Holiday with the Howells

Christmas Weddings! Oh what a wonderful time of year to celebrate with family and friends! Laura chose Christmas time to get married to her groom, Boone, because she absolutely loves Christmas! The Wedding ceremony took place at Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas followed by a Christmas Wedding Wonderland reception at The Belo Mansion and Pavilion. Covid-19 did not affect the merriment of this occasion in any way. Cheers to Laura and Boone for sticking with their original date and for the 220 guests who came out to support this beautiful couple!

photo: f8studio.com

Boone and Laura have lots of friends and their wedding party size proved that. Nothing is too big in Texas!

The bridesmaids were gifted the cutest pajama sets at the bridal luncheon!

Pajamas: Roller Rabbit, Highland Park Village

Invitations: Cottonpaperie.com

My favorite Moments

Having planned more than 3,000 weddings during the past 25 years, I relish my favorite moments. The day of the wedding is always filled with excitement and anticipation. When the bride finally sits down to get her make-up and hair done it’s her moment to look in the mirror and see herself for the last time as a “Miss” soon to be a “Mrs.” I love watching the Father of the Bride and the Groom anticipate the moment they will see their favorite girl all in white. I still cry every time when the doors open, the trumpets flair and the groom is at the alter waiting for his bride-to-be. I love my job and I love making these moments happen.

Laura and Boone went to Freshman Homecoming together at Highland Park High School. They became best friends and officially started dating after college in 2015! They were engaged over Christmas in 2019 and because it’s Laura and Boone’s favorite holiday they decided to celebrate once again in December!

The decor was unbelievable. Laura’s mother, Melinda, was very involved and thought of every last detail. Thirty-four Christmas trees in varying sizes glistened throughout the night. Carolers greeted guests upon their arrival and there were even sightings of our friend, Elf on the Shelf. The cakes were a huge hit because “Ellie” and “Donut” were there in spirit! Santa joined everyone on the dance floor and handed out dance party favors as the band played “Here Comes Santa Claus.” The dance floor was packed all evening and most guests stayed until the very end. Laura tossed her bouquet from the balcony as fake snow fell outside as the couple exited the Belo. The guests, sad the night was over, waved wands with Christmas bells to bid the couple adieu as they left on a horse carriage. It was truly a dream wedding for Mr. and Mrs. Howell.

Are you looking for a Dallas or destination event planner? We would be honored to speak with you about your “I do”—drop a note to our team right here.

Wedding Planner: Mary-Frances Hurt, DFW Events

Wedding Gown: Lela Rose, Highland Park Village

Reception Venue: The Belo Mansion and Pavilion

Band: Intensity

Photographer: Gary Donihoo, F8 Studio

Videographer: F8 Studio

Floral: The Garden Gate Dallas

Christmas Trees: Bread and Butter

Cakes: Fancy Cakes by Lauren

Snow: ElevateDallas

Dance Floor: Center Stage Floors

Furniture: Perch Decor

Rentals: Posh

Linen: BBJ/La Tavola

Staging and Neon signs: Stage Works

Carolers & Santa Claus: B3 Entertainment

Lighting: Absolute Entertainment

Make-Up: Mayra Rams-Sanabria, My Fabulous Faces

Hair: Sonia Trevino

Lauren and Ryan’s Traditional and Modern Wedding at Trinity Forest Golf Club

We fell in love with this couple from day one! From their beautiful story of finding each other through Christ to each meaningful detail they incorporated into their special day- we are so excited to share their vision that came into fruition!

Trinity Forest Golf Club with a course resembling the meadows of Great Britain, created a beautiful back-drop for the aesthetics of a polished modern clubhouse. This balance of classic and modern made for the perfect venue for Lauren and Ryan! The color palette incorporated hues of blue, grey, and white, and were tied together with the couple’s monogram. This can be seen in the lounge furniture, linens, and cake among other details!

Photographer Carter Rose beautifully captured Lauren and her father’s moment before their grand entrance, as well as Ryan’s sweet expression when he first caught glimpse of his bride. After the “I Do’s” and heart warming vows, guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the patio and found their seats with individualized golf ball escort cards.

Guests were welcomed upstairs with champagne and live jazz music as they found their seats and awaited Lauren and Ryan’s grand entrance!

As dinner wined down and toasts were made, the jazz group led guests upstairs to a roof top equipped with a custom dance floor, lights spelling out their last name to illuminate the night, and custom bars from Perch Decor that kept the festivities going. The night ended with Lauren and Ryan’s friends and family sending them off with sparklers!

It was such an honor to help bring your wedding day to life and be a part of your special day Lauren and Ryan! Wishing you two all the best as a married couple!

Photographer: Carter Rose

Videographer: Johnny Apple Films

Venue: Trinity Forest Golf Club

Cake: Fancy Cakes by Lauren

Dance Floor: Center Stage Floors

Furniture: Perch Decor

Marquee Letters: Alpa-LIT

Sarah and Sam’s Elegant and Classic Wedding at Arlington Hall

We have been sharing sneak peeks of Sarah and Sam’s wedding on Instagram, and today we are thrilled to be sharing more from their special day! From saying “I Do” under the chuppah of our dreams, to ending the night with sparks flying (literally!), it was hard not to feel the love in the air.

All the details: Sarah stunned in her beautiful A-line laced gown, while her bridesmaids wore white to match.

Sandone Productions maximized the outdoor space at Arlington Hall by installing not one, but two tents for their ceremony and reception! The ceremony space was decadently draped and our couple shared their vows underneath a flower-filled chuppah created by David Kimmel Designs . After guests enjoyed cocktail hour inside Arlington Hall, they were escorted to the reception tent. The space was adorned with elegant garden-styled centerpieces on guest tables, a beautiful floating arrangement running down the head table, and -our favorite part- a halo full of wisteria and greenery hanging over the dance floor!

Guests dined and later danced the night away with Georgia Bridgewater Orchestra. Some took time off the dance floor to indulge in a customized hand-rolled cigar in the lounge just steps away from the music. As if the night couldn’t get any better, surprise fireworks gifted by Sarah’s parents illuminated the sky for everyone to enjoy!

Sarah and Sam, thank you so much for trusting our team to plan your wedding. It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of your day!

Vendors:

Photographer: Sarah Kate Photography

Videographer: Candlelight Films

Venue: Arlington Hall

Florist: David Kimmel Designs

Hair & Makeup: Chic Occasions

Band: Georgia Bridgewater Orchestra

Cakes: Fancy Cakes by Lauren

Cigar Roller: Sabino “The Cigar Roller”

Dance Floor: DFW Dance Floors

Get-a-way Car: Blue Diamond

Get Ready for a Food-tastic Fall with Dallas 24 Hour Club and the World Food Championships!

Industry Event

We’re gearing up for a food-tastic fall! Our event planning team is honored to be a part of both the Dallas All Star Chef Classic and World Food Championships this October. The coolest news? There’s synergy between the two events. The World Food Championships recently announced that proceeds from the signature Grand Tasting event will benefit the Dallas 24 Hour Club!

As part of WFC’s new relationship with the 24 Hour Club, two World Food Champions will also participate in the 2019 Dallas All Star Chef Classic. Terry Kranz, owner of TK Culinary, created the Dallas All Star Chef Classic alongside Marsha Williamson to assist with fundraising efforts and further awareness about addiction within the restaurant community.

“24 Hour Club has given me everything I have,” shared Terry, who lived at the Dallas 24 Hour Club twice during the height of his own addiction. “Today I own a catering company, I do the best events in the world, and I’m respected. What really drives me now is to show another alcoholic that it’s possible to make it out.”

So what are you waiting for, DFW foodies? Good food, great fun, and a worthy cause await. Fire up those tastebuds and catch all the details for both events below!

SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE FABULOUS FOOD EVENTS

October 13, 2019 | Join us at the 6th Annual Dallas All Star Chef Classic benefitting Dallas 24 Hour Club! The event will be held at Sixty Five Hundred from 5:30-8 pm. Dallas’ top chefs will be on the scene to prepare delicious tastings, and guests will also enjoy live music from the Georgia Bridgwater Band along with silent + live auctions.

Reserve your spot: https://www.dallas24hourclub.org/chef

photo: Holt Haynsworth

October 16-20, 2019 | We hope to see you at the World Food Championships in Dallas! Presented by Walmart, this 5-day outdoor cooking competition will take place on the Reunion Tower Lawn. Top chefs and home cooks from across the globe will battle for a Category Champion title and $10,000. In the following months, Category Champs will reconvene for a shot at the World Food Champion title and an additional $100,000!

Get your tickets: https://worldfoodchampionships.com/tickets

photo: Jason Kindig Photography

Nicolette and Robbie’s Industrial-Elegant Wedding at Brake & Clutch Warehouse

Modern Winter

What do you get when you combine industrial lights, gorgeous greenery, a Merlot-infused color palette, and one incredible Star Wars themed groom’s cake? Robbie and Nicolette’s elegant December wedding, of course—a truly memorable “I do” with a design that was equal parts unique and chic.

Photos: Carter Rose for f8 Studio

First things first: that dress! Nicolette stunned in a modern fitted gown that featured an illusion panel at the center of the bodice. Befitting the season, bridesmaids wore floor-length cabernet gowns and carried blooms in a similar hue. And let’s not forget about Nicolette’s scene-stealing mini maid…precious!

David Kimmel Design brought the couple’s vision to life by perfectly marrying contemporary and classic elements. The large metal chandeliers at Brake & Clutch Warehouse were draped in greenery, and floral table centerpieces alternated with sky-high groupings of industrial light fixtures. Eye-catching lighting also accented the ceremony scene! A wall of hanging Edison bulbs created a spectacular backdrop and beautifully framed the ceremony arch, which was comprised of greenery mixed with flowers in shades of burgundy and cream. It was easy for each guest to catch a view of Nicolette and Robbie’s touching vows thanks to the semi-circular arrangement of ceremony seating.

The vendor list for this wedding featured one of our favorite recent discoveries: the Buon Giorno Coffee Trike! As one of only 30 self-sustainable coffee models in the world, this pedal-powered reception activation is perfect for latte lovers looking to provide a unique experience for their guests.

Catch even more details from Nicolette and Robbie’s wedding day by watching their lovely, moving video from Elle Films below!

Last but certainly not least, we couldn’t resist sharing this sweet love note from our beautiful bride. For the record, Nicolette, we’d be down to plan the entire day all over again, too!

“I’m just sitting over here reliving our day through the video and pictures and might be the only bride to ever wish she were still planning her wedding! I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat and wanted to thank [your team] so much for everything! Our wedding has been and will remain a topic of conversation throughout our families!” -Nicolette Rogers Shafto

Vendors:

Venue: Brake & Clutch Warehouse

Photography: Carter Rose for f8 Studio

Videography: Elle Films

Floral: David Kimmel Design

Cakes: Sugar Bee Sweets

Coffee: Buon Giorno

Planning: Abby Simoneau and Mary-Frances Hurt for DFW Events

Corporate Celebrations with American Airlines

Celebration Corporate

American Airlines is rooted in high-quality customer service, reliability, and kindness, and it has been an honor for our team to work with such an all-star brand to produce a variety of events over the past year! No matter the occasion, the American Airlines personality and commitment to excellence is always evident. Our team adores working (and flying!) with American Airlines and we are proud to share a look at two recent events today: the company’s 2018 Service Anniversary and dynamic “Through the Decades” reception.

American Airlines CEO Doug Parker | photos: See Pink Inc. for American Airlines + via @dfwevents on Instagram

2018 Service Anniversary

The 2018 American Airlines Service Anniversary honored the dedication and commitment of team members who have contributed more than 35 years of service to the company. Hundreds of pilots and team members joined in celebrating the American Airlines legacy at the beautiful Omni Dallas, where Chairman & CEO Doug Parker shared remarks with honorees as guests enjoyed a delicious dinner. Afterward, attendees hit the dance floor and enjoyed music from legendary performer Tony Orlando!

Such a special occasion called for equally extraordinary decor, and our vendors delivered. Floral arrangements in shades of red and pink created by David Kimmel Design lined sophisticated farm tables from Perch Event Decor, and libations were served behind a round bar that featured American Airlines logos on every panel. Programs embellished with a custom-designed motif were placed atop beautiful chargers from Posh Couture Rentals, and the motif was also replicated on the custom Prashe dance floor for a cohesive look. Boxwood walls adorned with the American Airlines suite of logos provided a perfect backdrop for photo ops throughout the evening.

“Through the Decades” Reception

Groovy, baby! From rubix cube end tables to a vintage Volkswagen van, the decor for the American Airlines “Through the Decades” reception at the DFW Grand Hyatt was unlike any other. Every corner of the room was accented by a different color wash and furnished with decor that gave a nod to the featured decade. Whether they were sipping on handcrafted beverages or enjoying music from DJ Andy Austin, the atmosphere made it easy for guests to “fly” through the past!

No matter the occasion, DFW Events pays attention to the details to bring your vision to life. From large-scale award galas to meaningful celebrations of employees and clients, we aim to provide a five-star experience each and every time. To learn more about our Dallas-Fort Worth corporate event planning services for brands and businesses, click here.

2018 Service Anniversary Vendors:

Floral/Design: David Kimmel Design

Event Rentals: Perch Event Decor and Posh Couture Rentals

Lighting: Freeman Productions

Through the Decades Vendors:

Floral/Design: David Kimmel Design

Event Rentals: Perch Event Decor and Lawson Rentals

Entertainment: DJ Andy Austin

Seated Dinner, Buffet, or Serving Stations: Which is Right for Your Reception?

Celebration

This blog originally appeared on Honeyfund.com

So, you’re working on selecting menu items for your wedding reception. You’ve already decided on passed hors d’oeuvres—crab cakes, stuffed button mushrooms, and fried mac and cheese balls just for a fun twist—and you’re thinking of serving a light garden salad and lobster bisque combo as an appetizer. But how do you deliver the main course to your guests? When it comes to the question of a seated dinner, a buffet, or a serving station is the best option for the main course, let’s just put it this way: you have yet to determine which food service option to say “I do” to at your wedding reception.

photo: Caroline Jurgensen Photography

The size of your guest list, formality of your wedding, selected venue and catering company, and the time of day your wedding and reception will take place are all things to consider when choosing a food service style.

THE BUFFET

Let’s start at what is traditionally known as the most informal end of the spectrum: the buffet. Many couples who opt for a buffet lean toward this option due to their desire to see movement in the room throughout the evening, rather than a stagnant seated dinner that unfolds at a slower pace. If cost is a factor, buffets can also prove to be a more economical option as they do not require every guest to be seated at the same time.

photo: Scott Hagar Photography

THE SEATED DINNER

For those who prefer more formal dining experience, or who plan to host 200 or fewer guests, seated dinners are an appropriate selection. Most frequently selected for black and white tie receptions, seated dinners are a full-service dining experience marked by pauses between courses. Generally speaking, seated dinners are more expensive because they require a chair for every single guest, along with chargers, stemware, flatware, individual menus, table numbers, additional centerpieces, a server for the table, plus a server for beverages.

photo: Caroline Jurgensen Photography

THE SERVING STATION

Stations are another option, and fall right in the middle of the food service spectrum on a scale ranging from informal to formal. Ideal for weddings with a large guest count, food stations are also an excellent option for those who wish to accommodate a variety of menu needs or preferences.

photos: Scott Hagar Photography and Jo Johnson Photography

For example, an Indian family following a vegetarian diet can showcase the bride or groom’s heritage by serving traditional dishes while also offering more universal fare at other stations. Alternately, a couple hailing from New York and Texas can treat guests to his-and-hers stations bearing Manhattan clam chowder and cheesecake to represent his Brooklyn background, and barbecue and pecan pie as a nod to her Houston roots.

For both buffet dinners and food stations, signage helps to reinforce the theme and further acquaint guests with the couple’s background. You can accomplish this via large chalkboard menus at the head of each station or by putting individual menus on each place setting.

custom acrylic menu | photo: Karlisch Studio

THE HYBRID APPROACH

The newest trend is doing a hybrid of food stations and seated dinners—ideal for the couple who wants the formality of assigned guest seating without limiting mobility throughout the evening. Just like at a traditional seated reception, each guest is directed to his or her assigned dinner seat via a place card. Following a welcome toast or prayer, wines are poured at the table and the first course is served by attendants. Afterward, guests are then dismissed to various food stations at their own pace. Another mix-and-match option is the family-style seated dinner, in which entrees are plated and guests help themselves to sides served on large platters. Although everyone has a seat at the table like at a traditional seated dinner, this casual style of dinner service is the furthest thing from stuffy—perfect for a ranch wedding or more casual reception environment.

photo: Sarah Kate, Photographer | see more from this ranch wedding here

Now that you have an understanding of the various food service options, all that’s left to do is finish up those menu selections. Enjoy your tasting appointments—and bon appetit!

Are you looking for a Dallas or destination event planner? We would be honored to speak with you about your “I do”—drop a note to our team right here.

Victoria’s Secret Bra Fit Tour Event in Dallas

Celebration Corporate

The Victoria’s Secret Bra Fit Tour embodied the sexy, iconic feel of the world-famous lingerie brand, and we were so honored to coordinate a soirée for the Dallas leg of the tour. Models and Bra Fit Experts alike descended on Hotel Crescent Court to help women find their best fit in the latest styles and silhouettes. Our goal? To make sure each guest truly felt like an Angel!

Event photos courtesy of Victoria’s Secret (Cooper Neill/Getty Images) + via DFW Events on Instagram

The Crescent’s luxe Presidential Suite perfectly showcased the new Body by Victoria collection, and the intimate setting proved ideal for mixing and mingling as well. Event attendees included Victoria’s Secret Angel Romee Strijd, Gisou Hair founder Negin Mirsalehi, Dallas-based bloggers and social media influencers, and the most pink-loving Real Housewives of Dallas cast member of them all: Kameron Westcott! While browsing for bras, pajamas, and lingerie from Victoria’s Secret, guests enjoyed light bites and signature “The Best Fit” cocktails comprised of grapefruit, tequila, and a lime wedge. There was something for everyone to enjoy!

A boudoir-esque atmosphere was created for the event with the help of some of our favorite Dallas vendors. Lush floral arrangements crafted by Garden Gate in vibrant shades of VS pink were scattered around the room. Rich red, pink, and navy balloons from A Little Party Co. lined a textured velvet backdrop from Big Bad Booth, where guests snapped photos and showcased their sassy sides. Perch Event Decor provided elegant pieces including jewel-toned pillows and a stunning gold bar-turned-DJ-booth, where DJ Sno White spun hits as everyone sipped and shopped. Absolute Lighting ensured that each and every woman had the opportunity to shine. At the end of the evening, attendees went home with a tote bag filled with the best kind of swag: custom-fitted bras, lingerie, robes, and a $100 gift card to Victoria’s Secret!

This event was such a treat for our team to coordinate—we absolutely loved the challenge of translating the Victoria’s Secret brand into a tangible experience for each guest! We would like to thank Victoria’s Secret for inviting us into their world and for making a tour stop in Dallas. Now…who’s ready to don a pair of wings?

No matter the occasion, DFW Events pays attention to the details to bring your vision to life. From major grand openings to intimate events geared toward generating brand awareness, we aim to provide a five-star experience each and every time. To learn more about our Dallas-Fort Worth corporate event planning services, click here.

Vendors:

Venue: Hotel Crescent Court

Floral: Garden Gate Dallas

Balloon Accents: A Little Party Co.

Photo Booth: Big Bad Booth

DJ Booth/Rentals: Perch Event Decor

Lighting: Absolute Lighting

DJ: Sno White

How to Throw a Luxurious Wedding on a Budget

Celebration

Information for this article was provided by Chime.

When it’s your wedding day, it can be easy to want it all—and who can blame you? You’ve likely waited for this very moment your entire life. But once you venture into the exciting (and chaotic) world of wedding planning, you’ll see how quickly expenses add up. All of the sudden, your dazzling hopes and expectations might seem out of reach. But what if you could make all of your luxurious wedding dreams come true without going into debt? Well, it’s possible! Read on to learn how.

Coordination by DFW Events | photo: Elisabeth Millay, Millay & Young

Understand Your Financial Situation

Before you start fantasizing about planning a wedding like the $40 million dollar affair portrayed in Crazy Rich Asians, it’s important to understand where your wedding budget is coming from. For the most part, it comes down to three different sources: how much you and your significant other can set aside each month until the wedding, how much you both have in your individual savings accounts, and any contributions from family members or loved ones.

Create (and stick to) the Budget

Okay, you have a basic understanding of where your wedding planning money is coming from. Now what?

First, determine you and your future spouse’s combined current savings, as well as any potential outside contributions from family members. Add both together to get the first two components of your budget. For the third component—how much you’ll set aside each month—consider allocating 10 percent of your earnings every month to a new wedding fund. Erin Lowry, a personal finance expert, elaborates, “Establish direct deposits into a separate account for wedding expenses so it isn’t just leftovers that get saved.” The easiest way to do this: put your savings on autopilot via an app that’s great for upping your savings in a pinch. This way, you’ll grow your wedding budget without needing to fuss with your bank account all the time.

Get the Look for Less

Hooray, your budget has been established! No more dealing with numbers, right? Not so fast. You’ll have to continue adding and subtracting numbers throughout the wedding planning process to ensure that you’re staying on target. But don’t worry, it’s not as difficult as it sounds—especially if you say “I do” to working with your wedding planner to create a luxury look for less. Take flowers for example. You could shell out hundreds (or even thousands) to secure out-of-season peonies for your table arrangements, or you could save that much by sticking to flowers that are in season. Save even more by using candles in place of floral elements when designing your tablescapes!

Coordination by DFW Events | photo: Karlisch Studio Weddings

Book the Best Venue for Your Budget

A little research into venue costs goes a long way. Barn and loft spaces might be trending as budget-friendly alternatives to typical wedding venues, but it’s entirely possible that you’ll end up spending just as much money retrofitting a space as you would on booking a more traditional venue. Keep in mind that if you decide to book or build an atypical event space, you’ll need to bring in chairs, tables, cutlery, catering equipment, restrooms, air conditioning/heat…the works.

Ceremony + Reception on a Private Ranch in Texas | photos: Caroline Jurgensen Photography

On the other hand, some traditional wedding venues can run as high as $20,000+. So, what’s the best way to go about booking a venue? Before you commit to anything, work with your wedding planner to compare the estimated total price of a wedding that requires a custom build against the price of a venue that includes in-house rentals and facilities. Doing so just might save you thousands!

Venue Love: Get to Know Rocker B Ranch!

Ranch Destination Vendor Spotlight

Our team recently wrapped an AMAZING site visit with Rocker B Ranch! We love this property for weddings, milestone anniversary parties, family reunions, corporate events, and more. Join us for a quick virtual tour and you’ll see why.

Photo: Sarah Kate, Photographer | Wedding Planning: DFW Events

Where are our baseball lovers? You plus this field equals the baseball/softball/kickball filled corporate retreat or birthday bash of the decade. After hitting the fields, cool off in the coolest pool around. Don’t forget to take a turn down Rocker B’s 50-foot water slide!

Photos via Rocker B

Rocker B’s 20,000 square-foot indoor arena is the perfect flex space for events. Take a look at how we transformed this incredible venue for a recent wedding reception!

BEFORE

Photo via Rocker B

AFTER

Photo: Sarah Kate, Photographer

Hello, bachelor party paradise! The “Dugout” is equipped with classic arcade games, ping pong, TVs, and authentic MLB memorabilia just to name a few. Accommodations at Rocker B reflect a gorgeous rustic-contemporary aesthetic and boast top-of-the-line amenities. Your guests won’t want for anything during their stay thanks to an on-site workout facility, massage room, hot tub, and more!

Photos via Rocker B

Rocker B can even accommodate large-scale entertainment productions. Check out this footage from the 2018 Backroads Music Fest for proof!

Take a closer look at the fall wedding reception our team coordinated at Rocker B below. Love what you see? Contact our team to learn more about planning your “I do” at one of our favorite new ranch venues in Texas!