January 2012 VIP

8/3/2019 January 2012 VIP

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VOLUME 2 ISSUE 4 | NOVEMBER 2009 | theVIPm

COMPLIMENTA

VOLUME 5 ISSUE 3 | January 2012 | theVIPmag

O F S O U T H E A S T T E X A S

Everything you need to say

I Do!planners,

owers,caterers,stationery,cakes,venues,dresses,decor,gift ideasandmuchmore!

Lamars OUTspoken fashion design

Hot Hearts Conference burns brighter than ev

January events to avoid the winter blu

Barn orbeach?Weddingashion for

any locale

REBORNMother tur

loss of sons inlife for ma

+ Preparing a new babythe New Ye


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The Perfect Setting for

the Wedding Dayyouve always dreamed of .

The Perfect Setting for

the Wedding Dayyouve always dreamed of .

3950 I-10 South (@Walden Road) Beaumont, TX 77705Phone: 409.842.5995 Fax: 409.842.7810www.holidayinn.com/beaumont-plaza

3950 I-10 South (@Walden Road) Beaumont, TX 77705Phone: 409.842.5995 Fax: 409.842.7810www.holidayinn.com/beaumont-plaza


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The CHRISTUS Outpatient Center now offers Ultra-Short

Open Bore MRI, providing you with more room for greater

comfort and less worry. The MRI is also quieter, so you feel

more relaxed. Additionally, a majority of procedures can be

performed feet first with your head outside of the equipment.

The end result? You feel less confined, less stressed, and have

much better outcomes. Its another way CHRISTUS Hospital St. Mary is

providing a higher standard of healthcare in Southeast Texas.

www.christushospital.org/stm-mri

HAVING AN MRI JUST GOT A LOT MORE COMFORTABLE.


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January 2012 | theVIPmag.com

EditorialExecutive Editor

DAVID [email protected]

Contributing WritersCATHLEEN COLE

AMANDA CORBELLMARGARET B. GARDNER

LARENA HEADGRACE MATHISJANE MCBRIDE

HOLLI PETERSENCHERYL ROSE

PhotographyContributing Photographers

SCOTT ESLINGERSILVIA C. MCCLAINREN SHEPPARDLEE E. STINSON

Graphic Designer, Creative MediaDAVID CONSTANTINE

AdvertisingTo advertise in VIP,409.880.0700

Contact UsVIP of Southeast Texas

380 Main StreetBeaumont, TX 77701

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[email protected] BY USPS AT ADDRESS ABOVE.

A Division of Hearst NewspapersPublisher

BILL OFFILL

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!www.facebook.com/thevipmag

on the coverAll eyes were on model Eryn Lambright from Warren in our RusticElegance wedding shoot at Bauer Ranch in Winnie. Davids Bridal gaveus exclusive access to their 2012 spring collection and shipped us thisGalina Collection gown directly from New York City. Pictured here, Erynpaired a plaid annel shirt with her wedding dress for a fun, casual look.

Photography by Sarah e. Evans, fowers and styling by Tamara Menges,makeup by Ashly Black and hair by Meagan Phillips

c o n t e n t s

vip magazine

insidejanuary06 vipersonality06 Wedding planners:loving the work when

the work is love

0 vip viewing10 7 great venues to holdyour wedding

13 Engaging engagement

photos

8 vip style18 The perfect seaside

nuptials

25 How to create a rustic,

elegant wedding ... at

a barn

32 Lamar fashion

designer combines

fashion with activism

34 food&drink34 Redening and

redesigning the

grooms cake

36 vip spotlight36 SE Texas events

40 vip worthy40 How a mothers loss

saved the lives of

many

42 Hot Hearts celebrates

25 years in Beaumont

47 vip adviser44 10 wedding gift ideas

47 4 great dates in

January

48 Calendar

49 Crossword puzzle

50 vip voices49 Letters and e-mails

50 Preparing for a new

baby in the New Year

10

44

18


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We are pleased to announce the opening of our state-of-the-art center with the full

complement of diagnostic imaging services available in one convenient location. Patients

visiting us can expect flexible scheduling, fast report turnaround and minimal waiting times.

Our womens center offers specialized testing in a separate, private enclave within the

larger facility. We are committed to making your experience here as pleasant, comfortable

and convenient as possible.

The ODC represents diagnostic imaging as it was meant to be. Exceptional quality and

expertise available to you without delay, and with a level of service excellence uncommon

in healthcare today.

Dr. Brent Mainwaring, Medical Director

A leading Beaumont radiologist for more than 18 years, Dr. Mainwaring guides the medical

team at The ODC. He is one of the regions top radiologists in interpreting womens,

general and specialized diagnostic imaging services.

O UT PA T I E N T

D I A GN O S T I C C E N T E R Find us on Facebook!

MRI CT Ultrasound X-Ray Digital Mammography DEXA Breast MRI Breast Biopsy


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January 2012 | theVIPmag.com

lovew e d d i n g p l a n n e r s

vipersonality

Loving the workwhen the work is

he day of the wedding has arrived. As the bride, you want to take special

care and linger over your hair and makeup, but instead you are decorating

the reception hall dressed in sweats and a ponytail. Not what you always

pictured? What you need is a wedding planner. Wedding planners are experts

in the details and schedules involved in weddings. These coordinators can help

plan the vision from the beginning, get you started or take responsibility for a

smooth event on the big day. They have contacts with other service providers, from venues

to photographers. They are familiar with costs and current trends. They are enthusiasticsupporters, sympathetic listeners and a neutral person when clashes of opinion occur with

relatives or bridal party members.

Though it may appear this career choice is like living one big party, planners work long

hours, including most weekends. They frequently must step very considerately through

emotional mineelds. Just like any other business, they must le taxes, send bills, stay current

in the eld and market to potential clients. Above all else, they must be extremely organized,

coping with many stressful situations with a calm exterior.

Two local women recently took the risk of following their passion by becoming full-time

wedding planners/event specialists. We asked Angel Dauphine and Michelle Randall to share

some behind-the-scenes insights into what they love about the business of love.

Michelle RandallMeShells Wedding Bells Wedding Planning &

Design, Beaumont

At her rst wedding vendor show, Mi-chelle Randall was very nervous. She hadplanned her own wedding and two wed-dings for personal friends, but launchingher own business took a leap of condencein herself. At the show, Randall connectedwith one bride, who hired her because ofthe rapport they established. Within herrst year of business, Randall booked 24weddings.

I have always had a passion for plan-ning, Randall said. Though she alwaysenjoyed throwing grand birthday and din-ner parties, she didnt consider it a careeroption until after she married and wanted ajob with more family-friendly hours. I justdidnt see myself as an entrepreneur, sheremembered. However, she began takingevent planning classes online, attendingwedding business seminars and oeringher services for free to gain experience.She now works full-time as a planner andrecently hired an assistant.

Its smooth sailing on the outside andvery hectic on the inside, said Randall,

describing a planners role. Youre on atimeline and you have to be very organiYou have to be a complete people persoyou have to be able to listen, you have tcalm, you have to be someone the coupcan look to and trust.

Developing a personal relationship weach bride and becoming friends is imptant to Randall. However, if she believecouple is making a decision that will clawith previous choices or if she is asked an opinion, she will speak up. I will alwhave my opinions; they are hiring me fothat, she said. Working with a weddinplanner, you are getting someone who h

tphotography by SCOTT ESLINGERtext by CHERYL ROSE


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theVIPmag.com | January 20

worked with dierent vendors and knows which torust.

Before hiring an assistant, Randall worked longours preparing for weddings, aided by her husbandnd mother-in-law when she needed more hands. Man-ging the timelines and details of multiple weddings atnce has required her to develop business systems totay organized. She would like to one day run a wed-ing rm, with multiple coordinators specializing inierent aspects of weddings.

For Randall, the reward for a job well-done is theppreciation of the happy brides. Their thankfulness,heir expressions, their hugs as they leave for their hon-ymoons thats what matters to me, not how much Iweated, she said. Its the most rewarding feeling.>>

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8 January 2012 | theVIPmag.com

Angel Dauphinehe Wedding Hub, Nederland

When Angel Dauphines son was little, sheapped into her natural creativity to put onver-the-top, thematic birthday parties for

him each year. Later, she worked at LamarUniversity in a role involving alumni events

nd corporate parties. Along the way, she re-lized how much she enjoyed planning specialccasions that make people happy.

Working on an event is a lot of fun in-eracting with dierent people, thinking cre-tively but planning a wedding and pullingt all o in one day is a lot of work, she said.At the end of the day, if the bride doesntnow of anything that went wrong and she

ust oated through the night, the reward isworth the eort.

Dauphine began planning parties and wed-ings as a part-time business ve years ago.

The rst wedding she coordinated was forrofessional golfer Chris Stroud and his wife,

Tiany. It was an immersion learning experi-

nce as the young couple was constantlyraveling and many decisions and deadlinesell to Dauphine. Looking back now, I am sorateful for the opportunity I had to learn bylanning that very special wedding, she said.My knowledge and skills have grown in leapsnd bounds since then.

Dauphine said that a willingness to workhard and an ability to respond quickly under

ressure are essential in the events business.

A great planner knows how to address andresolve an issue without the bride, groomor guests even realizing there was one, shesaid. Planners are very helpful in managingthe wedding budget and timeline, but alsoprovide physical labor, she explained. Trans-forming a reception hall to the bridal visioncan be a 12-hour day of lifting and carrying,for example.

For Dauphine, part of the fun in her job

is the chance to exercise her crafting andcreative skills. Ive always been extremelycreative, she said. She loves do-it-yourselfprojects and recently made faux chandeliersout of decorative pearls and ribbon for a wed-ding in the vintage trend.

When she was laid o from her full-timejob last year, Dauphine took the opportunityto open a new business to serve brides. Thisis just something I woke up one day andjumped into head rst, she said. In addi-tion to Dauphines planning services,her Wedding Hub business represents11 vendors in the events trade, from

various rentals to orists to invita-tion designers. Every bride isspecial and has a very dierentvision, she said. It is very im-portant to respect her vision andalso to assure her that you arethere to support her throughoutit all while making everythingshes ever dreamed of into herperfect day.

ay anIn addi-ces,entsm

-

How to Pick aPlanner

There is no ofcial quali-

cation to become a wed-

ding planner. However, there

are various event planning

credentials that can be earne

through coursework.

An essential consideration

is reputation. Other than

personal references, planner

can hold memberships in

organizations that require a

credible reputation to join,

such as the Better Business

Bureau or Angies List.

Experience is the most valu

able credential for an event

planner.

Planners may charge a per

centage of the total weddingbudget, by the hour or offer

packages for different ser-

vices. According to Dauphine

one of the most popular pack

ages is day of assistance,

where the planner directs all

the vendors, handles details

and prevents disasters on the

actual wedding day.

Ultimately, its about rappor

and trust. If youve checked

the background and reputa-

tion of your candidate, the

most important question to

answer is whether you can

work cohesively and intimate

with this individual on one of

the most memorable events

your life.

VIP


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vip viewingw e d d i n g p a r t y

Art Museum of Southeast TexasA ne wedding deserves ne art, and this venue has rooms fullof just that. The museum holds extensive ne art collections ofpaintings, sculptures, prints and photographs of the 19th through21st centuries. The decorative arts collection includes EnglishWedgwood, silver and both contemporary and traditional glass.With its emphasis on American art, the museum also has agrowing regional collection of folk art. This elegant setting offersa soaring glass pyramid ceiling, a glass-enclosed caf and a spa-cious courtyard complete with a beautiful fountain. Art Museum ofSoutheast Texas, 500 Main St., Beaumont 77701, 409.832.3432,[email protected], amset.org/rent

Beau Revemarriage should be like a

eautiful dream, so perhapshis venue is the place for

dreamlike reception. Themajestic historic home was

uilt in 1901 and includeswo dining rooms, four bed-

ooms, two sitting rooms andloft. Elegant appointmentsrace the home and thereslso a grand fountain. Thearriage house is used as the

main restaurant, and thatswhere wedding receptionsake place. Weddings cane performed in the carriageouse, in the gazebo or on

he porch of the main house.Beau Reve, 4400 AtlanticRoad, Port Arthur 77642,

09.962.2422

Jefferson TheatreThis magnicent restored theater couldbe the perfect venue for a weddingproduction. The ornate interior radiatesromance with its blending of marble,gold trim, statues and columns. Twinstaircases meet to provide grand en-trances and perfect photo opportunities.The chandelier, original to the JeffersonTheatre, is a replica of one of the greatchandeliers that hung in the Hall of Mir-rors at the Palace of Versailles. And asan added benet, the happy newlywedswill see their names up in lights on the

marquee. Jefferson Theatre, 345 FanninSt., Beaumont 77701, 409.838.3435ext. 4203, [email protected], beaumont-tx-complex.com

7weddingvenues

VIP

text by CATHLEEN COLE



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The Brown CenterFor privacy and scenic tranquility, The BrownCenter of Lamar State College-Orange mightbe the right choice. This stately, Colonial-stylehome is surrounded by an 88-acre garden andsituated among tall pines and plentiful azaleas. Itencompasses nearly 20,000 square feet with 14rooms including six bathrooms and two foyers. Theentry foyer is especially elegant with its lariat-lacedstairway winding through a woodland mural. TheBrown Center of Lamar State College-Orange,4205 W. Park Ave., Orange 77630, 409.883.2939,[email protected], lsco.edu/browncenter

Julie Rogers Theatreet the stage for a rened reception at Julie Rogers Theatre

or the Performing Arts. Sparkling chandeliers light theegantly appointed lobby area, which is graced by twin

taircases and two lounging areas. The spacious foyerrovides a stately entry to the venue. Julie Rogers Theatre

or the Performing Arts, 765 Pearl St., Beaumont 77701,09.838.3435 ext. 4203, [email protected],eaumont-tx-complex.com

Rose Hill ManorA marriage is a historicevent, so why notcelebrate it in a historichome? This statelymansion was built in1906 and is one of theoldest landmarks in Port

Arthur. It has spacious rooms,an elegant stairway, antiquesand a grand piano. Anotherbenet: the 13-foot-wide,wrap-around porch with a viewof the gardens and the Gulf

Intracoastal Waterway. RoseHill Manor, 100 WoodworthBlvd., Port Arthur 77640,409.985.7292

SugasJazz up the reception in thishistoric building built in 1914.The upstairs event area isgraced with a private art col-lection and has a dance oor, astage and a terrace overlook-ing downtown. Theres also anelegant courtyard with gardensand a waterfall. Sugas DeepSouth Cuisine & Jazz Bar, 461Bowie St., Beaumont 77701,409.813.1808, [email protected], sugas-deepsouth.com

He nally popped the question! (Omaybe she did.) And now the happ

couple is planning a wedding. Shoulda big church or temple wedding? Or m

a simple ceremony at the reception ven

would suit the couple better. And speakireception venues, where should that impo

after party take place? There are manywonderful offerings in Southeast Texas.

Marissa Sellers Anderson of Glass Slipper Evand Lindsay Bennett Zummo of Its All n the

sentation have some sage advice when it comto booking a venue:

Consider your personality and what type ofreception you want when looking for a locatioFormal or casual? Artsy or back-to-nature? Wdance party or quiet gathering?

Make your nal guest list before you call.

count matters and can determine your venuoptions.

Book as far in advance as possible, espcially if you have only one date in mind. Bexible about the date will give you mor

options.

Decide if you want all-inclusive sevices or if you will work with multi

vendors.

Read the rental contract cafully to be aware of all fees

deposit requirements.

Book

V



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When it comes to your health, you now have more choices than ever.

Altus Healthcare offers Beaumont the highest levels of service, quality and convenience. Our state-of-the-art facility on

11th Street, between Broadway and Liberty, features a wide variety of imaging, sleep and surgical services in an attractive,

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Our new Altus Cancer Center will open this Fall, offering the latest and most innovative cancer treatments by

board-certified/board-eligible oncologists, right here in Beaumont.

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p h o t o g r a p h y

vip viewing

Thats

Engaging!Modern

wedding

albums are

just as likely

to include

photos of the bride in her

bathrobe, having her eyebrows

plucked, as they are to show

ormal portraits taken at the

ltar. Couples these days want

s personalized a record of their

big event as possible.

Thats why many are chroni-ling their trek to the altar as soons it becomes ocial that theyll be

making one. Engagement photosive couples a golden opportunityo capture their personalities, sensef humor and personal style ight from the start.

We wanted to have casualhotographs that represent uss a couple, said Brittany Bald-

win. She and her anc, ShelbyClark, worked with Beaumontphotographer Marc Shepherd ofInFrame Pictures to create a seriesof relaxed outdoor shots. Somefeature bold colors like the brideselectric-blue dress and a handful ofbright sunowers, while others areblack-and-white representing arange of feelings from playful to

passionate.Shelby and I both love to laugh

and have fun. We were happy thatthe photos captured our person-alities. We wanted the pictures toportray how happy we are, Bald-win said. We wanted our picturesto be unique. We chose to do somewhile the weather was still a bithot outside to get some fun, bright

colors mixed in with our upcoming winter/fall photographs so could have a variety.

Shepherd said more coupleinterested in engagement photthat go beyond the typical loothe camera and smile shots, eplaining, They want that specshot that introduces themselvea couple to the world.

Couples start chronicling thtrek to the altar as soon asthey decide therell be one

text by MARGARET BATTISTELLI GARD

>>

photography by LACIE GRANT


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Beaumont photographer LacieGrant of Essence Photographyrecently did an engagement shootat a carnival that set up shop atthe Parkdale Mall. The colors andlights captured MaryYoung andDylan Bres sense of fun, and theircomfort level with each other.

I chose Mary and Dylan for thisstyle of session because Mary isvery bubbly and outgoing. Dylan seemed a little more reserved andwas probably a little less excited

about being in front of a cam-era, which most men are, Grantexplained. I knew that this wouldbe a great way for Mary to bring outher playful side and help Dylan for-get for a moment that a camera waspointed at him. I think whatevermakes Mary happy puts a smile onDylans face, and we certainly cap-tured that during the session.

Grant said getting to knowclients as a couple before put-ting them in front of the camerais essential. Not all choose to gowith a theme, and many come toher with no real idea of the kind ofshoot they want. In that case, she and they just have to trust herinstincts.

Sometimes photography ismost beautiful at its simplest form,and sometimes themes or stylizedsessions are just perfect for certaincouples, she said.

Shepherd warns against using aphotographer who relies on a cook-ie-cutter approach, taking couplesto the same locations, using thesame poses. Engagement photosleave lots of room for individualityand creativity, so photographersneed to get to know their clients

and were not just talking aboutthe brides. (Sorry, ladies.)

Its critical to build a relation-ship with the couple and thatincludes the groom-to-be, he said.Lets face it, most guys dont likesitting through a series of shoots.Thats why the photographer

needs to be sure to include thgroom-to-be in the decision-ming process. Theyre a couple.means both should have a gootime, and the photographs shoshow both of their personaliti

Both photographers suggescheduling engagement photo

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as soon as possible after thecouple decides to get hitched. Thatensures the excitement level is atits peak, and it gives them time touse the photos to announce theirengagement through cards, news-papers or social-media sites likeFacebook, for their save-the-datecards and wedding invitations or todisplay at the reception.

Its also a great insight into whatthey can expect from the client/photographer relationship for the

wedding photos. Even though mostengagement photography is workedinto the overall wedding-photopackage, it gives the couple and thephotographer time to get to knoweach other and get comfortableworking together.

Sure, couples can count onfriends or family members to takeengagement photos, but for a smalladdition to their wedding-photogra-phy budget, they can have creative,highly personalized photos with amore artistic touch than most ama-teur shutterbugs can produce.

Shelby and I agreed thatspending a little more from ourbudget on pictures was worth it,bride-to-be Baldwin said. We willalways have these pictures to lookback on forever. They will alwaysbe a memento that reminds us ofhow we felt so excited and ready tostart our journey together.

Choosing aphotographerHere are some tips from Marc Sh

herd on choosing a photographe

your engagement photos:

Make sure you feel comfortab

with the photographer. If you se

sales pitch, chances are thats e

what it is.

Make sure the photographer

knows what he or she is doing.

because they have a camera doe

mean they know how to take goo

photographs or even know to

to use it! How many cameras do

use? The last thing a couple nee

a photographer who shows up to

engagement shot with one came

only to have it break down.

Choose a photographer that do

have any hidden costs.

Choose a photographer who is

willing to experiment and try diff

things, and be willing to listen to

ideas and try to incorporate them

the shoot.VIP

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b e a c h w e d d i n g

vip style

seaside nuptialsIts incredibly easy to become over-whelmed during wedding season;however, panic attacks dont atterany bride-to-be. With so many deci-sions to make from owers to photos,dresses to serving dishes and makeupto music, planning your big day cancause a big headache. In an eort toease some of your stress, we at VIP as-

embled some of the most talented local weddingendors to demonstrate 2012s hottest wedding

rends while creating the perfect beach wedding.

the dressSo where do you begin? Most brides want to

get the most nerve-wracking, yet most enchant-ing, part of the wedding planning process out of

the way rst: nding The Dress. Sukis Bridals,Formals and Tuxedos in Orange could be the best-kept secret in the city. With a plethora of gowns inevery style you can fathom available, Sukis alsooers brides a free veil or tiara with the purchaseof a gown.

Owner and operator, Suki Howard, says thatwhile every bride is unique and looking for some-

thing dierent, many of this years newer stylare more daring and dramatic than gowns in pyears.

Designers are starting to veer away from up and are going with more luxurious fabricsmore innovated styles, she said. One-shoulgowns are very trendy, along with accessoriesbeaded crystal, pearl or ower belts for the dr

The gown featured on our bride is an Isa-dora Anne gown that Howard hand-picked fobeach-front wedding. She describes her choicmodern, fun, irty and beautifully detailed w

text by AMANDA CORBELL art direction by STEPHANIE DO AND GLENDA LITTLE photography by ALLEN AYRES AND MARIUS LARDIZABAL



19/52

lace and crystal beads.It was perfect for a beach we

ding, she said. You can never rgo wrong with a one-shoulder chfon dress, either.

For brides that are strugglingnd their perfect dress, Howard patience is key. Dont get discourand remember that the dress thais meant for you is out there, juslike the perfect man you found. Sencourages brides to let their perality take center stage, but do noafraid to try on dierent styles

open and adventurous!

the venueThe dress can set the tone fo

the entire event, just like the veOptions are endless when it com

to nding the perfect place to sayI Do, but one thing is necessaryphysically going there before youwedding date. Dont merely lookonline and hope for the best. Do leg work so you escape any unwecome surprises (and panic attackOne of the rst decisions you canmake about the location is whethyou and your groom would prefe

indoor or outdoor wedding. Outdweddings can add instant ambienand sometimes even instant and oral arrangements. If you are abeach lover, what backdrop couldmore appealing than the ocean awhite sand?

Shirley Adams of Swedes BeProperties, which has been servithe Bolivar Peninsular for more t50 years, can help you nd the pfect rental property for your specday. A Sea Glass Estate was the h

for our shoot and provided pleof rooms for preparation, a p

and overnight guests.

Consider a fall or sprwedding on our beautifuopen beaches, said AdaYou can create an unfogettable wedding experence in a casual settingpermits are needed to gmarried on the beach ayou can always return yafter year to commemo

your special day.

stationeryOnce you have the location

booked, its important to havpeople save the date, so to sp

These days, many couples decide

go with electronic invitations andsave-the-date emails. While verygreen of them, there is somethextra-special about receiving sucimportant invitation via snail mThe anticipation of opening up abeautiful envelope bearing your wding announcement is somethingnever goes out of style (and therea number of eco-friendly options

Dressy Designs by Glenda Litis located in Port Neches and is aone-stop-shop for stationery, placard and addressing needs. Weddstationary controls the style of yowedding; much like the location

IP tip: Whiteridesmaidsressesollowing lastears royaledding, whiteno longer

eserved justor the bride.or our shoot,e chose two

nee lengthamond white

resses for ourridesmaids.



20/52


ontrols the tone. The style cane formal, casual, fun, whimsical,legant, colorful or a mix of severaltyles. The style can be embellished

with everything from ribbons, enve-ope liners and even your font choice.

Initials and monograms wereopular in 2011 and I see that popu-

arity continuing into 2012, saidLittle. Lacey textures are somethingnew Ive begun using and I love theook of detailed ivory lace wrappedround a layer of ivory shimmer-ng paper. Its the perfect way to

ncorporate the brides dress into theesign of her invitation.

Little says she believes that usinglements from a themed weddingalso called personal branding)

will continue to be a hot trend, aswell as using eco-chic paper.Dressy Designs works with the

ride to create custom stationary, sorendy or not, customers are free toe as unique as they want with their

deas.

flowersOne of the most overwhelming

arts of planning a wedding is nd-

ng the right owers to carry downhe aisle and to add dcor to yourenue. Flowers can transform theeremony and reception venue, startconversation between guests and

dd color and scent to your bigay. While many brides startut with a type of ower in

mind, it can prove challeng-ng to bring that vision toife. Thats where La Belle

Fleur Wedding Designsomes in.

Stephanie Do, ownernd head event designert La Belle Fleur, says

he days of choosing andticking with one type ofower are over. More andmore brides are ndinghat less is not necessarily

more and are varying theirouquets, tablescapes and theizes and types of owers theyse. Do says she is seeing brides

ncorporate non-oral accessoriesnto their wedding bouquets, such asintage brooches, buttons, feathers,wigs and anything else that can addn extra punch to the bouquet.

A trend I am seeing for center-ieces is that they are not identical

or each table, said Do. We are

esigning tablescapes that vary andrides are embracing this conceptecause they are not restricted tohoosing only one design.

For the beach wedding shoot,Do hand-wired sea shells and clamso the bridal bouquets for a beach-hemed wedding. In Dos opinion,he oral arrangements are thene thing after the dress and cakehat guests will remember about a

wedding. She says with the array ofolors and types of owers available,heres no end to what owers cano.>>

VIP tip: mul-tiple dressesIn 2012, wewill see morebrides choosina dress for herceremony anda completelydifferent styleand design fortheir receptionSome brideswill even selec

a third dress towear when theparty is kickedoff or for theirafter-party.


21/52

dessertsThe pivotal part of any wedding, the cakeutting signies the end of a formal evening ands usually quickly followed by music, danc-ng and drinks. The cake, or cakes, is not to benderestimated. Whether you served attendeesors doeuvres or a plated meal, everyone wantsessert. Not only must it taste delicious, but ifone right, it can be a key player in adding style

o your reception. Dawneen Hebert of ArtisticConfections in Groves, says the trends in wedding

akes this year are showing o texture, shapesnd anything outside of the box.

Last year, the clean and modern look wasopular, she said. While the modern aspect is

still big, the sizes, shapes and patterns are chang-

ing. Geometric patterns can be added to cakes andspecial touches like having lace in the fondant tomatch your dress are being implemented.

Cupcakes, petit fours and candy tables arealso trendy this wedding season. Hebert chose toshowcase how cakes can be carved in the beachphoto shoot, where she carved an hourglass intothe cake. One of her specialties is creating three-dimensional cakes and she says there is no limitto what she can create for couples.

Anything goes right now, said Hebert.Brides are really thinking outside of the box.

makeupIt is this writers personal philosophy (and

was also on my wedding day) that come what

with the cake, the guests, the photos and all oother wonderful things that are somewhat lefchance, the one thing you have to ensure is thyou look stunning on your wedding day. Hair,makeup, accessories these are all vital partof your wedding day look. Erica Strazz of SaloStatus in Lumberton, Katie Killebrew of SalonElle in Port Arthur and Leigh Anne Britton oOoh-La-Laighs Jewelry have graciously givena rundown of what things to keep in mind whcreating your look.

Selecting the right makeup takes lots ofresearch. The face you would normally wear twork or out on a Friday night may not be thelook you want or need for your wedding day.

rt direction by STEPHANIE DO AND GLENDA LITTLEhotography by ALLEN AYRES AND MARIUSARDIZABAL, BELLAFOTOGRAFICA

desserts by DAWNEEN HEBERT, ARTISTIC CONFECTIONStationery by GLENDA LITTLE, DRESSY DESIGNS

owers by STEPHANIE DO, LA BELLE FLEURair by KATIE KILLEBREW, SALON ELLE

makeup by ERICA STRAZZ, SALON STATUSewelry by LEIGH ANNE BRITTON

dresses from SUKIS BRIDALuxedo from TUXEDO JUNCTIONable decor from FRED MILLERSride JULIA TRAN, NEDERLAND

room CODY DISHON, BRIDGE CITYridesmaids HANH MAGANA,EAUMONT AND JESSICA DIXON,

EDERLAND



22/52


lus, keep factors in mind such aswhether your event is indoors or

utdoors and how to keep your colorntensied for photos. The goal of

wedding day makeup is to look like

ou, only better.Strazz says outdoor weddings re-

uire oil-free makeup products andhe makeup has to be long-wearingo stand up to the elements. Sheecommends using a setting sprayver your makeup, such as Urban

Decays All Nighter and using strongwater-proof mascara like Blinc Mas-

ara. She also advises brides to use ap stain instead of a gloss or lipstick,

ince y-aways can get stuck in glossnd more importantly, its easilyransferred to the groom.

Trends right now are showingmore vintage-type of look, in the

tyle of pin-up girls, she said. Butvery bride is dierent and withites like Pinterest and YouTubevailable, many brides are just doingheir own thing. Strazz stronglyuggests doing a trial run makeoverefore the wedding and keepinglotting papers, lash glue for lashtrips and lip stain handy duringour reception.

hairHair stylist, Katie Killebrew

ays when it comes to wedding-dayair, its all about keeping it naturalnd loose. Brides can get away with

everything from braids, bedhead andeven some frizz these days.

The sleek look is out and move-ment is in, she said. Even curlingirons are out and tools such as

ribbon irons and clipless irons are into create hair that resembles TaylorSwifts.

For the beach wedding shoot, Kil-lebrew styled the brides hair using aribbon iron and styled the brides-maids hair using a clipless iron. Sheused all-natural Aveda products,little hairspray and avoided anythingslicked back.

The beachy, natural look is soin, she said.

jewelryTying the entire bridal look

together can be as simple as one per-

fect accessory. Former art teacher-turned-jewelry-maker, Leigh AnneBritton says she creates jewelry thatshe, herself, would want to wear.She nds inspiration from the pastand present and combines them intoworks of art using beach glass col-lected from local Texas coastlines.

For the beach shoot, she createda piece using frosted, worn beachglass, put next to vintage crystalchandelier prisms. She then stampedthe beach glass with a pattern tomake it look more sophisticated. Ifthere is a treasured piece of jewelryin your family that you would like >>


23/52

to update and incorporate into yourwedding look, Britton says she can dothat, too.

I have had several people bringme their odd and end family heirloomjewelry to create new pieces that theyenjoy wearing today, she said. I alsomake jewelry using vintage brooches,ear bobs, brass stencils, clock parts andother interesting items.

For more on Ooh-La-Leigh, nd heron Facebook, at the Rustic Door in Ned-erland and Classic Designs in ParkdaleMall.

memoriesAnd at the end of the big day, one of

the most important things you want tohave is all of the memories you workedso hard to create. A unique (and trendy)way to capture that is to have a photobooth set up that guests can enter at any

time and take fun, casual photos thatyou get to take with you at the end of thenight.

Imagine This Photo Booths is abrand-new company in Southeast Texasthat is rapidly taking o. Brides andgrooms like that the pictures taken inthe photo booth print immediately forguests and ash drives containing allof the evenings photos are ready forthe happy couple before they leave thevenue.

Its a great alternative for peoplewho get tired of dancing, said co-ownerMaggie Nelson.

The photo booths hold up to 10

adults, are wheelchair accessible andcome with dierent backgrounds andoptions for props, such as mustachesother fun items. Backdrops can be cutomized and the time and date is prinon each strip. All packages that can bordered include an attendant to workphoto booth and a scrapbook.

All of the equipment we use is pfessional, said co-owner Scott AlabeWe use high-quality, printer paper aall of the photos come out looking gr

So tell those panic attacks that yohave this whole wedding thing undercontrol. Relax and enjoy the memoriyou are making in just planning yourDay! VIP

VIP tip: Latenight snacksWhether hotchocolate,mini burgersor these donutshooters, late-night snackswill be popularin 2012 asguests prepareto leave or seek

a boost for theafterparty.



24/52


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ext by GRACE MATHIStyling, owers and decor by TAMARA MENGEShotography by SARAH E. EVANSair by ASHLY BLACK

makeup by MEAGAN PHILLIPSatering by BEAUMONT CATERING COMPANY

desserts by THERESE JORDANtationery by LEIGH ANNE SPENCEReremony dress from DAVIDS BRIDALeception dress from BRICKHOUSE BRIDALrooms attire from THE MENS WEARHOUSEhot on location at BAUER RANCH, WINNIEride ERYN LAMBRIGHT, WARREN

room COLT KELLEY, WARREN

w e d d i n g s

vip style



26/52

ow do you make your big day special? Ac-

cording to these wedding experts, the most

important thing is you! Think about the things

that your spouse and yourself enjoy and the

eelings you want to leave with your guests to create

ne-of-a kind weddings. For this shoot, we choose to

o Rustic Elegant, which is something all Southeastexans can relate to. Think outdoor elements with soft

atural colors and a timeless vintage feel. We hope

oull nd something that speaks to you and that you

an make your own.

amara Menges Designs

www.tamaramenges.com

nspiration: In our area we have a lot of grooms

(and brides!) that enjoy hunting and other outdoor

activities. We also have a lot of ranches in Texas,

so I immediately thought about the Bauer Ranch. I

came up with the design concept Rustic Elegance

because I still wanted the not-so-outdoorsy couples

to nd some things within the shoot that they might

be inspired to recreate for their own nuptials. I knewthat I wanted to keep the styling, oral and clothing

more rustic and not country.

Creations: For the table setting, I acquired some

fantastic tree logs for my centerpieces. I stood them

upright and assembled the neutral-colored oral

cascading around them as well around the top on

one with a large candle. The rest of the table pulled

together with ladder back chairs, bride and groom

wreaths and an over-exaggerated runner. For the

ceremony space, we made columns out of reclaimed

fence posts, and I made the arrangements, again

very muted in color, in galvanized metal pails. The

ceremony setting pulled together perfectly with b

breath-covered willow balls, mismatched chairs,

burlap runner and pew arrangements.

Favorite wedding trend: Im seeing rustic elem

everywhere. Remember you can take any elemen

and recreate it in a way that is truly unique to yo

personalities.

www.saraheevansphotography.com

Inspiration: I took the theme of Rustic Eleganc

and applied it in a romantic feel while photograph

The ranch was such a beautiful location that I rea

took inspiration from the items like the red barn,

wooden fence, golden elds and horses. The bar

made a stunning vivid backdrop for our couple an



27/52

llowed them to pop in the shots.

ther creation: Inspired by a piece of artwork in

Restoration Hardware magazine, I used our rustic

con of the deer and painted it onto old reclaimed

wood as a guestbook. Nowadays couples are looking

or creative alternatives for their guestbook and why

ot make it a piece of artwork for your new home?avorite wedding trend: The use of natural colors,

uch as gray, whites, creams and pale colors. Another

end that I am loving is the focus on smaller intimate

weddings in unique venues that are a bit out of the

rdinary.

eigh Makes Designs

09.718.5020

Inspiration: After I heard word that there would be

antlers used to help get the rustic feel across, I choseto use some vintage stamps that Ive been collecting. I

love taking something whimsical and iconic and mak-

ing it into something elegant and beautiful. Everything

else I used seemed to follow after (color, lettering,

style etc.) to highlight the deer in an elegant way.Creations: First off, I love a good square invite.Next, to go into our diagonal insert, I made my own

envelope from an Italian handmade paper. I am such

a fan of handmade paper because of the way it feels.

Last, I chose to pair rubber-stamping with digital

printing and heat embossing to create a warm and

cozy handmade feel without making the invite look

cheap. I nished it off with hand-set eyelets and twineto add some rugged, hardware charm. I also created

tags and deer place cards.

Favorite wedding trend: I love how couples are

coming up with themes for their weddings and not

only the obvious thematic themes that you see ph

cally all over the wedding, but a personal theme

love or gratitude. I think by carrying these person

themes throughout to not only bring the couple

together, but all of the family and friends they ha

asked to join them on their big day as well, make

a wonderful warm and loved lled day!

Something Beautiful Hair & Make-Up

409.350.0918

Keris Salon & Boutique, Kountze

Inspiration: When I pictured rustic elegance, I

thought of French braids. Of course not school gir

braids, but something romantic and sweet but sti

egant. To me, the braids and rustic theme just see

to go hand in hand, so I was going for a sweet co

girl all grown up and elegant for her big day. >>



28/52

avorite wedding trend: Brides dont want the

aditional updo anymore. I love that part of my job,

where I can be creative and make the perfect hair-

tyle that suits each bride and their personality.

here are more personal touches going into weddings

nd I love that, because its your day and it should be

ll about you and your spouse.

iva Bella Makeup Artistry

09.225.4052

nspiration: The look of the bride has to coordinate

with the dress, accessories and overall look of the

wedding. I was told the vision of the wedding was

going to be very rened and elegant rustic. I imme-

diately thought grays and browns for the rustic look

with a touch of pink for femininity and elegance.

Favorite wedding trend: I like the vintage trend. I

love the fact that something old is becoming some-

thing new. I also like thinking outside the church.

Location weddings are beautiful.

Beaumont Catering Company

www.beaumontcatering.com

Inspiration: This menu was drawn from nature and

respect for local seasonal ingredients. Couples are

using food as a way to express their personalities and

taste literally. These are autumn ingredients, and

imagined the husband being a hunter. We wante

showcase classic comfort food with a twist and t

the familiar avors but represent them in a rustic

elegant presentation.

Creation: We put a twist on the traditional meat

and used wild game such as venison and bison.

Also, using mushrooms to create a hearty risotto

with Parmesan is a great substitute for the stand

potato as a side item. Another seasonal comfort fwas the French onion soup with croutons. For the

cocktail hour beverage, we prepared a punch-sty

cocktail drink called Valley of the Kings with whis

amaretto and pineapple juice. The warm sensatio

from the whiskey, as well as the color of the beve

and oating orange slices all keep it seasonal. Th

types of drinks are very popular because theyre



29/52

onversation starters and budget-friendly.

avorite wedding trend: Clients wanting to offer

uests late-night food instead of favors. Guests love

he new treats, and its a great way to end a night of

ocktails. The trick is to present these casual foods in

way that still has style and air. As well, theres no

wedding food anymore. Its all about what you like.

Cakes Creations, Spurger

09.283.0467

nspiration: Rustic elegance meant simple and

retty so I went for a cake that wasnt adorned with

oo many extras.

reation: I created a 3-tiered cake with the top and

ottom tier having a crumpled effect, topped off

with a large ower, accented with an edible button.

The cake was placed on a cut of pine tree as a cake

stand to create a simple feel.

Favorite wedding trend: My favorite trend is the

crumpled/rufy look of cakes. I am loving the simple

cakes rather than the over the top creations. I am

also in love with the use of vintage cake stands. I

think a simple cake on top of a beautiful vintage cake

stand makes for the perfect combination.

Tim and Vicki Bauer, Winnie, TX

409.651.1776

Inspiration: The red barn provided a sweet backdrop

and attribute to our rustic love story. There are four

venue areas which can be used for events here: the

gazebo on the pond, the majestic live oak-canop

lawn that can seat up to 400 guests, the rustic re

barn and the stampede party barn.

Favorite wedding trend: Three types of weddin

work here. Rustic Elegance: You drink wine from

real wine glass. Country Elegance: You drink win

from a stemmed mason jar. Cowboy Elegance: Y

drink wine from a red Solo cup.

Galina Collection ceremony gown (PK3357), $599Available at Davids Bridal (pictured on magazine cover)

Palm Springs reception gown by Watters Brides, $2Available at Brickhouse Bridal, Houston, www.brickhouseb

com, www.wattes.com (pictured on previous page)

Grooms attire: Calvin Klein gray 2-button satin-edge pelapel tuxedo, gray vest with tie and patent leather tuxedo s

available at The Mens Wearhouse

VIP



30/52

Serving our community since 1918 with elegant

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8fabulous findsRetailers we love and their

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The best spot to nd out what is going on with thelatest trends in dining, night life, music, art, events,and fashion in the Southeast Texas and SouthwestLouisiana areas.

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31/52


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32/52


Fashionably

outspokenLamar freshman TerrenceJackson combines fashion

with activism and a desire

o put an end to bullying

f a s h i o n d e s i g n

vip style

ext by MARGARET BATTISTELLI GARDNERhotography by SILVIA C. MCCLAIN


33/52


T

errence Jackson is

a self-proclaimed

spokesperson

for individuality.

And 10 seconds into a

onversation with the

9-year-old Lamar freshman

rom San Antonio, youll

have no doubt about how

erious he is.

Jackson, who majors in fashionmerchandising at Lamar, speaks

ut passionately about a topic thaturrently is a hot-button issueround the country bullying andiolence against members of theay/lesbian/bisexual/transgenderommunity.

I was basically the only dif-erent boy where I was growingp, and children seemed to have

he idea that they had to treat mecertain way call me names,ick on me, he said. But when Iot older, I realized I have to take atand now or it will always be this

way, I will always be bullied, I willlways be the underdog.

Jackson found his style andis voice at a young age and, heaid, told them straight up thatwill not be bullied. Since then,

ve had the mindset that no one isoing to bring me down. Nothingnyone does or says can aect me.

My pride is way bigger than anyf that.

Big dreamsJacksons plans for the future,

n addition to a career in the worldf fashion design, include actings a role model to children whoeel somehow dierent from whatociety holds up as the norm, andducating the public on issuesf tolerance, acceptance and theragic consequences that can resultrom a lack thereof.

A lot of designers have theirssues and organizations they pair

with. When I make it big and Iave the name and the image and

he media attention, I can reachlot of people, he said. But

ven if that doesnt happen, Illontinue the ght against bullying.

And not just in the matter of thetraight community against the gayommunity. I want to address therejudices that we face within theay community too.

Jackson sees himself founding

a nonprot organization that usesfashion as a way to teach younggay men and boys how to expressthemselves personally while stillpresenting themselves profession-

ally.Fashion is a big, big thing

in the gay community, and I canuse that to reach people, to showyoung boys how to be themselvesand how to express themselvescreatively while still being present-able, he explained

La SoireeBut for right now, the next

big thing on Jacksons horizon isthe Cirque de la Soiree black-tiefundraiser that will take place at6:30 p.m. Jan 29 at the BeaumontCivic Center to benet the BaptistHospital Cancer Center. In addi-tion to dinner, entertainment, andlive and silent auctions, the high-light of the fourth annual gala isthe high-end Night at the MoulinRouge fashion show.

New this year is a collabora-tion between the show and theLamar Fashion MerchandisingAssociation, a student organizationfocused on promoting awarenessof Lamars fashion merchandisingprogram, providing experiences inall aspects of fashion, and increas-ing public appreciation of fashion

merchandising in the community.Ashanti Dyson, president of

the FMA, said working on LaSoiree is an opportunity to get theassociations name out into the

community. Last year, FMA mem-bers helped out with manpowerat the show. But Dyson, a seniorcorporate communications major,jumped at the chance to expandthe organizations role this year.

Kristie Young, executive direc-tor of the Baptist Hospitals ofSoutheast Texas Foundation, saidorganizers asked FMA students tocreate some over-the-top designsto be featured on the runway.

[FMA members] decidedamong themselves who wouldcreate the dresses, Young said.Terrence is really so talented, andthey really rallied behind him.

For the show, Jackson cre-ated dresses in two categories:elegant and fantasy. For elegant,he designed a chic, sleek cocktail-style dress covered in tactile rosesand kicked up a notch with a boldneckline and intrigue-enhancingcutouts. Its very Audrey Hepburn with a dollop of Lady Gaga.

Jackson created a slew of fanci-ful designs for the fantasy category,and the one chosen to be createdfor La Soiree was an elaborate,Marie Antoinette-inspired frock

I chose fashion because: I love

create beauty.

My professional role model is

Tyra Banks. She took that one pas

that she initially had modeling

and turned it into so many differe

things. She wanted to have a talk

show, and she did. Now shes a p

ducer. She had dreams that she n

let go of. And that is beautiful.

My personal hero is: my mothe

She didnt have the best childhoobut she held on to her dreams.

She had a dream of writing a boo

and she did it. Im a big believer i

dreams, and without her Im not s

I would be like that. Even through

her trials, she is still achieving ha

piness.

I would like to be remembered

for: being an awesome person

just for being some gay guy, but f

helping others, donating, serving

community; for being kind-heartefor having a personality and a littl

spice; for being quirky. Thats wha

makes me, me.

Get to

know

Jacksons personal favorite.Once the designs were set, F

members got busy gathering allnecessary materials to make tha reality, and theyll be the onesbringing the creations to life fortheir trip down the 80-foot-longrunway come gala night.

Young said this year is just tbeginning of what the foundatiohopes will be a long relationshiwith FMA. Next year, it plansto make it a more formal designcompetition, with judges cominfrom around the state to decidethe winning fashions.

We want to keep the collabration going, she said. It reallis a great way to get the studentinvolved and make the show anever better experience all the waround. VIP


34/52

The

MANcake

Amidst theweddinghoopla,somethingfor thegroom ...

The pice de rsistance ofthe wedding reception,

the bridal cake is a visionof beauty as it towers onits own table, its tiers

decorated with flowers, ribbons andcurlicues. Nearby is another cake?But this one looks like a set of golfclubs. (Or perhaps a smart phone or abucking bronco or a football helmet the ideas are endless.)

Traditional optionIn Southeast Texas, unlike some

areas of the country, grooms cakeshave been a longstanding tradition. I

was raised around this area and whestarted working at Murphys Cake S

in Port Arthur, grooms cakes were of the package so if they wanted thewedding cake, they got the grooms too, said Pat Daigle of Mauricevillewho has been making specialty cakefor 40 years. I can remember whenthere were rarely grooms cakes in wding idea books, but now it seems tocatching on everywhere.

The traditional form for a groomcake has been a simple chocolate cawith chocolate buttercream frostingperhaps a fruit topping, often strawries. Though this still remains a popchoice, brides and grooms have begu

g r o o m s c a k e s

food dining

text by CHERYL R



35/52


hinking outside the basic geom-

try of rounds and rectangles.In the last 10 years, there are

more requests for a theme withwhatever the grooms interests

re, Daigle said.

Beyond the cake

panJulana Phenix, the owner of

omething Special Bakery, saidher orders run about half andhalf for traditional vs. themed.

With the sculpted cakes, itsften something about the groomhat makes him stand out a

hobby, a profession, perhapswhere he went to school, she

aid. She described the variety ofculpted grooms cakes she has

made, including deer heads andhunting themes, sports themes,musical instruments and, on onememorable occasion, a 3-D ver-

ion of the University of Georgiaulldog mascot. (A precaution to

he unwary cutting into a cakehat is looking at you may cause

hesitation. Phenix said that withhe bulldog, the family had to putnapkin over its face to cover

he eyes before they could startutting and, even then, started

with the tail.)Daigle is currently working

n an Elvis-themed cake. TexasLonghorns with burnt orange-

olored icing are popular. Shelso made a miniature police carncluding shining battery lightsor the headlights. One of heriggest challenges thus far wasrequest for a cake that looked

ike a trumpet resting in its case.he had to borrow the instru-

ment from the groom so she

could replicate each detail.David and Sara Kaiser of

Beaumont came to Daigle withthe idea of a guitar cake. Sarawas concerned that the samplecakes she had seen during asearch of the internet didnt lookvery much like actual guitars,but Daigle was condent. WhenI saw it, it was more than I ever

thought it could be, Sara Kaisersaid. It was so realistic. It was

life-sized with all the strings andknobs. It was just amazing.

Jerry McMillan of Beaumontsaid that when they were dream-ing up a cake for his future son-in-law, Zach Rowe, the family allthought he would like an Aggiestheme, since he went to TexasA&M. However, Rowe thought atable saw would represent bothhis hobby of woodworking andhis degree in construction sci-ence. Phenix was able to repli-cate a fabulous version of atable saw in cake, McMillan said.

Other dessert

optionsThough sometimes the bride

may keep the grooms cakedesign a secret, increasingly thegroom is invested in the planning

of the cake. They will designthe cake down to a T, Phenixsaid. Many grooms are ndingexamples on the Web, but bothbakers agreed the proliferationof TV shows like Cake Bossand other cake competitions haverisen expectations about whatcan be done with our, sugar,eggs and butter.

Some grooms are scrappingcake and choosing a completelydierent option such as brown-ies, cookies or cheesecake. Wed-ding planner Lindsay Zummo of

Its All n the Presentation recallsone wedding where the groomscake was actually smores. Ifthey do stick with cake, its nolonger always chocolate. Phenixsaid she commonly gets requestsfor carrot cake, for example.

Edible artA point of pride for both

bakers is that everything aboutthe cakes is edible. Theres noreason it cant all be edible, saidDaigle, explaining how she madetrumpet valves with sugar dough

and the car headlights with suglobes. Fondant, buttercream

gum paste, sugar, pastillage acandy clay are some of the mrials bakers use to make sculppieces. Though some of Phenmore complicated cakes requa wooden structure, she coatsof the wood in white chocolatto create a protective barrier any wood that comes in contawith cake.

Crafting edible art can takmany hours and a lot of creatity. Both bakers charge morefor a sculpted cake than they for a traditional cake as a resu

Daigle will only accept one wding per weekend because of time involved. Phenix said thlatest she can accept a sculptecake order is two weeks aheabut that the busier wedding ssons book up far in advance.

After putting in many houof eort on this edible creatiohow does it feel to have the awork cut up and consumed? takes a long time, but its funDaigle said. After all I put inthese cakes, I can cut into thein a second.

From deer headsto favorite sports

teams to iPhones,the only limit to

grooms cakes isyour imagination

VIP

e basic geom-

rectangles.ears, there are

theme with


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For years, Valerie Fortuniacarried a drivers licensethat noted her wish to be anorgan donor. The 49-year-old Fannett mother of twobelieved it was a privilegeto give life even as she losthers. She never imagined the

ultimate gift would come not from her, but thewo people she loved most.

On Aug. 6, 1997, Valeries rstborn son,eremy Fontenot, was killed in an automobile

ccident on his way home from a basketball gamewith friends. The 16-year-old Hamshire-Fannettunior was only four miles from home.

Because he passed at the scene, emergencymedical responders took the young athlete to themorgue. Reecting on Jeremys gentle, giving

pirit, Valerie called the coroners oce to askf he still could be a donor. They assured her heould.

After Jeremys death, Valerie kept going byocusing on being there for her younger son, Mike

Dunnam, who had lost his beloved big brother.I was single at the time and it was just me

nd Mike. It made our relationship even closer,he said.

Twelve years later, on Sept. 5, 2009, Mike wasilled in an automobile accident. The 22-year-old

was a half mile from home.RTI Donor Services, a not-for-prot network

hat provides donated human tissue and bone,alled Valerie to see if she wanted Mike to be aonor. Absolutely, she told them.

Because neither of her sons had been put onife support, they could not be organ donors, buthey still live on in others. Mikes ligament re-

paired an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), givinga man back his mobility. Mikes heart valve nowpumps blood for a baby girl in Arizona. His boneallowed a woman who was becoming paralyzed tocontinue walking.

Both boys were able to donate tissue andbone used for cornea transplants, skin grafts forburn victims, glaucoma repair, dental procedures,soft tissue repair, ligament replacement, heartvalve replacement it just goes on and on. Itsunbelievable how many lives can be touched byone person.

Receiving letters from grateful recipientsbrought comfort to Valerie, whose boys still arevery much alive in her heart and life.

The letters mean so much to a parent wholost a child. Now I know there is a physical part ofmy sons that continues on in other families. Its amothers pride, knowing my sons are still doinggood things on earth. What better gift than that?

Because records were less open back in 1997,Valerie doesnt know who received tissue fromJeremy, but she knows lives were improved, orperhaps, saved.

The gifts her sons gave to others and the let-ters she received from recipients are high on whatValerie calls her grateful list.

It means so much to the donors parentsthat they took the time to write and say, Thankyou. That cadaver was someone who was deeplyloved, and the recipients shared their gratitudewith strangers. Its a simple thank you note, but itmeans so much to the family. It breaks your heart in a good way.

A year after Mike died, Valerie received aphone call from Katie Banik, a family servicesspecialist at RTI, asking if she would speak to

v a l e r i e f o r t u n i a

vip worthy

ext by JANE MCBRIDE

lost

saved

two sonsmany lives

I dont want them to be forgotten. Im whats left hereon earth for them to be remembered Valerie Fortunia



41/52


42/52

h o t h e a r t s

vip worthy

And they said to one another, Were not ourearts burning within us while he was speaking

o us on the road, while he was explaining thecriptures to us? Luke 24:32

ack in 1986, a group of SoutheastTexas youth ministers had a vision toprovide a high-quality evangelisticexperience for teens. The resultwas the first Hot Hearts Conference

n 1987 in Beaumont. The event combinedhe messages of youth ministers with somef the best contemporary Christian bands.

Over the years, the conference has grown tonclude cities throughout Texas, Arkansas

nd Louisiana.The Hot Hearts Conference is still beat-

ng strong and celebrates its 25th anniversaryhis month at Ford Park with 7,000 peoplexpected to attend. Thats good for Hot Heartsnd also good for the city. The Beaumont

Convention and Visitors Bureau has enjoyed awonderful, long-standing relationship with theHot Hearts Conference, said Dean Conwell,

xecutive director of the bureau. Congratula-ions to them on their upcoming 25th anniver-

sary celebration. The conference attendancecontinues to grow year after year, which stimu-lates business activities not only to Beaumonthotels, but to other ancillary retail outlets too.

This years lineup includes speaker KevinPhillips, the comedy team of Hurt and Manley,illusionist Drew Worsham and the bandsSkillet and Press Play. Our plan is to attractChristians in a high-energy, youth-orientedconference, said Dwayne Oxner, spokesmanfor Hot Hearts. The main goal is the ability toshare the gospel of Jesus Christ. Oxner, whohas been involved with the conference since1996, makes the point that the event is not justabout the bands. It is not just a concert, he

explained, adding that the goal is not only toll the venue. It is an evangelism conference.The purpose is to share the gospel so that wecan see kids come to know Christ.

Dream to realitySteve Jean, minister to students at Westgate

Memorial Baptist Church in Beaumont, is oneof the original founders of Hot Hearts alongwith other youth ministers from the GoldenTriangle Baptist Association. They had the

dream to provide a major Christian event fostudents comparable to statewide and natiowide events that were usually held in biggecities. These were great events for studenwho attended, but we knew most studentsfrom Southeast Texas were not getting theskinds of experiences mostly because of chalenges based on distance, he said. So, wethis outrageous idea to bring the event to thstudents right here in the Golden Triangle.was a big dream bigger than we even imained that has become a reality.

The rst event in January 1987 was heldthe Holiday Inn on Walden Road in Beaumoand about 1,000 students attended. That

sparked the idea that Hot Hearts could becoan annual event. More than the excitemena successful event, there was a passion, a decation among the planners that we could nothis life-changing opportunity go, Jean saiThat kind of passion and dedication, whicmust say comes by the grace of God, is stillheartbeat of the steering committee to this dand that is why Hot Hearts continues.

The conference is a cooperative eort eayear of more than 300 volunteers from acro

text by CATHLEENCOLE

Hot Hearts Conference celebrates its 25th anniversar42 January 2012 | theVIPmag.com


43/52


outheast Texas. Hot Hearts has always had one laser focus, and thats to help students connect with God, Jean said.

Faith and funTammy Anderud, executive youth pastor at Praise Christian Cen-

er in Beaumont, is taking her youth group to the conference for therst time, although some of her students have attended individually

n the past. Shes impressed with the quality of speakers and worshipeams coming to the event and might take up to 60 students. For ourtudents, I hope for them to see that they are not alone in their faithn this area, that hundreds of their peers share the same faith and areot ashamed of it, she said. We also hope that our students grow in

heir understanding of their faith and have a great time doing it!Anderud believes events like this help students reconnect with

heir faith and grow in relationships with others who share their

aith. The conference also provides exciting and fun entertainment.These events allow an opportunity for youth groups to bond as

well, she explained. They truly have an impact on our students inheir faith, in their sense of community and in their knowledge.

Donavon Cavender, a student at Lamar University, attended hisrst Hot Hearts Conference in 2008 when he helped set up and mann informational table for Lamars Baptist Student Ministry. What re-lly got him, he said, was the quality of the bands. The speakers andhe other entertainers were impressive, too, he noted. Hes been tohe conference every year since. I really enjoy the message, he said.And I really love the bands.

Hot Hearts 2012, Jan. 20-21 at Ford Park, Beaumont

409.792.1960, [email protected], hothearts.org/beaumont

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w e d d i n g g i f t s

vip adviser

gift ideas to helpyou go off registry

. Sculpture

ive them a piece of local art history with

sculpture by Charles Stagg. This nely

rafted pine sculpture makes for a unique

ift that will denitely bring wonder into

heir new home.

Pine sculpture, Charles Stagg, Contact

rtist for purchasing info, 409.659.6580

2. Drinks

elebrate the special occasion with

hampagne and throw in an extra bottle

hat the couple can enjoy for their anni-

ersary. The Dominus Napa Valley Estate

hrirtion Moneix can be stored and saved

or a wonderful 10-year anniversary

resent.

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut Cham-

agne, $49.99 and Dominus Napa Valley

Estate Uhrirtion Moneix 2006, Millers

Discount Liquor, $134.99

3. Basket

Want to treat their taste buds? Jacks

Pak-It prepares customized gift baskets

that can be lled with meats, cheese,

wine, and many other things that are

sold in the store.

Customized gourmet gift basket, Jacks

Pak-It, Starting at $50

4. Art

Help them begin their art collection with

a piece from a local artist. This original

abstract painting by Carlo Busceme IV will

brighten up any room.

Untitled painting, Carlo Busceme IV,

$500, [email protected]

5. Nature

Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature

Center connects individuals with nature.

Treating the couple to a membership al-

lows unlimited admission along with other

benets to enjoy.

Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature

Center Couples Membership, $60 per

year, 409.670.9113

6. Decanter

Decanters make a splendid gift for th

bar.This vintage crystal decanter is

elegant, practical and it would also m

for a great conversation piece at the

dinner table.

Vintage crystal decanter, The Tattere

Suitcase, $75

ant bring your self to buy another Kitchen-Aid Mixer this wed-ding season? Try going off-the-registry to give the newlyweds

something extra special. Here are 10 gift ideas that are sure to

please the bride and groom.

ext by LARENA HEAD photography by REN SHEPPARD

1

2 3

9

8


45/52


7. Music

he newlyweds will certainly enjoy

utings that wont cost them a dime. A

air of season tickets to The Symphony

f Southeast Texas is an exciting way to

bsorb some of the local culture.

The Symphony of Southeast Texas

Season Tickets, $67- $133 per person,

09.892.2257 or sost.org

8. Relaxation

Give the gift of relaxation.After the stress

of planning a wedding, the newlyweds

will appreciate a massage.

Couples Swedish Massage, The Getaway

Day Spa, $100 (50 min)

9. Goblets

Instead of gifting traditional glassware,

indulge in original handcrafted ceramic

ware. If youre looking for something

unique, one-of-a-kind pottery makes for

a gorgeous and functional gift.

Handcrafted ceramic goblets, Cindy

Grimes, $80 set of 4, txcynpottery@

sbcglobal.net

10. Book

Coffee table books make a great gift

any couple. The newly released boo

From Uncertain to Blue by Keith Cart

a must for art and photography love

From Uncertain to Blue, Keith Carter

Book Bazaar, $55

4

7

10


46/52

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{ January }

JANUARY 5

First Thursday at the Mildred

5 to 9 p.m. at the Mildred Building

Beaumont. Food, drinks, live mus

and sidewalk vendors.

JANUARY 6

Comedien Brian Regan

8 p.m., Julie Rogers Theatre,Beaumont. Reserved seats $37.50

800.745.3000 or www.ticketmast

com

JANUARY 6-7

Beaumont Public Library Book Sa

9 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 6; 9 a.m.-5 p.m

Jan. 7, Civic Center, Beaumont.

409.981.5911.

JANUARY 7

Anniversary Celebration

Spindletop Gladys City/BoomtownMuseum, Beaumont. 409.835.082

Willi

Documents

January 2012 VIP