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Nathan and I do Turkey Day a little differently. For the past 2 years we have opted to stay home and make our yummies here. I pink puffy ♥ my kitchen and enjoy a few hours of laid back cooking with him while we watch the Cowboys play.
The making of the stuffing … with all the good stuff : )
My plate, my favorites. Stuffing, cranberries, mac & cheese, mashed garlic potatoes, green beans & almonds, buttered sweet bread, cornish game hen.
And for dessert … oreo truffles!
Nom! Nom!
We shot Stephanie & Ben’s portraits in The Library Bar at the Warwick Melrose Hotel. I originally had planned on doing formals on the terrace, but the bar was a much better decision with the tenting up.
Stephanie & Ben had just seen each other on the roof top for The Reveal so we jumped right into all of the family and bridal party pictures.
Stephanie and her dad – utter adorableness.
I loved both of these bridal party shots!
Both families.
Stephanie and her mom. Equally sweet.
We ♥ Ben’s grandmother!
And so did Ben 
After the ceremony, I had 30 glorious minutes to run around the hotel lobby.
Stephanie had requested a chandelier shot, so I dropped down the lighting to get the glow if it. I’m going to insist on one of these for the cover of their album!
The texture of the table really drew me in for this shot. I love seeing Ben’s ring here too.
I didn’t forget – here’s the Gnome fun!
Ben’s best man really wasn’t sure what this was all about!
The fabulous wedding vendors:
[ location ] Warwick Melrose Hotel, Dallas
[ makeup ] Kristen Colaneri
[ flowers ] LeFleur Couture by Tami Winn
[ cake ] The Cake Guys
[ strings ] Four Strings
[ dj ] Glenn Roush Productions
[ officiants ] Love Notes Weddings, Mary Younkin | Rabbi Leynor 972.816.7281
Stephanie and Ben opted to merge traditions in their wedding ceremony. Marty Younkin of Love Notes Weddings officiated the Christian ceremony & Rabbi Jeffrey B. Leynor worked his magic on the Jewish portion.
(Side bar: it’s not easy to find a Rabbi that will officiate a dual-faith wedding, so if you are interested in something like this, definitely give Rabbi Leynor a holler at 972.816.7281- he is amazing… and don’t forget how much Marty rocks as well!)
Before the ceremony, Stephanie & Ben signed the ketubah (the Jewish marriage contract):
Marty (left) and Rabbi Leynor (right). They ♥ each other too.
Black ribbons are there to symbolize the family & friends who had passed.
Ben was walked up the aisle by both of his parents, which is customary in the Jewish tradition.
Stephanie takes a breather right before going down the aisle.
Ben sees Stephanie coming up the aisle.
A little giggle as they come up the rest of the way together.
Stephanie had some great expressions during the ceremony.
The rings.
And the Christian tradition of the unity candle.
Ben breaks the glass.
Stephanie shows off the bling to her sister.
The reception room was GORGEOUS.
Ben’s parents give a blessing to the couple.
Stephanie & Ben’s candy buffet.
Stephanie’s sister Ann was really nervous about the toast, but she did such a wonderful job!
He’s caught four garters! Give this man a woman!
Last dance. Alone.
Stephanie & Ben got married at the truly elegant Warwick Melrose Hotel in downtown Dallas. The crew and I arrived early to scope out the location to find the awesome Tami Winn setting up flowers in the ballroom. Hugs and “hell yas!” all around.
I had been following Stephanie’s planning choices but the combination of her color scheme (champagne & white), along with Tami’s amazing flower creations and the gorgeous ballroom of the hotel were really breathtaking. Our next stop was the second floor terrace where the ceremony would be taking place. A wonderful waiter snuck us out there through a secret door as there was a bridal shower in progress in the adjoining room. We are always causing trouble, I know
So with the crew assembled and a game plan concocted – we set out to find Stephanie’s room. Stephanie was getting her makeup & hair done as expected and from there it was go time!
Ben gets ready.
Time for their Big Reveal before the ceremony! Originally Stephanie didn’t want to do it, but as we looked at the schedule, I was worried about not having time for the formal pictures. Stephanie really wanted to enjoy her reception so she did agree to do the Reveal I know she was extremely pleased that she did! I just love the pictures that resulted!
Reason #4 for the Big Reveal : Twirl around in your dress for a proper entrance.
… and it’s ceremony time!
We arrived in Virgina Beach late in the afternoon on Thursday after some flight delays. Really, we were crazy lucky not to miss our connecting flight from Newark which was supposed to leave only a few minutes after we landed, but weather and mechanical delays gave us an extra couple of hours to relax and eat lunch.
Our first stop after the rental car place was a little shopping at H&M. The store is located on a street named Lynnhaven. It couldn’t have been any more true, I was definitely in heaven there
A little cleaning up at the hotel followed and we were off for some yummy seafood by the beach!
Say it with me! Nom. Nom.
