Jessica and Blake’s love story is what romantic comedy classics are made of complete with a long friendship turned beautiful romance when a waitress helped them both see what Blake had known all along — it was love! The Milestone – Aubrey Mansion was the perfect backdrop for their Southern chic wedding. From start to finish the day was overflowing with stunning blooms by Luxe Petals from the elegant altar to the show-stopping cake from Sugar Bee Sweets Bakery. One of our favorite touches were the sparkling pink linens from AM Linen Rentals — so dreamy! Keep scrolling to see what sweet moment the couple shared before their exit — you won’t want to miss it!

Photos // Kate Panza Photography

From the bride: “Blake and I met in 2013 when he started working for my company. We became fast friends. In fact, we became so close that our other colleagues used to joke about how we’d end up getting married one day. We remained friends for years until the summer of 2016. Blake and I went out on a Sunday to grab a couple drinks. As we sat and talked, out waitress engaged us in conversation. She asked us how long we had been a couple. This was a typical thought process for a lot of strangers who saw us together. I responded with my typical, ‘No, we’re just friends’ and to our surprise the waitress responded with, ‘well, why aren’t you a couple?’ I tried to think of a response but before any words left my mouth Blake looked at me, then back at the waitress and said,’You’ll have to ask her. I’ve been trying to date her for years.’ Needless to say, the comment took me completely by surprise, and just when I thought I couldn’t be more caught off guard, he leaned over and kissed me! We’ve been together ever since, and the waitress has become one of our very good friends and danced beside us at our wedding!”

We love the idea of a creatively curated gift for out-of-town wedding guests or a special something for your wedding party, so we’ve asked Elisabeth Landry of The Welcome Box to share her insights and expertise on the subject. She loves helping couples put together a meaningful gift that reflects their personality and delights their guests at the same time.

Find out how to make a one-of-a-kind impression or show your appreciation with some of Elisabeth’s helpful tips below.

Photo // Rachel Elaine Photography

What all is included in your boxes?

Each box is customized and curated for each client. No two gifts are alike!

How customizable are your boxes?

Depending on your budget and specific needs, each gift is completely customized. We send you a questionnaire and also have a chat on the phone to try to understand all of your needs and goals for your gifts.

Who are your favorite boxes to curate for?

We love to curate gifts for our clients with a lot of personality! We want your gift to reflect you! We recently did a box for a couple and the groom always makes Moscow mules for his friends at home. We created a custom Moscow Mule kit for their gift!

Why would you suggest greeting guests with a welcome gift?

If you cannot be there in person to greet every single guest as they arrive, send a gift on your behalf to welcome them and thank them for traveling to your wedding. Nothing says thank you better than a gift from The Welcome Box!

Who all involved in the wedding should you plan to get thank you gifts for?

We typically have orders for all out of town guests staying in or outside of your room blocks. We hand-deliver to your hotel and also to your home so you can distribute gifts to those who are not staying at your designated hotel. You should also give a thank you gift to your entire wedding party and parents!

Any advice on selecting wedding gifts?

Let us curate them for you! We are the pros and can give you great suggestions and ideas to show off your personality and event aesthetics to your guests as soon as they arrive!

A special thanks to Elisabeth Landry of The Welcome Box for sharing her great tips and advice with us! Looking to create your own one-of-a-kind welcome box for your wedding? You can contact The Welcome Box directly through their Brides of North Texas vendor profile page here.

Ciao! Let this editorial from Corinne Sullivan at Weddings by StarDust transport you to Italy for that Amalfi Coast magic. Amongst the terra cotta hue of Rosewood Mansion, each detail of this balmy shoot came to life.  The warm blooms from R. Love Floral, filled with peonies and roses, complemented the bits of blue scattered throughout the decor. A tiered cake from XO Cakery used a bold coral layer to tie the scene together.  Posh Couture Rentals and Gold Dust Event Co. collaborated to create a table and bar scape that really took us to a seaside-dining event. The lovely invitation suite from Hazelwood Paper Co. featured a watercolor scene of a classic Italian countryside, pulling in that old-world rusticity. To top it off, Grand Slam Glam created effortless curls and wedding makeup to be paired with a stunning, intricately beaded gown from StarDust Celebrations. Thankfully, Catie Ann Photography was there to capture this beautiful day! Enjoy!

Photos // Catie Ann Photography

From the planner, Corinne Sullivan at Weddings by StarDust: “My inspiration was the cobblestone streets of Italy and the contrasting bright colors of the Amalfi Coast against the rocky beaches. My vision was to capture the warmth of a neighborhood village and the beauty of an Italian garden. I wanted to showcase the pops of pink and orange and how those colors can still create a romantic and glamorous feel. I love a blue and white color scheme and the vibrant colors really elevated the look.”

Madeline and Aaron’s whimsical winter wedding at The Nest at Ruth Farms is filled with rosy shades that add the perfect touch of warmth to their celebration! This creative bride had her day filled with personal touches that give us all the feels. One of our favorite elements is how she paired family heirlooms with her modern look. To accompany her lace fit-and-flare gown from Bridal Boutique, Madeline wore her mother’s veil and her grandmother’s fur wrap. Keep scrolling to see those and more lovely details!

Photo // Brittany Clark Photography

From the bride, Madeline: “My favorite wedding day memory was getting to breath in-between the ceremony and the reception by being able to see the room in secret with Aaron. Getting to roam the completed room with Aaron, I felt like I really got to take in the small details of our wedding day!”

Every moment of Christen and Drew Homer’s Dallas Arts District wedding at the Nasher Sculpture Center is picture perfect! Not only is it home to one of the finest collections of modern sculpture, it features stunning outdoor settings. This wedding is the ideal blend of modern art and classic style. With her lace sheath gown, beauty from Tease to Please, and bouquet from Dr. Delphinium Designs and Events, Christen is a romantic vision. Not to mention, our favorite must-have idea is the Groomsman Concoction Bar where each groomsman had a custom treat guests could enjoy! From the delicious nibbles by Wolfgang Puck Catering to the ultra-stylish exit by Blue Diamond Limousines, we’re here for this special day with fun-filled details from Events by Kristin!

Photos // Laning Photography

A Stylish Soiree’s Whimsical First Look editorial radiates the authenticity of such a special moment in every detail. Taking a moment to meet before the ceremony, calm the nerves and get hyped for the big moment can be such a relief for you and your partner! And this fab vendor team styled a scene to show just how lovely your portraits can be in that moment. Peachy, summer floral arrangements were the perfect addition to The Wildflower Wedding & Special Event Venue‘s space, creating a beautiful contrast between nature and bold color. The invitation suite from Ladybird Paper Co. featured watercolor flowers and sage green accents that paired perfectly with the woodsy cake from Butterfly Cakery. The True Gem’s heirloom style ring was unique and delicate, matching the effortlessly feminine bridal beauty look by JM Glamour. Wearing a sweet, ultra-romantic, off-the-shoulder gown from LeAnn’s Bridal, the bride was in her element. Sami Kathryn Photography captured the intimate moment along with all the gorgeous details. Scroll to see the live-action scene captured by Lorena Burns Photography and Films. It’s an absolute must-see!

Photos // Sami Kathryn Photography

Video // Lorena Burns Photography and Films

From the planner, Kerrie Smith of A Stylish Soiree: “It’s such a great idea to do a first look, but many couples aren’t familiar with this new tradition. It creates a great opportunity to do some really romantic and fun pictures without being rushed after the ceremony!”

Every bride dreams of timeless photos from her wedding day that she will look back on and cherish forever. Jen Symes from Jen Symes Photography knows this, and specializes in snapping these special moments effortlessly! Read on to hear about how she does it, her signature style and her best advice. Let the small, big and unforgettable moments be photographed by a true professional!

Photo // Jen Symes Photography

Describe your photography style

My photography style is romantic and thoughtful with a fine art, timeless aesthetic.

Tell us what you love most about being a photographer.

I am happiest when creating artistic, light-filled portraits and capturing delicious moments of love stories. 

What does a general wedding day photo timeline look like?

I create a custom photography timeline for each of my couples that is specific to their day. Usually arriving early morning to capture the bride getting ready and her details followed by a steady flow of groom, wedding party, first look possibly, ceremony, family formals, the reception and sendoff! 

What tips do you have for hyping up a groom (or bride) who struggles in front of the camera?

I strive to keep my grooms happy! If it means letting him have some fun in front of the camera with his groomsmen, reminding him of his beautiful bride or even just bribing him is not out of the question!

My best advice for the groom on a wedding day, especially if there is a first look, is to let go of all the nerves and just allow himself to be in the moment… and if he sheds a tear it is always brownie points! I have heard time and again from my couples that I am able to help them to feel very comfortable in front of the camera, and it makes all the difference in their wedding gallery.

As a wedding photographer, I always suggest my couples scheduling an engagement session with me. This time together is invaluable in preparation for the wedding day. I am able to teach basic posing, uncover unique aspects of their relationship and get through all the awkwardness that everyone feels when they have a camera pointed at them. During the wedding day, I have a point of reference to remind the groom of to help him truly experience the day and not allow the camera to make him nervous!

Do you lean toward bright and airy or dark and moody photography?

I lean toward bright and airy with a punch of warmth in my photography. 

A special thanks to Jen Symes of Jen Symes Photography for sharing her expert insights today! To get more information on how Jen can capture all the special moments of your wedding day, you can contact her directly through her Brides of North Texas vendor page here.

There’s no better way to delight your wedding guests than with a creative culinary experience! From custom ice cubes to pasta-making stations, Lauren Eek with Wolfgang Puck Catering in Dallas has the insights to all the latest trends as well as the tried-and-true classic must-haves at your wedding.

Enjoy all the mouth-watering inspiration from the talented team at Wolfgang Puck Catering!

Photo // Allen Tsai Photography

What type(s) of cuisine do you serve at weddings?

We always start off our initial menu consultation with the bride and groom asking several questions to get an understanding of them as a couple and what type of cuisine is best for them on their special day. We ask where they went on their first date? What type of cuisine they would typically cook at home? Where is their favorite restaurant? From that initial conversation we begin to build a menu based on the couples likes and dislikes.

Which style is best to serve at a wedding: plated, buffet, stations or passed apps?

Food stations have become more of the norm for a Wolfgang Puck Catering wedding as couples are moving away from the traditional and more formal seated dinner. We also love to do tray passed small plates or composed small plate stations to offer additional variety for our couples and their guests. The style of the stations also allows guests with dietary needs or allergies to  have the ability to build their own plate to accommodate their needs.

What new trends are you seeing in wedding catering?

More courses with smaller portions. A style that lends to a more extended cocktail hour feel. You still see that healthy options and serving a variety of fresh local produce is a priority for most couples. Couples are also wanting food to become more of the experience. We have seen oyster stations with the Chef shucking the oysters, pasta stations where we are using the pasta extruder on the station to make handmade noodles and a sushi station with Chef rolling the sushi in front of the guests, etc.

What’s one food or drink must-have that every couple should include at their wedding?

Champagne! It is a night to celebrate and no better option to celebrate than a glass of sparkling!

Tips for creating a one-of-a-kind wedding menu?

Listen to your couple and build the menu based on their likes and dislikes and you will never go wrong! The day is about the couple so why not make the food and beverage story about them as well.

What has been an all-time favorite dish you’ve served at a DFW wedding?

My favorite dish that I have ever served at a wedding was an appetizer. Chef created a savory version of a macaron. It was an Aged Vermont Cheddar Macaron with Pimento Cheese and Preserved Tomato. It was delicious, creative and can be made into whatever color the bride and groom would like to match their theme!

Any cocktail you’re dying for a couple to serve as their signature cocktail?

No, we are really fortunate to see so many creative things! We get to work with so many fantastic people daily who trust us and are most of the time open to creating something fun and innovative. I love custom ice cubes right now and champagne cocktails.

A special thanks to Lauren Eek with Wolfgang Puck Catering for sharing their wonderful tips! To learn more about getting their creative culinary treats at your wedding, contact them directly through their Brides of North Texas vendor page here.

Would film or digital photography be better? What should you bring to your bridal photoshoot? What is the one thing that will help your wedding day run more smoothly? You’ve got questions and today, we’re bringing you answers from Brittany of Brittany Clark Photography who will be sharing her insights on these and other topics. With extensive experience in wedding, engagement, bridal photography and more, she helps her clients successfully navigate this process with beautifully documented memories at the end.

Don’t miss her tips on her favorite locations in DFW for photoshoots!

Photo // Brittany Clark Photography

Describe your photography style.

I create imagery using medium format film which creates beautiful and timeless photographs. Digital imagery is still beautiful, but it simply cannot recreate the luminosity, rich color tones and softness of a film photograph. Besides the quality of the images themselves, I also love shooting with film because it allows me to slow down and truly connect with my clients. Instead of rapidly shooting on a digital camera, each image is carefully crafted and photographed with intention which means a slower-paced and all around more beautiful experience for my clients. 

Tell us what you love most about being a photographer.

As a wedding photographer, I have the honor of being apart of my clients’ biggest moments and making sure they are documented with gorgeous imagery. I love that photos have the power to take us back in time and remind us of our very best moments. I feel so much joy when I look at my own wedding photos, so I love that I have the opportunity to provide my clients with that same nostalgic joy.

What services can a bride expect from you?

I primarily shoot weddings, but I also capture engagements, bridals and portraits. From the engagement to the wedding day, I am in constant communication with my brides, and by the end of the experience, a friendship has developed. Most of my wedding clients continue to hire me for maternity, newborn and family sessions. It means so much to me to be more than a vendor to my brides!

Where are your favorite places to shoot?

I have so many favorite places to shoot in the DFW area! For those who love florals, greenery and romantic garden vibes, The Dallas Arboretum is the perfect location! For the ones who prefer an outdoor location that is quiet and intimate, I’d recommend a local lake such as White Rock Lake or Grapevine Lake. For those who feel extra creative, several local venues are available to rent by the hour and make the perfect backdrop for portraits!

Any advice on keeping the wedding day running smoothly and on schedule?

I cannot stress this enough to my clients… INVEST IN A WEDDING COORDINATOR! You will not regret it. Wedding coordinators should create a wedding timeline for you and enforce it on your wedding day. This is so important when it comes to wedding photography! Another tip I suggest to my brides is to bring all her details with her to her bridal session. This would include the invitation suite, all the rings, jewelry, shoes, veil, bouquet, etc. Doing these shots at the bridal session instead of the wedding allows me to be creative and not worry about time!

A special thanks to Brittany for sharing her helpful advice with us today! To get in touch with Brittany Clark Photography, you can reach her directly at her Brides of North Texas profile here.

Whether it’s losing weight, getting fit, or getting healthier in general, every bride has nutritional goals for her big day. For that reason, we’ve enlisted the help of registered dietitian Kayley George from Bells and Barbells. She creates customized and highly personalized nutritional plans to help brides reach their fitness goals.

Keep reading to get insights on how you can reach your goals before your big day—and find out her number one nutritional tip!

Photo //

What does a bride or groom get when booking your nutritional services?

Our customized nutrition packages come with everything you need to be successful in your #weddingdiet. Bundled in either a 6 or 12-week package, you’ll receive 1:1 weekly texting accountability, customized meal plans, an educational nutrition platform, and unlimited access to myself as your dietitian. Once you’re on board with me, I’ll coordinate with your personal trainer at B&B to make sure you receive a collaborative nutrition and fitness plan.

Walk us through what a nutritional consultation looks like.

My philosophy with nutrition is to build sustainable habits, not follow a temporary diet. In a typical coaching session, we look at your goals, your typical diet, your current habits, and find areas to make changes. For example, if you’re drinking three sodas a day, let’s try to drop that down to one, then let’s switch to water, and then let’s drink double that amount of water. It’s all about baby steps! My goal is to come up with practical strategies to make living realistic for you as a busy bride or groom. Once you’ve mastered the foundational habits, then we get to experiment with higher-level nutrition strategies manipulating macronutrients, intermitting fasting, carb cycling, and so on!

What is your number one tip when providing a nutrition plan?

Pair your carbs! I repeat this like a broken record. Instead of running away from carbs, instead choose whole food sources of carbs (fruit, starchy veggies, whole grains, legumes, etc.) and pair with a fat or protein to balance your blood sugar and energy levels. Protein and fat encourage satiety, whereas carbs are quick energy sources that leave you hungry soon after. Some popular combinations include apples with peanut butter, cottage cheese and berries, and crackers and hummus.

Which is more important, diet or exercise?

I am biased, but I am definitely team DIET! I always say abs are made in the kitchen. You can’t out-exercise a bad diet, no matter how hard you may try (and believe me, many do).

What tips do you have to keep brides and grooms on their diet?

Accountability is key. If you aren’t working with a professional like myself, find someone else in your circle who can support you on this journey. You need accountability in the good times and the bad. We make so many food choices every day, it’s inevitable that you will slip. But rather than throw in the towel, an accountability partner will help you pick right back up where you left off.

What are some of your go-to meal suggestions?

I’m a big fan of 3-ingredient meals. With how busy our brides and grooms are, this simple strategy can make meal prepping mindless. A 3-ingredient meal needs 3 components: protein, carb, and veggie. To portion out, each ingredient should fill 1/3 of your meal prep container or 10plate. Some easy combinations are chicken/sweet potato/spinach, salmon/ sprouts/chickpeas, and shrimp/tomato/brown rice.

A special thank you to Kayley George of Bells and Barbells for sharing her nutritional insights! To get her expert help for all your pre-wedding health and fitness goals, contact her directly via her Brides of North Texas vendor page.