Sweet as (a) Pie bar

As Dallas-Fort Worth’s premier wedding planning team we are often asked to think outside the box. Sometimes, that means finding an alternative to the traditional wedding cake. If you couldn’t tell by the title- having a pie bar is one of favorite alternatives AND addition to the traditional wedding cake. They also are the perfect setup for an engagement party or bridal shower!

It’s such a delicious treat, true comfort food and comes in so many different varieties! Cream pies, fruit pies, custard pies…large pies, mini pies, pie pops…we think this all American little sweet is perfect for weddings! Here are several gorgeous presentations of the delectable treat that we hope will get you thinking “pie” as you start pondering your wedding desserts.

This festive pie bar is the perfect alternative to wedding cake. You’re able to choose a large variety of flavors! And how sweet is the presentation?!

Variety is the Spice of Life

Offering lots of varieties will insure you’ve got something for everyone! In our years as Dallas wedding planners we’ve learned a thing or two about the importance of variety.

Keep it Classy

Pro tip from our Dallas wedding planning team: Different heights to display pie add to the elegance of a table. It also allows you to add more variety to the table.

A Twist on Tradition

Presenting pies in a tiered fashion is a fun wink at traditional wedding cake. You can even use fun cake toppers like this fun couple chose to do! Choosing to have a “wedding pie” in lieu of cake allows you to still have the traditional cake cutting photos, without the cake!

Pie to go!

If you don’t want to dedicate a section of your reception to a pie bar- don’t fret! Another fun way to incorporate pie into your wedding day is fun pie pop favors! They are a super cute AND tasty way to thank your guests for taking part in your big day! This allows you to have your cake..and eat pie too!

If you’re planning to incorporate pie into your big day let us know! One of our Dallas wedding planners would love to help you create and execute a pie bar display for your big day!

image sources: Bridal Guide, Brides, Elizabeth Anne Designs, The Every Last Detail, The Knot, Style Me Pretty, Southern Weddings 

Wedding Cakes Trends

Wedding guests often judge a wedding by whether the cake was good. TLC’s TV show titled “Four Weddings” follows four brides who are guests at each other’s wedding and judge the one that’s the best (with the prize of a dream honeymoon hanging in the balance). Imagine these brides at your own wedding. What would they say about the cake? Was it pleasing to the eye, and the taste buds? Did it add to the atmosphere? We’ve included some of our favorite wedding cakes from weddings that we’ve planned. Enjoy!

MONOGRAMMED CAKES

John & Courtney

In 2018, one of the trends is monogrammed wedding cakes. It can be the perfect way to put your personal stamp on the wedding day. For John and Courtney, it made the day all the more special. After all, C & J would be their new monogram as husband and wife. The delicious cakes in John and Courtney’s wedding are from Frosted Art Bakery & Studio.

F8 Photography

WOODLAND CAKES

Alex & Taylor

Another trend in 2018 is woodland wedding cakes. It takes flowers to the next level, through decor involving lots of greenery. Alex and Taylor decided on a wedding inspired by the Shakespearean play titled A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The cake evolved along with the rest of the wedding details; it added to the wild forest setting. On a bed of moss, the cake reaches up to the ceiling with leaves and delicious frosting. The special cake creations in Alex and Taylor’s wedding are from Classic Cakes by Lori.

Amy Herfurth Photography

PASTEL CAKES

Rodrigue & Jacqueline

There’s nothing prettier than pastels. They complement a wedding with soft tones, and they contribute to a light, delicate atmosphere. Rodrigue and Jacqueline chose a multi-layered cake from Frosted Art Bakery & Studio. Pink and white flowers curl up the side of the cake, and elaborate designs circle around the sides. It’s a classic style that’s perfect for an elegant wedding.

Bellas Photography

If you’d like to see more designs from real weddings, please take a look at our Weddings by StarDust Portfolios tab. You can book an appointment with our wedding planners online or by calling (972) 781-1619.

Creating the Perfect Unity Painting

We love that Dallas- Fort Worth couples are continuing to search for ways to personalize their weddings. Our wedding planning team is regularly searching for the . One great way to do this is by putting a personal twist on an existing tradition- the unity painting.

We’ve seen this a lot with the unity ritual during the wedding ceremony. Traditionally, couples lit a unity candle. That soon that gave way to other unifying symbols, such as unity sand or unity flowers. One of our favorite takes on the unity ceremony that we’ve seen more and more of, the unity painting.

Getting Creative

There are many ways to execute this beautiful act of unity.  Many couples simply use two paints that are tied to their wedding color palette. We’ve seen couples pour and swirl the colors together, or paint the colors on with a brush. Both options create beautiful unity painting masterpieces!

Some couples are incorporating an additional level of personalized flair to their unity painting to make the piece even more meaningful.  This couple added a large vinyl initial to the canvas before the paint was poured. Once the paint dried, they were able to peel the vinyl off to reveal their final masterpiece. 

We’ve also seen couples incorporate their wedding date into their unity painting. One of our favorite unity paintings we’ve seen incorporated the lyrics to the couples first dance song.

Another couple wanted to incorporate their wedding guests into their unity painting. Together they painted a heart on the canvas, then they requested their guests sign it. It made for an exceptionally personalized guest book!

The Skies are the Limit! (Almost)

There are so many ways to create your unity painting! You’re truly limited only to your imagination! Well, almost.. you may also be limited to your wedding venue’s policies, so be sure to check with your facility contact! This does work best in an outdoor ceremony setting, but even if you’re marrying inside, just ask to see if it’s a possibility for your wedding day!

One word of caution: be mindful of your wedding attire. We highly encourage couples to forgo finger painting, no matter how much your inner child may plead! Happy planning, and unity painting creating!

image sources: Chris Diset Photography, Cloud Seven Photography, Etsy, Gracenote Photography, Equally Wed

Once upon a time, there was a fair maiden in love with a handsome prince. Isn’t that how all good fairytales begin? In December 2017, the team at Weddings by StarDust planned a swoon-worthy fairytale wedding for Alex and Taylor in Dripping Springs, Texas. It was a dream come true with all the sparkly, mysterious magic of an enchanted forest.

From the bouquets in the bridesmaids’ hands to the tall, elaborate arbor outside, the wedding’s theme transported guests as they breathed in the scents and feel of a romantic forest scene. That being said, greenery was a major part of the wedding planning. Even the bride’s dress featured intricate floral designs!

Varying shades of purple and white added touches of color to the greenery as well. And, of course, the ceremony took place under the stars! Trees overhead, creating a patchwork against the Texas sky, provided the ideal canopy. Then, Alex and Taylor shared a sweet kiss as husband and wife beneath the belfry.

At the reception, greenery sprouted from every nook and cranny in the ornate rafters. Pretty purple butterflies acted as escort cards and rested lightly on the place settings. But let’s hear from the busy bees behind the wedding planning!

Q: How did you get the inspiration for the wedding’s theme: an enchanted forest?

When I met the bride (Taylor), the first thing she told me was that she wanted an enchanted forest, but wasn’t sure how to pull that together. I wanted to run with the idea and bring in elements of what you might see in an enchanted forest. I knew greenery would be the highlight of the décor, with lots of candlelight. I also wanted to take the outside indoors, so to speak. Taylor let us really use our imagination on the décor of this wedding! She mentioned butterflies, too, so we had those hanging from a tree with each guest’s name on them. It added a small touch, but made a huge impact.

Candlelight and lighting were focal points for the wedding. Taylor loved the dripping lights in the trees for her ceremony—one of the biggest reasons this location was chosen! Whim did the florals for the wedding, and one of the details they orchestrated was to add hanging flowers around the greenery on the ceiling to mimic the dripping lights outside. To top it all off, the tables were decked out with candles in all different sizes, which made for such a romantic enchanted forest!

Q: Tell us about the unique ring boxes. How did they fit into the overall theme?

Everything down to the ring boxes fit in with the enchanted forest theme! Greenery was an easy addition to the different components of the wedding, so we included it in even the tiniest details. The bride, Taylor, had little glass ring boxes made, and we filled the boxes with moss to tie in the greenery and enchanted feel.

Q: Walk us through the set-up for the reception. What goes into the preparations?

There were lots of moving parts. Set-up actually began the night before with the florist beginning to hang the greenery on the ceiling and pillars. The next morning, all of the vendors arrived to finish setting up. The fabulous floral was added to the arch for the ceremony; lawn games were brought in for cocktail hour; and the lighting was set. Also, the flowers and tree-like centerpieces were brought in; the delicious cake was put on our moss-coated table; and all the small finishing touches were complete to make for a truly enchanted night.

Set-ups for weddings have so many different moving parts, and this one was just the same! We have a team of planners who work on smoothing out the set-up process as well as our dream team of vendors who all help with managing and working on getting everything just right.

Wedding Planning and Design: Weddings by StarDust | Photographer: Amy Herfurth | Wedding Gown: Ysa Makino, StarDust Celebrations  |  Videographer: Oak and Cypress | Lighting: Altared Weddings and Events | Bakery: Classic Cakes by Lori | Venue: Camp Lucy | Florist and Linens: Whim | DJ/Emcee: Marcus Rollins

The newest issue of Brides of North Texas is out! In the Spring/Summer 2018 issue, there’s a feature by one of our very own Dallas wedding planners, Devan Moorehead. She designed a styled photo shoot under the topic of “Modern Glam” to be included in the magazine. Keep scrolling for an exclusive interview with the true fairy godmother behind the stunning, artistic photo shoot. Get ready to be hit with Devan’s inspired taste!

What pops in your mind when you think of “modern glam”?

Devan: To me, modern glam brings to mind elegance and clean lines. It’s not your traditional flowers, and the attitude is a little moody.

Describe the bride that best fits a modern glam wedding.

Devan: I think a modern glam bride is someone who is not afraid to step out of the box. She’s willing to do something different and not so traditional. She loves textures and mixing patterns while keeping a clean look. She’s a bride who is fashion forward and looks at her décor as a whole.

What are some common elements in a modern glam wedding?

Devan: Candles are a must! I used the black tapered candles to pull in the moody, but clean look. I think another element is having a pop of color, as I did with the fuchsia. Modern glam is very black and white, so when you throw in pops of color, it adds another layer to it. I loved the upside down roses that hung from the arrangement; they had clean lines, yet made a huge statement.

For the styled photo shoot, tell us how you came across the fuchsia couch from Coral Lane.

Devan: I have ALWAYS wanted to use this fuchsia couch! I have come across it on their website many times, and I figured that now would be a good time. When I talked with the ladies at Coral Lane, they said it had been used once — at one of the owner’s weddings. No one had ever rented it or used it for a styled shoot.

Right then, I told them, “Challenge accepted.”

I wanted to show brides that stepping out of the box is fun! Yes, a fuchsia couch might make some brides nervous, but if you do it right, it can be beautiful. You have one wedding, so make it what you really want. Don’t be afraid to show who you are! The whole shoot was based around this couch, and my inspiration board started from its initial inspiration.

What kind of statement does the stationery make about the overall mood?

Devan: Invitations set the tone for the wedding, whether that’s formal or informal. For me, on this shoot, the inspiration for the invites came from the china that we got from Top Tier. I wanted to use the pattern from the Jackie salad plate (gold lace pattern on a white background). The menu I wanted very clean and simple. It fit nicely right in the middle of the plate, but I still kept a pop of color by adding gold foil.

How can art, such as the outside of Brake and Clutch Warehouse, play a role in wedding design?

Devan: It all goes back to being out of the box. Having art on a wall like this can add such a crazy cool background for your photographs or for another part of your wedding. If the art doesn’t follow your wedding colors, don’t cross it off the list just yet.

There are lots of photos online of brides in unique locations for taking photos. Enough to get you feeling inspired! Unfortunately, they’re often taking their photos in other parts of the world (not as easy to replicate). I think using art in your photos can make that happen for you.

First, do a mental check: Is the art in a place where you can do cocktail hour? Then, go for it! This will provide a discussion topic for your guests, and you can set up cool furniture like I did for your guests to sit and chat with each other. While a parking lot (in my photo shoot) wouldn’t be ideal for cocktails, you can still use it for photos or for a little something extra for guests to enjoy. Who wouldn’t want giant blue elephants at their wedding?!

Let’s say your niece asked you to describe the photo shoot only in adjectives. What would you say?

Devan: Modern, rich, romantic, energetic, fancy, elegant and enchanting.

Design & Styling: Devan Moorehead at Weddings by StarDust | Gown & Stationery: StarDust Celebrations | Couch, Chairs, Ghost Chairs, Coffee Table, and Pillows: Coral Lane | Photographer: Andrea Elizabeth Photography | Tables, Ghost Chairs, China, Glassware, Flatware, and Napkins: Top Tier Event Rentals & Staffing | Floral: 21 Parc Floral and Events | Cakes: The Jenny Layne Bakery | Hair & Makeup: Grand Slam Glam | Venue: Brake & Clutch Warehouse

By Shelby Brooks, Contributing Writer, Weddings by StarDust

                          Have you heard? Purples are in! Pantone^® announced that Ultra Violet is the 2018 Color of the Year. “The Color of the Year is one moment in time that provides strategic direction for the world of trend and design, reflecting the Pantone Color Institute’s year-round work doing the same for designers and brands.” (Pantone.com)

This dramatic, thoughtful purple is meant to spark curiosity about the world and what the future holds. It is reminiscent of the immense, mysterious night sky that deepens in lovely purples as twilight lingers. Ultra Violet can be a part of your special wedding day, too, by reminding you of the future and making moments even sweeter.

Maggie Seaver at The Knot posted an article titled “21 Gorgeous Ways to Use Pantone’s Color of the Year in Your Wedding.” We’d like to share our top five favorite ways to incorporate Ultra Violet as you plan your wedding.

#5: EYE-CATCHING ARRANGEMENTS

Greenery is a top trend from last year that is going strong into 2018 for a natural element to floral arrangements and decor. Make violet a part of your arrangements to enhance the natural setting. We incorporated this look into Taylor and Alex’s magical wedding at Camp Lucy last year.

#4: UNDERSTATED MENSWEAR

Consider adding a touch of violet in your outfit selections for the gentlemen in your bridal party. Andrea’s groom, Glenn, rocked this look and gave it his own sophisticated charm with a matching pocket square at their Crescent Court Hotel wedding.

F8 Studio

#3: FLORAL FANTASY

Ultra Violet is such a vibrant hue and luckily it’s plentiful in the floral world. Work with your florist to mix and match complementary shades of this lush color with a wide variety of flower types to create texture and drama to your floral game.

Sarah Kate Photography

#2: VIVACIOUS BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES

Purple can even be a great color for bridesmaids dresses since it’s complementary to every skin tone. Select fun, flirty knee-length dresses for a day-time wedding in warm summer months or violet as a punchy alternative to black if you’d like long and elegant gowns for an evening affair. Bridesmaids dresses such as the ones pictured below and many more can be found at StarDust, Molly’s and our online store!

Amy Herfurth Photography

Amy Herfurth Photography

Sarah Kate Photography

#1: GET LOUD WITH YOUR LINENS

Table linens are such a fun, simple way to add a dramatic pop of color to your tablescapes. Don’t be shy; feel free to play with fabrics, patterns and textures to create a luxurious atmosphere as your guests enjoy their wedding meal. This styled shoot is from our preferred vendor partner, BBJ Linens.

Image courtesy: BBJ Linen

Image courtesy: BBJ Linen

Image courtesy: BBJ Linen