“To love someone deeply gives you strength.  Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage.”  (Lao-Tzu, Philosopher, ca. 600 BC)

And so it seems with the love of one of the most amazing couples Bleu has ever had the pleasure and joy of working with.  Jennifer and Michael could not be more glorious and their love more grand…and not in the typical “glorious” and “grand” fashion…but instead in a manner that is both simple and pure, as well as beautiful and blessed, and…all at the same time!

Keeping all of this in mind, Bleu set out to help create a celebration that would be worthy of this special couple.  Upon first introductions, with many of the decisions already made and multiple vendors already secured, the coordination was intended to be simply “day of”.  Over time, however, it became just a bit more.  And, how grateful are we?  To never have come to know these two and those who are closest to them would have been both a professional loss and a personal misfortune.   

All that being said, the event was magnificent and the memories magical.

The wedding took place in the gazebo at Southwest School of Art & Craft (www.swschool.org) on a fabulous April evening.  Everything about the ceremony was special…from the absolutely perfect weather (it takes a truly confident bride to plan an outdoor wedding in South Texas in the spring!)…to the “long” walk down the aisle with Jennifer and her father…to the exchange of vows and the subsequent burst of triumphant glee from the guests…to the exit “stage left” as the sound of The Verve’s Bittersweet Symphony filled the air. 

The celebration continued from there with a cocktail reception in the convent garden for guests and a stroll down the Riverwalk for the bride and groom.  Then, dinner and dancing in the chapel and on the grounds of the center. 

Helping to make the evening even more magnificent was the small, but intimate, gathering of only the closest family and friends…some of who arrived onsite hours before to help hang outdoor draping, lanterns, and other special touches.  Also instrumental in the festivities were all of the amazing vendors that shared their insight and expertise. 

Marcus, of Marcus Revilla Photography (www.marcusrevilla.com), worked tirelessly to capture the night  in pictures.  Through mulitple iterations of the “traditional” family photo, as well as some not-so-conventional shots, Marcus spent his time and talents ensuring that every moment was made even more special by illustration.  AWESOME!

Stacy Buntrock, of Yours by Design, created the most brilliantly splendid floral arrangements.  The selections were fabulous and so very unique; and, the juxtaposition of the vibrant colors against the background of the gorgeous, yet much more muted, setting was simply dazzling.  Stacy has also been gracious enough to provide “tips and tricks” for Bleu’s featured partner article for April (http://bpeventsbydesign.com/whatisbleu.html).  AMAZING! 

Denise Goral, with Leave It To Us Catering (www.leaveittous.com), created a scrumptious menu of appetizing selections.  With dishes presented as stations, guests were encouraged to tempt their tastebuds with everything from margarita shrimp to mashed potatoes in martini glasses.  BRILLIANT!

Ivette Irizarry, of Allegretto Music (www.allegrettomusic.com), once again helped to compose the most magnificent collection of music.  It was all arranged perfectly and executed by the quartet brilliantly, resulting in melodious sounds that were breathtaking and so very memorable.  STUNNING!

And, of course, the night would not have been complete (nor would it have been possible!) without the wonderful Reverend Wendy Rieley of The Perfect Union (www.theperfectunion.org).  Her wit and humor added such energy to the ceremony and to the celebration as a whole.  It was a pleasure working with her and having the oppportunity to get to know her better.  AND, she was also kind enough to provide a few photos, all of which are included below.  MAGNIFICENT!

All in all, Bleu feels extremely blessed to have been invited to participate in such a grand, and yet gloriously “simple”, celebration.  Tremendous appreciation to all of the aforementioned; and, even more importantly, a million-and-one thanks to Jennifer and Michael.  (And, of course, thanks to you, Glenda and Christine!)

“Love is, above all else, the gift of oneself.”  (J. Anouilh, French Dramatist, 1910 - 1987)

How fortunate Bleu has been to have had the opportunity to take part over the past year in helping to plan the most amazing wedding for the most magnificent couple.  Alex and Klaus are two truly fabulous individuals who decided to join their lives and celebrate their love in a way that was so special to all who were witness.

The wedding took place in the chapel at Southwest School of Art & Craft (www.swschool.org) on a gorgeous March evening.  Everything about the night was magical…from the time that Alex arrived onsite looking more gorgeous than a girl has a right to…to the exact moment that her eyes met those of her groom…to the minute that they were announced offically as “Mr. and Mrs. Ruhl”.  The celebration continued from there with a cocktail reception in the convent garden and then dinner and dancing back in the chapel. 

Helping to make the evening spectacular were all of the fabulous vendors that gave of their time and expertise. 

Studio 423 Photography (www.studio423photo.com) took absolutely outrageous photos that helped to truly capture the most special moments of the celebration.  A few are included here for everyone’s viewing pleasure.  Thanks, Chasity and Jana, for being such a pleasure to work with.  As always…you ROCK!

Botanika (www.botanika.com) created the most uniquely fabulous floral arrangements.  Everyone was raving about the vibrantly gorgeous colors and commented how perfectly they fit within the overall setting.  Thanks, Melissa.  Once again…you BLEW US AWAY!

Page Barteau Catering (www.pagebarteaucatering.com) put together a fabulous menu of delectable culinary offerings.  With dishes presented in a multitude of stations, guests were tempted with everything from paella to root beer floats.  Thanks, Page and Tamara.  It was all SCRUMPTIOUS!

Cakes by Cathy also helped to tempt the palate of guests with the most delicious cake…EVER!  In fact, there were many who commented that it was the BEST they’ve ever had.  Not sure what Cathy’s secret ingredient is; but, it is definitely working for her!  Thanks, Cathy.  You continue to deliver EXACTLY what you promise!

Allegretto Music (www.allegrettomusic.com) filled the air with a melodious symphony of selections chosen especially for the bride and groom.  The trio added just the right touch to both the ceremony and the cocktail reception, helping to make both truly memorable.  Thanks, Ivette.  You are such a BLESSING!

Again, Bleu feels so thankful to have been a part of such an amazing celebration with such a special couple.  It would not have been possible without the aforementioned.  And, it would not have been as much fun either.  Thanks a MILLION, Alex and Klaus!  (Thanks to you, too, Mikel!)