My help with Jennifer Weintraub and Rich Robinson's wedding started when they began fretting about a venue. First a country ranch wedding was in the offing, but all the potential what-if's (What if it rains? What if it's broiling hot? What if a skunk gets spooked? What if a goat gets loose?) eventually put the kibosh on the whole idea.
But from all their talking about potential venues, I began to see what they really wanted. They wanted a place that would easily accommodate their friends and family. They wanted to feel as if they were in the outdoors. They wanted a place that swept them off their feet just as much as they had done to each other.
So I sent them to the Trinity River Audubon Center. As luck would have it, the week I sent them the TRAC was having an all-day free event, which gave them ample time to check it out in the day, and in the evening. And, as I suspected they would, they fell in love.
The TRAC is in South Dallas, but is nestled in a woodland and marsh area that is home to butterflies, birds, and all manner of water fowl. For a June wedding, the butterfly garden was a want that ended up being jettisoned as temperatures climbed, but to be honest, the way the building is designed, you feel as if you've been dropped in a bubble to the middle of a beautiful refuge away from the city, yet in the city. The butterfly garden is a beautiful scene for a wedding, but I would definitely consider it for spring, when the Texas sun won't broil your guests.
In addition, if you opt to pay for the ability to have the run of the place, you have a great little theater area for kids to watch a movie (which factored in heavily to the decision) as well as explore the kid-friendly exhibits within the venue.
Once the venue was settled, catering came soon after. With six kids between the family affectionately called the Robintraubs, and with many friends and family with young children, a buffet with lots of comfort food seemed ideal. The couple chose Celebration, and served fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad and rolls; as well as a children's buffet of chicken tenders and macaroni and cheese.
An open bar offered beer, wine, and a signature cocktail from the Be Sweet recipe book - a peach sangria, as well as champagne for toasting and iced tea and lemonade for the kids and non-imbibers. White cupcakes with white buttercream frosting and blueberry garnish were provided by Tom Thumb's excellent bakery on Northwest Highway.
The bride's friend, Rebecca Melton, provided the decor and floral arrangements, as well as the bouquets and
boutonnieres. Her beautiful work brought the couple's peacock theme and rustic chic idea to fruition through the use of wood elements, burlap, and items in purple and teal. Uplights along one wall were rented locally, and music was provided by Be Sweet's Wedding and Reception Playlist Collection and the groom's employer's sound system.
Planning ceremonies for blended families is one of my favorite things to do. The many, many ways you can include the children and truly celebrate becoming a brand new family where once there were two are so beautiful. In the Robintraubs' case, we chose to do a sand ceremony. That's right - six kids, two grownups and 8 containers of sand to fill one vessel. It was one of the most touching and hilarious parts of the ceremony, watching each child carefully (well, mostly carefully) upend their container of sand.
The other beautiful part? As I've suggested to many couples who either feel too - dare I say - old to be given away by family, or just feel it is antiquated, it is a completely wonderful thing to hear all your friends and family together answer the question, "Do you bless this marriage?" I get teary-eyed every time I see this done, and think it is a lovely alternative to the traditional giving away by the father, or even in addition to it!
Hearing that entire room swell with love that day was beautiful. Rev. Anthony Lorenzen did a wonderful job as officiant, and the couple said their vows just as the infernal Texas sun started to make its way towards sunset.
And at the end of the evening, after all of the toasts and dancing, their friends and family gathered to line the entryway at TRAC, waving glow sticks in the night air as the couple made their way to their car - and on to a pub crawl. It was a beautiful celebration of love and a new family - and I thank all of the Robintraubs for trusting me with their day!
And of course there are pictures! Take a gander at
this gorgeous slideshow by the groom's sister, Kate Manning. And then take a gander at
some of these photos by Jessica Adkins of Aravaggio Photography.
Wedding Party: Maid of Honor: Dedra Dicks; Best Man: William O'Connor. The bride and groom's six children (three boys, three girls) served as Brothers and Sisters of Honor. The bride was escorted down the aisle by her son.
Vendors:
Venue:
Trinity River Audubon Center
Officiant: Reverend Anthony Lorenzen
Soloist: Jay Leath
Floral and Decor: Rebecca Melton, Friend of Bride
Music: Be Sweet Wedding and Party Planning
Photography:
Jessica Adkins/Aravaggio Photography and Kate Manning
Catering:
Celebration Restaurant and Catering
Bakery:
Tom Thumb Flagship store
Hair and Makeup:
Julie Spero, Moxie Salon
