Legacy of Love Archives - Tirzah's Blog

Joshua Marin and Christine Torti’s Wedding

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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

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 - 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

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.

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.

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 Roadrunner — A roadrunner came to the Champ’s reception.

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.

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.

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.

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!”

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

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. ⚓️

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.

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.

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

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! 

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!





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









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

Texas-size Family Fun in the Belton Historical District

Belton, Texas, Parks and Recreation hosted a Free Tubing and Movie in the Park event on Saturday, June 10, 2017, behind The Gin.

Floating on Nolan Creek was a fun way to beat the heat of the afternoon. All of the children were having a blast, but I had just as much fun as the kids riding the small rapids. People typically bring their own tubes at this event, but tubes were available for people to use.

We enjoyed a live music performance on the banks of Nolan Creek by a band known as Touch Of Class. As they performed on the Main Stage, they played great dance hits from the 1950’s to today as the crowd was dancing to the awesome tunes. For more information on the band and their schedule, see http://touchofclass.webs.com.

After tubing, we walked to Scores Sports Bar on S. East Street to get some pizza to eat while we were waiting for the movie to start when the sun went down.

The movie, Sing, was played on the big screen. The story-line was about a dapper Koala named Buster Moon that presides over a once-grand theater that has fallen on hard times. He took one final chance to restore his fading jewel to its former glory by producing the world’s greatest singing competition. Set in a world like ours but entirely inhabited by animals, there were five contestants that emerged … a mouse, a timid elephant, a pig, a gorilla and a punk-rock porcupine.

The community event was successful in achieving many measures such as making fun affordable for everyone with the various social activities in the Downtown Belton Historical District; people were enjoying the beauty of nature and getting some exercise while having fun; connecting with others in the community helps to form lasting friendships; and the fun family-time creates wonderful memories that last a lifetime. All of these quality metrics strengthen the community for a wonderful place to live.

The picturesque setting, tubing on the creek, dancing in the park, pizza, laughter, and movies under the stars made the perfect combination for building memories! ?

Tirzah 

Photography:  Sing - Belton Parks & Recreation

Copyright 2017. Tirzah. All rights reserved.

Our First Wedding at Tirzah – Jake Roehl and Whitney Joeckel’s Wedding

Jake Roehl and Whitney Joeckel are the very first couple to celebrate their dream day, their wedding, in this beautiful historic building, Tirzah!

Jake and Whitney’s wedding was a very meaningful and intimate occasion. Having a small wedding let them incorporate special moments that would be difficult to include in a large wedding. For instance, as their guests entered, each one found a card on a prayer board with a prayer inside that was written just for them.

They even wrote a prayer for me and Cory that we treasure.

For the couple’s Guest Book, the guests signed a large wooden letter R with messages of love.

The couple chose not to have a first look prior to the wedding. Jake arrived first at the venue, and he went into a separate area so that Whitney could go upstairs for the final touches of getting dressed for their wedding.

As the Bride was alone with her father before they walked down the aisle, they said a beautiful prayer together. They walked in to the song called, “Oceans … When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace. For I am Yours, and You are mine!”

Jake sees Whitney for the first time in her wedding dress as she is walking down the aisle. This is a look of a man in love!

Both the Bride and Groom wrote their own vows to each other. At the beginning, the Bride seemed a little nervous, but as the Groom was saying his vows to her, you could see her nervousness fade away and be replaced with a radiant smile.

Two signature stand-out moments in this intimate ceremony included a Blessing of the Rings and a Feet Washing Ceremony. Their wedding rings were passed around the room on a beautiful small dish that read, “Amore.” Each guest prayed a blessing over the rings, and then they passed the rings to the next guest.

In the Feet Washing Ceremony, Whitney washed Jake’s feet. The beautiful symbolism of the act depicted their love and commitment; it demonstrated a humility of the heart, a sign of being humble, thoughtful, and willing to serve just as Jesus encouraged us to follow in his example. In John 13:1-17, Jesus washed the disciples feet and instructed that we should do the same.

Another personal touch was that they had a display to meet the “Maids and Men.” Each had four attendants, and then Jake also had a Best Girl, his daughter Paige. Letters were written about each of the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen with a story introducing each one. The letter mentioned how they met and why it was important for them to stand by the Bride and Groom on their wedding day, and then some trivia that the guests might ask them to start a conversation. It was a very nice way for the guests to learn about the wedding party.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds took pictures in the courtyard with the rustic rock wall as a backdrop. The photographers for the event were Jade and Kyle Pierce.

Tirzah Real Wedding Jake and Whitney Rustic Rock Wall Backdrop Couple Photo — Newlyweds

Tirzah Real Wedding Jake and Whitney Rustic Rock Wall Backdrop Family Photo — First Family Photo

Tirzah Real Wedding Jake and Whitney Rustic Rock Wall Backdrop Group Photo — Wedding Celebration with their closest Friends and Family

Since Jake proposed to Whitney on the beach, the reception design incorporated candle-lit lanterns with greenery and seashells. The colors of the wedding were navy with a hint of blush.

The florist for the event was Revyn Marburger with Ivory Bell Floral and Boutique. She provided the floral arrangements as well as the lanterns.

Jake and Whitney had a Sweetheart table at the head of the Grand Room.

The Bride and Groom chose to have a dessert table with brownies that the Groom’s daughter had made and a small white cake; however, for their cutting of the cake, they cut the cutest cupcake with a little red heart on the top.

After toasts and eating a delicious Bar-B-Que meal from Miller’s Smokehouse, they danced the night away under the stars. The first song that the couple danced to was “Who I Am With You” by Chris Young.

When it was time for the Bouquet and Garter Toss, Jake’s daughter Paige caught the bouquet.

The couple said their goodbyes and had their final farewell. They laughingly entered the Grand Room, and they stopped to tell me bye and described their day as “magical!” ❤

For their getaway, they left in Jake’s jeep, and Jake lifted Whitney up to help her inside. They honeymooned in San Antonio, the City of Romance, and stayed at Hotel Emma on the Riverwalk at Pearl. Hotel Emma is a historical hotel that was once a 19th century Brewhouse. The hotel was named in honor of Emma Koehler, who ran the brewery during Prohibition after her husband died. This riverfront hotel has a genuine cultural flavor filled with a warm social experience.

Filled with faith and full of love, they each married “God’s Best” for each other. It was a beautiful, heartfelt day full of personal touches!! ?

Weddings by Tirzah ღ

Tirzah 

If you would like additional information about our vintage venue and the services that we offer, please contact us at info@tirzah.biz.

Vendors:
Venue - Tirzah
Photography - Jade and Kyle Photography
Florist - Revyn Marburger with Ivory Bell Floral
Caterer - Miller's Smokehouse
 
Copyright 2017. Tirzah. All rights reserved.

Nevis … The Undiscovered Paradise

With the Nevis Tourism Authority, I had a wonderful opportunity of becoming one of the first certified Nevis Romance Specialists. In this unparalleled experience, I discovered an unspoiled natural beauty of the Caribbean!

In the center of the tropical island resides the majestic Nevis Peak which is a dormant volcano that rises 3,232 feet above the island, and the tip of the peak seems to always be shrouded by a cloud. There is one main road that circles around the island, and there are not any traffic lights. The island is only 36 square miles; it will take about 45 minutes to drive it. The island is shaped like a ball; whereas, its sister island St. Kitts is a little larger and shaped like a bat. St. Kitts is more commercialized, and it is a stop with the major cruise ships. The islands at their closest point are two miles apart; the strait that separates the Caribbean islands at its narrowest is called “The Narrows.” The Caribbean Sea is west of the two islands, and the Atlantic Ocean is on the eastern coast. The two islands make up a country; two islands, one paradise!

Since Nevis is a small island, they must focus on sustainable tourism, and tourism is their major source of income. They are very “green” in the manner in which they live. From the air, you mainly just see the green landscape and not concrete. Many of the buildings are made from volcanic stone, and no building is taller than a palm tree.

The people are genuinely nice, and you are always greeted with a warm smile. Since the island is small and the population is few, the locals already know each other so they enjoy seeing new people; it is part of their social life to meet and talk with visitors. You are only a stranger in Nevis once; they know you by name and not as a number. The people on the island take pride in their history. The primary language is English, and the predominant religion is Christianity. They are conservative and very educated; they have a 98% literacy rate.

It is a relatively safe place to travel; however, you would want to be as cautious as you are at home. Interestingly, it is against the law to use profanity and to wear camouflage.

If there are two people having a conversation in the middle of the road, then the next person coming along down the road is not honking wanting them to hurry and move because what is most important is the conversation.

There are not any fast food restaurants on the island. It is fine dining at its best. Wherever you dine, they are not rushing you in and out to serve the next person. It is a leisurely meal. It is a time to enjoy your pleasant surroundings, the engaging company, the delicious food, and the conversation.

There is great diversity in the hotels that the island offers; the island is not commercialized with cookie-cutter resorts. I had the great fortune of getting to stay at the Montpelier Plantation. The hotel was a former sugar plantation which dates back to 1747, and the hotel opened in 1966. The hotel is situated on 60 acres amidst lush tropical hills at the base of the majestic Nevis Peak and 750 feet above the vibrant Caribbean Sea.

A welcoming weeping fig at the entrance of the inn makes you feel as though you are entering the land of enchantment.

At this boutique hideaway, you can reserve private dining in a 300 year old sugar mill and get a stellar 6-course meal; this romantic and memorable dining experience is something that you would not get anywhere else in the world.

As I walked to my room, I felt like I was in a rain-forest with the lush greenery. Princess Diana also stayed here in 1993 to escape the media; she came with her two sons one month after her separation from Prince Charles was announced. We did many site inspections of various hotels including Montpelier, and the room she stayed in was the room that we toured. When I had time to enjoy our lodging, I went and sat on the porch of Princess Diana’s room. I wanted to sit where she sat and see the view that she saw. The view was very beautiful, but it was also very peaceful as was the view from my room. She picked a room next to a tennis court. I stayed in Cottage #1, and she stayed in Cottage #16 so our rooms were relatively close.

Nevis has a large population of wild African Green Vervet Monkeys. The monkeys outnumber the residents with a resident population of 12,000. The monkeys live on the mountain, and then come down for food during the day. The monkeys would be at the back entrance of my room which had a view of the mountain and Caribbean Sea. I did not actually see a monkey there, but my neighbor next to me saw them all of the time and showed me pictures to prove it. I saw the monkeys elsewhere though. One was scampering on the golf course, and the others were playing in the rain-forest. The wild monkeys shy away from people if you try to get close. Fascinatingly, there are even Monkey Crossing signs on the road.

The island also has goats and donkeys that wander and graze during the day; they were not fenced in, but they go home to their owners in the evening. I was surprised that the island had so many flowers with the goats.

Sometimes people go on vacation, and when you return, you need a vacation from your vacation. This beautiful island is different to me; everything about it is relaxing; you truly embrace island time, revel in the lush tropical beauty, and appreciate the importance of conversation and relationships. There are so many interesting tidbits about the island. I highly recommend a visit to the enchanting island of Nevis, a very charming, intimate, and pampering secret escape!

Tirzah 

The featured image was taken by my friend and fellow specialist, Norman Williams.

#Tirzah #LegacyofLove #NevisRomance #MontpelierPlantation #TravelCaribbean #RomanticEscape #Honeymoon #DestinationWedding

Copyright 2015. Tirzah. All rights reserved.