Here Come the Brides - Amazon Web Services
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Here Come the Brides - Amazon Web Services
Photo: Southern Flair Photography Here come the brides 2016 Spring Wedding Guide Here come the brides Here come THE BRIDES W Ensuring you have the perfect wedding takes plenty of planning – and plenty of help from the experts eddings, by nature, are joyous occasions, spawning smiles and hugs and more than a few toasts to bright futures and blessed lives. But that’s just what happens on The Big Day. Prior to that – often quite a few days prior to that – thousands of local principals in dozens of occupations are working around the clock to ensure that it’s not just the big day, but the perfect one. Here are some examples of what area service providers are doing to create the ideal wedding. Fitness first The Firm Cardio Studio offers a “New You” program that is ideal for the bride, groom and others in the wedding party. “It is a sixweek intensive workout,” says company president Gretchen Davis. “Day one is a Fitness Assessment. We look at where you are now If a picture is worth a thousand words, this photo by Southern Flair Photography is an impressive testament to the joy of a wedding. the gym, we offer six-to seven-minute workouts to do on your own time. The cost of this program is under $100.” Gifts, gifts and more gifts C&W Antiques offers a wide variety of bridal gifts to satisfy the most discriminating bride. “We specialize in Fabergé, one of the most exquisite gifts and collectible items a bride or groom could ask for,” says Patrick Walsh, co-owner. “Our most popular gift item has been the Fabergé Palais Royal champagne cobalt blue 24-percent lead crystal toasting glasses. They also come in ruby red and clear. It is most important to have something elegant to make their first toast with.” C&W also offers traditional wedding gifts, including antique silver coffee services, crystal rose bowls, vases and decanters, the Vagabond House collection and affordable Arthur Court gifts. “One of the services we offer is one-on-one consultations by appointment only during the day and evening hours including weekends,” Walsh says. “This gives clients who are looking for a special gift or suggestions that time to browse. Our staff can guide you through a wide, elegant variety of unique, one-of-a-kind gift ideas. That will make your gift stand out from the traditional gift registry gifts.” A venue menu and where you want to be in six months. From there, we design a customized plan of action that, if followed, will net those results. We provide a healthy eating guide, as well as tasty healthy food recipes. We set up a workout schedule, which includes both group fitness classes and private sessions. For the days you can’t make it to 36 ARLINGTON TODAY • April 2016 • arlingtontoday.com The Sanford House bills itself as the most beautiful event facility in North Texas. But, behind that picturesque scene, a stellar staff works tirelessly to make every wedding the best it can be. “Our staff is dedicated to providing our guests the best food, service, and experience for every event,” says Valerie Landry, general manager. Not only does The Sanford House provide a beautiful outdoor wedding and reception venue, it also offers indoor receptions, events and dining in the private, secluded Renoir Room with fabulous views of the Grand Courtyard. “All catering is provided by the executive chef of restaurant506 – the award-winning fine dining restaurant inside the Manor House,” Landry says. “In addition, our award-winning Spa & Salon is available to provide a variety of services to help you relax, refresh and feel beautiful for your big day.” >>>>> 2 4 3 5 1 6 The anatomy of a perfect wedding: (1) An ideal venue like The Sanford House; (2 and 3) wedding gifts from Jazzy Jems; (4) a great catered dinner by A Sophisticated Affair; (5) an exquisite reception venue such as the Sheraton Hotel Arlington; (6) Cacharel’s peerless view for the rehearsal dinner; and (7) “the” ring from Troy Vinson Jewelers. 7 arlingtontoday.com • April 2016 • ARLINGTON TODAY 37 Here come the brides River Legacy Living Science Center’s light-filled nature center Texas Star Golf in Euless is known for its award-winning course, and beautiful terraced patio provide excellent indoor and outdoor but it, too, has emerged as an off-the-beaten-path wedding site. It accommodations for the couple wanting a nontraditional and offers banquet rooms that can accommodate up to 300 guests and unique venue. The center is centrally located in North Arlington a catering and event coordinating staff that will assist you from next to River Legacy Parks at the intersection of Cooper Street and start to finish in the planning and implementation of your wedNorthwest Green Oaks Boulevard. ding. That help includes choosing menus to match the wedding “The building’s unique architectural qualities are theme – and the food is outstanding. emphasized by the floor to ceiling windows on the Like Texas Star, Tierra Verde is a golf-rifThe River Legacy West side and the reclaimed tree supports inside fic facility that is fast becoming known as Science Center is a popular venue and outside of the building,” says Kristi Payne, mara prime wedding venue. And why not? for weddings. keting coordinator for the River Legacy Foundation. The club’s Ventana Grille boasts of unique, “The terraced patio on the west side of the building chef-prepared cuisine that is scrumptious. provides a beautiful setting for an intimate outdoor Ventana means “window” in Spanish, and ceremony with seating on the lawn.” the windows of Ventana Grille offer a spec The Science Center is available for rentals yeartacular view of Tierra Verde. round Fridays through Sundays. All rentals require If you’re planning a big wedding and a two-hour reservation minimum, and allotted rentreception, Arlington Convention Center al time includes set up and breakdown. Guest cameeting rooms can be configured to accompacity is 150 for a seated dinner or 200 otherwise. modate up to 400 guests. Its event services While some turn to local outdoor venues because staff will help guide you and make sure its of their natural splendor, Cacharel is a compelling many helpful services and amenities are in indoor counterpart. Located atop the Brookhollow place and well executed. The center offers Two Tower, Cacharel offers one of the more picexclusive food and beverage services, inturesque views in Arlington. One of the benefits house audio/visual service, on-site electriof having the wedding and reception at Cacharel cal and communication support, and comis that the after-wedding party is just a few steps plete event coordination services. away. The large ballroom is sliced in half, with one side being reserved for the ceremony. After the “I dos” have been Trend watchers registered and the kisses done, guests move seamlessly into the re Shady Valley Country Club is another local venue that does “the ception area, toss off their ceremony inhibitions and let loose. works” for weddings – including rehearsal dinners, the ceremony “Guests come in on the ceremony side and have no idea the reproper and the reception. Britanny Isbell, private events coordinaception is in the same room basically,” says Angie Bluemling, wedtor for the club, says that while her staff can adapt to practically ding coordinator for the upscale restaurant. “When the ceremony any request, recent weddings have taken on a pattern – particularly is over, it opens up to a nice dance floor. It gives the illusion of two with regard to the reception. “We are seeing more plated dinners spaces even though it’s really not.” and wine service during dinner,” she says. “[In] prior years, wed- Legal advice for the wedding party Donna Smeidt with daughter Brooklynn. For more on the legal side of marriage, check out an expanded version of this story at arlingtontoday.com 38 WHILE ROMANCE is at the heart of most wedding planning, prudence should also be a factor, say two local attorneys. ‘My advice to those about to be married is to make an appointment immediately with your local family law attorney,” says Donna J. Smeidt of The Family Law Firm of Donna J. Smeidt. “The reason the bride and groom should independently consult with a knowledgeable family law attorney in advance of the wedding is to ensure that each are acutely aware of Texas law pertaining to the management and control of separate and community property, the legal effect of consolidating accounts to combine cash on hand, transferring titles to vehicles, incurring ARLINGTON TODAY • April 2016 • arlingtontoday.com debt with your spouse and purchasing a home together. All of these issues become a fact of life immediately following the wedding, and it is imperative that you are aware of what you are getting into financially and have discussed these issues frankly with your betrothed prior to the big day.” David Cook of Harris Cook LLP concurs. “Before you get married, you should make sure all of your legal affairs are in order,” he says. “Especially if one or both of you have been married before, or if one or both of you have significant separate property assets, you should seriously consider a premarital agreement. The Texas Family Code allows you and your spouse the opportunity to enter into a premarital agreement (commonly known as a ‘prenup’) to contractually agree on many issues, including the characterization of property, division of property upon divorce, and spousal support. Parties can decide to keep certain things separate (like income from separate property) and still share their personal earnings as community property, or they can agree to keep everything separate so that no community estate is created at all. Prenups, when written correctly, can protect the rights and obligations of both parties.” Cook says you will also want to make sure that you have a will in place that expresses your wishes for your new family. Here come the brides 5 wonderful wedding gifts 1 3 2 4 5 dings had been more formal with buffets and cash bars. We aren’t seeing that as much anymore. We are seeing brides spending more on food and entertainment (DJs and bands) than decor and floral.” Kasey Luithle, social catering manager at the Sheraton Hotel Arlington, also has seen some changes in the way wedding parties celebrate. “I’m noticing that with a lot of people, seating is different,” she says. “Instead of the conventional round tables, they’re doing different shapes and arrangements. A popular trend is the family-style table – a long table with many people seated on each side.” Luithle is also seeing pastel colors coming back in vogue. She likely will see plenty of those in the near future, as the Sheraton expects to host between 35 and 40 wedding events from June through October. Jeff and Keri Cook own A Sophisticated Affair, an Arlington catering business that was named one of the Top Five Catering Businesses in the DFW area by Social Tables. They’re also seeing some trends defining the 2016 wedding. “It’s all about personalization,” Keri says. “Brides want to create a custom dining experience. They don’t want a menu placed in from of them to choose. The trend right now is customization.” Jeff says there’s also a movement toward specialization with regards to the reception cuisine. “You’re seeing frappuccino machines and marble ice cream and funnel cakes,” he says. “Special little desserts – that’s what they’re looking for.” The greatness of the spa Great Skin Facial Club•Spa•Skincare prepares brides, their bridal party, parents, grooms and their “guys” to look and feel their best on their special day, says owner Brenda Cureton-Smith. “The most popular services for bridal parties often starts months before the wedding, up to the day before the wedding,” she says. Popular wedding-ready services include facial treatments to clear up, smooth out and reduce pore size so that makeup looks flawless for photos. Great Skin also offers facial contouring and skin tightening treatments, slimming body treatments like non-surgical fat cavitation that blasts fat cells, and radio frequency body and skin 40 ARLINGTON TODAY • April 2016 • arlingtontoday.com TERESA BURDA, owner of Gracie Lane Collections, says five wedding gifts, in particular, are hot sellers at her business right now: 1. “Our Natural Life Mug Sets just fly off the shelves. Our most popular is the Mr. Right and Mrs. Always Right set – I mean ... Are we right?” 2. “We just LOVE this Burlap Bulletin Board! How cute would this be displayed for guests to see on Wedding Day filled with pictures of the couple?” 3. “This Wedding Gift Basket is a lovely (and easy!) option – It’s filled with Bride & Groom Wine Accessories, an “I do, Me too” Serving Set, “The Key to a Happy Marriage” and lots of other goodies!” 4. “These coasters are one of our hot sellers – what a perfect gift for a newly married couple, for their home!“ 5. “We have many wooden signs for the happy couple. Our favorites include “Happily Ever After” and “Love is Patient, Love is Kind.” tightening, as well as endermologie for full body cellulite and body contouring , teeth whitening, eyelash extensions and full-body and face waxing. “We get you picture-perfect for your special day,” Cureton-Smith says. “Gift certificates are available.” A smile to remember If your wedding is quickly approaching and your smile simply isn’t what you hoped it would be on your big day, Dr. Amy Schoening and her team at Pecan Park Dental can help you to look your best with a smile makeover. “There are a variety of dental issues that a wedding smile makeover can remedy,” Dr. Schoening says. “From cracked teeth to improper spacing, a wedding smile makeover can correct virtually any problem that is keeping you from having a great smile on your special day.” Dr. Schoening and her partner at the practice, Dr. Stephanie Bangs, can do smile makeovers to fix uneven, stained and missing teeth, as well as improper bites. Pecan Park Dental utilizes state-ofRio Mambo offers the-art cosmetic dentistry techniques to catering services for weddings of provide each of its patients with smiles practically any they can be proud of, and that can brightsize. en their wedding-day smile, as well. “Dental maintenance for your wedding day should be scheduled well in advance, in order to avoid any last-minute procedures or treatments,” Dr. Schoening says. “Issues such as improper spacing or disproportionate teeth should be handled well before the special occasion, while treatments like veneers or whitening can be carried out just a few weeks prior. It’s typically a good idea to schedule an appointment to visit a dentist as soon as possible, so that they can develop a smile makeover plan that will give you the perfect smile for your perfect day.” Just the right amount of gentle tweaking Dr. Mark Bishara, the principal plastic surgeon at The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med•Spa, says he often helps brides prepare to be at their best for the wedding. “Small amounts of Botox and minor amounts of Volume (filler) in the cheeks can erase eight to 10 years Here come the brides you eat a breakfast and drink water; avoid alcohol and caffeine. An a.m. hydrating facial is key before makeup and hair. This day is all about you. Don’t forget to smile and try to slow the day down – most people blink, and it’s over!” Pampering is OK AT FUSION NAILS (1664 W. Randol Mill Road), members of the wedding party can get facials, waxing, reflexology and spa manicures and spa pedicures. Health and safety are priority one at Fusion Nails. Each client receives a one-time pedicure liner to prevent the spread of fungus, bacteria or infectious diseases. The salon is also designed with a vent hood to create a pleasant environment for clients. Picture this ... Dwayne Lee, owner of Southern Flair Photography, advises brides to be selective when choosing a wedding photographer. “Don’t think that just anyone with a nice camera can be a wedding photographer,” he says. “Wedding photography is a complicated undertaking that includes constantly changing logistics, technical challenges and multiple interpersonal relationships. You don’t want to trust the most special day of your life to ‘Uncle Harry’ or a friend with a digital camera.” in two to three minutes with minimal discomfort and bruising,” he says. “Arm liposuction for the so called “bat wings” is extremely popular but should be performed three to four weeks before the big date.” Dr. Bishara and his team also offers IPL photo facials and facial resurfacing, skin tightening using near infra red energy – and they can help a bride or groom get rid of that dreaded tattoo with the 1064QS Yag laser. Dr. Bishara offers some advice for the eager bride. “On the big day be well-hydrated, and get to bed early; a late-evening massage around 8 p.m. helps you wind down,” he says. “Make sure Some parting advice for the bride and groom Shady Valley’s Isbell is an expert at helping wedding parties prepare for “perfect occasions,” and she says there are a few keys to success. “Know your budget, then set a realistic guest count number,” she says. “Remember to account for tax and service charge and tips in your budget. Know and understand the difference between a venue director/coordinator and a wedding planner. A wedding planner can help with all the stresses that come with a wedding and help plan all aspects of the wedding and set up. A venue director is in charge of the venue and food.” Fore! BETTER or Fore! Newly Remodeled with moRe GReat SteRliNG SilveR JewelRy! worse TexasStarGolf.com Golf course & conference center 4720 S. Cooper St. Arlington, Tx 76017 • 817.649.1112 Located Inside G racie L ane on S. Cooper! Shop online! dixiesonline.com 42 ARLINGTON TODAY • April 2016 • arlingtontoday.com 1400 Texas Star Parkway Euless, Texas 76040 / 817.685.7888 Here come the brides My wedding, my story ... Lauren Duggan married Teu Kautai earlier this year. Here she shares favorite memories of the occasion LAUREN DUGGAN MARRIED TEU KAUTAI on Jan. 2 at the RitzCarlton in Dallas. This month, Lauren shares her wedding story, from the planning, through the ceremony, to the honeymoon in Europe. Why did you choose that venue for the ceremony? We chose the Ritz-Carlton in Dallas because we thought it would be the perfect venue and a beautiful place to share with all of our guests. transformed and looked incredibly stunning. The band, Limelight, also played a huge part in making the evening so exciting and memorable. Did your wedding have a theme? We did not have a specific theme. My mother and I really just wanted the ceremony room and ballroom to look beautiful and elegant. Our colors were blush, and champagne with gold accents. How about the reception? The reception was so enjoyable, and everyone truly had an amazing time. Both of our fathers spoke at the beginning of the reception, and Teu’s father even surprised us with a song. After the speeches, two of Teu’s siblings sang Luther Vandross while we had our first dance. The reception was very personal and unique because of Teu’s family’s Tongan traditions that were incorporated. The band, Limelight, set the tone for the evening. Everyone was on the dance floor the entire night and loved the live music. Tell us about the wedding planning, particularly the “whats” and “whys” that stamped your wedding as special. Teu and I were engaged for about a year and a half before the wedding, so we had a lot of time to plan. Jacqueline Padilla with Belle Décor and Events coordinated everything from our floral arrangements (that were made of white orchids, ivory hydrangeas, blush antique garden roses, O’hara and cream Vendela roses), to the custom Blush L’amour Linens and Champagne Chiavari chairs. My mother was in charge of the ceremony, which made it special because the décor and string quartet were a surprise to my husband and me. The string quartet, Timeless Chamber Music, played everything from classical music to our favorite Beatles songs. Tenor Sergio Cededa sang “The Prayer” in Italian, Schubert’s “Ave Maria” and “All You Need is Love” as we exited. Where did you go for the honeymoon? As I answer this, we are planning to leave for our honeymoon at the end of March to go to Rome, Florence, and then finish the 10-day trip in Venice. My sister is studying abroad in Florence, so it will be wonderful to see her while we are there. We are really looking forward to this trip since neither of us have traveled to Italy. How close did the reality match the vision you had after all the planning? The reality was much better than our vision. The entire weekend was magical, starting with my bridal luncheon at the Ritz, to the rehearsal dinner at Maggiano’s the night before, and finally the family brunch we had the day after the wedding at my parents’ home. My family from St. Louis and Teu’s family from California celebrated with us the entire weekend. It was so nice to share our special weekend with all of our friends and family who we love so dearly. Everything from the gourmet food to the gorgeous flowers helped make our wedding night so special. Both the ceremony room and the ballroom were completely What is the best memory of your wedding? It is hard to choose a favorite memory because the whole day was so unforgettable. I started my day at the Ritz-Carlton spa with my cousins, which was a great way to relax before the ceremony. I also really enjoyed getting ready with all of my bridesmaids. After the ceremony, Teu and I were able to have dinner in a private room and spend time together before joining everyone in the ballroom. It was very special to have a few minutes to ourselves before the celebration began. Overall, it was great to spend the entire night with all of our loved ones, dancing in the ballroom and then after the reception was over, relaxing at the Rattlesnake bar in the Ritz. 44 ARLINGTON TODAY • April 2016 • arlingtontoday.com “THE REALITY was much better than our vision. The entire weekend was magical, starting with my bridal luncheon at the Ritz, to the rehearsal dinner at Maggiano’s the night before, and finally the family brunch we had the day after the wedding at my parents’ home. It Photos courtesy of Lauren Duggan These photos celebrate several of the highlights of the Teu Kautai/Lauren Duggan wedding, held in January. The bride says a favorite memory is almost impossible to choose – “The whole day was so unforgettable.” was so nice to share our special weekend with all of our friends and family who we love so dearly.” arlingtontoday.com • April 2016 • ARLINGTON TODAY 45 Here come the brides From heartbreak to ‘happily ever after’: A bride gets her dream elopement S Arlington pals and event vendors rally to provide an intimate dream wedding to a local bride who has endured more than her share of heartbreak mantha and her two boys to marry him, and they all enthusiastically accepted. The couple married and completed their family with another baby boy. In October 2013, the couple’s love story encountered a serious blow: Chris was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic colon cancer. He’d lost a considerable amount of weight in a very short time, and after six weeks of treatment had to be hospitalized. His belly had filled with fluid, and he could no longer breathe. “Our world came crashing down,” recalls Samantha. “He was 41. He had a 1-year-old. How could this be happening?” On February 12, 2014, Samantha tragically lost her husband (and best friend). “I lost part of my heart that day,” Samantha says, “We had only been married two and a half years, but each and every day was filled with love and learning. Most that met us had no idea we were still newlyweds. Our love was deep and wise.” The boys and Samantha trudged through all the firsts without Chris: pictures, school starting, Christmas, the anniversary of his death. Ever the enduring soul, Samantha decided to take another shot at love. E-Harmony had served her well before, so she tried it again. One day, a pilot from Abbeville, La., named Joshua Howard messaged her. Initially, Samantha was skeptical – neiSamantha Manzo and Joshua Howard were married on Jan. 27. The photos on ther a long distance romance nor moving this and the ensuing pages show just to Louisiana were in the plan. Despite the how special that day was. hurdles, they kept talking. Samantha was Photos: Gara Hill with Beyond the Blue Studios soon won over by Joshua’s strong qualities of patience and kindness, and when she observed his capacity to for a blind date at Jimmy John’s sandwich shop, and Samantha care for her boys, she knew she had found something special. was immediately smitten with Chris’s quirky, funny personality. “He loved my boys, and we loved him,” she says. “He was mar “He made me smile and laugh. Those were two things I hadn’t ried before but had no children. I was surprised he was so amazseen in myself in a long time,” says Samantha. Chris asked Saamantha Manzo’s path to love has been a journey. A planner by nature, Manzo had a college plan, a 5-year plan, a 10-year plan, and more. Initially, things started off perfectly: Samantha married her high school sweetheart and gave birth to two beautiful boys. Shortly after the boys were born, the father and husband chose another path, leaving Samantha alone to raise a 1-year-old and 3-year-old. She was devastated. While the divorce was not in Samantha’s master plan, a year later, things took a turn for the better. After joining eHarmony at the advice of a counselor, Samantha met Chris Manzo, a youth minister at a local church and special education teacher. They met 46 ARLINGTON TODAY • April 2016 • arlingtontoday.com Get a Sexy Beach Body! lose fat and inches fast ! 1st Treatment Free W/Purchase of 4-Pack Non-Surgical Fat Cavitation Instant Lipo/Body Contouring One coupon per client. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Expires 4/30/16. 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Expires 4/30/16 AP Includes Facial, Non-Surgical Face Lift & Collagen Collagen • Creates & Elasticity Eye Treatment 2013–2014 ANT 47 P P A B W Here come the brides ing with the boys, and it made my mommy heart burst. He had told me that God vividly told him that he had a woman with children out there for him to love and be a fatherly influence to. When God speaks, you listen!” Joshua proposed on Christmas Eve in front of Cinderella’s castle at Disney World, and Samantha began planning an intimate local elopement to exchange their vows. Local photographer Gara Hill of Beyond the Blue Studios watched Samantha’s story unfold over the years on social media, and even got to know the family over the years as a portrait photographer. “I’ve had the pleasure of photographing her family twice, and documenting her first set of family photos without Chris,” says Gara. “Samantha has endured more than any one person should in a lifetime and definitely more than someone her age. If we could bear some of her burden, then what a blessing it could be on this special day for her.” Gara began calling up industry friends to contribute a very special elopement, and an entire team jumped on board quickly. Holly Potter-Harvey of AFR Event Furnishings contributed rental items and she and Gara rallied a team to produce the event. Howell Family Farms quickly agreed to host the event. Sugar Bee Sweets pledged sweet treats, Simply Beautiful by Meg joined the team for hair and makeup needs. DiFiori agreed to contribute floral designs, and Karon Chapa played lovely acoustic guitar. Jamie Cain joined to document the event with video, and Jon Hoffman of Hoffman Cabinets created a beautiful keepsake unity puzzle for the couple. Polished Parties|Stylish Rentals contributed a beautiful arch to surround the couple as they exchange vows. The big event came together on Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 4:30 p.m. “For me,” Gara says, “the joy comes in giving something – not because you are asked to, but because you want to.” Thanks to the planning of Holly Potter-Harvey and Gara Hill, the Howards had their special wedding. best of brunch open at 10 am satuRday & sunday • Fresh Fruit • Sopapillas • Huevos Rancheros Estilo Mambo • Chiliquiles • Migas • Huevos con Barbacoa • Cacerolas Benedictos • Blueberry Pancakes • Mimosas or Poinsettias MaMbo King 12.99 $ Fresh Fruit, Entree, Sopapilla or Cinnamon Roll, Mimosa or Poinsettia www.riomambo.com 48 ARLINGTON TODAY • April 2016 • arlingtontoday.com Voted Best BRunch 2015 Around Town Love at first bite For this bride, he had her at ‘I’ll take butter on my popcorn’ • By Kenneth Perkins M ost romantics can account for the moment they knew “The One” was within their midst. For Morgan Phares, hers came while hanging out at a movie theater with a date that really wasn’t a date until it was made clear that he was a buttered popcorn kind of guy. That’s when Morgan, who wants nothing on her popcorn but butter, looked at Ryan Williams and thought that if this is a date and not some group outing (Ryan’s sister and brother-in-law were in tow) it might turn out to be a decent one. It was. Especially since after the movie, Ryan asked Morgan out for ice cream, ditching the sister and brother-in-law, which to Morgan upgraded the date status to, well, a date. What really set Ryan and Morgan in motion was when he walked her home, and the two sat on the front steps talking until 3 a.m. That was, no kidding, Valentine’s Day of last year, in fact. On May 28, in Lubbock, home of Texas Tech University (where the couple attended) and Harrigan’s Restaurant (where they had their first official date – just like Ryan’s parents, Arlington Mayor Jeff and wife Karen), they will be hitched. A whirlwind? Not for Morgan. Brides can often talk about the time at age 10 when they walked their dolls Photo: Kenneth Perkins down a fantasy aisle and at 12 when they came up with the wedding colors and at 17 when they nailed down the church and who their bridesmaids would be. Morgan knew she wanted to find the right guy – God-fearing, handsome, compassionate – have children and settle down, but it certainly wasn’t the reason she enrolled at Tech and majored in education. In fact, the day she saw Ryan leading a church small group was what gave her the chills in a matrimonial kinda way. While Ryan confesses he was smitten with his fiancée the moment he caught a glimpse of her in church, for Morgan “it was a gradual thing,” she says. “Although I knew I liked him pretty much right away.” Morgan was just as sensible when it came to the proposal. Our 50 ARLINGTON TODAY • April 2016 • arlingtontoday.com YouTube age has turned the staging of wedding proposals into colossal undertakings that resemble creatively artful plots that play out like short films. “I can’t say I ever thought about the proposal in a specific way,” Morgan says. “Except I wanted my family close by. “ They were that, as Ryan planned months in advance. He did it at the church they attended, lining the room with yellow, (friendship) pink (romance), red (love) and white (unity) roses and even having their dog, Sadie, trot in with the ring tied tightly to the collar. Too tight, actually. As these things go, the best part is the one that never really goes as planned. For Ryan, that was the trouble of getting the ring off the dog, and once he figured that out, having the ring tumble onto the floor. No problem. Ryan eventually asked, she eventually said yes, and just like that, Arlington’s First Family grew. Morgan just moved here from Lubbock to job hunt while Ryan settles in at Graham Associates, his father’s engineering and planning firm. So far, the bride is getting used to a new lifestyle of formal gatherings and picture taking and being a little more Morgan Phares and under the spotlight. Ryan Williams will be Life here is a nice yin to Lubbock’s married on May 28, thus expanding Arlington’s yang, where they often spend time zipFirst Family. ping around in 4x4s. “Here we’re kind of held to certain expectations,” Ryan says of being the Mayor’s son. In Lubbock, “It’s ponytails and being covered in dirt,” says Morgan. Like butter and popcorn. The best of both worlds. 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