We met in a country and western bar in Houston, Texas. Paul asked me to marry him at his family Christmas gathering. Over the New Year's holiday, we went to San Antonio. I wanted to show him where I was born and raised and some of the exciting things in San Antonio. We walked to the Historic Menger Hotel. I happened to mention that I thought it would be a lovely place to have a wedding. He actually ask me, "Do you think you could do something like that?" I replied, "I'm resourceful, I can do anything, watch me!" When we returned home, I immediately started putting the plan in motion.

We wanted an outdoor wedding and reception. So I called the Menger Hotel for the wedding and LaVillita for the reception. Everything started falling into place, both were available.

We got married in the courtyard of the Historic Menger Hotel at no cost to us. In the State of Texas, you can have certain events at historical site for no cost. After the ceremony, we and the bridal party walked next door to a gazebo that is in front of the Alamo for our wedding pictures. Afterwards, we walked across the street and down to the riverwalk where we boarded a river barge and floated down the river to LaVillita where our reception would be held.

As we floated down the river, people walking along the river would say congratulations and people walking over the bridges would throw roses at us. It was an awesome time!!

Our final destination was the historic, outdoor shopping area of LaVillita. My bridal party and I had decorated it that afternoon before the wedding. ( I DO NOT RECOMMEND DOING THIS EVER!!) We were all, especially me (2 hours) LATE for the wedding. But what were they going to do? Start without me?

Now let me tell you some of the obstacles that we encountered and why I now ALWAYS RECOMMEND USING A WEDDING PLANNER!!

First, our caterer cancelled one week prior to the wedding. We never got our deposit back. Secondly, our DJ cancelled two weeks before the wedding. Lastly, I forgot the corkscrew for the wine and champagne. So always use a Wedding Planner.

I will say that I found another caterer who offered us a better price with more food and better service. One of our best friends offered to put together a collaboration of our favorites songs on a CD. We had great music for everyone to enjoy. And finally, since most guys in Texas carry a pocketknife, that is what we used to open the bottles.

All in all, it was a fabulous time. Everyone had great BBQ, music to dance to and a good time.

We all caravanned together the morning of the wedding. HOW CRAZY WAS THAT?? WHAT WAS I POSSIBLY THINKING?? I was trying to save everyone money on not overnighting for two nights.

Big Mistake, for the wedding party. We should have gone down the night before to avoid all the stress and being so late for my own wedding.

This was a wonderful time by all, despite all of the obstacles that were thrown at us.

So please learn from my mistakes and experiences and take my advice, ALWAYS USE A WEDDING PLANNER. Also, DO NOT delegate this extremely important and stressful position to a family member or friend. It is not fair to that person to try and take on this responsiblity. Remember: Your Wedding Party are Your Guests, too. So allow them to enjoy the festivities as well! They are there to honor you!!

Blessings to all,

Lisa J.