Allie Spillyards and Blake Hanson met as journalism students at the University of Missouri. After dating during their senior year of college, Allie and Blake moved off to different cities to start their respective careers as news anchors.
For the next two years, the couple spent many weekends driving nine hours one way between Knoxville, Tennessee (where Allie lived), and New Orleans (where Blake lived). Finally, the pair got themselves to the same area — Charlotte, North Carolina — where they live now.
Blake popped the question in front of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool during a trip to Washington, D.C.
"He told me that we have so many special cities and places, but he didn't want to propose at one of those spots," Allie says. Blake wanted to make a new memory.
When it came time to decide where to get married, Allie's hometown of Dallas seemed like the perfect place, and the couple quickly set to work to find a venue that would contrast well with Allie's wedding inspiration: Kate Spade.
"I love Kate Spade's bright and fun brand that remains timeless and classic," Allie says. "We stumbled onto the Filter Building and liked how the industrial setting paired with the feminine feel."
Allie and Blake exchanged personal vows in a ceremony overlooking White Rock Lake on April 9. The couple then danced to a song Blake picked — "That's What's Up," by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros.
Dinner and desserts kept with the classic, yet fun, theme. A Southern meal of fried chicken, mac and cheese, bourbon-glazed collard greens, and a biscuit bar fed guests before a dessert feast of Hypnotic Donuts, Chelles Macarons, and brownies and red velvet bars from Chocolate Angel.
Allie says she cherished having so many loved ones in the same place — a true rarity for two broadcast journalists and their many friends and family.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Filter Building
Wedding Planner: Lottie Fowler at Grit + Gold
Floral: Oh Deery Floral
Photographer: Charla Storey
Videographer: Critchfield Productions
Rentals: Gold Dust Vintage and AFR Furniture
Invitations: Minted
Cake: Dallas Affaires
Catering: Wendy Krispin
Sweets: Hypnotic Donuts, Chelles Macarons and Chocolate Angel
Bridal Gown Retailer and Alterations: Stanley Korshak
Bridal Gown Designer: Liancarlo
Bridal Shoe Designer: Kate Spade (obviously)
Bridal Makeup and Hair: Beauty & the Blush Artistry
Ceremony Guitarist: Stacey Arnold
Reception DJ: DJ Jason Esquire
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids
Groom's Attire: Combatant Gentlemen
Allie and Blake Hanson were wed on April 9, 2016, in an outdoor ceremony at White Rock Lake.
