Southern Weddings

I don’t usually comment on a couple’s invitation suite (paper goods are our Art Director’s happy domain), but I am head over heels in love with Deziree + Jon’s Vera Wang invites + custom Orange Spot, Pink Nose pieces.  The simple silhouettes, the bold green, black + white color palate, the lining –ah, the lining on the inner envelope! – are the perfect blend of traditional sophistication and Southern whimsy.  I’d like to imagine the rest of the couple’s Texas wedding celebration – photographed by the talented Stacy Reeves and planned by Tara Wilson Events – were designed around these gems, starting with the crisp bouquets and bouts from Absolutely Blooming.  Emily loves the bride’s veil + Jim Hjelm gown, and I’m a fan of the pewter-colored bridesmaids’ frocks, so overall a double fashion victory.  More soon!

How did the two of you meet?  Tell us your story. We were introduced at a cocktail hour by a mutual friend, but I don’t think she had any idea we would ever end up together. Jon says he noticed me that night, but I had just been laid off from my job and was far from interested in meeting anyone at that time.  Our friend invited us to another happy hour the following week and we talked for a while, but I was oblivious to the fact that Jon was interested in me.  One week later, that same friend had a party and Jon and I both were there.  At the end of the evening, Jon asked for my phone number and I told him that I would give it to him, but only if he was going to call.  He did call and asked me out on an official date for the following week.  We went out on that date, and then a date the next evening, and, well, the rest is history.
Describe the proposal. Jon had been pondering how he was going to propose, and there were some key dates he wanted to either avoid or use as a distraction: my birthday & Christmas.  It just so happened that the weekend we had planned to visit Sonoma was the weekend before my birthday, so he figured I would be thrown off.  Jon had the ring designed by a family jeweler (with a little input) and decided that a private, secluded spot in a vineyard would be a romantic place to propose.  The problem: finding the perfect spot in Sonoma from Dallas.  Jon found the Jack London State Park and picked up some wine and cheese along the way.  We happened upon the perfect spot and, after some food and wine, he decided to make his move.  He got up and walked toward a row of vines, and then acted surprised, as if I had seen a bunny or something – I like bunnies – and got me to stand up and walk towards him.  At that point, he met her halfway, read something he had written over the past few weeks, and got down on one knee.  There were tears and shaky voices and an answer: yes.
Three adjectives that describe the day are: Surreal, calm and unbelievable.
Our favorite detail of the wedding was: I’m not sure if I can pick just one favorite detail, but if I had to decide on just one, it would be our save-the-date cards and invitations.  Those items were very much a reflection of our personality and style. 
Tell us about finding your wedding dress:  I had been looking for a dress for quite a while, but I had not found one that made me feel like I thought I should feel when I found “the one.”  I had been to far too many places and had tried on way too many dresses, and it was becoming more of a chore than anything else.  On a recommendation, I made an appointment at Star Dust Celebrations, but did not have high hopes for finding a dress there, either.  After trying on about 10 dresses, I had narrowed it down to two.  My mom and I decided to take a break for lunch and think about, and I went back and tried on both gowns again, and realized one was much more “me” than the other.