Tips for the Perfect Sparkler Exit

 

Perfect Sparkler Exit

Sparklers not only make a wonderful wedding exit for a Texas Hill Country wedding, but also great wedding photography. Old Glory Ranch found these very helpful tips from one of our preferred photographers, “Photo Jennette”. We wanted to share her perfect sparkler exit tips  with you:

sparkler exit-old glory ranch-wimberley

Today, we want to take a few minutes to highlight the best strategy for your perfect sparkler exit on your big day!

The big sparklers work best –

The larger sparklers last up to 4-5 minutes, and will give your guests time to light them and then give you time to make your exit before they go out. The shorter ones will do the opposite. Half of them will be extinguished by the time the other half are lit.

Lighters are bad, sparklers are good.

We are certain if you have a wedding planner, they will already know this, but lighting on all 4 ends of the line with a lighter, and then having your guests light them off one another is the most effective way to spontaneously light 100 sparklers. For some reason, sparklers light each other almost instantly, while lighters take far to long!

Bride and Groom should be ready, but hidden.

Before anyone lights a single sparkler, all of your guests should line up and be ready to light their sparklers, and you (The Bride and Groom) should be in a designated, hidden spot that gives you easy access to your exit.

Have good help. 

If you want to have a successful sparkler exit, you must have help. If you choose not to have a wedding coordinator, that’s O.K. but you still need good friends with organizational skills to help everyone get ready and lit.

BEST PRACTICE – Have at least two people from your wedding party who are “designated lighters.” They each light two sparklers and then put away their lighters. “Designated lighter one” starts at the front and “designated lighter two” starts at the end.

Using their lit sparklers, they should light a sparkler ever 6-8 guests and inform your guests to light off each other until they meet in the middle. Note: They should also let people know to hold the sparklers up and not to wave them around.

Make sure everyone is standing back.

These two helpers should know when their job is done, they need to give you the thumbs up and step into the line! It’s best not to start walking until your designated lighters are free and clear and you can have a clear path for your exit.

GO, GO, GO.

NO, NO, NO. Take your time!! Take all the time you want. You should happily mosey through the sparklers (soak it up and enjoy!), maybe stopping to smooch along the way if you feel like it.

This gives your wedding photographers plenty of time to capture the sparkler exit photograph that you are expecting. It also ensures you will safely make it through the line for sparklers.

So these are our most important tips for having the perfect sparkler exit from your wedding. Will they work perfectly every time? Maybe not, but if you follow these steps, your bride and groom exit will be far better than if you don’t. In the end, you will have an amazing memory from an amazing day and all will go safely and smoothly.

Take a look at Meredith & Toby’s wedding through Photo Jennette’s lens as she photographed a sparkler exit at Old Glory Ranch!

For your Old Glory Ranch sparkler departure, we recommend the ’36” Gold’ for a longer burn time. Our staff distributes the sparklers to your guests and assists with getting them all lit, providing instructions along the way. During that process, our day-of-coordinator has the couple tucked away awaiting their cue that the sparklers are all ‘sparkling’ and the guests are instructed by our staff to ‘hold them high’ for the couples safe exit on their wedding day!

Environmentally Friendly Venue

Old Glory Ranch is an Environmentally Friendly Venue

Environmentally friendly venue– a new and treasured title for Old Glory Ranch.  Always known as a premier Texas hill country wedding and event venue, the environmental future became a growing concern.  The venue felt the need to lower its carbon footprint after its events.  To help in this endeavor, Old Glory Ranch took positive measures to become more eco-friendly.

Thinking Green

This green way of thinking originated with the construction of Chapel Hall  in 2000. For example, the interior of the Chapel was built mostly of re-purposed long leaf pine. Gathered from three turn of the century homes purchased after being dismantled, this wood found a new home.

For the exterior, locally milled cedar planks gave Chapel Hall the perfect country church feel they were going for. The end result lends old world charm to modern day events.

Stunning appointments found throughout the Chapel and Patio add to its charms. In addition, these areas include beautiful turn of the century re-purposed stained glass and antique pieces that hearken of days gone by.

The venue knew it could do more. For like minded and ‘think green,’ clients,  the venue began offering compostable dinnerware.   Then,  the venue situated recycling receptacles easily located by staff and guests to aid in the recycling efforts.

Recycling glass, aluminum, and plastic throughout all events is a top priority. Additionally, to avoid food waste, the ranch began utilizing discarded food items in a compost pile for their organic garden.  Above all, the Old Glory Ranch staff remains dedicated to being eco-friendly no matter what the event or situation.

Join the Effort

In March of 2010, Old Glory Ranch organized and hosted a “Gloriously Green” event.  the venue shared pertinent information with its community members and leaders about the importance and ease of recycling. A panel of experts from various backgrounds held a Q&A session to provide a presentation about their given field of expertise. Many area residents attended the event and found it very informative.

Join Old Glory Ranch in their efforts in being environmentally friendly.  To sum up, let’s leave the world a little bit better for future generations.

Outstanding Texas Hill Country Venues

“Outstanding Texas Hill Country Venue”

We’re taking a walk down memory lane with Lisa on Location, a Hill Country Wedding Photographer, who posted an awesome article on her blog about Old Glory Ranch. We love that she started her Outstanding Texas Hill Country venues with Old Glory Ranch! We’ll call it our TBT “Throw Back Thursday” blog!

3/11/11 – Lisa had this to say about Old Glory Ranch:

“When you get right down to it, Central Texas is fortunate to have some of the best wedding venues anywhere. It’s an embarrassment of riches, to be honest. As a Central Texas wedding photographer based in New Braunfels, Lisa has been blessed to photograph weddings all over. From historic Fredericksburg in the Hill Country, to San Antonio’s famed River Walk to the sunny shores of Lake Travis–and she loves every minute of it!

Brides and grooms ask her about potential wedding venues more often these days.  So she decided to begin spotlighting some of the outstanding Texas Hill Country wedding venue locations and what each venue offers. We are starting with the indoor and outdoor options at Old Glory Ranch in Wimberley.  Old Glory Ranch is  located just south of Dripping Springs,  as the Wedding Capital of Texas.

The Chapel

The first thing that hits you when you emerge from the wooded drive onto this hill country ranch is the gorgeous, honey-golden chapel, which may be used for ceremonies and receptions. The exterior is smooth-cut cedar planking, and the result is a magical combination of rustic charm and elegant dignity. I’m serious folks, when the sun shines down, the chapel literally glows.

It is exceptionally roomy inside, too. The wood surfaces are all polished smooth, and rows of windows on either side of the chapel fill the space with a warm glow. Any wedding photographer will tell you this is some of the absolute best light to shoot in–it gives everyone healthy, attractive skin tones and adds a rich warmth to all the photos.

The Patio

There’s a lovely covered back patio area for receptions surrounded by magnificent oak trees.  For a more formal dinner. the chapel hall can be converted to that in short order as well (a neat trick if the weather doesn’t cooperate!) Stained glass and detailed painting on the interior beams complete the picture, with old-world, Germanic charm.

Owner Suzanne McCord (who just became a grandmother this week–Congratulations, Suzanne!) contains more than 2,000 acres on the grounds which she’d developed impressively. The Gatehouse Pavilion is an outdoor venue suitable for smaller gatherings.

Outdoor Sites

What’s most impressive, however, is the two miles of riverfront access along the Blanco. Here McCord has built two fantastic outdoor wedding venues. The wooden Wedding Deck is bordered by a large grassy lawn suitable for up to 500 guests. The smaller Stone Landing is the second, which can accommodate smaller gatherings of 75 or less.

Both outdoor venues are literally right on top of the Blanco River, surrounded by spectacular old-growth Montezuma Cypress. For lovers of outdoor weddings, it doesn’t get any better than this for your big day.

Staff

Suzanne works with Liz Danna, general manager, and Gina McClure, the marketing and artistic director. Any one of them will do you right.

So if you’re looking for a genuine Texas Hill Country wedding venue or event center, give the fine folks at Old Glory Ranch a call.  Inquire about their wedding packages and request a tour. Better yet, give Lisa a call first, so you’re guaranteed great wedding photography.”

See the blog here: Lisa on Location

Old Glory Ranch highly recommends Lisa as one of our preferred photographers for your special day.

Weddings in Houston features Old Glory Ranch event

Weddings in Houston features Old Glory Ranch Real Wedding

First and foremost, it is always a honor to host a wedding at Old Glory Ranch. To have a Real Wedding featured in the Weddings in Houston Magazine is the icing on the cake.  Therefore, the Texas Hill Country wedding of Sarah Fabian & Logan Prewett in the July/August issue of Weddings in Houston Magazine made us feel doubly blessed.

“We are very pleased with the publishing of Sarah & Logan’s wedding.  It is an excellent representation of an Old Glory Ranch wedding,” said Suzanne McCord, OGR owner.

All love stories have a beginning, and Sarah and Logan are no exception.  They met at a Houston middle school as classmates.  After that, they attended separate high schools.  Not to worry though, they reconnected in college and the rest is history.

Sarah & Logan have many family and friends. In fact, over 300 guests attended the wedding.

The couple looked for a venue where they could celebrate with all of their guests in a private setting surrounded by natural splendor. Old Glory Ranch was a perfect decision.  We loved hosting their special day.

“The theme for our wedding was ‘shabby chic’ and rustic,” explains Sarah. It was a picture perfect fall wedding.   Beautiful flowers” , “delicious food” and  “mismatched vintage china” added to its charm.  Best of all, Sarah adds, was enjoying the evening with our family and friends.”

Vendors for the memorable evening included:

Venue, Floral, Decor & Wedding Coordinator: Old Glory Ranch

Photographer: Anthology Photography

Videographer: X Horn Productions

Bridal Carriage: Decotah’s Dream Team Carriage Co.

Buses: Transportation Consultants

Reception Band: Blind Date

Guest Gifts: Tiny Pies

Bridal & Groom Cakes: Simon Lee

Catering: Gourmet Gals

China Rental: JenMarie Vintage Rentals

Special Effects: Starlight Fireworks & FX

Invitations: Bering’s

Wedding Dress: Matthew Christopher from Weddings by Debbie

Registry: Bering’s

Honeymoon: Bahamas

Please join us in wishing this very special couple years of joy of happiness.  To learn more, go to   Weddings in Houston magazine , on pages 170 thru 172.

 

Top 10 reasons to choose Old Glory Ranch

The Texas Hill Country is a very popular destination choice for weddings hailing from the Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and the Permian Basin areas. Here are top 10 reasons brides choose Old Glory Ranch as the ideal location:

 

1) Service 

Our number one priority is YOU and making sure your event happens exactly as you envision! The main comment we hear from clients  are rave reviews of the service they receive before and during their event. Our goal is for the couple, their families and guests to completely enjoy celebrating with their guests.  Let us take care of all the details which include set-up, room transition, break-down and everything in between. We offer assistance in many areas during the planning stages of each event and meet with clients for one-on-one consultations.  Unlike many other venues, we provide unlimited phone calls and emails. We are here for you.

2) Experience 

Old Glory Ranch has been providing the ‘ultimate’ Texas Hill Country wedding experience for hundreds of couples – for decades! Over 400 newlyweds have crossed the Old Glory Ranch threshold since their opening in 1997. Many of the staff members have been on board since the very beginning. Clients and guests are treated with professionalism, courtesy, and welcomed with warm smiles and accommodating spirits.

3) Wedding Coordinator

We welcome Outside Wedding Coordinators, but for all of our Chapel Hall weddings and receptions we include an experienced Day-of Wedding Coordinator in our facility fee. She is in charge of the execution of the timeline and taking care of all the needs of the couple the evening of their event. She offers extended services for clients which could include tuxedo rental, finding invitations, booking lodging, etc.,

Our Day-of Coordinator has many ‘behind the scenes’ duties throughout the night.  She prepares plates for the bride and groom and guides them through the timeline. Towards the end of the night she will load up a designated vehicle, and departure vehicle, with all the couples belongings. She will also pack up a ‘to-go’ package for the couple in case they were having too much fun meeting, greeting, and dancing, and didn’t get an opportunity to dine!

4) Preferred Vendor lists 

Clients rave about our preferred vendor lists which help them tremendously in the planning stages of their event. Whether you are looking for officiates, accommodations, caterers, bakers, photographers, videographers, ceremony musicians, bands, photo booths, transportation needs, beverage providers, or something unique, Old Glory Ranch has a list of what we refer to as our Texas Hill Country “tried and true.” Rest assured that each vendor has ‘made’ the list by providing quality service to previous clients. We assist in scheduling appointments for tastings, checking their availability, or researching to find someone or something new that might not be on our list, etc.

5) Ceremony & Reception Options

Old Glory Ranch offers a variety of options when planning your event. And since we only hold one event at a time,  you receive our utmost attention to assure that yours is executed beautifully. Your ceremony can be held inside our historic Chapel Hall, on the Wedding Deck on beautiful banks of the Blanco River, in our ancient Oak Grove, or the open air Gatehouse Pavilion.

With 2,200 acres, finding the ideal Texas Hill Country spot for your ceremony is a breeze! Take advantage of our full service venue, or if you are on a smaller budget with 100 or fewer guests, you may prefer a more ‘do-it-yourself’ approach. Either way, you have choices for consideration.

Receptions may also be held inside Chapel Hall or around our covered Patio and under the giant Oaks. Many clients like an “in-out” experience offering their guests the best of both worlds. We can accommodate larger groups  than many venues in the area, yet intimate events are just as easily handled. Naturally, air conditioning and heating options will be welcomed during some months, we have the ideal solution for that as well.

6) Inclement Weather Plan!

If you are planning an outdoor event, perhaps at one of our riverside ceremony sites, along with a patio reception and Mother Nature has a different idea, we have you covered, so to speak! We are always ready with a Plan B. We watch the weather very carefully and will work with you if we think one of our indoor options might be more suitable for you and your guests comfort.

7) Location & Views

Lots of ‘Ooooos’ and ‘Ahhhhs’ take place as soon as guests enter the Old Glory Ranch gate. The lovely Texas Hill Country comes to life serving as a backdrop for the rustic appearance of Chapel Hall. With nearly 2 miles of the emerald green Blanco river cutting through the property, and unobstructed views of the hills, along with no ‘city lights’ to water down the scenery, Old Glory Ranch is truly a gem in the Wimberley valley. It is also conveniently located between the Austin, San Antonio, Houston, San Marcos, Dallas and Permian Basin areas.

8) Flowers

“Gorgeous”, “Stunning”, “Amazing”, “Beautiful”, are all comments we hear from our clients, and their guests. The OGR Floral Team executes each bride’s vision into fruition for their events.  Whether personal flowers, centerpieces, or indoor-outdoor decor. the team is top notch. With a huge inventory of varied styles of containers to coincide with any bride’s vision, it is easy for her to pick and choose the perfect look she is trying to achieve. We provide clients with a private online link to the OGR floral gallery before having a one-on-one meeting with our designer.

9) Donkeys

Need we say more?! These little guys and girls are very popular among our clients and adored by their guests. Tons of ‘selfies’ are taken at each event when our miniature donkeys are present.  It is easy for guests to grab a beverage from their charming floral lined saddle packs.  Want to take a unique photo to share on social media? Our donkeys are happy to oblige.

10) Child Care 

Not many venues offer the option of child care for wee ones attending a wedding. Here at Old Glory Ranch we offer experienced adult childcare attendants and an ideal location adjacent to the venue.  This area includes restrooms, changing station, baby bed, and pack-n-play.  Children can watch a variety of movies or participate in age-appropriate activities, while their parents enjoy a ‘worry-free’ fun evening of celebration.

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Hill Country Wedding – Lacy & Matthew

 

A  Real Texas Hill Country Wedding

 for Lacy & Matthew

Lacy & Matthew TurmanThe Newlyweds

There is nothing more amazing than a Texas Hill Country Spring Wedding!  Lacy & Matthew’s wedding was no exception  as it captured the natural beauty of the hill country and more! The couple danced the night away having the ‘time of their lives’ in our great hall at Old Glory Ranch, a Texas Hill Country wedding venue! While we hear this often, it never grows old to know that we played a part in making someone’s dream wedding a reality.

The breathtaking beauty of Old Glory Ranch created a picturesque setting for the perfect evening. Mike Reed Weddings captured the memorable photos of the couple and their precious memories under the Oak Tree and throughout the indoor and outdoor options.

As the guests arrived on the big day, a magnificent field of bluebonnets in front of the Chapel greeted them. The gorgeous bride entered the chapel in her stunning wedding dress and was joined in marriage to Matthew by Robert Bexar.

All of the guests enjoyed delicious nom-nom from PoKeJo’s BBQ and then an awesome bridal cake by Sugar Shack Bakery. To end the reception, everyone rocked out on the dance floor to the Jumpstart Band.  The evening was coordinated minute-by-minute with Kellye Grady of Design by Sage and the OGR floral team provided the fabulous floral design.

Nearly 250 family and friends gathered for this very special day from near and far.

The bride and groom were delightful to work with throughout the planning process, both being equally involved with decisions along the way. We loved being among those to enjoy the moment with Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Turman. Congratulations to the happy couple! We wish them a lifetime of joy and happiness.

Hill Country Wedding VENDORS:

Old Glory Ranch – venue, flowers & decor

Design by Sage [Kellye Grady] – Wedding Coordinator

Sugar Shack Bakery – bridal cake

Jumpstart Band – reception music

Mike Reed Weddings – photography

PoKeJo’s – catering

Robert Bexar – officiate

Spring weddings in the Hill Country are magnificent and we have some open dates. Call us today to book your spring wedding today!