Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/322785
Date: December 31, 2012. Venue: Dallas Arboretum. Event design: Prashe Decor. Flowers: Paper Flowers by Opris Simona. Bride's gown: Custom designed by Ashlee Brooks. Bridesmaids' dresses: A custom-designed collaboration of the bride and Binzario Couture. The Couple: JENNIFER DE SOCARRAZ & STEPHEN FLEMING The Couple: MARISA SEAMAN & FRANK HOWARD • An unattainable meeting: The couple was first set to meet when James was traveling extensively from his home in Los Angeles to Dallas for work. Since he didn't know anyone in the city, mutual friends tried to get the two together, but the night of their date, a tornado warning delayed their serendipitous meeting. They were then set to meet while both were in New York traveling, but that didn't work out either. Shortly afterwards, Natalie was offered a job in L.A. and moved west. After being there for just a week, James took Natalie to dinner at the Sunset Tower — where they finally met for the first time. The rest is history. • A wild ride: Natalie and James traveled back to her hometown of Vernon, Texas, for the annual rodeo. James got down on one knee under the Bond family's 5BB welcome sign to the ranch. • Given that Natalie is a native Texan who attended the University of Texas, Austin seemed the perfect place for the nuptials. • The newlyweds were introduced as they danced to their first song, serenaded by one of Austin's top bands, Blind Date. • Southern cuisine: In true Texas fashion, dinner was venison chile relleno, short ribs with biscuits, corn relish potatoes and cheddar grits with shrimp. • The blush-colored cake was six-tiers created by Cakes by Lori. • In lieu of a groom's cake, buñuelo cups were served. • The bride wore a lavalier necklace that had been worn on the wedding days of all the women on her mother's side of the family, going back several generations. • Honeymoon: Skiing in Zermatt, Switzerland, and sunning in St. Barts. The Couple: NATALIE BOND & JAMES BLOOMINGDALE Date: February 8, 2014. Ceremony venue: Shelton Chapel at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Reception Venue: The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, Austin. Coordinator: Barbara Bailey Gaines. Bride's gown: A custom Laura Gonzalez gown — inspired by a stunning mantilla that was in the shop. Bride's shoes: Ferragamo. Groom's suit: Ermenegildo Zegna. Flowers: Lily of the valley. Date: February 23, 2013. Venue: The Breakers Hotel, Palm Beach. Wedding planner: Heather Lowenthal of Posh Parties. Bride's gown: Lace gown by Liancarlo. Groom's suit: White Isaia dinner jacket and trousers custom- designed from Stanley Korshak. DIVINE DETAILS DIVINE DETAILS Natalie and James Bloomingdale DIVINE DETAILS • The couple first dated during the bride's senior year of college, but after a job opportunity transferred her to L.A., they split up. Four years later, Stephen was in town and asked Jennifer out to dinner. They've been together ever since. • The ring: Custom-designed by Stephen (with the help of the bride's best friend and mother) with a canary-yellow diamond. • A first for the Arboretum: The outdoor wedding also doubled as a New Year's Eve celebration. • A narrow pathway of trees twinkling with lights and marked by a Chihuly glass sculpture led the wedding party to a gazebo of tulle and chandeliers, where vows were exchanged. • In memory of the bride's father, a single rose was placed on an empty chair next to her mother, who gave Jennifer away in his stead. • Ceremony music: A string quartet by Bows & Strings. • The Lord's Prayer was performed by Chris Pearson, long-time family friend and lead singer of rock band Sleeperstar. • A festive addition: The groom and his groomsmen wore boutonnieres fashioned from the tops of silver party kazoos and paper flowers. • The couple first danced to an acoustic version of "Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon. • In the spirit of NYE, festive party favors at each table encouraged guests to participate in the countdown. • At midnight there was a huge confetti drop, where everyone celebrated with hugs, kisses, champagne toasts and dancing. • Honeymoon: The couple retreated to the family's vacation home in Palm Beach, vowing to go somewhere new each anniversary. • On the last night of their stay in Vero Beach (visiting Frank's mother), the two went for a sunset stroll with the family dog, Vega, on Riomar Beach, where Frank proposed. • To love and to cherish: The groom gifted his bride a Royal Asscher ring from Veranda in Vero Beach, a jewelry store owned by Frank's mom, Cathy Padgett. • The 8-foot veil was a delicate cascade bordered by three pockets of lace. • The ceremony took place on Ocean Lawn at The Breakers where guests witnessed the big moment overlooking the water. • Family traditions: Satin buttons from the bride's mother's wedding dress adorned the bridal bouquet. • Marisa and Frank danced their first dance to "Maybe I'm Amazed" by Paul McCartney. • The 11-person Powerhouse Band kept guests on the dance floor all night. • Decadent dishes: For cocktail hour, sushi and Asian cuisine were passed. For the reception, guests dined on lobster Rockefeller, filet mignon and a retro banana split. • Honeymoon: A two-week Italian excursion to Florence, Rome, Capri and Positano on the Amalfi Coast. The highlight? Staying at Le Sirenuse Hotel. Stephen and Jennifer Fleming Marisa and Frank Howard Lily of the valley bouquet PHOTOS BY JENNIFER LINDBERG WEDDINGS NANCY COHN JONAH GILMORE | J AND J STUDIO, MALEKFOTO