D Weddings Fall 2024

EC ALL STARS

DIRECTOR OF CATERING & CONFERENCE SERVICES PAULA FENNER

WHERE ARE YOU FROM? Santa Fe, TX | WHAT YOU LOVE ABOUT THE ADOLPHUS: Our deep history and tradition with many North Texas Families | DESCRIBE YOUR AVERAGE WORKDAY: A great day with my Team and future Brides LOCAL RESTAURANT: Casa Millagro | BEST CUP OF COFFEE IN DALLAS: I’m a Diet Dr. Pepper Girl WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Grocery Cashier | WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU? My Parents | WEDDING TREND: Bringing Family Tradition into the Wedding WEDDING FAUX PAS: Anyone wearing White except for the Bride | FAVORITE CATERING STYLE: Cocktail Reception | PREWEDDING RITUAL: Walking the room, talking to the team and getting everyone excited to make dreams come true | FAVORITE WEDDING SONG: At Last | POST-WEDDING RITUAL: A nice glass of Pinot Noir and look at the pictures and celebrate the success of the night | FAVORITE WEDDING AND WHY? All Royal Weddings | ADVICE FOR BRIDES: Enjoy

Photographer: Sophie Epton, Planner: Events by Kristin, Floral : GRO Design

Photo Credit: Emily Chappell Photography

Scan for your FREE planner.

Start Your Story Here Hospitality is part of our culture, part of our heritage. It’s who we are. We invite you to join us. From full-service resorts to inviting bed & breakfasts, Charleston offers something for every wedding style.

HEART TO HEART CATERING

Make your special day unforgettable with Heart to Heart Catering. Your wedding should be a reflection of your love story, and that means every detail should be perfect – especially the food. Our expert chefs craft exquisite dishes that will delight your guests and leave a lasting impression.

CELEBRATIONS

Photo: Braden Harris Photography

Floral: Branching Out Floral

Venue: The Adolphus

HMU: Brite Beauty

Fashion: Stardust Celebrations

Wedding Planning: Weddings by Stardust

editorial

editorial director JAMIE LAUBHAN - OLIVER

executive editor JESSICA JONES OTTE

associate editor LYDIA BROOKS copy editor JAMIE SIDES

contributing editors SARAH BENNETT, RYAN CONNER, AILEEN JIMENEZ, LAURA KOSTELNY, RHONDA REINHART

editorial intern MEGAN WILHELM

HAIR!

Dallasstilldoesitbiggerandbetter. KameronAhistory(andtips!)fromTasharaParker, Westcott,KittyCarter,andmore

art

creative director JAMIE LAUBHAN - OLIVER

sta photographer ELIZABETH LAVIN

production

production director JOHN GAY

production manager GRACE JOHN

photo retoucher JASMINE GREEN

production intern ALEXA MAY

website

online editorial director MATT GOODMAN

online managing editor ZOE ROBERTS

senior digital editor BETHANY ERICKSON

contributing photographer BRET REDMAN

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Dream weddings are made of this.

You’ve waited for this special day forever. And whether you dreamed of an intimate ceremony or a reception for hundreds, you always knew your wedding would embody elegance, luxury and romance. Your wait is almost over. Your happily ever a er is just beginning.

advertising publisher NOELLE LEVEAUX

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client operations coordinator GEORGIA KELLY

marketing

marketing director MADELINE ALFORD

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associate advertising art director ANDREA CHAVEZ

events producer KEVIN MORGAN

senior events coordinator NATASHA SANTIAGO

marketing & events interns KRISTEN DILLARD, HALEY KING , MARCI TOSCANO

audience development & brand

audience development coordinator EMMA BARRETTO

editorial programs manager SARAH MASQUELIER

special programs coordinator BETTY BURNS

senior graphic designer ANITA MOTI

special projects assistant JORDAN RADASCH

retail strategy manager STEVE CRABB

merchandiser DAVID TRUESDELL

operations intern MACEY PIETERSE

digital

digital product director RICKY FERRER

digital sales coordinator OLIVIA BOOTH

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senior accountant DEBBIE TRAVIS

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administrative coordinator NIKHAEL VIRDEN

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editor-in-chief & CEO CHRISTINE ALLISON president GILLEA ALLISON

chief financial officer THOMAS L EARNSHAW

Postmaster:

COPYRIGHT

Stephanie Brazzle Photography

i will i do we did

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PLAN THE DAY OF YOUR DREAMS. SEE HOW BRIDES ARE GETTING TWO LOOKS IN ONE GOWN WITH CLEVER ACCESSORIES. GET ADVICE ON PLANNING A HOLIDAY WEDDING. LEARN THE LATEST TRENDS IN WEDDING CAKES, RENTALS, AND FAVORS. PLUS: REMEMBER YOUR WEDDING DAY FOR YEARS TO COME WITH SENSORY-STIMULATING DETAILS.

LET’S GET YOU READY TO WALK DOWN THE AISLE! BRAINSTORMING FOR YOUR BIG DAY? YOU’RE CORDIALLY INVITED TO 14 REAL WEDDINGS TEEMING WITH IDEAS AND AESTHETIC INSPIRATION. PLUS: THE COUPLES BEHIND EACH ONE—AND THE PROFESSIONALS THEY PARTNERED WITH—SHARE THE SMART DECISIONS AND PERSONAL DETAILS THAT HELPED MAKE EACH CELEBRATION MEMORABLE.

YOU SAID “I DO”—NOW WHAT? SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE WEDDING PHOTOS MIGHT BE ONES YOU WOULD HAVE LEAST EXPECTED TO BE. SEE FIVE FLEETING MOMENTS CAPTURED BY PHOTOGRAPHERS. A COUNSELOR SHARES ADVICE FOR SETTING BOUNDARIES WITH FAMILY TO ENSURE A HAPPY HOMESTEAD. PLUS: DATE-NIGHT IDEAS TO KEEP THE ROMANCE ALIVE LONG AFTER YOU’VE TIED THE KNOT.

more is more.

Letter from the EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Love Endures

exit ensemble, many today have several outfit changes throughout their wedding festivities. Designers have caught on to the desire for multiple looks and found ways to accomplish the e ect without your having to completely ditch your dress (pg. 28). Brilliant!

This November will mark 19 years since my husband and I tied the knot. As evidenced by my choice of accessories (a vintage-inspired choker) and perfume (J’Adore by Dior), my tastes were much di erent then; I’m a jewelry minimalist and Le Labo Santal 33 devotee these days. But whenever I get a whi of J’Adore as I’m walking through a department store, I’m brought right back to that day nearly two decades ago when we declared our love before friends and family. It’s wild how the senses can transport us through time, a concept we explore in this issue (“Good Sense,” pgs. 39–48). From flowers and first-dance songs to meaningful meals and accessories you can wear again, the choices you make on your wedding day will be ones you remember for a lifetime. It’s a good reminder to resist the temptation of short-lived trends and to be true to who you are on this all-important occasion so that when you look back years from now, you’ll grin rather than cringe.

But change is inevitable—and that’s a good thing! Weddings have certainly evolved since I said “I do.” Simple dinners have been transformed into interactive experiences, complete with in-person entertainment and personalized details. (We recommend a few of our favorite reception activations on page 36.) And whereas brides from yesteryear might slip into a more casual

Change isn’t always linear, though. Sometimes we circle back to an idea that was once popular and give it new life. Take the Lambeth cake trend that’s everywhere at the moment. Though the concept is far from original, today’s bakers have reimagined it in a range of fun colors, shapes, and styles. Get a taste on pages 34–35.

And as always, we feature lots of real celebrations to get your wedding wheels turning. I’m continually amazed at the creativity and innovation displayed by Dallas couples and industry professionals. Event planning has been elevated to an art form, with no detail left unconsidered. It can be a lot to manage, which is why we strive to bring you information and inspiration that is relevant to you (as well as sharing the best wedding vendors in town).

Just like my husband and I have endured a lot of change—both good and bad—in our 19 years of marriage, we’ve withstood a lot of change in 21 years of publishing D Weddings. Trends (and perfume preferences) come and go. The one constant is love—and the significance of celebrating it.

JAMIE LAUBHAN-OLIVER jamie@dmagazine.com

CELEBRATIONS START HERE

Congratulations!

If you’re reading this, chances are, you recently experienced one of the happiest moments of your life when you got engaged. I’ve got good news for you: The best is yet to come. And I don’t just mean after you’ve said “I do.”

Planning your wedding should be a fun and happy season of your life. That doesn’t mean it’s without its challenges—like setting (and sticking to!) a budget, balancing vendor meetings with your already-busy schedule, and making what feels like a million decisions. The latter can sometimes be the most overwhelming, considering the endless barrage of images with which you’re likely being bombarded.

We’re here to help. Having been in publication for more than two decades, we at D Weddings know Dallas brides and grooms better than anyone on a local or national scale. That deep understanding, paired with our insider knowledge and expert resources, allows us to bring you inspiration that’s tailored to your tastes and available right in your very own backyard. Whether you plan to say “I do” in Dallas or in another destination, this city boasts some of the top wedding-

industry talent in the world (who are all too happy to travel with you!).

But beyond inspiring photos of real local weddings, we also provide you with useful advice from pros and couples who have been there. The weddings you see are those of your neighbors, maybe even your coworkers or friends—not some distant figures with whom you have nothing in common. Whether it’s choosing a firstdance song, weighing pros and cons of hosting a holiday wedding, or planning an event at your family home, you’ll find real, unbiased guidance in this issue on these topics and so many more.

Of course, none of what we do would be possible without the support of our partners, who represent the very best of the Dallas events industry. If you’re finding the wedding-planning process to be more stressful than memorable, I encourage you to reach out to the vendors you see represented in our pages. Our partners are all trusted, vetted, experienced, and have the process down to a science. Not only will they make your wedding look spectacular, they’ll make it look easy—and make your life easier, too.

NOELLE LEVEAUX

PUBLISHER

noelle.leveaux@dmagazine.com

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PLAN AND PREP BEFORE THE BIG DAY

As an Austin native and a dual citizen, Merissa De Falcis is a little bit country—and a little bit Italian, too. So in planning her nuptials to college sweetheart Cole Bradford, she was torn between a wedding in Fredericksburg, Texas (one of the couple’s favorite weekend destinations) or a small celebration in Tuscany. Wanting a save-thedate option for either outcome, Merissa, herself a professional photographer, chose locations and looks that matched both vibes. For this shot, taken on the plains of Contigo Ranch in Fredericksburg, Merissa donned boots bearing her new initials—an engagement gift from her future in-laws. In the end, she and Cole hosted an intimate Italian ceremony, followed by a Dallas reception infused with a taste of Tuscany. “It was the best of both worlds!” says Merissa. —Jessica Otte swept off her feet

PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtney Cope Media

Merissa D Photo

Photo Courtesy: Mary Talamantes Photography

Right at Home

Foster intimacy at your reception with layered lighting, cozy seating, and other traditionally residential touches.

by Lydia Brooks

BLUE AND RIGHT

Chandler Hefter wanted her bridesmaids to have a keepsake that not only coordinated with her wedding’s design—which featured blue-and-white jars throughout—but also would be something they might actually use. “The ginger-jar ornaments were perfect,” she says. “Every year when they decorate their Christmas tree, I hope it brings sweet memories of that day.”

WALL TO ALL

Bride Elizabeth Dameris worked with her stationer to create a floral pattern that would give the light, summery vibe she wanted for her big day. The print was used on various day-of details, including the wallpaper-esque panels lining the band’s backdrop.

Home Style Rentals

If you want your guests to truly feel at home, reach for rental pieces that read more “residence” than “reception venue.”

1: gold floor lamp

2: “Carrie” cosmos

Couture Rentals

3: “Annette” sofa

Acento

4: “Byrne” rug

5: “Adaya” co ee table

Acento

6: balle pillows

Rentals

7: “Geneva” cordless

Rentals

Rechargeable lamps allow you to add a glow to tables—no open flames required! For Merissa De Falcis’ reception, the Emily Clarke Events team matched these shades to the tent’s yellow-striped awnings. “Since we weren’t doing a formal sit-down dinner, we wanted our sitting areas to feel more homey,” says the bride.

Elizabeth Dameris Jack Beardsley June 24, 2023

Merissa De Falcis Cole Bradford September 29, 2023

Chandler Hefter Greg May September 2, 2023

New Year, New Name:

Madie McKasson says her guests were happy about her and Rick Walton’s New Year’s Eve wedding date. “Everyone was so excited to have something fun to celebrate,” she says.

Mark Your Calendar

What to expect when you want to have your big day on a big day.

by Jessica Otte

Madie McKasson and Rick Walton’s wedding was bookended with climactic kisses: the first following the exchange of their selfpenned vows and another to close out the evening—and the year—in spectacular style. “We loved the idea of ringing in the new year with all of our favorite people in the same place,” Madie says of their choice to host a wedding on December 31, 2023. Not wanting to rush after getting engaged in January 2022, they booked their date at The Carlisle Room nearly two years early and sent savethe-dates almost a year in advance. When the big moment finally arrived, it proved well worth the wait. “When the clock struck midnight, confetti and kisses filled the room,” Madie remembers. “It was incredible.”

But competing for your guests’ attention on a sought-after date isn’t always so simple. If you have your heart set on New Year’s Eve nuptials—or saying “I do” on or near another holiday or major event—read ahead for advice from four local wedding planners about what to consider before putting down your deposit.

Is it a good idea or a bad idea to host a wedding on or near a holiday? Are you more likely to have a higher-than-usual regret rate?

Answer: Corinne Sullivan, Social Graces Dallas

I have seen holidays bring higher and lower guest counts—it really depends on the holiday and how many of the guests would be traveling from out of town. For example, New Year’s Eve can bring higher rates of acceptances because most everyone is looking for New Year’s plans. However, when it comes to holidays like Thanksgiving or Memorial Day, travel costs are high for those coming in from out of town, and many families may have yearly obligations or preplanned vacations in place. We recommend planning holiday nuptials well in advance with consideration to peak travel times and work schedules.

the specific holiday flair to make it a full weekend experience that encompasses both the holiday spirit and the wedding celebration.

When planning a wedding on or near a holiday or a big event, should you send your save-thedates out earlier than usual?

If so, how early?

Answer: Marsha Ballard French, Stardust Celebrations

When discussing what to expect with couples, I will typically ask questions around the number of guests attending from out of town, if they are expecting more families or younger couples, and how those guests would normally spend the holiday to best give the couple an estimated attendance. For reference, if most guests live in the area, approximately 75 to 80 percent is an average turnout for non-holiday weddings; if most are out-of-towners, closer to 70 percent is a safe bet. Holiday weekends would, of course, have more variables involved. If couples are worried a holiday may limit guest attendance, I encourage making a weekend of it, including welcome drinks or a farewell brunch—maybe even with

We suggest sending save-the-dates no less than five months prior to your wedding date but no earlier than seven months out, even if a holiday is involved. However, if there is a major event happening, we would suggest a few months earlier—but not more than 12 months prior to the wedding. Examples of major events to be aware of would be: the World Cup (which is coming to Dallas in 2026!), the Super Bowl, the NBA playo s/championship, major concerts (a la Taylor Swift!), or major political conventions.

a wedding around a holiday or on an event weekend:

CONS: Selecting a busier weekend could cause logistical issues for guests, like hotel-room price hikes and shortages, tra ic between locations, and higher airfare if traveling in.

PROS: Selecting a holiday weekend could mean your guests have time o work, so they can enjoy the festivities a little longer. Couples should consider doing their hotel courtesy blocks as soon as they have a date. There is no cost associated with doing so, and this will ensure those rates and rooms are set aside. We also suggest using transportation for all guests so that everyone arrives on time and together, eliminating the need for parking in busy times.

Must you always match your wedding decor to the season, holiday or otherwise?

Answer: Brittany McKinney, Southern A airs

In terms of conflicting events, what should couples be mindful of when selecting a wedding date? How can having a wedding on a busy weekend potentially impact you or your guests?

Answer: Lottie Fowler, Grit & Gold Event Co

When selecting your wedding date, it’s imperative that you are aware of large local events, holidays, or three-day weekends happening at the same time. A few pros and cons to weigh when considering hosting

I feel you should want to stay in season with your decor, though I also believe that pushing the limits is a great way to wow guests! But it will work in your favor to stick with the seasons, as the pricing of certain things, such as floral, will fluctuate with the season. Holidays are special and beautiful on their own, so I would look to the client to see if they are a huge Christmas person before pushing that option. I think we should always capture the couple’s personality with the theme instead of focusing on the holiday.

ASK THE EXPERTS

Out of the Blue

This two-tier confection by Fancy Cakes by Lauren would make your “something blue” extra sweet.

Pastel Promises

If you’re looking to inject a bit of color into your day-of sweets, look to Society Bakery and their signature “vintage” cakes.

History Lesson

Lambeth cakes may be the hottest trend in wedding-cake design today, but the ornate style is hardly new. While overpiping was popular in 19thcentury Europe, it was 1934 when Joseph Lambeth, an American expat and pastry chef, took the look mainstream with the publication of his book, Lambeth Method of Cake Decoration and Practical Pastries. The style has come in and out of favor in the decades since, with celebs like Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton— whose five-tier masterpiece was created by Dallas’ own Fancy Cakes by Lauren—helping to popularize the vintage look once again.

ALL THE FRILLS

Local bakers showcase their piping prowess with four takes on lavish Lambeth-style cakes.

Matters of the Heart

Who says wedding cakes have to be round? Showcase your love with a heart-shaped pink-and-white design from Unrefined Bakery.

Classic Confections

Worried that an all-white cake will be boring? This elaborately iced creation by Sugar Bee Sweets proves a simple color palette can still pack a visual punch.

photography by Elizabeth Lavin produced by Lydia Brooks

Dallas-based LEATHEROLOGY is known for designing high quality leather handbags, wallets, luggage, and the like, made all the more luxe with their variety of monogramming options. But did you know they can arrange a live personalization station at your reception or other wedding-weekend event? With help from an on-site professional, guests can add their debossed, trapunto, or hand-painted initials to the items of your choosing—we especially love the luggage tags, key chains, and valet trays— to create a favor they’ll treasure for years to come. leatherology.com

Linked for Life

Give guests an unforgettable reminder of your gratitude with a piece of permanent jewelry from LOVE WELD. “As a bride, you’re constantly seeking creative ways to show your loved ones how much they mean to you,” says founder Sarah Sides. “We can help you gift them with a lasting memento they will treasure for a lifetime.” loveweld.com

Better in Leather Experience Required

A Stitch in Time

Let guests say it with chainstitching courtesy of W DURABLE GOODS’ Daniel Wright, who personalizes bandanas live at events. “I’ve gotten so many photos of people using them on their tables as table napkins, wrapped around a purse, or even wrapped in their hair,” says bride Claire Bizub, whose reception featured Wright’s talents. wdurable goods.com

Let’s face it: Your guests don’t need another Koozie. Give them what they really want at your reception—a fun experience to keep them engaged once dinner is over and their dancing feet have grown tired. Though activations are not a new concept—live painters, cigar rollers, and photo booths have been popular wedding choices throughout the years—the options have expanded exponentially, allowing couples to find experiences that suit their personalities and send loved ones home with a meaningful memento. Here are five of our favorites.

by Lydia Brooks and Jessica Otte

The SAND & SOIL flower truck is the perfect way to add a fresh flourish to your festivities. Guests simply visit the truck outside your reception venue, choose their favorite blooms, and let one of the brand’s “floristas” arrange a bouquet for them to take home. If you prefer to keep the experience indoors, opt instead for Sand & Soil’s flower cart, which has a smaller footprint but o ers the same experience. sandandsoilflowers.com

Lake Highlands–based outfitter NEIGHBORHOOD SUPPLY CO. is taking their popular hat bar on the road, making it possible to personalize caps with custom embroidery or patches on the spot. Owner Kasey Bower can incorporate your existing wedding logo into your design (or create one for you), or you can select a variety of phrases and graphics for guests to choose from. neighborhoodsupplyco.com

Claire Bizub Will Paschal September 30, 2023

GOOD SENSE

The sights, sounds, and smells of your wedding day are ones you’ll remember forever. Choose wisely.

YOU’LL NEVER FORGET THE WAY YOUR PARTNER LOOKED AT YOU AS YOU SAID YOUR VOWS, the words your father spoke in his toast, or the way your grandmother boogied the night away on the dance floor—or will you?

Memories can be fickle, even those from momentous occasions like your wedding day. But by incorporating items into your festivities that positively trigger the senses, you can be make it easier to recall those moments, even years down the line. Whether it’s flowers with transportive fragrances, accessories you can wear again, or a song that’ll become a permanent part of your love story, the choices you make for your day will pay dividends for a lifetime.

Turn the page for more! >>

Choosing memory-evoking dishes for your wedding menu will leave a good taste in your mouth.

by Lydia Brooks

Food is one of the most sensorily evocative aspects of your wedding day—and not just for the obvious reasons. (It's tasty!) Most caterers are happy to work with clients to personalize menus that are meaningful to them, whether it's reinventing a childhood favorite (like Culinary Art Catering's rigatoni bolognese) or nodding to their family heritage (such as Wendy Krispin Caterer's Mexican mole grilled quail). If you'd rather plan for the future than look to the past, opt for dishes you can recreate at home on special anniversaries or date nights. Vestals Catering's lobster fettuccini, for example, is easy enough for an amateur to master. (Scan the QR code to get the recipe!) By being intentional with your selections, you can conjure culinary memories on—or of—your special day.

Rigatoni Bolognese with sweet pea confit and crispy onions

Culinary Art Catering culinaryartcatering.com

Mexican mole grilled quail with cilantro rice timbale

Wendy Krispin Caterer wendykrispincaterer.com

Lobster and zucchini fettuccini

Vestals Catering vestalscatering.com

Sees the Day

The easiest way to relive your big day? By choosing matrimonial accessories you can wear again and again.

by Lydia Brooks

PATTERN

Bridal footwear doesn’t have to be white. These floral mules are feminine and fashion-forward.

Not long ago, bridal fashion meant dyed satin shoes and elaborate headpieces, which, post-wedding, would be preserved and left to gather dust. But brides today are opting for more versatile accessories they can effortlessly incorporate into their everyday wardrobe. It’s both a practical and sentimental shift, as each time you don them, you’ll think back to that special day.

1 Malone Souliers “Maureen” floral mules ($770/Neiman Marcus) 2 Cult Gaia “Rina” clutch ($388/MARKET) 3 Jimmy Choo “Cloud” pearl clutch ($2,795/ Neiman Marcus) 4 Diane Cotton “Kasumi” pearl necklace ($1,850/Grange Hall) 5 Prada twist ballerina flats ($1,120/Neiman Marcus) 6 Gucci beveled round sunglasses ($520/Neiman Marcus) 7 Jimmy Choo “Bon Bon” pearl bag ($2,795/ Neiman Marcus) 8 Bottega Veneta knot-heel sandals ($1,500/Neiman Marcus)

Heaven Scent

Sni , sni ! When it comes to the aromas of your wedding day, the nose knows.

by Jessica Otte

Flower Power

Pick your petals wisely, whether you prefer fruity, sweet, subtle, or strong.

The same way you can instantly recall sentimental scents from your childhood—chocolate chip cookies baking, freshly-cut grass, sunscreen and salty air—the scents from your wedding day will forever be etched in your brain. It’s science! (See “The Science of Scent.”) Sophie Cox, owner of Blushington Blooms, shares seven blooms sure to leave a lasting impression.

White O’Hara Garden Rose

Sophie loves this “full and textured” aromatic bloom that gives o notes of another popular fragrant flower— gardenia. “As these roses open, the smell becomes more bold!” she says. Available: Year round

Sweet Pea

Excellent for adding frilly texture to arrangements, this “dainty and delicate” flower—which represents gratitude and happiness—is paired with a “soft and airy” fragrance, says Sophie.

Available: Late spring or early fall

Known for its star-shaped blue or white blooms and grayish-green felted leaves, this “small but mighty” wildflower boasts a jasmine-like scent.

Available: Summer and fall

Bowl of Cream Peony “Peonies are widely loved for their texture, but the unsung hero is their smell!” says Sophie. “The notes of rose and citrus are reminiscent of an English garden and can make anyone smile.”

Available: Mid- to late spring

Lilac “This flower’s

fragrance has been historically used for its relaxing and calming e ect,” notes Sophie. Growing in cones of tightly packed purple blossoms, it gives shape to arrangements.

Available: Summer

Paperwhite Narcissus

These relatives of da odils grow in clusters of small white blooms.

Sophie admits they are “somewhat divisive when it comes to their smell,” which she describes as a “heady, organic scent.”

Available: Early spring

NAME GAME

Accessorize your day-of clutch with charms spelling your new last name!

Spritz

This

Real brides share the personal fragrances they wore on their wedding day and why they chose them.

“Inflorescence” by Byredo

“I got married at Trinity River Audubon Center and was inspired to wear something floral.”

—Julie Judson

The Science of Scent

UNDERSTANDING THE PHENOMENON KNOWN AS OLFACTORY MEMORY.

“Ti any & Love” by Ti any & Co. “My sister and maid of honor gave it to me as my ‘something blue.’ ”

—Molly Rihani

Chamomile

Sophie says these whimsical miniature wildflowers—well known for their use in teas—have an “intoxicating” herbal scent that is most closely compared to apples or freshly cut grass.

Memories triggered by scent are scientifically proven to be stronger and more emotional than those triggered by other senses like sight and sound. The close connection between the olfactory sense and the brain provides insight as to why. “The sensory cells in your nose have direct access into your brain, and it’s the only sensory system that does that,” explains Robby Greene, MD PHD, professor in the department of psychiatry and department of neuroscience at UTSW Medical Center’s Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute.

Available: Spring and summer

“It’s a one- or two-link step from the olfactory system into your memory centers in the hippocampus.” He adds that the perceived importance of an event directly correlates with the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine that are released in the brain, which help “imprint a perfect memory.”

A blend of “Wood Sage & Sea Salt” and “Blackberry & Bay” by Jo Malone

“I loved that we could get candles with the matching scents. We burned them the whole wedding day and gave them as thank you gifts.”

—Melissa Tallo

From left: bouquet (courtesy of Blushington Blooms); Golden Goose “Gioia” shoulder bag ($990/Neiman Marcus); Catherine Osti “Marguerite” bow brooch ($260/Grange Hall)

Tweedia

DISCOVER AN ICONIC LEGACY, REBORN.

The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas o ers over 80,000 square feet of event space and 31 unique rooms, ranging from iconic outdoor spaces with sweeping views of TPC Las Colinas to the newly transformed Ritz-Carlton Ballroom. Custom o erings, personalized touches and renowned Ritz-Carlton service set the stage to create endless memories at the retreat for modern Texas luxury.

Strike a Chord

D Weddings’ sta ers share the stories behind their first-dance songs to help inspire your search.

Shared Experiences

“I Always Knew” by Willie Shaw

“We randomly saw Willie sing live while we were on a trip in Nashville, loved the song, and literally walked up to him after the show and asked him if he’d sing it at our wedding. He flew into Dallas just to do it for us!”

—Melissa Tallo, social media strategist

Personal History

“Grows Old” by Thirdstory

“Our mutual love for this band was one of our initial points of friendship, so it was an easy decision when our wedding came around.” —Grace John, production manager

Meaningful Lyrics

“I Guess I’m in Love” by Clinton Kane

“I heard this song randomly on Spotify. I read the lyrics and was brought to tears as I reflected on everything that led me to my husband and the life we were starting. I played it for him as soon as I got home, and we both sat there and cried, and that was it!”

—Sarah Risi, editorial programs manager

Practicality

“The Way I Love You” by Michal Leah

“We landed on this song because the lyrics spoke to us. Not to mention, the run time is only two and a half minutes.” —Zoe Roberts, online managing editor

Staying Power

“Nothing Can Change This Love” by Sam Cooke

“My husband is a music fanatic, so I asked him to spearhead our search. We almost went with ‘Coming Home’ by Dallas' own Leon Bridges—who was just breaking through at the time—but worried we’d regret it, should he become a onealbum wonder. (Turns out, we didn't need to worry about that!) In the end, we ultimately chose a classic we knew would never go out of style and injected a little Texas pride into our private last-dance choice: Willie Nelson's 'I've Loved You All Over the World'. ” —Jessica Otte, executive editor

Face the Music

The sound of your first-dance song will transport you back to your wedding day for years to come. But choosing the right one is easier said than done.

LOVE SONGS ARE A DIME A DOZEN, so choosing one for your first dance sounds like a simple feat. Yet a lot of couples find it surprisingly daunting to choose the tune that best encapsulates them. Though your band or DJ will undoubtedly have a list of standards you can peruse, you should think of your first dance the same way you do other carefully considered details of your celebration. “You customize the dress, the colors, the flowers—and the songs,” says Emerald City Band owner and lead singer Deno Taglioli, who urges couples to choose something reflective of their tastes. “There are perfect country songs and perfect old-school songs—and new songs, too.”

If you’re leaning toward the latter, it’s important to consider the lifespan of a modern-day song. For their 2019 wedding, Sarah and Colin South chose “Dance with Me” by Morgan Evans and Kelsea Ballerini—a pair of once-wed singers who divorced in 2022. “It was a good song that didn’t age well,” Sarah now admits.

If one partner is more passionate about music, delegate the task to them—just make sure the final choice is representative of you both. When assigned with finding their song,

by Jessica Otte HEAR

COVER YOUR TRACKS Still stumped?

groom Jacob Brown says he considered artists he thought his wife, Mikayla, would appreciate. “We listened to a lot of John Mayer and Jack Johnson, but they were more her than they were me,” he remembers. “One night, we were listening to the radio and ‘Sun to Me’ by Zach Bryan came on. There’s a lyric that says, ‘Find someone who grows flowers in the darkest parts of you.’ We both have heard the song hundreds of times and knew the words, so as we said that line out loud, we stopped, looked each other in the eye, and said almost in sync, ‘That’s it!’ ” Deno stresses that a personal connection is far more important than a song’s popularity. “Ask yourself if there’s something in your memory bank already that touches you every time you hear it. That will make more sense when you hear it over the years, because it’s just a deeper sentimental value.”

Check out D Weddings ’ Spotify playlists, which include ideas for your first dance, last dance, and everything in between!

And if not? Deno suggests utilizing a streaming service like Spotify, which will recommend artists similar to those you like, to open your musical horizons. And be patient—you never know where or how you’ll stumble upon the song that hits the right notes. Says bride Claudia Brower of her and husband Mason’s choice, “I Will Follow You” by Toulouse, “We heard it for the first time in an Apple commercial!”

GOOD SENSE

FEELING GOOD

This autumnal invitation suite by Southern Fried Paper features 3D embossing and a velvet finish. For a springtime celebration, owner Chelsea Carpenter says she might reach for grasscloth or linen instead.

TOUCH

Hands On

Intricate textures that’ll have you getting touchy-feely.

There’s something to be said for understated simplicity in wedding design. But strategically weaving unique textiles and treatments into your aesthetic can take the look to the next level—be it through attire, rentals, or paper pieces. Stationer Chelsea Carpenter of Southern Fried Paper says that in addition to using dimension-lending papers and processes, she’s even taken the sensory experience a step further for clients so inclined: “We’ve had couples choose a signature scent that gets incorporated into the invitation.” Get inspired by these tactile touches you won’t be able to keep your hands (or mind) o of. by Jessica Otte

RATTAN RAGE

Woven materials are neutral in tone—so they work in almost any space—but are anything but boring.

“CHARLESTON” ADIRONDACK CHAIR PARTY! DALLAS

BEACH UMBRELLA LOOT RENTALS

BOHO FRINGE SIDE TABLE BELLA ACENTO

“ALLEGRA” NATURAL PLACEMAT

LA TAVOLA

“REY”

SHEEPSKIN

COASTAL SIDE CHAIR BELLA ACENTO

“TERESA” DAYBED LOOT RENTALS

HELPFUL HINTS AND WEDDING-DAY INSPIRATION FOR DALLAS BRIDES

Mother Knows Best

After saying “I will” to fiancé Bill Vertin, Heather Postma received some sage advice from her mother. “My mom said to me, ‘We only get to do this once, and we get to do it together, so I hope we are able to enjoy it,’ ” Heather remembers. Indeed, the mother of the bride played a big role in the weddingplanning process and was a calming force for Heather throughout. Prior to the ceremony, they shared a poignant moment in the Governor’s Ballroom of the Adolphus Hotel.

—Rhonda Reinhart

Turn the page to see more of Heather and Bill’s wedding

PHOTOGRAPHY: Stephanie Brazzle Photography

Pearls of Love: Heather’s wedding-day jewelry held special meaning.

A diamond necklace her parents had given her served as her “something old,” while her “something new” was a pair of pearl earrings Bill gifted to her as a wedding gift. And for her “something borrowed,” she wore a pearl bracelet that her father had given to her mother on their own wedding day.

Dressing Up: Heather had a ball browsing the wedding gowns at Stanley Korshak with a small group of girlfriends and family members. Though she loved every dress she tried on, a floral Amsale number ultimately won her heart.

As Simple as That: Whitney says they wanted the cake to have its own moment, so they placed it in a focal spot near the dance floor. “We didn’t want anything too extravagant or ornate,” she says of the five-tier confection decorated with a delicate floral pattern and small bunches of real flowers.

Fall for You: A few weeks before the wedding, planner Whitney Bailey found out that a larger ballroom was available at The Adolphus. So she snagged the bigger space and redesigned the whole floor plan. As a result, she was able to bring in more furniture pieces, like a comfy banquette in sage green.

“Because the wedding was in the fall, we wanted to incorporate rich, darker tones,” she says.

Heather Postma

Bill Vertin

October 28, 2023

Home Style: “We wanted it to feel homey and comfortable for the guests while still being elegant,” Whitney says of the tabletop design. The mix included etched glassware as well as charger plates with a gold floral pattern.

Going to the Chapel: Heather and her bridesmaids, who donned blush-colored dresses, are pictured in front of Highland Park Presbyterian Church, where Heather’s parents also got married.

Power Couple: Heather is an internal medicine resident at UT Southwestern, and Bill works in oil and gas banking at CrossFirst Bank. They exited the reception in a shower of confetti from their guests.

Three years in the making, Heather Postma and Bill Vertin’s engagement was a family a air. It was on a trip with Heather’s family that Bill—on a balcony overlooking the ocean on an uncharacteristically rainy morning in La Jolla, California— popped the question to his bride-to-be. But the surprises didn’t end there. “We came back to our house, and his whole family was there,” Heather remembers. The Dallas natives said “I do” at the same church where Heather’s parents had wed, then celebrated their union at an elegant reception while surrounded by their nearest and dearest. “It was just so special,” Heather says of their big day. “You feel so loved when everyone you love is there supporting you.” —Rhonda Reinhart

THE DETAILS: Ceremony Site: Highland Park Presbyterian Church Photographer: Stephanie Brazzle Photography Bridal Gown Designer: Amsale Bridal Gown Retailer: Stanley Korshak Hair & Makeup: The Styling Stewardess Bridesmaids’ Dresses Designer: Alfred Sung Bridesmaids’ Dresses Retailer: Bella Bridesmaids Reception Site: The Adolphus Hotel Flowers: Three Branches Floral Stationery: Scribbles and Swirls Cake: Fancy Cakes by Lauren Catering: The Adolphus Hotel Music: Elevation, Emerald City Bands Lighting: Absolute Lighting Videographer: BSR Wedding Films Transportation: Premier Transportation Wedding Rentals: Imperial Floor Rentals; Party! Dallas; Posh Couture Rentals Wedding Planner/Designer: Engaged Events

<< Happily Ever After:

“One

Sami Bernstein

Andrew Spalter

April 29, 2023

Fitness entrepreneur Sami Bernstein remembers the exact date she first laid eyes on Andrew Spalter. “It was December 17, 2019—crazy memory I know,” she laughs. “I showed up to my good friend’s birthday party super early because I had a flight to Thailand to catch, and the only other person there was Andrew.” Mutual friends had wanted to set them up for a while, and the two were instantly smitten. They went on their first date the night Sami returned from her Thailand trip, and a little more than a year later, they tied the knot in a Tuscany-meets-Texas affair at the Dallas Arboretum that celebrated their love-atfirst-sight romance.

—Lydia Brooks

Best In Show: Andrew and Sami made sure to include their goldendoodle, Bagel, in the festivities, adorning her with a floral collar created by the couple’s florist, Moss Floral Design.

Let Love Grow: Sami worked with Moss Floral to transform her Arboretum ceremony site into a whimsical garden scene. “I wanted to make it look like fairies lived there,” she says. While originally drawn to an all-white flowerscape, in the end she decided to add different tones and hues. “After losing my mom, I received so many white flower bouquets,” she says. “I needed some vibrancy that still looked natural and organic.”

Connective Threads: Southern Fried Paper created a stationery suite inspired by the floral details on Sami’s wedding gown. The invitations also included the couple’s monogram, which was featured in various paper details throughout the weekend.

Basket Case: Sami’s bridesmaids carried small wicker baskets filled to the brim with blooms in lieu of traditional bouquets. “We wanted it to feel like they had run to the market and grabbed a bunch of flowers,” says planner Lindsey Morgan. “We decided to keep the flowers unbound for an effortless look.” The arrangement was completed with the same French blue silk ribbon featured on the stationery suite.

Sami and Andrew worked to make their wedding a joyful affair and to have fun planning in the process.

of my biggest joys in life is making sure that Sami is happy,” says Andrew. “If she was feeling anything that wasn’t pure joy surrounding the planning of one of the happiest weekends in our lives, I made it a mission to fix that.”

Quick Change: During the reception, Sami changed into a gold sequined Rachel Gilbert dress. “This dress was so me,” she says. “I felt like a bride without having to wear white, taking bridal style in my own way.”

Dressed to Impress:

“I remember saying that I wanted to feel like an Italian princess,” says Sami of wedding-dress shopping. And she did in the Monique Lhuillier gown she ultimately chose, with its full skirt, sweetheart neckline, and lace detailing.

Memories of Mom:

“My mom saved this garter from my Aunty J’s wedding,” says Sami. “I found it in an envelope she saved for me after she passed.”

TO LOVE AND TO CHERISH

After tragically losing her mom, Honey, just four months before her wedding, Sami worked closely with planner Lindsey Morgan of byBello Events to honor her mother throughout the weekend—from recreating her wedding dress for the Jewish ceremony to twirling to her favorite Etta James song for Sami’s first dance with Andrew. “It was so important to me that she felt present the whole time,” says the bride. Lindsey helped facilitate additional touches, like a front-row seat at the ceremony that was decorated with Honey’s favorite lavender roses and a bee pin for all the groomsmen to wear in honor of her nickname, “Honey B.” Lindsey says, “Sometimes the best way to honor someone is to incorporate those subtle details that maybe not everyone will catch on to, but you’ll be able to look back and have that memory with you.”

Party Flavors: Andrew had one simple request for their wedding day confection: that it be Funfetti flavored. Fancy Cakes by Lauren met the task with a four-tiered Lambeth stunner, complete with vintage-style toppers.

Fancy Footwork:

Sami wore hot pink Prada shoes for her day-of kicks as a nod to her mom. “When I saw them in the store, I was like, ‘Get that on my foot right now,’ ” she laughs. “They’re the exact shade of my mom’s favorite Chanel lipstick.”

Coming Up Roses: Sami recreated her mom’s wedding dress—a stunning lavender gown with a rosette-adorned neckline—for her Jewish ceremony at Hotel Crescent Court.

THE DETAILS: Ceremony/Reception Site: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden Photographer: Stephanie Brazzle Photography Bridal Gown Designer: Monique Lhuillier Bridal Gown Retailer: Stanley Korshak Hair: Anna Sullivan Makeup: Acie Artistry Groom’s Attire: Ralph Lauren Bridesmaids’ Dresses Designer/Retailer: Bec + Bridge Flowers: Moss Floral Design Stationery: Southern Fried Paper Cake: Fancy Cakes by Lauren Catering: Culinary Art Catering Music: Jordan Kahn Orchestra (ceremony); DJ Nate Nelson (reception) Lighting: Marquee Event Rentals Videographer: BSR Wedding Films Getaway Car/Transportation: Igport Limos; Trolley Service Wedding Rentals: Bella Acento; Marquee Event Rentals; Party! Dallas Wedding Planner/Designer: byBello Events Additional Vendors: BTS Bride (content creator); Gilley’s Dallas (rehearsal dinner); Hotel Crescent Court (Jewish ceremony and accommodations); Looking Glass Calligraphy Mirrors (signage); mirmir (photobooth); Spec’s (alcohol); Susan Moss Cooper (live painter); The Tipsy Alchemist (after-party)

Mother to Daughter:

After helping Avery find the gown of her dreams, her mother took lace from her own wedding dress and had a ribbon made from it for Avery’s bouquet. O’Neill sported black for the ceremony before changing into a white dinner jacket for the reception.

Avery Hall

O’Neill Dewey

September 30, 2023

In Season: “We wanted it to feel like September—still warm and fresh but not too springy,” says Avery of the invitation suite, created by pal Carly Anbouba of Carly Creative Co. A perfect combination of blue, green, and yellow achieved the look.

Avery Hall was moving into her first New York apartment—waiting for a bed to be delivered, to be exact—when she decided to take a break and pop in to a friend’s party down the street. Lo and behold, her future husband, O’Neill Dewey, was waiting there to meet her. The pair built a friendship over the next several months before he formally asked her on a date to the Waverly Inn, a location that would later serve as inspiration for their Dallas wedding in September 2023. “They have a back garden atrium with green trim and brick and ivy,” Avery recalls. “We wanted to feel special and for it to be fun.”

—Sarah Bennett

On the Menu: Mesquite smoked fillet of beef with red wine sauce; grilled quail halves with blackberry gastrique; cheese-grits sou le with a charred jalapeño

First Dance: “Best of My Love” by Emotions

Honeymoon: Italy (Amalfi Coast, Positano, Capri, Dolomites) and Paris

Give Thanks: The bride and groom wrote personal notes to each guest on the back of their escort cards.

“It’s hard to talk to everyone, and so many traveled from New York, Rhode Island, or the North,” says Avery.

Here for a Good Time: An hour into dancing, Avery changed into her reception dress, completing the look with Miron Crosby boots to match the Texas elements surrounding the dance floor. The couple provided a custom bandana embroiderer and a cigar roller to keep the party going.

Blooming Love: Dallas Affaires Cake Co. and Three Branches Floral worked together on the bride’s cake, which was accented with real hydrangea petals applied individually by hand. “I was obsessed with it,” says the bride.

Under the Trees: Trees, twinkle lights, and greenery kept the inside of the reception tent feeling magical. “We made sure it still felt like you were outside,” says Avery. Blues and greens set the tone for the not one but two head tables, with buttery yellow and coral pops provided by the tabletop florals.

Knot Standard (dinner jacket) Flowers: Three Branches Floral

Carly Creative Co. Cake: Dallas

Co. (bride’s cake); Cades Cakes (groom’s cake) Catering: Brook Hollow Golf Club Music: Diamond Kings; Gyros String Quartet; Party on the Moon Lighting: Beyond Videographer: 718 Creative Transportation: Premier Transportation Wedding Rentals: BBJ La Tavola; Imperial Floor Rentals; Nüage Designs; Perch Event Decor; Posh Couture Rentals; Shag Carpet Props; Stage Works Wedding Planner: Alison Baker Events Wedding Designer: Alison Baker Events; Stage Works; Three Branches Floral Additional Vendors: Cross T Ranch (beer burros); Fowl & Maker (bandana stitching); Illumination Fireworks; Sabino Sotelo (cigar roller); Sandone Productions (reception tent); Tova Sido (o iciant)

A Grand Entrance: Custom oversized doors provided a grand entrance and served as an escort card wall. “The doors were a huge Texas welcome,” says planner Alison Baker. “It was something special.”

Indoor Settings | Luxury Outdoor Garden | Curated Experience

Dallas Wolford Clayton Cook October 14, 2023

SOMEWHERE IN TIME

“I

Finding the One:

A splashy couple tied the knot with nuptials that combined the glittering excess of the 1920s and the tropics of Tulum, Mexico.

By Laura Kostelny Photography

When Dallas Wolford’s picture popped up as a Facebook friend suggestion, Clayton Cook immediately slid into her Instagram DM’s. “He told me he thought I was pretty, but because Facebook is for older people, he decided to take his talents to Instagram,” says Dallas with a laugh.

After a little back-and-forth, the surgical resident agreed to meet Clayton, a former professional baseball player, offline. “We immediately got lost in our own little world at R+D Kitchen,” she says. “We were the last ones to leave. They desperately wanted us to get out, but we shut down that bar.”

Two years later, Clayton popped the question. “I’m like an FBI agent, so I was shocked he pulled off the surprise!” Dallas says. Not long after, she presented a proposal of her own to wedding planner Leslie Ochs. “I wanted a nontraditional, non-stuffy wedding at my parents’ house,” remembers the bride. “Their backyard is very tropical, so I asked her to bring Gatsby to Tulum.” Leslie was more than game. She layered in crystal chandeliers and roses among palm branches, added a speakeasy-inspired bar, incorporated interactive food stations, and served champagne at every turn. “Dallas loves everything that’s glamorous and luxe,” says Leslie. “It all felt very much like her.”

by Lyndi Ruth Photography

The Wolford family home made a gorgeous backdrop for portraits. Dallas found her dress on a quick trip to Iconic Bride Dallas after finishing a 24-hour call shift for her vascular surgery residency.

tried on maybe 10 dresses, and when I got to this one, I knew that was it,” she says.

All Deco-ed Out: The theme for the wedding— Tulum meets Gatsby—is perfectly summed up in the patio area, where velvet seating, geometric table linens, and elegant arrangements mix with plentiful palms and tropical flowers.

Shoe In:

Dallas donned classic pearl Jimmy Choo sandals and a matching clutch for the ceremony before changing into gold Azalea Wang party shoes to match her gilded reception dress.

“I wanted something ‘wow,’ ” she explains.

Signature Cocktails: Dallas’: dirty martinis Clayton’s: old fashioneds

First Dance: “I Love You” by Cèline Dion

Conga Line Starter: “When the Saints Go Marching In”

Honeymoon: Majorca and Barcelona

ALL THAT JAZZ

Alice and Apricot’s Leslie Ochs shares a few elements that promise to bring Daisy Buchanan–level opulence to the great outdoors.

PLENTIFUL PATTERNS.

Leslie laid out an assortment of graphic textiles and extended the garage’s checkered flooring to the driveway. “We’re known for our edgy pattern play, which contributed to the Tulum-meets-Gatsby vibe,” she says.

MORE-IS-MORE EMBELLISHMENTS.

Fringed lampshades were hung with care among palm leaves and an abundance of white roses. “We wanted to create the feeling that you were inside,” the wedding designer says. “The roses also felt very classic Old Hollywood.”

A SURPLUS OF SURPRISES.

“We created this red-carpet moment, where Dallas got out of a RollsRoyce at the end of the driveway on her way to the ceremony,” she says. “From there, we had little surprises every hour to keep the guests excited. We also surprised Dallas with an aerialist, who was perfectly over-the-top.”

Best Fronds: Leslie followed behind the landscaper the day of the wedding to gather trimmings from the tropical plants on-site at Dallas’ parents’ home. “We used them to fill in wherever we could,” she says.

“The greenery fed into our design a lot, and it’s fun to take what’s already there and add it to our vision of all the white roses.”

Cut It Out: The pearl-laden tres leches cake nearly ended up waterlogged. “It almost went into the pool during the cake-cutting ceremony,” says Dallas. “Clayton teased me and said, ‘You’re a surgeon, and you can’t even cut a cake!’ ”

Dog Days: Before the festivities got underway, Dallas took five and enjoyed a glass of champagne in the company of labradoodle Simba.

Change It Up: Dallas ditched her formal gown for a sparkly party dress custom-made for

The Deep End: There was plenty of action in the pool—Leslie used it to float floral arrangements and showcase the aerialist. Later, she even got Dallas and Clayton to partly submerge themselves in it for a dramatic cake-cutting ceremony.

Pool Party: The couple returned after making their exit—and jumped into the pool. (See page 88.) “Our pool is heated yearround, except for two days a year for maintenance,” Dallas says. “Surprise! That turned out to be that weekend. It was so fun, but it was so cold!”

THE DETAILS: Ceremony/Reception Site: Private residence Photographer: Lyndi Ruth Photography Bridal Gown Designer:

Rita Vinieris Bridal Gown Retailer: Iconic Bride Dallas Hair & Makeup: Maitee Miles Groom’s Attire: The Black Tux Bridesmaids’ Dresses

Designer/Retailer: Sau Lee Groomsmen’s Attire: The Black Tux Flower Girl Dress Retailer: Etsy Flowers: Black House Blooms Stationery: Minted Cake: Refined Sugars Catering: Culinary Arts Catering Music: Emerald City Bands Lighting: Absolute Entertainment Videographer: Ellie Axtell Wedding Rentals: BBJ La Tavola; Bella Acento; Center Stage Floors; Party! Dallas; Perch Event Decor; Posh Couture Rentals; Render Events; Shag Carpet Props Wedding Planner/Designer: Alice and Apricot Additional Vendors: Andy’s Frozen Custard; CFE Productions; LaneLove Paper Co.; Lone Star Valet

Speak Easy: The garage was completely transformed, thanks to a custom structure built around the existing bar and plenty of luxe seating for guests to lounge in. “We like things to look less ‘wedding,’ ” Leslie says. “It felt like an intimate speakeasy. We did a lot of velvet in black, white, and fern green to bring in the tropical vibe.”

dining and dancing.

Real-Life Fairy Tale: Downton Abbey –obsessed D’marosay says The Olana captured the romantic chateau vibe she was looking for. Though Gersom initially had planned to wear a black tuxedo, D’marosay recalls that he “actually lit up” when he saw the intricately patterned, cream-toned fabric he ended up choosing for his custom jacket.

One-of-a-Kind Beauty:

“I make my own clothes sometimes, so I knew I wanted to have a custom dress,” says D’marosay, who brought her own sketch to Nardos Imam of Nardos Design. The designer took it from there, crafting the gown using hibiscus lace as a nod to the bride’s favorite flower.

Say Cheese: Prior to the plated dinner, guests were treated to a lavish charcuterie spread during cocktail hour.

D’marosay McAfee

Gersom Adu

September 28, 2023

Gersom Adu wasted no time pursuing D’marosay McAfee after noticing her in their college chemistry class, and it didn’t take long for her to realize he was the one. “I had a list of things I was looking for in a man that I used to pray over,” she says. “When I met him, he was so many of those things.” Once engaged, the bride-to-be made sure every detail of her wedding would be just as she’d dreamed. The evening culminated with guests dancing to “Candy” by Cameo—a moment inspired by a scene in The Best Man “Growing up, every time I thought about getting married, I pictured that moment,” D’marosay says. “When it actually happened, it was like, ‘Wow, this is actually happening! I’m getting my ‘Candy’ moment!’ ” —Jessica Otte

Take the Cake: Since the bride’s favorite flower—hibiscus—didn’t jibe with the wedding aesthetic, D’marosay’s team incorporated them on day-of paper goods (right) and the dance floor. Artful interpretations also accented the five-tiered cake, which was topped with a custom topper made in the couple’s likeness.

First Impressions:

The regal invitations were printed with gold ink on acrylic and arrived within an emerald green velvet box.

Pretty in Pastel:

“We looked for opportunities to do something outside of the box, even if it was small,” says planner Rachel Willis of the color-blocked floral arrangements. Tablescapes included a neutral patterned linen, gold leaf chargers, and a Kate Weiser bonbon in an individual cloche. The head table was outfitted with green-rimmed dinner plates, but for guest tables, Rachel ingeniously commissioned round menu cards that mimicked the look.

THE DETAILS: Ceremony/Reception Site: The Olana Photographer: Sarah Kate, Photographer Bridal Gown Designer/Retailer: Nardos Design (ceremony); Show Me Your Mumu (reception); Eliya the Label (exit) Hair & Makeup: All Things Glam by Jee Groom’s Attire: Don Morphy Bridesmaids’ Dresses Designer: Dessy Group Bridesmaids’ Dresses Retailer: Alfred Sung; Teri Jon Groomsmen’s Attire: SuitShop Flower Girl Dress Designer/Retailer: Queen and Princess Shop (Etsy) Flowers: Petals Couture Stationery: Lyons Paperie (invitations); StoryBird Design (day-of pieces) Cake: Fancy Cakes by Lauren Catering: FGF Catering Music: European Ensemble Strings (ceremony); Jordan Kahn Orchestra (reception) Videographer: C.S. Preston Storyteller Wedding Rentals: Imperial Floor Rentals; Top Tier Event Rentals Wedding Planner/Designer: Rachel Willis Events Additional Vendors: Boards by Bailey (charcuterie display); CoHost Entertainment (DJ/MC); Ivory & Fine Co (invitation boxes); Kate Weiser Chocolate (bonbons); Libie Handmade (custom cake topper)

Guests: 140

First Dance: “Here and Now” by Luther Vandross Honeymoon: Thailand

Balancing Act: Contrasting the bursts of color in Lauren and Tanner’s florals were classic gold, black, and white table settings. “We picked china that had those small gold features in it to incorporate European royal flair and bring in that black-tie appeal to the rest of the event,” says planner Leslie Ochs.

Key:

You’re a Gem:

Though she had no formal bridal party, Lauren asked some of her closet friends to rock their favorite jewel tones for post-gettingready photos.

Lauren Lyngstad

Tanner Wells October 28, 2023

Before Lauren Lyngstad and Tanner Wells o icially met, a mutual pal spent months trying to set the two up. Only after the friend had taken Tanner to a cycling class led by Lauren (coincidentally, on Valentine’s Day) did the ball begin rolling. After a year of dating, the two set out to plan their wedding in a mere four months. Inspired by European charm, practicality, and a desire to host their guests in Dallas proper, the couple took a risk and agreed to be Hôtel Swexan’s first wedding. “Who’s crazy enough to plan a wedding [at a venue] two months after [it] opens? I guess we are,” says Lauren. The risk paid o , with the couple hosting the vibrant yet classic a air of their dreams. —Megan Wilhelm

Guests: 175

First Dance: A live rendition of Billianne’s sloweddown version of “Simply the Best”

Honeymoon: Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, Saint Lucia

Around the World:

Leslie used vintage postcards of various landmarks as escort cards. “The postcards actually had letters on the back of them— not from the bride and groom, but from random people,” she says.

Meant to Bead:

Lauren’s reception dress was a last-minute purchase from The RealReal. “I ended up trying on that dress for the first time the day before our wedding,” she says. Though it fit like a glove, Leslie stayed up the night before the wedding to sew errant beads back on by hand for an impeccable look.

Timeless Elegance:

Lauren wore a Chosen by KYHA gown for the ceremony, while Tanner sported a custom tuxedo from J.Hilburn.

Blending In: Leslie and her team designed Lauren and Tanner’s wedding with the Swexan in mind. “We took a lot of elements from the hotel’s aesthetic and brought it into the actual wedding,” Leslie says. “Our goal was to make the wedding look like it was part of the hotel.”

Royal Icing: (far left) While the groom’s cake featured chocolate and peanut butter flavors, the bride kept her almond cake simple, borrowing design elements from the crown molding in the Swexan’s ballroom.

THE DETAILS: Ceremony/Reception Site: Hôtel Swexan Photographer: Lyndi Ruth Photography Bridal Gown Designer: Chosen by KYHA (ceremony); Retrofête (reception) Bridal Gown Retailer: Alice in Ivory (ceremony); The RealReal (reception) Hair & Makeup: Salon 5014 Groom’s Attire: J.Hilburn Flowers: Petals Couture Stationery: LaneLove Paper Co. Cake: Refined Sugars Catering: Hôtel Swexan Music/Lighting: Intensity Bands Videographer: Amanda Hunt Media Wedding Rentals: BBJ La Tavola; Bella Acento; Nüage Designs; Perch Event Decor; Party! Dallas; Shag Carpet Props; Posh Couture Rentals Wedding Planner/Designer: Alice and Apricot Additional Vendors: Imperial Floor Rentals; Dallas Piano Rentals; Andy’s Frozen Custard

On

“A lot of European styles mix textures and rich jewel tones, and fruit is very commonly used in European weddings,” says Leslie. Figs, along with vintage keys and binoculars, made for on-theme touches.

Allen Charlie Summers October 23, 2022

Heaven Sent: The ethereal ceremony included white flowers, a gospel choir, and a spiritual music selection. Black House Blooms’ Alethea Armstrong “planted” the crop of wildflowers for the ceremony via caged containers that were covered with moss. Guests:

Within six days of meeting as summer camp counselors, Kate Allen and Charlie Summers knew they were soulmates, and it wasn’t long before Charlie proposed. (“When you know, you know,” he says.) Because of their shared faith, they asked wedding designer Leslie Ochs of Alice and Apricot and florist Alethea Armstrong of Black House Blooms to give guests a glimpse of heaven on their big day. That inspired a field of dreams. “We created this area where white flowers sprouted up from the ground for the ceremony,” says Althea. The newlyweds couldn’t have been more pleased with the focus of the spirited soiree. “It was amazing, but the purpose for every extravagance was to point back to Christ and the abundant life we have in Him,” says Kate. —Laura Kostelny

Touch:

Paint by Numbers: While the table seating display resembles paint chips up close, it becomes a piece of art from afar. “The picture was an abstract painting of a natural landscape illustrated by Elistry,” says planner and designer Leslie Ochs.

Not So Campy: Kate and Charlie hosted both their ceremony and reception at The Alex Camp House at the Dallas Arboretum. “The home feels very classic but beautiful and European, and the gardens are always so stunning,” says Kate.

Modern

Alethea created simple yet sophisticated monochromatic arrangements in custom painted containers, which gave the effect that the flowers were growing out of the table.

First Dance: “Don’t Keep Heaven Busy” by Johnnyswim

Sweet Treat: Ice cream from Baldo’s

Kate

Simple Stems: Because the goal of the reception was to be inviting rather than imposing, Leslie kept the table flowers modern and clean.

“It’s not the look of a typical wedding, where you see a real density of flowers. Everything is intentionally very light and airy,” she says.

Extra, Extra: Leslie borrowed a vintage newspaper stand from local muralist Alli K Design to distribute newspaper-style wedding programs.

Backyard Vibes: Leslie designed the reception to feel like an elegant dinner party that was also comfortable and familiar. “It’s like you’re in a family member’s backyard. It’s much less formal than most traditional luxury weddings,” she says.

Stars of the Show:

Though white flowers reigned during the ceremony, Alethea layered in arrangements inspired by the colors of late summer and early fall for the reception, including around the cake by Refined Sugars.

Freshly Picked:

Kate didn’t want a typical bouquet.

“She came to me with pictures of cosmos,” says Alethea. “She wanted a real wildflower vibe.”

Borrowed Blue: Kate and her mother scouted a vintage car show in Highland Park Village and ended up approaching someone about using his car.

“Jim Baldwin was an absolute stranger,” Kate says. “We invited him and his wife to our wedding, and he volunteered to drive us away from the venue!”

On the Menu: Hand-calligraphed menus added a personalized touch to tables, which also featured an array of blooming dishware from Big D Party Rentals.

Elistry

and day-of

THE DETAILS: Ceremony/Reception Site: The Alex Camp House, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden Photographer: Kaley From Kansas Bridal Gown Retailer: Warren Barrón Bridal Hair & Makeup: Tease to Please Flowers: Black House Blooms Stationery: Minted; LaneLove Paper Co. Cake: Refined Sugars Catering: Culinary Art Catering; Nightowl Co ee; Baldo’s Ice Cream; Dallas Fine Wine & Spirits Shop Music: Callie Nixon (gospel choir); Intensity Bands (reception) Videographer: Ivey Redding Transportation: Jim Baldwin (getaway car); Premier Transportation (bus) Wedding Rentals: BBJ La Tavola; Big D Party Rentals; Lawson Event Rentals; Render Events Wedding Planner/Designer: Alice and Apricot Additional Vendors: Modernly Rustic (calligraphy);

(seating chart

illustrations); Warehouse Rose Events (seating chart signage)

Friends since childhood, Courtney Yancey and Will Esquivel cemented their yearslong love story with a Palm Beach–inspired affair.

ONE FOR THE

Courtney Yancey Will Esquivel

September 23, 2023

Childhood-friends-turned-lovers Courtney Yancey and Will Esquivel dated for 10 years before Will popped the question. “We grew up together,” says Courtney. “I don’t really remember a time he wasn’t in my life.” The high school sweethearts made it official when Will got down on one knee during a trip to Beaver Creek, Colorado, for a beloved band’s concert. “After he proposed, my family surprised us, and his family met us for a drink,” she says. “Then we all attended the Midland concert together. It was a total dream come true!”

Even before Courtney was a bride-to-be, she and her mom had agreed that hiring a rock star wedding planner was the most important step. “We needed someone to guide us through the weddingplanning process, because we knew nothing!” she laughs. “I didn’t have a clue what I wanted for the big day.” Allison MacNealy of Allison and Co Events came to the rescue, designing a picture-perfect, Palm Beach–inspired affair for Courtney and Will—complete with trellis details, a striped tent display, and lush garden florals. “Allison was able to create a deck of what she thought our style was, and our vision took off from there,” says Courtney. “We wanted an elegant, chic, and luxurious evening, and that’s exactly what it was!”

AGES

By Lydia Brooks

Photography by John Cain Photography

Fit To Print:

Bride Courtney and her planner, Allison MacNealy, worked with Melanie Frazier of MF Creative Designs to create a stationery suite that incorporated some of the day’s signature details—like the cabana’s stripes and the dance floor’s floral pattern.

STARTING FROM SCRATCH

Most women can admit to designing (or at least imagining) their dream wedding way before they’ve met their someone. But what happens when, like Courtney, you don’t have a decades-old Pinterest board full of grand ideas for your big day? Courtney’s planner, Allison MacNealy of Allison and Co Events, started with creating style boards for the couple to review so she could get a sense of what they were looking for. “We found that Courtney wanted a green and blue wedding that didn’t look like every other Dallas wedding she’d been to,” says Allison. From there, she created her working document for the “living, breathing design deck” so the couple could see in real time as the dayof design developed. “I wanted to make sure each and every part of the day worked and was cohesive with the overall design,” she says. “We had that vision to go back to when moving forward with specific details, and it really paid off.”

Guests:

250

First Dance: “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne

Something Old: A “W” necklace Will gave Courtney when they first started dating

Something New: Courtney’s wedding dress from Neiman Marcus

Something

Borrowed:

A sixpence from Will’s grandmother that all the women in his family have worn in their shoe on their wedding day

Something Blue: A sapphire pendant that has been passed down through Courtney’s family

A Perfect Compromise:

The escort cards featured a tassel detail that was originally meant for the invitations. “Sometimes you love an idea, and you’re trying to keep that idea because you love it, but it just doesn’t go,” says Allison. “So we decided to cut the tassel from the invitation and brought it back in for the escort card wall as a fun detail.”

Tented Affair: The main design star of the reception was the custom indoor dining cabana with scalloped trim that framed the two head tables. “I had had that idea in my back pocket for a while. I thought it would be the perfect way to bring in the color palette they wanted and customize it in a way we haven’t seen before,” says Allison.

Bringing It Home:

“I love working with Three Branches Floral because they can really nail that residential-style design,” says Allison. The florists arranged greenery and florals in a variety of rattan vessels and urns.

Let’s Hang: “I was really inspired by The Colony in Palm Beach. We wanted everything to have a cool poolside-restaurant feel,” says Allison, who customdesigned the reception’s indoor tent and matching curtained entryway.

Love Notes: Over their decade of dating, Courtney kept all the little notes Will would leave for her. She decided to have a few printed onto cocktail napkins as a sweet surprise for her husband-to-be.

Icing on the Cake: Courtney worked with Panini Bakery to create a cake inspired by her Marchesa Notte wedding dress. “They captured the floral aspect of my gown and replicated it in the most beautiful, yummy cake ever!” she says.

Making an Exit: After departingin a vintage car, Courtney and Will headed to Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort in Saint Lucia for their honeymoon. “We enjoyed every second,” says the bride. “We’re already planning on going back for an anniversary in the future!“

Patti

THE DETAILS: Ceremony Site: Highland Park Presbyterian Church Photographer: John Cain Photography Bridal Gown Designer: Marchesa Bridal Gown Retailer: Neiman Marcus Hair: Sonia Trevino Hair Makeup: My

Hollow Golf

Decor; Posh Couture

My Wedding Wardrobe (bridesmaid

Flowers (mother of the bride dress designer)

Local Fare: Courtney and Will decided to take their day-of menu to the next level by having their venue’s chefs recreate some of their favorite Dallas dishes—including the dip duo and Thai tuna roll from R+D Kitchen, the Cajun chicken and fries from Le Bilboquet, and the Mexican martini from Javier’s.

Center of Attention: Family and wedding-party members were seated at circular tables that surrounded arrangements of bright florals and cacti that provided a unique and on-theme focal point.

Hour:

Signature Blend:

Feminine details—like blush goblets, rose-gold flatware, and floral china—counterbalanced more rustic touches, such as the natural wood chargers.

Co

Think Pink:

The five-tiered cake was decorated with floral details similar to those seen on Evie’s gown. Under the classic white vanilla frosting, the strawberry-flavored cake provided a surprise shade. “Pink is my favorite color,” says Evie.

Evie Peña Andrew Graffy April 22, 2023

Evie Peña and Andrew Gra y hit it o when Andrew took Evie to his St. Mark’s prom. The couple dated long-distance through college, then closed the gap when their careers led them to New York City. At the time, the streets they lived on met at a corner decorated with blue Spanish tiles. Andrew commissioned a painting of him proposing to Evie at this location, hung it there, and led Evie to that very spot, where life would imitate art. “A good ol’ public New York City proposal,” says Evie. Although Manhattan is now home, the Dallas natives celebrated their union at Brook Hollow Golf Club, which was transformed using the warm and familiar shades of their home state.

—Aileen Jimenez

Paint the Sky:

Looking Sharp:

“Cactus really played a part throughout,” says planner Allison MacNealy of Allison & Co Events. Table assignments were written on paper pieces made to resemble prickly pear pads.

Long-Distance

Love: Despite decamping from Texas—first to the University of Pennsylvania for Andrew and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for Evie, then to New York City, where they now reside—it was only fitting that the couple tie the knot where their journey started.

The event’s entire scheme was inspired by a road trip through West Texas that Andrew and Evie once took. A watercolor stage backdrop served as an abstract nod to a sunset.

Western Flair: Overlaid atop their traditional invitations was a watercolor scene on velum that evoked what Andrew describes as the event’s “refined West Texas aesthetic.” Designed by Southern Fried Paper, the suite also included a reply card printed on wood-grain paper and was held together by a leather cord.

THE DETAILS: Ceremony Site: Chapel of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church Photographer: Grant Daniels Bridal Gown Designer: Lela Rose (ceremony); Alice + Olivia (reception) Bridal Gown Retailer: Mark Ingram Atelier (ceremony); Alice + Olivia (reception) Hair: Sonia Trevino Hair Makeup: About Face Pros Groom’s Attire: Suitsupply Groomsmen’s Attire: Culwell & Son Reception Site: Brook Hollow Golf Club Flowers: Venus & Co Stationery: Southern Fried Paper Cake: Fancy Cakes by Lauren Catering: Brook Hollow Golf Club Music: Matchmaker Band Lighting: Stage 2 Lighting Transportation: DFW Vintage Cars Wedding Rentals: BBJ La Tavola; Party! Dallas; Perch Event Decor; Sandone Productions; Top Tier Event Rentals Wedding Planner/Designer: Allison MacNealy, Allison & Co Events Additional Vendors: Alice + Olivia (bride’s denim jacket); Lily’s Vintage Finds (bride’s fringed leather jacket); M.L. Leddy (bride’s and groom’s boots)

Golden

Venus &

customized a bouquet for each of Evie’s bridesmaids based on their dress.

Kelsey

Lanae Photography

Water Works: The destination wedding took place on The Cape’s outdoor property. “My vision for the wedding was very clean,” Victoria says.

“I wanted the ocean, the arches, and the sunset to be the focus, so we chose black and white as the colors.” The minimalist look was completed with ghost chairs, a mirrored aisle, and a 15-foot arch of baby’s breath framing the altar, all of which added drama without detracting from the natural scenery. “It was very wow,” says the bride.

Victoria Garcia

Patrick Ojeaga II January 14, 2024

When Victoria Garcia asked Patrick Ojeaga to help her study in high school, Patrick passed the ultimate test. “I knew right away he was the one,” Victoria says. “He’s humble, kind, and a giving person.” The pair continued to date long-distance as they followed their dreams—she as a physical therapist and he as a doctor. Twelve years after their first date, Patrick proposed in Cape Town, South Africa, on a rock overlooking the cliffs. The couple chose another scenic spot—Cabo San Lucas, Mexico—for three days of matrimonial festivities, which included a traditional Nigerian celebration and a Mexican fiesta. On the third night, they wed in front of 100 guests at a blackand-white-themed affair with the ocean as their backdrop. “It was everything we could have ever dreamed of,” Victoria says.

—Ryan Conner

Nice Views: The dinner tables were lined with baby’s breath arrangements, and the menus and place settings stuck to the monochromatic hues. “We focused on a modern, minimalist palette with dramatic touches of ebony and sand,” says planner Karli Spangler. “Our goal was to highlight the natural surroundings of sea, salt, and sky by way of modern, clean lines and neutral tones.”

Classically Chic: All wedding guests wore black to the wedding, including the bridesmaids. Victoria’s wedding party chose their own gowns. “They had free reign as long as it was floor length and formal,” she explains.

Puppy Love: “Our two dogs are our whole world,” says Victoria. “That was the one thing that made us sad—not being able to bring them.” Instead, they named signature cocktails in their honor. Pictured here is “The Ballard,” a mango, vodka, and lime drink. They also served “The Fitzgerald,” a bourbon-based cocktail.

From Day to Night:

To set the tone for dinner and dancing, Karli brought in a canopy of string lights and lanterns to create a backdrop of a starry sky. “Cabo Wedding Co. sourced the lanterns from local vendors and gave them a custom paint job to match the aesthetic of our event,” she says. “We wanted everything to feel sleek and neutral.”

A Perfect Fit: Victoria wore a classic strapless Jane Hill gown from Alice in Ivory. “I really wanted the slit as high as possible, so I altered it,” she says. “I loved it. It made all my dreams come true.” Patrick wore a white jacket from The Black Tux for the ceremony and changed into a black velvet version for the reception.

THE DETAILS: Ceremony/Reception Site: The Cape, A Thompson Hotel (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico) Photographer: Shannon Skloss Photography Bridal Gown Designer: Jane Hill Bridal Gown Retailer: Alice in Ivory Hair & Makeup: Blay-Locks Hair & Makeup Design; Los Cabos Makeup Groom’s Attire: The Black Tux Groomsmen’s Attire: The Black Tux Flowers: Cristina G Florals Stationery: Pink Champagne Designs Cake and Desserts: The Cape Catering: The Cape Music: CaboStrings; Teeven Lighting: The Cabo Wedding Co. Videographer: Hart Cinema Wedding Rentals: The Cabo Wedding Co. Wedding Planner/Designer: Karli Spangler Events Additional Vendors: Altered for the Altar (bridal alterations)

Invitation

Inspiration:

Kelly and Jeffrey’s wedding decor was largely based on a custom floral design by their stationer, Wiley Valentine. “Playful patterns and color combos, chinoiserie, and ribbons and bows were a huge part of the grandmillennial design,” says wedding planner Lisa Costin of A Charming Fête. “We really leaned into it.”

On the Floor: The couple’s planners and stationer worked together to design a custom dance floor that reinforced the grandmillennial aesthetic.

Guests: 275

Cake Flavors: Salted caramel, chocolate

Late-Night Snack: Mini chicken and biscuit sandwiches

Kelly Simpson

Jeffrey Buzzelli

October 7, 2023

Kelly Simpson and Jeffrey Buzzelli’s wedding came together with the help of inspiration from late and living family members. The couple incorporated nods to loved ones throughout their special day, from music selection and florals to the venue itself. “We really tried to include our parents in anything and everything we could,” says Kelly. The pair also leaned on traditional Southern charm and grandmillennial style to achieve their vision for a unique, transformative event. “I knew that I wanted something that was completely different from anything I’ve ever seen before,” Kelly says. “I wanted it to be an experience from beginning to the end.”

—Megan Wilhelm

Dinner Details: Though planners Somer Khouri Bedran and Lisa Costin leaned on floral linens for cocktail hour, they kept things simple in the reception tent “to let the dinnerware really pop,” says Lisa. They chose a mix of Ginori china in “Porpora” and “Azalea” styles for added interest on the tablescapes.

Go Big or Go Home:

Larger-than-life florals were a top priority for the bride, and the designers at Three Branches Floral delivered. “They have incredible taste and really brought the vision to life,” says Lisa. “During the mock-up, we kept adding more and more color, and it all came together so beautifully.”

Six-Tier

Sweetness: Lauren Kitchens of Fancy Cakes by Lauren crafted this towering confection with an oversized pink bow and a classic monogram. “She also sketched the lattice concept from their envelope liner in incredible detail and added both sugar flowers and fresh flowers to finish it off,” says Lisa. “It was a work of art!”

Bow Down: Kelly and Jeffrey’s escort cards were bow-shaped to play off the stationery and grandmillennial theme. “The cards were affixed to a freestanding wall with their custom chinoiserie wallpaper at cocktail hour,” says Lisa. “It was a fun, whimsical touch!”

Attire: Tom James by Sterling Woerner (custom) Bridesmaids’ Dresses Designer: V. Chapman Bridesmaids’ Dresses Retailer: Over the Moon; V. Chapman Groomsmen’s Attire: The Black Tux Flower Girl Dress Designer: Sal & Pimenta Flower Girl Dress Retailer: Over the Moon Flowers: Three Branches Floral Stationery: Wiley Valentine (California) Cake: Fancy Cakes by Lauren Catering: Arlington Hall Music: Dallas String Quartet (ceremony); Stratosphere (reception) Lighting: Stage 2 Lighting Videographer: The Digital Team Transportation: DFW Vintage Cars Wedding Rentals: Lime Lights Entertainment (Ohio); Party! Dallas; Perch Event Decor; Posh Couture Rentals Wedding Planner/Designer: A Charming Fête (Florida & Ohio) Additional

Just a Touch:

says, “It’s delicate, feminine, elegant, and very dainty— so is Avery!” The

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Avery Campbell and Austin Owens’ matrimonial celebration hit surprisingly close to home.

Austin Owens October 21, 2023

By Sarah Bennett Photography by John Cain Photography

Of Avery’s bouquet, Anna Gilmore of Three Branches Floral

team of florists blended white English sweet pea with lily of the valley to achieve the white garden bouquet Avery envisioned.

Avery Campbell

ANew Year’s party brought great joy for Avery Campbell when she met her future husband, Austin Owens, through mutual friends. The pair spent the next two years falling in love over long walks and drivein movies. A Christmastime engagement came when Avery and Austin were enjoying a day with family at Joshua Creek Ranch in Comfort, Texas, near Austin’s hometown of Boerne. The couple had gone to church, then brunch—after which Austin said he’d like to drive Avery by a scenic creek. There, he presented her with a bottle of Dom Perignon and a Bible with her new name on it—and a very important question.

After the “yes” came a surprise party with Avery’s family, and the planning o cially began. “I’m the only girl in my family, so we had been planning for a long time,” she confesses. “My mom is great with details and taste.” For such a tight-knit family, having a ceremony at Highland Park Presbyterian Church and then a reception in the backyard of Avery’s grandmother’s house—which is within walking distance of the church—was a natural fit. “My grandmother’s backyard has always been my favorite place,” Avery says. “In third grade, I wrote a whole story about it.” Avery and Austin wrote the next chapter in the house’s history on October 21, 2023.

First

Take a Seat:

Though Avery and Austin wanted guests to have fun on the dance floor, they also wanted to have seating areas—like these round banquettes— where guests could sit back and relax if they preferred.

Off the Walls: Inspired by Gracie wallpaper panels, the invitation suite featured a light blue color palette, complete with blue velvet ribbon. The custom watercolor flaps opened to reveal the event details.

What’ll It Be?:

During a sneak peek at the tent, Austin popped behind the bar and made Avery a drink—a Dirty Shirley Temple, to be exact. The couple admired the bar from Perch Event Decor and the matching trellis background.

Signature Cocktails:

Hers: Dallas Dirty Shirley with edible glitter

His: Las Palmas Boerne Bottega (Mexican Coke, tequila, lime)

Dance: “My Best Friend” by Tim McGraw

Honeymoon: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cake Flavors: Hers: Amaretto almond

His: Chocolate espresso

Grab Your Partner: The couple exchanged hats and boots—which they donned for the afterparty—as their wedding gifts to each other. “We were just laughing and having fun,” Avery recalls of this special moment.

Matchy-Matchy:

DOWN HOME

Want to plan a wedding at home? Bride Avery Campbell shares her tips.

TRUST YOUR PEOPLE

When trying to transform a family home into a venue, there can be a myriad of details to keep up with—all the more reason to have vendors you can trust. “Have a really good event designer who will have a vision for what it’s going to look like,” Avery advises.

PROTECT YOUR YARD

Consider bringing in flooring or even turf to protect the landscaping. “We did turf so that you still felt like you were in a backyard,” Avery explains. “Keeping up the garden theme was really what we wanted.”

GET CREATIVE WITH SPACE

Avery utilized indoor and outdoor spaces, serving cocktails and hot chocolate inside by the library for a cozy element. Greenery roped o locations guests weren’t meant to access—like a balcony where the newlyweds had dinner privately before joining the rest of the group.

MATCH YOUR AESTHETIC

Remember to match the tone and feel of your home when bringing in rentals. Avery used French country chairs for her head table to match the design of her grandmother’s house.

of History: The getaway car belongs to Austin’s dad—Austin even took some of his senior pictures with it in high school. Friends painted the signage, and the Three

THE DETAILS: Ceremony Site: Highland Park Presbyterian Church Photographer: John Cain Photography Bridal Gown Designer: Mira Zwillinger

Bridal Gown Retailer: Neiman Marcus Bridal Hair & Makeup: Maitee Miles Groom’s Attire: Culwell & Son Bridesmaids’ Dresses Designer: Dessy Bridesmaids’ Dresses Retailer: Bella Bridesmaids Groomsmen’s Attire: Culwell & Son Reception Site: Private residence Flowers: Three Branches Floral Stationery: Carly

Creative Co. Cake: Fancy Cakes by Lauren Catering: Preston Hollow Catering Music: Professor D (Jordan Kahn Music Company) Lighting: Absolute Lighting Videographer: ProEdit Productions Wedding Rentals: Perch Event Decor Wedding Planner: Weddings a la Carte

Welcome Home: The head table took on a residential feel underneath the ambience of glowing lights. Candles provided warmth, while Dutch hydrangeas in tones of pink, purple, and blue added a dreamlike experience.

Miles

Branches team added greenery for a feminine touch.

The cake, designed by Lauren Kitchens of Fancy Cakes by Lauren, was a direct tie-in to the invitation suite by Carly Creative Co. “Lauren took what Carly had painted and superimposed it, then added a crest and 3D butterflies,” Avery explains.

<< Bow Down: For Kristin, planning a wedding that was true to who she is meant incorporating the color pink—and lots of it! She worked with designer Pamella Roland on this “perfect” custom gown, which was accented with an oversized bow. “I wanted to look like myself for my groom,” says Kristin.

Kristin Chenoweth Josh Bryant September 2, 2023

Kristin Chenoweth’s path to stardom was replete with acclaim and accolades—most notably for her Tony-nominated turn as Glinda the Good Witch in Broadway’s Wicked. But her yellow brick road to the altar was a little longer than she might have liked. “There were many times in my life where I wondered, ‘Where is he?’ ” Kristin says of waiting to find a partner. Turns out, he was at her niece’s wedding. It was there, in 2016, that Kristin met Josh Bryant, who was performing with his band. Two years later, they reconnected and sparks flew. Once they were engaged, Kristin planned a wedding that was, as planner Crystal Frasier puts it, “authentically them.” In a night filled with unforgettable moments, Kristin holds one memory most dear. “My favorite moment was saying, ‘I do,’ ” she says. “It was the absolute most beautiful and special night of my life.”

—Jessica Otte

Guests: 140

Signature Cocktails: Bryant old fashioneds; Wicked margaritas; Thunder-tinis (named for the couple’s dog, Thunder)

Cake Flavor: Five-tier Mexican vanilla bean with vanilla bean buttercream filling

Feels Like Home: Kristin and Josh—who hail from Oklahoma and Arkansas, respectively—chose to wed in Dallas, as it was an easy destination for both of their families. Nancy and Randy Best, with whom Kristin is close, kindly offered her the use of their home, which served as a warm and intimate venue.

Flights of Fancy: Keeping in theme with the rest of the day’s decor, the table settings included touches of pink, while the china bore a butterfly motif.

A Walk to Remember: The couple opted to forgo a first look, making Kristin’s procession up the aisle extra emotional. The bride was in awe of the dramatic florals by David Kimmel Design. “I don’t think there was a flower left in Dallas,” she jokes.

the Details: The hands-on bride partook in both virtual and in-person planning meetings with Crystal Frasier of Crystal Frasier Weddings and Events. Still, Crystal was able to sneak in a few fun surprises, like a bar front that nodded to Kristin’s star-making Broadway role.

PERFECT HARMONY

As one might expect with a Broadway star and a professional guitarist, music played an integral part in Kristin and Josh’s love story. “The very first time I saw him play, I felt all the things,” Kristin remembers. “During Covid, most of our nights were spent just singing and playing the piano and guitar. What a blessing it was to get to know each other musically.” So it was only natural that music play a prominent role in their wedding as well. Kristin’s musical director and background vocalists performed a rendition of “The Prayer” during the ceremony, while country singer Ty Herndon and Josh’s Backroad Anthem bandmate Toby Freeman sang “Can’t Help Falling in Love” as Kristin and Josh took their first spin as husband and wife. With many musically talented friends in attendance, the couple arranged to have microphones and instruments on hand for any impromptu jam sessions that might arise. Ultimately, the bride says, “We ran out of time! Everyone was having so much fun with the DJ—we danced the night away.” She adds with a laugh, “David Foster and Katharine McPhee were there. We really should have taken advantage of that.”

Sweet Treat:

The five-tier cake was topped with antlers—a reference to the couple’s “Big Bucks” and “Little Bucks” nicknames for one another. Guests were also treated to a variety of cookies and bonbons.

Storming the Aisle: Kristin’s pup, Thunder, served as ring bearer, coming down the aisle to the tune of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck.”

Darling Duo: “They were just so in love,” recalls Crystal of her clients. “She was always smiling around him. He complements her really well, and vice versa.”

Southern Comforts:

In addition to coordinating this donut wall from Dunkin’ Donuts, Crystal secured a Slurpee truck from 7-Eleven, which arrived during the reception. “Kristin loves a Slurpee!” Crystal says.

Dancing Queen:

For the reception, Kristin slipped into her second Pamella Roland number of the night—a shorter, albeit still pink, dress with another oversized bow.

Happily Ever After:

“I knew that God was sending me the perfect person at the perfect time,” says Kristin of waiting for the one. “I’m so glad I waited.”

THE DETAILS: Ceremony/Reception Site: Private residence Photographer: Benfield Photography Bridal Gown Designer: Pamella Roland (ceremony and reception) Hair: Bruce Wayne Makeup: Jill Cady Groom’s Attire: J.Crew Flowers: David Kimmel Design Stationery: Stamped Paper Co. Cake and Desserts: Delice Chocolatier & Patisserie Catering: The Cedric Frazier Experience Music: DJ Jerry Mowery Lighting: Absolute Lighting Videographer: BSR Wedding Films Transportation: Premier Transportation Getaway Car: DFW Vintage Cars Wedding Rentals: BBJ La Tavola; Party! Dallas; Top Tier Event Rentals Wedding Planner/Designer: Crystal Frasier Weddings & Events Additional Vendors: Center Stage Floors; Deborah Watson (styling); Annette White (alterations); Jimmy Choo (bridal shoes); Christian Louboutin (bridal shoes); Nike (bridal sneakers); Prada (groom’s shoes); The Capital Grille (rehearsal dinner); Dunkin’ Donuts (donut wall); 7-Eleven (Slurpee truck); Whataburger (late-night snacks); The Essential Market (favor bags and napkins); Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek (accommodations)

In

The Next Step:

With historical architecture at every turn, the couple embraced the many opportunities to capture breathtaking shots. This church, called Chiesa di San Giovanni del Toro, dates back to the 11th century and is located across the street from the Caruso. “We had our first look on the steps,” shares Amy.

It’s Lit: Along with their guests, Amy and Braden were delighted to discover that a nearby festival was the reason for this impromptu fireworks show.

“There are some things you are not going to have control over,” says Elizabeth.

Bounty and Blooms: Petals Couture brought their Dallas-based talents to Italy, where they incorporated alliums, roses, and hellebores into the bright table arrangements. Guests were served beautifully plated bites, such as cheese flan with herbed aubergine.

Amy Messerschmitt

Braden Bullard

August 10, 2023

Coast with the Most: Amy and Braden’s search for a beautiful background led them to the Amalfi Coast in Italy. When having a wedding across the globe, Elizabeth Gonzalez of After Yes says hiring a planner is absolutely essential for getting the details right. “To have someone advocating for you is a necessity,” she says.

Amy Messerschmitt and Braden Bullard were paired together when both needed a plus-one for date parties at the University of Oklahoma. They found themselves together once again when Braden asked Amy to attend a formal with him, after which, they began dating. Finally, one warm day in San Francisco, Braden asked Amy to marry him. Amy centered her wedding around one simple rule: “I wanted that picture-perfect moment,” she remembers. “I wanted to get married where the background was everything.” That search led the couple to the scenic Caruso, a Belmond Hotel on Italy’s famed Amalfi Coast, where in front of 25 guests, they said “I do” with a view.

—Aileen Jimenez

Abroad: Amy’s “something blue” came in the form of her invitations. Stationer Fernando Gonzalez of Elefant Press rendered the Amalfi Coast in watercolor on the envelope liner, giving guests a preview of the wedding-day destination.

dress on Poshmark. Best of all? It fit like a glove, requiring zero alterations.

THE DETAILS: Ceremony/Reception Site: Caruso, a Belmond Hotel (Ravello, Italy) Photographer: Julia Kaptelova Photography (Italy) Bridal Gown Designer: Pronovias Hair & Makeup: The bride Groom’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse Bridesmaids’ Dresses Retailer: Show Me Your Mumu

Groomsmen’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse Flowers: Petals Couture Stationery: Elefant Press Cake: Caruso Catering: Caruso Music: Taylor Armstrong (ceremony flautist) Lighting: Antares (Italy) Wedding Planner: Elizabeth Gonzalez, After Yes

Invitation

Designer Details: The limited-edition Vespa 946 Christian Dior was parked outside the hotel. “They were kind enough to allow my photographer to move it to the church for our photos!” says Amy.

Ciao, Bella! Amy scored her Pronovias

Come Together: To ensure that they were able to enjoy quality time and conversation with their guests, Amy envisioned “one long table under the olive trees—very intimate, with unbelievable views.”

Extraordinary is only the beginning. At The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, our dedicated team of experts will craft your wedding vision into a luxurious celebration of love.

To learn more, call 214-922-0200 or email Irma Reyna at irma.reyna@ ritzcarlton.com or Abigail Mendez at abigail.mendez3@ritzcarlton.com. ©

WEDDING-DAY REFLECTIONS AND REAL-LIFE ADVICE FOR BRIDES

dance party

Caroline Sheridan Larkin Dobson

September 16, 2023

“There’s truly no feeling better than getting ready to marry the person you love most with the people who have loved and supported you through every stage by your side,” says Caroline Sheridan. Ahead of her wedding to Larkin Dobson, she enjoyed a morning of pampering with her bridesmaids at the Eseeola Lodge spa in Linville, North Carolina, followed by this carefree moment, which was caught on camera.

—Lydia Brooks

THE TAKEAWAY: Choose your photographer based on moments and feelings you want captured on your wedding day.

“Michelle [Lyerly]’s style is so editorial and full of movement,” says the bride of her photographer. “She was excellent at capturing these little unposed moments.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: Michelle Lyerly

Snap Happy

From joyous and funny to tender and heart-tugging, these moments from real Dallas weddings showcase the power of photography to capture the emotions of your big day. Plus: What you can learn from each one.

Dallas Wolford

Clayton Cook October 14, 2023

From the minute wedding planner Leslie Ochs met Dallas Wolford and Clayton Cook, she knew they were going to make a splash. “Dallas is such a good time—I could picture her jumping in the pool at the reception, and I knew it would be such a vibe,” Leslie says. “Initially, we joked about it, and then as the wedding got closer, I told her, ‘I’m serious. You and Clayton will go out with a bang.’” Leslie collaborated at length with Lyndi Stucky of Lyndi Ruth Photography to make sure all the big surprises—and there were quite a few—were beautifully captured. “Leslie is always pushing the bar, and this couple was down for anything,” says Lyndi. “Jumping in the pool just felt like a natural grand finale.” —Laura Kostelny; photography by Lyndi Ruth Photography

THE TAKEAWAY: Capturing the magic of weddingday moments like these is a mix of preparation and improvisation. “I think shot lists can be limiting because you become more focused on recreating someone else’s wedding,” says Lyndi. “The best work happens when vendors work as a team—bouncing ideas o each other can lead to amazing results!”

Emma Gagnon

Tyler McCollum May 15, 2023

Finding a “perfect final parenting pillar” for her happy modern family—which consists of daughter Charlee and Charlee’s father and bonus mom—was a responsibility Emma Gagnon didn’t take lightly. After meeting Tyler McCollum in December 2020, she waited eight months before introducing him to then-6-year-old Charlee, who told Emma after their first meeting, “I think he’s the one.”

The following year, Tyler asked Charlee’s permission to propose, which she happily granted. Their close-knit relationship was highlighted in a first look they shared prior to Emma and Tyler’s May 2023 ceremony at The Mason Dallas. “I don’t know who was more nervous, Charlee or me,” Tyler remembers.

“But she gave me a big hug and squeezed my neck really tight with both arms, and that helped calm my nerves for the day—kind of a ‘we got this’ moment.” The musical pair sat down at a nearby piano and played as their photographer snapped. Now that they’re o icially family, Charlee says, “My mom and I are blessed forever.” —Jessica Otte; photography by Heather Thompson Photography

THE TAKEAWAY: Find special ways to involve the important people in your life. “I wanted Charlee to have a moment that made her feel important and included,” says Emma. “It still brings me to tears.”

MOMENTS

Brooke Emily Owen

Carter O’Daniel

October 28, 2023

Jordan Achtman

Graham Coombs

March 4, 2023

Like most couples, Graham Coombs and Jordan Achtman thought through every moment of their wedding day—from the details of their traditional Jewish ceremony in the Hotel Crescent Court’s courtyard garden to a multicolored wig bar that allowed guests to let loose at their Crescent Club reception. Even their choices of suit colors were intentionally considered. “We wanted suits that would complement our personalities,” Graham says. “Jordan loves plants, so the green suit was very appropriate.” But one touching moment prior to the ceremony was a complete surprise: when Graham’s then-5-year-old nephew, Micah, presented him with a drawing of the happy couple that he’d worked on with his older sister, Maeve. Calling the gesture “very special,” Graham adds, “My family lives in Massachusetts, so I don’t get to see them very often. But that makes the time we spend together that much more special.” —J.O.; photography by Je Brummett

THE TAKEAWAY: Amid all the activity of their wedding day, Graham admits, “Unfortunately, we don’t know where the drawing went.” Designate someone as the keeper of day-of mementos so precious keepsakes aren’t misplaced.

As Brooke Emily Owen and Carter O’Daniel’s wedding day neared, one key detail had yet to be ironed out: the song that would play during the father-daughter dance. Brooke says that after she and her dad, Todd, had considered “just about every traditional slow song,” her mom jokingly suggested “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” a song Todd had played to lighten Brooke’s mood before nerve-racking moments from the time she was young. “He would play it on the way to school if I had a test I was worried about, before cheer competitions or tryouts, theater auditions, and even as we were pulling on to the campus of the University of Alabama when he dropped me o for college,” Brooke says. “So it has always been ‘our song.’ ” After a fake-out slow start to Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable,” the record scratched, and the duo acted out the upbeat Charlie Daniels tune—complete with devil horns and a gold fiddle for Todd—to the delight of their guests. —J.O.; photography by John Cain Photography THE TAKEAWAY: Choose wedding-day details based on emotional significance—not what you think you should do. “I don’t think anything else would have felt the same or meant as much as that moment did,” says Brooke.

Family Matters

Before you and your true love say “I do,” it’s important to establish some boundaries with the folks who raised you.

FINANCIAL ISSUES AND POOR COMMUNICATION MAY BE AMONG THE MOST COMMON REASONS FOR DIVORCE, but there’s another big problem that can arise, and it’s a whole lot closer to home. Dealing with parents can—and often will—divide husband and wife. That’s why experts like Kim Bowen, LPC, owner and founder of Richardson-based The Marriage Place, advise couples to figure out mommy and daddy issues— along with every other hot-button concern—from the jump with SYMBIS, a premarital evaluation test. “Unfortunately, when you wait to broach hard subjects until you’re well into a marriage, there’s already a lot of pain and damage that’s happened,” she says. “When you have a detailed assessment of your similarities as well as the areas that could be problematic down the road, you can start communicating, which can save marriages before they even start.”

Conversations about present and future parental involvement in a marriage are especially fraught for a simple reason: We may be comfortable criticizing our moms and dads, but we don’t love it when others—even our soulmates—do it. That’s why Bowen advises learning how to set boundaries respectfully. “You want everyone involved to know what you generally do or don’t want, but you have to be mindful of hurt feelings. Sometimes even the people who love us the most don’t understand what’s important to us until we tell them,” she explains. “But don’t come in with guns blazing in a threatening way. That’s not going to be productive.”

by Laura Kostelny

Marriage counselor Kim Bowen details a few parental pitfalls and tactful ways to talk about them before tying the knot:

Money, Money, Money

Finances are always a tricky business, according to Bowen. “I don’t care how wealthy the families are, everyone has expectations around money,” she says. Is one set of parents planning to provide a down payment for the house? Is there a grandparent fund for private school or college? If so, treat family business like any other kind of business and discuss the terms. “You have to ask if the money is a loan or a gift. If it’s a loan, get all the details in writing and have everyone sign it,” she says. “If it’s a gift, discuss what it means to you in terms of expectations. Do you feel it entitles you to something, or will it cause resentment if we treat it like a gift without strings?“

Controlled Access

“When I married my husband, his parents had a key to his condo,” Bowen says. “One day when I came home from work, there they were, sitting in the living room.” If you and your spouse are fine with that kind of an open-door policy, great! Otherwise, the therapist says it’s time to have a kind, respectful conversation about how the rules of engagement need to change. “You don’t have to immediately change the locks,” she advises. “Let your parents know you still love them and want them to be a part of your lives, but it’s time for everyone to figure out how to navigate differently in order to respect newlyweds’ privacy.”

Custody of Christmas (and Other Holidays)

Depending on where the in-laws live and how strongly they feel about upholding holiday traditions, making everyone happy can be a tall order. Bowen says you might have to be creative at first—traveling every other year for Thanksgiving, spending Christmas Eve in one place and Christmas Day at another, or combining families—but no plan has to be permanent. “Once you have kids, you can let them know that you want to make your own family traditions at home, and all are welcome,” she says. “Whatever you decide, with a lot of grace, negotiation, and care, you can achieve a sense of fairness.”

Modern Romance

Seven outside-the-box date-night ideas to try with your spouse.

by

Sure, the beauty of marriage is that you’ve got a built-in best friend for endless Netflix streaming sessions and taking turns deciding where to order takeout from. But one person’s routine is another’s rut—so don’t discredit the importance of continuing to date one another after you’ve tied the knot. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite date-night activities and destinations in Dallas to help keep the sparks flying long after you’ve walked the aisle.

1 Heat things up

Whether you’re looking to master basic kitchen techniques or wanting to add a few new recipes to your culinary arsenal, you’ll find cooking classes of every kind and cuisine on Cozymeal. Verified local chefs provide hands-on guidance to help you make delicious dishes. Best of all? Many will even come to you, so you can learn from the comfort of your own kitchen. cozymeal.com

2 Dink and lob

If your favorite form of flirtation is a little friendly competition, jump in on the latest athletic craze by joining a pickleball league through Dallas Sport & Social Club. The area’s largest adult recreational sports league boasts 25,000 annual participants throughout DFW. If pickleball isn’t your thing, they o er eight other sports, so you’re sure to find a game that suits your style. dallassocialclub.com

3 Get Ghost ed

In addition to making beautiful ceramic pieces, the namesake owner of Stephen Salter Pottery also o ers wheel-throwing lessons from his Bishop Arts studio. Classes in the cozy space max out at two guests, making the experience inherently intimate. You can even enjoy a glass of wine while you learn! You’ll leave having completed two pieces, which will be fired and ready for pickup in a few weeks’ time. stephensalterpottery.com

4 Go stargazing

You might see stars in your partner’s eyes, but it’s hard to see the stars in the middle of Dallas, thanks to all the lights and smog. To get a good glimpse of the heavens, attend one of the Texas Astronomical Society’s Saturday night “star parties.” You can bring your own binoculars (TAS will set up telescopes as well), but leave your wallet

at home—these are completely free. texasastro.org

5 Bask in the big screen Do you and your spouse speak to each other in movie quotes? Are you the first in your friend group to see every award-season contender? Consider becoming a Dallas Independent Film Festival Insider, which grants you access to advance yearround screenings of new movies, plus on-screen credit at the fest (the largest in Texas!), held every April. dallasfilm.org

6 Shake things up

For 14 years, The People’s Last Stand in Mockingbird Station has served up inventive cocktails for discerning drinkers. Looking to master the art of mixology yourself? Try one of their public or private classes, where they share their secrets. After a champagne toast to kick things o , you’ll learn the

techniques and tips necessary to make two top-notch drinks. peoplesdallas.com

7 Enjoy a sunset sail

A romantic boat ride is the perfect way to take your relationship to the next level. (See what we did there?) The Spirit of Dallas o ers scenic sunset catamaran cruises around White Rock Lake every Friday through Tuesday. Private charter options are also available for special occasions or anniversaries. Food is welcome, so pack a picnic (with the help of our favorites, below) and enjoy a dreamy outing on the water. thespiritofdallas.com

Score our picnic must-haves in our online shop!

PARTY OF TWO

For occasions when you want to keep things simple, make a reservation at one of our favorite romantic restaurants.

BEST FOR: Sunday brunch NDA 2801 N. Harwood St., Ste. 100

BEST FOR: An anniversary celebration Mister Charles 3219 Knox St., Ste. 170

BEST FOR: Dinner and dessert

Jack & Harry’s 6833 Snider Plz.

BEST FOR: A casual night out R+D Kitchen 8300 Preston Center Plz.

BEST FOR: A nightcap

The Mansion Bar 2821 Turtle Creek Blvd.

Jessica Otte, Lydia Brooks, and Nataly Keomoungkhoun

RECEPTION SITES WE LOVE

INDOOR + OUTDOOR + DESTINATION

JW MARRIOT DALLAS ARTS DISTRICT

Cost Per Person: Varies

Capacity: 400 banquet; 480 reception

Outside Catering Permitted: Yes

Bar: Yes

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes

Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:30

@jwmarriottdallas | jwmarriottdallasartsdistrict.com | 214.347.9499

THE ADOLPHUS

@theadolpus | adolphus.com |

214.742.8200

Cost Per Person: Varies

Capacity: 450 Grand Ballroom

Outside Catering Permitted: No

Bar: Full bar

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes, seasonal

Server-To-Guest Ratio: Varies

DALLAS ARBORETUM & BOTANICAL GARDEN

@dallasarboretumweddings | dallasarboretum.org | weddings@dallasarboretum. org | 214.515.6569

Cost Per Person: Varies per venue

Capacity: 350-500

Outside Catering Permitted: No

Bar: Yes

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Four indoor reception options and 18 outdoor ceremony locations

D’VINE GRACE VINEYARD

dvinegrace.com | 214.901.2311

Cost Per Person: From $160+

Capacity: 2,000

Outside Catering Permitted: Venue approved caterers only

Bar: Full bar, speciality bars

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Outdoor ceremony and reception spaces available

Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:15

GEORGE W. BUSH

PRESIDENTIAL CENTER

@bushcenter | bushcenter.org/event planning | 214.200.4303 |

Cost Per Person: Starting at $60/person for catering

Capacity: 300 seated; 400 standing

Outside Catering Permitted: No

Bar: Full bar service available

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Outdoor terraces available

Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:8 ratio seated

GLENEAGLES COUNTRY CLUB

@gleneaglescountryclub | gleneaglesclub.com | 972.867.6666

Cost Per Person: Varies

Capacity: 300 seated; 400 cocktail

Outside Catering Permitted: Specialty cakes and cuisine only

Bar: Full bar

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes

Server-To-Guest Ratio: Varies

HALL ARTS HOTEL

@hallartshotel | hallartshotel.com | 214.953.1717

Cost Per Person: Varies

Capacity: 150 seated

Outside Catering Permitted: Yes, for religious and cultural dietary needs

Bar: Full bar

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes

Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:20

HILTON DALLAS/PARK CITIES

@hiltonsallasparkcities | dallasparkcities. hilton.com | 214.368.0400

Cost Per Person: $65

Capacity: Up to 350 reception

Outside Catering Permitted: Yes, for cultural events

Bar: Full bar

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes

Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:50

HOTEL CRESCENT COURT

@mycrescentwedding | crescentcourt.com | 214.871.3211

Cost Per Person: From $180

Capacity: 150-175 plated; 300 reception style

Outside Catering Permitted: Yes, for religious and cultural dietary needs

Bar: Full bar

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes

Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:20

HOTEL DROVER

@hoteldrover| hoteldrover.com | 817.755.5557

Capacity: Up to 250

Outside Catering Permitted: No

Bar: Yes

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes

Server-to-Guest Ratio: 1:20

JW MARRIOT DALLAS ARTS DISTRICT

HOTEL VIN

@hotelvintexas | hotelvin.com | 817.796.9696

Cost Per Person: Depends on package Capacity: 350+

Outside Catering Permitted: No

Bar: Yes

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes

Sever-To-Guest Ratio: 1:20

THE JOULE

@thejouledallas | thejouledallas.com | 214.748.1300

Cost Per Person: From $175+

Capacity: 250 ballroom; 500 eye lawn

Outside Catering Permitted: Yes; Exceptions considered only for religious and cultural dietary needs. Bar: Full bar

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes

Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:10

LOEWS ARLINGTON HOTEL

@loewsarlington | loewshotels.com/ arlington-hotel/weddings | 682.318.2810

Cost Per Person: $145 per person, not including rental

Capacity: 800 Honor Ballroom; 1200 Monument Ballroom

Outside Catering Permitted: Yes

Bar: Yes

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes

Server-To-Guest Ratio: Buffet 1:25; Plated 1:15; Bartenders 1:75; Banquet Captain 1: Up to 400, 2/400-600

THE MASON DALLAS

@themasondallas | themasondallas. com | 214.730.0005

Cost Per Person: Varies

Capacity: 200 dining; 400 cocktail party

Outside Catering Permitted: Yes; preferred caterers list Bar: Yes

Outdoor Reception Facilities: No Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:8

NASHER SCULPTURE CENTER

@nasherevents | nashersculpturecenter.org | 214.242.5182

Cost Per Person: Space rental $6,000$15,000, no membership required Capacity: 40-200 seated; 300+ standing (outdoors); 180 seated (indoors)

Outside Catering Permitted: No

Bar: Full bar

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes

Server-To-Guest Ratio: Varies

NUVO ROOM

@nuvoroom | nuvoroom.com |

469.453.4563

Cost Per Person: $50-$150

Capacity: 250

Outside Catering Permitted: No Bar: Full bar & BYOB

Outdoor Reception Facilities: No

Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:25

OMNI PGA RESORT FRISCO

@omnipgafriscoresort | omnipgafriscoresort.com | 469.305.4545

Cost Per Person: From $240 Capacity: Up to 1,000

Outside Catering Permitted: Yes, for cultural and religious reason with a per-person remuneration

Bar: Yes, no outside beverage permitted

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes

Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:15

PEROT MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE

@pmns_events | perotmuseum.org | 214.756.3500

Cost Per Person: Varies

Capacity: 15-1,200

Outside Catering Permitted: No Bar: Full bar

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes

REFLECTIONS VENUE & GARDENS

@reflectionsplano | reflectionsplano. com | 972.633.9595

Cost Per Person: $60-$250

Capacity: 200

Outside Catering Permitted: No

Bar: Bar packages available

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes

Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:25

THE ADOLPHUS

RECEPTION SITES WE LOVE

RENAISSANCE

DALLAS AT PLANO

LEGACY WEST HOTEL

@renplanowest | renaissanceplanohotel.com | 469.925.1800

Cost Per Person: Varies Capacity: 820 banquet; 1200 reception

Outside Catering Permitted: Yes

Bar: Yes

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes

Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:30

THE

RITZ-CARLTON, DALLAS

@ritzcarltondallas | ritzcarlton.com/ en/hotels/dalrz-the-ritz-carlton-dallas/weddings/ | 214.922.0200

Cost Per Person: From $260

Capacity: 450 seated with dance floor; 900 cocktail party

Outside Catering Permitted: No

Bar: Full bar service is available

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes

Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:10

THE

RITZ-CARLTON DALLAS, LAS COLINAS

@ritzcarltonlascolinas | ritzcarltonlascolinas.com | 972.717.0700 Ext. 2624

Cost Per Person: $200+ per person Capacity: 400

Outside Catering Permitted: For religious reasons, with approval and required insurance

Bar: Bar packages available

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes

Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:20

INDOOR

cont.

TEXAS DISCOVERY GARDENS

@texasdiscoverygardens | 214.702.5013

Cost Per Person: Customizable

Capacity: 300

Outside Catering: No; Select from our approved catering list

Bar: Yes

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes

Server-To-Guest Ratio: Varies

THOMPSON DALLAS

@thompsonhoteldallas | thompsondallas. com | 469.726.4107

Cost Per Person: From $195+

Capacity: 650 seated

Outside Catering Permitted: No

Bar: Full bar

Outdoor Reception Facilities: No

Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:10

VIRGIN HOTELS DALLAS

@virginhotelsdalweddings | virginhotels. com/dallas/ | 469.359.7700

Cost Per Person: Varies

Capacity: Up to 300

Outside Catering Permitted: No

Bar: Full bar services

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes

Server-To-Guest Ratio: Varies

VOUV EVENT SPACE

@vouvdallas | vouvdallas.com | 972.598.0594

Cost Per Person: $50-$150

Capacity: 350 seated; 700 cocktail

Outside Catering Permitted: No

Bar: Bar packages available

Outdoor Reception Facilities: No

Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:25

WARWICK MELROSE HOTEL

@warwickmelrose | warwickhotels. com | 214.521.5151

Cost Per Person: Varies

Capacity: Up to 500

Bar: Yes

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes

Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:20

WESTIN DALLAS DOWNTOWN

@westindallasdowntown | westindallasdowntown.com | 972.584.6650

Cost Per Person: $50-$175

Capacity: Pecan Ballroom: 350 seated, dancefloor; Bluebonnet Ballroom: 150, dacefloor; Willow Pavilion: 150, dancefloor; Porch on Main: 100 seated; Grill & Vine Restaurant: 80 seated; Presidential Suite: up to 20 guests

Outside Catering Permitted: Yes, for religious reasons, with proper insurance.

Bar: Full bar

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes

Server-To-Guest Ratio: Varies

WESTIN GALLERIA DALLAS

@westingalleriadallas | thewestingalleriadallas.com | 972.934.9494

Cost Per Person: $60

Capacity: 10-600

Outside Catering Permitted: No

Bar: Full bar available

Outdoor Reception Facilities: No

Server-To-Guest Ratio: Varies

WESTIN IRVING CONVENTION CENTER

@westinirvingcc | westinirvingcc.com | 972.505.2900

Cost Per Person: Varies

Capacity: Up to 600

Outside Catering Permitted: For religious reasons, with approval and required insurance

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes

Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:20

VIRGIN HOTELS DALLAS

DESTINATION VENUES WE LOVE

CLOUDLAND

@staycloudland |

1 888.391.1148

Cost Per Person: Pricing starting at $180 per person plus tax and service charge; additional rental fees applies

Capacity: 12-350 indoor; 20-500 outdoor

Outside Catering

Permitted: No

Bar: Yes

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes, Creag Courtyard and Cloudland Event Lawn

EAU PALM BEACH RESORT & SPA

@eaupalmbeach | eaupalmbeach.com | 561.533.6000

Cost Per Person: $345-$595

per person

Capacity: 400

Outside Catering

Permitted: No

Bar: Yes

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes

Server-To-Guest Ratio: Varies

FREDRICKSBURG CONVENTION AND VISITOR BUREAU

@visitfredtx | visitfredricksburgtx. com | 830.997.6523

Cost Per Person: Customized for event

Capacity: Small to large Outside Catering Permitted: Yes

Bar: Yes

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes

HOTEL BENNETT

hotelbennett.com | 843.990.5400

Cost Per Person: $265 for Plated and $275 for Stations

Capacity: 250 guests

Outside Catering Permitted: No

OMNI BARTON CREEK RESORT & SPA

@omnibartoncreek | omnihotels. com/bartoncreek | 512.329.4000

Cost Per Person: $120-250+ per person for food and beverage; Minimums apply per space

Capacity: Up to 1000

Outside Catering Permitted: With the exception of your wedding cake, all food and beverage must be provided by the resort. Exceptions may be made for ethnic weddings that follow outside catering guidelines. Food and Beverage minimums apply.

Bar: Yes, bar packages available

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Hill Country Pavilion and Lawn; Rock House

Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:20

ROSEWOOD MAYAKOBA

@rwmayakoba | rosewoodhotels. com/mayakoba | 844.367.7709

Cost Per Person: Varies

Capacity: 2-300 (depends on venue)

Outside Catering Permitted: Depends on venue

Bar: Yes

Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes

Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:8

HOTEL BENNETT

ROSEWOOD MAYAKOBA

rehearsal dinner sites

Say “I Do” at one of the most beautiful places in Dallas. With its incomparable services and amenities, The Adolphus is one of Dallas’ most romantic wedding destinations. Whether it be an intimate exchange of vows or extravagant celebration with 300 of your closest friends and family, we offer the perfect space to celebrate your wedding celebrations.

Paula Fenner | 1321 Commerce Street, Dallas | 214.651.3563 | PFenner@adolphus.com

Hotel or a dining destination? We’re a little of both actually. With more than 30,000-square-feet of indoor/ outdoor space and restaurants, The Joule is the ideal home for your next event. From the iconic Eye Lawn to our expansive ballrooms and penthouse terraces, our spaces are as functional as they are fashionable. For a more intimate event, toast to your memories with us in one of our restaurants Sassetta, CBD Provisions or Midnight Rambler.

Deepa Tobar | 1530 Main Street, Dallas | 214.261.4520 | dtobar@thejouledallas.com

Set the scene for love at our stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Dallas. Dazzling skyline views, luxe accommodations, and striking indoor-outdoor spaces make Virgin Hotels Dallas the picture perfect rehearsal dinner destination. Intimate fête to grand affair, we’ve got you covered with customizable rehearsal dinner menus, built-in audio-visuals, and all the essentials to set your table.

Joanna Tran | 1445 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas| 469.359.7700 | virginhotels.com/dallas

For unique and memorable wedding celebrations, the Warwick Melrose Hotel captures both the glamour and romance of yesteryear, and the excitement of tomorrow. This iconic hotel features both indoor and outdoor venues for your rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception. Our remarkable blend of tradition and sophistication ensures an unforgettable setting for your special occasion, whether it be for an intimate or grand affair. The Warwick Melrose remains a timeless landmark where precious moments turn into lasting memories.

Ashley Grunska, Director of Catering | 214.224.3101 | agrunska@warwickhotels.com

The Adolphus

The Joule

Heather Durham Photography

CATERER

Beyond the Box Catering

custom caterers

DESCRIPTION

Beyond the Box Weddings offers full-service catering, including custom menus, bar services, specialty rentals, and professional staffing. With 20 years of experience, we are confident in providing exceptional service for all style and size events. From start to finish, we work with you to bring your vision to life and ensure your special day is everything you imagined it to be and more!

Culinary Art Catering

Chef-owned, award-winning Culinary Art Catering specializes in contemporary, cutting-edge presentations and chef-inspired menus. With 27 years in business, we bring a commitment to exceptional quality and personalized service, we transform your vision into a culinary masterpiece, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience for you and your guests. Whether you are planning an event at one of our exclusive venues or the location of your choice, our professional and courteous team will cater to your every need.

Gil’s Elegant Catering

MARCI WENRICH

mwenrich@foodbeyondthebox.com

214.828.2228

btbweddings.com

Since 1983, Gil’s Elegant Catering has devoted itself to making your special occasion a delicious success. It’s truly the pleasure of this catering team to make certain that each couple’s entire event is a distinct reflection of their personality. From traditional and elegant to authentic Texas-style cuisine, Gil’s will create unique, customized menus tailored to your individual tastes and budget.

MELISSA LOPEZ

info@culinaryartcatering.com

972.744.0660 culinaryartcatering.com

JACQUELINE ALBERS

jackie@gilselegantcatering.com

214.717.3142

gilselegantcatering.com

Heart to Heart Catering

The Joule Offsite Catering

At Heart to Heart Catering, we are a full-service catering company that will provide you with the most enchanting event or elegant soiree. We bring creativity that can turn an ordinary room into events that are unique, sumptuous, and colorful. We can help with any size event, whether it’s a wedding for 100 guests, a gala for 500 or a grand opening for 3,000. No matter what your needs, we provide unparalleled quality service and also maintain great relationships with all our vendors and partners.

While we love our own spaces, we’re always glad to take the party on the road. Whether you’re looking to host an intimate dinner party or a gala, our award-winning catering team can execute the perfect event with custom menus and cocktails at our place or yours. We also cater to those looking to book the iconic Eye Lawn.

TOM ELKHAY

tom@hearttoheartcatering.com 972.327.3111 hearttoheartcatering.com

DEEPA TOBAR

dtobar@thejouledallas.com 214.261.4520 thejouledallas.com/catering-events/ catering

Wendy Krispin Caterer

With 32 plus years of catering weddings under her belt, Wendy Krispin is highly-respected in the industry for her elegant and delectable spreads. Through food and drink, Krispin wants to partner with you to create not only a custom menu but an immersive experience that matches your vision no matter the location.

WENDY KRISPIN info@wendykrispincaterer.com 214.748.5559 wendykrispincaterer.com

Taylor Dixon & Connor Hirsh

June 17, 2023

Stephanie Brazzle

BRIDAL GOWNS, ATTENDANT ATTIRE & MEN’S FORMALWEAR

BELLA BRIDESMAIDS

214.999.9311

136 Glass St., Ste. 150, Dallas bellabridesmaids.com | @bellabridesmaids

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE OF LEWISVILLE

972.219.8500

143 W. Main St., Lewisville bridalboutiquelewisville.com | @bblewisville

THE BRIDAL SALON AT NEIMAN MARCUS DOWNTOWN

214.573.2663

1618 Main St., Dallas neimanmarcus.com | @neimanmarcusbridal

LELA ROSE BRIDAL

214.599.6283

69 Highland Park Village, Dallas lelarose.com | @lelarosebridal

LULU’S BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

214.871.9610

1215 Dragon St., Dallas lulusbridal.com | @lulusbrides

MOLLY’S BRIDAL CLOSET

972.388.5230

1202 Dragon St., Ste. 103, Dallas mollysbridalcloset.com | @mollysbridalclosetbrides

MISTER TUXEDO

214.363.1871

6625 Snider Plz., Dallas mistertuxedodallas.com | @mistertuxedodallas

PATSY’S, A BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

214.528.1227

2933 N. Henderson Ave., Dallas patsysbridal.com | @patsysbridalboutique

PATTI FLOWERS DESIGN STUDIO

214.369.7027

3624 Fairmount St., Dallas pattiflowers.com | @pattiflowers

STANLEY KORSHAK BRIDAL

214.871.3611

500 Crescent Ct., Ste. 142, Dallas skbridalsalon.com | @stanleykorshakbride

STARDUST CELEBRATIONS

972.781.1619

6464 W. Plano Pkwy., Plano stardustcelebrations.com | @stardustbrides

TERRY COSTA

972.385.6100

12817 Preston Rd., Ste. 138, Dallas terrycosta.com | @terrycostabridal

THE FITTING ROOM

214.520.3600

4111 Lomo Alto Dr., Dallas thefittingroomdallas.com | @thefittingroomdallas

WARREN BARRÓN

214.526.8400

5600 W. Lovers Ln., Ste. 150, Dallas warrenbarron.com | @warrenbarronbridal

WB ALTERATIONS

214.434.1511

5600 West Lovers Ln., Ste. 211, Dallas wbalterations.com | @wbalterations

CAKES

FANCY CAKES BY LAUREN lauren@fancycakesbylauren.com

11111 N. Central Expy., Ste. D, Dallas fancycakesbylauren.com | @fancycakesbylauren

SAMANTHA MILLER PASTRY

203.313.8039

samanthamillerpastry.com | @samanthamillerpastry

SUGAR BEE SWEETS

817.903.8661

201 N. East St., Arlington sugarbeesweets.com | @sugarbeesweets

THAT’S THE CAKE

817.617.2599

2800 Forestwood Dr., Ste. 118, Arlington thatsthecake.com | @thatsthecake

CATERERS

BEYOND THE BOX CATERING

214.828.2228

2544 West Commerce St., Dallas foodbeyondthebox.com | @beyondthebox_catering

BLUE FIRE CATERING

214.699.5097

bluefirecatering.com | @bluefiretotalcatering

CULINARY ART CATERING

972.744.0660

4241 Sigma Rd., Ste. A, Dallas culinaryartcatering.com | @culinaryart1

DFW BARTENDING

817.460.7280

2004 E Randol Mill Rd., Ste. 502, Arlington dfwbartending.com | @dfwbartending

Victoria Garcia & Patrick Ojeaga

January 14, 2024

Shannon Skloss

FERAH CATERING & EVENTS

281.773.4690

355 N. Carroll Ave., Southlake ferahcatering.com | @ferahcatering

GIL’S ELEGANT CATERING

972.237.0353

1001 MacArthur Blvd., Grand Prairie gilselegantcatering.com | @gilscatering

HEART TO HEART CATERING

972.327.3111

4252 Spring Valley Rd., Farmers Branch hearttoheartcatering.com | @hearttoheartcatering

KNIFE & FAULK

214.749.0299

9800 Preston Rd., Dallas knifeandfaulk.com | @knifeandfaulk

MAMA’S MEDICINE

321 W. Main St., Grand Prairie mamasmedicine.com| areta@mamas-medicine.com | @firehousegp |@mamasmedicine.cocktails

MI DIA FROM SCRATCH CATERING

817.421.4277

1295 S Main St., Grapevine midiafromscratch.com/catering | @midiafromscratchcatering

VESTALS CATERING

972.803.3806

1403 Dragon St., Dallas vestalscatering.com | @vestalscatering

WENDY KRISPIN CATERER

214.748.5559

528 S Hall St., Dallas wendykrispincaterer.com | @wendykrispincaterer

WINEWOOD GRILL

817.421.0200

1265 S Main St., Grapevine thewinewood.com | @winewoodgrill

ENTERTAINMENT

ABSOLUTE ENTERTAINMENT

214.871.9900 PO Box 567929, Dallas absolutedfw.com | @absolutedfw

EMERALD CITY BAND

972.416.2019

emeraldcityband.com | @emeraldcityband

JERRY MOWERY DJ

469.583.6541 jerrymowery.com | @jerrymowery2

LIMELIGHT

972.416.2019

ecbands.com/limelight | @limelightdfw

DOWNTOWN FEVER

972.416.2019

ecbands.com/downtown-fever |@downtownfever

PARTY MACHINE

972.416.2019

ecbands.com/party-machine | @partymachineband

ELEVATION

972.416.2019

ecbands.com/elevation | @elevationpartyband

FLORAL & EVENT DESIGNERS

BLUSHINGTON BLOOMS

940.799.5159

7664 Pebble Dr., Fort Worth | 3525 Cedar Springs Rd., Ste. 106, Dallas blushingtonblooms.com | @blushingtonblooms

BRANCHING OUT EVENTS

214.741.3807

127 Leslie St., Dallas branchingoutevents.com | @branchingoutevents

LILIUM FLORAL DESIGN

817.481.1565 | 214.509.6630

4800 Colleyville Blvd., Colleyville liliumflorals.com | @liliumfloraldesign

SAGE FINE FLOWERS

972.768.9673

sagefinedesign.com | @sagefineflowers

HEALTH & BEAUTY

DOLL SOCIETY

865.242.4276

dollsociety.com | @dollsociety_

ELAN MAKEUP STUDIO

214.370.3333

5639 Dyer St., Dallas elanmakeup.com | @elanmakeupstudio

FACES BY FIONA

469.981.3021

1900 Jay Ell Dr., Richardson facesbyfiona.com | @facesbyfiona

GLAM HAUS COLLECTIVE

469.505.1053

5014 Miller Ave., Dallas glamhauscollective.com | @glamhauscollective

MY FABULOUS FACES

214.789.8379

myfabulousfaces.com | @myfabfaces

JEWELRY

BACHENDORF’S

214.692.8400

8400 Preston Rd., Plaza at Preston Center, Dallas bachendorfs.com | @bachendorfs

BACHENDORF’S

972.392.9900

Galleria Dallas, Level 1, Dallas bachendorfs.com | @bachendorfs

BACHENDORF’S

817.806.0303

5175 Monahans Ave., The Shops at Clearfork, Fort Worth bachendorfs.com | @bachendorfs

EISEMAN JEWELS

214.369.6100

8687 N. Central Expy., Ste. 514, Dallas eisemanjewels.com | @eisemanjewels

MATTHEW TRENT

214.871.9170

8383 Preston Center Plaza, Ste. 120, Dallas matthewtrent.com | @matthewtrentjewelry

MEGAN THORNE FINE JEWELS

817.920.7623

120 St. Louis Ave., Ste. 141, Fort Worth meganthorne.com | @meganthornejewels

LIVE ILLUSTRATIONS

ACA EVENT DESIGNS

214.676.8943 acaeventdesigns.com | @acaeventdesigns

PHOTOGRAPHERS

PEREZ PHOTOGRAPHY

214.707.7729

3525 Cedar Springs Rd., Ste. 104, Dallas perezweddings.com | @perezweddings

STEPHANIE BRAZZLE PHOTOGRAPHY stephaniebrazzle.com | @stephaniebrazzle

MOTUS

469.340.3806

7411 Hines Pl., Ste. 123, Dallas motusbooth.com | @motusred

RENTALS & DECOR

ABSOLUTE LIGHTING

214.871.9900 absolutelightingdfw.com | @absolutelighting

October 28, 2023

Ellen Ashton

BBJ LA TAVOLA

972.392.3233

150 Turtle Creek Blvd., Ste. 209B, Dallas bbjlatavola.com | @bbjlatavola

CALLISTO SOUND & LIGHTING

214.438.4828

10557 Metric Dr., Dallas callistosound.com | @callistosl

PARTY! DALLAS

214.635.3710

1174 Quaker St., Dallas partydallas.com | @partydallasrentals

THE PARTY DEPT.

817.800.4444

3860 Hemphill St., Fort Worth ezpartytime.shop | @the.party.dept

STATIONERS

5 BY 7 DESIGNS

214.538.2800

13740 Midway Rd., Ste. 611, Dallas 5by7designs.com | @5by7designs

NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK

214.528.2850

6911 Preston Rd., Dallas needleinahaystackdallas.com | @needlenhaystack

PAPER AFFAIR

214.654.9545

5710 W. Lovers Ln., Dallas paperaffairdallas.com | @paperaffairdallas

MAGNOLIA BOONE PAPERIE

magnoliaboonepaperie.com | @magnoliaboonepaperie

ST. MICHAEL’S WOMAN’S EXCHANGE

214.521.3862

5 Highland Park Village, Dallas smwexchange.com | @smwexchange

WEDDING CONSULTANTS

AFTER YES

214.542.0668

903 N. Bowser Rd., Ste. 350, Richardson afteryesweddings.com | @afteryes

ALEXA KAY EVENTS

630.212.9951 alexakayevents.com | @alexakayevents

ALICE AND APRICOT hello@aliceandapricot.com aliceandapricot.com | @aliceandapricot

Katina Economides & Mitch Parker

CRYSTAL FRASIER WEDDINGS

972.342.7960

crystalfrasier.com | @crystalfrasierweddings

EMBELLISHED WEDDINGS & EVENTS embellished.wedding | @embellishedweddings

JESS WEGNER EVENTS

817.247.3576

jesswegnerevents.com | @jesswegnerevents

JULIAN LEAVER EVENTS

214.908.7439 julianleaver.com | @julianleaver

KARIS CONCEPTS

214.592.7772

4044 Buena Vista St., Apt. 111, Dallas karisconcepts.com | @karisconcepts

KNIGHTED AFFAIRS

knightedaffairs@gmail.com knightedaffairs.com | @knightedaffairs

LORRAINE TOMAS

214.751.8053

1811 E. Levee Dr., Dallas lorrainetomas.com | @lorrainetomasweddings

SARA FAY EGAN EVENTS

214.213.0122

sarafayeganevents.com | @sarafayeganevents

SARABETH EVENTS

214.207.6081

215 W. College St., 2nd floor., Grapevine sarabethevents.com | @sarabethevents

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS OF TEXAS

214.783.7310

17618 Davenport Rd., Ste. 1, Dallas significanteventsoftexas.com | @significanteventsoftexas

SOCIAL GRACES WEDDINGS AND EVENTS

214.808.1043 socialgracesdallas.com | @socialgracesdallas

A STYLISH SOIREE

214.862.2808 astylishsoiree.com | @astylishsoireedallas

TAYLOR EVENT CO.

940.441.7817 tayloreventco.com | @tayloreventco

TODD EVENTS

214.749.0400

1174 Quaker St., Dallas toddevents.com | @toddevents

Nancy Fuentes & Mario Reyes September 30, 2023 John Cain Photography

TOP TIER EVENT RENTALS

214.819.4556

7715 Sovereign Row, Dallas top-tier.co| @toptiereventrentals

WEDDINGS BY STARDUST

972.781.1619

6464 W. Plano Pkwy., Plano weddingsbystardust.com | @weddingsbystardust

VENUES, RECEPTION & REHEARSAL DINNER SITES

THE ADOLPHUS HOTEL

214.742.8200

1321 Commerce St., Dallas adolphus.com | @theadolphus

DALLAS ARBORETUM

214.515.6569

8617 Garland Rd., Dallas dallasarboretum.org |@thedallasarboretum

D’VINE GRACE VINEYARD

214.901.2311

3747 Grace Ranch Trl., McKinney dvinegrace.com | @dvinegracevineyard

FAIRMONT DALLAS

214.720.5270

1717 N. Akard St., Dallas fairmont.com/dallas | @fairmontdallas

GEORGE W. BUSH PRESIDENTIAL CENTER

214.200.4303

2943 SMU Blvd., Dallas bushcenter.org/eventplanning | @bushcenter

GLENEAGLES COUNTRY CLUB

972.867.6666

5401 W Park Blvd., Plano gleneaglesclub.com | @gleneaglescountryclub

HALL ARTS HOTEL

214.953.1717

1717 Leonard St., Dallas hallartshotel.com | @hallartshotel

HILTON DALLAS/PLANO GRANITE PARK

469.353.5000

5805 Granite Pkwy., Plano dallasplanogranitepark.hilton.com | @hiltongranitepark

HILTON PARK CITIES

214.368.0400

5954 Luther Ln., Dallas dallasparkcities.hilton.com | @hiltondallasparkcities

HOTEL CRESCENT COURT

214.871.3211

400 Crescent Ct., Dallas crescentcourt.com | @mycrescentwedding

HOTEL DROVER

817.755.5557

200 Mule Alley Dr., Fort Worth hoteldrover.com | @hoteldrover

HOTEL VIN, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION

817.796.9696

215 E Dallas Rd., Grapevine hotelvin.com/weddings | @hotelvintexas

THE JOULE

214.748.1300

1530 Main St., Dallas thejouledallas.com | @thejouledallas

JW MARRIOT DALLAS ARTS DISTRICT

214.347.9499

800 North Harwood St., Dallas jwmarriottdallasartsdistrict.com

KIMPTON PITTMAN HOTEL

469.498.2535

2551 Elm St., Dallas pittmanhoteldallas.com | @ pittmanhoteldallas

LAZY S HACIENDA

817.358.5037

410 Weaver Ln., Weatherford lazyshacienda.com| @lazyshacienda

LOEWS ARLINGTON HOTEL

682.318.2810

888 Nolan Ryan Expy., Arlington loewshotels.com/arlington-hotel/weddings | @loewsarlington

THE MASON DALLAS

214.730.0005

115 S. Beckley Ave., Dallas themasondallas.com | @themasondallas

NASHER SCULPTURE CENTER

214.242.5182

2001 Flora St., Dallas nashersculpturecenter.com | @nasherevents

NUVO ROOM

469.453.4563

4241 Sigma Rd., Ste. B, Dallas nuvoroom.com | @nuvoroom

Anne Marie Sitton & Keegan Pearl October 21, 2023

Joshua Aull

ON THE LEVEE

972.483.2507

1108 Quaker St., Dallas onthelevee.com | @onthelevee

OMNI PGA RESORT FRISCO

469.305.4545

4341 PGA Pkwy., Frisco omnipgafriscoresort.com | @omnipgafriscoresort

THE PEROT MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE

214.756.5758

2201 N. Field St., Dallas perotmuseum.org | @pmns_events

TEXAS DISCOVERY GARDENS

214.702.5013

3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas txdg.org/wedding | @texasdiscoverygardens

REFLECTIONS VENUE & GARDENS

972.633.9595

1901 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano reflectionsplano.com | @reflectionsplano

RENAISSANCE DALLAS AT PLANO LEGACY WEST HOTEL

469.925.1800

6007 Legacy Dr., Plano renaissanceplanohotel.com | @renplanwest

THE RITZ-CARLTON, DALLAS

214.299.0200

2121 McKinney Ave., Dallas ritzcarlton.com/dallas | @ritzcarltondallas

THE RITZ-CARLTON DALLAS, LAS COLINAS

972.717.0700 Ext. 2624

4150 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving ritzcarltonlascolinas.com | @ritzcarltonlascolinas

ROSEWOOD MANSION ON TURTLE CREEK

214.520.5824

2821 Turtle Creek Blvd., Dallas rosewoodhotels.com/mansion | @rosewoodmansionturtlecreek

SOUTHFORK RANCH

972.442.7800

3700 Hogge Rd., Parker southforkranch.com | @southforkranch

TEXAS DISCOVERY GARDENS

214.702.5013

3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas txdg.org/wedding | @texasdiscoverygardens

THOMPSON DALLAS

469.726.4107

205 N. Akard St., Dallas thompsondallas.com | @thompsonhoteldallas

VIRGIN HOTELS DALLAS

469.359.7700

1445 Turtle Creek Blvd., Dallas virginhotels.com/dallas | @virginhotelsdal

VOUV EVENT SPACE

972.598.0594

4445 Sigma Rd., Dallas vouvdallas.com | @vouvdallas

WARWICK MELROSE HOTEL

214.521.5151

3015 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas warwickhotels.com | @warwickmelrose

WESTIN DALLAS DOWNTOWN

972.584.6650

1201 Main St., Dallas westindallasdowntown.com | @westindallasdowntown

WESTIN GALLERIA DALLAS

972.934.9494

13340 Dallas Pkwy., Dallas thewestingalleriadallas.com | @westingalleriadallas

WESTIN IRVING CONVENTION CENTER

972.505.2900

400 W Las Colinas Blvd., Dallas westinirvingcc.com | @westinirvingcc

DESTINATIONS

CLOUDLAND

1 888.391.1148

43 Cloudland Dr., Rising Fawn, GA staycloudland.com| @staycloudland

EAU PALM BEACH RESORT & SPA

561.533.6000

100 South Ocean Blvd., Manalapan, FL eaupalmbeach.com | @eaupalmbeach

FREDRICKSBURG CVB

830.997.6523

Fredricksburg, TX @visitfredtx | vistifredricksburgtx.com/weddings

HOTEL BENNETT

843.990.5400

404 King St., Charleston, SC hotelbennett.com | @hotelbennett

OMNI BARTON CREEK RESORT & SPA

512.329.4000

8212 Barton Club Dr., Austin, TX omnihotels.com/bartoncreek | @omnibartoncreek

ROSEWOOD MAYAKOBA

877.737.7538

Playa del Carmen, MX rosewood.com/en/mayakoba-riviera-maya | @rwmayakoba

Photo by Sharon Ellman, courtesy of Texas Ballet Theater

Photography by Tamytha Cameron Photography

Photography by Rafael Badillo Photography

ing day r e sou r ce s

BRIDAL & FORMALWEAR

Bella Bridesmaids ..................................99, 104

Bridal Boutique of Lewisville 38, 104

Lela Rose Bridal 104

Mister Tuxedo ...................................... 102, 104

Patsy’s, A Bridal Boutique 53, 104

Stanley Korshak Bridal Salon ..................... 104

Stardust Celebrations 13, 104

Terry Costa 101, 104

Warren Barrón ............................................. 104

CAKES & PASTRIES

Sugar Bee Sweets Bakery .................. 101, 104

Samantha Miller Pastery 104

CATERERS

Beyond the Box 100, 104

Culinary Art Catering .................. 33, 100, 104

DFW Bartending 104

Gil’s Elegant Catering 50, 100, 105

Heart to Heart Catering ......... 10-11, 100, 105

Knife & Faulk 105

Mi Dia From Scratch Catering .................... 105

Vestals Catering 43, 105

Wendy Krispin Caterer 100, 105

Winewood Grill ........................................... 105

DESTINATION WEDDINGS

Cloudland ............................................... 97, 109

EAU Palm Beach Resort & Spa 17, 97, 109

Explore Charleston ........................ 8-9, 97, 109

Rosewood Mayakoba 31, 97, 109

ENTERTAINMENT

Downtown Fever Band C2-1, 105

Elevation Band C2-1, 105

Emerald City Band ............................. C2-1, 105

Limelight Band C2-1, 105

Party Machine Band C2-1, 105

FLORISTS

Blushington Blooms 37, 105

Branching Out Events .......................... 4-5, 105

Lilium Floral Design 73, 105

Sage Fine Flowers ..................................99, 105

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Glam Haus Collective .................................. 105

JEWELERS

Bachendorf’s ......................................... 106, C4

Matthew Trent 106

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Motus 93, 106

Stephanie Brazzle ....................................... 106

RENTALS

Lawson Event Rentals................................... 110

The Party Dept. 106

STATIONERS

Magnolia Boone Paperie 106

VENUES, RECEPTION & REHEARSAL DINNER SITES

The Adolphus Hotel 2-3, 94, 98, 108

Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden .....................................94, 108

D’Vine Grace Vineyard 94, 108

George W. Bush

Presidential Center............................. 91, 94, 108

Gleneagles Country Club 63, 94, 108

Hall Arts Hotel 14, 94, 108

Hilton Dallas Park Cities .................. 94, 105, 108

Hotel Crescent Court 41, 94, 108

Hotel Drover ...................................... 6-7, 94, 108

Hotel Vin, Autograph Collection 85, 95, 108

The Joule 49, 95, 98, 100, 108

JW Marriott Dallas

Arts District Hotel ............................... 21, 94, 108

Loews Arlington Hotel 77, 95, 108

The Mason Dallas .....................................95, 108

Nasher Sculpture Center 57, 95, 108

Nuvo Room 95, 108

The Perot Museum of

Nature and Science 95, 109, 110

Reflections Venue & Gardens............ 95, 109, C3

Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel 23, 96, 109

The Ritz-Carlton Dallas 86, 96, 109

The Ritz-Carlton

Dallas, Las Colinas 45, 96, 109

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek ............... 109

Texas Discovery Gardens 18, 96, 109

Thompson Dallas 25, 96, 109

Virgin Hotels Dallas ..................... 47, 96, 98, 109

Vouv Event Space 96, 109

Warwick Melrose Dallas ............ 12, 96, 98, 109

The Westin Dallas Downtown 29, 96, 109

The Westin Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas ........................96, 102, 109

WEDDING PLANNERS

Alice and Apricot .................................. 22, 106

Crystal Frasier Weddings 19, 107

Jess Wegner Events 26, 107

Julian Leaver Events ............................. 107, 109

Karis Concepts 107

Knighted Affairs .................................... 65, 107

Lorraine Tomas Weddings 107

Social Graces Weddings and Events 15, 107

Taylor Event Co. .................................... 24, 107

Weddings by Stardust 108

Elizabeth Dameris Jack Beardslee

June 24, 2023

He Said/ She Said

Elizabeth Dameris and Jack Beardslee have some hiring managers to thank for their happily ever after. The pair met when they were hired by the same company for their first postcollege jobs. The only problem? Elizabeth was work ing in her native Houston, while Jack, a native of Kansas City, Kansas, was officed in Dallas. The couple dated long-distance for a year and a half until a new opportunity brought Elizabeth to Dallas. Once engaged, they were less focused on a specific aesthetic for their wedding and more on creating a fun, happy occasion for friends and family. “We wanted the evening to be all about celebrating together,” Elizabeth shares. Planner Allison MacNealy of Allison & Co Events and florist David Kimmel Design decked the ballroom of Brook Hollow Golf Club with romantic floral and foliage and deep green accents. “It was absolutely wonderful,” Elizabeth remembers. “I loved that we were able to be truly present around everyone we love.” The newlyweds reflect on the best and hardest parts of wedding planning and on what advice they’d give couples going through the process. —Jessica Otte

Had you thought about your wedding day before getting engaged?

Elizabeth: Not at all! I was never one of those girls who grew up dreaming of their wedding, so I was starting from square one.

Jack: Yes—after attending multiple friends’ weddings, it was easy to start picturing that day for Elizabeth and me.

What was the smartest thing you did while planning your wedding?

Elizabeth: Hiring our planner, Allison MacNealy. She handled so much behind the scenes and understood my vision, so I trusted her completely.

Jack: Relinquished all control to Elizabeth! And, of course, I opined and helped out when asked to.

What was the hardest part about wedding planning?

Elizabeth: Making sure Jack

felt included in the process and the planning to the extent he wanted to be. I wanted him to walk into the reception and feel like he was well represented.

Jack: The budgeting process and ultimately staying within the budget (which is generally impossible!).

What stressed you out the most?

Elizabeth: Aligning the church availability and reception venue availability was hard.

Jack: My big responsibility was the band/music, so I was hoping it would turn out well.

What was the most fun part of wedding planning?

Elizabeth: Designing my dress with Patti Flowers! This idea originally sounded intimidating, but after having multiple appointments at bridal salons across town, I was able to piece together ideas from different dresses that really felt like “me.”

Jack: Getting to sample different flavors of wedding cake at our cake tasting.

What was your most worthwhile wedding splurge?

Elizabeth: Our flowers.

Jack: I thought getting a band was worth it, versus a DJ.

Was there anything your spouse wanted that you weren’t sure about? How did it turn out?

Elizabeth: Jack was very sweet throughout the whole process and was open to almost all of my ideas.

Jack: I was a bit worried about our start time (7 p.m.) but that turned out not to be a problem. (The bride is always right.)

What, if anything, would you do differently if you had to do it all over again?

Elizabeth: Absolutely nothing. It was perfect.

Jack: Nothing. I thought it was a fantastic evening.

What was your biggest takeaway from the wedding-planning process?

Elizabeth: Social media is full of fun ideas, but at the end of the day, it’s so special to be at a celebration that feels so much like you and your spouse. Choose things that feel authentically you.

Jack: I am glad we had such a great wedding but am also glad we will not have to plan another wedding again.

What was the most memorable moment from your wedding day?

Elizabeth: Dancing with our friends to our incredible band.

Jack: We had a private last dance, and it was great to be able to experience a few moments with Elizabeth to soak up the evening.

What has surprised you most about married life? How (if at all) does it feel different?

Elizabeth: We moved into our house the day after we got home from our honeymoon, and it has been so fun to build a home together.

Jack: I love living together and being able to spend time together every day.

If you had one piece of advice for engaged or newly married couples, what would it be?

Elizabeth: Work together to make wedding planning as fun and stress-free as possible!

Jack: Try to make the most of the wedding-planning process, and have fun with it. At the end of the day, what is important is you are marrying your best friend. It doesn’t matter what color the tablecloths are.