Mike Elkins and Montie Smith’s Wedding

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“Take my hand, take my whole life too
For I can’t help Falling in Love with you!”

Marriage License - Bride and Groom - Weddings by Tirzah - Belton Texas

Typically, it is the Couple’s Wedding Vision that comes together into a magical day; however, this was a Surprise Wedding!! The Couple set the date, chose the officiants, and selected the venue, but it was the Bride’s best friends or rather sisters by heart that planned the wedding for Mike Elkins and Montie Smith; the rest of the details were a complete surprise until the Bride and Groom walked through the doors of the venue on their Wedding Day!

Mike and Montie's Wedding - Tirzah Belton Texas - Walking through the Venue Doors

Mike and Montie's Wedding - Bride and the Father of the Groom
Bride with the Father of the Groom which was one of their Officiants

Mike and Montie were married in our vintage venue, Tirzah, located in the Heart of Texas in the Downtown Belton Historic District. It was a beautiful autumn day in October that was filled with with love, laughter, pumpkins, and hay bales. ?

Entrance Wedding Tirzah Belton Texas

Mike and Montie's Wedding - Friends Decorating
Allison Finney and Kathy Fritsche, the friends that planned the Surprise Wedding

Mike and Montie's Wedding - Grand Room1

Mike and Montie's Wedding - Courtyard Seating for the Wedding Ceremony1

Mike and Montie's Wedding - Courtyard Seating for the Wedding Ceremony

Mike and Montie's Wedding - Floral Decorations

Mike and Montie's Wedding - Decorations Lantern Pumpkin

The Couple held with Tradition and elected to not see each other on their Wedding Day. This Tradition often builds excitement and anticipation for the Wedding Ceremony.

Mike and Montie's Wedding - Wedding Dress

One of my favorite parts of the Wedding is when the Groom sees his Bride for the first time as she walks down the aisle towards him in her Wedding Dress. The Couple did not see one another until Montie walked down the aisle with her mother.

Montie Smith Bride Wedding Tirzah
Montie Smith, the beautiful Bride
Mike Elkins Groom Wedding Tirzah
Mike Elkins, the dashing Groom

Another Wedding Tradition that the Bride included was based on an old English rhyme … “Something old, something new, something borrowed something blue, a sixpence in your shoe!” Brides have been following this custom for centuries. Montie’s dad placed a penny in Montie’s shoe to bring prosperity to their marriage.

Mike and Montie's Wedding - Pick a Seat not a Side

Mike and Montie's Wedding - Love Decoration

Mike and Montie's Wedding - Grand Romm Table Decorations

Mike and Montie's Wedding - Bouquet and Boutonnieres

Mike and Montie's Wedding - Mr and Mrs

The Maid of Honor was Montie’s daughter, Mary, and the Best Man was Mike’s brother, Albert. Mike’s son, Alex, played a song on a guitar as the Wedding Party was walking in.

Mike and Montie's Wedding - Maid of Honor1
Mary, the Maid of Honor

There were two officiants, and the two were each of the Bride and Groom’s dads. The Wedding Ceremony was very beautiful and witnessed by their closest family and friends. The Couple wrote their own vows which told the story of their love.

Mike and Montie's Wedding in the Courtyard at Tirzah

Mike and Montie's Wedding - Wedding Ceremony at the Alter with Father of the Bride

“I now pronounce you Husband and Wife.
You may now kiss your Bride!”

Mike and Montie's Wedding - First Kiss
First Kiss! ♥️

“May we present Mr. and Mrs. Mike Elkins!”

Mike and Montie's Wedding - Courtyard - Couple at the Alter

The Couple’s Guestbook was a Wedding Tree where people added their fingerprint and signed their name.

Mike and Montie's Wedding - Guestbook - Wedding Tree

A Loving Memory display was included to remember their loved ones … “We know you would be here today if Heaven wasn’t so far away.” For as long as there is a memory, they live on in our heart.

Mike and Montie's Wedding - In Loving Memory Display

Montie’s daughter, Mary, and Mary’s friends assembled all of the Party Favors to thank the family and friends for attending the nuptials.

Mike and Montie's Wedding - Party Favors

Coronas De Oro served a delicious meal at the Reception. Wine was served to toast with; the wine bottles were personalized with the Couple’s picture on them, and their children were given a bottle of wine to take home as a gift.

Mike and Montie's Wedding - Bottle of Wine

Another best friend of Montie’s, Allison Allen, made their Wedding Cake.

Mike and Montie's Wedding - Cutting of the Cake

For their final farewell, the guests were blowing bubbles of wedding wishes for the new Mr. and Mrs.

Final Farewell - Bubbles
#HappilyEverElkins

On their way to a happily ever after, the Newlyweds honeymooned in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. While they were there, they went to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, hiked the Appalachian Trail, and saw a black bear. They also explored Elvis Presley’s home, the Graceland Mansion, in Memphis, Tennessee.

Honeymoon - Smoky Mountains

Honeymoon - Appalachian Trail

The couple traveled on to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Asheville, North Carolina and went on a tour and carriage ride at the Biltmore House. The timeless beauty of the Biltmore was built in 1895. This historic landmark is America’s largest home with 250-rooms and 8,000 acres of grounds and gardens.

Honeymoon - Biltmore House

A very special Wedding memory for me was when the Bride thanked me for “making their day so special.”  Those sweet words were a treasure and warmed my heart!

After the Newlyweds returned from their Honeymoon, I gave them a small gift which was an ornament replica of the Biltmore House, and I asked the Bride if she had to do it all over again with the Wedding, would she still have a “Surprise Wedding?” She said, “Yes, I wouldn’t change a thing!!”

Mike and Montie's Wedding - Honeymoon - Biltmore House

We are so happy for this sweet Couple. We wish them many years of love, happiness, exciting adventures, and cherished memories!! ?

Diana with Bride and Groom Wedding Tirzah Belton Texas

Weddings by Tirzah ღ
Tirzah 

If you would like additional information about event coordination, planning a romantic adventure, or about the other services that we offer, please contact us at info@tirzah.biz.

Copyright 2018. Tirzah. All rights reserved.

Joshua Marin and Christine Torti’s Wedding

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Their love story began with a spark on the Forth of July!  Christine and Rosita were in Nursing School together, and Rosita introduced Christine to her cousin, Joshua, at their family picnic on Independence Day. As the fireworks were lighting up the sky, they were falling in love.

Their love story continued as Josh proposed by making a video asking Christine’s parents’ blessing for Christine’s hand in marriage, and he then had the video played at a movie theater during the previews for Doctor Strange.

Weddings by Tirzah Central Texas Wedding Josh and Christine Marin Engagement

Christine had her Bridal Shower at Tirzah, our vintage venue.  It was hosted by her friend, Rosita, whom Christine had asked to be her Maid of Honor.

Weddings by Tirzah Central Texas Bridal Shower Josh Marin and Christine Torti

During the shower, they played the Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Shower Game.  The game had everyone laughing!

Bridal Shower at Tirzah - Toilet Paper Game

It is always so amazing to see the Couple’s wedding vision come together into a magical day.  Candice Bahnsen with Tirzah designed several personalized chalkboards for the special event.

Weddings by Tirzah Central Texas Wedding Josh and Christine Marin Wedding Chalkboard Art

Josh and Christine were married in the beautiful St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Temple, Texas.

Weddings by Tirzah Central Texas Wedding Josh and Christine Marin Wedding St Mary's Catholic Church

There are several parts to a wedding that are my favorite such as the Groom seeing his Bride for the first time as she is walking down the aisle, or the Pronouncement of Marriage when the couple is introduced as husband and wife … “you may now kiss the Bride,” but I love getting to witness a very sentimental moment with the Bride and her Dad just moments before she walks down the aisle. 

Weddings by Tirzah Central Texas Wedding Josh and Christine Marin Wedding Father Daughter Walking Down the Aisle

The wedding ceremony was very beautiful witnessed by many family and friends.

Weddings by Tirzah Central Texas Wedding Josh and Christine Marin Wedding St Mary's Church

Joshua and Christine Marin - Weddings by Tirzah - St. Mary's Catholic Church

The Couple’s reception was held at Cathedral Oaks, a grand 6,800-square-feet event center nestled on six oak-covered acres. The picturesque setting provides a serene experience from beginning to end.

The reception facility has a plush Bride Room where the bride and her bridesmaids enjoyed mimosas in their matching bathrobes as they were getting ready for the big celebration.

Weddings by Tirzah Central Texas Wedding Josh and Christine Marin Wedding Bridesmaids Bathrobes

Cathedral Oaks Bridal Portrait Back of Wedding Dress - Weddings by Tirzah

During the toasts, the Groom started by toasting to all of the guests.  The Best Man, Maid of Honor, and the Father of the Bride toasted sweet words to the Bride and Groom including a beautiful quote … “Love isn’t always perfect. It isn’t a fairy tale or a storybook, and it doesn’t always come easy. Love is overcoming obstacles, facing challenges, fighting to be together, holding on and never letting go. It is a short word, easy to spell, difficult to define, and impossible to live without. Love is work, but most of all, Love is realizing that every hour, every minute, and every second was worth it because you did it together.”

Weddings by Tirzah Central Texas Wedding Josh and Christine Marin Wedding Toasts

CJ’s Event Catering served a delicious meal at the reception. The professional photographer was Shane with Captivating Weddings, and the DJ was Andrew Trevino. Georgetown Blooms was the florist for the bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres.  Confetti Rentals created a wow factor with their impressive design as you entered the reception hall.

Cathedral Oaks Swag

The wedding dance represents the first steps the Bride and Groom take together set to music.

Weddings by Tirzah Central Texas Wedding Josh and Christine Marin Wedding First Dance
Check out the photobomber at the entrance taking a photo! :)

The Bride and Groom included some sweet touches to the celebration such as a donut wall that was specially made by the Groom’s parents, and the dessert table and donut display were arranged by Candice Bahnsen.

Dessert Table with Donut Wall - Donuts Designed by Tirzah

Dreaming of our perfect donut wall - Dessert Table with Donut Wall - Donuts Designed by Tirzah

For their final farewell, their guests lit the way with sparklers for a picture perfect exit.

Sparkler Send Off - Weddings by Tirzah

Sparkler Send Off - Weddings by Tirzah
Let Love Sparkle!

A very special moment for us during the evening was having the Mother of the Bride tell us it was such a delight having us there. Those sweet words are a treasure!

After the wedding, the couple travelled to Moorea for their Honeymoon and stayed at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa, and then adventured on to Bora Bora and stayed at the Four Seasons.

Josh and Christine had many romantic and exciting memories from Polynesian dancing, to kayaking in the turquoise waters, to a Submarine Scooter excursion.

Honeymoon - Bora Bora and Moorea

Honeymoon - Bora Bora and Moorea - Kayaking

Honeymoon - Bora Bora and Moorea - Scooter Adventure Ride

Honeymoon - Bora Bora and Moorea - Submarine Scooter Excursion

Honeymoon - Bora Bora and Moorea - Loving Life and Making Memories
Loving life and making memories!

We are so happy for the sweet Couple. We wish them many years of love, happiness, exciting adventures, and cherished memories!! ?

Weddings by Tirzah - Joshua and Christine Marin - Cathedral Oaks - Candice and Diana
Weddings by Tirzah ღ
Tirzah 

If you would like additional information about event coordination, planning a romantic adventure, or about the other services that we offer, please contact us at info@tirzah.biz.

Copyright 2018. Tirzah. All rights reserved.

 

Josh Champ and Ashley Beckham’s Wedding

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This love story began approximately 8 years ago when Josh and Ashley started dating. Josh proposed to Ashley at his birthday party a year ago last May. Friends and family were invited to the celebration. The last present that Josh opened was from Ashley’s dad. When he opened the present, he said, “Awesome! Just what I have always wanted.” With tears starting to well up in his eyes, he walked towards Ashley and got down on one knee, looked Ashley in the eye, and said, “You.” Then Josh asked for Ashley’s hand in marriage, and “by the grace of God, she said Yes!!!” It was such a sweet surprise and so many kept it a secret. Ashley described that day as “one of the best days in her life!” Josh said, “I got the best birthday present that I could ever ask for!”

As we helped a beautiful Bride and her family decorate for her wedding reception, it was amazing to see the Bride’s vision come together into a magical setting.

Tirzah Central Texas Wedding Josh and Ashley Champ Rustic Acres Reception Decorating

Josh and Ashley were married in Manning Chapel at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor where they both attended college. A special touch in their wedding ceremony was a Unity Cross. The Unity Cross is a unique way to celebrate the joining of a Bride and Groom together as one in marriage. The outer cross represents strength, leadership, and protection of the man. The intricate detail of the inner cross represents the beauty and many capabilities of the woman. The Bride’s inner cross is placed inside the protection of the Groom’s outer cross and symbolizes the two becoming one. Three pins hold the sculpture together and represents the Trinity for the security and completeness that only our Heavenly Father can provide.

Tirzah Central Texas Wedding Josh and Ashley Champ UMHB Manning Chapel Unity Cross Ceremony

Champ Wedding UMHB Manning Chapel

The Couple’s reception was held at Rustic Acres Event Center. Rustic Acres is a 5,500 square foot building that can easily accommodate over 300 seated guests, and the facility is nestled on over 22 peaceful acres.

Tirzah Central Texas Wedding Josh and Ashley Champ Rustic Acres Event Center

Tirzah Central Texas Wedding Josh and Ashley Champ Rustic Acres Roadrunner
A roadrunner came to the Champ’s reception.

Tirzah Central Texas Wedding Josh and Ashley Champ Rustic Acres Bride Groom

Candice decorated the chalkboard wall for the Champ wedding reception, and it made a cute backdrop for a photo booth to capture the smiles of their guests.

Tirzah Central Texas Wedding Josh and Ashley Champ Rustic Acres Chalkboard Wall

Tirzah Central Texas Wedding Josh and Ashley Champ Rustic Acres Chalkboard Wall

The colors for the wedding and reception consisted of navy and coral. The Bridesmaids’ dresses were navy, and the bouquets and floral centerpieces on the reception tables were comprised of coral Gerber daisies.

Weddings by Tirzah Central Texas Wedding Josh and Ashley Champ Wedding Cake

During the toasts, the Best Man said, “Marriage is like fine wine, it gets better with age. Cheers to the years!” The Matron of Honor included a beautiful quote … “Love isn’t always perfect. It isn’t a fairy tale or a storybook, and it doesn’t always come easy. Love is overcoming obstacles, facing challenges, fighting to be together, holding on and never letting go. It is a short word, easy to spell, difficult to define, and impossible to live without. Love is work, but most of all, Love is realizing that every hour, every minute, and every second was worth it because you did it together.”

El Chico catered the reception. The professional photographer was a longtime friend. Creative Innovations was the florist for the Bridal bouquet, and she also added an extra floral touch to the wedding cake which was decorated by Tracylyn with Simply Sweet. Ashley and Josh have been childhood friends with Tracylyn’s kids. The Mother of the Bride’s friend, Pam, had the honor of cutting the wedding cake; they had attended high school together and have remained friends as Ashley was growing up.

Tirzah Central Texas Wedding Josh and Ashley Champ Rustic Acres Reception Cake Cutting

The wedding dance represents the first steps the Bride and Groom take together set to music. The Couple danced their first dance to Promise to Love Her by Blane Howard.

Tirzah Central Texas Wedding Josh and Ashley Champ Rustic Acres Bride Groom First Dance
This is a look of a man in love! ❤

A very special moment for us during the evening was during the Mother-Son dance. The sweet Bride came up to us and thanked us for all of our help. That simple gesture was a treasure!

Josh and Ashley incorporated an Anniversary Dance into the celebration. The couple that had been married the longest was 56 years. That is quite an accomplishment and wonderful role models for a happy marriage. This couple was Josh’s grandparents, Jim and Sandy Champ.

The Bride and Groom included some sweet touches to the celebration such as up-lighting with their names displayed on the wall, and the couple also served Kettle-corn and Movie Popcorn as one of the appetizers with cute sacks that said, “Thanks for Poppin’ in on our big day!”

Tirzah Central Texas Wedding Josh and Ashley Champ Reception Appetizer Popcorn

For their final farewell, the guests were blowing bubbles of wedding wishes for the new Mr. and Mrs.

Tirzah Central Texas Wedding Josh and Ashley Champ Rustic Acres Final Farewell Bubbles

After the wedding, the couple traveled to the Bahamas for their honeymoon and stayed at Sandals Royal Bahamian Hotel.  This beautiful resort offers refined European sophistication, private cabanas, personal butler service, and romantic ambiance surrounded by tropical flora and crystal blue water. ⚓️

Tirzah Central Texas Wedding Josh and Ashley Champ Honeymoon Bahamas Sandals Hotel

Josh and Ashley also went to Atlantis which is a portal to a truly Bahamian experience that features the world’s largest open-air marine habitat, a 141-acre waterscape, and magnificent beaches.

Champ Wedding Honeymoon Bahamas Atlantis

Even though it rained a little each day, the Couple saw a gorgeous rainbow and had many wonderful adventures such as snorkeling with the sea turtles and swimming with the dolphins.

Champ Wedding Honeymoon Bahamas Sandals Rainbow

Champ Wedding Honeymoon Bahamas Atlantis Swimming with the Dolphins

We are so happy for the sweet Couple. We wish them much love, laughter, and happily ever after! Cheers to the years!! ?

Tirzah Central Texas Wedding Josh and Ashley Champ Rustic Acres Chalkboard Wall behind Bar

Weddings by Tirzah Central Texas Wedding Josh and Ashley Champ Rustic Acres


Fast forward 3 Years … We love being able to keep up with Couple’s that we have served as their Love Story continues to see what happens in the next chapters of their lives. Not only is this Couple celebrating their 3rd Wedding Anniversary, they are expecting a little bundle of joy.

Weddings by Tirzah - Josh and Ashley Champ - Three Year Anniversary - Then and Now

Weddings by Tirzah ღ
Tirzah 

If you would like additional information about event coordination, planning a romantic adventure, or about the other services that we offer, please contact us at info@tirzah.biz.

Join us in our exciting endeavor! Facebook tirzah.oohlalaPinterest tirzah_oohlalaInstagram tirzah.oohlalaEmail info@tirzah.biz

Copyright 2017. Tirzah. All rights reserved.
About Us:
A vision has evolved between two determined individuals, a mother and a daughter, with two aspiring dreams that intertwined to create Tirzah! We have embarked on a quest to "Leave a Legacy of Love."

Tirzah is a Historical Venue that existed in the late 1860’s and has the honor of being listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. This grand structure features crystal chandeliers, spacious ceilings, original hardwood floors, an exterior courtyard with party lights, and an outdoor rustic landscaped area. We are conveniently located in the heart of Central Texas in downtown Belton’s Historical District. Step back in time and see a glimpse of the past in this vintage venue that is ideal for those looking for a unique, nostalgic, and intimate setting for a special celebration.

Tirzah offers expertise in the Romance Travel Industry. We design romantic escapes, memorable proposals, honeymoons, anniversary trips, vow renewals, and destination weddings.

Our wedding planning services include destination weddings as well as traditional weddings in the Central Texas area.  We strive to offer a personalized experience to couples by transforming dreams into Cherished Memories!

Tirzah Diana Rose



Diana has fun playing with her grandson, loves to travel, enjoys going on nature walks, and collects quotes.




Tirzah Candice Rose




Candice is the mother of the cutest little boy! She enjoys trying new recipes and playing volleyball. She brings creativity to life.