JORDAN + JACK | THE CRESCENT HOTEL

FEATURED ON BLACK TIE BRIDE

Yay! It's #MarriedFaceMonday!

Today we're so excited to share Jordan + Jack's big day! These two said I Do at the Crescent Hotel here in Dallas. Their celebration was so classic and so stunning with lots of creamy whites and simple details.

Our favorite shot from this wedding is definitely the family photo of our couple and their daughter all dressed up and ready to tie the knot! The whole family is so gorgeous and joyful; it's exactly what weddings are all about!

Shout out to Kate Pease Photography for the gorgeous images and Bash + Co for their incredible design eye.

Be sure to check out the full gallery and vendor team below!

VENDOR TEAM

FLORALS | CELEBRATE COLORFULLY
DESIGN + COORDINATION | BASH + CO EVENTS
PHOTOGRAPHY | KATE PEASE PHOTOGRAPHY
CALLIGRAPHY | ALLI K DESIGN
VENUE | THE CRESCENT HOTEL
HAIR + MAKEUP | BEAUTY AND THE BLUSH
CEREMONY LIGHTING | BEYOND LIGHTING
ENTERTAINMENT | LE FORCE

 

HOW TO | ECO-FRIENDLY WEDDINGS

A few weeks ago we talked about saving you some green but, today we're talking about saving a different sort of green. We're discussing all the wonderful ways to throw an amazing bash and save the Earth at the same time. And the best part is, most of these tips won't cost any more than the traditional wedding fixin's.

1. Catering + Food

Two Sisters Catering (Dallas)

Going green doesn't mean you have to sacrifice taste or quality. Help save the environment by offering a menu that screams of fresh, locally grown ingredients. Ask your caterer to keep with in-season, locally-grown products this will help keep the cost down and guarantee the freshest finds. 

2. Wedding Gown

Dress | Kendal Leonard Designs
Photography | Kate Ignatowski 

There are lots of options in eco-friendly wedding dresses. You can rent, re-purpose a dress from a previous generation in your family or use all organic materials.  The pictured dress is handmade by Kendal Leonard Designs out of organic cotton sateen, organic cotton cording, and organic cotton thread. It’s pretty much the epitome of effortless beauty.

3. Stationary // Invites

Invitations | Smock

The most obvious is the option is to swap out traditional stamp-in-mail invites for e-invites. But, if you're anything like us you love the idea of receiving an invite in the mail. If you also love a good paper invite, look into recycled or re-purposed paper. There are even companies who offer vegetable-based inks, like The Windmill Paper Boutique (they source printing from windmill-powered printers!).

4. Venue

Venue | The White Sparrow Barn

Getting married outdoors is a great way to cut down on energy costs. Consider getting married in a vineyard, farm, or a personal favorite of ours, a barn. The White Sparrow Barn, located in Quinlan, Texas, was the backdrop for several of our brides this wedding season. Our brides used the outdoor spaces in a variety of ways, hosting cocktail hours, s'mores bars, and more. The other big plus about the White Sparrow is that it doubles as both a ceremony and reception location. Save all that gas and dance the night away on the outdoor patio lit by the stars instead. 

5. Favors

Photography + DIY Tutorial | Something Turquoise

The Earth-loving doesn't have to stop just because your reception does. Send home favors that keep the good vibes going. Try seeded heart cards, small ornaments sprinkled with seeds to feed all the 'love birds'. Or, if you're feeling extra fancy, consider gifting a scented candle, with floral notes from the bridal bouquet

KIM + DUSTIN | DALLAS ARBORETUM & ZANDER'S HOUSE

Yay! It's #MarriedFaceMonday!

Today we're sharing Kim + Dustin's gorgeous day filled with soft, romantic blooms! These two tied the knot at the Dallas Arboretum and then moved the party over to Zander's House in Plano.

Our favorite detail from this day is detinitely the bouquets paired with the lovely bride and her maids! The blooms just look so romantic with those gorgeous blush dresses!

Thanks to Krystle Akin for the stunning photos. Be sure to check out the full vendor team below!

VENDOR TEAM

FLOWERS | CELEBRATE COLORFULLY
PHOTOGRAPHER | KRYSTLE AKIN
CEREMONY VENUE | DALLAS ARBORETUM
RECEPTION VENUE | ZANDER'S HOUSE
ENTERTAINMENT | ALL ACCESS DJ

INSPIRATION | WHITE BRIDESMAID DRESSES

What comes to mind when you think of a chic and elegant wedding? An all-white wedding, of course! When we say an all-white wedding, we mean an ALL-white wedding. This includes bridesmaid dresses. Wait a second...we know what you’re thinking: most bridesmaids wear a different color than the bride. It’s like.. a rule, right? No!

Not only are white dresses universally flattering, but it’s a perfect color for all types of weddings – from a relaxed beach wedding to a fancy country club wedding.

Normally, bridesmaids wear a different color for the bride’s fear of blending in with her girls, but we all know the bride ALWAYS stands out. If that’s one of your reasons for not considering outfitting your bridesmaids in white there are a few things to keep in mind.

Your bridesmaids dresses can be a different length than your dress. If you have a floor-length dress your girls’ dresses can be knee-length, for example. Their dresses can be made of a different fabric or have a unique texture. Having different necklines will also help you stand out. If your dress is strapless your bridesmaids can opt to wear a V-neck or one-shouldered dress.

There is so much versatility when it comes to choosing white bridesmaid dresses.

Photo | Brad and Jen

Photo | Rebeca Hollis

Photo | M & J Photography

Photo | Krista A. Jones Photography

Photo | Jose Villa Photography

Photo | Rebecca Arthurs

Photo | Michelle Boyd Photography

A classic and timeless all-white wedding will always be 'in'. Have you considered dressing your Maids in white?

TOP 5 | WAYS TO KEEP YOUR WEDDING COSTS LOW

There aren't many things people enjoy more than a good deal, especially on a big (typically pricey) day like your wedding. But, as professional wedding planners/your internet BFFs, let us assure you that your wedding is neither the time nor the place to try and cut corners. Guests will notice, you will notice and attempting to cut costs on the wrong item or vendor could actually end up costing you more in the long run. So if you're looking for high glamour without having to break the bank, check out our cheat sheet to help keep costs low and smiles high.

TAYLOR + COLLIN
Photography | A Sea of Love 

1. Venue
It's easy to spend big on your dream venue but, remember that weddings should be about experiencing the love between two people. So focus on finding a venue that is naturally beautiful. This will help you save loads on decor + floral arrangements. Also consider getting hitched at a historical location. You can potentially claim the facility costs on your taxes #winning

A venue like the private lakehouse for Sarah + John's wedding earlier this year is the perfect way to cut cost on a venue without sacrificing personal style.

2. Drink Responsibly
Alcohol is an easy way to go WAY over your wedding budget. Try hosting a cocktail or mixer bar instead. This helps cut down on the amount of alcohol needed as guests are encouraged to add in fruits, ice, and garnish that take up the space of straight alcohol. 

Or you can host an open bar during cocktail hour then switch to beer + wine during the reception. 

Our favorite tip is to  premier a couples signature cocktail. It's less alcohol and specific to your big day.

BRITTANY + TYLER
Photography | Kelly Sparks

3. Timing
Remember our talk about how 'in-season is the best season?' While this is still true for florals, it's not true for basically any other aspect of your wedding. Getting married out of wedding season or even choosing to marry on a Sunday or Wednesday versus a Saturday is a great way to instantly trim your wedding budget by about 25%.

Design House via Airbnb

Off Grid House via Airbnb

4. Honeymoon
A great wedding budget includes the costs of items associated before, during and after the wedding. Skipping out on budgeting for the costs of bachelor/bachelorette parties or a honeymoon can make for a very sobering reality 2-3 months after your big day. Plan ahead! If you can, skip the long and pricey international flight and stay domestic instead. AirBnB has a TON of listings from country to city to satisfy every couples desires. 

SARAH + JON
Photography | Angela Sostarich

5. The Guest List + Invites
Perhaps the simplest way to cut back on costs is to invite less people. A smaller guests lists means less invites, less seats at a reception, less tables, less centerpieces, etc. If you're struggling to figure out who does and doesn't get an invite follow the unofficial golden rule: are they (active)  in your life currently and are they going to attend to celebrate the couple (as a whole)? Inviting your coworker who invited your to her holiday party four years ago might seem less attractive when you realize her seat costs approx. $60. 

Embrace the digital age! It's 2016, send e-invites to cut back on postage and stationary for save-the-dates and RSVPs. 

Hire a Wedding Planner!
Yes, yes, we realize this is technically a 6th tip but, one of the best ways to ensure you stay on track financially and get great deals on everything from alcohol to parking permits, is to hire a wedding planner. They are in the business year round and have loads of connections/contacts that will save you time and money. If you are really set on doing most of the planning yourself, consider a Day Of Coordinator. This person can consult with you during the planning process and help keep everything organized and running smoothly to ensure dodging any last minute hiccups, fines or fees. We offer lots of packages for every bride and groom. 

Photography | Savannah Pyron

Remember your wedding day is YOUR wedding day. It's all about deciding what will make you, your partner, and your guests happiest. Know your budget and be choosy about what is and isn't worth shelling out cash over. Consider sitting down and making a list of wedding must-haves versus wedding would-be-nice to haves.