With her “love love love” for flowers, Jessica couldn’t even imagine getting married anywhere else than the beautiful Dallas Arboretum! Boasting beautiful blooms as far as the eye could see, it made the perfect backdrop for her nuptials to the love of her life (and for all our fellow football fans, former University of Texas and NFL football player), Michael. With the help of their wedding planner, Jordan Payne, Jessica and Michael planned a wedding day focused on family, complete with special moments with their adorable two-year-old daughter, Maddie. Their entire day was a reflection of them, right down to their favorite foods on the menu!
We’re so glad Tracy Enoch was on hand to capture this lovely day!
Tell us about finding your wedding dress. I went to several stores and tried on countless dresses, but I had my heart set on a Hayley Paige dress. I ended up driving to Houston for a trunk show and picked my dress then. I wanted something comfortable, and I also didn’t want to worry about sucking in my stomach all night! The beautiful Luca gown was perfect for me, and the romantic feel fit well with my venue.
We decided not to have bridesmaids or groomsmen. We have a two-year-old daughter, Maddie, and decided to truly make the day about our little family. My wedding planner introduced me to a brilliant designer named Nha Khanh. She created the perfect dress for Maddie with french lace, Swarovski crystals, and hand-sewn silk flowers. It is easily the most beautiful flower girl dress I have ever seen!
Did you write your own vows? If so, what was your favorite phrase, verse or line? We did not. Couldn’t talk hubby into that one!
Tell us about some of the songs you used throughout your wedding and why you chose them. We played “Mirrors” by Justin Timberlake on strings when I walked down the aisle. I adore that song and it makes so much sense for our relationship.
What made you choose your ceremony and reception venues? Did they have any special significance to you? I love, love, love flowers. The Dallas Arboretum is gorgeous and I honestly can’t imagine being married anywhere else.
Our favorite detail of the wedding was: The food! We knew we had to feed our guests well, and the wonderful people at Fearing’s made sure we had all of our favorites. From the pasta bar to my beloved brussels sprouts and fried pies, the food was a true reflection of us.
My wedding flowers were a lush combination of peonies, garden roses, ranunculus, and other little pretties that I don’t know the names of! I wanted a soft, romantic, garden feel, so we chose a variety of pinks as the color palette.
Describe your wedding cake or dessert. Our wedding cake was a beautiful five-tiered cake with delicate ruffles, gold foil, and fresh peonies arranged down the side.
I just loved seeing all of our friends and family. Over half of our guests flew in from out of town, which meant the world to us. I’m not sure if we’ll ever have the opportunity to all be together again, so it was special.
How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. Michael and I met in college at the University of Texas at Austin in 2004. My roommate and lifelong friend had a class with him and I was new to the school, so she decided to set us up. We dated in college, then went our separate ways for about six years. When we reconnected, we were both at a good place in our lives and decided to try again! We now have a daughter and haven’t looked back since.
Tell us all about the proposal! In my family, we always do birthday dinners–generally, they’re a casual dinner at my parents’ home. For my birthday, Michael decided to take everyone to my favorite restaurant and rented the back room so the kids could run around. Everyone seemed so excited to eat, and I should have known something was up, but then again, the food there is THAT good! Michael started to make a little speech, which is out of character for him, and then he proposed in front of my family and closest friends, which he knew was important to me. I was caught completely off guard! He did a great job.
When did y’all get married? March 28, 2015
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 100
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome while planning your wedding? The weather! It rained all month, and we just had to cross our fingers for a little bit of sunshine on our wedding day. The weather could not have been more perfect. We were so thankful!
If you are comfortable responding, what range did your wedding budget fall into? $75,000-$100,000
What advice do you have for folks currently planning a wedding? Don’t stress trying to make everything perfect. The most important part of the wedding is the people there to share it with. And if you splurge on anything, splurge on the things that will last forever: photography and videography.
What’s next for you as a couple? What memories are you looking forward to making together? We’re building our dream home in Austin and plan to move there next summer!
Photographer: Tracy Enoch / Videographer: Elle Films / Planner: Jordan Payne Events / Venue: The Dallas Arboretum / Florist: Stems of Dallas / Cake Baker: Sugar Bee Sweets / Caterer: Fearing’s / DJ: DJ Mr. Rogers / Paper Products: Southern Fried Paper / Bride’s Gown: “Luca” by Hayley Paige / Hair and Makeup: Maitee Miles / Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Groom’s Attire: Hugo Boss / Flower Girl Dress: Nha Khanh
Tracy Enoch, Southern Fried Paper, and Sugar Bee Sweets are all delightful members of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!
… I am speechless! Jaw on the floor.. this wedding is like something from my dreams! WOW!
Such beautiful smiles + that CAKE!
this is easily my favorite wedding of the week—so stunning!
[…] Photography by Tracy Enoch, Wedding Dress by Hayley Paige via Southern Weddings […]