Real Weddings

Photographer bride and groom bring vision of barn wedding outside Dallas into focus

Wedding photographer Anna Smith had photographed more than 300 weddings when the time came to plan her own November 16, 2017 nuptials to Michael Pham.

Having witnessed so many weddings up close, she had a clear idea of what she wanted for her big day.

First and foremost: a bold, bright color palette and an air-tight timeline.

Smith had seen firsthand how things can go amiss without proper planning, so she called in event planner Elisabeth Landry of Silver Linings Events + Co. as a reinforcement.

With Landry’s help, Smith and Pham brought their vision of a classy-but-bright and modern-yet-timeless event to life.

They chose The White Sparrow, a dreamy white barn in Quinlan, just east of Dallas, for the backdrop.

Bold bouquets featuring pops of red, pink, and navy colored the space. Everly Alaine Florals combined garden roses, peonies, and dahlia for bouquets and floral arrangements, and adorned the venue’s staircase with foraged greenery and berries.

Following a quaint outdoor ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests moved indoors for the reception, where classic Coca Cola bottles played into the color palette — just one of the many special touches the couple incorporated throughout. Their gold-foiled and floral-printed cake, which was created by Sugar Bee Sweets, was a piece of art all its own.

Stunning as the decor was, the bride says her favorite part of the big day was the quiet moment she shared with her husband-to-be just before the ceremony.

For their first look, Smith and Pham opted to share a private moment, quietly exchanging vows.

Pro tip, says Smith: A first look allows couples to build more time into their day for portraits.

One other bit of advice: Assemble your team wisely. From their florist to their baker and videographer, Smith and Pham agree that each vendor was instrumental in making their wedding day dreams a reality.

Venue: The White Sparrow

Photographer: Allen Tsai Photography

Videographer: Peyton Anne Frank

Flowers: Everly Alaine Florals

Makeup: Natalia Issa

Cake: Sugar Bee Sweets Bakery

DJ: Le Force

Planner and stylist: Silver Linings Events & Co.

Stationery: Bunny and Bear Paper

Minister: Love Notes Weddings

Jewels: Patsy's Bridal

Anna Smith's bridesmaids wore navy, complementing the bold reds featured in their bouquets and in classic Coca Cola bottles.

Photo by Allen Tsai Photography

Anna Smith's bridesmaids wore navy, complementing the bold reds featured in their bouquets and in classic Coca Cola bottles.

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Hot to trot

Equest Dallas patrons pony up record $700K at blue ribbon-worthy ball

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Honorary co-chairs David and Natalie Taylor, Auction chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand, and Gala co-chairs Kristin and James Hallam

A sold-out crowd of 570 supporters stampeded into Gilley’s Dallas on April 25 for the 44th Annual Equest Blue Ribbon Gala. The Western-chic affair, always one of the most highly anticipated galas of spring, would have a record-breaking night.

Co-chairsKristin and James Hallam and honorary chairs The Sam and Helga Feldman Foundation and Natalie and David Taylor welcomed patrons decked out in cowboy boots and hats to Gilley's, which had been transformed into a shimmering celebration of all things Equest by event designer Steve Kemble. A “disco saddle” centerpiece even hung from the ceiling.

Emcee Calvert Collins-Bratton welcomed the crowed with a hearty "yee haw!" Equest founder Susan Schwartz presented the Founders Award to Carol Chamberlin, whose three decades of service as volunteer, donor, and barn manager have made her an Equest organization legend. The Citation Award went to Donna and Tim Weber and their daughter Katherine, an Equest client.

New CEO Eric Lindh took the stage to underscore Equest’s mission to provide equine-assisted learning, therapies, and counseling (much of it free of charge) to children, adults, and veterans. He shared the nonprofit's bold vision for the future, focusing on the number “22,” a call to action inspired by the 22 percent of Dallas County residents living with a disability, the 22 veterans lost to suicide daily in the U.S., and the 22 percent of Americans living with mental illness, while less than half of those receive treatment.

His pledge to expand services to first responders struck a chord with the crowd, as did the moving testimonials from Equest clients.

Auction chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand urged the crowd to “Bid boldly. Bid big. Bid with heart,” and patrons did that in spades. Auctioneer Louis Murad encouraged bidders to raise paddles stridently, starting from initial $10,000 bids onward. Bidding got fast and furious live auction packages that included fabulous trips (with destinations such as France, Antigua, and Montana) and more. The most memorable moment came when a guest insisted Murad - ever the showman - auction off his own sparkling jacket. It fetched $2,000, a purchase by Tim Weber (who clearly loves a good statement piece).

In total, the gala raised $700,000, the largest fundraising amount in Equest’s 44-year history. The Blue Ribbon Ball's proceeds go directly to equine-assisted therapies and other services provided by Equest; for more information, visit the organization's website.

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Honorary co-chairs David and Natalie Taylor, Auction chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand, and Gala co-chairs Kristin and James Hallam

After a night of sipping, dining, and fundraising, patrons tried their luck at casino games and danced the night away to Jordan Kahn’s Manhattan Orchestra.

Spotted in the crowd, enjoying the evening, were Donna Weitzman, Nancy Greenbach, Natalie Taylor, Therese Rourk, Anne Seanor, Courtney Conley, Maggie Spiegel, Tyler Bridges, Lea LaFortune, Lee and Paul Michaels, Ryan and Kelly Casey, Christina Eubanks, Megan Pharis, Julie Bagley, Laura Johnson, Parker and Katy Brooks, Sharon Lee Clark, Max Clark, Jordan Glasgow, Anna Gresham, Khaki Christopher, Jessie Dornak, Jeff Netzer, Lynn McBee, Sarah and Trey Pederson, Luis Araujo, Amy Green, Kayten Elder, Sila Grogan, Melissa Placet, Tayler Reiter, Danny and Tanya Rice, Tina and Michael Beasom, and hundreds more patrons and supporters.