Catherine + Forrest had a reason to be married at The Renaissance Dallas. They wanted a wedding that incorporated as much of ‘Dallas’ as possible. The couple would be moving to Minnesota shortly after for Forrest’s job and Dallas is a city dear to them both. To start, they had their reception overlooking the beautiful city skyline, and took bridal party pictures throughout favorite spots Downtown. Their guestbook was an image of that same skyline that guests could sign. It would be hung in their new home in Minnesota, and serve as a reminder of all their friends and family back in Texas.
Wedding planning for them was such a blast since they really trusted their vendors that they had booked, and made everyone just want to surpass expectations all the more. It was such a pleasure getting to know Catherine and her family during the planning process. I loved that she really cared about their opinions and took them seriously, from incorporating her brother’s suggestions during the menu tasting (he really knows his food) to her mother’s selections when looking at rentals. Ultimately, it was a beautiful affair with an abundance of food, heartfelt speeches and a packed dance floor all night long. You know their friends are having a great time when we have ripped pants from too many solid moves, and it doesn’t deter anyone in the least!
The couple also took the time to answer a few questions about their wedding which you can read more about below.
This wedding was featured in Belle, The Magazine.
HOW DID YOU MEET?
We met as “scribes” working in Dallas area emergency rooms. One of (my) first memories of Forrest is of him eating a sandwich in the work room as if he hadn’t eaten in a week. Forrest does not remember this encounter – only that he introduced himself as a gentleman, and politely asked if he may call (me) “Cat,” because he thought that was (my) name. We mainly saw each other in passing, until we were able to spend some time outside of work at a company arranged social at the bowling alley. Forrest learned that I preferred to be called “Catherine,” and as he attempted to impress me with his bowling skills, the sparks flew as the pins remained standing. After that, we had our first date at the movies, where we saw the “Great Gatsby”, and afterwards stayed up all night talking. Now, over 4 years later, we are still inseparable 🙂
WHAT IS YOUR PROPOSAL STORY?
With a looming transition to the upper midwest, farther north than either of us had dared travel before in our lives, Forrest knew he had to make a move.
On May 15th, 2017, Forrest popped the question. Forrest proposed in our first “home” together, our Houston apartment. This is really special to us because this home embodies this chapter in our lives. The chapter of us growing into our future careers as we lived and worked in the Medical Center, us learning how to balance life with the long hours and stress, and our first home together where we celebrated anniversaries, graduations, new jobs, and Forrest’s acceptance into the next chapter of his training in Rochester, Minnesota. Throughout the ups and downs in each of our respective lives, we both could retreat to this apartment and enjoy being home bodies together.
A LITTLE ABOUT OUR WEDDING VISION…
Our vision for the wedding was a “classic style with a modern twist” that would showcase Dallas, TX. Our color palette was whites/creams with light blue-grey as seen in the table settings and bridesmaids dresses, accented with gold and silver. We wanted the palette to look refined but fresh.
We both were born and grew up in the Dallas, TX area, and both of our families live in Dallas, TX. With our upcoming move to Minnesota in summer 2018, we felt that Dallas was the perfect setting for our wedding so we could enjoy spending time with our family and friends. Our wedding reception venue at the Renaissance Dallas’s City View Room and Terrace demonstrated our love for Dallas beautifully with the Terrance showcasing the Dallas Skyline.
The hotel and City View Room embodied the modern look we wanted, which was perfected with the classic decor and ambience brought to life by our vendors.
Our ceremony was at a Catholic church, which was exceptionally special as Catherine’s uncles were the priests who officiated the wedding. They flew in from Missouri and Mississippi to celebrate their union.
A BIT MORE ABOUT OUR ATTIRE:
I had somewhat of an idea of what kind of wedding dress I wanted; however, the dress I fell in love with was completely different that what my original vision was! My dress is from Stanley Korshak Bridal, which I highly recommend to anyone shopping in the Dallas area.
Dress: Azalea by Blue Willow Anne Barge – I wanted a true white dress. I loved the halter style and the how the skirt of the dress flowed and looked very romantic. Most importantly, the dress was very comfortable as I twirled around in the store trying the dress on! When I tried on this dress, I knew it was “the one”. Out of all the white/ivory dresses I tried on, I felt like a real bride in this dress.
Belt: I love glitz and sparkle, so adding a belt was a must! Amanda at Stanley Korshak styled my dress with the perfect Vera Wang belt that also add a modern accent.
Veil: purchased at Stanley Korshak Bridal. The long veil added drama and I love the extra glam added with the rhinestone sparkles scattered throughout.
Bolero: Lian Carlo purchased at Stanley Korshak Bridal. (worn as part of the dress code of the church).
Shoes: Badgley Mishka
Forrest wore a classic black Hugo Boss tuxedo with accessories from Nordstrom’s.
WHAT WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT TO THE TWO OF YOU WHILE PLANNING? WAS THERE ANYTHING THAT YOU CHOSE TO SPLURGE ON OR SKIP?
The reception venue was the most important to us while planning. Though Catherine will say “it was all important”! Photography and videography are something we recommend to all couples. Florals are something I elected to splurge on. We also splurged on the food service and bar package 🙂
The other most important aspect of our wedding was having our wedding planner, Sarah Kee (Keestone Events).
WHAT WERE YOUR FAVORITE PARTS OF THE DAY?
-First look on the City View Terrace
-Seeing the reception before the guests arrived!
-The entire reception!!!! It was perfect!!!! From dancing, music, and food, speeches
-Our photobooth
-Our private last dance
Our wedding depicted our vision exactly as we hoped! Classic, modern, and romantic in the setting of our hometown Dallas, TX where we celebrated with families and friends. For us, this was the perfect way celebrate prior to our next chapter in Minnesota!
You can view another wedding we did at the Renaissance Dallas here.
Below is the review Catherine left which was the nicest surprise!
“Long story short – my wedding vision and dream would NOT have been possible without Sarah Kee.
With my husband and I in demanding careers, with 12+ hr days, and planning a wedding from out of town, I knew having a wedding planner would be essential.
After interviewing several planners, I knew Sarah Kee was the best. Her calmness stood out the me the most. I,like most, was a frantic, stressed out Bride!
Sarah instantly instilled in me the confidence where I knew she would take care of everything I needed. And throughout the process, she has consistently done so. She has been patient, translated my “inarticulate ideas” and “intangible ideas” into reality, and most importantly had the BEST group of vendors that became my dream team, who brought my vision to life.
I truly believe that every bride deserves to have Sarah Kee grace their wedding process! She is the reason why the wedding of my dreams came true!”
Airy Skyline Wedding at Renaissance Dallas
