Real Weddings

Photographer bride and groom bring vision of barn wedding outside Dallas into focus

Wedding photographer Anna Smith had photographed more than 300 weddings when the time came to plan her own November 16, 2017 nuptials to Michael Pham.

Having witnessed so many weddings up close, she had a clear idea of what she wanted for her big day.

First and foremost: a bold, bright color palette and an air-tight timeline.

Smith had seen firsthand how things can go amiss without proper planning, so she called in event planner Elisabeth Landry of Silver Linings Events + Co. as a reinforcement.

With Landry’s help, Smith and Pham brought their vision of a classy-but-bright and modern-yet-timeless event to life.

They chose The White Sparrow, a dreamy white barn in Quinlan, just east of Dallas, for the backdrop.

Bold bouquets featuring pops of red, pink, and navy colored the space. Everly Alaine Florals combined garden roses, peonies, and dahlia for bouquets and floral arrangements, and adorned the venue’s staircase with foraged greenery and berries.

Following a quaint outdoor ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests moved indoors for the reception, where classic Coca Cola bottles played into the color palette — just one of the many special touches the couple incorporated throughout. Their gold-foiled and floral-printed cake, which was created by Sugar Bee Sweets, was a piece of art all its own.

Stunning as the decor was, the bride says her favorite part of the big day was the quiet moment she shared with her husband-to-be just before the ceremony.

For their first look, Smith and Pham opted to share a private moment, quietly exchanging vows.

Pro tip, says Smith: A first look allows couples to build more time into their day for portraits.

One other bit of advice: Assemble your team wisely. From their florist to their baker and videographer, Smith and Pham agree that each vendor was instrumental in making their wedding day dreams a reality.

Venue: The White Sparrow

Photographer: Allen Tsai Photography

Videographer: Peyton Anne Frank

Flowers: Everly Alaine Florals

Makeup: Natalia Issa

Cake: Sugar Bee Sweets Bakery

DJ: Le Force

Planner and stylist: Silver Linings Events & Co.

Stationery: Bunny and Bear Paper

Minister: Love Notes Weddings

Jewels: Patsy's Bridal

Floral design was created by Everly Alaine Florals.

Photo by Allen Tsai Photography

Floral design was created by Everly Alaine Florals.

weddings

Art for Advocacy

Art-filled Dallas gala gathers $1.2 million for local children

undefined

Laura Black, Alex Black, Lauren Conway, Taylor Conway, Christy Ewert, Travis Ewert

WHAT: Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center’s 19th annual Art for Advocacy

WHERE: 8000 Ambassador Row

THE 411: More than 500 guests gathered Saturday, September 12 for an evening of art and philanthropy at Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center’s 2026 Art for Advocacy.

Now in its 19th year, the gala celebrates the healing power of art while raising funds for DCAC’s services and programs for children and families affected by abuse in Dallas County.

The evening was hosted by Stephanie and John Roberts and chaired by Laura McCallan, Steve Noviello, and Ashley Nowak, with William Bardin and Alec DeJesus serving as curatorial chairs.

One of the night's highlights came during the Mission Moment, when Sebastian Scales shared his story. Presenting sponsor LABORA followed with the first gift of the paddle raise, pledging $50,000.

In the live auction, Ken Womack’s Neon Texas Toast claimed the evening’s top purchase at $20,000.

In total, nearly $1.2 million was raised to support DCAC’s work providing hope and healing to Dallas' most vulnerable children and families.

WHO: Laura Black, Alex Black, Lauren Conway, Taylor Conway, Christy Ewert, Travis Ewert, Wortley, Marjon Henderson, Gibbs Henderson, Emma Vernon, Cathryn McClellan, Abby Evans, Drew Evans, Alec DeJesus, Shana DeJesus, Carmen Menza, Mark Menza, Ash Shetty, Paulina Shetty, Carlos Cruz, Laura Cruz, Tara Laney, Erik Laney, Hunter Hill, Catherine Hill, Jessica Vollrath, Michael Vollrath, Joey Brock, Amani Sodiq, Gaurii S Kumaar, Marcella Generalovich, Abigail Rust, Odilia Iaccarino, Roshni Matthew, Phil Flaherty, Blar Fiedler, Laura Fiedler, and many more patrons and guests.

$Dallas Children\u2019s Advocacy Center 2026 Art for Advocacy$

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Laura Black, Alex Black, Lauren Conway, Taylor Conway, Christy Ewert, Travis Ewert

advocacy art charity fundraisers nonprofits galas