Photo Credit: Tracy Autem Photography
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 | PRE-
WEDDING 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
WHERE ARE YOU FROM? Sweetwater, Texas | WHAT YOU LOVE ABOUT WEDDINGS: The sheer joy of seeing family and friends creating memories and celebrating with the couple | DESCRIBE YOUR AVERAGE WORKDAY: Meetings with clients, with team mates, with new prospects, creating room designs, talking with other wedding professionals; all things wedding! | LOCAL
RESTAURANT: Lavendou | BEST CUP OF COFFEE IN DALLAS: My morning coffee, made by my husband on our Expresso machine | WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Medical records clerk | WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU? Steven Spielberg and my children | WEDDING TREND: Providing special experiences for the guests | WEDDING FAUX PAS: Starting the ceremony late. |
FAVORITE WEDDING STYLE: Classic with a contemporary twist | PRE-WEDDING RITUAL: Drink 8 0z of water and take an Iphoto shot of all my work papers | FAVORITE WEDDING SONG: Pachelbel’s Canon | POST-WEDDING RITUAL: Stop at Sonic for a larger cherry Dr. Pepper with lots of ice | FAVORITE WEDDING AND WHY? Every year I have favorites, they tend to be those that have surprises for the guests, great music for the ceremony and reception, yummy food and those that the couple has let me soar with special details! | ADVICE FOR BRIDES: Be in the moment with your new partner your family and your friends
Stephanie Brazzle Photography
SOMETHING FOR EVERY MEMBER OF YOUR BRIDAL PARTY
CUSTOM DESIGNED GOWNS BY PATTI FLOWERS FASHION STUDIO
Plan an unforgettable celebration in the breathtaking Texas Hill Country. Nestled on the edge of Austin, our resort is an enchanting wedding destination. Celebrate with your guests in the Hill Country Pavilion, a flexible event space featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping views, or in any of five breathtaking event spaces.
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PHOTO CREDIT: JOHN CAIN PHOTOGRAPHY
over 60 wedding venues | Hill Country elegance | central Texas location | stunning views variety of unique places to stay | over 50 wineries & tasting rooms | abundant guest adventures
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VOLUME 21 NUMBER 2 Fall/Winter 2023
COPYRIGHT 2023 D MAGAZINE PARTNERS, L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
We love the earth. And we want you to show your love. So recycle this magazine and any other magazine from the D family that you buy. Because it’s one thing to read about going green. It’s another thing to, you know, go there.
YOU SAID YES—TIME TO GET PLANNING! LEARN HOW TO CHOOSE—OR CUSTOMIZE—A WEDDING DRESS THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU. DISCOVER THE BEST SPOTS FOR PRE-WEDDING WELLNESS, AND FIND A SIGNATURE WEDDING SCENT TO WEAR ON THE BIG DAY. PLUS, EXPLORE THE COUNTRY-WESTERN TREND THAT’S INFLUENCING BRIDAL STYLE AND PUTTING A TEXAS TWANG ON WEDDINGS.
THE DAY YOU’VE DREAMT ABOUT! LET THESE FABULOUS FETES INSPIRE YOUR BIG DAY. COUPLES SHARE THE PERSONAL DETAILS THAT MADE THEIR WEDDING DAYS PERFECTLY THEIR OWN. PLUS, SEE INSIDE FOUR DALLAS COUPLES’ DESTINATION CELEBRATIONS, AND THEN SCORE INSIGHTS FROM EXPERTS AND EXPERIENCED BRIDES AND GROOMS ON PLANNING AN AWE-INSPIRING AFFAIR ABROAD.
EVERYTHING AFTER THE AISLE. FIRST COMES LOVE, THEN COMES MARRIAGE, THEN COMES ... AN ANNIVERSARY PARTY! IF YOU’RE NOT READY TO STOP CELEBRATING, TAKE A CUE FROM THIS FIFTH-ANNIVERSARY BASH IN FORT WORTH. THEN GET A GLIMPSE AT THE HOTTEST NEW HONEYMOON DESTINATION IN PUNTA MITA, MEXICO. PLUS: SHOP GREAT GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR FIRST FIVE YEARS AS MR. AND MRS.
I had absolutely no idea where to start when it came time to plan my wedding. I’d never even thought about marriage until my husband proposed. Feeling overwhelmed, I made a list of things I knew: My family was small, and his was huge. Our friends were still in college and likely wouldn’t be able to afford airfare or designer dresses. And I didn’t like being the center of attention (still don’t!), so I loathed the idea of standing at the altar in front of a crowd. I decided a small private ceremony somewhere far away fit my personality best. But that would’ve ruled out my husband’s family members, who were expecting a full wedding. So our first joint decision as an almost-married couple was to forgo the destination and host a celebration in Dallas so our families could join us. To mitigate my fear of crowds, we gave guests a glass of wine and seated them at tables during the ceremony, so they could’ve cared less about me. In the end, it’s what worked for us.
If you’ve started down the road of wedding planning, you’re probably feeling the push-pull of expectations and opinions coming from every direction. It’s a delicate dance to try to please everyone, and I won’t discount the importance of compromise or of family. But ultimately, your wedding
has to be right for you. There’s nothing wrong with eloping to a remote island. There’s nothing wrong with tying the knot at your country club, surrounded by everyone you know. And there’s also nothing wrong with finding something in between that satisfies your wishes and those of your soon-to-be spouse.
In this issue, we spotlight 11 couples who made their dreams come true. For one, that was an intimate dinner party at a Dallas institution. For another, that was an over-the-top celebration at home. For still another, that was a four-day Italian wedding bonanza. Hear about each couple’s choices, get insight from the vendors who brought them to life, and then weigh which style speaks most loudly to you. If you’re still not sure, make a list. (Trust me, it helps.)
Also in this issue, we celebrate the country-western trend (pg. 49) that’s making its way into weddings. (As a West Texas girl myself, I couldn’t be happier to see this.) We give you the scoop on planning a destination “I do”—and why you need to bring Dallas vendors along for the ride (pgs. 88-89). And since we’re celebrating a milestone anniversary—20 years!—we want to help you mark yours, too, with an anniversary bash (like the one featured on page 92) or with gifts that say “I still do” for years to come.
JAMIE LAUBHAN-OLIVER jamie@dmagazine.com
For our 20th anniversary, we decided it would be fun to give away a wedding. (If you haven’t been following along, you can accompany our winners, Macy and Ethan, on their journey to the altar at DWeddings.com!)
For many of us on the D team, this experience has brought back all the joys and challenges of planning our own weddings. It’s also been a great reminder of just how much D Weddings gives its readers. More than just offering ideas, inspiration, and access to the top vendors in the business, it provides Dallas couples and their families with a sense of peace in a time that can often be hectic and stressful. Doing this for 20 years means we’ve seen many families through one of the most important times of their lives—something we don’t take lightly.
Speaking of remaining calm, this issue kicks off with a bevy of local
resources that will help you care for your physical and mental well-being throughout the wedding-planning process (pgs. 42–43). Looking for a way to incorportate some Texas flavor into your festivities? We explore the recent surge in country-western style in weddings on pages 49–54. And while destination weddings continue to be a favorite way for couples to celebrate, here’s a news flash if you’re considering one: You still need Dallas-based vendors to make your dreams a reality. We’ll help you see how (pgs. 88–89).
If you’re still searching for the perfect local venue or professional to bring your vision to life, I invite you to reach out to the D Weddings partners you see throughout this issue. They represent the best of the industry in Dallas—and beyond.
Cheers to another year of helping you plan your big day!
What started as a work trip for Sydney Watters Dunbar—the brand director for Dallas-based bridal outfitter Watters Designs— turned into a weekend she’ll never forget. Having accompanied her on a business excursion to Paris, Sydney’s boyfriend of a year and a half, climate tech entrepreneur Nicholaus Rohleder, popped the question in front of the Eiffel Tower with a pear-shaped solitaire. Sydney says she had a feeling Nick was the one on their first date. He had asked her to dinner, and they were coincidentally seated next to one of Sydney’s closest friends, who eavesdropped and gave her stamp of approval. “It was her enthusiasm that really gave me the confidence to ask him out on our second date,” says the brideto-be. The couple celebrated their engagement with friends and colleagues, who flew out for the occasion, before retiring to Hôtel Costes, located on Paris’ Rue Saint Honoré—a special locale the couple will return to long after they’ve said “I do.”
—Lydia Brooks
Local gown pros turned brides share their tips for finding or customizing your perfect dress.
Most little girls dream about what their wedding gown will look like. Sydney Watters Dunbar was no different—she just had the added benefit of growing up surrounded by dresses. Her mother, Vatana Watters, is the founder of Dallas-based bridal-wear brand WATTERS DESIGNS, where Sydney has served as brand director since 2017. Now a bride-to-be herself, Sydney is turning her own dress dreams into reality—designing a custom gown with the Watters team. “Since I was raised around all these gowns and gown ingredients, I’ve definitely paid hyper-attention to certain things,” she says. Acknowledging that the custom route can be trepidatious for brides—whether it’s designing a dress from the inside out or requesting changes to an off-the-rack design—Sydney shares her best advice on tailor-making a gown that’s just right for you.
by Lydia Brooks
Sydney’s Advice for Customizing a Gown:
TRY, TRY AGAIN
To assuage that custom-gown fear, Sydney advises trying on as many gowns as possible. “Of course, it’s all new territory as a bride,” she says. “You should take the time to really work through what you want. Try everything on.”
Experimenting with dresses that already have the customizations you want will help you visualize the final product.
CONSIDER THE CONTEXT
Sydney points out that your venue and the time of year in which
you’re getting married could help drive your customizations. A summer bride who still wants her arms covered, for instance, could swap out a heavier sleeve in favor of a lighter arm drape.
SEE YOU AT THE ALTER(ER)
What happens if you go in for your final fitting and you don’t absolutely love your gown? Sydney says trustworthy tailors can seamlessly change a gown’s neckline, build or take away fullness in the skirt, or add on a sleeve or cape.
Bridal consultant, Neiman Marcus
As a Neiman Marcus bridal consultant, Kennedy Cox is no stranger to the latest gown styles and trends. And while this meant her vision was clear when it came time to search for the dress she’d wear to wed Sean Sweeney on March 5, 2022, she was determined to find a gown she hadn’t previously sold to a client. “When it came down to it, I couldn’t unsee the brides who wore those dresses before me,” she says. Enter Monique Lhuillier’s “Secret Garden.” The ball-gown silhouette and abundance of organza ruffles and rosettes perfectly fit Kennedy’s style wish list, while the pink tone made the dress unique to her. “It really let me shine, and that’s exactly what I wanted,” says Kennedy.
Kennedy’s Advice for
style or design. “The biggest thing that I see is brides saying they want one thing and then ending up with the polar opposite,”
“Sometimes, I think brides take their wedding gowns a little too seriously,” she says.
Kennedy advises that it’s your time to play dress-up and have fun
with it. “It’s your girly escape to feel like the little girl you used to be who dreamed of getting married,” she says.
CONSULT THE PROFESSIONALS
Wherever you go in your quest for the perfect gown, trust the input of your bridal consultants, who are trained and knowledgeable in the various options available.
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.
PSST: Haus Labs, Saie, Merit, Westman Atelier, Ilia, Jones Road, and Beautycounter are
THE VIBE: Sexy and chic
THE AMENITIES: Hot and cold plunge pools, steam room, infrared sauna, and barrel sauna
MOST UNIQUE THING WE TRIED: Thompson Total Wellness—a head-to-toe treatment that combines a massage, a facial, and a body wrap, with gua sha and hot stones thrown in for good measure
OUR TAKEAWAY: With skilled practitioners and serene, generously sized treatment rooms and lounge areas, the Thompson is a welcome addition to the Dallas wellness roster. While it made for an exciting view, the rooftop location of the hot and cold plunge pools was less than enticing on the frigid day we visited; plan for weather if your plans include taking a dip. Notably, it was the only spa we visited that offered hair services.
As it turns out, what’s in your makeup matters—and it goes far beyond breakouts and skin irritation. After realizing a thyroid condition she suffered from was likely linked to the ingredients in her beauty products, makeup artist Deanna Boyd has spent the last eight years of her three-decade-long career preaching the gospel of clean beauty. In addition to application lessons and services, Deanna offers a Makeup Bag Update & Detox service, in which she’ll go through your skincare and makeup regimens product by product and offer cleaner alternatives. “Educating others is my favorite part of what I do,” she says. deannaboyd.com —L.B.
THE VIBE: Bright, white, and ladylike
THE AMENITIES: Whirlpool with hot and cold plunge, sauna, steam room, and cryotherapy chamber
MOST UNIQUE THING WE TRIED: Montalcino Thermal Mud—a detoxifying, immunity-boosting, anti-cellulite body treatment that involves slathering the body with mud from the thermal waters of Montalcino, Tuscany
OUR TAKEAWAY: Entering and exiting through the workout room made the experience feel more like part of a wellness regimen than a true escape—but a complimentary glass of champagne helped erase any guilt we felt for skipping a sweat sesh. Specialized treatment options (CBD massages, a sensitivity-remedy facial, cryotherapy) allow for a tailor-made experience.
THE VIBE: Moody and cavelike
THE AMENITIES: Eucalyptus steam room, sauna, and vitality pool
MOST UNIQUE THING WE TRIED: A tie between the customized massage—during which we tried everything from lymphatic drainage to cupping—and the Earth Inspired Body Ritual, which involved a continuous oil pour to our third eye, melting away stress
OUR TAKEAWAY: There’s something transportive about descending the stairs into the dimly lit, sensory-stimulating, subterranean space; worries fade with each step, and your concept of time is lost in the best possible way. Services, providers, and amenities here are all top-notch—make time (and bring your suit) for the vitality pool. If we had to find a flaw, the sound system in our treatment room was a little tinny. But we’re really reaching.
Utilize apps that do the screening for you. Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep app is Deanna’s favorite.
Be mindful of generic labels.
“Just because a product is labeled ‘natural’ doesn’t mean you won’t have a reaction to it,” she says.
Avoid her top four “no list” ingredients:
•Fragrance
•Parabens
• Phthalates
•Avobenzone/ oxybenzone
Be mindful of expiration dates and shelf lives. Most skincare products’ labels feature a jar icon that indicates how long it’s
safe to use after opening (3M means three months, 6M means six months, and so on). For makeup, beauty experts have generally agreedupon durations. For example, Deanna says, “I always suggest to clients to swap out their mascara tube every three months.”
Don’t expect perfection. “Find the balance between the not-soclean products you love, and slowly cleanswap them out,” says Deanna. “It can be overwhelming if you don’t remember to have balance.”
In May, vaunted fragrance maker House of Creed opened an outpost in NorthPark Center. The Paris-based perfumery boasts more than 260 years of experience and uses the highest quality essential oils to
“Spring Flower” (from $260/Creed); ”Aventus” (from $365/ Creed)
The Conservatory’s resident fragrance expert Shasa Mitcham chooses five scents for the modern bride.
craft fragrances for both men and women. Outfitted in brass and Carrara marble, the posh Dallas boutique features a VIP room for appointments and events. 8687 N. Central Expy., Ste. 522. 214-506-9280. creedboutique.com
Research suggests that scent memory is the strongest of all the senses, so don’t let your wedding perfume be an afterthought. Shasa Mitcham, wellbeing manager at The Conservatory, selects five bridal fragrances that will stand the test of time—and transport you back to your big day every time you spray them.
1: Edward Bess “Last Night” ($300) With a burst of tart tangerine mixed with smoky rose and a tinge of leather, Shasa calls this eau de parfum “seductive and enchanting.”
2: Liis “Lucienne” ($165) Shasa describes this as “a bright, fruity floral that evokes a feeling of pure joy and optimism,” citing notes of lemon, dragonfruit, magnolia, and lotus flower.
3: Santa Maria Novella “Rosa Gardenia” (from $100) This “blooming bouquet” in a bottle
is brought to you by the world’s oldest apothecary. In addition to gardenia—which, Shasa notes, symbolizes purity as well as new beginnings—expect fig, almond blossom, and sandalwood.
4: Veronique Gabai “Heart” ($150) “Veronique Gabai’s ‘Aroma’ collection is more than just perfume; it’s aromatherapy,” says Shasa, who’s a fan of this citrus-centered scent that’s blended with essential oils to elevate your mood.
5: Ex Nihilo Paris “Lust in Paradise” (from $245) Lychee and peony give this French Riviera–inspired fragrance an undercurrent of “escapism”—perfect, Shasa says, for your honeymoon.
All available at The Conservatory
Sure, you can pick up a ready-made perfume at Krigler, now open in the Ritz-Carlton Dallas lobby. (How about “America One 31,” worn by the likes of JFK and Ernest Hemingway?) But for brides and grooms who want something truly personalized—and have $60,000 to spare—the scent sommeliers here will get to know your whiff whims and create a bespoke bottle that, like your soon-to-bespouse, is yours alone. 2121 McKinney Ave. 214-922-4826. krigler.com
Unlike your dress, your wedding-day fragrance is something you can wear again and again. Choose wisely.RITZY SPRITZ
For Alex Berry and Grant Ladner’s October 8, 2022, wedding in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, the bride relied on her fashion background to style her attendants. “I wanted a harmonious look during the ceremony,” Alex says. The Dessy bridesmaids’ dresses complemented the elegant off-theshoulder silhouette of Alex’s Gia gown. “It was only fitting for me to play off that look for their dresses, too!”
Nataly Keomoungkhoun and Royce Li chose the Mason for their November 5, 2022, nuptials largely for its classic style. “We wanted something that felt timeless and modern,” Nataly says. But it didn’t hurt that the venue’s included items—like the chic black chairs—didn’t require an upgrade. “Using the Mason's selection of decor was one thing we didn't have to think about,” says the bride. “What couple doesn't love that?”
For her October 1, 2022, “I do’s” to Ryan King, bride Juna Lee wanted an artful cake befitting their Nasher Sculpture Center setting. “Black is chic, dramatic, and a bit counterculture for a wedding cake,” she says. The “Wednesday Addams meets 21 Rue Cambon” cake by Sugar Bee Sweets fulfilled Juna’s confectionery vision. “My mother hated the idea,” she laughs. “Maybe she'll come around when she reads this.”
In designing her own invitation suite, bride Nataly Keomoungkhoun took an intentional style departure—adopting an unadorned black-andwhite look that was in contrast to the lush florals and tonal palette that were to come. “It's quite different from the decor at the wedding,” she says. “Guests were surprised when they saw all the color!”
Modern
by Lydia BrooksWe
A New Spin Kelsey Miller wanted the dance portion of her and Casey Lofton’s October 22, 2022, Arlington Hall wedding to have the feel of an upscale club. “She loved the look of a black-andwhite checkered dance floor but wanted something a bit more interesting,” says Rielly Kidwell of House of CLRK by Emily Clarke. The team came up with this spiral design, which was brought to life by Center Stage Floors.
twists on a traditional weddingday palette make black-and-white schemes anything but boring.
These boots are made for walking down the aisle—or dancing the
During the evening’s cocktail hour, Allison surprised the couple with an interactive “hat bar.” The personalized cowboy hats served as favors for the party guests. “It was a great activity during cocktail hour and gave our nearest and dearest a little memento from the weekend,” says Megan.
For their June 2022 wedding weekend, Dallas native Megan Riney and Austin-born Christopher Bybee wanted to pay homage to their Texas roots. Their Bent Tree Country Club reception was to be a black-tie-optional affair, so a kickoff party at Gilley’s Dallas would prove the perfect opportunity to infuse some Lone Star flavor. They tasked planner Allison MacNealy of Allison & Co. Events with planning a rehearsal dinner that was festive, fun, and a little bit country. She thoughtfully planned every detail— from the music (country tunes, courtesy of The Rustic Avenues) and the menu (barbecue and ranch waters) to an interactive hat bar, where guests designed cowboy style hats that doubled as favors. Remembers Megan fondly, “It was the best way to kick off the weekend.”
Planner Allison MacNealy designed the room with a colorful streamer installation by The Color Condition to pay tribute to the couple’s alma maters. “The ceiling is exposed at Gilley’s, and while I didn’t want to cover it up, I didn’t want to drape it and not honor the building,” she says.“It still has that raw-wood, exposed vibe.”
THE DETAILS: Rehearsal Dinner Site: Gilley’s Dallas Photographer: Shannon Skloss Photography
Hair & Makeup: Sonia Trevino; My Fabulous Faces Flowers: Howdy Floral Stationery: Allison & Co. Events
Catering: Gilley’s Dallas Music: The Rustic Avenues Lighting: Stage 2 Lighting Videographer: When It Clicks
Wedding Rentals: BBJ La Tavola; Party! Dallas; POSH Couture Rentals; Top Tier Event Rentals Planner/
Designer: Allison & Co. Events Additional Vendors: Caramel & Honey (photo booth); The Color Condition (decor); Topped Hats (hat bar)
Cowboy Casual
The bride and groom opted for a “boots and blazers” dress code at the rehearsal dinner. “Christopher’s only request from the beginning was that he could wear jeans, boots, and a blazer instead of a suit,” Megan remembers. The bride-tobe chose a hot pink Solace London minidress and white Lucchese boots for the occasion. “I wanted to do something a little less traditional,” she says.
We love having an interactive element that also doubles as a favor, like these customizable lids made by Topped Hats.
The vibrant floral arrangements were designed by friend of the bride Ashley Noble of Howdy Floral. The colors were inspired by the hues in the streamers above. “For the wedding reception, our colors were vibrant and summery, so we wanted to go in a different direction for the rehearsal dinner,” explains Megan.
Take notes from the Bybees’ wedding weekend and consider a more relaxed rehearsal dinner. A laid-back flow allows the couple to mix and mingle with guests more freely. “Our party was a chance to have more close-knit conversations with friends and family,” explains Megan. Planner Allison MacNealy also notes that the wedding eve is an opportunity to have more fun with a theme that reflects you. “You could do it at a bowling alley, a dance hall, an arcade,” she says. “The rehearsal dinner is a chance to make the event that much more unique.”
For one Texas couple, a haute honky-tonk rehearsal was the perfect way to pay tribute to their Lone Star roots.
For a Texas twist on bridal attire, two-step your way into these Western-inspired wedding looks.
by Emily DawsonCut loose at your last fling before the ring with a throwback countrymusic tee, some feminine denim, and statement accessories.
Skirt the Issue
Want this look for less? Look up Tibi’s "Godet" bleached denim maxi skirt. It’s one of my favorites.
Fancy Flounce
This airy set takes on a new feel when layered under a fringed jacket like the one pictured. Handcrafted by Texas artisans, it's an investment piece you can wear for life.
With the massive success of Yellowstone, Western-inspired fashion is having a moment—and that goes for the wedding world as well. But a country-western theme walks an incredibly fine line between chic and cliché. Say it with me on the count of three: One, two, three… “Nashville bachelorette parties!”
In an effort to help you avoid any regrettable moments, I’m here to guide you through the sartorial wild, wild west. I’ve laid out three looks, each for a different wedding event and each of which subtly and gracefully nod to a country-western theme instead of hitting you in the face with it. In the same way I do with my clients, I've started with a foundation of vintage clothing, layered with contemporary styles, and finished with intentionally placed details to create nuanced looks that are timeless and of the moment.
Boot Legger
Molly Gibbons Norwood started Amazing Vintage Boots more than 20 years ago, selling vintage boots online. Now she sells in a variety of stores throughout DFW—most notably in Flea Style, where she stocks a minimum of 100 pairs at all times. Follow her on Instagram to keep up with her selection in real time!
@amazing_vintage_boots
Emily Dawson is a Dallas-based stylist. She helps women tap into their inherent personal style, encouraging self-expression through intentional clothing choices, all while preaching the good word about buying vintage fashion. She works with women—specializing in bridal wardrobe planning—to bring a timeless and one-of-a kind element to every look. Follow her at: @emily_bydesign
A flirty, danceable set topped with a fringed jacket, punchy boots, and a ladylike lid will make for a final “yeehaw!” to remember.
Cold Shoulder Opt for a long sash for a look that screams vintage bridal elegance.
Giddyup! Paired with ladylike details, a vintage corset dress with modern construction is the perfect foundation for a Western rehearsal look.
Local favorite Flea Style is taking their popular hat-bar concept on the road. Whether you’re looking for a fun bachelorette-bash activity or wanting to treat guests to a special souvenir—like Megan
Riney and Christopher Bybee did (pg. 50)—the Flea Style Mobile Hat Bar will bring the personalization party to you, complete with Stetsons in a variety of shades, plus bands, feathers, and other trinkets to gussy yours up. fleastyle.com
Snaps Clothing is serving looks for the modern Southerner. The new locally owned manufacturer has upgraded the traditional pearl-snap shirt into a versatile wardrobe staple with a more tailored fit, high-quality fabrics, and streamlined stitchwork for a look that’s as appropriate at the office as it is on the ranch. snapsclothing.com
Lucky Charm
Hang this thread-embellished horseshoe over your doorway for a little newlywed luck.
Every cowboy worth his spurs needs an eyecatching belt buckle— and Dallas-based The Bohlin Company is the place to get one. Bohlin’s creations—which since 1920 have included belts, buckles, bolo ties, and other accessories—were first made famous by John Wayne, Clark Gable, and other Western film and television stars of the early 20th century. More than 100 years later, you can score your own buckle by shopping their selection or commissioning a custom design. bohlinmade.com
Country Connection
A Snaps shirt with custom touches by The Monogram Club is the perfect made-in-Dallas marriage.
Give the “getting ready” shirt a Texas twist by subbing an equally hair-andmakeup-friendly pearl-snap for the more commonly worn button-down. Amp up the cuteness factor with help from The Monogram Club‘s Becca Quisenberry, who can custom embroider your top to match any theme. @themonogramclub
Boot removal can be a dirty and difficult job. Help your hubby be hands-off with a bootjack by Dallasbased Custom Bootjacks. Personalize it with your wedding date for a groom’s gift that’ll serve as a sweet reminder of your special day—and whose bed his boots should be under. custombootjacks.com
Jack in the Box
Starting at $130, these custom boot jacks would make great groomsmen gifts, too!
Who doesn’t love a matching moment? Local luxury bootmaker Petite Paloma carries an array of ladylike styles in adult and child sizes, so your attendants and flower girls can all get in on the fun. petitepaloma.com
These local brands make it easy to embrace the Lone Star State of mind.by Jessica Otte and Lydia Brooks
Twyla Shelmire let her friends take creative liberty in choosing bridesmaid dresses for her April 2022 wedding. “They just know me,” she says. “They got the vibe, and it all happened organically.” Holding the reception in her family’s backyard gave the aesthetically minded bride a chance to create a look perfectly to her liking. “My style is very informed by the past,” she says. “It doesn’t really fit in a box, but I took things I love—18th-century French antiques, Wes Anderson films, the English countryside—and layered them together.” —Lydia
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Brooks
Estate of Mind:
Twyla entrusted Dr Delphinium to create a unique flowerscape—featuring jasmine vine, ranunculus, lavender lilac, and hydrangeas—that would capture her wedding style. “I wanted [our wedding] to feel like a timeless fairytale, to be vintage inspired without being eclectic or messy,” says Twyla. The team at Dr Delphinium designed a lush, English countryside vibe enhanced with delicate blooms for a “plucked from the estate garden” feel.
Vanity Project: “Working in the creative field myself, I was very opinionated when it came to photography,” she says. “Jennifer Yarbro helped me catch the details that mattered to me most.” One of Twyla’s favorite moments of the day was a Vanity Fair –inspired photoshoot with her new husband and family against a fabric sweep in the front yard.
Twyla Shelmire
Chris Thompson
April 9, 2022
Twyla Shelmire and Chris Thompson’s paths should’ve crossed a million times. They grew up in Dallas, attended brother/sister private schools, ventured to New York City in their 20s, and moved back to Dallas a few years later. But it wasn’t until a mutual friend set them up long after they had returned to Texas that they first met. The connection was immediate. Several dates, many memories, and a move-in later, Chris popped the question in the couple’s dining room before taking Twyla out to celebrate with friends and family. “Chris and I have the same values, we travel the same, we like to live in the same way,” says Twyla. “Everything just aligned and felt very meant to be.”
—Lydia Brooks
Guests:
First dance: “Love and Happiness” by Al Green
Cake Flavor: Italian Cream Honeymoon: The Other Side in Eleuthera, Bahamas
Specialty Cocktails: Newlywed Negroni, Taste of Savannah (Chatham Artillery Punch)
Fair Maiden: The bride’s fairy-like dress was the “Ruby” style designed by Danielle Frankel, and its ethereal and whimsical nature immediately caught Twyla’s eye. To accessorize, she wore her great-grandmother’s earrings, a blue cross bouquet charm that her aunt found in France 20 years ago, and a pair of floral-print Gucci pumps.
By Her Hand: The stationery featured a floral, fruit, and butterfly scheme that one of Twyla’s old classmates designed for the occasion, and, to better align with her budget, Twyla learned calligraphy and addressed each invitation herself.
Personal Palette: Twyla decided early on that she wanted to design her wedding without the help of a planner. “It was really cool to relish in what Twyla had made,” says Chris. “She’s a creative at heart and designed everything, so it felt very customized to us.”
THE DETAILS: Ceremony Site: McCasland Sunken Garden, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden Photographer: Jennifer Yarbro Photography Bridal Gown Designer: Danielle Frankel Bridal Gown Retailer: Neiman Marcus Bridal Hair & Makeup: Christen Swearengin Smith (hair); Darlene Duran (makeup) Groom’s Attire: Austen Dor Flower Girl Dress Designer/Retailer: Feltman Brothers Reception Site: Mother-of-the-bride’s home in Midway Hollow Flowers: Dr Delphinium Designs + Events Stationery: Danielle Aldrich, Onderkast Studio Cake: A&J Bakery Catering: Wendy Krispin Caterer Music: Bishop String Quartet (ceremony); Next Level Entertainment (reception) Lighting: Marquee Event Rentals; Next Level Entertainment Getaway Car: Bride’s family’s convertible Porsche Wedding Rentals: Marquee Event Rentals; Posh Couture Rentals Wedding Planner/Designer: Designed by the bride Additional Vendors: Madison Mayfield (wedding pattern illustrator)
DWED online For more details and inspiration, go to dweddings.com
Tents and Treats: Staying true to the Western theme, the newlyweds served a variety of Texas foods, from guacamole to beef tenderloin. The guests ate to their hearts’ content with buffet-style catering.
Thinking Pink: Invitations by Hazelwood Paper Co. featured blush pink, a must-have color for the bride.
“Janie loves pink,” says planner Shannon Ducker. “Anybody that knows her knows she’s a pink girl.”
Janie Johnson
Jake Finlay
October 22, 2022
A prank ended in a surprise engagement for Janie Johnson—a fitting happily ever after orchestrated by her lighthearted beau, Jake Finlay. “Jake is the most unique person in the world. He’s a redheaded Australian and the funniest person on the planet, which is one of the things I love the most about him,” Janie says. The couple met through mutual friends, and after about four years of dating, Jake— claiming his best friend’s car had broken down—lured his bride-to-be to his aid, where he proposed with her late grandmother’s century-old ring. Janie’s rich family history was woven throughout the wedding celebration, from the use of her family’s stagecoach to a longtime family friend officiating the ceremony.
—Jordan Allen
Heart of Texas: Janie’s hometown of Canyon, Texas, served at the perfect setting for the couple’s outdoor ceremony. “I’d always wanted to get married at my family’s ranch,” Janie says. “I wanted it to be really personal.”
First Dance: “All Around You” by Sturgill Simpson
Guests: 300
Something Old/New/ Borrowed/Blue: grandmother of the bride’s ring; custom City Boots; family stagecoach; garter
Country at Heart:
Bride Janie is no stranger to the Western lifestyle. Now a reporter for the Cowboy Channel, it was only right for her to incorporate a pair of custom City Boots into her wedding attire.
Perfect Pair: Taking photos with her beau was one of Janie’s favorite parts of their big day. “We had the most spectacular sunset with the most incredible colors. It was a really special moment,” Janie says.
Carried by Carriage:
The heirloom stagecoach holds a lot of significance for the bride’s family. “The stagecoach picked me up at the house and took me down to the wedding ceremony,” Janie says. “It was really cool and a nod to my family history. I felt like a princess!”
Lovely Landscape: Janie chose terracotta-toned velvet bridesmaid dresses to complement the scenery of the family ranch.
THE DETAILS: Ceremony/Reception Site: Bride’s family ranch Photographer: Jennefer Wilson for Charla Storey Photography Bridal Gown Designer/Retailer: Pronovias Hair & Makeup: Pure Beauty 210 Groom’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse Bridesmaids’ Dresses Designer: Revelry Groomsmen’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse Flower Girl Dress Designer/Retailer: Revelry Flowers: Wedfully Yours Stationery: Hazelwood Paper Co. Cake: The Cake Company of Canyon Catering: Two Knives Catering Music: Ray Johnston Band Videographer: 41 Productions Videography Wedding Rentals: BBJ La Tavola; Marquee Rentals; Nuage; Party! Dallas; Sandone; Under the Sky Event Rental Wedding Planner: Shannon Rose Events Additional Vendors: Bob Tallman (officiant); City Boots (bride’s cowboy boots); Resistol (cowboy hats)
DWED online For more details and inspiration, go to dweddings.com
Sascha Ludwikowski was late for his first date with Lauren Attiah. “That was a big deal [to him] because he’s German,” explains Lauren. “He had actually arrived 30 minutes early, but he was at the wrong restaurant.” After a few frantic texts, the two connected and were in sync from then on—getting engaged in 2019. Then things got complicated. “We ended up getting married at the courthouse to start the permanent resident process,” says Lauren. “I’m an all-or-nothing person, so I thought I’d either go to the courthouse or have the dream wedding. But I ended up having all and nothing.”
Lauren Attiah Sascha Ludwikowski October 22, 2022
Two years after tying the knot at a courthouse, Lauren Attiah and Sascha Ludwikowski said “I do” again in a stunning celebration at the Nasher Sculpture Center.Photography
Stark Contrast: Florals added a soft element among elegant dishware, sleek acrylic menus, and plenty of pops of black. “Lauren likes feminine but not overly girly,” explains wedding planner and designer Wendy Kay of Birds of a Feather Events.
She’s Got the Look:
For her ceremony look, Lauren paired a diamond bracelet borrowed from her mom, a spritz of Chanel No. 5, and beautiful “Candice” d’orsay shoes by Bella Belle. “I had two engagement rings,” says Lauren. “But the one Sascha proposed with was his great-grandmother’s ring that has survived two world wars.”
Two years after the courthouse ceremony, the couple wanted to throw a more-is-more affair at the Nasher Sculpture Center. They looked to Wendy Kay of Birds of a Feather Events to create an exceptional experience specific to them. Says Lauren: “My parents are from West Africa, and he’s from Germany, but we wanted an American wedding with cultural touches here and there.” On October 22, 2022, Wendy more than delivered, maximizing some of Lauren’s minimal ideas. “She was leaning toward neutrals, and I told her no,” laughs Wendy. “That’s going to fall flat, and in the end, even ‘timeless’ looks dated eventually. I say go big and get what you want in the moment!”
Garden State of Mind: It was fate that the couple would eventually exchange vows at the Nasher. “We went there on one of our early dates, and I remember telling Sascha, ‘I would love to have a wedding here,’ ” says Lauren. “It’s a mix of urban feel with a garden, right in the middle of Dallas. Getting married there was a dream come true.”
Simply Sweet: While Lauren wanted a modern cake that wasn’t too flashy, her mother was looking for a statement piece. Sugar Bee Sweets came through with a very tall, very tasteful (and tasty!) vanilla and blackberry cake with cream cheese filling. “It was the biggest cake I’ve ever seen, but I loved it. I had an accordion-style veil, and the design played off that,” says Lauren.
Room to Bloom: Lauren trusted florist Maxine Owens’ expertise for centerpieces and the bouquet. “I told her, ‘Whatever works for you works for me,’ ” the bride says with a laugh. “She sent me photos of different flowers she was going to use, and then on the wedding day, I saw how it all came together for the first time.”
Name Games: One of Lauren’s favorite elements of the day were the tableassignment cards, all of which were printed with icebreaker questions on the back. “I love getting to know people,” she says. “When my friends saw those questions, they all said, ‘This is so Lauren.’ ”
Back in the Day:
The “Dakota” gown by Anais Anette, which Lauren originally purchased back in 2020, was a fitting frock for the formal ceremony when it was finally performed in 2022.
Dripping in Lights: Because the reception was at night, Sascha and Lauren wanted a fun lighting feature by the DJ stations. “A friend of Sascha’s created the lighting tubes, and the florist created a structure around them with tons of flowers,” says Wendy.
Lauren looked to Wendy to come up with the perfect palette for the day. “She really listened to Sascha and me—she said he’s one of the most involved spouses she’s ever worked with!” Lauren says with a laugh. “I love that it’s both feminine and masculine—pink, terra-cotta, cool blues, and black.”
A Seat at the Table: The bride and groom said “I do” in front of 100 people—many of whom came in from other countries. “It was very international. Sascha moved here from Canada, so he had friends who traveled from there,” says Lauren. “We had family from Ghana and Germany, and we even had a friend who came in from Australia.”
Blazer of Glory:
Right before the couple made their exit, Lauren changed into her final look of the evening, a tuxedo dress by Kiki de Montparnasse. “That was my favorite look,” she says. “It totally embodied who I am.”
Dressed to Thrill: At the reception, Lauren donned a House of CB dress that allowed her to move more easily. The couple performed a bachata as their first dance as Bob Marley’s “Is this Love?” played. “It was a song we both really liked, and it came on the radio when we were driving to the courthouse to get married. We felt like it was fate,” says Lauren.
THE DETAILS: Ceremony/Reception Site: Nasher Sculpture Center Photographer: Charla Storey
Photography Ceremony Gown Designer: Anais Anette Ceremony Gown Retailer: a&bé Bridal Shop Reception
Gown Designer: House of CB Reception Gown Retailer: Nordstrom Exit Dress Designer: Kiki de Montparnasse
Hair & Makeup: Janaye Bryant; Melissa Mallam Groom’s Attire: Hugo Boss Groom’s Attire Retailer: Nordstrom
Flowers: Max Owens Design Stationery: Longest Time Design (invitations); Southern Fried Paper (day of) Cake: Sugar Bee Sweets Catering: Wolfgang Puck Music: DJ Jason Esquire Lighting: DJ Jason Esquire (pin spots and washes); hardware provided by Davaine Lighting Videographer: Peyton Frank Wedding Rentals: BBJ La Tavola; Big D Party Rentals; Perch Event Decor; Top Tier Event Rentals Wedding Planner/Designer: Birds of a Feather Events
Additional Vendor: Smile, Bish (photo booth)
Initial Impression:
The pair’s classic invitation suite featured the couple’s crest, which was incorporated in day-of paper goods as well as on the seating chart.
Guests: 400
Cake Flavor: Champagne with mixed-berry filling and vanilla buttercream icing
Ceremony Playlist: (As performed by husband-and-wife Christian pop duo Caleb & Kelsey)
Family Processional
“Pieces” by Amanda Cook Wedding Party Processional
“When I Lock Eyes with You” by Maverick City Music and Upperroom
Bridal Processional
“When God Made You” by NewSong Ceremony
“O Come to the Altar” by Elevation Worship
Recessional
“Anyone” by Justin Bieber
Spell It Out: Madison’s veil was a focal point not only for her ensemble but also for the whole ceremony.
“So much planning and logistics went into that alone,” says planner Whitney Bailey about the custom piece by Nardos Design.
Madison Prewett
Grant Troutt
October 29, 2022
Bachelor alum Madison
Prewett and Texas native Grant Troutt first shared their relationship on Instagram in May 2022, but the pair had been quietly dating for five months. Fast forward to July 31, when the duo got engaged on the beach. Knowing that they wanted a short engagement and a ceremony centered around their shared faith, Madison enlisted Whitney Bailey of Engaged Events to make her dreams a reality at the Troutt family home on October 29.
“Our wedding is a day that we will never forget,” says Madison. “The day was so special because it was full of prayer and worship with all of our closest people, and the amazing vendors that brought our vision to life.”
—Sarah BennettMaster Plan: Due to just a 12-week engagement, RSVPs were coming in right up until the wedding day. With that in mind, stationer Erin Wright of Sincerely, Addison created vinyl sheets of the guests’ names and seating assignments, which were displayed on walls from Perch Event Decor.
Like Mother, Like Daughter: In addition to creating Madison’s gown and all of her wedding-week ensembles, Nardos Imam of Nardos Design also crafted a one-of-a-kind dress for Madison’s mother, Tonya.
En Blanc: In addition to abundant florals, the reception tent showcased the 7-foot cake, which was so tall that the chandelier above it had to be raised.
Aisle Style: Planner Whitney Bailey worked with the bride, dress designer Nardos Imam of Nardos Design, and florist Taylor Davis of Something Pretty Floral to create a 100-foot, flower-lined aisle that was both wide and long enough to allow the veil to be seen by guests.
THE DETAILS: Ceremony/Reception Site: Private residence Photographer: Megan Kay Photography Bridal Gown Designer/Retailer: Nardos Design Hair & Makeup: The Styling Stewardess Groom’s Attire: J. Hillburn Bridesmaids’ Dresses Retailer: The Bar Flowers: Something Pretty Floral Stationery: Sincerely, Addison Cake: Fancy Cakes by Lauren Catering: Blue Fire Catering Music: Jordan Kahn Music Company; Caleb & Kelsey Lighting: Absolute Entertainment Videographer: The Crakes Transportation: Vinny’s Vintage Garage Wedding Rentals: Imperial Floor Rentals; Party! Dallas; Perch Event Decor; Sandone Productions; Top Tier Event Rentals Wedding Planner/Designer: Engaged Events Additional Vendors: Harmland Visions (photo booth); Kate Scrivner Art (live painter); VoiceBook of Texas (audio guest book); Nightowl Coffee (coffee)
Laced with Elegance : Dale didn’t have a specific dress in mind when she walked through the doors of Warren Barrón, but this long-sleeved lace and open-backed gown from Monique Lhuillier stood out. “When I came out to show everyone, they were just in tears,” she remembers.
Favorite Finds:
In addition to the invites, stationer Carly Anbouba of Carly Creative Co. also helped the pair create a guide for out-of-town guests, which featured a personalized list of the couple’s favorite spots in the Big D.
Fine Dining:
“Dale and JT came to me with the request to have their wedding feel like a dinner party,” says planner Kelsey Booth Dell of KBD Events. They chose Arlington Hall’s interior to foster an inviting and residential vibe. “Bringing in tasteful linens, delicate florals, and taper candles was our approach to giving it a more intimate feel,” she says.
Sweet On You: The Panini Bakery cake was the picture of elegance and featured the best of both worlds—chocolate with dark chocolate mousse and vanilla with toasted almond buttercream.
Dale & John Thomas
January 28, 2023
A Breath of Fresh Blooms: In lieu of a table runner, florist Katy Roden of Branching Out Events used gypsophila flowers, or baby’s breath, en masse to add dimension and elegance to the head table. “There’s something about baby’s breath that is ethereal and sophisticated at the same time,” Katy says. “It’s whimsical and classic!”
New Beginnings: Dale and JT bid adieu to the party and hello to married life in a 1957 Rolls Royce.
Final Touches:
Dale rounded out her ceremony look with Manolo Blahnik heels and a bracelet she received from JT for her 30th birthday. Pearl earrings from her mom served as her something borrowed, and a sapphirestudded ring from her new mother-in-law was her something blue.
For Dale and John “JT” Thomas, exchanging vows at Perkins Chapel was a heartfelt, full-circle moment—the venue is located on SMU’s campus, where the pair first met as students. Between running in the same circles at university and coincidentally moving to New York within the same month, their love story seemed inevitable. Bumping into each other a number of times in the Big Apple eventually led to a set-up by their friends, and later, a proposal on Aspen Mountain in the summer of 2021. The now-Austinites toasted to their matrimony in an intimate and family-centered celebration that paid homage to where it all began. Says Dale, “It just felt right to have it in a place where we first met.” —Haley
ArnoldTHE DETAILS: Ceremony Site: Perkins Chapel Photographer: Matt and Julie Weddings Bridal Gown Designer: Monique Lhuillier (ceremony); Carolina Herrera (reception) Bridal Gown Retailer: Warren Barrón (ceremony) Hair: Lana Adams Makeup: Lauren LaBarba Groom’s Attire: Hugo Boss (tuxedo); Salvatore Ferragamo (shoes); Tom Ford (bow tie) Bridesmaids’ Dress Designer: Amsale Reception Site: Arlington Hall Flowers: Branching Out Events Stationery: Carly Creative Co. Cake: Panini Bakery & Cakes Catering: Arlington Hall Music: Serenata Strings (ceremony); Manhattan Band, Jordan Kahn Music Company (reception) Lighting: Stage 2 Lighting Videographer: HMH Productions Transportation: DFW Vintage Cars (getaway car); Premier Transportation (buses) Wedding Rentals: Posh Couture Rentals (plates); Top Tier Event Rentals Wedding Planner/Designer: KBD Events Additional Vendors: Imperial Floors; Justin Cash (welcome party music); Rosewood Mansion (pre-ceremony/getting ready); Tova Sido (officiant)
7:33PM
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Exceptional cuisine, legendary service, magical memories… everything you dreamed of for your wedding is right here. From a dramatic ceremony, sit-down banquet for 1000, intimate reception for 10 or use of our dedicated Kosher kitchen, you will receive only the best, every step of the way. Turning moments into memories in Downtown Dallas for over 50 years.
My Fairy Lady:
Tara’s heart was set on a fairy-tale wedding, which was accomplished with an abundance of pink baby’s breath used in every part of the flowerscape. “Pink is my absolute favorite color, and even I was afraid that it was going to be too much,” the bride says. “But it was so soft. It turned out perfect.”
Rose to the Occasion:
Tara specifically requested that O’Hara roses be included in her bouquet. “They just smell like love and romance to me,” she says.
Tara Davis Hunter WoodhallOctober 16, 2022
While competing in a 2017 track meet, future Olympian Tara Davis had her eyes on the prize: decorated Paralympian Hunter Woodhall. “I had no idea who he was, but I got this overwhelming sense to go up and give him a hug,” says Tara. “It was history from there.” While most brides-to-be cry when saying yes to a dress, Tara shed tears when touring D’Vine Grace Vineyard. “I just knew it was the right fit,” she remembers. The next step was to infuse every detail of the big day with a bit of pink—Tara’s signature color. From the bounty of blush-colored baby’s breath to the muted-rose stationery suite, their October 16, 2022, celebration was a perfect manifestation of Tara’s “princess fairy-tale” wedding dreams. —Lydia Brooks
Love at First Sight: Tara’s Galia Lahav gown was the first one she tried on. “Not only did I keep going back to that one, I realized that I was trying to emulate it with the other dresses I was trying on,” she says. The gown’s floral appliqués and mesh sleeves fit with Tara’s visions for her day-of look. “I’m pretty muscular, but for our wedding, I just wanted to feel pretty and feminine,” she says.
Guests:
170
Cake Flavor: Strawberry and lemon
First Dance: “Biblical” by Calum Scott
Signature Cocktails:
“Winnie-rita” (strawberry margarita) and “Milo-mule” (Mexican mule), named after the couple's dogs
I Woof You:
Pups Winnie and Milo—who also served as inspiration for the couple's specialty drinks—trotted down the aisle in lieu of flower girls.
Going for the “W”: In designing her invitations, Tara struggled to find the right font to showcase her new last initial. “ ‘Woodhall’ is obviously a new name for me, so I had to really search to find a style that would be perfect for the ‘W,’ ” she says. Lyons Paperie delivered with an elegant soft magenta stationery suite that featured the couple’s crest.
Bride Tara Davis tasked her wedding planner, Alexa Kay of Alexa Kay Events, with creating a romantic fairy-tale wedding that packed a pink punch, and the Dallas planner praised Tara’s firm stand on her day-of design. “Brides tend to Pinterest themselves out,” says Alexa. “Tara’s vision stayed true throughout the planning process. She knew what she wanted, and it still felt fresh.” While inspiration sources like Pinterest can provide a wealth of wedding knowledge, they can also lead to matrimonial sensory overload. Alexa advises couples to make a list of a few key details they want their wedding design to revolve around—whether that be colors, styles, destinations, etc.— and stick to it. And it doesn’t hurt to have professional help, too. “Weddings work best when a bride trusts me to design with their style in mind,” she says. “I’ve been in the industry long enough to know what works and what doesn’t.”
Moment-ous Occasion: Tara and Hunter wanted their wedding to embody their motto, “These are the moments.” The couple sought to make the most of their weekend with those they love. “We don’t get to have all the special people in our lives together that often,” says Tara. “We wanted everyone to be present and really be in that moment.”
Passed Out: As an ode to the couple’s love of travel, each table was set with an experience passport, which guests could stamp as they completed a variety of activities—including taking a picture in the photo booth, sipping a specialty cocktail, and posing for the provided Polaroid cameras.
confection was decorated with Tara's wedding dress in mind, pulling from its all-white floral design as well as from the wedding's signature pink baby's breath.
Beaded Beauty: Tara found the pearl-studded bodysuit she wore while getting ready a year before she even got engaged. “I honestly couldn’t believe I was already there, on my wedding day, getting ready to walk down the aisle,” she says.
Suit Yourself:
The grooms donned contrasting black and white tuxedos.
“I’ve always had this image of what my wedding would be like,” Miguel says. “I saw the women wearing beautiful white gowns, and little kid me wanted to wear white.”
Nearlywed to Newlywed: Miguel says seeing all their loved ones after saying “I do” moved him to tears. “It was the first time for us and them to be all together,” he says. “It was so special and a great time to welcome each other into the family.”
September 17, 2022
Love in Bloom: Echoing the palette of their attendants’ ensembles, abundant floral arrangements featured sunsethued blooms and autumnaltinged foliage.
Signed with Love:
Go with the Flow:
The couple emphasized an organic flow in the planning process. “We worked through the estate so that guests could experience each part of the beautiful architecture,” says planner and designer Molly Rasmussen of Pop Parties. After the ceremony, which was held on the estate’s back steps, the party moved into the garden for cocktails and dinner, and then to the chapel to dance the night away.
Miguel Hernandez initially planned to pop the question to Peter Gandal on New Year’s Eve. But while on a Hawaiian vacation with Peter’s family in September 2021, the beauty of Oahu and presence of Peter’s loved ones inspired Miguel to make an impromptu change. With the help of the Four Seasons manager, he recruited a photographer, a ukulele player, and some leis, and dropped to his knee. For Peter, the moment was extra sentimental, as it fell on the anniversary of his father’s passing. “That moment was able to bring us joy on a day that is normally a bit sad for us,” he says. One year later, the couple toasted to their matrimony in their familycentered, residential-inspired nuptials at a private Austin estate—and then returned to the Hawaii Islands for their honeymoon.
—Haley ArnoldGuest Count: 160
Cake Flavors: Strawberry lemon with basil; chocolate with chocolate ganache
Menu: Casual cocktail appetizers, including shrimp, salad, mini-quiches, fried chicken, and mini–corn dogs
Signature Cocktails: Espresso martinis; ranch waters with Tajín; spicy margaritas
Honeymoon Destination: Maui and Oahu, Hawaii
Alfresco:
In lieu of a formal dining structure, the pair opted for open seating in the estate’s sunken garden, which was also furnished with living room sets to bring an athome feel.
It’s All in the Details: Miguel says the couple’s aim was to accentuate the natural beauty of the Commodore Perry, a 10-acre estate in Austin where the pair and their families stayed before the event. The venue and grounds even appeared inside the invitation envelope.
Following the dance portion of the evening—which sparked an impromptu karaoke session—the couple was showered with silver streamers as they exited.
Orange You Glad: Miguel and Peter wanted to keep their loved ones’ comfort and enjoyment at the forefront of the celebration. Wedding-party attendants donned the attire of their choosing in various fall-inspired shades.
John Cain Photography is the very best of the best! All the hype is true! Their entire team is amazing and professional in every way. All of the photos capture the personality of the people in the picture. You can tell they love what they do and it shows in the quality of work. We are forever grateful!
- Nancy Mynard, Mother-of-the-Bride
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DESTINATION: “I DO”
Can’t travel?
Where to host a destination-inspired wedding in Dallas!
PGS. 88–89
Dust off your passport and fluff up your neck pillow: DESTINATION WEDDINGS ARE BACK!
IT SEEMS THAT AFTER SPENDING SEVERAL YEARS grounded during the pandemic, brides, grooms, and guests are itching to get out of town—because we’re seeing more destination weddings than ever before! If you’ve been considering a far-flung locale for your big day, let these four international “I do’s” inspire you. Then read what experienced couples and professionals have to say about planning an overseas celebration.
Venture on for four weddings with wanderlust
It started with a pool party. In the summer of 2018, Rachel Sargent was poolside with friends when she ran into a familiar face. Though she’d never met him before, she recognized the handsome stranger as “Brad from ComparePower,” the founder of an energy-provider comparison site she’d used when moving into her first apartment weeks earlier. “He thought I was just trying to flirt with him,” she laughs about telling him she was a customer. She wasn’t—but she didn’t mind that the flirtation continued from his direction over the next few months when they’d run into one another with mutual friends. A kiss on her birthday made them official, and two years later, a proposal on his made it forever.
After waiting out the second wave of the pandemic to start planning, Rachel found the available venue selection less
than inspiring. They started their search in Brad’s home state of California, but nothing clicked. “It got to the point where we were looking in Georgia, in Boston...,” Rachel remembers. “Finally we just said, ‘This isn’t us.’ ” After they half-jokingly mentioned Italy, their planner, Julian Leaver of Julian Leaver Events, produced a viable venue within a day: Villa Cimbrone in the coastal town of Ravello. Rachel and Brad booked it sight unseen.
Julian recruited the creative minds at GRO Designs to orchestrate the look and feel, and together with the bride and groom, the team planned a four-day-long celebration for the ages. Each event was as painstakingly put together as the next, from the kickoff yacht excursion and intimate rehearsal dinner to the over-thetop ceremony and reception. And before sending guests back home, the celebration ended—how else?—with a pool party.
Overboard:
To set the fantastical scene, mermaids welcomed guests onto the yacht. GRO Designs creative director Nathan Johnson describes the intended vibe of the boat party as “Burning Man but more bougie.”
Rain Dance: When lost luggage left Rachel without a swim cover-up, her twin sister found an Italian maker to recreate it at the last minute. And rather than let weather rain on their yacht party parade, the couple danced in the downpour. “It was one of my favorite parts of the wedding,” remembers Rachel.
Rachel and Brad wanted to kick off their celebration in a big way—with an epic yacht party. But sometimes big dreams beget big problems. In this case: missing bridal attire (trapped in lost luggage), hard-toobtain Italian military clearance, and uncooperative weather.
Yet when the boat departed, no one would’ve suspected anything had been amiss, thanks to a team of seasoned pros who made the difficult look easy. The clouds parted, the Aperol flowed, the oysters were plentiful, and guests were treated to an unforgettable outing that included
LOCATION: Trattoria da Lorenzo
LOCATION: Patrizia Napoli
a surprise set by Brad’s favorite EDM artist, Above and Beyond’s Paavo Siljamäki. Rachel marvels at how their team pulled it off. “I’m still finding out about things I didn’t know Julian and his team just took care of very silently,” she says.
But for all their meticulous planning, the couple learned that sometimes the unscripted moments end up making the best memories. After outrunning the rain for much of the afternoon, the skies finally opened and began to downpour. Rather than let it dampen the festivities, Rachel remembers, “We just started dancing in the rain, and it was the most beautiful experience.”
After the euphoric high of the boat party, the rehearsal dinner was an intentional decrescendo—and an intimate chance to connect.
“Almost like a Sunday supper,” says Julian.
The event was held in Scala at Trattoria de Lorenzo—a family-run eatery overlooking the Amalfi Coast. To keep the experience authentic, the restaurant’s existing decor was used, down to the red-and-white checkered tablecloths. Small arrangements and potted herbs were brought in to run the length of the tables. Guests shared heartwarming speeches over a dinner of Italian dishes served family style.
Though the result looks simple, Nathan stresses that “effortless” is often anything but. By purposefully pacing the evening—having guests enjoy cocktails in the restaurant’s front garden, then guiding them into the cozy interior before revealing the terrace view—the team told a story through tempo and spaces. “Of course it’s beautiful— that’s the obvious part about what we do,” Nathan says. “But we want a different type of experience, where people walk away and almost can’t understand why it was so amazing. That’s all in the design.”
“I Do” With a View: Rachel’s grandfather performed the ceremony, which was held within Villa Cimbrone’s Garden of Two Fountains and during which the bride and groom recited their own vows.
To no one’s surprise, the most awe-inspiring moments were reserved for the most momentous day of the long weekend.
“The wedding day was all about surprise and delight,” says Julian.
Given the mountainous location of Brad and Rachel’s venue, the portion of the garden used for helicopter landings would prove an integral part of the proceedings—not only because a great deal of the materials had to be brought in by air but also because this expanse of grass was transformed into a lush locale for the ceremony. Says GRO’s Sidney Stitle, “We brought in hundreds of plants—natural growing greenery—and made it an overgrown enchanted garden.”
Every moment of the day was carefully choreographed, starting with Rachel’s procession, which was timed—to the second—to “Finder” by Cyrus Reynolds. Performers dressed as eagles escorted her and her stepfather down the aisle, parting
LOCATION: Villa Cimbrone
at a dramatic moment in the song to unveil the beautiful bride.
Those performers were also critical in keeping guests entertained on walks to and from the cocktail hour, which took place on a majestic cliffside terrace, and during the three-hour dinner in the delphiniumdripping crypt. “I was worried our guests were going to be so bored,” Rachel remembers of the prolonged meal service. But with the help of the performers, a band, and the cakecutting, she says, “Three hours went by so fast.”
Once dinner was over, guests were guided to the otherworldly dance party, where DJ Paavo once again performed a set, desserts were served en masse, and lights illuminated the Amalfi Coast until the wee hours of the morning. It was the culmination, Brad says, of months of hard work. “Seeing all of my friends and family together in the most beautiful place I’ve ever experienced made everything so worth it,” he says.
On the Edge: Guests enjoyed a post-ceremony cocktail on the property’s Terrazzo dell’Infinito, which overlooks the Amalfi Coast.
Stoppers: Though it felt like many more, thanks to nearly 30 costume changes and a team of hair and makeup professionals behind the scenes, it was just six talented NuArt Events performers that provided the weekend’s entertainment.
Guests:
First Dance: “Baby It’s You” by London Grammar
Honeymoon: Switzerland, Kenya, Rwanda, England
Floral to Ceiling: Dinner was held in the crypt, which was dripping in delphinium and climbing with locally sourced greenery.
Set the Tone: Southern Fried Paper designed ornate invitations with gold accents and verdant shades of green that echoed the lush surrounds of the venue.
Golden Girls: “The theme was sparkles, beading, glam, and warm golden tones that embodied the location,” says Rachel, who let her attendants choose their own dresses. “During they ceremony, they were all glowing and shining in the sun.”
THE DETAILS: Ceremony/Reception/Pool-Party Venue: Villa Cimbrone (Ravello, Italy) Rehearsal-Dinner
Venue: Trattoria Da Lorenzo (Italy) Photographer: Facibeni Fotografia (Italy) Bride’s Yacht-Party Dress Designer: Pallas Couture (Australia) Bride’s Yacht-Party Swim Cover-Up Designer: Bottega D’Ago (Ravello, Italy) Bride’s Rehearsal-Dress Designer: Dissh (Australia) Bride’s Ceremony-Gown Designer: Pallas Couture (Australia) Bride’s
Reception-Gown Retailer: Pallas Couture (Australia) Bride’s Pool-Party Dress Designer/Retailer: Berta (New York) Hair & Makeup: Mat Wulff (bride); Beauty Livery (bridesmaids’ and family) Bridesmaids’ Dresses Designer:
Various Flowers: GRO Designs Stationery: Southern Fried Paper Wedding Cake and Desserts: Villa Cimbrone Yacht
Catering: Mattia D’Angelo Catering Music: DJ Paavo Siljamäki; DJ Kems; DJ Myon; NuArt Band Lighting: Jacob Co
Creative (Florida) Videographer: Caputo Films (Italy) Transportation & Travel Partners: Benarrivati; Wedaways; Iantosca Travel Wedding Rentals: Nuage Fine Linen Live Entertainment: NuArt Events Wedding Planner: Julian Leaver Events Wedding Designer & Decor: GRO Designs Additional Vendors: Bea Harper, The Fitting Room (bridal alterations); Villa Cimbrone & Belmond Caruso (guest lodging); Vow to Dance (dance lessons)
Light
LOCATION: Villa Cimbrone
In their signature style, Brad and Rachel took the traditional dayafter brunch up a level, hosting a pool party at Villa Cimbrone before guests departed.
“We wanted to take people back to the Dolce Vita ’60s,” says Nathan. Vintageinspired changing booths, Vespas, a gelato cart, and a fruit market helped set the scene. A traditional millefoglie was prepared tableside by chefs and cut under a canopy of bougainvillea and lemons (which were, naturally, brought in for the occasion) by the newly minted Mr. and Mrs. Gregory.
In keeping with the experiential theme of the weekend, the event wouldn’t have been complete without some live entertainment, which came in the form of synchronized swimmers and—Brad’s idea—a hunky lifeguard. “For me, it was all about experience,” Brad says. “I wanted to bring my best friends and family together for a moment to remember and to create new memories as a united family. That, and of course, really great food and wine.”
Against the musical backdrop of one final Paavo set, guests enjoyed five hours of food, gelato, and fun in the sun.
Party People: The dance portion of the evening—which Julian likened to Alice in Wonderland —featured largerthan-life marionettes, another set by DJ Paavo, and a light show that lit up the Amalfi Coast.
Lifeguard on Duty:
In addition to a brunch feast, the day-after pool party featured retro touches, a winsome fruit market, and synchronized swimmers.
Raise the Roof:
Planner Meggie Francisco of Meggie Francisco Events says the venue’s ballroom space was a challenge to fill.
“The tall ceilings had me a little skeptical,” she says. “The guest count had reduced
over time, and I didn’t want the space to feel cavernous or cold.” In the end, painstaking planning paid off. “The variation in tables made the most of the gorgeous hall.”
Joshua Ballard
August 6, 2022
Ryne Wilson knew Joshua Ballard was the one long before the couple had even considered getting engaged. “We were having a picnic for jazz night in Klyde Warren Park,” he remembers. “And I just had this feeling like, ‘I think I’m gonna marry this person.’ ” Josh’s magnetic energy and confidence were what initially attracted Ryne to his partner, but it was Josh who ended up popping the question. “He was actually the one that was unsure of marriage,” says Ryne. “But he took me by surprise and proposed!” The duo went on to tie the knot on August 6, 2022, in Banff, Canada, in a celebration that wove together personal details reminiscent of Josh and Ryne’s love. “I wanted our wedding to be a testament to our relationship,” says Ryne. “I wanted to have that moment and share that experience and joy with our friends and family.”
—Amethyst BarrettStar Power: At the cocktail hour, guests were greeted by cardboard cutouts of famous Canadians—including Ryan Reynolds, Kim Cattrall, and Shania Twain. “It was so fun,” says Meggie. “Guests were laughing their heads off.”
You’re Planted: Arrangements incorporated local blooms in vivid, summertime hues. “We incorporated juicy orange and watermelon shades with deep burgundy to add some depth,” she says. “Lyn at Flower Artistry pulled out all the stops.”
Sweet Eats: The couple’s white chocolate raspberry confection was kept classic, with its natural bluish-gray tones reflecting the venue.
Song and Dance: The couple chose “Adore You” by Miley Cyrus as their first dance song, and, to get the crowd going, Josh and Ryne had a lip-sync battle to “Physical” by Dua Lipa. “It gave us a moment to be playful with each other,” says Ryne. “We told everyone to get up and dance during the chorus, and they did!”
Guests:
Specialty Cocktails: For dental anesthesiologist Ryne, the “Nitrous” was made with tequila, lime and pineapple juices, and green Chartreuse. For Josh, who works for the Air Force, the “Jet Fuel” contained bourbon, elderflower, crème de cassis, and lemon juice.
Tourist
Trappings:
To fill an hourslong gap between ceremony and reception, Josh and Ryne commissioned these open-top tour buses to shuttle guests around the area. They enjoyed photo ops in some of the more well-known parts of Banff for a true “Canadian experience,” says Ryne.
Jace Grandinetti
July 9, 2022
Afsoon Gazor and Jace Grandinetti never really planned to get married at Lake Como. Over the course of their four-year engagement, a throwaway idea to have an Italian destination wedding slowly turned into something more concrete. “It started out as a joke, to be honest,” says Afsoon. “But once we had [planner] Karli Spangler on board, she really opened up the possibility that we could actually make it happen.” Afsoon, a clinical child psychologist, describes her relationship with medical physicist Jace as a true partnership. “It might be unconventional, but Jace was heavily involved in wedding planning,” she says. “We are very fifty-fifty.” Analytical by nature, Jace focused on intimate details and ensuring the day was a true fusion of the couple, while Afsoon worked to make the wedding weekend as a whole an unforgettable experience. Tying in personal elements was key to making their big day their own.
“Everyone usually attributes two things to us: being in school forever and our cats,” she laughs. “So, we tied in items to incorporate our old souls; the whimsy of our cats; and fun, tangible things we’ll have as keepsakes.”
—Lydia BrooksRight and Airy: Afsoon and Jace wanted their wedding to be elevated yet still fun and playful to show off the nature of their relationship.
“As much as I say all the nice things about understated, cultured elegance,” she says, “we still wanted whimsical and lighthearted touches, too.”
Two Become One: Jace worked throughout the weddingplanning process to make sure the ceremony would be a fusion of both his American and Afsoon’s Persian cultures. “It was the most important part to him that the ceremony be encompassing of us both and very welcoming to our family and guests,” Afsoon says. “We loved seeing everyone take part and comment on their favorite Persian traditions—the top contender being the pinkie-dipping of honey at the cake cutting.”
Just a Spritz: Guests were greeted with refreshing Aperol spritzes, which did double duty as table-assignment cards.
Sentimental Shoes: One important aspect of the weekend was incorporating as many touches to honor the couple’s friends and family as possible. As a surprise to her mom, Afsoon had her mother’s wedding shoes replicated. She also wore the earrings her mother had worn on her own wedding day.
Guests:
First Dance: “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
Honeymoon: Positano, Italy
Prints of Persia: Crafted by Texasbased Pink Champagne Designs, the stationery suite gave guests an idea of what was to come with its incorporation of specific flowers, nods to Persian culture, and touches of whimsy.
Put a Bow on It: Afsoon found her dream dress in just the second gown she tried on, but her methodical way of thinking forced her to keep trying on others.
“I just have to go through all the choices to make sure,” she laughs. She requested a few custom changes— adding an oversized bow and dropping the back of the bodice—to make the silk Reem Acra gown her own.
Cake Walk: In determining the menu, the couple paid homage to Italian culture while still staying true to their own tastes. “We stuck to foods we actually like, which is not a usual decision for us people-pleasers,” Afsoon laughs. Everything came together for a dinner full of lobster, pasta, and steak—and ended with Italian millefoglie cake, Afsoon’s favorite.
Floral Vision: Afsoon had a very specific vision in mind for her flowers, and she worked with Tuscany-based Chiara Sperti Floral Events to make it come to life. “I always joke that my floral board of inspo was 10 times as much as any of my other boards,” she says. “I wanted light and airy springtime flowers—colorful but not too colorful.”
THE DETAILS: Ceremony/Reception Site: Villa Regina Teodolina (Laglio, Italy) Photographer: Shannon Skloss Photography Bridal Gown Designer: Reem Acra (ceremony); Monique Lhuillier (boat party) Bridal Gown Retailer: L’elite Bridal Boston (ceremony); BHLDN (boat party) Hair & Makeup: Malino Beauty Groom’s Attire: Indochino Groomsmen’s Attire: The Black Tux Flowers: Chiara Sperti Floral Events (Tuscany, Italy) Stationery: Pink Champagne Designs (invitation suite); Etsy (day-of paper goods) Cake: Sunlake Catering (Como, Italy) Catering: Sunlake Catering (Como, Italy) Music: Blunotte Eventi (Como, Italy) Lighting: Blunotte Eventi (Como, Italy) Videographer: Lumos Produzioni (Ravenna, Italy) Wedding Rentals: Sunlake Catering (Como, Italy) Wedding Planner/Designer: Karli Spangler Events
Arch of Triumph:
The bride and groom said “I do” in front of 80 guests in Casa Hyder’s romantic courtyard, which featured a grand arch of white roses framing massive double doors. “It had rained all day, but when we got married at 5 p.m., the weather was absolutely perfect,” says Steele.
Steele
October 8, 2022
Steele Padgitt and Brantley Smith grew up a mere five blocks away from one another in Dallas. So when Brantley popped the question, Steele said yes and immediately began looking for a venue far beyond the city limits. “I wanted something different—more intimate and more my personality,” she says. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, was the natural choice, as Steele fondly remembered seeing wedding parades marching down the streets there when she was a kid. To that end, the couple brought their own adoring cavalcade from Dallas—family and friends, along with a makeup artist, band, and photographer—and made sure their procession came with pyrotechnics. “During our first dance, sparklers erupted from the ground, and everyone was cheering for us,” Steele says.
“It was truly magical.” —Laura Kostelny
Guests: 80
of the couple’s nearest and dearest
First Dance: “More Today Than Yesterday” by The Spiral Staircase
A Sublime Starter: The couple added a corn-and-poblano soup that they had fallen for during planning.
Hydration Stations: While the party raged on, waiters walked around with trays of tequila shots.
En Blanc:
Lovely in Lace: The bride combined something new—a Sareh Nouri gown outfitted with a high neck, lace jacket, and dramatic train—with something borrowed: her sister’s veil.
The bride wore white—as did the groom and the entire wedding party. “Casa Hyder is so colorful, with all the brick and greenery, so I wanted everyone in white,” explains Steele.
“My mom even wore white.”
Rose to the Occasion: The rose-covered arch was meticulously managed by the bride’s sister. “She was dead set on it being huge and full and beautiful,” says Steele. “Throughout the day, when we were getting ready, she would peek over the balcony, see the progress, and yell out, ‘More!’ ”
Take the Edge Off: Crisp whiteclothed tables featured candelabras, white roses, and scalloped-edged dinnerware.
Mic Drop: Guests gave a standing ovation when the bride grabbed the mic and briefly performed with the wedding band, Georgia Bridgwater Orchestra.
Down the Stream: Guests showered the newlyweds with streamers as they began their happily ever after.
Raise a Glass: Guests gathered for dinner and dancing beneath a transparent tent surrounded by an abundance of tropical greenery, white roses, and glowing candles.
More and More: Steele and Brantley chose “More Today Than Yesterday” by The Spiral Staircase for their first dance. “I remember a long time ago, we asked my dad how he knew he wanted to marry my mom, and he said, ‘Every day, I found I loved her more than the day before,’” says Steele. “That makes the song even more special.”
Sky Lights: Steele says that seeing people on ladders as they lit every single candle by hand was a highlight.
THE DETAILS: Ceremony/Reception Site: Casa Hyder (San Miguel de Allende, Mexico) Photographer: John Cain Photography Bridal Gown Designer: Sareh Nouri Bridal Gown Retailer: Neiman Marcus Bridal Hair & Makeup: Maitee Miles Bridesmaids’ Dresses Retailer: Bella Bridesmaids Groomsmen’s Attire: Mister Tuxedo Flowers: Angelica Solache Florist (Mexico) Stationery: The Write Choice; Laurie Harper Calligraphy Cake/Catering: Penzi Weddings (San Miguel de Allende) Music: Georgia Bridgwater Orchestra Lighting: Penzi Weddings (San Miguel de Allende) Videographer: Mucho Amor (San Miguel de Allende) Transportation: German Cardona (San Miguel de Allende) Wedding Planner/Designer: Penzi Weddings (San Miguel de Allende) Additional Vendors: Premier Rentals (venue rental)
by Jessica Otte, Lydia Brooks, and Laura Kostelny LOCATION,
THREE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF WHEN CHOOSING YOUR DESTINATION.
1. Are the financial and time investments required for travel feasible?
In addition to your own travel expenses, you’ll need to foot the bill for vendors’ flights, lodging, and incidentals. Consider your guests, too. No one’s taking a long-weekend trip to Bora Bora—can your maid of honor spare a week away from work?
2. How challenging of a planning environment is your destination?
Says groom Ryne Wilson of his Banff “I do’s”: “Canada is a modern country, which made it effortless to coordinate transportation, arrange lodging, and source reputable vendors.” But remote locations can equal tricky coordinating conditions. In fact, some destinations are off-limits in offseasons. “The Amalfi Coast basically closes up at the end of October and doesn’t open
up again until May,” notes planner Julian Leaver.
3. Are you comfortable with the conditions? Do heat and humidity cause you to “glow” and frizz? Though some climate effects can be mitigated—makeup artist Maitee Miles says she can “use products that are mattifying or more hydrating as needed”—if you’re the type of bride who can’t stand one strand out of place, plan accordingly.
Point of View:
Groom Ryne Wilson’s advice on choosing a locale: “Pick a destination you would love to visit multiple times and never tire of.”
Life Planner:
Pro Tip: If your loved ones aren’t familiar with a destination, preparing a detailed website with where to stay, how to get around, and activities to do once there will save you a lot of questions later on. “The more hand-holding you can do, the better,” says planner Karli Spangler of Karli Spangler Events.
The wedding is just one piece of the puzzle. If you want help coordinating other wedding-related activities, an out-of-town planner won’t be of much assistance. “We ended up using [our planner] Julian [Leaver] for a lot of different things, like our wedding shower,” says bride Rachel Sargent.
Expectations can vary drastically based on your destination. When planning an event in a foreign country, cultural norms around etiquette and aesthetics come into play. “Dallas couples love big floral arrangements, and that is something you have to work really hard to create anytime you travel outside of the country,” explains Sarah Kane of Julian Leaver Events, who also notes that meal timelines are a lot more lax overseas. “We’re used to 20-to-30-minute course times; in Italy, it’s more like 45,” she says. “Being aware of that and strategically building the timeline around it is critical.”
Ease of communication. “Response times differ by country,” says planner Karli Spangler of Karli Spangler Events. Having local pros to manage the chain of communication “can alleviate stress when [overseas] vendors might not be responding as quickly.”
Ultimately, the best approach is a blend. “Vendors from Dallas ensure seamless execution from the very beginning, but vendors in your wedding market understand the local area,” says planner Meggie Francisco of Meggie Francisco Events. “It’s also important to support local communities when you’re a tourist in someone else’s home.” Trust your planner to recommend the right vendors for the job.
Your planner
For the aforementioned reasons of reachability, you’ll want your planner close by at all times. But Julian Leaver stresses the importance of choosing someone with destination experience. “The learning curve for [those with destination experience] is very minimal,” says Julian, who estimates that, cumulatively, his team has planned hundreds of destination events. “We know exactly what we need to do and the questions we need to ask.”
Your design team
If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that collaboration is a challenge when battling long-distance lag time or Zoom audio issues. “Brainstorming is collaborative,” says GRO Designs’ Sidney Stitle, who notes that their meetings often take place over a meal. “We want it to be enjoyable and have those meetings in person— it’s less transactional and more personal.”
Your photographer
Using one photographer for all your pre-wedding and day-of pictures keeps the look consistent. Lest you worry about flight delays or lost luggage, a seasoned photographer is adept at avoiding such snafus. “More as a matter of insurance—in addition to the added benefit of scouting—we require travel a day prior to the first scheduled event,” says John Cain Sargent of John Cain Photography. “And we never check our equipment. Every camera, battery, lens, memory card, and film is always carried on our person.”
You hair and makeup artists
If you’re particular about your day-of beauty, having the ability to perfect your look through a trial run and bridal portraits is important. “[Makeup artist] Maitee [Miles] was the one thing that we planned our date around,” says bride Steele Padgitt.
SAGE ADVICE FROM THOSE WHO KNOW.
Expect the unexpected.
“We were working against an unprecedented taxi strike, a train strike, and a crazy European heat wave,” remembers bride Afsoon Gazor of her wedding in Como, Italy. Being flexible enough to roll with the punches makes the ride more enjoyable.
Travel wisely.
“I was super stressed about traveling with my custom veil and headpiece,” says Afsoon. Consult your professionals on the best way to pack your gown and accessories, and then enjoy the perks that come with carrying them around. “People let us board first and leave [my dress] in first class,” says the bride, who fondly remembers being “shower[ed] with love by strangers.”
Trust your team. Micromanaging an international event leads only to overwhelm. “Once we realized we had assembled the right team, letting go and watching them do their thing was a big part of the magic,” says groom Brad Gregory. Echoes Sarah Kane, “Ultimately, couples planning destination weddings have to have a lot of trust. They have a vision, and the planner is really their voice that’s there on the ground.”
“We have a special kind of swagger in Dallas. Our city is home to some of the highest-quality wedding vendors in the world. When you choose vendors from Dallas, you’re surrounded by a supportive crew who know exactly how to execute high-end wedding expectations. Moreover, if you select vendor teams who frequently work and travel together, you benefit from all kinds of top-secret strategy, problemsolving, and creative synergy that happen behind the scenes. This ‘special sauce’ is what creates those types of weddings where everything just feels right.”
If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and can’t make up your mind, planner Karli Spangler urges you to go for it. “If you want to get married in a certain place, you can make it happen,” she says. “As long as we have the resources and the network, we can make it happen anywhere.” Groom Brad Gregory, who married on the Amalfi Coast, has zero regrets about his choice, encouraging others: “Do it. It changes things—it put everyone into a different mindset and on an equal, yet unfamiliar, footing. [Hosting our wedding in Italy] made it fun and exciting for everyone involved. It’s such a romantic, awe-inspiring place, full of culture and love stories.”
WANT A DESTINATION WEDDING WITHOUT THE HASSLES OF TRAVEL? TRY OUR FAVORITE DALLAS VENUES THAT COULD PASS FOR FAR-OFF LOCALES.
VENUE: The Olana SUB FOR: A French estate
VENUE: Marie Gabrielle Restaurant and Gardens
SUB FOR: A Parisian garden
VENUE: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
SUB FOR: The Italian countryside
VENUE: The Adolphus Hotel’s Governor’s Ballroom (interior) or Hotel Crescent Court (exterior)
SUB FOR: Haussmann apartments of Paris
VENUE: Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek SUB FOR: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
—MEGGIE FRANCISCO, MEGGIE FRANCISCO EVENTS
take five
For Elizabeth and Brian Dalton, a fateful meeting in their residence’s parking garage led to friendship—and then forever. On July 1, 2017, the couple hosted an elegant wedding and a reception at the Omni Hotel in Fort Worth. “We had so much fun at our wedding that as soon as it was over, we wanted to do it again,” Brian says. So on July 2, 2022, the couple hired their dream vendor team to recreate the magic of their wedding night in honor of their five-year anniversary. The evening was complete with many of the same elements as in their original celebration, including a classic green-and-white floral palette, but this time, without the nerves. Says Brian, “It was all the glam without the stress.”
—Ryan Conner
Turn the page to see more more of this anniversary celebration!
Elizabeth & Brian Dalton
July 2, 2022
Garden Party:
Every July since 2018, Brian Dalton has bought his bride, Elizabeth, an increasingly large bouquet of long-stem white roses in celebration of their anniversary—each bloom representing one month they’ve been together. So when the couple decided to host a grand five-year anniversary party at The Fort Worth Club, their team carried a gilded-rose pattern through the event—from the invitation suite to the dance-floor wrap—inspired by Brian’s annual gesture. “Paired with the organic floral installations, it was so incredibly romantic,” says planner Lottie Fowler of Grit & Gold Event Co. The Daltons’ 300 guests were treated to a lively cocktail party and seated dinner, followed by a Parisian-themed after-party and casino, in a night that also highlighted the Daltons’ favorite charities. Says Elizabeth, “We really wanted it to be big and over-the-top, but we wanted to give back, too.” —Ryan Conner
The rose theme was carried through every detail of the party, including the gold-and-white dance floor. The stage was covered in head-to-toe florals by GRO Designs.
Sugar High:
“Because this was a party and not your standard cake setup, I wanted a unique way to present the dessert. The cart just fit the feel,” says Lottie. Beautiful bitesize treats like lemon meringue shooters, sugared pizzelles, tarts, macarons, and truffles were displayed for guests to enjoy.
Magic Moment: The head table featured a stunning suspended floral arch that cascaded down into a waterfall design.
Hit the Jackpot:
During the final course of dinner, guests were presented casino tickets as invitations to the next phase of the night. “We pulled back the velvet draping to [reveal] a mirrored hallway with twinkle lighting and candles, which created a passthrough for guests to head to the lounge,” says Lottie. “There they would find another specialty bar, a glam-inspired red photo experience, a small Paris-themed speakeasy with a Parisian band, and a casino.” <<
Rosé All Day:
Ladies in bejeweled rose-themed outfits welcomed guests to the cocktail party. “We wanted to play into that theme, so why not bring the roses to life?” says Lottie.
THE DETAILS: Party Site: The Fort Worth Club Photographer: Shannon Skloss Photography Gown Designer/Retailer: Nardos Design Hair & Makeup: Natalia Issa Tuxedo Designer: Q Clothier Flowers: GRO Designs Stationery: Pretty Post Catering: The Fort Worth Club Music: Jordan Kahn Orchestra; La Pompe Lighting: It’s Your Night Videographer: Lusso Films Rentals: Center Stage Floors; Elite Casino Events; Marquee Event Rentals; Party! Dallas; Stage Works Event Planner/Designer: Grit & Gold Event Co. Additional Vendors: Motus Booth
Make your special day an exciting and memorable experience at The Westin Galleria Dallas. As the perfect stage for your wedding day, our venue allows you to choose from a variety of sophisticated event rooms and elegant ball rooms that can host 50 to 1,000 guests in style. Our wedding team is dedicated to bringing your vision to life with thoughtful touches, customizable banquet and reception menus including catering for kosher and specialty food needs. From ceremonies and receptions, rehearsal dinners, and bridesmaids’ brunches — prepare to experience exceptional service. Let us create the perfect atmosphere for your special day.
To begin planning your Westin Wedding call 972.851.2801 or email amanda.westlake@westin.com
Gifting hack: Get your spouse something for the house so you can enjoy it, too!
Personalized paper goods are the perfect way to show off your new monogram.
A cotton-scented candle is a less literal—yet maybe more useful—interpretation of the second-anniversary theme.
LEATHER-TRIMMED RAFFIA STOOL ($1,350/MECOX)
He’ll love this handsome flask or these cool croc-skin coasters.
This cotton tote would make a perfect beach bag or carry-on.
Need a great anniversary gift? These locally found goods are a fresh take on tradition.
4
Festive Florals
3
Wood
Level up your anniversary arrangement with a weekly delivery of fresh flowers—or porcelain blooms that never wilt.
AERINBACKGAMMONSET
5 Leather for Love
EACH YEAR OF MARRIAGE IS A MILESTONE WORTH CELEBRATING. But if you’re going the traditional route when it comes to anniversary gifts, you’d be forgiven for thinking the yearly categories—including paper, cotton, and wood—feel uninspiring or impersonal. Thankfully, a little creativity goes a long way. From cotton-scented candles to porcelain peonies, these outside-the-box gift ideas are the perfect way to say “I still do” year after year.
LA BOUCHE ROUGE LEATHER LIPSTICK CASE ($80/THE CONSERVATORY)
VALET TRAY (FROM $65/LEATHEROLOGY)
LITTLEBOOKOFPRADA ($98/NEIMANMARCUS)
“WHITE FLOWERS” FRAGRANCE ($610/CREED)
“GREEN TEA & PEONY” LOTION ($25/NIVEN MORGAN)
IRENE NEUWIRTH CHALCEDONY AND OPAL RING ($8,910/YLANG 23)
DAISY NAPKIN RING ($15/BLUE PRINT)
PORCELAIN BLOOMING PEONIES ($628/ CAITLIN WILSON)
WEEKLY FLORALARRANGEMENT SUBSCRIPTION (FROM $265 PER WEEK/THE BOTANICAL MIX)
GEORG JENSEN “ALFREDO” SALAD SERVERS ($59/THE CONSERVATORY)
“BLOOM” TAMARIND WOOD BOWL ($100/CB2)
TEAK SLING CHAIR ($398/SERENA & LILY)
SAINT LOUIS “FOLIA” PORTABLE CRYSTAL LANTERN ($2,900/GARDE)
($2,850/NEIMANMARCUS)
A honeymoon at Naviva—the newest resort from Four Seasons in Punta Mita, Mexico—is the ultimate in luxury, indulgence, and privacy.
If you were to perform a Google image search of the word “honeymoon,” you’d find pictures of smiling couples on sunny, palmtree-punctuated beaches. Notably, there’s never another soul around—a feat that’s typically pretty tricky to pull off.
Not at Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort. Tucked among 48 forested acres on the private peninsula of Punta Mita, Mexico, the just-opened, adults-only resort is your own personal paradise. Fifteen two-person tents make up the entirety of the accommodations—we’ll let you do that math—but we were two of just eight guests during our stay. That means we often saw no one else while enjoying the secluded beach, floating in the three-level infinity pool, or partaking in an array of wellness-leaning activities—ranging from yoga and sound baths to guided hikes around the unspoiled grounds.
Practically the only time we saw our few fellow guests was at the resort’s restaurant, where the chefs and bartenders create multicourse meals according to your spontaneous cravings. No need for a reservation—simply show up when you’re hungry. Should you want to see how your meal is prepared, stroll over to the open kitchen. You’re made to feel as though you’re staying at a friend’s house, with all the familiarity and
flexibility that come with that.
In fact, the entire experience is designed to be customized to your whims. Want a private yoga session, or prefer to enjoy dinner in your tent? The answer from the friendly staff, who you’ll come to know by name, is always yes. And being that Naviva is all-inclusive, you can indulge in another round of cocktails, an activity, or a spa treatment without stress.
WHERE: Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Mexico
RESERVATIONS: fourseasons.com/naviva
GETTING THERE: American Airlines flies direct to Puerto Vallarta (PVR). From there, a private car service—arranged by the resort—will drive you the 45 minutes to Naviva, located within the gated and guarded Punta Mita peninsula.
COST PER NIGHT: Starts at $3,950 for a standard tent; $4,950 for a grand tent
Should you tire of the solitude, the resort is less than a half-mile from the bustling beaches, pools, restaurants, and bars of the Four Seasons Punta Mita (which Naviva guests have full access to, though not vice versa). We hitched a quick golf-cart ride from a Naviva guide and tried a tequila stone massage at the spa, a meal at Dos Catrinas, and a drink at Mez; all were excellent.
You’ll be forgiven, though, if you rarely leave your tent at Naviva, as there’s hardly any need to. Ranging in size from 1,200 square feet for a standard tent up to 1,700 for a grand tent, the luxe accommodations include a spacious bedroom and bathroom with separate tub and naturally lit shower; a screened-in living area, outfitted with table games and a kit to mix your own mezcal margaritas; and an outdoor patio, complete with your own private plunge pool. Thanks to sliding glass walls, the interior can be opened to the outside, allowing you and your companion to feel as though you’re fully one with nature—and each other.
WARWICK MELROSE HOTEL
Cost Per Person: Varies
Capacity: 500
Bar: Yes
Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes
Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:20
214.521.5151 | warwickhotels.com | @warwickmelrose
THE ADOLPHUS
214.742.8200 | adolphus.com | @theadolpus
Cost Per Person: Varies
Capacity: Grand Ballroom: 450
Outside Catering Permitted: No
Bar: Full bar
Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes, Seasonal
Server-To-Guest Ratio: Varies
THE DALLAS ARBORETUM & BOTANICAL GARDEN
214.515.6513 | dallasarboretum.org | @dallasarboretumweddings
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.E.C ON DRAGON
972.400.2242 | decondragon.com | @decondragon
Cost Per Person: Varies
Capacity: 150 seated; 400 cocktail
Outside Catering Permitted: No
Bar: Full bar
Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes
Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:15
FAIRMONT DALLAS
214.720.5270 | fairmont.com/dallas | @fairmontdallas
Cost Per Person: $85-$145
Capacity: Regency Ballroom: 1,000 seated
Outside Catering Permitted: Yes, with fee
Bar: Full bar
Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes
Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:20
GLENEAGLES COUNTRY CLUB
972.867.6666 | gleneaglesclub.com |
@gleneaglescountryclub
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
214.953.1717 | hallartshotel.com | @hallartshotel
Cost Per Person: $75-200
Capacity: 150
Outside Catering Permitted: No
Bar: Full bar
Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes, for religious and cultural dietary needs
Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:20
HALL OF LIGHTS
817.706.5681 | halloflights.com | @halloflightsevents
Cost Per Person: Varies
Capacity: 350 Seated; 500 Cocktail
Outside Catering Permitted: No
Bar: Yes
Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes
Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1: 15
HILTON DALLAS/PARK CITIES
214.368.0400 | dallasparkcities.hilton.com | @hiltonsallasparkcities
Cost Per Person: $65
Capacity: 350 reception
Outside Catering Permitted: Yes, for cultural events
Bar: Full Bar
Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes
Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:50
HILTON DALLAS/PLANO GRANITE PARK
469.353.5000 | dallasplanogranitepark.hilton. com | @hiltongranitepark
Cost Per Person: $80-$100
Capacity: 10-500
Outside Catering Permitted: Yes, cultural events
Bar: Full bar
Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes
Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:20-25
HOTEL CRESCENT COURT
214.871.3211 | crescentcourt.com |
@mycrescentwedding
Cost Per Person: From $180
Capacity: Plated: 150-175; Reception
Style: 300
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
817.755.5557 | hoteldrover.com |
@hoteldrover
Capacity: 250
Outside Catering Permitted: No
Bar: Yes
Outdoor Reception Facilities Yes
Server-to-Guest Ratio: 1:20
THE JOULE
214.748.1300 | thejouledallas.com |
@thejouledallas
Cost Per Person: From $175+
Capacity: 500
Outside Catering Permitted: No
Bar: Full bar
Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes
Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:10
JW MARRIOTT DALLAS ARTS
DISTRICT HOTEL
469.344.0565 | marriott.com/dalja
Cost Per Person: Varies
Capacity: Banquet: 400; Reception: 480
Outside Catering Permitted: Yes
Bar: Yes
Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes
Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:30
THE KIMPTON PITTMAN HOTEL
469.498.2535 | pittmanhoteldallas.com |
@pittmanhoteldallas
Cost Per Person: Average cost at $160 per Person
Capacity: 240
Outside Catering Permitted: No
Bar: Full bar service is available for events
Outdoor Reception Facilities: Pittman
Pool Deck / Epic Rooftop
Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1 to 16
LORENZO HOTEL
214.273.3000 | lorenzohotel.com | @lorenzohotel
Cost Per Person: average $55 plated, $65 buffet
Capacity: Max 150 with dance floor
Outside Catering Permitted: No
Bar: Available
Outdoor Reception Facilities: No
Server-To-Guest Ratio: average 1-30
THE MASON DALLAS
214.730.0005 | themasondallas.com | @themasondallas
Cost Per Person: Varies
Capacity: 200 dining; 500 cocktail party
Outside Catering Permitted: Yes; preferred caterers list
Bar: Yes
Outdoor Reception Facilities: No
Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:8
NASHER SCULPTURE CENTER
214.242.5182 | nashersculpturecenter. org | @nasherevents
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
469.453.4563 | nuvoroom.com | @nuvoroom
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
469.305.4545 | omnipgafriscoresort.com | @omnipgafriscoresort
Panther Creek Pavilion | Ryder Cup Ballroom | Field’s Overlook | Wanamaker Ballroom
Cost Per Person: starting at $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
THE PEROT MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE
214.428.5555 ext. 3500 | perotmuseum. org@pmns_events
Cost Per Person: Varies
Capacity: 15-1,200
Outside Catering Permitted: No
Bar: Full bar
Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes
REFLECTIONS VENUE & GARDENS
972.633.9595 | reflectionsplano.com |
@reflectionsplano
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
RENAISSANCE DALLAS AT PLANO LEGACY WEST HOTEL
469.925.1800 | marriott.com/dalbp |
@renplanowest
Cost Per Person: Varies
Capacity: Banquet: 820; Reception: 1200
Outside Catering Permitted: Yes
Bar: Yes
Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes
Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:30
ROSEWOOD MANSION ON TURTLE CREEK
214.520.5824 | rosewoodhotels.com/ mansion | @rosewoodmansionturtlecreek
Cost Per Person: Varies
Capacity: Pavilion and Promenade: 260 seated; 300 reception, The Mansion
Lawn: 400 seated; 500 reception
Outside Catering Permitted: No
Bar: Full bar
Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes
Server-To-Guest Ratio: Varies
THE THOMPSON DALLAS
469.726.4107 | thompsondallas.com
@thompsonhoteldallas
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
TOWER CLUB DALLAS
214.220.0403 | tower-dallas.com |
@towerclubdallas
Cost Per Person: From $75$150+
Capacity: 250
Outside Catering Permitted: No
Bar: Yes
Outdoor Reception Facilities: No
Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:25 seated, 1:50 cocktail reception
VOUV EVENT SPACE
972.598.0594 | vouvdallas.com | @vouvdallas
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
WESTIN DALLAS DOWNTOWN
972.584.6650 | westindallasdowntown. com | @westindallasdowntown
Cost Per Person: $50 - $150
Capacity: Pecan Ballroom: 350 seated with dance floor; Bluebonnet Ballroom: 150 seated with dance floor; Willow Pavilion: 150 with dance floor; Porch on Main: 100 seated; Grill & Vine Restaurant: 80 seated; Presidential Suite: 20
Outside Catering Permitted: Yes, based upon approval and proper insurance coverage
Bar: Full bar
Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes
Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:30
WESTIN GALLERIA DALLAS
972.934.9494 | thewestingalleriadallas. com | @westingalleriadallas
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
972.505.2900 | westinirvingcc.com | @westinirvingcc
Cost Per Person: Varies
Capacity: 600
Outside Catering Permitted: For Religious reasons, with approval and required insurance
Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes
Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1:20 guests
EAU PALM BEACH RESORT & SPA
561.533.6000 | eaupalmbeach. com | @eaupalmbeach
Cost Per Person: $345 to $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
830.997.6523 | visitfredricksburgtx.com | @visitfredtx
Cost Per Person: Customized for event
Capacity: Small to large
Outside Catering Permitted: Yes
Bar: Yes
Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes
LAZY S HACIENDA
817.358.5037 | lazyshacienda.com | @lazyshacienda
Cost Per Person: Venue Rental ranges 7,500-13,000 (no catering or other vendors included in this cost)
Capacity: 200
Outside Catering Permitted: Yes
Bar: Client Provides the Alcohol, hires our bartending vendor
Outdoor Reception Facilities: Covered Terrace, Hill-country style views
Server-To-Guest Ratio: Calculated by Catering
OMNI BARTON CREEK RESORT & SPA
512.329.4000 | OmniHotels.com/ BartonCreek | @OmniBartonCreek
Cost Per Person: $120 – 250 ++ per person for food and beverage / Minimums apply per space
Capacity: 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 to add to events
Outdoor Reception Facilities: Hill Country Pavilion and Lawn, Rock House
Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1 to 20
THE PORTER ROOM
843.805.9125 | holycitybrewing. com/locations/the-porter-room | @theporterroom
Capacity: 400 tented space
Outside Catering Permitted: Yes
Bar: Yes. Packages start at $11 per person
Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes
Server-To-Guest Ratio: 50/1 Bartending Staff
ROSEWOOD MAYAKOBA
844.367.7709 | rosewoodhotels. com/mayakoba | @rwmayakoba
Cost Per Person: Min 210 USD
Capacity: 300 (depends on venue)
Outside Catering Permitted: Depends on venue
Bar: Yes
Outdoor Reception Facilities: Yes
Server-To-Guest Ratio: 1 for every 8
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
Whether you are looking for a gathering overlooking the Dallas Skyline, an intimate setting in the world famous Venetian Room or an unforgettable experience in our newly renovated Ballrooms, let Fairmont Dallas turn moments into memories for you and your guests. Located in the heart of the Arts District, Fairmont Dallas has been the premier location for couples to start their new beginnings for over 50 years.
Elm & Good is a modern American restaurant located within the historic Kimpton Pittman Hotel in Dallas’ famed Deep Ellum neighborhood. Taking inspiration from nearby farms, fields, and waters for a menu that emphasizes locally sourced, clean, and bright flavors, Elm & Good evokes Texas charm in an elegant space that embodies the rich history of its surrounding neighborhood.
180 YES YES
Set to open in spring 2023 just steps from the recently opened PGA of America headquarters, Omni PGA Frisco Resort will be for golfers and non-golfers alike. It will feature sun-up to sundown fun and enjoyment at the PGA District where a variety of signature dining and retail concepts and entertainment will serve as a hub for visitors. The resort will contain 500 guest rooms and suites, 10 exclusive four-bedroom ranch houses, four pools, including an adults-only rooftop infinity pool, a destination salon and spa, Lounge by Topgolf, and more than 127,000-square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space.
Gregory Wirth | 4341 PGA Parkway, Frisco | 469.305.4526 | gregory.wirth@omnihotels.com
For unique and memorable wedding celebrations, The Warwick Melrose Hotel captures both the glamour and romance of yesteryear and the excitement of tomorrow. This classic 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 has remained a timeless landmark, a place of stories, where precious moments turn into lasting memories.
Abby Rodriguez | 3015 Oak Lawn Ave Dallas| 214.224.3153 | arodriguez@warwickhotels.com | warwickhotels.com300 YES YES
Blue Fire specializes in crafting lifelong memories by focusing on our client’s vision and providing the total catering experience. Please allow our team of Hospitality Professionals to demonstrate their skill and commitment to service at your next special event.
Full service award-winning Culinary Art Catering specializes in contemporary, cutting-edge presentations and chef-inspired menus. Whether you are planning an event at one of our exclusive venues or the location of your choice, our professional and courteous staff will cater to your every need.
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.
Our award-winning catering team can execute the perfect event with custom menus and cocktails, whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner party or a gala. Clients seeking an iconic destination for their next event should look to The Eye at The Joule, which is managed by the Off-Site Catering team.
Mama’s Medicine
Mama’s medicine has quickly become a national hit catering to the most distinguished palates in the event world. We are the answer to your desire to have your favorite bar experience “ever” at your event. All scratch ingredients and an eclectic international menu are our jam.
Mi Cocina Catering delivers the same legendary margaritas, authentic Tex-Mex favorites, and humble service that Dallas guests have loved at our restaurants for over 30 years. We will create a custom event for you and your guests to remember for a lifetime. An unforgettable experience curated by the most iconic Tex-Mex brand in Dallas.
Naborly Provisions
Naborly Provisions is a full-service caterer operating with a clear focus: Pursue simplicity, elevate classics and execute flawlessly. Setting the stage for the perfect experience for clients is our primary goal. From large scale events such as weddings, corporate and social functions, to luxury boutique catering for private parties, we seek to exceed expectations from start to finish. Founded on a simple principle, we do hospitality the ‘Naborly’ way!
CHELSEA DOCHERTY Info@bluefirecatering.com 214.699.5097 bluefirecatering.com
VIVIAN MORGAN info@culinaryartcatering.com 972.744.0660 culinaryartcatering.com
JACQUELINE ALBERS
jackie@gilselegantcatering.com
972.237.0353
gilselegantcatering.com
MAYA JAREOU
mjareou@thejouledallas.com 214.261.4000
Areta@mamas-medicine.com @mamasmedicine.cocktails mamasmedicine.com
TODD LEBLANC todd.leblanc@mcrowd.com 214.217.3036 mcrowd.com
KRISTA NABORS DICK info@naborlyprovisions.com 469.677.7004 naborlyprovisions.com
ALLENTOWN ATLANTA AUSTIN BALTIMORE BATON ROUGE BIRMINGHAM
BOSTON CHARLESTON CHARLOTTE CHICAGO CLEVELAND COLUMBIA DALLAS
DENVER FREEHOLD GRAND RAPIDS GREENVILLE HARRISBURG HOUSTON
INDIANAPOLIS JACKSON JACKSONVILLE KANSAS CITY KNOXVILLE LAFAYETTE
LAS VEGAS LITTLE ROCK LONG ISLAND LOS ANGELES MADISON MEMPHIS MIAMI
MILWAUKEE MINNEAPOLIS MOBILE NASHVILLE NEW YORK CITY NEW ORLEANS
OAKBROOK TERRACE OKLAHOMA CITY ORANGE COUNTY ORLANDO
PALM BEACH PHILADELPHIA RALEIGH RICHMOND SACRAMENTO SAN ANTONIO
RANCISCO SAVANNAH SCOTTSDALE SEATTLE SHREVEPORT ST. LOUIS TAMPA
WASHINGTON D.C. WEST HARTFORD WESTPORT
bellabridesmaids.com
Mandy Busby Creative
BRIDAL GOWNS, ATTENDANT ATTIRE & MEN’S FORMALWEAR
BELLA BRIDESMAIDS
214.999.9311
136 Glass St., Ste. 150, Dallas bellabridesmaids.com | @bellabridesmaids
BESIDE THE BRIDE
972.219.8500
125 N. Mill St., Lewisville besidethebride.net | @besidethebride
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
STARDUST CELEBRATIONS
972.781.1619
6464 W. Plano Pkwy., Plano stardustcelebrations.com | @stardustbrides
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 Lane, Ste. 211, Dallas wbalterations.com | @wbalterations
FANCY CAKES BY LAUREN
11111 N. Central Expy., Ste. D, Dallas fancycakesbylauren.com | @fancycakesbylauren lauren@fancycakesbylauren.com
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
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
KNIFE & FAULK
214.749.0299
9800 Preston Rd., Dallas knifeandfaulk.com | @knifeandfaulk
MAMA’S MEDICINE
817.421.4277
1295 S Main St., Grapevine| 321 W. Main St., Grand Prairie mamasmedicine.com | @mamasmedicine.cocktails | @Firehousegp
MI COCINA CATERING
214.217.3036 mcrowd.com | @micocina
MI DIA FROM SCRATCH CATERING midiafromscratch.com | @MiDiaFromScratchCatering
RED MAPLE
940.343.5305 | redmaplecatering.com | @redmaplecateringtx
VESTALS CATERING
972.803.3806
1403 Dragon St., Dallas vestalscatering.com | @vestalscatering
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
DOWNTOWN FEVER
972.416.2019
ecbands.com | @downtownfever
ELEVATION
972.416.2019 ecbands.com | @elevationpartyband
THE EMERALD CITY BAND
972.416.2019
emeraldcityband.com | @emeraldcityband
JERRY MOWERY DJ 469.583.6541 jerrymowery.com | @jerrymowery2
LIMELIGHT
972.416.2019 ecbands.com | @limelightdfw
PARTY MACHINE
972.416.2019 ecbands.com | @partymachineband
FLORAL & EVENT DESIGNERS
AVANT GARDEN
214.559.3432
4254A Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas avantgarden.com | @avantgardenbytodd
BLUSHINGTON BLOOMS
940.799.5159
3525 Cedar Springs Rd, Ste. 201, Dallas blushingtonblooms.com | @blushingtonblooms
BRANCHING OUT EVENTS
214.741.3807
127 Leslie St., Dallas branchingoutevents.com | @branchingoutevents
DR DELPHINIUM DESIGNS & EVENTS
214.522.9911
5806 W. Lovers Ln., Dallas drdelphinium.com | @drdelphiniumdesigns
LILIUM FLORAL DESIGN
817.481.1565 | 214.509.6630
4800 Colleyville Blvd., Colleyville liliumflorals.com | @liliumfloraldesign
HEALTH & BEAUTY
BELLS & BARBELLS
469.256.8624
5033 Willis Ave., Dallas bellsandbarbells.com | @bellsandbarbells
BRIDALICIOUS BOOT CAMP
(Online Workouts)
14902 Preston Rd., Ste. 404-747, Dallas sweatingforthewedding.com | @bridalicious
DOLL SOCIETY
865.242.4276 dollsociety.com | @dollsociety_
FACES BY FIONA
469.981.3021
1900 Jay Ell Dr., Richardson facesbyfiona.com | @facesbyfiona
MARA’S MED SPA
469.730.3333
2222 McKinney Ave., Ste. 120, Dallas marasmedspa.com | @marasmedspa
MY FABULOUS FACES
214.789.8379
myfabulousfaces.com | @myfabfaces
REVISION SKINCARE
hello@revisionskincare.com
revisionskincare.com | @revisionskincare
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
MEAGAN THORNE FINE JEWELS
817.920.7623
120 St. Louis Ave., Ste. 141, Fort Worth meaganthorne.com | @meaganthornejewels
ACA EVENT DESIGNS
214.676.8943
acaeventdesigns.com | @acaeventdesigns
JOHN CAIN PHOTOGRAPHY
214.520.6771
4623 W Lovers Ln., Dallas johncainphotography.com | @johncainphotography
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
BBJ LA TAVOLA
972.392.3233
150 Turtle Creek Blvd., Ste. 209B, Dallas bbjlatavola.com | @bbjlatavola
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
TOP TIER EVENT RENTALS
214.819.4556
7715 Sovereign Row, Dallas top-tier.co | @toptiereventrentals
MAGNOLIA BOONE PAPERIE
magnoliaboonepaperie.com | @ magnoliaboonepaperie
PAPER AFFAIR
214.654.9545
5710 W. Lovers Ln., Dallas paperaffairdallas.com | @paperaffairdallas
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
BIRDS OF A FEATHER EVENTS
469.530.0616
2524 Converse St., Dallas
birdsofafeatherevents.com | @birdsofafeatherevents
CRYSTAL FRASIER WEDDINGS
972.342.7960
crystalfrasier.com | @crystalfrasierweddings
JESS WEGNER EVENTS
817.247.3576
jesswegnerevents.com | @jesswegnerevents
JULIAN LEAVER EVENTS
214.908.7439
julianleaver.com | @julianleaver
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 fl., Grapevine sarabethevents.com | @sarabethevents
SERENDIPITY EVENTS BY TINA
817.592.3325
serendipityeventsbytina.com | @serendipity_events_by_ tina
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
TODD EVENTS
214.749.0400
1174 Quaker St., Dallas toddevents.com | @toddevents
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
214.515.6523
8617 Garland Rd., Dallas dallasarboretum.org |@thedallasarboretum
D.E.C. ON DRAGON
972.400.2242
1414 Dragon St., Dallas decondragon.com | @decondragon
FAIRMONT DALLAS
214.720.5270
1717 N. Akard St., Dallas fairmont.com/dallas | @fairmontdallas
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
HALL OF LIGHTS
214.699.5097
4421 Charles St., Carrollton halloflights.com | @halloflightsevents
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
THE JOULE
214.748.1300
1530 Main St., Dallas thejouledallas.com | @thejouledallas
JW MARRIOT DALLAS ARTS DISTRICT
469.344.0565
800 North Harwood St., Dallas marriott.com/dalja
KIMPTON PITTMAN HOTEL
469.498.2535
2551 Elm St., Dallas pittmanhoteldallas.com | @pittmanhoteldallas
LORENZO HOTEL
214.273.3000
1011 S Akard St., Dallas lorenzohotel.com | @lorenzohotel
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
ON THE LEVEE
972.483.2507
1108 Quaker St., Dallas onthelevee.com | @onthelevee
THE PEROT MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE
214.756.5758
2201 N. Field St., Dallas perotmuseum.org | @pmns_events
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
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
THOMPSON DALLAS
469.726.4107
205 N. Akard St., Dallas thompsondallas.com | @thompsonhoteldallas
TOWER CLUB DALLAS
214.220.0403
1601 Elm St., 48th fl., Dallas tower-dallas.com | @towerclubdallas
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
WESTIN DALLAS STONEBRIAR GOLF RESORT & SPA
972.668.8784
1549 Legacy Dr., Frisco westinstonebriar.com | @thewestinstonebriar
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
CHARLESTON CONVENTION AND VISTORS BUREAU
800.774.0006
423 King St., Charleston, SC charlestoncvb.com | @explorecharleston
EAU PALM BEACH RESORT & SPA
561.533.6000
100 South Ocean Blvd., Manalapan, FL eaupalmbeach.com | @eaupalmbeach
FREDRICKSBURG CVB
830.997.6523
Fredricksburg, TX
vistifredricksburgtx.com/weddings | @visitfredtx
LAZY S HACIENDA
817.358.5037
410 Weaver Ln., Weatherford, TX lazyshacienda.com| @lazyshacienda
OMNI BARTON CREEK RESORT & SPA
512.329.4000
8212 Barton Club Dr., Austin, TX omnihotels.com/bartoncreek | @omnibartoncreek
OMNI PGA RESORT FRISCO
469.305.4545
4341 PGA Pkwy., Frisco, TX omnipgafriscoresort.com | @omnipgafriscoresort
THE PORTER ROOM
843.805.9125
1021 Aragon Ave., N. Charleston, SC holycitybrewing.com/locations/the-porter-room | @theporterroom
ROSEWOOD MAYAKOBA
877.737.7538
Playa del Carmen, MX rosewoodhotels.com/en/mayakoba-riviera-maya | @rwmayakoba
Juan Garcia
October 5, 2022
Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience—but coordinating a week’s worth of wedding-related events is another level of pressure entirely. That was the tall task for Plano’s Priyanka Shah and Juan Garcia. Wanting to incorporate their interests as well as elements of their respective cultures (Juan hails from Mexico, while Priyanka’s heritage is Indian), their extended matrimonial celebration included a soccer tournament, a mariachi band–led baraat, and lots of furry friends for the animal-loving bride. The festivities culminated in a pair of ceremonies—an Indian “I do” on October 5 followed by a Catholic counterpart on October 7—and ended with a reception at Knotting Hill Place one day later. Since then, the couple— who co-own PenikamFilms, a video production company—have moved in together, traveled, and grown their business. We talked with them about the best and most stressful parts of wedding planning—and their most worthwhile wedding splurge.
What was the smartest thing you did while planning your wedding?
Priyanka: Hiring a wedding planner, because it was the only way things could run smoothly. It is crazy how hectic things can get.
Juan: The smartest thing I did was to get very involved and take ownership of planning what I could. Having so many events meant that there was a lot of work to go around.
What stressed you out the most?
Priyanka: Honestly the hardest part was trying to meet everyone’s expectations of what we should and shouldn’t do. At times I felt like my parents and husband were the only people not pulling my hair.
Juan: I felt that my wife was under the most stress, and that’s what stressed me out the most. As a bride and a groom, I feel it’s important for both to put as much time and effort into planning their wedding as possible, and to realize the importance of supporting each other throughout the process.
What was the most fun part of wedding planning?
Priyanka: Planning the decor, meeting my vendors, and of course, finding all the amazing animals to be part of the special week. (We had a monkey, rabbits, horses, and a camel.)
Juan: The soccer tournament, of course! To tell the truth, it was all fun. Being Hispanic and never having attended an Indian wedding before, getting my Indian groom clothes, going to food tastings, and practicing my sangeet performance with my groomsmen was all a blast for me. The Indian culture is such a rich and beautiful culture, and I got to enjoy it throughout the planning.
What was your most worthwhile wedding splurge?
Priyanka: Hiring my friend to help me shoot the music video of my dreams.
Juan: It’d have to be my Italian wool suit. Getting to pick out the perfect suit, the color, the material, and the look was something that felt very spe-
cial. I know I’ll look back on our videos and pictures in 20 years and look at it fondly.
Was there anything your spouse wanted that you weren’t sure about? How did it turn out?
Priyanka: I don’t recall. We hosted a soccer game between all our family and friends before the ceremony that I was worried about, but I came up with that idea with my cousins.
Juan: Priyanka is an enormous animal lover, and she campaigned heavily for animals throughout each event. I supported her, but I knew it wouldn’t be easy to plan for them. Well I was dead wrong, because the animals were incredible to have and completely made it a signature Priyanka wedding!
What, if anything, would you do differently if you had to do it all over again?
Priyanka: I would do it in Mexico, because I wish we could have bonded more with Juan’s family.
Juan: I had the best wedding ever, and if I had the chance to do it all over again, I would want to try even harder to help Priyanka with everything and take as much off of her shoulders as I possibly could.
What was your biggest takeaway from the wedding-planning process?
Priyanka: Everything will be OK, and we can miss the beauty if we focus on the negatives.
Juan: Weddings are special. They are the unification of two people, and two families. The more both sides can interact and bond, the better the process will go.
What was the most memorable moment from your wedding day?
Priyanka: Our first look gave me butterflies. At that moment I truly felt like a bride, and I knew my life would change forever.
Juan: Having been blessed enough to have seven days of events and two wedding ceremonies, one of my most
memorable moments would have to be how at peace I felt during the Indian ceremony, and the words of our priest. Being a spiritual person, I wholeheartedly enjoyed and took in every moment of the ceremony.
What has surprised you most about married life? How (if at all) does it feel different?
Priyanka: Married life feels worlds different. I feel like Juan and I are learning many new things together and enjoying the small things.
Juan: What has surprised me most about married life is how wonderful it’s been. One day we were fiancés; the next day, we were married. But the real change is how easy daily chores are. How easy caring for each other is. That unconditional love being cemented and consecrated has made our lives better, and as such, we are both experiencing growth in our professional lives and in our own bond. I love going to sleep and waking up every day next to my wife.
