What about Kevin?

There is always a lot of intrigue associated with the Ranch since it has Kevin's name on it.  Not the juicy kind of intrigue that you see in TV dramas, but at the end of the day some interest has been piqued.  So, I thought I would just clear the air and answer the burning question on everyone's lips: What does Kevin do out there?

Just in case there are some of you who need a refresher course in Texas Country, Kevin is a performer.  I can't even say he is just a singer, because he really does put on a fantastic show.  He's been a staple in the Austin area for about two decades after a brief time in California, and his presence in the Austin 90s scene was marked by heavy metal and hair.  Lots and lots of hair.

That's a lot of hair.  Kevin is second from left.

Anyway, at some point he decided to go back to his panhandle roots and ditched the long locks for a hat and started singing about what he knew.  Texas Country is a totally different animal from what I affectionately call "big box" country.  We love those guys, too, but Texas Country has roots in muddy waters and dinged-up beer cans.  It's straight-forward and home-grown and lacks the glitzy glamour associated with Nashville.

Kevin has enjoyed a lot of success in this music, and his fan base is dedicated and devoted.  We love Kevin's fans who call when they get engaged, because it means that they already know what we are about on the Ranch.  We love families, authenticity, uniqueness, and Texas charm.

Which brings us to the Ranch.  Kevin bought the property a few years back and decided to make use of it by moving his hobby out there.  In addition to singing and touring, Kevin loves history and antiques.  When you come out to the Ranch, Kevin's hand really has been in almost everything.  It's not just his name on the gate.  The buildings that have been moved out on to the Ranch were ones that Kevin took a liking to and decided that they needed to be preserved- work that he largely did himself.  You can find a video of Kevin moving the cabin to its current home and the barn being converted online when the Ranch was in its infancy.  Careful supervision was ensured to make sure Kevin didn't have too much fun with the power tools.

Kevin in the Dance Hall.  Laning Photography

Kevin is hard to keep up with, though.  He sets fence posts, lays pipes, hangs fixtures, and then packs up on his bus moments later to tour around the state. He plays contractor one moment and is playing a show Abilene the next.  He plants flowers and signs T-shirts in the same day.  All roads lead home, though.

Kevin isn't just a name on a neon sign in the dance hall.  His heart is at the Ranch, and it's impossible to miss when you come through our gates.  If you love Texas, history, great music and great friends, then you will love Rustic Ranch.  We have our roots set in the hill country and our minds set on sharing it with everyone!  We're a small "family" that loves to meet new people. Call us for information.  Enjoy the spring weather before summer gets underway!

Laning Photography

   

A little mood lighting...

You spend a lot of time planning a wedding.  For most couples, you probably can't count the hours that you spent selecting your cake, assembling centerpieces, talking to your florist, or working with a planner on a design plan.  Wouldn't it be a shame if no one really got to see it?

Lighting is something that many people overlook in their plans, but good lighting can change the whole perception of your event.  The Ranch has started offering upgrades to include some lighting, but the options are pretty limitless.  What we have started offering is string lighting, or festoon lighting.

Festoon lighting is a great way to add soft, ambient light to your outdoor spaces.  In addition to being pragmatic, it helps create a space that would otherwise lack explicit function and definition to it.  Since it is not heavily concentrated, but rather evenly distributed, it tends to be very flattering and romantic.  It can instantly turn a picnic setting into an al fresco bistro setting.  Very intimate and comfortable!


But the options don't stop there!  While the Ranch doesn't offer these items in-house, there are other elements in the lighting world that can create ambiance and serve a specific function to create a little drama (the good kind!) in your event.  Pinspots are a great example of this.

Pinspot lights are small, usually overhead, lights that are used to draw attention to a specific space.  In the wedding world this can mean highlighting the cake or the centerpieces on each table.  The lights themselves go unnoticed, but the effect they have is memorable.

Gobos are another popular option for people who want to bring in a personal touch to their lighting arsenal.  Typically displayed on a dance floor or wall, they help create a fun atmosphere and make for fantastic photo ops!

There are a lot more things out there to help you decide how you want to set up your event.  If lighting has never crossed your mind, it should!  It can create a lot of impact at a fairly reasonable price point!

Many thanks to Altared Weddings and Events for the information.