EXCITING NEWS!!

The State finally came through and put up official signs marking Marquardt Rd on FM 1376! It will now be much easier to find our street especially at night!

Things to be Thankful For

I have been so lucky in that my bride's lately have been so incredibly easy going, including this Thanksgiving weekend bride! She and her family visited the ranch on several occasions, showing people the facility and trying out different decoration ideas. It was always a pleasure to visit with her.

Her photographer had great ideas for pictures and used the facility in ways I had never seen before. Like this one (the photographer was outside taking the shot in - I am on the inside)

Another example is this one. The bride and groom wanted to follow the tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony. So the groom stood outside with his back against the door while the bride got into position on the other side. Then they just reached around and held each other's hand. It was so precious!

Photo of their head table.

Guest tables

After the traditional first dances the bride and all her bridesmaids performed a chorigraphed dance to I belive it was Thriller by Michael Jackson. It was a huge crowd pleaser.

November 22, 2008

This bride was alot of fun. She took everything in stride and had a great time at her wedding! Her color theme was black, red and white. Sorry for the dark photos as they were taken during the reception.

Pictures in coordinating frames of the couple were placed on the sign in table.

Always one of my favorite ideas.



Red square candles on a imprinted black designed plate with red rose petals and votives were on each table. Simple centerpieces made a very bold statement.

Its getting Colder!

November 15th, 2008's bride was among the first brides to book at the Marquardt Ranch. It is a little sad to be done with her wedding since we'd been planning it with her for so long. Her guests partied with them from 7pm when dinner was over until 1am! They had two bars outside on the patio who were later joined by a taco vendor who cooked taco's on site serving as a midnight snack!

This Bride choose to tie tope colored sashes on her reception tables. This is a great alternative tie which added a modern touch to the classic looking facility.

She had orded special colored napkins and hand made the napkin rings.

Photo of the room.

Short and Sweet

Weddings don't have to be long drawn out affairs to be special and meaningful. This Sunday afternoon ceremony and reception lasted two hours. After the ceremony guests were treated to a wonderful chocolate fountain buffet and various cupcakes. Some of the photos below were taken by Christina Bell with Fun and Fancy Chocolate Fountains - so special thanks to her!


photo by Christina Bell



Special Cake on top was used for the "cutting of the cake"


Ceremony was beautiful with all the colors in the background!


After Ceremony Photo


Bell Tower Shot


Groom waiting on his new bride to change out of her dress before they leave.
photo by Christina Bell


The bride and groom left on their personal horse into the sunset!
photo by Christina Bell

The Beautiful Colors of Fall

I have changed my favorite time of the year to the fall! Specifically the end of October and the beginning of November. Everything out here has changed colors into brilliant golds, copper, dark greens, just beautiful! The sunsets have also been fantastic, reflecting the colors of the changing season.

This bride lives in CA and brought her caterer in from Alaska! Everything went very well and I've captured a few things that I really liked about her wedding.

These champaign glasses were purchased at Hobby Lobby and the bride and bridesmaids hand frosted each one with a kit also purchased at Hobby Lobby.


The favors were hand made by the Bride's mother and her friends. Cookies are always a good choice!


Her centerpieces were various inspirational words that sat ontop of mirrors that the bride and groom purchased on a trip to Europe.



An example of the sunsets I mentioned!

Last of October Events

We here at the Marquardt love each and every wedding that takes place here. We had been especially looking forward to this wedding however, because the bride and groom hired a well known Texas Country Music singer - Gary P. Nunn. We had to keep it under wraps tightly because we were concerned that uninvited guests would crash their wedding just to enjoy a free concert. Over the last year we had been able to get to know this couple pretty well and we'll miss them. We wish them the best of luck in their new lives together!

Two round tables connected with a 4ft sweetheart table made up the head table which sat right infront of the band. This table was later removed for more dancing room - they needed all the room they could get. The dance floor was packed!


I thought this was a really unique gift idea. It really fit their personalities!


View of the band from above.


Just had to get a picture of him.


The band stayed around at the end of the night to sign autographs and talk to the guests. Two guests actually got to come up on stage and sing with Gary. The whole night was a lot of fun!