The Carmichael story is one of love, burgers, and a mutual love of burgers. Jessica and Trip Carmichael met through a shared friend at Twisted Root Burger Co. in Deep Ellum. Trip was the first person Jessica saw when she entered the bar, and being the social butterfly that she is, she immediately introduced herself.
Sparks flew, and when Jessica learned that Trip played bass guitar, she saw her opening. She "ruthlessly pestered him" for lessons. Eventually, he relented, giving her his phone number. "You'll probably never call me," he said.
But she called the next day, and the future Mr. and Mrs. couldn't put down the phone. They had their first date a day later and haven't been apart since.
She's still waiting for those bass lessons, but Jessica ultimately got something better. After two years of dating, Trip proposed with a stunning pink morganite ring at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. A photographer was there to capture the moment, and friends were waiting at a nearby bar to celebrate the good news.
They wed on October 29, 2016 at Hickory Street Annex. It was the fall wedding of Jessica's dreams — and every facet featured personal touches unique to the bride and groom.
"My vision was to give a feeling," Jessica says. "I wanted the day to feel very romantic. I wanted the colors, the flowers, and the lighting to give everyone warm fuzzies."
Drawing inspiration from Jessica's engagement ring, the color palette featured blush complemented by gold and navy. Floral played an important role in the decor scheme, with bunches of baby's breath featured heavily throughout the space.
Self-proclaimed "foodies," the couple opted for comfort food classics. Guests raved about the mac-and-cheese and avocado bars. They went equally crazy for the cakes. Eschewing tradition, Jessica opted for a cinnamon roll cake. The groom's cake depicted a bass guitar — for obvious reasons.
"The thing I loved most about the day was the excitement," Jessica says. "I wasn't nervous — just very anxious to see Trip and get our lives started as husband and wife. And, to party."
And did they ever party. With the exception of a brief set courtesy of the groom and his band, guests were busy on the dance floor all night long. As every guest will attest, it was every bit the party the couple dreamed of.
Venue: Hickory Street Annex
Floral: The Workshop at Hickory
Photography: Gracie Jane Photography
Cakes: Haute Sweets Patisserie
Food: Gil's Elegant Catering
Bridal Dress: Providence Place Bridal
DJ: Pun the DJ
Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse
Bridesmaid Dresses: David's Bridal
Guests bid farewell to the Mr. and Mrs. with glow sticks.
CASAblanca is the annual YP casino party benefiting Dallas CASA. Photo by Ray Carlin 
Priya Parker is the author of "The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters."Photo by Fernando Palafox
Day at the Races brings Derby style to Dallas. Photo by Clark Cabus