Blog

11th

May

Brittany + Adam

Brittany + Adam

I didn’t have the privilege of attending Brittany and Adam’s wedding at Autumn Oaks Event Center, but after talking with Brittany I can see just how perfect these two are for each other. Brittany told me the story of how the two newlyweds met and how they fell in love.

 

Photo credit: Casey Smith Photography http://www.facebook.com/capturebycasey

How did Brittany and Adam meet?

The Bride and Groom both grew up in Lubbock and attended Texas Tech University. Brittany says Adam loves telling the story of how they met. “He loves my facial expression when he turns to me to tell the juicy details. So, I guess this should be my story to tell…. Adam and I have mutual Marine friends. For Adam’s 22nd birthday, he went out with one of our friends. A fun night of drinking and pictures were posted to Facebook the next day. When I saw Adam for the first time, I was immediately attracted to him. I might have “stalked” (loose term!) him on Facebook and eventually got the nerve to add him as a friend and message him. From my completely innocent “research” I noticed that we both loved sports cars. I messaged him the first time, asking him about cars! We immediately hit it off, and after about a month of flirting, he asked me on our first date. We went to Cracker Barrel to have breakfast and have been inseparable ever since.   We officially started dating on January 20th, 2014. I really did find my soul mate!”

How did Adam propose?

I fell in love with Brittany’s story of how her Groom proposed to her.

“In September of 2016, we took a Cruise with Brittany’s family to congratulate our cousin, Michael Maul, on Graduating from the University of North Texas.

On the night of September 6th, the dining room Maitre D’ came around to our table and asked for a personalized photo with me. He said he always took several photos with guests throughout the cruise week. He took me up to the main dining room grand staircase and asked me to stand beside the baby grand piano.

Immediately, I thought it was super strange that the photographer started taking pictures of only me. I thought this was a bad glamour shots photo session. I started looking around and questioned the Maitre D’ why he was not taking the photos with me.

All of a sudden, I saw Adam buttoning his suit jacket and walking towards me. My first instinct was thank goodness he came to rescue me! I was literally taking photos, by myself, in the middle of a 3 story dining hall that was feeding around 700 guests.

He walked up to me and I was about to tell him all about how weird this was, when he got down on one knee. I gasped and literally lost my breath! I cried the entire time! I cannot tell you anything Adam said … except the last sentence of “will you marry me”. All three floors of the dining room were clapping and cheering!”

“Adam really outdid himself! He out planned a planner!”

 

What is one of your favorite memories from your wedding day?

Brittany says the wedding video is just amazing and they have so many special memories from their wedding day. She shared just a few of her favorite memories with me.

“After Adam’s vows, I accidently snuck in a kiss (during the wedding) it’s in the video, everyone laughed.”

“Our best man, he forgot his entire speech and just winged it!  The videographer got the basic points but we always laugh about that.”

“We are both dancers (Adam was the President of the South Plains Ballroom Dance Team when he was attending South Plains). We had been working on our first dance for 3 months before the wedding.  It was outstanding. David Hodges with West Texas DJ posted it on his facebook page and it was amazing!”

“Our parents are both so amazing and without them we wouldn’t have been able to do any of this!! We love them so much!  The fun thing was, it was my parents’ (Ken and Debbie Campbell), anniversary on March 10th, so now we share an anniversary!!”

Photo credit: Casey Smith Photography http://www.facebook.com/capturebycasey

We were honored that Brittany and Adam chose Autumn Oaks to host their special day. It was a gorgeous wedding for a beautiful couple!

 

23rd

Apr

Courtney + Kristopher

Meet Courtney and Kristopher

Courtney and Kristopher married March 24, 2018 at Autumn Oaks Event Center. It was in intimate outdoor ceremony on a gorgeous day followed by a beautiful reception inside. Courtney is originally from Fort Worth and Kristopher is from Wolfe City. Courtney joked that “You would never guess someone who came from one of the largest and busiest cities in the U.S. would end up with a boy who came from a town with only a Dollar General and Kwik Check Gas Station!” While attending Texas Tech University, Courtney fell in love with Lubbock. Little did she know, Lubbock would one day be where she would marry the love of her life.

How they met

After graduating from Texas Tech University, Courtney was offered a job in Dallas, Tx. A few months later, she attended the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dallas where she was introduced to Kristopher through a mutual friend. “The luck of the Irish brought us together” Courtney said. The couple have attended the parade every year since.

The Proposal

Two and a half years after meeting, Kristopher proposed to Courtney on her annual family summer vacation to Destin, Florida. Courtney had no idea what was coming! She was completely blown away when Kristopher got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife.

Favorite Wedding Memory

Courtney says her favorite memory from the wedding at Autumn Oaks was when the French doors opened to reveal the Bride. “I still get chills thinking about that moment.  It was then, that my mom was the first person I looked at.  It was almost like I had that split second to assure her I was going to be just fine and taken care of.  Then, I focused on Kristopher.  It was an unforgettable feeling knowing that my dad was escorting me down the aisle, walking me towards my forever. It was the most surreal feeling and I will never forget it.”

Photo Credit: http://www.kristinbednarz.com/

The couple started their new life together on a honeymoon in Punta Cana relaxing on the ocean and exploring the country.

It was a pleasure hosting this sweet couple’s special day at Autumn Oaks Event Center. We wish them a lifetime of love and adventure!

 

 

 

13th

Apr

Where to Find Wedding Décor

While doing some research for wedding décor, we found some great ways to save money on everything from your wedding dress to your centerpieces. Here are a few online stores and stores we visited in Lubbock that were helpful and had great deals.

Wedding Recycle 

Wedding recycle is a great website to buy and sell wedding items. They have everything from bridal accessories, bridal party accessories, jewelry, candles and candleholders, to cake and dessert bars, and centerpieces. They even have wedding dresses and tuxes. They have a great selection of ceremony and reception décor including lanterns and signs.

Tradesy

Tradesy is another great website to buy and sell used wedding décor and gowns. They have a wide variety of table clothes and other ceremony and reception décor.

Bravo Bride

Bravo Bride is a free website for new and preowned wedding items. If you are looking for a preowned wedding dress this is the place to go! They have gorgeous wedding gowns that have only been worn once!

Wayfair

Wayfair is one of my absolute favorite online shops. They have anything and everything! More importantly- they are almost always running a sale!

 

If you would rather look in person or need something immediately and don’t have time to shop online, we visited a couple of retail stores in Lubbock that had great choices at reasonable prices.

Hobby Lobby

If you are looking for new stuff Hobby Lobby always has great options. You can always find things 50% off. If you see something you want but its not on sale, wait until the next week and it will more than likely be 50% off. If you can’t wait you can always pull up their 40% off coupon on your phone. You can find the coupon here!

Kirklands

We’ve recently seen a lot of great things at Kirklands that could be used as wedding decorations. You can usually catch things on sale here too if you are patient. They recently had all lanterns 20% off! If you sign up for emails online, you automatically receive a 20% off coupon!

Autumn Oaks has recently added a small inventory of wedding decorations as an additional option! We are excited to add something extra for our Brides!

 

19th

Dec

Holiday Party Ideas

I absolutely love everything about the holiday season! Between work and church events, friend’s parties, and family gatherings I’m always needing ideas on snacks and drinks to take. Thanks to Pinterest, again, I’ve come up with several fun ideas. If you aren’t quite in the Christmas spirit yet, just  search Christmas on Pinterest. Its pretty magical! 😉

Hot Coco Bar

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Nothing says winter like hot coco. The rustic theme mixed with the copper mugs and red buffalo plaid is the perfect holiday mix!

 

Christmas Sangria

Photo Credit: Pinterest

The colors in this mix are captivating and the recipe is delightful! Pinot Grigio, sparkling apple cider, cranberries, and apples… Yum!

 

Chocolate dipped Christmas wreath

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Chocolate covered pretzels… Mmmm! Love this festive display.

 

Christmas Chex Mix (Reindeer Chow)

Photo Credit: Pinterest

This is the perfect snack to munch on at any gathering. We like to call it “Reindeer Chow”. My Mother in Law makes the best Reindeer Chow! This is such a simple way to add some holiday fun. Who doesn’t love red and green m&ms anyways!

Christmas Tree Cheese Board Appetizer

Photo Credit: Pinterest

You can never have too many sweets in my opinion, but it’s a good idea to have something to snack on that isn’t so sweet also. A mixture of cheeses and grapes is a great idea! A spread shaped like a Christmas Tree is even better!

Grinch Grapes

Photo Credit: Pinterest

How simple and fun is this?! Fruit is a great addition to any party.

Candy Cane Place Settings

Photo Credit: Pinterest

This is a great idea for place settings or a way to display the different food and drink choices.

Cranberry Centerpieces

Photo Credit: Pinterest

If you are adding place settings to your holiday party you need centerpieces too! This is a simple, elegant look. This would look great with the Christmas Sangria too!

Grinch Punch

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Champagne, sparkling soda, lime, and lime sherbet…. Need I say more?

Photo Backdrop

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Last but not least, every great party needs a little mistletoe!

 

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 

 

 

29th

Nov

Morgan + Shawn

 

Meet Morgan and Shawn.

 

 

Morgan and Shawn tied the knot at Autumn Oaks Event Center in October 2017. Fall wedding season is my favorite time and theirs was absolutely perfect! It was a beautiful Autumn day for an outdoor wedding. They had an intimate outdoor ceremony followed by a gorgeous indoor reception with their loved ones.

How did the Bride and Groom meet?

Morgan is from Midland, Tx and Shawn is from Weatherford, Tx. Morgan attended Texas Tech University and graduated in 2011. Shawn is a Lieutenant Firefighter in Big Spring. The couple met through mutual friends. Morgan worked with the wife and Shawn worked with the husband. Their coworkers thought the two had similar personalities and introduced them. In Morgan’s words- “boy were they right!”

The Proposal

A year and a half later, Shawn popped the question! He had big plans for an engagement in Durango, Colorado while on a ski trip until plans fell through and the couple wasn’t able to go . That didn’t stop Shawn though! He planned to take Morgan out to dinner. When he arrived at there house, he rang the door bell and quickly got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. She excitedly said yes!

Favorite Wedding Memories

Morgan says their favorite memories are “all the friends and family coming! It was so great seeing them. The venue was absolutely gorgeous and I loved finally seeing all of our planning come together and turn out so well!” Her favorite moment is “during the ceremony the Preacher asked for the rings… Well I forgot Shawn’s in the Bridal Suite and I was still wearing mine so we had to pretend when exchanging them. It was funny and kind of showed how nervous we both were!”

The Honeymoon

The couple started their new life together with a honeymoon in Jamaica relaxing by the pool and beach, spending time with each other.

 

 

Autumn Oaks Event Center was honored to host Morgan and Shawn’s wedding and enjoyed working with this sweet couple. It was a wonderful day. We wish them a lifetime of love and happiness!

 

 

 

 

 

20th

Oct

Makayla + Morgan

I haven’t had the privilege of meeting this Bride in person but after discussing this blog with her, I can tell she is the sweetest! I asked her a few questions about her and Morgan and I am in love with their story.

How did Makayla and Morgan meet?

This love story began on Facebook. Morgan, from Lebanon, PA and Makayla from Portales, NM originally became friends on social media through mutual friends. Morgan graduated from Eastern New Mexico with a degree in Criminal justice and Makayla graduated from Clovis Community College with a nursing degree. After chatting on Facebook, the two decided to go on a blind date to Chili’s. They instantly connected and spent nearly 4 hours getting to know each other. Morgan and Makayla dated for a little over 3 years before he popped the question.

How did Morgan propose?

Makayla’s story of the proposal is just perfect.

 “For about 2 months we had family pictures with his family planned and my friend, Alli, who is a photographer was going to take them. After taking several family photos at our first location and discussing where our next location will be, Morgan and I jumped in the car with Alli who looks at the both of us and says, “Okay, I have a surprise for the both of you.” She pulls out two blind folds and tells us to put them on. Little did I know, I was the only one who put the blind fold on. Alli starts driving around and I’m sitting there saying over and over again, “Morgan, what could it be?! Where are we going?!” He’s playing along the entire time saying he has no idea! The whole time I’m freaking out because we are supposed to meet Morgan’s family at a different location to take more family photos and here we are doing this! The car finally stops and Alli opens our door and helps me out of the car. She guides me a few steps and says, “okay, you guys can undo your blind folds!” To a VERY BIG surprise, Morgan was not by my side blind folded, but instead on one knee with all our family and friends behind him holding signs and balloons that said, “Marry Him.” It was the most perfect day ever! I was completely caught off guard!”

What is one of your favorite memories from you wedding day?

“Our favorite memory from the wedding was getting to spend that entire day with our friends and family getting ready and finally soaking in the reality and the fact we were getting married! Walking down the aisle was so surreal getting to see Morgan standing there at the alter. It was a beautiful day!”

We absolutely adore this couple and wish them a lifetime of happiness together!

 

3rd

Oct

Top 5 Favorite Pinterest Wedding Ideas

If you aren’t looking on Pinterest for wedding inspiration you are missing out! I often find myself scrolling through Pinterest thinking “why didn’t I have this when I was getting married!” I had a really hard time narrowing my list down to 5 of my favorites to share with you.

  1. Polaroid Guest Book

One of my best friends recently did this at her wedding and it was so much fun. It is such a great way to remember each friend and family member who attended your wedding. Not only does it create a special memory for the Bride and Groom but it is a lot of fun for the wedding guests as well!

2.Framed Wedding Guestbook

Another unique wedding guest book idea is something framed that you can hang in your home. I love the idea of each person signing their name on a heart and dropping it in the frame. This is such a cool idea that you can hang somewhere and be reminded of all your loved ones who attended your wedding day.

3.Instagram Sign

I’m sure most of your wedding guests are snapping selfies and posting them on Instagram and Facebook throughout your ceremony and reception. This is a fun way to make sure you get to see all the wedding pictures your guests took of your wedding day.

4.Honeymoon Fund 

I have attended several weddings lately where a honeymoon fund was part of the reception. A dance with the Bride or Groom is the most popular I have seen but I love the idea of guessing who will get the wedding cake in the face.

5.Remembering Loved Ones

 

I saved the best for last. This is by far one of my favorite ideas. This is an idea I wish I would have thought of for my wedding day. Framing pictures of loved ones who have passed or creating a family tree with framed photos is such a sweet, sentimental touch. We’ve had several brides at Autumn Oaks who beautifully displayed pictures of passed loved ones. See a few of them here, on our Autumn Oaks Event Center Facebook page.

26th

Sep

Bailey + Ben

Meet Bailey and Ben

Bailey and Ben tied the knot at Autumn Oaks Event Center in August. They had a gorgeous outdoor wedding on a beautiful, summer day where they were surrounded by family and friends. The couple ended the night with an indoor reception in the banquet hall celebrating with guests and dancing the night away. These two are the sweetest couple! Can’t you just feel the love from the pictures?! We were so excited for them when they came for their wedding venue tour. Get ready to fall in love with these two and their sweet story.

How did the Bride and Groom meet?

Bailey is originally from Arizona but moved to Lubbock, Texas where she later met Ben her Junior Year in High school. That’s right- High school sweet hearts. Bailey went on to college at South Plains in Levelland, Texas and Ben chose to attend Columbia Southern University. These two weren’t about to let long distance get in their way. They dated for 8 years before Ben popped the question.

The Proposal

One of the couple’s favorite things to do together is hike. While on a camping trip with Ben’s best friend, a hike led to Ben getting down on one knee and proposing. Bailey had no idea Ben was planning a proposal and was completely surprised. She was thrilled that Ben’s friend was there to capture the moment for them.

Favorite Wedding Memories

Bailey says their favorite memory from their wedding at Autumn Oaks was “having all our family together in one place.” Isn’t she the sweetest!

Autumn Oaks Event Center was honored to host Bailey and Ben’s wedding and had so much fun with this sweet couple. The Bride was gorgeous, the ceremony was intimate, and the cake was delicious! We wish them a lifetime of love and happiness.

 

 

 

 

 

19th

Sep

Top 10 Things To Do Immediately After Engagement

1.Tell your family

Share your excitement with your family. They will be thrilled to hear your news and want to know all the details! Make sure to send them a picture of the engagement ring!

2.Tell your close friends

After sharing the news with your family be sure to tell your closest friends. Let them know that you want to be the first to post your “We are getting married” announcement on social media.

3.Pamper yourself

Make an appointment at the spa and salon. Everyone you see will want to see your ring so you will want your nails to look great too! Don’t forget the engagement pictures you will want to take!

4. Schedule engagement pictures

Ask friends and look online at portfolios to find your photographer. Decide what style of photography you like best and choose a photographer with the same style. Keep in mind this can be a wedding photographer interview for the big day!

5.Choose a wedding date range

Decide with your fiancé on a wedding date range that would work for you both. Keep in mind setting a specific date could be challenging when picking your wedding venue so setting a range of dates may make things easier.

6.Set your budget

Before you can really start planning your big day it’s important to set your budget. Forget the traditions of what the Bride’s family pays and what the Groom’s family pays. Sit down with each family and see what they are willing to help with. Once your budget is established you can move on to making choices like how many people you will invite.

7.Create your guest list

Creating your guest list is something else you should do while you are sitting down with each family- the moms won’t let you forget anyone! Once you have an estimate on how many people you will invite you can start looking for a wedding and reception venue that will accommodate all your guests.

8.Choose a location and venue or event center

Now that you have narrowed down your guest list you can decide on the location and venue or event center for your wedding. Make sure to schedule a tour so you can visit the venue and see what all they offer.

9.Pick your wedding party

There are so many fun ways to ask your closest friends to be bridesmaids and groomsmen and share your special day with you. My sister in law sent me a box full of goodies and a card that I still have. Check out Pinterest for inspiration!

10.Pick your wedding dress

Now for the fun stuff!! You have most of the big choices out of the way it’s time to find THE dress. If you haven’t already, get online and find several different styles you think you are interested in. Then, invite your girls or just go with your Mom and try on as many as you want until you find the one. Take pictures, laugh, and soak in all the memories!

 

 

 

 

10th

Sep

Letter of Gratitude

To anyone and everyone we have worked for or with in the past 2 years: Thank you!!! When we started this new adventure, we really had no idea the blessings that were headed our way. We have had the pleasure of working with so many incredible people. You guys make our job so much more fun and enjoyable.

To the brides: Thank you for choosing us! We know you have several options for wedding venues in and around Lubbock, Texas, and we are so honored and grateful that you chose Autumn Oaks for such an important event! We have sincerely enjoyed each and every one of you. You have all been so sweet, so appreciative, and SO GORGEOUS! Words cannot express how much we adore you all.

To the parents of our brides and grooms: You have all been so wonderful. We know how stressful and exhausting a wedding can be and you have all been so good-natured and easy to work with! We have made genuine friendships with many of you and we feel so blessed.

To the vendors: Lubbock, Texas has some of the most incredible wedding vendors! We have seen such a wide variety of styles of weddings and each has been incredible in its own way. It takes such a distinctive person to decorate and arrange flowers and bouquets. It does not look easy and we have seen some of the most beautiful wedding décor and arrangements! The food. Wow! Can we talk about the food?? I can’t imagine cooking for 200-300 people – keeping it all fresh and warm has to be a task and it’s always so tasty! Of course we always sneak a plate when there’s enough (i.e. research ;)) and we are rarely disappointed. The same can be said for the wedding cakes we see. So many photographers have shared their photos with us to use for marketing and have tagged us in their posts, and we cannot tell you how much it is appreciated. So much talent here in and around Lubbock, Tx!

To the planners: You make everyone’s lives a little easier! You always keep everything so organized and keep all the wedding vendors and members of the wedding party on task and on time. Not to mention you are all so kind and so fun to work with. We are clearly very fond of you all!

We have been on quite a journey these past two years. It has been exhausting and overwhelming at times, but has also been incredibly exciting and rewarding. YOU are such a big part of why this wedding venue has become such a blessing in all of our lives, and as a family, we just wanted to send out the most heartfelt THANK YOU to each and every one of you! XO, Autumn Oaks (Thornberry and Smith families)