Unforgettable Beginnings by Sabrina Says

You said yes. There’s a ring on your finger. Your phone will not stop buzzing. And somehow, overnight, your social feeds have decided you are now a full-time wedding planner. Before you open seventeen Pinterest boards , tour venues you’re not ready to book, or impulse-save a dress you saw at 1 a.m., let’s pause. Take a breath. Wedding planning does not have to start in chaos. There is a smarter, calmer way to begin — one that sets you up for a wedding that actually feels like you, instead of a checklist you’re sprinting through. Here’s exactly what to do first after getting engaged, in the order that will save your sanity. 1. Celebrate First (Seriously — This Is Not Optional) Before you do anything strategic, you get to celebrate. This moment only happens once, and it deserves more than a quick Instagram post before you’re knee-deep in spreadsheets. Celebrate in a way that feels right to you: • Take engagement photos (they don’t have to be fancy) • Write each other a l...

Linda and Javier eloped! We met in front of the Courthouse on Sunday morning. Linda and Javier stood in front of that beautiful fountain as I performed a very simple elopement ceremony . It was such a joy meeting you and your two beautiful children and having the honor of performing your wedding ceremony. From the love you share to the gorgeous fountain setting in front of the courthouse, it was a day filled with beauty, meaning, and unforgettable moments. Rev. Sabrina @ theIDoLady  #sanantonioweddingofficiant #sanantonioelopement #elopeinsanantonio  Happy Anniversary to a truly wonderful family! 💍✨

There’s something instantly magical about the sound of wedding bells . Whether it’s the dramatic peal of church bells echoing across a town or the cheerful jingle of tiny handheld bells as a couple exits their ceremony, that sound does something to us. It lifts the moment. It announces joy. And if you ask any romantic at heart (hi, that’s us), it practically shouts, “ Love just happened! ” But this simple tradition has a surprisingly rich history — rooted in Celtic lands, sprinkled with superstition, wrapped in symbolism, and carried all the way into modern weddings where bells still ring for luck, love, and happy beginnings. So let’s take a sweet stroll through the story of wedding bells, from ancient folklore all the way to the stylish ceremonies we celebrate today. A Bit of History: Where Wedding Bells First Began Long before bells were a cute addition to ceremony exits or a motif on stationery, they had a much bigger job: protecting the couple, announcing their marriage, and ...

  We are gathered here today to witness the union of Ronald and Jerri .   Welcome friends and family!   We’re glad to have you with us. We are all so blessed when we find that “special someone”, the puzzle piece that aligns with ours.   Jerri and Ronald were blessed to find each other in a very modern way – online!   Ronald showed Jerri his love with his sense of humor and patience and Jerri returned that love with her caring and loving manner.   The proposal was beautiful, too, in a fantastic beach setting on South Padre .   That memory will be forever remembered with feelings of love by this couple. Today is the beginning of a new chapter of that remarkable journey for this couple.   Drawing on their mutual admiration, respect, and trust, they are ready to embark on the next chapter in their lives.   We celebrate the love and light evident in their relationship, and wish them well on this joyous occasion. Marriage is an integral part o...

Tiffany and Fernando Ramirez – July 13, 2024 <--- already married, but a "real" ceremony! I would like to spend the next couple of minutes telling the true story about Tiffany and Fernando met. Their journey began back in 2017 in the heart of Nashville TN . At the time, they both worked for the same bustling company. Fernando was a diligent worker in the warehouse area, and Tiffany handled the intricate details of inventory management. Their paths first crossed when Fernando wandered into Tiffany's office with a question. Little did they know that this seemingly ordinary moment would change their lives forever. As he started talking, his humor and charm instantly brought a smile to Tiffany's face and made her laugh. Fernando relished that laugh and wanted nothing more than to make sure Tiffany would always laugh. From that day on, their conversations grew more frequent and meaningful. There was an undeniable connection between them. It wasn't long bef...

Let’s start with a little truth bomb. Your wedding ceremony is not just the thing you have to get through so you can eat tacos, dance, and finally exhale. 🌮💃 It’s the moment your marriage actually begins. And yet… this is often the part couples spend the least amount of time talking about. As a wedding officiant in San Antonio, Texas , I’ve seen it all—from ceremonies that felt deeply personal and unforgettable, to ones that felt like they could’ve been copied, pasted, and performed for literally anyone. The difference? It almost always comes down to the questions your officiant asks (or doesn’t ask). So let’s talk about the questions that should be part of your ceremony planning—and a few red flags to watch for along the way. First Things First: Why Your Story Actually Matters Here’s the thing: Your guests already know you’re in love. They showed up because of that. 😉 What they don’t know is: How you met What you’ve overcome together Why this person feels l...

If you’re planning a 2026 wedding , allow me to lovingly whisper this into your ear: Cloud Dancer . That’s the color. That’s the vibe. That’s the moment. Every year, a color pops up that makes the wedding world collectively pause, swoon, and start pinning furiously. For 2026, Cloud Dancer has entered the chat — and as a San Antonio wedding officiant who has seen trends come and go (and sometimes return wearing a different name), I can confidently say this one has staying power. Cloud Dancer isn’t loud. It doesn’t scream for attention. It floats in, sets the tone, and makes everything feel calm, intentional, and quietly stunning — kind of like the best relationships, honestly. Let’s talk about why Cloud Dancer is everywhere , why it works beautifully for Texas weddings , and how you can weave it into your ceremony without it feeling forced, trendy, or Pinterest-copycat. So… What Is Cloud Dancer, Exactly? Cloud Dancer is a soft blue-gray with a whisper of lavender that shows...

White dress ? Of course. It’s timeless for a reason. But what if you tossed a denim jacket over it? Or laced up hot pink sneakers underneath? Or walked down the aisle barefoot because… honestly, shoes were never your thing? Boom. Instant you. Somewhere along the way, weddings picked up a reputation for being rigid. As if there’s a rulebook you didn’t get a copy of. White dress. Formal tux . Certain silhouettes. Certain fabrics. Certain expectations. But here’s the truth I love reminding couples of: Your wedding outfit isn’t about tradition—it’s about expression. And expression? That looks different for everyone. Let’s Bust the Biggest Wedding Outfit Myth The biggest myth in wedding fashion is that there’s a “right” way to look married. Spoiler alert: there isn’t. There’s only your way. Your wedding outfit isn’t a costume. It’s not a uniform. It’s not a performance for anyone else’s comfort. It’s an extension of who you are, how you love, and how you want to feel whe...

So, you just got engaged. Cue the champagne pop, the ring selfies, the phone blowing up with “OMG CONGRATS!!!” messages, and that one aunt who immediately asks when the wedding is. First things first: congratulations . Truly. This is one of those life moments you’ll remember forever, and it deserves to be soaked in. And then—usually somewhere between celebration dinner #3 and the first time someone sends you a Pinterest board—you’ll feel it: “…Okay. Now what?” If you’re staring down wedding blogs, Instagram reels, and checklists that make it feel like you should already have your colors, venue, dress, and signature cocktail picked out… take a breath. You are not behind. You are exactly where you’re supposed to be. Whether you’re planning a wedding in six months or two years, this guide walks you through what to do after getting engaged—in the right order . No fluff. No pressure. Just real, practical steps that keep the joy intact while you start planning. Step 1: Soak It In (Yes...