After falling in love at the tender age of 17, these two sweeties began a journey that took them all the way from first date to “I do.” And when the Big Day rolled around, they opted for an affair drenched in romantic, garden elegance straight out of a storybooks. The ever-fabulous Sarah Kate documented everything behind the camera, and you can pin to your heart’s content in the gallery right here.
From the Bride… Andrew and I met when we were 17. He surprised me with my favorite candy in the glove compartment of his car on our first date, and I knew I had met someone special. On our wedding day I gave him a bag of the same candy and the Jason Mraz CD he played in his car that night as a reminder of our past and simple beginnings as we took this next step forward into the world together.
When I envisioned our wedding I knew I wanted the feeling of traditional, classic elegance while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere that felt like “us.” Hickory Street Annex provided the perfect urban setting for this vision to come to life. The Vera Wang dress I chose, with intricate layering of the peplum horsehair overskirt, gave the impression of a classic ball gown from certain angles, when in reality a sleek organza mermaid base was the true foundation of the dress. It was romantic and traditional, but with the attitude and drama to make it different (and awesome).
We chose the outdoor lawn for our ceremony hoping for good weather, and after weeks of rain in Dallas we woke up to sunny skies and 68 degrees on our wedding day. I couldn’t believe our luck! The talented team at Bella Flora transformed the blank slate of grass into a romantic, woodsy space for our ceremony. My favorite elements were the shepherd’s hooks with succulents marking the aisle and the branching trees with blossoms that created our altar.
We kept the girls’ and my bouquets loose and free formed, and the groomsmen wore their suit vests without a jacket. They walked down the aisle to “In My Life” by the Beatles, set to strings by the talented Dallas String Quartet. After my sweet 3-year-old niece made her way down the aisle, my dad and I began our walk to DSQ’s fantastic arrangement of “Over the Rainbow” – I will never forget that feeling of overwhelming excitement and gratitude for the man at the end of the aisle and the people surrounding us!
After hugs, tears, photos with the family, and a few moments of peace (and cocktails!) with Andrew, we joined our guests in the warehouse loft upstairs for dinner, dancing, and the best party! The florals were stunning with our soft color palette of ivory and blush with accents of antique gold. Our cake table displayed seven small cakes all set on homemade wooden stands of varying heights for a vintage, laid-back vibe.
Dancing started early and never took a break with Signed Sealed Delivered providing the entertainment (and the cowbell) for the rest of the night. It was easily the best night of my life, and thank goodness I changed into flip-flops for the reception! One of my favorite moments was when Andrew’s parents surprised us with cowboy hats for the family, including one with a veil for the bride! I still laugh when I see the pictures!
Big thanks to our family and friends for their support, and thank you to Sarah Kate for these stunning images we will cherish forever!
Photography: Sarah Kate, Photographer | Coordination: DFW Events | Florist: Bella Flora of Dallas | Dress: Vera Wang | Cakes: Frosted Art Bakery | Band: Absolute Entertainment | Get-a-way Car: Blue Diamond Limousines | Hair/make-up: Dana Dixon | Wedding And Reception: Hickory Street Annex