Real Weddings

Dallas wedding reception with a view fuels epic party in the sky

Marisa Schieda and Chris Tindell can officially thank their Chocolate Labs for bringing them together. Although the two had known each other since elementary school, Marisa moved in fifth grade and the two only connected again after Chris commented on Facebook that their dogs looked alike.

After three years of dating, the two decided to celebrate their 30th birthdays (which happened to be only two days apart) in Amsterdam. It was during that trip, while out biking one day, that Chris dropped to a knee and proposed in front of the "i amsterdam" sign that they had stopped at for a photo op. She said yes, of course, and the selfie-stick came back out for the real memory making.

Back stateside, Marisa knew exactly what she wanted as far as a wedding vision. And then she went and decided on pretty much the exact opposite.

"What is funny is that I sort of wanted a late fall/winter wedding and really liked the Gatsby/art deco look. Think gold, gold, gold!" Marisa says. "But I also didn’t want a long engagement — and so the time-frame won out and I got married in the height of summer in Dallas."

The duo wed at Perkins Chapel on the campus of SMU on July 2, 2016, followed by a mile-high reception at the Tower at Cityplace. Once she saw the lofted space with its decorative ceiling draping and unmatched views of downtown, she was sold. She also loved the layout: It was ideal for guests to have fun and dance the night away, which was of utmost importance to her.

When asking Marisa about her favorites memories from her wedding day, she immediately recounts the times throughout the day that the couple snuck away to take pictures alone. These special moments, captured by Kristen Dee Photography, happened both after the ceremony and in the middle of the reception.

"Those moments were like a nice freeze in time in the middle of all the craziness that comes with your wedding day," Marisa says. "Plus, those are some of my favorite photos!"

Ceremony: Perkins Chapel at SMU
Reception: The Tower at Cityplace
Wedding Planner: Silver Lining Events + Co.
Floral: Stems of Dallas
Photographer: Kristen Dee Photography
Videographer: Marc Roberts Videography
Invitations: Pink Champagne Paper
Cake: Sugar Bee Sweets
Band: Ice House Band
Bridal Gown Retailer: Patsy’s Bridal Boutique
Bridal Gown Designer: Essence of Australia
Bridal Gown Alterations: Annette White at Bestfit Alterations
Bridal Shoe Designer: Badgley Mischka
Bridesmaids Dress Retailer: Bella Bridesmaid
Grooms Formalwear: The Black Tux
Makeup: Whitney Sain
Hair: Allison Brill
Photo Booth: Photomadic
Ceremony Music: Benjamin Kolodziej/SMU Perkins Chapel Musician

Marisa Schieda and Chris Tindell wed on July 2, 2016.

Photo by Kristen Dee Photography

Marisa Schieda and Chris Tindell wed on July 2, 2016.

weddings

Gala preview

Dallas' most glam fall gala to honor Hollywood superstar Charlize Theron

Universal Pictures Presents "The Odyssey" Paris Premiere

Photo by Pierre Mouton/Getty Images for Universal Pictures

undefined

Hollywood star Charlize Theron will be the guest of honor at one of Dallas' hottest-ticket galas of 2026: She will receive amfAR's Award of Inspiration at the organization's black-tie ball on October 24.

For a second year, the glamorous fall fundraiser will take place at the home of Kathleen and Scott Kirby, a release says. Taking over where Dallas' TWO x TWO gala left off when it ended in 2024, the amFAR gala has quickly become one of Dallas' marquee social events, drawing philanthropists, collectors, and high-profile guests in support of amfAR's mission to end HIV/AIDS.

Theron, who won an Oscar for Monster, is currently on a worldwide press tour ahead of her starring role in one of the summer's biggest movies, The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated adaptation of the Homer epic (opening July 17).

Beyond her film career, Theron serves as a United Nations Messenger of Peace and founded the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP), which supports organizations focused on youth health, HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health, and combating gender-based violence across Southern Africa.

"Charlize Theron’s longstanding support of amfAR and HIV/AIDS care and prevention through her own foundation make her an inspiration to us all," said amfAR CEO Kyle Clifford in a statement. "We are grateful to her for her tireless work and are thrilled to be able to recognize her at our event in Dallas this year."

According to amfAR, programs supported by CTAOP have reached more than 4.8 million young people. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Theron and the foundation also launched the Together for Her campaign with CARE and the Entertainment Industry Foundation to address gender-based violence, and later partnered with the Ford Foundation to advocate for global vaccine equity.

Founded in 1985, amfAR has invested more than $950 million in research grants supporting HIV/AIDS and other diseases in which viruses and the immune system play a significant role. Over the past 26 years, supporters in North Texas have raised more than $66.5 million to advance amFAR's ongoing HIV research and global health initiatives, the organization says.

This year's gala will feature cocktails, a seated dinner, musical performances, and a live auction offering luxury goods, travel experiences, and contemporary art. Tickets and table sponsorships are now available, starting at $2,500.

celebrities dallas gala hollywood star charlize theron amfar galas