Dallasite Mackenzie Welsh met her husband, Matthew Welsh, at an Uptown Dallas bar on a random Wednesday night while consoling a friend who was going through a breakup. Be a great friend? Check. Meet your soul mate? Double check.
Although it was pretty much love at first sight, it was three-and-a-half years before Matthew popped the question while the two were walking their dog, Luca, in Lakeside Park in Highland Park. He led Mackenzie to an area covered in rose petals with a ring box in the center, and it was only then that she figured out what he was up to.
This sneaky groom even managed to get the bride's cousin, a local photographer, to document the entire thing. After a few moments of engaged bliss, Mackenzie noticed a large group cheering for them.
"I was in shock," Mackenzie says. "Not only was Matt able to get my whole family together without me knowing, but he had his parents and brother fly down so they would be there as well. It was perfect."
The two married on May 7, 2016, on a beautiful, sunny day at the Orchard in Azle. The groom obviously trusted his bride from the very start: He didn't even see the wedding venue until the day of.
"I knew I wanted to get married outside and somewhere that was naturally beautiful, had character, and a little Texas feel," Mackenzie says.
The couple decided to wait until the ceremony to see one another for the first time; however, that didn't stop the bride from sharing a special first look with her dad before he walked her down the aisle.
Although there was no particular theme for the wedding, the bride has a self-proclaimed obsession with flowers, and Kate Foley Designs stepped in to fulfill her every wish. The bride's mother, stepmother, and a family friend let their creative talents unite to create all of the wedding info cards, signage, and guest gift bags. It was this labor of love exhibited by her family that gave her dream wedding a personal touch.
Wedding guests dines on savory bites from Wendy Krispin Catering and a wedding cake by Frosted Art Bakery. And the smooth sounds of Le Force Entertainment's Cratin Sheffield kept the joyous crowd on their feet until it was time to dust off their boots and head back into the city limits.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Orchard
Wedding Planner: Meaghan Cody, Sweet Pea Events
Floral: Kate Foley Designs
Photographer: Tracy Enoch Photography
Videographer: Zach Stewart, Mnemonic Films
Invitations: Kelly McGraw, Pink Champagne Paper
Cake: Frosted Art Bakery
Catering: Wendy Krispin
Bridal Gown Retailer and Alterations: Neiman Marcus Downtown
Bridal Gown Designer: Lee Ann Belter
Bridal Shoe Designer: Badgley Mischka
Bridal Makeup and Hair: Micaela Soto Hair & Makeup
Bridesmaid Dresses: Vera Wang
Ceremony Music: Serenata Strings
Reception DJ: Cratin Sheffield, Le Force Entertainment
Mackenzie Tapler and Matthew Welsh married on May 7, 2016, at the Orchard in Azle.
