Temperatures are warming up here at Vintage Villas, which means it’s time for some fun in the sun. Here are some ideas for your next trip to Lake Travis:

Just For Fun Rentals

Just for Fun Rentals offers a variety of watercrafts including Ski Boats, Pontoon Boats,  Waverunners, and even Party Barges.

Image via www.jff.net

Lake Travis Zipline Adventures

Zip across scenic Lake Travis inlets and canyons for a high-flying thrill.

Image via www.ziplaketravis.com

Texas Sailing

Texas Sailing offers unforgettable experiences with captained sails or sailboat rentals.

Image via www.texassailing.com

Falconhead Golf Club

Falconhead is a public course laid out by the experts from the PGA Tour Design Center.

Image via www.falconheadaustin.com/

Patio Time

There is no shortage of great places to enjoy the breathtaking Lake Travis views while sipping a cocktail. Here are some of our favorites:

Steiner Ranch Steakhouse

Image via www.steinersteakhouse.com

The Oasis

Image via www.oasis-austin.com

Iguana Grill

Image via www.iguanagrillaustin.com

Written by:  Samantha Botello, Catering Sales Manager

It’s Mother’s Day this weekend, and of course I’m running around thinking of special ways to honor my amazing mom and grandma. Sometimes it seems near impossible to pay your mom back for all her unconditional love and support, but even the smallest of gestures I’m sure will make her go all misty-eyed. What better time to show her some appreciation than at your wedding? Here are a few of my favorite ideas:

1. Have her walk you down the aisle!
If Dad is no longer in your life, don’t think you need to find a male replacement – mom can certainly do the job! Or another idea, have both your parents walk you down the aisle.

image via Pinterest

2. Give your photographer a shot list that incorporates a special moment with your mom.
Such as her putting your veil on, a first look in your wedding dress, or recreate a moment from her wedding day.

image via Whitney Lee Photography

3. And, grooms don’t forget that your mom will always cherish her mother-son dance.
Since there are no rules when choosing a song for the dance feel free to think outside the box! As long as the song reflects your relationship with her, the dance will always be a sweet memory.

image via Todd White Photography

Written by:  Erin Todd, Wedding Sales Manager

Vintage Villas is proud to announce the recent partnership with Intelligent Lighting Design, better known as ILD! When we first met with the ILD team, their excitement for lighting was contagious and we have been very satisfied with the production we have seen! To introduce ILD to you we asked them to share who they are and what they are all about, and we are thrilled to see more of our future events all lit up!

Photo by Patrick Motola

What makes ILD stand out amongst other lighting companies?

In 2006, ILD opened its doors to the event industry and made history by designing & manufacturing their own cutting-edge iDesign LED lighting series for special events.  Through ingenuity and in-house design, ILD created an affordable way to illuminate any event with color-matching capabilities and endless possibilities.

Photo by Brett Buchhanan

Lighting advice specifically for Vintage Villas’ brides and corporate clients:

Intelligent Lighting Design is ecstatic to have Vintage Villas as a corporate partner because of the versatility of the venue! Vintage Villas has white walls allowing clients to get as creative as they want. Uplighting will be the biggest bang for your buck; creating an experience for all attendees!

Photo by Stephanie Hunter

 Upcoming trends!

Upcoming trends include monogram projections on dance floors or walls. The great aspect of a patterned dance floor is that you can create the dance floor size of your choice instantly. Because you do not need to rent a dance floor at Vintage Villas, we can project the shape and dimensions of the allocated dance floor area with breakup patterns. This is amazing because we have over 800+ patterns to choose from – essentially that’s 800+ dance floor optional looks!

Photo by Stephanie Hunter

For more information on ILD or to get a quote for your event, visit their website http://www.ildlighting.com/ or give them a call at 512.553.4226 and see how they can illuminate your event!

Written by:  Lauren Allen, Director of Sales and Marketing

Vintage Villas is pleased to announce that we are now members of the WeddingWire Rated 100 Review Club for obtaining over 100 wedding reviews. At Vintage Villas we strive to give our clients the best experience possible, and we would like to thank all of the couples who have taken the time to leave quality feedback. This feedback helps us to keep improving the level of service that we provide.

To check out our reviews or leave a review of your own, visit our WeddingWire Profile.

Written by: Samantha Botello, Catering Sales Manager

It’s almost time for our Spring Open House and we’re so excited!  Come join us on April 2nd from 6:00-8:00pm to enjoy our Chef’s mouth-watering cuisine, sip a refreshing cocktail, and mix and mingle with some of Austin’s top vendors. Make sure to RSVP to sales@vintagevillas.com or give us a call at 512.220.0185.  You can also respond online by clicking this link: Open House Invite.

Also, since last week’s post we have added new vendors to our Open House:  Magpie Blossom Boutique, Details Austin, and Ceremonias Bridal Boutique.  Magpie Blossom Boutique will be providing beautiful florals for our Wedding Center, Details Austin will be creating our programs and Ceremonias Bridal Boutique will be showcasing beautiful mother of the bride gowns.

We look forward to seeing you next week at our Open House!

Written by:  Mary Gividen, Sales Assistant

Spring is here and we couldn’t be more ready to ring in the season with our Open House!

We’re all for taking full advantage of every season – especially when the coming months promise to be particularly gorgeous. Join us on Wednesday, April 2nd from 6pm-8pm to enjoy our Chef’s mouth-watering cuisine, sip a refreshing cocktail, and mix and mingle with some of Austin’s top vendors, including:

• Daniel C. Photography
• She-N-He Photography
• Whitney Lee Photography
• 2nd Generation Video Productions
• Bouquets of Austin
• Flora Fetish 
• Simon Lee Bakery
• Polkadots Cupcake Factory
• The Cupcake Bar
• John & Bonnie Connor (Wedding Officiants)
• Austin Weddings Unlimited (Wedding Officiant)
• Greenbelt DJ
• Texas Pro DJ
• Terra Vista Strings
• Premiere Party Central
• Furbish
• Pearl Events
• Life Styled Events
• Austin Wedding Planners by Rosa
• Alexia Gavela Bridal
• Max Photography
• Intelligent Lighting Design
• Amazing Ice Designs
• Belle’s Ball (Hair & Makeup)

We are looking forward to everything the warmer weather and new beginnings have to offer – and we hope you’ll join us in welcoming spring with open arms on April 2nd!

Please RSVP to sales@vintagevillas.com or 512-220-0185. We hope to see you there!

Written by: Erin Todd, Wedding Sales Manager

Carolina and Brian’s New Year’s Eve wedding was the perfect celebration to bring in 2014! This bride and groom live in California, but came in for an initial tour and tasting and the rest was planned with the help of their talented planner, Kevin, from Brass Tacks Events!

 This spectacular NYE wedding screamed fun and festive with sparkling linens from Marquee Rents and a collaboration of flowers and ice centerpieces (unlike any I’d ever seen) created by Stems Floral and Full Spectrum Ice.

 Having lived and traveled all over the states, their palates craved a menu that would wow their guests and our talented Chef did just that. The cocktail hour began with only five passed hors d’oeuvres, the plated menu included Butternut Squash Ravioli and Filet Mignon Entrées, and the night ended with a custom Breakfast Taco Bar to die for! Even with all that food, no wedding is complete without the sweets.  A gorgeous cake and dessert table provided by Sweet Treets Bakery satisfied even the worst sweet tooth.

There was non-stop fun with Shutter Qube’s Photo Booth and Greenbelt DJ kept guests dancing throughout the night. At midnight confetti flew over the dance floor and 12 grapes were to be had by all (a Spanish tradition of good luck and fortune for the new year). This countdown was one this couple (and their guests) will never forget.  And Jerry Hayes and inTandem Photography were there to capture it all.  Enjoy!

Photographs taken by Jerry Hayes

Photographs taken by InTandem

“Our wedding was amazing thanks to Vintage Villas. From Kristi at the hotel front desk, to Lauren in the main office, everyone was super responsive and willing to work with us on pretty much everything. The Chef was super accommodating with menu tweaks we requested. All the food at the wedding was amazing… we are still getting rave reviews on apps and late night tacos. For our NYE wedding, the proximity from venue to hotel was amazing. No need to worry about over-intoxicated guests driving and the rooms are nice for the price point. Staff, food, and venue were beyond epic from beginning to end.” -Carolina & Brian

Written by:  Lauren Allen, Director of Sales and Marketing

At Vintage Villas we help a lot of couples with their special day, and we are often asked about marriage license requirements and procedures. To make the process a little easier, we have gathered the following marriage license information.

General Information:

• There is a required 3 day waiting period from the time you obtain your marriage license until the time the ceremony can take place. (Unless special requirements are met.)
• Your marriage license is valid for 90 days.
• You do not have to get married in the same county where you received your marriage license. Your marriage license will be good in any county within Texas.

Who can perform a wedding ceremony?

• A person who is an officer of a religious organization and who is authorized by the organization to conduct a marriage ceremony.
• A justice of the supreme court, judge of the court of criminal appeals, justice of the courts of appeals, judge of the district, county, and probate courts, judge of the county courts at law, judge of the courts of domestic relations, judge of the juvenile courts, retired justice or judge of those courts, justice of the peace, retired justice of the peace, or judge or magistrate of a federal court of this state.

How to Obtain your Marriage License:

1. Both the Bride & Groom must go to the County Clerk’s office, complete the marriage license application, and pay the license fee. You will need to bring the following:
   • Proper Identification (birth certificate, driver’s license or state-issued ID card, passport, visa, military ID, etc.).
   • The Social Security Number of each applicant.
2. Following the ceremony, the wedding officiant must date, sign, and note the county where the ceremony occurred on the certificate. The marriage license must then be returned to the County Clerk’s Office within 30 days from the ceremony      date. Once the office receives the license, it will be copied and filed and the original will be returned to you.

For more information, you can visit the Travis County Clerk’s website (http://www.traviscountyclerk.org/eclerk/Content.do?code=R.27) or call your local County Clerk.

Written by: Samantha Botello, Wedding Sales Manager

Here at Vintage Villas we take feedback from our guests seriously.  Whether it be feedback from an event or their night stay in one of our lovely rooms.  Since we love to hear what our guests have to say about Vintage Villas, we have a guest book at our hotel front desk where guests can write how their stay was.  Guests can write about our views, service, an event they attended, breakfast or whatever their mind can dream of.  We greatly enjoy reading these comments left in our guest book.  Here are some wonderful comments that guests have left for us:

5.16.09

We came to experience our wedding night and it was amazing.  We enjoyed the quite morning and balcony that over looked the lake was great!

5.20.09

Latino Leadership Council Internal Team had our retreat here and it was awesome!  Probably coming back in the fall.  Expect more of us!

5.22.09

Made my daughter’s wedding a fairytale come true.

6.6.09

The awe of it all. Beauty does not define it!  Majestic…..and beyond.  Cannot capture it.  Thank you!

6.29.09

Thank you for making our daughter’s wedding a beautiful, wonderful experience.  Great staff all the way around.

3.8.10

Beautiful!  I’m sure you read pages of compliments, which I will add to.  This hotel is truly unique and everybody is very nice!  Best wishes!

3.28.10

Very quiet and peaceful place.  Staff is super friendly.  I went on a run outside, very beautiful.  Lake looks great.  Theme of Vintage Villas is very unique.  Definitely recommend!

3.28.10

It was cow fur on the chairs.  That is why I like it.

4.10.10

Getting married today!  Thanks for everything.  Your hospitality is above and beyond.

8.9.10

C + C – Heaven!  We are in Heaven!

7.29.12

So wonderful to be back here!  We celebrated our wedding here almost 15 years ago!  Many wonderful traditions started then and many beautiful memories now.  Hope to be back in another 15!

June 2013

The Dumaneas family enjoyed everything here – the views, the food, etc.  Just became our top spot in Texas.

8.6.13

Awe inspiring with a breath-taking view.  So happy I stayed.

8.6.13

We love this place and have stayed here twice within 8 months.  Best place ever!  Stayed today for our 5 year anniversary.

8.7.13

This is a great spot for serenity and sharing with that special someone!  The views were spectacular!

8.15.13

Just what we wanted – a most relaxing time – loved the jacuzzi tub – breakfast was not only delicious but beautifully presented.

8.19.13

We are from Houston and this place is just phenomenally unique.   We enjoy our stay, thanks to everyone.  Stay the same for our next visit.

September 2013

Proposed to my girlfriend now fiancé.  Thank you Vintage Villas for making this a day I will remember forever.

10.17.13

Thank you guys for keeping the place so clean and well-kept!   We enjoyed our stay at your place and will definitely be back!  The breakfast is amazing!!!  Keep up the great work.

10.19.13

We had a fabulous stay!  Our first time here and we will come back…so beautiful, peaceful and relaxing!  Great food for breakfast too!  Thank you!

10.24.13

A beautiful place with gorgeous surroundings.  Like a world way and only 30 minutes from home.  The “Brownsville” room was perfect!

1.3.14

Thank you so much for the amazing vacation!  We loved your venue and would love to stay again.  Keep up the amazing work!

Come stay here with us at Vintage Villas so you can leave a fun comment for us to read!

Written by:  Mary Gividen, Sales Assistant

Vintage Villas was recently named the 2013 Business of the Year by the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce at the Annual Outstanding Achievement Award Luncheon. The Mission of the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce is to promote sound economic growth, assist members with business development and create awareness related to the outstanding characteristics of the unique South Lake Travis community.

Business of the Year is awarded to a company that shows a strong involvement with the Chamber, contributes to the community and has been in operation for 5 years or more. Lakeway Chief of Police, Todd Radford read the following aloud to the attendees, “A pillar of the community for almost 20 years dedicated to local activities and causes by supporting many local school activities, including, but not limited to, various band, drama, choir and soccer teams in addition to boy scout activities, FFA events, and local church silent auctions and fundraisers. Vintage Villas has graciously hosted Chamber meetings and luncheons at significantly discounted rates for over 10 years.” More 10 areas business’ were nominated for the title.

Thomas Porter, Owner & General Manager of Vintage Villas Hotel & Events was at the event and was elated to be the recipient of the prestigious award. “We are honored and proud to be named the 2013 Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year! It is a true pleasure to be a business owner in the Lake Travis community, we are thankful for the work the Chamber does on a daily basis to promote and support its’ business community. As a longtime member and supporter of the Lake Travis Chamber it is so incredible to be recognized with this great title.”

By: Mallory Voorheis, IOM :: Corporate Sales Manager :: Vintage Villas Hotel & Events