Real Weddings

Bride and groom work as a team to plan picture-perfect Dallas wedding

Carolyn Hentchel and Darryl Womack were engaged for three years before saying I do. The couple worked together and shared an instant connection. Eventually, Darryl asked Carolyn out for a date — and she said no.

"I could sense something was different with him," says Carolyn. "And I wasn't sure I was ready for that."

Darryl persisted, Carolyn finally agreed to a date, and they've been together ever since.

The proposal came during a getaway to San Antonio. Darryl dropped to one knee on Marriage Island off of the River Walk, and — like a scene straight out of a romantic movie — crowds from nearby restaurants and bars cheered and clapped in celebration. The couple closed out the night with dinner at Bohanan's Prime Steak and Seafood, champagne, and cigars.

Carolyn was thrilled as the prospect of spending the rest of her life with Darryl, but when it came time to plan the big day, she was at a loss.

"I never planned on getting married," she says. "It was never my goal in life. Because of that, I never thought about what my 'dream wedding' would look like."

Ultimately, Carolyn met a soul mate in wedding planner Meredith Commender. With Commender's help, the couple was able to bring the wedding they never knew they wanted to life without the stress that often comes with planning such an event.

"Darryl and I have different tastes but had the same vision in mind: an interesting venue and a true Dallas experience for our guests," says Carolyn.

When they came across The Venue at 400 North Ervay, they knew they'd found the place for their October 2016 celebration. From Carolyn's plated dinner to Darryl's live music and gourmet fare, Commender brought to life every detail that was important to the groom and bride.

Her help was particularly invaluable because Carolyn underwent a double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery eight months before the wedding.

"Prior to the wedding, Darryl nursed me through my surgeries," says Carolyn. "So it not only marked our new life together but a fresh start. I loved the process of giving this man the greatest gift I could: my commitment to him for eternity ... and a lot of sarcasm for the rest of our lives."

Wedding Planner: Significant Events of Texas, Meredith Commender