Dear Reader,Here’s the thing about a destination wedding: The bad news is that not everybody invited will go. The good news is that not everybody invited will go. You keep costs down, and the people closest to you will make the effort, especially if you choose a not-too-far location in the off-season.Beach weddings are getting more popular. If you’re a beach person, there’s nothing better you can do than to have a beach wedding. But if you’re doing a beach wedding, you need to be laid-back about it. Expect the unexpected.So, Rule No. 1 for a beach wedding: no freaking out. Beyond that, you’ll find that a wed-ding in the sand, whether at South Padre, creates unmatchable memories for both you and your guests.A big wild card, though, is the weather. You or your wedding planner should have a tent lined up in case things turn ugly.Here are some other beach wedding tips:Choose your chunk of beach carefully, aiming for a less-populated area unless you want a lot of crashers. All Texas beaches are public. I stage all weddings at the north end of South Padre Island, where few tourists venture.

Get a permit if it’s needed. South Padre requires one for any event on the beach, including a wedding. Your planner can get it, or you can. Get married on the sand if you wish, but choose a reception venue that’s not on the sand. Also, getting permits for a food-and-drink-on-the-beach thing can be daunting. Instead, choose a hotel or venue that’s wedding-savvy.Just a few examples: Casa Mariposa, Hilton Garden Inn, the Pearl, The Tiki or Louie’s Back-yard, or the Namar Event Center — the vast restaurant-bar complex on the bay — in South Padre Island. A wedding planner can be especially helpful in getting bids on deals and packages.Your guests should assume they are paying for their own rooms, unless you say otherwise, but your invitation could include a line about hotels offering specially priced blocks of rooms. If the wedding is, indeed, on the sand, the only appropriate footwear is flip-flops. Guests should in some way be reminded about this, as well, either as a line in the invitation or by word of mouth.Remember your marriage certificate.“I’ve had three couples show up without marriage licenses, saying, ‘I thought you were tak-ing care of that,’ Wedding planners do not get marriage licenses. The happy couple does.Go down to the county clerk’s office with your picture ID, your Social Security card (or proof of its number) and $71 cash. The license is good for 30 days, but you have to wait 72 hours after you buy the license until you have your ceremony. I hope you enjoy your Des-tination Wedding Planning, and have the best Wedding Ever!!Regards,Jorge Resendiz - Publisher / Event Planner

Publisher’s letter

PublisherJorge A. Resendiz

Director Maria Luisa Resendiz

Design & ProductionOralia DelgadoMaritza Leal

PhotographersJR Lazo PhotographyIN Focus PhotographyArnoldo Rodriguez

Sales ManagersMartha ChavezBrenda De la Cruz

Public Relations Orlando Lazo

Special Thanks toSherry Gomez, Casa Mariposa

TV HostOrlando Lazo

Call us at 956-312-2726 to feature your event in our next issue or e-mail us at collectionsmag@yahoo.com.

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For Advertisement contact:Orlando @ 956-533-7087Martha @ 956- 545-8462Brenda @ 956-521-8922

k e e n e n d i a z

To celebrate her son, Keenen Diaz, 15th Birthday, Jennifer Garcia went all out with an upscale lounge Hollywood themed event. Keenen loves the el-egance and to be on the spotlight; and Jorge Re-sendiz the event planner did an unbelievable job transforming the Art Village on Main right out of Hollywood. Loft Events provided the rentals and lighting orchestrating and environment filled with comfortable lounging on white sofas and elegant silver pillows. A custom made painting by Mal-donado, a red carpet and a stretch limo were on display adding to the mood of the party.

Event Planner: Jorge Resendiz, www.jorgeresendiz.comRentals: Loft Events, www.lofteventscorp.comPhotobooth: Loft Events, www.lofteventscorp.comPhotography: JR Lazo PhotographyCatering: Jorge Resendiz, www.jorgeresendiz.comVenue: Art Village on MainCake: Sweet & TastyLimousine: All Valley Limousine

R a c h e l c h R i s t i n e t u n b e R g , D e b u t a n t e

This past January, I had the privilege of taking part in the annual Hidalgo County Cotillion Ball, where 130 young la-dies from all over the county gathered to be honored and pre-sented into society as the 2013 debutantes. Back in September I received my invitation to join cotillion and I was extremely excited to have been included in such an event. As a sopho-more in high school, I saw many of my friends older than me, receiving invitations and talking about their experiences with the organization, and I knew that the following year I would want the opportunity to be a part of it myself. After the first meeting we met again to discuss and practice the rules of ta-ble etiquette, communication, and polishing our public skills for any social event we would be invited to. It was all so amaz-ing, especially the private gatherings like the Tea Social and Petticoat Party, where we had a chance to get to know each other and practice our skills. It was fun thinking about what dress I would wear, which ended up being a dress that had been designed by a friend, but she didn’t get to wear it to Cotillion. I was so pleased to make my debut in a dress with a story! But my favorite part was the actual ceremony, filled with big, beautiful white dresses, satin gloves, and the chance to present ourselves to family and friends as a young lady taking steps to building an accomplished life. I loved being able to go through this rite of passage with so many of my lifelong friends, and my family being there to support me every step of the way.

A Society DiaryRachel Christine Tunberg shares her experience as she is presented into society at the annual Hidalgo County Cotil-lian Ball

On Saturday January 26, 2013, Deyra Jaressy Lopez cel-ebrated her 15th Birthday with a mass at the St. Anne Mother of Mary Catholic Church in Pharr Texas. The reception was immediately followed at the exquisite De-mor Banquet and Conference Center in McAllen. Deyra is the daughter of Ramon Gil Lopez and Mrs. San Juanita Lopez. At the party, she was accompanied by her cham-

berlain and brother Ramon Gil Lo-pez. Roxanne Lopez and Carolina Sarahi Lopez also participated in the event by surprising Deyra with two of a kind gifts. Valente Lopez Cavazos, Maria Ortiz Rodriguez, Onesimo Cantu Tijerina and Maria Guadalupe Perez Perez are Deyra Grandparents. Deyra is a student at PSJA North High School and is a member of the Basketball, Volley-ball and Track Team. She currently takes Advanced Placement college courses. Deyra loves to play sports, sing and dance. When she gradu-ates from high school, she plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin and pursue a medical de-gree.

D e y r a J a r e s s y l o p e z

Event Planner: Jorge Resendiz EventsVenue: Demor Banquet and Conference CenterCake: Sweet and TastyLighting & Decor: Jorge ResendizPhotography: Jorge Resendiz EventsDJ: DJ CaosInvitations: Jorge Resendiz EventsDress: Coqueta’s Boutique

Beautiful little feet, round little face and a perfect little nose, Sausha-Rae was born on December 20, 1997; fifteen years later, she has grown up to be beautiful inside and out. She is a loving, compassionate and dedicated young lady. She enjoys having family BBQs, hanging out with friends, and loves to dance.

Sausha-Rae is a freshman at Hanna High School, Top 5% of her class, and plays Varsity Volleyball & Softball.So, to add to her unforgettable memories, Sausha-Rae, in Quinceañera gown and all, played catch with her dad one last time.

Thank you to all of our family and friends who joined us at this memorable event.

As one of her surprise gifts, she received a T-shirt quilt, to include mainly her little league softball all-star uniform jerseys!

Arrangements: NDO Flowers and DecorLighting: NDO Flowers and DecorPhotography: Celestial Beauty Productions

c o n t r i b u t o r s . . .

s a s h a - r a e g a r c i a

NDO Flowers and Decor was created by Dr. Juan Manuel Nino and Dina Nino from Brownsville Texas. The idea to open an event decor business started during the planning of a family event; they could not find the proper decorations for their distinctive taste, so instead of renting, the family decided to purchase everything for their fete and then the business was created. With over 1,800 sq. feet of showroom space, Dina Nino has found her satisfied clients and her two children to be her biggest inspiration to keep growing in the flower and decor business, and she has definitely accom-plished this for more than a decade. Dina has been recognized by the Brownsville Herald’s People Choice Awards with the Best Flower Shop and the Best Floral Design. Throughout the years Dina has been part of very important events such as Mr. Amigo Association, Texas Exes, Communities in Schools, and other civic organizations. Dina has also coordinated Wedding & Quinceañera Expos under the productions of Trendi Expo. Dina has also been charac-terized by her customers to have a wonderful sense of humor and excellent customer service skills. This is why her customers keep coming back year after year.

d i n a n i n o

Norma and Berry exchanged wedding vows at 6 p.m on De-cember 29, 2012 at Harvey Drive Church in McAllen. Pastor Abel Alvarez united the couple in a double-ring ceremony celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.

The bride, escorted by her brother, Jose Luis Gonzalez, wore an elegant gown accented by a cathedral length veil. She car-ried a custom-designed bouquet of white orquids designed by Wedding Planner, Jorge Resendiz. The groom Dr. Berry Berger, was escorted by his two daughters, Rachel and Sarah Berger. Matron of honor was the bride’s sister, Rebeca Adri-ana Brown. The groom’s two sons, David Berger and Joseph Berger served as the best men. The bride’s mother, Maria Es-ther Lugo was escorted by Cristian Gonzalez. Padrinos de Lazo were Thelma and Joe Cepeda. Following the ceremony, a formal cocktail hour and a 4 course dinner reception was held at their private residence in McAllen.

n o r m a & b e r r y b e r g e r

Event Planner: Jorge Resendiz EventsFlowers: Eleganza Floral DecoCake: Sweet And TastyMusic: Vidal Sounds of JazzCatering: Jorge Resendiz Events

an exclusive interview with entrepreneur

Bonnie Elizabeth GuemezOwner of Fashionista Modern Boutique

Tell me about your business?My business is a fulfilled dream that I have had since I was very young. When I was little I always had that passion for fashion anyone. Fash-ionista Modern Boutique Is a one woman show and it was created to bring people from the RGV Unique Fashion. I want the RGV Fashionistas to stand out everywhere they go and get complimented on how great they look. Fashionista Modern Boutique was initially made for both Juniors and Plus Size Women because rarely any boutiques carry both sizes....and I believe that Fashion is for everyone.

Why do you love fashion?Fashion to me is like my sixth sense..I love Fashion because I love the beau-tiful transformation that it can cause to anybody.

What has inspire you to be successful?I would have to say my family, they inspire me everyday. I come from a family of entrepreneurs and I just think that it runs in my blood.

How did you get started?I am going to tell you a funny little story in January of 2012 I ate at a chinese restaurant and my fortune cookie fortune said “ You will be suc-cessful in a business of your own”. At this point in my life I was having this huge itch to venture out and finally create my dream something in my be-ing was telling me it’s time do it now. So I saved my fortune in my wallet for

personal motivation 5 months later of debating back and forth I made the drastic decision to resign my job and create my dream. It took me three months to create Fashionista and on September 1, 2012 it happened and the doors were opened to the public! Let me tell you something dreams do come true. Thanks to my special close friends and family I am where I am today

What is the most important trait of a successful business woman?Success comes with time and lots of effort... Running your own business is not easy you have to have that passion to love what you are doing and you have to have that drive to push your-self everyday to outdo yourself! You need to know your industry very well and be very knowledgeable of every little thing that creates it. Love, Pas-sion, Knowledge, Drive and Time are my traits.

How do you prepare for a fash-ion show?I usually order new merchandise ...All the merchandise I order is picked by me personally... I usually receive the models @ Fashionista once I see them I get my visions and start get-ting them fitted with the outfits that I think best suits them...after that I accessorize the outfit with additional accessories by the time the fashion show comes around everything is ready and prepped for the model to work it!

Andrea Magaña is Miss Teen Texas Belleza Latina. She is cur-rently a junior at Nikki Rowe high school, and a member of the Nikki Rowe Tiaras dance team, and member of the Nikki Rowe Marching Band. She is also a model of Missy’s model-ing studio. She hopes to pursue her dream by graduating and continuing her education in a well distinguished university.

Lupita Villarreal was born April 28th, 1986 and resides in McAllen, Texas. She graduated from the James Nikki Rowe High School in McAllen, Texas, where she received her High School Diploma 2004. Major-ing in Finance; she graduated from University of Texas Pan-American in Edinburg with her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in Finance in 2010.

For Maritza Jimenez, being Miss Hidalgo County 2013 is only one in a long list of out-standing accomplishments. This 5 ft. 3’in- beauty from Mis-sion, Texas is not your average beauty queen/model; she’s an active cyclist and runner who had just transition herself into a triathlete.“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them”- Walt Disney

From the beautiful city of Ed-inburg, Texas, this years Miss RGV 2013 is Paulina Elizabeth Rodriguez. At age 20, she is cur-rently a student at the univer-sity of Texas A&M-Kingsville and will be graduating in May. Paulina is the daughter of Eden B. and Carmen Rodriguez and the sister of two younger broth-ers, Eden and Emiliano. Her platform is Higher Education through Family Values.

Ariella Nichelle Olivarez, daughter of Leonel and Miner-va Olivarez, was crowned Miss Teen Belleza Latina Interna-tional 2013 in Orlando, Florida on July 29, 2012. She graduated in the top 1% of her class from Economedes High School, as a three-year graduate, in 2012. Her passion for philanthropy work, and promoting youth lit-eracy and the importance of a higher education.

Alexandra Isabelle Garza is 18 years old and will be graduat-ing distinguished from Edin-burg North High School class of 2013. She was Miss Hidalgo County Outstanding Teen 2012 for the Miss America Organiza-tion and competed in the Miss Texas Pageant in the summer of 2012 in Allen, Texas. She cur-rently is Miss Hidalgo County Teen 2013 for the American Beauty Organization.

Samantha Lynn Lerma-Miss RGV Teen 2013 is the daugh-ter of Steve and Melina Lerma residing in Alamo TX and is currently a sophomore at P.SJ.A Memorial High School. She is the current captain of the Wol-verines JV Cheer Squad and on the Wolverines Power Lifting Team. Samantha’s life motto is “Be All There” which she de-fines as being able to be in the moment.

Stephanie Lee Lerma-Miss Alamo 2013 is the daughter of Steve and Melina Lerma. She is currently a senior at P.SJ.A Memorial High School. She is a role model to her three younger sisters by pursuing a college degree and has been accepted at the University of Texas Pan-American. This young lady wants to encourage other young ladies to join the pageant world and make a difference.

THE VALLEy’S BEAUT y QUEENSMeet Eight of the Most Beautiful & Intelligent Women of the RGV

The origins of our “Seafood” kitchen, goes back in time more than 25 years, and it is the product of our founder‘s dream come true. To serve the dishes that until then, his imagination created by combining different elements obtained from recipes and culinary secrets from past generations, and of course, the need to constantly create new flavors and textures to please every palate.

As product of our founder’s dream, Mr. Ro-dolfo de la Rosa Noriega, we seek to share the sublime flavors of our seafood, and for this reason, we have succeeded on establish-ing our restaurant in the city of Brownsville,

TX. Allowing our locals and visitors to enjoy our excellent dishes and exceptional service, knowing that the success of our business de-pends on the quality of our services.

What makes us different from others is the personalized attention Mr. Rodolfo and Ro-dolfo Jr. deliver to our customers to guaran-tee they will be served well, and that they will be pleased with the food they are served. But more than anything to make sure our cus-tomers enjoy their stay and feel welcome and wish to come back every time.

With great quality of our dishes always in mind, we elaborate our dishes with the best

seafood in the region, which is carefully se-lected as well as the rest of the ingredients to be able to offer an exquisite menu such as the “Seafood Soup” our famous “Seafood Plat-ter” our tasteful “Fish Ceviche” or our most wanted “Florentina”, a recipe developed by our Chef Rodolfo de la Rosa Jr.

We are sure we will meet your expectations. We invite you to visit us at our only location7738 Padre Island, Brownsville Texas, “Your satisfaction is guaranteed!”

25 years “The One and the Only!”

Brianna Aimee Medina celebrated her 15th birthday on February 23rd, 2013 with a beautiful reception hosted by her mother Martha Damaris Medina. She was accom-panied by her sister Vivianna Azeneth Me-dina, and her Grandparents Martha Elva Saenz and Jose Rolando Saenz. Her great-grandmother, Elva Gonzalez also enjoyed the celebration. Brianna’s grandfather and her uncle Tomas Armando Saenz danced Brianna’s first Dance. Her godparents David Martinez and Mrs. Mary Martinez gave her a blessing and offered a toast during the re-ception. During the night, Mrs. Isela Guerra and Yesmin Corona surprised Brianna with 2 surprise gifts which guests enjoyed. Brian-na is a McAllen High School Freshman and currently participates in sports such as Bas-ketball, and Volleyball. She loves to dance, travel and go shopping.

B r i a n n a a i m e e m e d i n a

Dress: Coquetas BoutiqueCake: Esperanza’s Cake ShopArrangements: Lili Flower ShopVenue: DemorPhotography & Video: Jorge Resendiz Events

H I d a l g o c o u n t y c o t I l l I o n s o c I a l e v e n t

The Hidalgo County Cotillion is a non-profit organi-zation whose purpose is to promote social graces among select young ladies in Hidalgo County. The main event of cotillion is the presentation where every junior member wears a white ball gown, white gloves, and white shoes and is presented to the community by her father, grand-father, or a member of the family.

Junior cotillion members are recommended and invited by members of the Hidalgo County Cotillion Advisory Board and are meant to fall into the criteria of being positively involved in their communities, schools, and churches, be studious and for her and her family to have positive reputations within the community.

After accepting the invitation into cotillion, each young

lady is invited to 8 events. Each event, excluding the ori-entation and the petticoat party (where the girls only meet with the other members from their school and learn how to curtsy for the ball), has a different theme and purpose.

The Fall Teas event feature an etiquette coach who teach-es the girls skills to be used for the rest of their lives, the Presentation/Ball is the main event of cotillion where the girls are presented to the community then afterwards go to a traditional ball with an escort (date dressed in a full, traditional tux), and the Spring teas which are either a style show, make-up lesson or some other ‘fun theme’.”

The cotillion ball was held on January 5, 2013 at the McAllen Convention Center.

Seven young ladies from the Hidalgo County, made their debutante bow recently at this year’s prestigious annual Cotillion Ball at the Mcallen Convention Center.

Jeena Marissa Zamora, is the daughter of Juan & Carmela Zamora, and is a Junior at Ed-inburg North High School. She is a 3 year member of the Golden Spurs

Drill Team and currently serves as Major. Jeena is a mem-ber of the Future Farmers of America and recently received a 1st in Class for showing a market hog at the South Texas Ag Roundup. She is also a member of the ENHS National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Karalyssa Ca-nales 17 years old and a junior at Robert Vela High School in Edinburg. Her interests in-clude dancing, traveling and theatre. She is the Junior Class

President, and a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society and Robert Vela Dance Company. When she graduates, Karalyssa plans to attend the University of Notre Dame.

Abigail Amanda Ro-driguez, 16, is the daughter of Carlos & Sonia Rodriguez.Abigail is a Junior at Robert Vela HS in Edinburg, TX. Her interests include choir, music, softball, being with family, and traveling.

She is the youngest of four children, a straight A student, and plans to attend the Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi to major in medicine and become an Registered Nurse.

Mykaelah Corin Ortega 17 years old and a junior at Robert Vela High School in Edinburg, Texas. The daughter of Saul and Kellye Ortega. She is a member of the First Baptist Church in Hargill, Texas. She likes to play pi-ano, her Chiweenie

“Macy”, loves fashion, astromony, and enjoys taking pictures, spray paints pictures. Mykaelah loves the Beatles and old re-cord players and old video game consoles and her Hummer H2 SUT.

Yvonne Zerda, is 16 years old and is the daughter of Vince and Debbie Zerda. She is currently a Junior at Edinburg high school. She is a Varsity Cross country runner and partici-pates Varsity softball. She enjoys pageants,

modeling, singing, baking, running. Yvonne now ranks in the Top 20 of her graduating class. She is undecided about college, but is planning on an athletic scholarship.

Brittany Michelle Garza is the daughter of Carlos and Irma Garza and resides in McAllen. Brittany is a sixteen year old junior at the Science Academy of South Texas, where she is undertaking classes to prepare herself to become a mechanical

engineer. She is also a member of the solar car club whose goal is to build a one passenger solar car to be raced from Dallas to Los Angeles this summer. Last summer she attended an exchange summer program in Germany and a program in engineering and entrepreneurship at Columbia University in New York.

Wedding and Quinceanera Fairs

quinceanera & wedding fair

wedding fair

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