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.

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

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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.

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