Say Hello Thomas Porter, our General Manager at Vintage Villas Hotel and Events Center!

Tell us about your background:

I graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Liberal Arts Bachelors Degree with a Sociology Major. While working my way through college I worked in the restaurant and hotel industry. Upon graduation, I was employed by the Harvey Hotel DFW that was later called the Bristol Hotel Company, and apprenticed in 5-star banqueting service.

What Other Hotel Experience do you have?

I got the position of Banquet Director at the Austin Hilton in 1996. During my tenure, I became the Housekeeping Director, Food & Beverage Director, Catering Director and Assistant General Manager.

How did you meet your wife, Vicky?

Vicky was the Rooms Division Manager at the Austin Hilton. We married in Enniskerry Ireland.

Tell us your Vintage Villas Story:

I met the owner of a 40 room Bed & Breakfast overlooking Lake Travis. Encouraged by the stunning views of the lake and the never-ending sunsets, I eagerly took the job as General Manger with the full intent of turning the B&B into a Hotel & Event Center. Vicky and I had the opportunity to purchase the hotel in 2007.

What are your favorite hobbies?

Anything related to vegetables and reading any non-fiction (I don’t think I really ever left college).

What are some of your favorite Travel Experiences? 

Diving in Bonaire, blindly pointing to a Chinese menu item in Macau and haggling over goat skins in the souks of Marrakech.

What is something you will always love to talk about?

 My 3 wonderful kids and the other one, motorcycles and hand bells.

Support Susan G. Komen Austin while getting a great workout and drinking a glass of wine! Join Vintage Villas and Pure Barre of Lakeway for a donation based Fitness on The Lawn and Think Pink Happy Hour with all the proceeds benefiting Susan G. Komen for Breast Cancer Awareness month. We are recommending $10 per person.

We are partnering together to host a community Pure Barre workout with the beautiful Lake Travis View. After the class, we will be hosting a happy hour and informational session with Susan G. Komen, with information about how to check for Breast Cancer. Hill Country Cakery will be making a sweet surprise for all attendees! Fitness on the Lawn will take place on Thursday, October 26th at 6:00pm on the Gazebo Lawn at Vintage Villas Hotel and Events Center.

There will be child care for $5 per child so you can enjoy Pure Barre and a cocktail…or two! . If you have any questions please feel free to email rose@vintagevillas.com

RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1846826315648063

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fitness-on-the-lawn-tickets-38439225759

At Vintage Villas we offer a gorgeous view of Lake Travis, an outdoor ceremony space on green grass, and Hill Country views. For a couple that wants an outdoor wedding ceremony our Gazebo and Arbor are something to dream about. Unfortunately, being in Austin, rain can be a reality. As an outdoor ceremony venue, we are experts in creating a custom and beautiful Plan B for your big day (with lake views too!). At your detailing appointment, you and your sales manager will work together to design this plan. On your Wedding Day, the weather is out of your control BUT your rain plan is something you can control! Remember, a well-prepared Bride is a happy Bride!

1. The forecast is predicting rain all weekend! When do I make the call to move my Wedding ceremony inside?

When the weather forecast is not changing and your wedding is coming up you have to be able to make a decision to move the ceremony indoors. Our Sales Managers put their input in what they do best. They suggest that you’re able to make the call 2 hours before the ceremony with our Texas weather being so unpredictable you may be able to keep it outdoors! Also, it really will depend on your floor plan.  If the floor plan is set where the whole room needs to be flipped then the call should be made during the rehearsal the day before. We always recommend to our clients that are in the 100-150 wedding range to switch to a rain plan friendly floor plan if the weather is predicting rain. This option could be using the dance floor as the ceremony space.

2. Is there another option besides having it indoors?

A great back up plan is a tent! A tent provides the same outdoor feeling while staying dry from the rain. It acts as a blank canvas that goes with any theme and décor. With a tent you can still have that lake view. Tent companies have options that have clear tops and/or sides so you can still see the outdoors. Our Sales Manager’s suggest that if you are dead set on having your wedding outdoors no matter what, you can have a tent on standby (this, of course, requires a non-refundable deposit) but is a great option if you are concerned about the chance of rain.  If you don’t rent a tent far in advance, and it is about a week away from your wedding day and there is a possibility of rain, we recommend that you start calling rental companies to see what they have available. Remember that every other bride in the city will be doing the same, so tents will be at a premium! If you’re interested in renting a Tent here are a few companies we love working with from our preferred vendor list!

Whim Hospitality

Premiere Events

Marquee Events

Monarch Event Rentals 

3. How can I make the most out of the rain?

Trust us, you can make this rain play to your favor! With rain there is always a chance of a rainbow which would be a beautiful photo backdrop in your bridal gown. A lot of photographers agree that some of the best lighting is right after it rains. The rain might be able to give you amazing wedding photos you wouldn’t have had an opportunity to get before!

You can make the most out of rain props. Umbrella photos with your bridal party and groom are always winners. If you use a clear umbrella you can still see you and your grooms’ faces in the photos! Another cute prop would be rain boots. You and your girls can lift your dresses for a boots picture.

4. Words of Wisdom!

Do what feels right and know that you are still going to be having a gorgeous ceremony either way!  You are not sacrificing the beautiful lake view wedding even with a plan B at our venue. Rain on your wedding day is meant to be good luck! Love Mother Nature and know that everything happens for a reason. Just remember that at the end of the day, you will be married! Whether your ceremony is inside or outside, you will still have a beautiful wedding, and a little planning in the weeks before your wedding can make a rainy day stress-free!

 

 

Our renovated Events Center has been open for 4 Months now and it was time we shared it with our Community. We partnered with the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony showcasing our Events Center.  Our General Manager, Thomas Porter, describes our new Events Center as “an uninterrupted 4800 sq ft event space with large picture windows to best take in the views of Lake Travis and the surrounding Hill Country.”  Thomas and the Vintage Villas Team worked together to design and recreate a multi-use event space that our Brides and Grooms would love as well as corporate businesses.

Our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was our invitation for the Lake Travis and Austin Community to see our new space. We partnered with the local vendors to make a successful event; from having custom floral to delicious new flavored cupcakes, our event had it all!

Samantha Blanton with Blanton Florals, took the time to work with our Director of Sales, Katie Brinkman and coordinate a brilliant idea and design for our space.

“My inspiration for the floral and decor started with the color scheme of blush and navy, creating a classic beauty look.  When I saw the chandeliers I envisioned spotlighting those with greenery while showing the height and openness of the room.  So hanging flowers was a perfect way to do this.  The hanging flowers created a dreamy, natural fairytale ambiance.  I chose the funzie blush pink table cloths to add texture and a light airy feeling.  The sequin blue and blush table cloths topped off the classy look.” Samantha Blanton, Blanton Floral.

Samantha’s designs were complimented with Sugar Shaker Bakery’s delicious cupcakes and cookies matching the color scheme of the event. The Sugar Shaker Bakery and Stand By Me Events Team allowed our guests to meet other local vendors in the area!

Our partner, the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce played a huge part in the success of our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Not only did they provide the ribbon, they also invited their members to be a part of our celebration! Our Executive Chef, Steve Michalzik, created a custom menu including crawfish beignets and a chicken taco and salsa bar.

We would like to thank Laura Mitchell with the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce, Samantha Blanton with Blanton Floral, Sugar Shaker Bakery, Stand By Me Events, Pam Holts Photography, Altared Wedding & Events, Premiere Event Rentals and everyone that came out for our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

 

It’s time to get the show on the road and start the wedding planning. As your scouting out venues and touring our property, the word “venue coordinator” or “in-house coordination” is bound to pop up. What does this mean? Is it the same thing as as Wedding Coordinator? Where is J-Lo in all of this? If you’re not in the industry or helped plan your sister’s wedding this can be a bit confusing. Here are a few key differences in what a venue coordinator does for you vs. a wedding coordinator.

1. Venue! 

Venue Coordinator- We are responsible for delivering your contracted items. We are here to make sure your tables, chairs, and linens are set up accurately in our facility. We work directly with our operations team in banquets and the kitchen to ensure that we are delivering the proper quality and numbers.

Wedding Coordinator- A Wedding Coordinator becomes responsible for everything the venue has to offer. They become the lead contact for the venue coordinator, operations team, and you. Wedding Coordinator’s make sure the vendors arrive on time with the correct items to the right place! The Wedding Coordinator will set up and take down of any decorations. They will follow a diagram and make sure everything is in the right place.

2. Vendors!

Venue Coordinator- We provide you a list of our preferred vendors. These are some of our favorite people and companies to work with that give our clients quality & amazing results!

Wedding Coordinator- A wedding coordinator will help you pick your vendors based on your budget, personality, and vision. They will most likely attend meetings with vendors  and help make decor and design decisions with you.  A Wedding Coordinator is the main point of contact for the vendors. If a vendor is lost or forgot a bouquet, they will be in contact with the Wedding Coordinator. They will also distribute final payments and tips to the vendors day of your wedding.

3. Timeline!

Venue Coordinator- Our Event Managers will create an operational timeline for our team and vendors. The timeline includes: ceremony start time, meal times, bar times, cake cutting, toasts, first dance, and tear down.

Wedding Coordinator- You can expect a Wedding Coordinator to create a detailed timeline involving EVERYTHING for your wedding day. It includes but not limited to: your arrival time, hair & make up schedule, all vendor arrival times, meals, photo times, first look, ceremony start time, cocktail hour,  DJ start time, all dances, all toasts, cake cutting, bouquet toss, grand exit, etc. A wedding coordinator will also send out the timeline to your family and bridal party to ensure everyone, including your never-on-time brother, actually shows up on time for your wedding! The goal of the wedding coordinator is to always know every single thing happening to every single person involved in your wedding.

4. Ceremony!

Venue Coordinator-  It’s time! Our Venue Coordinator’s will line up your bridal party as practiced in the rehearsal. We are cuing the DJ or band for any song changes and will let you know when it’s time to start walking down the aisle.

Wedding Coordinator- Before the start time they will set out any decor at the ceremony site. They will check with the vendors and confirm that they are ready to start on time and have everything they need. The Wedding Coordinator will also line up your bridal party and communicate with the music for perfect timing. After the ceremony the Wedding Coordinator will assist with getting you to your sunset photos, bringing you and your husband your favorite cocktails, and some of the appetizers!

5. Reception!

Venue Coordinator- We will be making sure all food is out according to your timeline and contract. Our venue coordinator’s make sure you get a plate of your delicious meal. We also communicate with the DJ/MC about any announcements, toasts, and music cues. During the reception we are focusing on our operations to ensure an amazing quality of service. We also will be reminding you and your groom when to cut the cut, champagne toasts, dances etc.

Wedding Coordinator- The reception is the wedding coordinators time to shine. Before the reception they will have made sure all the candles lit, the linen color is correct, and the decor is in the right place. The wedding coordinator will set out and check all escort cards and seating charts are out and correct. They spend their reception time making sure the newlyweds, parents, and bridal party are all happy with their food and service. They also cue anyone involved in a toast or dance when to get ready, where to stand, and when it’s time to start. The wedding coordinator is communicating with the DJ/MC about the timeline and will make any time changes necessary. The wedding coordinator will collect all the gifts & envelopes and place them in a pre-determined safe place.

SO, in short, A Venue Coordinator is focused on ensuring the venue is giving you exactly what you contracted. We are making sure our food and service quality is above standards and exceeding your expectations. A Wedding Coordinator is going to be helping you with all aspects of the wedding including decor, bridal party, and any situations that may occur. Any issues with your dress bridal party, or guests switching tables will fall on the wedding coordinator. J.Lo may not be on our preferred wedding coordinator list but reach out to your sales manager for our recommendations!

                    Congratulations to Vintage Villas’ Beautiful couple Lauren & Ben!

Lauren and Ben’s Wedding was definitely a day filled with love and happiness. With great weather and a romantic sunset ceremony under the Gazebo, the happy couple was able to share their special day with their closest friends and family. The true spark however, came from Lauren & Ben’s contagious smiles throughout the night.

Check out Lauren and Ben’s Love Story & Wedding at Vintage Villas Hotel and Events on Angela King Photography’s blog: http://blog.angelakingphotography.com/lauren-and-ben-at-vi…/

We made the cover of Hill Country Wedding Ideas!

Check it out by following this link: hillcountryweddingideas.com/directory/flip/ 

You can also stop by our office and pick-up your copy!

The winner of the “2016 Vintage Villas Dream Wedding Giveaway” has been announced.We wish to thank everyone and give our congratulations to Melissa & Todd along with and the many other great couples who entered.

 

 Here is Melissa’s story

“Yes, I can come help you clean your house because you are sick”.  That was it. I was hooked. I told my girlfriends about what my new boyfriend was willing to do for me and they immediately said, ” You have to marry that man!”  Fast forward three years, lots of love and drama later and he takes me to Mount Bonnell  at sunset and asks me to do something I have never done before, become his wife.

 

My name is Melissa and I am a middle school teacher. Todd is a social worker with the Department of Family and Protective Services. We spend our days (and nights) helping kids. We want kids to  have better lives through education and opportunities. I coach a UIL team and also coordinate a group of kids that promote study skills and being a good student.  Todd works with foster youth that are about to age out of care. He helps kids work to get into college or trade school and learn the skills to be a functioning adult in society.

We live almost check to check. Family is not really able to help us with the cost of the wedding so it is up to us. We are able to save just a little each month to try to afford the wedding we feel we can be proud of. I think that we deserve to win this dream wedding because we love each and dedicate our time to better the world. Winning this wedding package would allow us to celebrate with our friends and family in a way I think we have earned. A wedding should be a reflection of a couple and the community of love around them; a Vintage Villas dream wedding would reflect our community of love.

 

 

 

Don’t forget to stop by Vintage Villas on January 31^st from 4 to 6 p.m. for our exciting Bridal Fashion Show & Open House! Please RSVP to sales@vintagevillas.com.

                                           We hope to see you there!