A Playful, New Year’s Eve Celebration of Modern Love

Modern Couples

Jan 18

Gabby + Oscar’s Modern Celebration

You know that feeling you get when you meet someone and start thinking, “Oh, I wanna be friends with them,” after five minutes into the conversation? During my initial consultation with Gabby and Oscar, it didn’t take long for me to know that I wanted to be a part of their wedding day – not only to have them as clients, but because they just seemed so authentic. Gabby works for a Dallas-based airline and Oscar works for the City of Dallas. They love to travel, are dog people, and are always down for Chuy’s. These are my kind of people!

Gabby and Oscar wanted to be involved in their wedding planning process with a little extra support and booked my Partial Planning package. Before getting started, I sat down with them to hear and understand what they envisioned for their big day. Aside from having a traditional Catholic mass, Gabby and Oscar wanted a unique wedding celebration that represented their playful kind of love – emphasis on the playful. This couple wouldn’t be dancing the night away, but instead, engaging their guests in some fun and friendly competition. I loved this departure from the norm and from here, we got to planning!

Planning

Over the course of eight months (with coffee or happy hour margaritas in hand), we tackled securing final vendors together, discussed their wedding must-haves, drafted a few possible venue floorplans, reviewed their décor rentals for set up, and finalized their day-of timeline.

Gabby and Oscar’s fun and laid-back personalities made the entire planning process feel as if I was just checking in with friends who happened to be getting married. At each of our check-in meetings, I loved hearing about their job updates and their next travel destinations.

Wedding Day

With two venues to manage on the wedding day, we had an early start setting up the reception space before the afternoon ceremony. Living in Texas, I had no real expectation for how the weather would end up, but to our surprise, the high for December 31 was 72°! We absolutely had to take advantage of the covered terrace at Winfrey Point and quickly adjusted our drafted floorplan.

While my assistant continued to oversee set up, I headed to St. Michael the Archangel to prep for the ceremony. I welcomed the wedding party upon their arrival, and we began the day with Gabby and Oscar’s private first touch and sharing of gifts. This special moment was something that we planned into the timeline very early on, and it allowed them a few minutes together before walking down the aisle. After their beautiful bilingual mass, it was time for the real party to begin.

Guests arrived to see the most gorgeous sunset over White Rock Lake as we kicked off cocktail hour, which featured a grazing table and delicious cocktails. Before dinner, guests took advantage of the game area to play a few rounds of cornhole, giant Jenga, and a variety board games. As the sun continued to set, the evening transitioned into Gabby and Oscar’s first dance, a blessing of the meal, and dinner. Now this may all sound as if it’s the start of a traditional wedding evening, but it gets better.

Dinner plates were being cleared just in time for guests to indulge in lattes from Tierra a Taza, who provided the couple’s customized coffee cart. Coffee carts are becoming such a hit at weddings now a days, but one wedding favorite that I’ve personally yet to see is a timed scavenger hunt for wedding attendees. Again, Gabby and Oscar emphasized games for their wedding day and this game was hands-down, a favorite moment among many of their guests! Rather than explaining the game here, I’ll just link the inspiration video that Gabby sent me. If anyone is thinking of doing this at a wedding, a few tips: Make sure you have a list of scavenger hunt items that can be easily found in the reception area, clear enough space for guests to scramble back into their chairs, and lastly, be prepared for a few broken chairs if things get a little too competitive!

Following the scavenger hunt game, guests dispersed to the dance floor, the bar, dessert table, and to the outdoor game area. It was a night that provided something for everyone, and the bride and groom mixed and mingled for hours until the countdown to midnight and their grand exit. Of course, it’s not a true wedding without a few mishaps, which unfortunately included broken bathrooms. However, Gabby and Oscar’s relaxed attitudes didn’t let it ruin their night spent with their closest family and friends to celebrate their modern love.

As I wrap up my time working with this sweet couple, I know this will definitely not be goodbye. I’m so honored to have been a part of their wedding day and am excited to follow them into this next chapter of life as Mr. and Mrs. Macias!