It seemed to be a wedding by candlelight. Cylindrical glass vases held soft white candles that lit both the ceremony and reception spaces. The chic Le Meridien Dallas sheltered the elegant affair. Along the monochromatic aisle, delicate flames flickered as Leigh Ann and Darren prepared to enter into a lifetime of romance. The thematic candles welcomed wedding guests into the glamorous reception. Bold purples and deep blues came alive within the dimly lit room. Glass centerpieces filled with ivory, purple, and blue hydrangeas stood tall atop the rectangular tables. Coterie member Ebony Peoples Events and Design, captured the true essence of glamour and romance in this stunning candlelit blue and purple wedding.
Jackson Wedding Studios, formerly known as Still-Life Media Photography, captured beautiful images of Leigh Ann and Darren’s Dallas wedding.
Quick Facts
Favorite item on wedding menu – The gourmet popcorn bar was a hit! The flavors included cheddar cheese, “Dallas Blend” (butter, cheese, caramel), and white chocolate pretzel.
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Gifts – The bridesmaids received makeup makeovers and gift bags that included a mini emergency kit, silk fuchsia robes, and earrings. The groomsmen received leather wallets.
First dance song – “Fall For You” by Leela James
Bride: Leigh Ann Sennette – Defense Analyst
Groom: Darren Sheffield, Jr. – Varsity Basketball Coach and High School Teacher
Wedding location: Dallas, Texas
Tell us all about the proposal!
Darren came to my place on a “random” Taco Tuesday night. He brought over something that I needed for the tacos and at the bottom of the bag was a box with my ring. I turned around and he was down on one knee. I was so surprised and overcome with joy! I knew he was going to pop the question, but honestly thought it was going to be on Thanksgiving or the weekend after, so I was not dolled up the way I imagined that I would be when the time actually came. Later I found out that Darren indeed planned to propose Thanksgiving Day but ditched his whole plan last minute because he wanted to catch me off guard since I am so hard to surprise. He succeeded!
How would you describe your wedding dress style and how was dress shopping?
Wedding dress shopping was a breeze! A few days before Christmas I went with my mom, maid of honor, and one of my bridesmaids to find the perfect dress. We went to two stores, and I tried on no more than 10 dresses total. I went with a fit and flare gown that has a sweetheart neckline, and is encrusted with Swarovski crystals. For the ceremony, I paired the gown with a tulle cathedral length veil.
How was culture incorporated in your wedding?
Darren and I are from two different regions of the country (Texas and Washington, DC) and had a large number of guests at our wedding from both regions. So our DJ played a surprise set of music alternating between the two regions during that reception that turned into a dance and song battle. It was a great way to bring our family and friends together, and the guests really enjoyed it!
What is your favorite memory from your wedding day?
The first look was my favorite memory! We met in the antique residence penthouse of our hotel prior to our wedding ceremony. We were able to embrace one another and pray before the ceremony. It also allowed us to have some alone time before we began the ceremony and reception celebration with our guests for the rest of the evening. That time was a moment that I will cherish forever.
What advice do you have for our brides-to-be?
If you can, hire a wedding planner. My wedding planner was amazing! Even if you want to do most of the planning/decorating on your own, a planner is great to have on the day of your wedding so that you can enjoy the day with your new hubby and your wedding guests, while also assuring everything behind the scenes is on track and on schedule. Also, once you select your date, choose your venue as soon as you can (the good ones usually book fast, sometimes a year in advance!). Finally, relax and enjoy the planning process and remember it’s only one day, and the real fun starts after you get married!
Congratulations to the beautiful couple!
Vendors
Wedding dress designer – Allure Couture
Wedding dress salon – LuLu’s Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaids dresses – Bill Levkoff
Hair – Ashley Bristo and Ashley Ferguson
Makeup – Jamie Dionne and Marilona Makeovers
Shoes – Badgley Mischka
Ceremony and Reception Location – Le Meridien Stoneleigh Hotel
Photography – Jackson Wedding Studios
Videography – Jessie Mann
Wedding Planner – Ebony Peoples Events and Design
Florist – Stems of Dallas
Cake – Sugar Bee Sweets
Stationery – The Bee’s Knees Custom Design
Linens – Lumiere Lighting and Drapery
DJ and Lighting – DJ Gumbo
Photo Booth – A & K Photo Booth Rentals
Gourmet Popcorn – Uptown Popcorn
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