TOP 5 | ENGAGEMENT RINGS

Uh...hello, it's 2016 so that means it's totally normal for couples to go ring shopping together. I mean, it's YOUR finger and you'll be the one wearing it for life, right? But we also understand how romantic it is to be completely surprised with your fiancee's choice. Either way, ring shopping can be stressful and overwhelming for both of you with all the different options. Gold vs. Silver? Diamond vs. Gem? Simple vs. Glamorous? We're making it easy and listing the top 5 engagement rings out there! 

Photo | George Street Photo

1. Classic
You can't ever go wrong with the simplicity of a clossic solitaire enegagment ring. This stunning luminous ring is from our very own bride, Jamie from Jamie + Blake!

Photo | Nikki Closser Photo

2. Rose Gold
Stand aside rose gold iPhones, make way for this increasingly popular and lovely pink hue that will surely make your ring stand out among the crowd.

Photo | Sweetlife Photography

3. Opal
Are you on the hunt for an engagement ring with something other than a diamond? More and more couples are option out of diamond engagement rings and choosing opal instead. Not only is this precious gem a romantic and timeless beauty, it's also mesmerizing to look at. 

Ring | Studio 1040

4. Something Blue
While exploring your options outside of diamonds, one could easily fall head over heels in love with a Sapphire engagement ring. 

Ring | Shapiro Diamonds
Photo | Nicole Escamilla for The Dallas Dance Project

5. Halo
A halo engagement ring can change the look of the ring completely! A single halo can give you a simple yet romantic look or if you prefer, the double halo takes the ring to all new levels of dazzling.

So now that we've cut the overwhelming number of options down for you and provided you with a little inspiration, it's time to drop a hint! Screenshot your favorite photos from above and 'subtly' send it to your significant other. 

Share pictures of your perfect engagement ring with us using #CelebrateDallas!

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?