Real Weddings

Put a ring on these 10 inspired ideas from favorite Dallas weddings of 2018

For the last few months, CultureMap has spotlighted fabulous real weddings of couples recently wed around Dallas. And each and every celebration has featured details we've swooned over, from sentimental decor to stunning exits. The most memorable ones have incorporated personal touches unique to each couple, making them truly one-of-a-kind affairs.

Here are 10 inspired ideas to take away from some of our favorite weddings of 2018.

Venturing out for a venue
Anna Smith and Michael Pham

A wedding photographer herself, this bride had seen it all. So when the time came to plan her own nuptials, she had a clear idea of what she wanted. Central to executing her vision was finding a idyllic setting outside of town. The White Sparrow, a dreamy white barn in Quinlan, just east of Dallas, fit the bill. The quaint space provided the perfect backdrop to the modern-yet-timeless aesthetic she envisioned.

Out-of-the-vase centerpieces
Rachael and Sargon Daniel

This bride and groom wanted to nod to their respective Lebanese and Assyrian heritages, while creating the feeling of stepping inside a Mediterranean villa. To oblige, their designer incorporated fresh herbs and citrus throughout the event space. Lemons were featured heavily in decor, adding a lively touch while simultaneously scenting the space. Cascading floral arrangements completed the scene.

Bridal gown with detachable sleeves
Mackenzie and Austin Lewis

There was much to love about this couple's fall wedding, but one of the most memorable details was the bride's beautiful gown. Designed by Romona Keveza, the form-fitting silhouette featured sheer sleeves perfect for the couple's formal church ceremony. When it came time for the reception at the Dallas Museum of Art, the sleeves came off and the bride hit the dance floor uninhibited.

Pick-your-own bridesmaid dresses
Laura and Dave Player

Mix-and-match bridesmaid dresses are nothing new, but this bride's laid-back attitude on wedding party attire was especially refreshing. Bridesmaids practically had free reign. They were encouraged to pick dresses in shades of pink or gold, choosing silhouettes they felt comfortable in. This relaxed attitude applied to every other aspect of the event, which included a fun reception at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. The bride says she was simply interested in marrying her sweetheart.

Hearty bites for midnight munchies
Abigail Adams and William Floyd

The fastest way to make wedding guests smile? Serve up midnight munchies. Boasting a live band, stunning floral arrangements, and even a live painter, this couple's downtown Dallas wedding was every bit the chic affair. Still, the highlight for many guests was the thoughtful gift of a Texas classic: Whataburger Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits served up on silver platters following a long night of dancing.

Furry friends in the bridal party
Army Capt. Guy White and Jessica Blackmon White

When your family has a farm and your entire life has been spent around horses, it's practically a given that those furry friends will get a starring role in your wedding. Not only did this couple host their nuptials at the bride's family farm, but her precious horses lined the barn the couple was married outside of. And in a darling touch, the flower girls were escorted down the aisle by miniature horses.

Dialing down the glitz and celebrating at home
Ashley and Kiethan Lewis

Sometimes more isn't more — a fact embraced by this bride and groom, who decided to forego a glitzy event in favor of an intimate backyard wedding. The couple hosted the wedding in the backyard of their home outside of Dallas, relying on help from family and friends with the finishing touches. The result, says the bride, was a "perfectly imperfect" day that guests are still raving about.

Comfort food for the main course
Melissa and Scott Austin

When the groom is in the restaurant biz, the food had better be on point. This couple hit it out of the park with their industrial-chic fall wedding. The reception featured heaps of Texas barbecue from Slow Bone BBQ, where Scott is a chef. While barbecue isn't fancy wedding food, it was the perfect culinary choice for this couple and their guests, who swooned about the food long after the cake had been cut.

Decor with cultural significance
Kara Stoudt-Patel and Satyam Patel

These Dallas physicians sought to pay homage to their respective cultures, so they planned a multicultural wedding with two ceremonies. Their Hindu and Christian nuptials incorporated unique details at every turn, including colorful decor featuring an elephant theme. From ornate centerpieces to elephant-shaped shrubs, the reception was chock full of beautiful decor with cultural significance.

An exit fit for royalty
Taylor and Jeff James

While the world was watching Meghan and Harry say I do on May 19, 2018, these Dallas high-school sweethearts were tying the knot with their very own sparkling celebration. From towering flower arrangements to a multi-tiered cake, every detail was fit for royalty. Their exit in a classic car adorned with bouquets and a Just Married sign was one of the most memorable details — and the perfect way to kick-off a luxurious two-week honeymoon.

Mackenzie Lewis' bridal gown with detachable sleeves was designed by Romona Keveza.

Photo by Stephen Karlisch

Mackenzie Lewis' bridal gown with detachable sleeves was designed by Romona Keveza.

weddings

Park news

Dallas civic leader Calvert Collins-Bratton named Klyde Warren Park CEO

Photo courtesy of Klyde Warren Park

Calvert Collins-Bratton has been named the new executive director of Klyde Warren Park.

A respected figure in Dallas philanthropy and parks is stepping into a new leadership role: Calvert Collins-Bratton has been named the next president and CEO of Klyde Warren Park, beginning September 1.

Collins-Bratton succeeds Kit Sawers, who led the park for eight years; her final day in the role was July 20.

The transition comes as Klyde Warren enters its next phase, including a recently announced expansion that will add 1.7 acres over Woodall Rodgers Freeway.

Collins-Bratton most recently served as chief relationships officer at Communities Foundation of Texas, where she oversaw fundraising, donor engagement, corporate philanthropy, and community partnerships, a press release notes. Her ties to Klyde Warren Park stretch back more than a decade through her service as chair of the Dallas Park and Recreation Board, where she advocated for investments in public spaces. She's also been a longtime donor and supporter of the park.

"Few people understand the significance and potential of Klyde Warren Park as deeply as Calvert does," foundation board chairman Jody Grant says in the release. "She has been an advocate for public spaces throughout Dallas, a trusted philanthropic leader, and a longtime supporter of the Park. Her experience and expertise make her exceptionally qualified to lead Klyde Warren Park into the future."

Klyde Warren Park has recently announced an ambitious expansion project. Photo courtesy of Klyde Warren Park

Before joining Communities Foundation of Texas, Collins-Bratton was vice president of communications and strategic events for Methodist Health System Foundation. Earlier in her career, she spent more than a decade as a television reporter and anchor in Omaha, Las Vegas, and Dallas-Fort Worth.

She was selected following a national search led by former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert, a member of the Klyde Warren Park Foundation board.

As president and CEO, Collins-Bratton will oversee the park's operations, programming, fundraising, strategic partnerships, and long-term vision as the 5.4-acre deck park continues to grow.

"Klyde Warren Park is one of Dallas' great success stories and one of the most beloved gathering places in our city," Collins-Bratton says. "I look forward to working with the Foundation's board, staff, donors, partners, and community supporters to build on its incredible momentum and ensure its impact continues to grow for generations to come."

In a separate, farewell note, Sawers announced she'll become CEO of the newly created SMU Dallas Office on August 3. She called leading Klyde Warren Park one of the greatest privileges of her career.

"I leave knowing the Park is exceptionally well positioned for the future. It has a talented and dedicated team, an engaged Board, strong community support and exciting opportunities ahead, including a 1.7-acre expansion," Sawers wrote. "The overwhelming response to this summer’s World Cup watch parties once again demonstrated the Park’s unique ability to bring our community together."

Since opening in 2012, Klyde Warren Park has become one of Dallas' signature public spaces, drawing more than 2 million visitors annually with free concerts, fitness classes, festivals, food trucks, and other community programming, they say. The park recently unveiled plans for a $175 million expansion that will nearly double its event lawn and add new green space, play areas, and pedestrian connections.

Collins-Bratton's appointment comes on the heels of another key Dallas leadership announcement: That of Ahava Silkey-Jones as executive director of the Dallas Arts District.

executives parks klyde warren park