Bridal Buzz

Thanks to Amanda Teal for today’s wedding wisdom:

“If I had my wedding all over again I would assign someone to be our handler. My husband and I tried to get to every table to say hello but when you’re making your rounds you get pulled in a hundred different directions and inevitably someone gets skipped. If we’d hired a handler, they could have timed our table visits and made sure we visited with each and every guest. Sounds so celebrity but I’m serious…it’s out of control!

Photographs courtesy of Andrea Polito Photography.

Ashley and Chris celebrated after their ceremony at Perkins Chapel.

Give you wedding dress the TLC it deserves by having it preserved by J. Scheer.

Thanks to Becky Tanenbaum, National Sales Director of J. Scheer & Co., for answering today’s reader question:

Now that my wedding is over I want to get my dress preserved but I don’t even know where to begin. How much should it cost? Where can I take it? Etc.

After countless hours of finding the perfect dress for your special day, you want to properly care for it after the wedding.

It is recommended to send your gown to be cleaned as soon as possible. Stains and residue left from perspiration, alcohol and other soiling can permanently damage the fabric if left untreated. You should send your dress to be cleaned within six months of your wedding.

The price of cleaning depends on the style of your gown, as well as the condition.  A conservator should be able to give you an exact price after examining the gown and determining the complexity of the assignment.

When Catherine Cochran met Father Bob Johnston for coffee one morning in January 2010, she had no idea she would end up meeting her future fiancé, Benjamin Young. Catherine and Ben attended the same church – Church of the Incarnation – and both worked in Dallas. In fact, after their introduction by Father Bob, Ben realized this was the girl one of his friends had suggested setting him up with. From that first meeting, Catherine and Ben’s future together began. Soon the two were chatting at church and they had their first official date on February 4.

Two years later, on December 20, Catherine had a sneaking suspicion that Ben might propose. Early in the day, her sister suggested they get manicures together and later, Ben had a “relaxing” date planned at their favorite restaurant, Nonna. However, dinner came and went without any important questions being popped. It wasn’t until the two returned to Catherine’s apartment that Ben made his move. In a room filled with the glow of candles and the fragrance of roses, Benjamin pulled out a ring and said, “You are the love of my life. Will you marry me?” Of course, Catherine happily obliged and the newly engaged couple was joined by a close group of family and friends to share in their joy. Ben and Catherine will marry on May 6 at the Hickory Street Annex.

Trunk shows are a great way to see more of a designer’s dresses than are normally carried in a store. You’ll have more to choose from, so don’t miss out! Click the link below for all the details.

Kenneth Pool at The Bridal Salon at Neiman Marcus Downtown

Marchesa at Warren Barrón

Welcome back to your weekly “Dream Dress for Less” where we feature gorgeous wedding gowns under $1,500. It takes some digging but they do exist. Let us do the legwork so you can relax and enjoy one of the most wonderful times of your life. Take a look at this week’s find:

Spanish-designed Rosa Clará gowns are some of the prettiest and most unique around. And lucky for us their Two by Rosa Clará collection offers styles that are under $1,500. This dress, “Laura,” is actually only  $1,425. We love the inverted pleats and form-fitting bodice. It can be purcahsed at the only Rosa Clará boutique in the country which just happens to be right here in Dallas.

Maggiano’s Little Italy is always a great place for a date. But, now there’s more to get excited about than sharing a delicious plate of pasta with the one you love. From now until February 29 the popular eatery is offering a dream vacation to the winner of their “Bliss List” contest. You and your other half could win a five day, four night romantic getaway at a Sandals Resort in the Caribbean (airfare included!). All you have to do is write a short essay listing the top five things you want to experience together during your marriage. After narrowing it down to the best ones, Maggiano’s will post the finalists’ stories on their website for public voting. Don’t worry if you come in second or third – those prizes are pretty darn good too. The second place winners receive a $3,500 Maggiano’s credit toward a banquet event (rehearsal dinner, shower, etc.) and the third place couple gets a $1,500 credit. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, so don’t miss out! Enter here.

Thanks to Shelley Winslow for today’s wedding wisdom:

“Knowing what I know now, I would do one thing different if I had to have my wedding all over again. I would have started the day with a massage or something super relaxing.  When you have ALL DAY to worry about everything that could possibly go wrong…you do. You may not be able to get rid of those worries but you can help yourself keep them at bay by getting a spa treatment or taking a long bubble bath. I guarantee it will help!”

Photographs courtesy of Daniel Davis.

Brynn and Adam tied the knot at Chapelle de Fleurs in Flower Mound.

Make any of your wedding events a lot easier with a Toni & Guy blow out! Got a rehearsal dinner coming up? An engagement party? Or your bachelorette party? This is the perfect way to look extra special on an important day.

Email kristinh@dmagazine.com by 5pm CST next Wednesday February 1 to enter. Be sure to put TONI & GUY GIVEAWAY in the subject line. We will contact the winner via email on Thursday, Feb. 2.