This was such a fun day. It was the first time it really hit me that I was getting married – you’re literally dressing up exactly how you plan to on your big day – hair, makeup, bouquet – it’s basically a “trial run” just no husband at the end of it! My sweet makeup artist is from Mississippi so she was not able to make it for the bridal portraits so I made an appointment at the beauty counter at Nordstrom and just prayed that it would turn out how I wanted. After my appointment, my mom and I headed over to William Noble, our amazing jeweler in Highland Park Village, to see if we could use their facility for me to change into my dress and grab the earrings they let me borrow for the wedding (eep!). Keep reading to see all the details on how I found my dress, location and more!

T H E  D R E S S

Growing up I would watch TLC’s “A Wedding Story” like it was my job. I remember being so excited when they would have marathon after marathon meaning more pretty dresses and sweet stories to swoon over.

When it came to finding THE dress I knew I wanted something timeless and elegant. I brought my mom and sister, because that’s about the only opinions I could handle, – I’m very indecisive – and the dress search led us to Patsy’s Bridal Boutique in Dallas. There are so many things I loved about Patsy’s. Megan, the girl who helped me, was fabulous. I told her exactly what I had in mind, my price range (which she did not budge from), and she pulled some of the most beautiful dresses I’ve ever seen. I had never heard of a bolero until Megan suggested I try it over the dress to give it a more formal and elegant feel. I had told her how much I loved lace and was debating going the long sleeves route, but didn’t know if that would be good with a May wedding so this was the perfect idea. The minute she put it on I had chills and knew it was the perfect addition for the ceremony and I could still take it off for the reception – It didn’t take us long before the three of us were in tears (I honestly didn’t think I would cry!) and I knew we had found the dress.

I also had the sweetest seamstress (Chas’ precious Aunt!) who did an incredible job with the alterations. It was quite a task because the dress I fell in love with a sample gown so it needed some tailoring, but it was nice that we were able to take it home the day of! Side note: I highly recommend being open to trying on sample gowns, it made a huge difference in our budget!

L O C A T I O N

We shot my bridals at the historic Arlington Hall at Lee Park that sits on a fifteen acre park in the heart of Dallas. I love the classic columns that give off the southern plantation vibe. We didn’t even have to call and schedule an appointment to use the building – there were actually some other brides there with their photographers which I thought was sweet!

P H O T O G R A P H E R

If you saw my White Rock Lake and Dallas Arboretum engagement photos then you know we worked with Hannah and Preston of Cottonwood Road Photography to shoot our wedding. We took these on May 1st, about one month prior to the big day so Hannah could have some time to edit them so we could choose the portrait to place in the reception room at our wedding. 

And how gorgeous is that bouquet! My wedding planner, Mary Frances, who also doubled as my florist, is incredibly talented. I wanted an unstructured and relaxed bouquet with white florals and greenery mixed in. She nailed it!

bloom & grow forever, 

Madeline Rose

Images by: Cottonwood Road Photography