding

 Typically travels to ceremony with the bride

 Walks daughter down the aisle  Gives the bride away during the ceremony

 Escorts the mother of the bride out following the wedding party

 Greets guests in the receiving line

 May be announced with wife at reception

 May make a welcoming speech

 Sits in an honored place at the parent’s table

 Toasts the newlyweds after the best man makes his speech and the groom responds

 Dances with the bride

 May take care of vendor balances at the end of the reception Mother of the Groom’s Checklist  Contacts the mother of the bride if the families are not acquainted (or plans a celebration if you have met)

 Attends (first) engagement party if the bride’s family hosts one

 Along with husband, may host an additional engagement party for the groom’s side of the family

 Usually contributes to wedding budget

 May help couple decide on sites and/or make other big planning decisions

 Helps group to put together family’s guest list

 Offers suggestions for special family or ethnic ceremony traditions

 May help bride shop for her wedding gown

 Chooses own wedding day outfit (may consult with mother of the bride about formality)

 Along with husband, plans and hosts the rehearsal dinner

 Escorted out following the wedding party and the bride’s parents

 May be announced with husband at the reception

 Sits in an honored place at the parent’s table

 Does mother-son dance with groom

 Attends post wedding brunch (if held) Father of the Groom’s Checklist  Attends (first) engagement party, if the bride’s family hosts one

 Along with wife, may host an additional engagement party for groom’s side of the family

 Along with wife, may contribute to the wedding budget

 May help couple decide on sites and/or make other big planning decisions

 Rents own formalwear (after talking with couple to coordinate with wedding party); attends fittings as needed  Along with wife, plans rehearsal dinner

 May travel to ceremony with the groom and the best man

 May escort wife to her sear right before the mother of the bride is seated

 Escorts mother of the groom out after wedding party and bride’s parents

 May be announced with wife

 May make a welcoming speech

 Sits at an honored place at the parent’s table

 May toast the newlyweds

 May settle final bills with wedding vendors

 Attends or hosts post-wedding brunch Flower Girl’s Checklist  Dress and accessories should be paid for by her family

 Attends the rehearsal although she usually does not attend the rehearsal dinner

 In the processional, walks alone directly before the bride and her father

 Often scatters petals from a basket she holds, although this is sometimes too overwhelming a responsibility for a young girl to manage in front of a large group of people. It is usually easier for her to carry either a small basket of flowers or a tiny nosegay of flowers similar to those carried to those carried by the bridesmaids

 In the recessional, walks with the ring bearer, directly behind the couple

 The bride may hire a babysitter or ask one of the bridesmaids to look after the flower girl, to be in charge of checking her appearance and making sure she is present for formal pictures, helping her manage her food at the reception, and escorting her to the ladies’ room Ring Bearer’s Checklist  His attire should be paid for by his family

 Attends the rehearsal although he usually does not attend the rehearsal dinner

 He immediately precedes the flower girl in the processional  Carries either the actual rings or a facsimile of the rings (often a practical idea), on a white velvet or satin cushion. If the rings are genuine, they should be fastened to the cushion with a very thin thread or placed over a firmly fixed hatpin. The best man takes the rings from the cushion at the right moment

 Walks with the flower girl in the recessional, directly behind the bride and groom

 The bride may hire a babysitter or ask one of the ushers to look after the ring bearer, to be in charge of checking his appearance, making sure he is present for formal pictures, helping him manage his food at the reception, and escorting him to the men’s room

Harris County Marriage License Information FAQs (http://www.cclerk.hctx.net/Personal_Rec/Marriage_License_Information_FAQs.aspx#Q1) Q1: What is the legal age to obtain a Marriage License? A: 18 without parental consent 16 with parental consent Q2: How much does a Marriage License cost? A: The fee for the license is $72.00 Q3: Can two people of the same sex get married? A: Yes Q4: When can we get married after we purchase the license? A: The license must be purchased at least 72 hours prior to but no more than 90 days before the date of the ceremony. Q5: How long do we have to use the Marriage License? A: The license expires at the end of the 90-day period immediately following the date that the license was issued if the marriage ceremony has not been conducted within that period. Q6: Who can marry us? A: The following people are authorized to conduct marriage ceremonies: Licensed or ordained Christian ministers, and priests; Jewish rabbis; persons who are officers of religious organizations and who are duly authorized by the organization to conduct marriage ceremonies; justices of the supreme court, judges of the court of criminal appeals, justices of the court of appeals, judges of the district, county, and probate courts, judges of the county court at law, courts of domestic relations and juvenile courts, retired justices and judges of such courts, justices of the peace, retired justices of the peace, judges of a municipal court, retired judge of a municipal court or judge or magistrate of the federal court of this state; and a retired judge or magistrate of a federal court of this state. Q7: Is this Marriage License only good in Harris County? A: The Marriage License is valid in every county in the United States. Q8: What kind of ID. do we need to get a license? A: You must have a valid id such as a driver’s license, Id card issued by DPS, valid passport, resident alien card, or other government issued identification. Q9: Will we need to bring witnesses? A: You do not need to bring witnesses to obtain the Marriage license. Q10: Where can we purchase a Marriage License? A: Main Office, 201 Caroline, 3rd Floor of Administration Building (713) 755-6411 Branch Offices Baytown. .701 W. Baker Road, Baytown (281) 422-0253 Chimney Rock. 6000 Chimney Rock, Houston (713) 660-7902 Clay Road. 16715 Clay Road, Houston (281) 859-0685 Clear Lake. 16603 Buccaneer, Clear Lake (281) 486-7250 Cypresswood. 6831 Cypresswood Dr., Spring (281) 379-1057 Humble. 7900 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble (281) 540-1173 N. Shepherd. .7300 North Shepherd, Houston (713) 697-5193 Pasadena. .101 S. Richey, Suite D, Pasadena (713) 274-6230 South Belt. 10851 Scarsdale, Houston (281) 464-0115 Q11: If my boyfriend /girlfriend is in jail, can we still get married? A: Yes, but you need to obtain an ABSENT APPLICATION form from one of our locations, take it to that person, have them fill it out and have it notarized. The instructions for this form are listed on the back of it. The form and the instructions can also be printed from the Downloadable forms page of our Web Site. Effective September 1, 2013 A person who is incarcerated may apply for a marriage license using an ABSENT APPLICATION form. HOWEVER, THEY MUST BE PRESENT FOR THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY. A PROXY CANNOT BE APPOINTED. Q12: If my boyfriend/girlfriend is in the military, do we still have to wait 72 hours? A: The 72 hour waiting period is automatically waived for military personnel. However you will need to show your military ID. Q13: Do we need to have a blood test performed? A: No blood test is required in the State of Texas anymore.

Civil Ceremonies http://www.houstontx.gov/courts/weddings.html Please follow these four steps to schedule a ceremony at the City of Houston Municipal Courts: 1. Please obtain a Marriage License PRIOR to scheduling a ceremony at the City of Houston. View Licensing locations. 2. Once you have obtained a Texas-issued marriage license, complete the online form (http://www.houstontx.gov/courts/weddings.html) to schedule your ceremony. A City of Houston representative will contact you within 48 hours to discuss the details of the ceremony and to confirm your date of marriage. 3. On the scheduled date of the ceremony, payment of the $100 fee is required. This can be done at the Public Service Counter located on the 1st floor of the Herbert W. Gee Municipal Courthouse located at 1400 Lubbock Street, Houston, TX 77002. Effective, December 6, 2014, wedding ceremonies may also be scheduled on the first Saturday in each month. The fee for weddings scheduled on Saturdays will be $150.00. 4. After your payment has been made, please proceed to the second floor, Room 214, with your receipt and your Texas-issued marriage license. Please note: The wedding ceremony may be performed as soon as 72 hours after the purchase of the marriage license, but not after 90 days from the date of purchase. 1. Wedding ceremonies are offered in both English and Spanish. 2. Guests are welcome, but please limit the number of guests to 8. 3. Wedding ceremonies are performed Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm. 4. The ceremony could take 20-30 minutes. Resources to support a healthy Marriage

http://ipromise.strongmarriages.com/

Start Marriage Here.TM

http://www.startmarriagehere.com/

http://www.twogetherintexas.com/UI/HealthyMarriagePrograms.aspx LOCAL BRIDAL SHOWS

http://www.bridalextravaganzashow.com/

http://houstonweddingshowcase.com/

http://dreamweddingsbridalshow.com/ Wedding Themes THE DOS AND DON’TS OF PLANNING A WEDDING THEME

By Rachel Morgan - May 3, 2013 – Wedding Ideas Mag

By giving your wedding a theme, you will make your wedding day personal and unique to you. To help you plan your own big-day theme, we’ve created a handy list of dos and don’ts that should help you along the way.

The dos

Make it personal

Don’t just follow a fashion. If you both love music, then why not choose that as your wedding theme inspiration? You can have invitations that reflect the type of music you love, you can have a live band playing at your reception and you could even take a turn at the microphone yourselves.

Or if you’re both city folk and are planning a metropolitan big day then use that as part of your theme. Maybe have a city landscape on your invitations and hold your reception in a funky loft- style venue. You just need to really think about what expresses the two of you as a couple and take it from there.

Use wedding favors to reinforce your theme

If you’re having a music-themed wedding, then you could burn a CD of your favourite music and put a copy at every place setting. Try not to give favors that are completely random and have nothing to do with your wedding theme, think about what will fit in. They don’t need to cost much money, but they should be relevant. Choose a venue that suits your theme

So if you’re having a country garden wedding theme, then maybe have your wedding in a marquee or a barn. A function room in a hotel won’t have quite the effect you’re looking for, so shop around for something that fits.

The Don’ts

Choose a color scheme and a theme

Brides often fall into the trap of thinking they need a theme AND a color scheme. One or the other will be fine, but both can make the reception a bit of a shambles, with lots of extra work for you.

Give your guests strict rules

If you’re having a vintage theme, then don’t insist that everybody dresses in vintage-style clothes. The fact that they have made the effort and have almost certainly spent money to attend your wedding should be enough to ask of your guests. If they want to dress up and follow the theme, then that’s fine – but don’t insist upon it.

Themes are not compulsory

Finally, you don’t have to have a theme if you don’t want to, it’s all up to you! It’s your day and you should do it your way.

Wedding Theme Ideas: Vintage -

Rustic – RED - Music -

Princess/Cinderella -

Bridal Shower Themes

Vendor List Apparel

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