Bridal Bowl an Amazing Adventure!
23 May 2012 Leave a Comment
Crystal Occasions Ultimate wedding Giveaway
Finalist Bridal Bowl
2012
The Crystal Occasions Ultimate Wedding Giveaway had a very exciting component added for it’s 2nd year. An innovative idea by Crystal Occasions Events, and collaborated by Ed Kelley Photography and McMurtrie Farms Event Venue, was a bigger success than we thought possible for our 1st attempt. We began this year’s Wedding Giveaway with the same entry: Your Love Story. Judges narrowed them down to the Top 10 and then Online Voting gave us our Top 3 Finalists.
Liz and Lance Courtney and Fabian Nubia and Robert
The 2012 Bridal Bowl had 6 Contests with a Bonus Round and a Scavenger Hunt. First the couples met in The Lodge to go over logistics and design their Team Shirts. Then it was time to head to The Meadows for the fun! Ticket sales went to Brides Against Breast Cancer, March of Dimes, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Several of the Ultimate Wedding Giveaway Package attended as well as friends and family of the couples and other wedding professionals and guests. Our judge panel consisted of our Winning Couple from last year, Alyssa and Trey, and Chef Vincent (Personal Chef). All contests had a final judging. They were great!
The Games
The three Finalists got to really work for the Grand Prize this year.
We began the Bridal Bowl with an informal Scavenger hunt. You must check out the recap that Ed Kelley Photography created on their blog at www.edkelley.biz/blog/bridal-bowl-2012
~Toilet Paper Bridal Gown-- the hubby’s-to-be all had TP, tape, and a Time Limit with which to create the best wedding gown on their fiancees. They were fabulous!
~ Next our couples were off to the 3-Legged Race
~The Brides searched for some Bling in a Haystack
~Then we had a different kind of Egg Race, where the couples had to hold them on their foreheads and work together to reach the end.
~The messiest event was the Water Balloon Fight. Here is the trick–there was dye in the balloons. They attacked each other and the guests were able to purchase and throw them as well. Whomever had the cleanest shirt won.
~Wet and getting nervous, the couples sat back-to-back to answer questions in the Newlywed Game.
When these events were finished, the points were close! So close that we pulled out a Bonus Round. We are a working farm as well as a Wedding and Special Event Venue. So what do you do for a bonus? Catch a Rooster, of course! That was funny. All three couples really pulled it all out. It was a wonderful event. The part that I both Love and Hate is announcing the Winners. All three were such lovely couples and I was glad that I didn’t have to judge.
When all was said and done, a couple of points separated out the 1st place winners–Fabian and Courtney! Her tears were contagious and their hug and spin will be forever etched into my memory. We are looking forward to their Parisian-themed Wedding in September. Congratulations!
Thank you to all of the participating Vendors. You can see these great vendors and more details at www.crystaloccasionsevents.com/wedding_give_away.html
~Crystal Occasions- Coordination, design and planning services
~McMurtrie Farms- Event Venue, http://www.mcmurtriefarms.com
~Ed Kelley Photography- Wedding day coverage & dvd of images, http://www.edkelleyphotography.com
~Erins Custom Cakes- Brides Cake, http://www.erinscustomcakes.com
~Texas Party Rental- linens and rentals, http://www.partyrentaltx.com
~Cedar Park Florist- brides bouquet and grooms boutannier, 512-258-5577
~Angelic Strings- ceremony music http://www.angelicstrings.com
~Blevins Best Catering- appetizers and full dinner service http://www.blevinsbestcatering.com
~Complete Music- http://www.cmaustindj.com/
~Bella By Sara- reception floral and centerpice design, http://www.bellabysara.com
~Peace Love Nails- manicure and pedicure for the bride http://www.peacelovenailsaustin.com
~Parklane Jewelry by The Burills- Bridal jewlery, http://www.myparklane.com/tburill
~Pen and Ink- Custom invitations, http://www.shoppenandink.com
~Just’in Roses- Cocktail hour florals, htttp://www.justinroses.com
~Beauty on the Go- bridal hair and makeup, http://www.austinbeautyonthego.com
~Dessert Divas- Dessert and candy buffet, http://www.dessertdivastx.com/
~Chaplian Larry Todd- To officiate your wedding
~Anne Marie Carson Photography- Engagement session, http://www.annemariecarson.com
~Knots and Tots Photography- Bridal or boudoir session, http://www.knotsandtotsphotography.com
Rebel With A Camera- After wedding photo session with a dvd of images, http://www.rebelwithacamera.com
Here To Help!- Design of Cocktail Hour, http://www.mywedding.com/vendors/here-to-help-190297/services
Divaz Fabula- Hair and make up for after session, www.divazfabula.com
Open House Tuesday May 15th featuring Crystal Occasions Events
27 Apr 2012 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: All-Inclusive, Austin, Austin venue, Bastrop, Cedar Park, ceremony, corporate, Crystal Occasions, event, events, facilities, facility, Farms, Georgetown, Hutto, Manor, McMurtrie, McMurtrie Farms, Open House, pavilion, Pecan Pavilion, Pflugerville, Pflugerville Texas, reception, Round Rock, venue, venues, wedding, wedding deal, wedding venue, weddings
McMurtrie Farms has teamed up with Crystal Occasions
to make your Special Event even better!
We are kicking off our premier season with Crystal Occasions at McMurtrie Farms in an Open House on Tuesday May 15th. The Open House will be a come and go event with specials on both the All-Inclusives and our regular venue packages.
Anyone who books during our Open House will receive:
~Get The Meadows for your Ceremony for FREE with any All-Inclusive Package
~$150 off of any Venue booking
Come view the grounds and speak with both Crystal of Crystal Occasions and Chelsea of McMurtrie Farms Event Venues. Picture your special day it the twilight!
RSVP to info@crystaloccasionsevents.com to reserve your spot today!
More Than Weddings at McMurtrie Farms Event Venues
09 Apr 2012 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Austin, Austin venue, Autumn wedding, ceremony, corporate, event, events, facilities, facility, Fall, Farms, fountain, Georgetown, Hutto, Manor, McMurtrie, McMurtrie Farms, Open House, pavilion, Pecan Pavilion, Pflugerville, Pflugerville Texas, Photography, reception, Round Rock, Spring wedding, venue, venues, wedding, wedding venue, weddings
This Spring has brought us many opportunities to step up our Corporate, Club, and Family Occasions in addition to our beautiful Weddings. We have already filled the beginning of Spring with a Meet the Constable, Pflugerville Rotary Club, Family Funeral Reception, Birthdays, Family Reunion, and we have upcoming graduation parties in May. Our Weddings are still our favorites, but these parties always have smiles and great conversations between people of all ages. 
We’d like to invite you to our Open House on Sunday, April 15th from 4pm to 6pm. Whether you are newly engaged, planning a family reunion, celebrating a great accomplishment, or even just wanting a unique meeting space, we have a package for you. Come see what all we have to offer for your Special Day!
Please RSVP to chelsea@mcmurtriefarms.com for your spot.
Crystal Occasions Ultimate Wedding Giveaway Deadline Extended!
26 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Alice In Wonderland, Austin, Austin venue, Bastrop, Beauty On the Go, Bridal Bowl, Cedar Park, ceremony, Contest, corporate, Crystal Occasions, Ed Kelley Photography, event, events, facilities, facility, Farms, fountain, Free Wedding, Georgetown, Hutto, Manor, McMurtrie, McMurtrie Farms, Parisian Theme, pavilion, Pecan Pavilion, Pflugerville, Pflugerville Texas, Photography, reception, Round Rock, Theme Wedding, venue, venues, wedding, wedding contest, wedding venue, weddings
Crystal Occasions Ultimate Wedding Giveaway entry deadline has been extended to April 2nd, 2012! See below for how to enter. See also
http://www.crystaloccasionsevents.com/wedding_give_away.html
Contest dates and rules below. Wedding on September 30, 2012
We are so happy to announce the return of our Crystal Occasions Ultimate Wedding Giveaway!!!! We are doing things a little differently this year but we are looking forward to an even bigger and better contest.
This year our brides will have the option to choose between two wedding themes.
A super fun and cute Alice In Wonderland Theme, and an elegant and beautiful Parisian Theme.
Check out our inspiration boards below to get a feel for the themes!
So how do you ENTER? Very easy! Tell us your love story in 400 words or less. You can include anything you would like to about how you met, how you were proposed to (or how you proposed) , and anything else relevant as to why you should win the Ultimate Wedding Giveaway. Only one entry per couple, and the entry must be written by one of the contestants only. You must also include both contestants’ names, phone number, mailing address and email addresses in the entry email.
Email your stories to ultimateweddinggiveaway@gmail.com. Stories must be submitted by March 26th 2012. No entries will be accepted aftter 12a on 3-26-12 (Deadline extended until April 2nd, 2012!). The top 10 finalists will be notified via email by April 1, 2012. All top 10 stories will be posted on the Wedding Giveaway Page on the Crystal Occasions website to be voted on by the public to determine our top 3 finalists. The finalists will be notified on May 1st 2012.
Here’s the fun part: Our top 3 finalists will compete in a Bridal Bowl on May 20th 2012 to determine the winner of the Crystal Occasions Ultimate Wedding Giveaway. The winner will be announced at the end of the day on 5-20-12.
For more info including participating vendors and services provided, visit our
wedding give away page on our website.
Wedding date: 9-30-12 6pm to 10pm
http://crystaloccasions.wordpress.com/
Other Rules
~The wedding date will be 9-30-12 from 6a-10pm at McMurtrie Farms in Pflugerville.
~Guest count is limited to 75 total people. The winning couple will be billed for each additional guest and must pay in full 2 weeks prior to the wedding.
~The winning couple must sign an agreement accepting all the terms and conditions of the giveaway. If for any reason they do not, they will forfeit their win and our second place winners will be given the option to claim the prize.
~The winning couple must choose between the two themes provided to them (Alice In Wonderland or Parisian Garden). No substitutions or changes may be made without the approval of Crystal Occasions. Vendors not participating in the giveaway are prohibited from taking part in providing any services to the winning couple without the approval of Crystal Occasions.
~The couple must have a valid marriage license.
~The winning couple will be resposnsible for paying for certain items not included in the giveaway. The winners will be notified of the services and / or items not provided and given an estimate of cost at the time they are declared the winner. They have until May 25th 2012 to choose to forfeit their win.
~A $500.00 security deposit will be collected by McMurtrie Farms Event Venues and is refundable within 30 days after the wedding date.
~A complete list of rules, limitations and exclusions will be provided to all top 3 finalists prior to competing in the Bridal Bowl.
~~Participating Vendors
~Crystal Occasions- Coordination, design and planning services http://www.crystaloccasionsevents.com/
~McMurtrie Farms- Event Venue, http://www.mcmurtriefarms.com
~Ed Kelley Photography- Wedding day coverage & dvd of images, 
http://www.edkelleyphotography.com
~Erins Custom Cakes- Brides Cake, http://www.erinscustomcakes.com
~Texas Party Rental- linens and rentals, http://www.partyrentaltx.com
~Cedar Park Florist- brides bouquet and grooms boutannier, 512-258-5577
~Angelic Strings- ceremony music http://www.angelicstrings.com
~Blevins Best Catering- appetizers and full dinner service http://www.blevinsbestcatering.com
~Complete Music- http://www.cmaustindj.com/
~Bella By Sara- reception floral and centerpice design, http://www.bellabysara.com
~Peace Love Nails- manicure and pedicure for the bride http://www.peacelovenailsaustin.com
~Parklane Jewelry by The Burills- Bridal jewlery, http://www.myparklane.com/tburill
~Beauty on the Go- bridal hair and makeup, http://www.austinbeautyonthego.com
~Dessert Divas- Dessert and candy buffet, http://www.dessertdivastx.com/
~Chaplian Larry Todd- To officiate your wedding 
~Anne Marie Carson Photography- Engagement session, http://www.annemariecarson.com
~Knots and Tots Photography- Bridal or boudoir session, http://www.knotsandtotsphotography.com
~Rebel With A Camera- After wedding photo session with a dvd of images, http://www.rebelwithacamera.com
~Here To Help- Design of Cocktail Hour, Divas Fabula- Hair and make up for after session, www.divasfabula.com
Take Time to Smell the Jasmine
19 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
While I love roses, in every classic sense, right now it is the jasmine that is catching my attention. An unusually mild, wet winter has given way to an early Spring at McMurtrie Farms! How beautiful the greenery is, rittled with splashes of white, yellow, blue, and purple. My heart belongs to the honey suckle and jasmine, as my head literally turns when I pass by. We are looking forward to an amazing Season out in The Meadows by the Waterfall Arbor and the Stone Staircase. Our first wedding of the Season is this weekend. Pre-Congratulations to Amanda and Wilton! We are so happy to be a part of your new beginning!
We look forward to a stellar Season out here in 2012. Come see why we love what we do!
McMurtrie Farms Event Venues Honored as PCC Small Business of the Year
24 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Chamber, City, event, events, facilities, facility, McMurtrie, McMurtrie Farms, PCC, Pflugerville, Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce, Pflugerville Texas, reception, venue, venues
McMurtrie Farms Event Venues Honored as
2011 PCC Small Business of the Year
What an amazing night! We always look forward to our Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce events. The Annual Banquet is the bees knees of these events. A wonderful gathering of investors, city officials, philanthopists, volunteers, businesses, and citizens of what I like to call “Our Big, Little Town”. Such a great energy fills the room. Smiles, handshakes, and hugs.
Pflugerville is one big Pfamily.
PCC CEO Patricia Gervan-Brown, the Staff, and Board Members have been instrumental in the growth of our small business. From the fantastic press, web, and physical presence, to introducing us to Maurices’ fundraiser and many of my favorite business folks and dear friends, the Chamber is a core pulse helping to feed this city. I am so grateful to be involved with such an amazing group of intelligent go-getters.
This is why this is such an Honor.
McMurtrie Farms’ Event Venues was chosen as the Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce 2011 Small Business of the Year
I felt very humbled to stand with Bob Evans of EVS Metal, Steve Gore of Gorasaurus Productions, Judy Carter of Brain Express, and our very esteemed Chief of Police Chuck Hooker. I don’t know what I said when they put a microphone in front of me, but I want to thank the Chamber and Patricia for everything they do for all Pflugerville businesses. If you are not an Investor, you are missing out on several wonderful opportunities.
Please check out our wonderful Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce HERE
Pflugerville Police Department
Meet the Constable; Adan Ballesteros, Pct. 2
20 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
Meet the Constable; Adan BallesterosProperty Preview this Sunday
20 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: 3pm, Open House
Property Preview
Sunday, January 22nd, From 3pm to 6pm
Although we are closed for January, we are having a Property Preview this Sunday, January 22nd from 3pm to 6pm to celebrate this wonderful engagement season! While not a formal Open House, our Property Preview is a great opportunity to experience the grounds during extended viewing hours. The owners will be present to answer any questions you may have about pricing available dates, and options for your special day. McMurtrie Farms offers everything from Simply Ceremonies to All Inclusives. Please RSVP to chelsea@mcmurtriefarms.com to reserve your time!
Happy 2012!
06 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
Happy New Year to all! With such a great 2011 behind us, we are looking forward to an even better 2012. We are excited to be a part of all of the weddings and special occasions ahead. We are not just weddings! We were pleased to host the Pflugerville Tiger Rock Martial Arts Black Belt Banquet, the Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party, and many other “corporate” events in December. Here is a sneak peak at just a few of our great upcoming events.
Crystal Occasions Ultimate Wedding Giveaway
Contest dates and rules below. Wedding on September 30, 2012
We are so happy to announce the return of our Crystal Occasions Ultimate Wedding Giveaway!!!! We are doing things a little differently this year but we are looking forward to an even bigger and better contest.
This year our brides will have the option to choose between two wedding themes. A super fun and cute Alice In Wonderland Theme, and an elegant and beautiful Parisian Theme. Check out our inspiration boards below to get a feel for the themes!
So how do you ENTER? Very easy! Tell us your love story in 400 words or less. You can include anything you would like to about how you met, how you were proposed to (or how you proposed) , and anything else relevant as to why you should win the Ultimate Wedding Giveaway. Only one entry per couple, and the entry must be written by one of the contestants only. You must also include both contestants’ names, phone number, mailing address and email addresses in the entry email. Email your stories to ultimateweddinggiveaway@gmail.com. Stories must be submitted by March 26th 2012. No entries will be accepted aftter 12a on 3-26-12. The top 10 finalists will be notified via email by April 1, 2012. All top 10 stories will be posted on the Wedding Giveaway Page on the Crystal Occasions website to be voted on by the public to determine our top 3 finalists. The finalists will be notified on May 1st 2012. Here’s the fun part: Our top 3 finalists will compete in a Bridal Bowl on May 20th 2012 to determine the winner of the Crystal Occasions Ultimate Wedding Giveaway. The winner will be announced at the end of the day on 5-20-12.
For more info including participating vendors and services provided, visit our wedding give away page on our website.
Wedding date: 9-30-12 6pm to 10pm
http://crystaloccasions.wordpress.com/
Thanksgiving Weekend: Remembering our First Wedding
29 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment
Thanksgiving Weekend:
Remembering our First Wedding
This Thanksgiving, we took a little look back through our first Books. These Books are what vendors show prospective clients, especially venues that cannot bring our “product” to trade shows.
Our first books were very simple. We hadn’t even finished out main structure yet, The Pecan Pavilion. A wonderful, fun couple came by our booth that day. Although we were not fancy and shoved in the back of the auditorium, these two were on a mission. They wanted no-nonsense, no hidden costs, no extra details with which to hastle on their day. This wedding was about their Love and Beginning after meeting and falling in love under unusual circumstances. This wedding was about sharing themselves with their family and friends. And they hadn’t liked some of the other answers they had heards that day.
Well, they came to visit, we had a chat. They had vision and it fit with our venue. 11 months later, they had the first wedding at our venue. She was beautiful! Her smile lit the whole scene. He was dapper in his white tux. The weather was a perfect 70′s with a slight breeze and clear skies. I cried. They were fantastic to work with, and it solidified
that I would love sharing in our Future Couples’ Weddings.
It’s been two years since this maiden voyage, and each wedding has been unique and beautiful. I still cry. Our grounds have had a number of upgrades and new features. We hope our little piece of Pfugerville will continue to get more beautiful and we are happy to share it with you!
These are a few of the pictures from our first wedding. Happy 2nd Anniversary Mason and Jennifer!
