We’ve mentioned the wedding that we drove all the way to Texas to attend a few times and promised more delectable details along the way. Well, the time has come to spill the wedding beans. We were instantly smitten with John’s cousin Casey’s wedding because it was full of personalized touches (many of which can be adapted for a party that you may be hosting at home) so without further ado, the goods. But first meet Casey and Kevin…
Aren’t they cute? They tied the knot at the lovely Third Church of Christ Scientist in Dallas surrounded by their friends and family.
And speaking of their friends, the bridesmaids were adorable in their rich aubergine J. Crew dresses (which were meant to be ordered in a deeper eggplant color but arrived a bit more vibrant than expected- we think it was a gorgeous accident!).
The other colors of the day were sunset hues: brilliant amber, wheaty gold and dusty scarlet. Delish. And even the boutonnieres had us at hello.
And speaking of gorgeous, never have I been more enamored with bridal hair. Check out Casey’s amazing loose almost-braided bun complete with a flirty feathered clip for asymmetry and playful texture (you know we’re crazy about soft and subtle texture!).
After the sweet church ceremony, there was a lovely gathering in the gorgeous entry hall full of charming monogrammed punch cups…
… an amazing square tiered cake accompanied by delicious chocolate and vanilla cupcakes (topped with orchids)…
… and more fresh orchids dangling gracefully from the chandeliers.
It was so nice for the bride and groom to make their way around the crowd and greet everyone while the guests enjoyed refreshments, cupcakes and even a slice of cake (after the bride and groom fed it to each other of course).
Then Casey and Kevin exited the church as a flurry of flower petals were flung in their general direction (and we all cheered as they sped off in a sports car).
But just because we had our cake (and ate it too) the celebration was far from over. We then headed over to Winfrey Point beside the scenic White Rock Lake to enjoy a fiesta of delicious Mexican fare and spirited dancing, singing, and even a conga line (that we started no less!). Here’s the gorgeous reception room dressed in brightly colored tablecloths with an almost tropical feeling (maybe that explains what possessed us to begin conga-ing?).
We loved the unique collection of mismatched bottles full of blooms at the center of every table. They were so inviting and memorable, and no two were the same!
All the guests obsessed over the amazing catered food (make-your-own fajitas with beef, chicken and veggies) along with mounds of mouthwatering guacamole, chips, and other Mexican delights.
Kevin even got to surprise his bride (and the rest of us) by hopping on stage with the live band and belting out a heartfelt (and very professional sounding) rendition of Pretty Woman. He had everyone in the room grinning like a fool.
There was also a wedding piñata that the bride and groom tore into while blindfolded (we were cheering & laughing too hard to get a decent shot of it, but trust us that it was another memorable and super fun wedding moment). And as the party raged on into the night, John and I even got a chance to slip outside and enjoy the view as the sun set over the glittering lake overlooking downtown Dallas.
Oh and we can’t forget the gelato. No, that would be crazy. Since cupcakes and cake were already served at the church, four delectable flavors of gelato were offered after dinner, and you could even request a sampling of more than one flavor crammed into your cup (you know I did).
In short, it was the perfect wedding for the perfect couple who rode off into the night after an evening packed with spirited celebrating. So what do you guys think? Wasn’t it a gorgeous day totally worth 40 hours of driving? What was your favorite part? I can’t decide between the monogrammed punch cups or the orchids hanging from those chandeliers. And the gelato. Seriously that knocked my socks off. Thanks so much to Casey and Kevin for letting us crash their amazing event so you guys could all virtually attend. Three cheers for love, marriage and fajitas!
I’d say this wedding was worth the trip – I love everything about it! Her gown (and hair!), the flowers, the monogramed glasses….But why the cake before the reception?
Hey East End,
We think that since some people only came to the church and other people only came to the reception it was a nice way for the church-only crowd to visit with the bride and groom and witness that part of the tradition. Plus it meant we got cupcakes, cake and gelato all in one day.
Best. Day. Ever.
xo,
s
My mother-in-law, the McMom, hosted a fiesta-themed rehearsal dinner for us the night before our wedding. At my request, we had a pinata that we broke into before dinner. We’d put candy and airplane bottles of liquor in there, and I think most of the bottles were broken into before the night was over. Margaritas and marriage – they go together so well. :)
Ah sweet! I love the idea of cake and punch at the church before going to the reception. Very old-fashioned and nice!
Looks like a fun filled day!
Wishing them many years of wedded bliss!
Thank you for showcasing that Mexican food is acceptable for weddings! I am all about some Mexican catering for my wedding (either rehersal or day of, I’m not so picky) but my mom cringes every time I mention it. Now I have this to show her!
Her hair is fantastic, and I love the boutonnieres! Lovely colors.
Very pretty! I loved all the orchids. And gelato, wow, that stuff is amazing. Thanks for sharing.
Her hair was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!! I loved all of the little details with the orchids and the monogrammed cups! Looks like you guys had a great time!
Cheers to Casey and Kevin!
I just LOVE the multi-colored linens. What a fun and simple way to add color and so much more interesting than linens of just one or two colors!
What a sweet wedding! It looks like fun. I’m totally convincing my cousin to have a piñata at her wedding– what a great idea!
mmmmmm … those cupcakes look delish….
Okay YHLers, I check your site everyday (actually several times a day) and although I’ve never commented here or anywhere for that matter I just had to put my two pesos in today. I’m from Texas, Dallas to be exact (currently living in New England) and I love that you all recapped your travels and the wedding, I loved everything about it especially the Mexican fare at the reception. Who doesn’t love Mexican, keep up the good work. Okay now I’m home sick. To bad it wasn’t State Fair time, umm I can smell the corn dogs now.
Keep up the good work, we love you out here!!
Also, can you give up the details on the monogrammed plastic cups!
Hey PJ,
All we know about those monogrammed cups is that the mother of the groom hunted them down! Aren’t they great? Maybe the bride will drop in here with more details after they return from their Hawaiian honeymoon. Or you could google “monogrammed cups” since I’m pretty sure she ordered them online. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
What a beautiful and fun wedding! The BM dresses are actually the same ones we used for our wedding (our dresses were in vintage blue – http://www.corsentinoblog.com/index.cfm?postID=236). I absolutely adore the bride’s hair and reception serenade by the groom. Congrats to the bride and groom and thanks for sharing their lovely day with us!
Crazy! My fiance and I took our engagement pictures outside of that church just a few weeks ago (not sure if we trespassed, but the doors & arches were too pretty to pass up) AND my bridesmaids are wearing that same J. Crew dress in black for our November wedding.
Evidently Casey & I were separated at birth. :)
Her hair IS awesome! Great pictures!
You gotta love a party that serves dessert before and after the main meal. Beautiful wedding and thanks for the pics.
I also enjoyed your car ride. Was glad that I was able to get the 15 min version vs 40 hours. ha ha ha. Keep up the great work, I look forward to your posts and videos (it’s a wonderful new addition to your blog) each morning.
My favorite picture is Casey standing listening to Kevin – beautiful! The wedding was georgous, of course. Thanks for sharing!!
The colors are really great, I love how fun and bright the tables look without seeming too informal. The monogrammed glasses are such a good idea!
I also loved that they did a cake/ punch reception immediately after the wedding. That church was beautiful!
I’ve been to Winfrey point many times and it’s never look this good. Sounds like you practically in my backyard!
I’m in love with those centerpieces at the reception!! I’m totally going to have to borrow that idea in the future. And yay for all the Dallas love!
We also did cake and punch at the church directly after the ceremony, and then a more casual reception later.
It worked out extremely well for us, since quite a few of the people that attended the ceremony were elderly and had a difficult time getting around–we knew it wouldn’t be easy for them to trek out to the lake where we were having our reception, but wanted a chance to greet them and thank them for coming after the ceremony.
What a great reception–it just goes to show that you don’t have to dish out $50-100 per person, or have a formal sit-down dinner, to have a beautiful and stylish reception.
I liked the post, nice wedding. Although it looked EXPENSIVE. I still very much appreciate your wedding, very stylish and creative and still within reason.
I covet her dress. Do you know who makes it?
Cheers,
Ash
OMG what a gorgeous wedding and reception. I loved it all. Thanks so much for sharing pics of their beautiful day. Congrats to them.
Her hair was beautiful! Also, the Mexican food has my mouth watering. I know what’s for dinner tonight. :)
I love the fact that it was so down-to-earth and charming. I’m so tired of the over-the-top weddings and people spending tens of thousands of dollars for a single day celebration. Mind you, I’m sure this still wasn’t cheap, but seems much more realistic and affordable.
I love love love the way the tables at the reception were dressed. Fabulous amounts of colour without being too garish. And her hair! Wow!
Can I get married all over again now please? Same man of course!
Hey everyone,
So glad you’re enjoying Kevin and Casey’s fabulous wedding! As for where she got her dress, we’re not sure but we’re hoping she’ll drop by once she’s back from her Hawaiian honeymoon to fill us in…
xo,
s
Ok, the hair looks great. I just found the hairstyle I want for my big wedding party!
And I wish them a very happy life together!
Well, to be honest – I’m totally in love with her dress and hair! Is there any way to find out where she got it? It’s completely gorgeous!!
Oh they look so cute together! and her hair is gorgeous!!! I love how they used all of these fun colors, not like in any traditional wedding where they stick to the pastel colors.
My sister looked at Winfrey Point for her wedding reception. It looks great.
What a beautiful wedding! I loved the personal and creative touches! It was definitely worth the road trip! Thank you for sharing the pictures!
Question about their monogram, and monograms in general, Sherry. I have been told that a ‘married monogram’ is still the brides first name, then married last name, then her maiden name. So Sue Jones Smith would be SJS (Jones being her new married name) Anyways, I personally love the newer idea of doing the brides first name, then last name, then the grooms first name initial…
Anyways, what IS proper??? I’m feeling bad bc I just got a bride a silver platter engraved with the first more formal way per the lady at the counter of a very traditional jewelery engraving store…but it appears that is an old fashioned way to do things??
Hey Grace,
We say proper schmopper! Do what you love and what makes sense to you. We personally think it feels more wedding-y to include the groom in the monogram, so maybe that’s the new way to go since it’s an entire day about them coming together as one! Hope it helps.
xo,
s
I love that they did the cake at the church! It not only saves the need for a full on cocktail hour, but since so many people end up leaving before the cake is cut, everyone has the chance to enjoy! Looooove the gelato at the end. During my semester abroad, when we spent 10 days in Italy, I literally ate gelato 3-4 times daily. No joke. Lovely wedding.
Wow…she looked so stunning. What a cute bride. Very pretty wedding.
Oh, that was just gorgeous….love the way they did things!!! Perfect day, I am sure.
suzanne
Her hair was my favorite. What a gorgeous bride!
Congratulations to the happy couple!
My favorite part is the centerpieces. And the colors…and her hair. :)
I live in Dallas and love White Rock Lake and Winfrey Point. I almost hosted my wedding reception there also! Looks like a wonderful wedding…next time stop by so you can give me some decorating tips!
I have to chime in with the Dallas-love. I lived there for 18 months and your weekend hit on three of my favorite things!
-Oak Lawn (where the church is — I attended one nearby and always gushed over how beautiful the Christ Scientist church is.)
-White Rock Lake — I lived in an apartment nearby and walked the lakes nearly everyday. I once went to a crawfish boil at Winfrey Point. Amazing to see how well it cleaned up (crawfish boils are about as casual/messy as you can get).
-Paciugo — Best gelato ever outside of Italy!
Having Mexican food at a reception is sheer genius! Makes me want to get married again (to my hubby of course!) just for unlimited chips and salsa for my guests!
Love the multiple colors for the reception and the mismatched bottles as vases. What an ingenious idea! The feather in her hair was beautiful, too. According to Emily Post, the monogram order for a married couple should be: wife’s first name, married last name, husband’s first name. I struggled with the one doing weddings, also.
Thanks for posting her wedding. I love her wedding! Her make-up is very pretty and natural! I am a bride to be and I was wondering when she gets back if you can find out which make-up she used and if she had to done or did it herself. I am going for a natural make-up look for my wedding since I don’t wear make-up everyday. Thanks :)
Now THAT is wedding reception fare I could get into!
I’m not a spring chicken, and it’s wonderful to see the traditions around wedding ceremonies become more relaxed, personal and joyful.
LOVE the shamelessly voyeuristic aspect of wedding and house crashing!
I’m sure your “targets” enjoy it too, as we relish (and borrow…) their wonderful ideas and creativity!
The wedding looked great. I wanted to use Winfrey point so bad, but it was booked for the Saturday I wanted and I was not about to have a Halloween wedding. Instead, we had a Dia de los Muertos wedding. No large pinata at our wedding, but instead mini-pinatas for the guests to take home.
I have lived in Dallas for a total of 7 years and just LOVE it as well! I hope yall had a nice visit here! Sounds like you got to see a few great Dallas spots. For 3 years, I lived in an apartment complex that is no more than 3 mins from that particular church. And now, as a homeowner, I live less than 10 mins from White Rock Lake. And YES, Paciugo is the best ice cream/gelato I’ve ever had!
Hi guys! Yeah I thought about Winfrey Point, but we are going across the lake to Filter Building (old electrical red brick building) for our reception. Your friend had it all decorated nicely and festive for her after-party :)
I miss Paciugo gelato!!! (when i used to live in Dallas)
I still can’t get over the gorgeous hairdo. Wowza.
Also, I love that they weren’t afraid to use color. Our wedding was color overload, and I think that’s okay :)