A Formal Outdoor Destination Wedding in Dallas, Texas

July 28, 2011

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The Bride and Groom

Stephen Karlisch

Taylor Tomasi and Johnathan Hill (known affectionately as Chase) first laid eyes on each other when a mutual friend brought Chase along to a decidedly unglamorous teenage get-together held in Taylor's mother's home in Dallas. "My mom knew after a brief conversation with him that he was the one for me," says Taylor, "but I just brushed her off." She was in eighth grade, after all. But four years later, they began a 13-year love affair that took them from the cozy confines of Dallas to the edgier streets of Brooklyn, New York. 

Here, the bride and groom steal a candlelit kiss under the magnolia and oak trees in the garden at the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas where the wedding was held; her metallic clutch is by Chanel.

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Runway-Worthy Shoes

Stephen Karlisch

Taylor's runway-worthy Azzedine Alaia heels echo the wedding's Jazz Age theme. "I wear those shoes twice a month," says Taylor.

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The Flowers

Stephen Karlisch

Cascading arrangements of campanulas, tulips, lilacs, and peonies serve as ceremony decoration.

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Taylor and Johnathan

Stephen Karlisch

Taylor and Johnathan (known affectionately as Chase) pose before a vintage 1930s taxi (fitting, in light of the fact that Chase proposed in a cab in New York City); she is in an ethereal gray gown by J. Mendel, and he is in a suit by Mr. Ned.

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Ceremony Decorations

Stephen Karlisch

Each pew at the church was decorated with a bouquet of white and pink peonies tied with a sweet ribbon.

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A Touching Moment

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The groom's father, John Hill, walks Taylor down the aisle; she recalls placing her late father's ring on Chase's finger as her fondest memory of the day.

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The Bridesmaids

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The bridesmaids wear black gowns, each of her own choosing.

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Husband and Wife

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Taylor and Chase walk up the aisle after they're pronounced husband and wife.

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Bride's Bouquet

Stephen Karlisch

Taylor's elegant bouquet abounds with freesia, anemones, lilies of the valley, peonies, ranunculus, tulips, and verdant hosta leaves.

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Getaway Car

Stephen Karlisch

Taylor and Chase jump in their getaway taxi.

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The Wedding Party

Stephen Karlisch

The wedding party convenes in front of the Highland Park Presbyterian Church after the ceremony.

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The Bride's Gown

Stephen Karlisch

Taylor poses in her beautiful gown by J. Mendel, one of two gowns she wore on her wedding day.

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Ring Bearer

Stephen Karlisch

The ring bearer looking handsome in his tuxedo.

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Outdoor Reception

Stephen Karlisch

Guests gather for the outdoor reception, held in the garden of the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas.

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Fun Photos

Stephen Karlisch

Taylor and Chase pose for a fun photo before their reception. All of the wedding photography was done by Stephen Karlisch.

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Sneakers

Stephen Karlisch

The bride, who is known to shuttle around the city in Superga sneakers, gifted her bridesmaids with a pair tied to each of their chairs, the better to kick off their heels during the reception. As for her, she kept her heels on, despite the sneaks that dangled from her own seat. She saved those for the next morning, a charming reminder of the roaring time they had shared with family and friends the night before.

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Dinner

Stephen Karlisch

Two long rectangular tables are arranged side-by-side in the garden under strings of twinkling lights to encourage casual conversation during the alfresco celebration.

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Dancing

Stephen Karlisch

After dinner, guests enjoy dancing under the stars and the trees decorated with twinkling lights.

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The Cake

Stephen Karlisch

Taylor and Chase cut the cake -- a five-tier, fondant-covered tower of vanilla cake with a fresh-strawberry filling, which was topped with dozens of lush pink and white peonies in full bloom.

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Guests

Stephen Karlisch

Guests Frank de Jesus and Julia Kalachnikoff offer up a pose under the stars.

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Father-in-Law/Daughter Dance

Stephen Karlisch

Taylor and her father-in-law take a whirl around the dance floor to the tune of "Over the Rainbow."

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The Bride

Stephen Karlisch

The bride takes a break from mingling to smile for a picture during the reception, sporting a coif of romantic, 1920s-inspired finger waves.

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Stealing a Kiss

Stephen Karlisch

The newlyweds embrace at evening's end in the same vintage taxi that brought them to the reception; Taylor changed into something a little more comfortable: an Alexander McQueen sheath.

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Sources

Stephen Karlisch

Location & Catering: Nasher Sculpture Center; Wolfgang Puck Catering
Event Design & Planning: Todd Event Design Creative Services
Cake: Le Gateau Cakery
Stationery: Coeur Noir
Music: The Band Haywire; Matt Creed
Wedding Photography: Stephen Karlisch
Videography: DMV Productions
Hair & Makeup: Tru Salon; Michael Flores Salon
Dance Floor & Rentals: Ducky-Bob's Event Specialists
Getaway Taxi: Frank Andorthe

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