Skip TSA Security AND Immigration Lines

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Skip TSA security AND immigration lines for good

If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ve undoubtedly had the near-universal experience of enduring a TSA security line or an immigration line upon re-entry to your home country. What if you could bypass these lines for good? You may have heard of Global Entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. You fill out a (fairly lengthy) application, pay $100, and if your application passes the initial phase, you’re invited to an in-person interview/screening at a participating airport. If you pass that phase of the application, you are granted a Global Entry ID. In a nutshell, this is how it works: At airports, program participants proceed to Global Entry kiosks, present their machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, place their fingertips on the scanner for fingerprint verification, and make a customs declaration. The kiosk issues the traveler a transaction receipt and directs the traveler to baggage claim and the exit. (www.globalentry.gov) In addition, people who are approved via the Global Entry program can also participate in TSA Pre-Check, which allows people to skip regular TSA security lines at participating airports and go through an expedited line —without having to remove shoes or other clothing items, open laptops, or do any of the other things that take up time in line.  Global Entry (and the accompanying TSA Pre-Check) is a good fit for your flying needs if:   You plan to travel internationally any time in the next five years. The more you travel, of course, the more worthwhile it will be —but many reviewers indicated that Global Entry is worth the time savings even if you travel internationally once a year or less.    You have the Amex Platinum card, as the $100 fee is refunded to you as a statement credit. Other cards may also offer this reimbursement —check with your credit card company to be sure.    You live within a reasonable distance of and use any of the airports listed here. The GE program requires the in-person interview, so if the nearest participating airport is several hundred miles from you, it might not be worth it, unless you are a very frequent flier. Participating TSA Pre-Check airlines and airports can be found here.   If you are a Canadian resident, the news is even better! If you qualify for Canada’s expedited-traveler program, called Nexus (which only costs $50), you get Global Entry for free.  Finally, if you travel through Texas' largest airports you might also be wondering about the CLEAR kiosk popping up. Click HERE to find out more about how it works.

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

A Guide to the Greek Isles

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A Guide To The Greek Isles http://bit.ly/2CyBGAS 

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Seven Things to do in Italy

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Seven Things To Do In Italy http://bit.ly/2HF84E8 

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Alex + Drew - UT Austin Summer Wedding

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This June, Your Very Own Fairy Godmother Wedding & Events had the joy of planning Alex and Drew’s fabulous UT Austin Summer Wedding. Everything from the bridesmaids burnt-orange-inspired pale peach dresses, to the whimsical cake from Sweet Treets Bakery, to the grooms Longhorn buttons were perfectly planned to reflect the couple’s shared love of Disney, UTexas Pride, and each other. This fun, fantastic theme kept the entire bridal party and their guests smiling all night long.

 

The joy and love overcame the summer heat in the beautiful AT&T Conference Center courtyard as the groom became overwhelmed by emotion at the sight of his bride.

 We love this great reaction shot that photographer Tyler Schmitt of The Mill Photography Studio captured when the groom shocked the bride with a surprise wedding serenade, inspired by the movie Love, Actually.

 

Finally, the newlyweds and their family and friends retired to the grand ballroom to eat, drink, and dance the night away in celebration of Alex and Drew’s timeless love.

Vendors:

Cake and desserts - Sweet Treets Bakery www.sweettreetsbakery.com

Flowers - Stem Floral Designs www.stemfloral.com

Ceremony and Cocktail hour Music - Terra Vista www.terravistastrings.com

Videographer - ILC Videography www.ilcfilms.com

Photography - Tyler Shmitt, The Mill Photography Studio www.millphotostudio.com

Hair/Makeup - Andrea Juarez www.andreamjuarez.com/

Reception Music - People’s Choice www.texchoice.net

Venue - AT&T Conference Center www.meetattexas.com

Photo Booth - Booth66 www.booth66tx.com

Chairs - Monarch Rentals monarcheventrentals.com

Dessert Lounge Furniture - Birch & Brass birchandbrass.com

Drapery - Unique Designs uniquedesignandevents.com

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Real Wedding: Lauren + Ben at The Barr Mansion

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A classy outdoor, rustic wedding was the vision for our bride and groom, Lauren + Ben. The Barr Mansion was the perfect venue for this bride and her groom! Everything from the flowers by STEMS Floral Design to the reception band, Spazmatics, was captured by the wonderful photography team, Stephanie Davis Photography and Jerry Hayes Photography! These sweet moments made the happy couple's wedding day that much more memorable. Join us as we take a look back at the journey of becoming Mr. & Mrs.!

And, yes, that is the UT canon that was shot off by the University of Texas Cowboys during Lauren & Ben's first kiss.

 

The weather was perfect for this beautiful couple! The cocktail hour took place in the backyard of the Barr Mansion, aligned with round tables decorated with vibrant floral designs. The guest enjoyed drinks as they awaited the arrival of the newlyweds, Lauren and Ben!

Inside the Barr Mansion, round tables filled the space joining the wooden pillars creating a rustic setting. The guest were treated to an evening of dancing, delicious food, and a dazzling night with Lauren and Ben.

Lauren and Ben were a lovely couple and we, The Fairy Godmothers, were so honored to be a part of their wedding day! From the planning to the picking of vendors every part of this experience was joy! Congratulations, Lauren + Ben!

Vendor Team
Wedding Planner/Coordinator: The Fairy Godmothers - Dawn Earley
Venue: Barr Mansion
Florist/Rental Coordinator: STEMS Floral Design
Acoustic Performers: Bryan Harkness & Jay Todd
Reception Band: Spazmatics
Hair Stylist: Mirror Mirror - Johna Simon
Makeup Artist: Mirror Mirror - Whitney Paul
UT Canon for ceremony: University of Texas Cowboys
Officiant: Spike Gillespie
Branding Coordinator: Atheneum Creative - Amy Boyter
Photography: Stephanie Davis Photography and Jerry Hayes Photography
Bridal gown and Bridesmaid Dresses: Unbridaled

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Real Wedding: Lauren + Will at Escondido Golf Club

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A bride, her boots, and her beau make for a fun, unforgettable evening! Lauren and Will’s wedding was a kick in the right direction. Everything from their intimate rehearsal dinner to their sweet ceremony to their memorable reception was sprinkled with the love and joy Lauren and Will share together. Join us as we take a look back at their special day.  A huge thank you to Hyde Park Photography for all of the gorgeous images.

That moment when you see your better half at the other end of the aisle makes for a beautiful moment! Hyde Park Photography did an incredible job at capturing this sweet moment between Lauren and Will! The two families shared an intimate moment with each other at the ceremony as the parents of Lauren and Will prayed over their children and the life they will share with each other. The moment was so sweet it had to be captured! And the two shall become one!       The gorgeous tented events lawn at Escondido Golf Club with a combination of round and farm tables - all with a view of the awesome Royal Dukes Band and the dance floor!  The beautiful cakes by Simon Lee Bakery are also incredibly delicious.  Don't you love the hunting themed groom's cake?  Now it was time to celebrate with their closest friends and family!

Vendor Information

Venue: Escondido Golf and Lake Club

Planner: The Fairy Godmothers Weddings and Events

Rentals: Marquee

Rentals: Whim Event Rentals

Linens: Peggy Poling

Florist: Sprout

Ceremony Strings: Barton Strings

Reception Band: Royal Dukes

Lighting: Ilios

Cake: Simon Lee

Photography: Hyde Park

Videography: White Shoes

Hair & Makeup: Pearl Salon

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295