Real Wedding
Dallas couple chooses timeless over trendy for a sophisticated summer wedding
When it came to decor for their summer wedding, Joey and Lindsay McGovern had a few rules, namely no burlap. Their vision was for a celebration that was “elegant and timeless,” not trendy.
“I wasn’t into the rustic trend I’ve seen everywhere,” says Lindsay McGovern. “I didn’t want a piece of burlap in sight.”
On July 21, nearly a year to the day after they got engaged at Nasher Sculpture Center, the couple said “I do” at The Bowden's Holly Chapel in Keller.
The bride wore white, the bridesmaids wore blush — there wasn’t an inch of burlap in sight — and sentimental details were in large supply.
“My engagement ring was my ‘something blue,’” says McGovern. “Joey picked it out with his mom, who had passed away earlier that year, and it has a small sapphire. My ‘something old’ was a bracelet charm from my grandmother’s wedding.”
In one of the day’s most touching moments, the bride’s Ohio-based grandfather started the ceremony by praying over the couple.
“He was fighting cancer and very frail,” she says. “He worked to get well enough to fly down and make it to our wedding.”
After the ceremony and a cocktail hour, where “Anita Ritas” were served in honor of the groom’s late mother, guests gathered in the Bowden center's sprawling ballroom for a seated dinner and wedding standards, such as the bouquet toss and a “longest couple” dance.
The planners behind Two Girls in Pearls Events nailed the couple’s vision of timeless elegance, decorating the space with candles, mercury glass, an all-white candy bar and arrangements featuring white and ivory flowers.
“I loved celebrating our new marriage with friends and family,” says McGovern. “It was nothing but love and smiles in a beautiful place.”
As the night progressed and the dance floor got busier (along with the open bar), foam glow sticks were handed out to keep the energy going. When the time came to call it a night, the bride and groom enjoyed a private “sweetheart dance,” as guests lined up for the grand exit.
“It was so romantic and special to be alone in this giant room, dancing to our song,” says McGovern. “I highly recommend all couples do it.”
Photographer: Beth McElhannon Photography
Venue: TheBowden Events and Weddings
Wedding planner: Two Girls in Pearls Events
Floral:Coco Fleur Events
Hair: Auben Moreno at Tangle Salon & Boutique
Makeup:Makeup by Krista Ann
Cake: Cake-aholics Bakery
Videographer:2me Productions
Photo booth: Tagmebro
DJ: Complete Weddings & Events
Harpist: Jenny Glass
Bridal gown:Bridal Boutique