It was all eyes on Gina Ginsburg and Grant Farmer lastspring, as the couple said I do under the watchful gaze of The Joule’s iconic 30-foot-tall “Eye” sculpture.
The newlyweds met in 2015 through a mutual friend. It was a “Sunday Funday” brunch at The Rustic, where Grant was working at the time, and sparks flew.
“After he saw me, he told his boss he was taking the rest of the day off ‘because that woman over there is waiting on me,’” recalls Gina. “I couldn’t get over what a nice guy he was, a real Southern gentleman. We had great conversation, laughs, and lots of chemistry.”
The very next day, Gina called it off with the man she’d been seeing. She’d found her Prince Charming.
"When I was going through my divorce, I ordered a pair of shoes: limited-edition, Swarovski crystal ‘Cinderella Glass Slippers’ from Jimmy Choo,” she says. “Although they were ridiculously expensive, I bought them as a divorce present for myself with the hope that one day my Prince Charming would come along, and I’d marry the man of my dreams. But only if the slipper fit.”
She set the shoes on a shelf in her closet and went about her life. Then came Grant.
After dating for three years, the couple designed an engagement ring together. Grant brought the ring home in March of 2018 but didn’t propose for another seven months.
“Many ‘opportunities’ passed,” says Gina. “I started getting anxious. I couldn’t understand why he kept waiting and waiting.”
Finally, on September 15, 2018, Gina was caughtby surprise when she walked onto the terrace of Al Biernat’s, expecting to meet a few girlfriends, and was greeted by Grant instead. As the couple’s favorite songs played over speakers, Grant dropped to one knee and presented Gina with the long-awaited ring.
“He wanted to catch me off guard,” says Gina. “It was totally worth the wait.”
For their wedding, the couple envisioned a celebration that was "intimate yet grand.” They wanted an outdoor ceremony and a brunch reception, paying homage to how they'd met. They worked with Dallas planner extraordinaire Steve Kemble.
“The allure of having everything all in one area, with the hotel attached, is what drew us to The Joule,” says Gina. “We wanted to have our dear friend, the famous and controversial photographer Tyler Shields, officiate the ceremony. What better way for an artist to marry us than on the 'Eyeball' lawn with its abundance of editorial photo opportunities?”
In keeping with the location, décor was a mix of organic elements and modern glam.
Inspired by Gina's background as an alumna of the Gemological Institute of America, Prashe Decor brought in gold and copper terrariums in gemstone-influenced shapes. Filled with succulents and votives, the terrariums made a striking statement alongside centerpieces in shades of ivory, pale pink, and sage.Lucite chairs, white linens, and marble-topped tables tied it all together.
“It was elegant, modern, and glamorous all at once,” says Gina.
Due to space restrictions, the couple was tasked with whittling their potential guest list of more than 400 down to 100. The result was an intimate ceremony with family and close friends.
Gina’s sons, William and Jonny, served as “Best Bridesman” and “Best Man,” respectively. They walked her down the aisle, and when prompted, enthusiastically gave their permission for Grant to marry her.
Following the ceremony, guests gathered on the Terrace at The Joule to nosh on brunch-food favorites like chicken and waffles, and sweet treats, including edible cookie dough flavors from Gina’s business, The Dough Dough. Jordan Kahn Orchestra kept the dance floor moving, while the new Mrs. Farmer and her Prince Charming soaked it all in.
On April 20, 2019, more than five years after she'd bought them, Gina'sJimmy Choo Cinderella Slippers finally saw the light of day.
“Grant slid them on my feet the day of the wedding,” she said. "When he did, he whispered in my ear, ‘I love you. I’m so happy I’m your Prince Charming.’ So am I.”
Wedding planner: Steve Kemble
Ceremony & reception venue:The Joule
Officiant: Tyler Shields
Bridal gown:Jovani
Bride's shoes: Jimmy Choo
Groom's attire: Suit Supply & Men's Wearhouse
Groom's shoes: Christian Louboutin
Flowers, decor, and rentals: Prashe Decor
Cake:Dallas Affaires Cake Company
Photography: Jennefer Wilson Photography
Band:Jordan Kahn Orchestra
Calligraphy:Molly Mask Lettering & Olivia Pujats
Stationery: Shine Wedding Invitations
Cookie dough: The Dough Dough
Hair and makeup:The Luxe Look
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To submit a wedding for consideration, email stephanie@culturemap.com. Weddings must have taken place around Dallas-Fort Worth since July 1, 2018.
The bride preps for the big day.
