When Hurricane Katrina slammed into New Orleans in 2005, it shattered Deryn Derbigny’s dreams.
At the time, the Crescent City native was a cheerleader for the New Orleans Saints, her favorite football team since childhood. But she, like so many others, was forced to relocate after losing her home. She moved to Dallas, and it wasn’t until months later that she could pick up the pieces and start anew.
“I was informed of the auditions for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders,” Deryn says. “This was my opportunity to find a sense of normalcy in my life again.”
Deryn made the squad and cheered for America’s Team for three years. But her fairytale was just beginning. During her last season, she was introduced by a mutual friend to Dr. Charles Toulson, an orthopedic surgeon based in McKinney. The two later reconnected and became serious.
“Charles chose to propose over a private candlelit beachfront dinner while we were on vacation in Jamaica,” Deryn says. “So beautiful!”
The couple chose Dallas celebrity wedding planner Donnie Brown, best known as a fan favorite on the hit Style Network show Whose Wedding is it Anyway?, to coordinate their nuptials. Their August 2017 fairytale ceremony and reception took place at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in downtown Dallas; they were married in the performance venue's sleek white foyer.
“Every detail, from start to finish, was exquisite and executed in such a way that truly surpassed my expectations,” says Deryn. “Donnie Brown and his team are dream makers.”
At the reception, guests dined at tables adorned with elegant linens in shimmering shades of white and silver. White floral and floating candles abound, and the 13-tier wedding cake was topped with a glittering letter "T."
Deryn honored her beloved New Orleans culture with a costumed second line band, a traditional part of Mardi Gras parades that involve a promenade behind a brass band. Revelers also danced to the tunes of Raj Smoove, a DJ from New Orleans. An In-N-Out Burger truck parked outside ensured the guests wouldn't leave hungry.
But it was Deryn and Charles’ first dance as husband and wife, which took place amid soft smoke that created a fluffy cloud at their feet, that Deryn considers the most memorable moment of the night.
“I had a vision of us dancing on a cloud,” she says. “It was a show-stopping moment and completely magical.”
Planner/Designer/Floral Design: Donnie Brown Weddings and Events
Venue: Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
Catering: Food Glorious Food
Linen/Tabletop: BBJ Linen
Lighting: Beyond
Lounge Furniture: AFR Event Furnishings
Photographer: The Mamones
Videographer: Cabana Pictures
Dance Floor: DFW Dance Floors
Drapery Rental: DFW Drape & Lighting
All the details, including the place settings, were executed with elegance.
Blood Cancer United executive director Leah Swanson, Spirit of Tom Landry Award recipient Vivian Haddad, Lara Haddad and emcee Clarice Tinsley.Photo by Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass
