Pennington’s Cakes has been providing desserts to Central Texas since 1962, their specialty being wedding cakes.

The bakery, located at 1662 South Interstate 35, provides cakes for approximately 10 to 15 weddings each month, some of which are for current or former Texas State students.

Stephen Horn, owner of Pennington’s Cakes, said after some students graduate, they come back to get their wedding confections from his bakery. Horn said about 25 percent of his customers are Texas State students.

“We offer free wedding cake consultations with a free tasting of our most popular flavors,” Horn said. “We show them different flavors, cake ideas and all the different factors that go into a wedding and the cake.”

Romance fills the air among historical and fictional love stories in The Wittliff Collections located in the Alkek Library.

Michele Miller, media relations and publications specialist, said couples frequently walk in to see the new photography exhibits.

“We are a quiet, contemplative space with some beautiful lighting,” Miller said. “It’s just a place for people to come and be close together among some really amazing pieces of art.”

Miller said visitors looking for romance usually come Saturday evenings, when a majority of the authors speak, and other events occur. The events start approximately 7 p.m. and provide some form of light food, giving patrons a place to start a date, Miller said.

David Coleman, director of the Wittliff Collections, said those events usually bring up big life issues and create a space for conversation and romance.

Christie's Jewelers located off of Hutchinson St. has a wide selection of engagement and wedding rings.

While wedding traditions change over time, one is still a symbol of a union and a promise—the engagement ring.

The funds to buy an engagement ring could be an issue for college students. Christie’s Jewelry and Watch Repair and Paper Bear can accommodate college sweethearts intending to pop the question.

Christie’s sales associate Sarah Clark said the average 14 karat diamond ring can range from $800 to $10,000 in store. There are several options to bring the price down. A prospective fiance could opt for sterling silver instead of gold or platinum, significantly lowering the price.

Clark said Christie’s is used to working with students on a budget.

Wedding arrangements are designed and offered by The Floral Studio off Hopkins St in San Marcos.

The Floral Studio on Hopkins Street designs and sells wedding arrangements year-round.

The shop has been a San Marcos fixture since 2007 and offers an abundance of blooms for all occasions.

Maxine Schaffer, owner of the Floral Studio, transformed her love of flowers and weddings into a business venture when she first opened the shop. The West Hopkins Street store is bustling and busier than ever, preparing floral arrangements for up to 40 weddings a year.

Valentine’s Day is over and spring ahead, but Schaffer said the studio’s busiest time is yet to come. Wedding season is just about to peak, with spring and early fall being the most popular times to tie the knot.

For a local photographer, capturing the details of wedding ceremonies fuels her love for the job.

Savannah Menchaca, communication design junior, started her self-titled photography business in high school and has developed a love for shooting weddings. Menchaca said she began bridal photography when asked to help another camera wielder on a big wedding. Menchaca said she enjoys shooting smaller San Marcos weddings.

“I fell in love with weddings in general,” Menchaca said. “It is definitely fun. I love the ceremony, and there’s so much thought put into every detail. That’s what you have to capture.”

Menchaca, who runs her business from her Facebook page, said her wedding jobs have increased this year.

Brides are always happy because it’s their big day, Menchaca said.

Haley Lemons

OE: What would you consider a perfect date?

HL: A perfect date would be us going to see my favorite or any band. I would like going to see a show and then going to dinner or staying out all night and being crazy.

OE: What’s the best date you’ve ever been on?

HL: Honestly, the best date I’ve ever been on was with my fiance. We just had a little picnic at our house and watched an old movie outside on a projector. I just think the best date just depends on being with the best person.

OE: What is the most important quality in a significant other?

HL: For me, the most important quality is if he loves God or not. His relationship with God should be the most important thing because when he is held to a higher standard than what I expect, he will be more reliable.

OE: Is going to the movies—a traditional date—a good or bad first date in your mind?