Rehearsal Dinner

Royal Lane Baptist Church

Wedding Day

Wedding

The Adolphus

Reception

Our Wedding

One night in September 2016, Sarah and Alex were at their respective homes casually looking through a dating app on their phones called Hinge. Then suddenly, they came across each other’s profiles, saw each other’s smiling faces and thought “huh, they look alright.” So they both swiped right and matched.&nbsp;

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In surprising fashion, it was Sarah who initiated the conversation. After a series of exchanges, Alex asked Sarah on a date. He wanted to make it exciting and different, so he told Sarah the location would be a surprise and to just meet him outside his apartment. Alex had gotten seats near the ice for a Stars hockey game&hellip;but realized just before the date it might not be a great first date if Sarah was cold all game. So before she headed over, Alex called Sarah and told her to dress appropriately. Sarah didn’t disappoint, showing up in an authentic retro Stars jersey.&nbsp;



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The first date consisted of a lot of talking, joking and entertaining. Both Alex and Sarah could tell the other was different than most people they had dated.



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Following the Stars game, they chose not to play it cool and quickly made plans for another date, then another, then another&hellip;and so on. In fact, to her utter embarrassment to this day, immediately after their first kiss Sarah suddenly said “I could kiss you forever”. To which Alex countered, just a few weeks later, by being the first to say he loved her.



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It was clear from the very beginning that opposites really do attract. Alex and Sarah quickly fell in love with how the other brought the best in one other, by evoking different parts of their personalities. And while Sarah and Alex are opposites in many ways, one thing they strongly bonded over was their passionate love for dogs&hellip;all dogs. This started with Alex quickly spending lots of time with Sarah’s beloved German Short-Haired Pointer, Draper, and then followed with the addition of Miller – the couple’s golden retriever. After this, they &nbsp;bought a house (with a big yard for the dogs) and moved in together.



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After this series of commitments, a proposal was all but sure, Alex just needed to find the right time. So in March 2019, right ahead of St. Patrick’s Day – Alex set up a plan to have friends and family come to their neighborhood for a proposal under the Lakewood Theatre Marquee&hellip;followed by a three-day afterparty.



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Both Alex and Sarah are so excited to get married to one another and truly hope you decide&nbsp;to “swipe right” and say yes to attending their wedding. Look forward to celebrating in December!

From beginning to now

Our Story

Details

Photos

Candace Sherman

Josh Dolson

Nick Machesney

Brenna Jefferies

Caitlyn Morton

Ben Reimer

Shay Dickerson

Michael Koval

Chris Flanders

Chelsea McCorkle

Natalie Dufek

Drew Eltis

Mia Falbe

Josh Falbe

Will Thomas

Courtney Brewer

Alex Ward

Curt Gripp

Wedding Party

Registry

Q + A

The newly-renovated Adolphus hotel is a historic Dallas icon that also happens to serve as the site of our wedding reception. Located in the heart of Downtown, the hotel is named after its founder Adolphus Busch – better known for his founding of Anheuser Busch Brewery. The building is modeled after a German castle and this classic style has been largely preserved, blending seamlessly with a modern touch from recent updates. Stay here and add yourself to the list of famous hotel guests including multiple U.S. presidents and Queen Elizabeth II. This is a great choice for anyone looking to be as close to the celebration as possible. The block of rooms is under DUFEK/THOMAS WEDDING. Please reserve your rooms as early as possible as there is limited availability.

The Adolphus, Autograph Collection

Formerly the Magnolia Petroleum Building, the Magnolia Hotel is well-known for not only the neon Pegasus which resides on its roof, but also the excellent lodging and amenities beneath it. Neighboring the Adolphus, the Magnolia offers a similar mix of contemporary and historic styles. This is a nice option for those who want to be right near the wedding action, but not directly in it. The block of rooms is under DUFEK/THOMAS WEDDING.

Magnolia Dallas Downtown

Opened in Summer 2016, the Hampton Inn &amp; Suites is just down the road a few blocks from the Adolphus. It is also centrally located in Downtown Dallas. The Hampton also offers free hot breakfast every morning and houses a 24-hour Treat Shop with drinks and snacks. A great place for a central and convenient wedding weekend stay. The block of rooms is under DUFEK/THOMAS WEDDING.

Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas Downtown

Originally built in 1956, the Statler has been restored to its former glory after a massive 2017 renovation. These Downtown digs have plenty of history after hosting guests ranging from Tina Turner to Elvis. Now, this Y-shaped behemoth boasts five floors for hotel guests, four restaurants, retail, a lounge, a rooftop pool and bar with exceptional downtown views, a speakeasy, a music venue, and a two-lane bowling alley. This is an ideal option for those looking for a unique and exciting retro experience. The block of rooms is under DUFEK/THOMAS WEDDING.

The Statler Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton

Travel

The George W. Bush Presidential Center provides a rare, in-depth look at what it’s like to serve as President of the United States of America. You’ll be able to step into a recreated Oval Office, experience what it’s like to campaign to be president, and go through the President’s day almost minute-by-minute on September 11, 2001. Admission is $16.

George W. Bush Presidential Center

The visually stunning building that hosts the Perot Museum of Natural Science was added to the Dallas skyline in 2012. Make sure you set some time aside for your visit because there is plenty to see and do. You can learn about Earth and space, study your DNA, make music, battle robots, and even race a dinosaur. General admission is $13.

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

In Dallas, December can mean high-60s and sun or 50s and rain. The good news about Top Golf is that it makes for a great activity whatever the weather. This interactive, covered driving range is where golf meets bowling. It also has heat lamps if it gets too cold. Excellent for large groups of both golf enthusiasts and beginners alike!

Topgolf

If you’re looking for a high-end Dallas shopping experience this is your spot. Highland Park Village is actually billed as “America’s first shopping center”. It has great dining, top-notch boutiques, even a vintage theatre. And December is the right time for a visit – you’ll get to see 1.7 million lights strung throughout HP Village. The Monkey Bar at the top of Mi Cocina is one of Sarah and Alex’s favorite spots around the winter holidays. You can also take a carriage ride to see the jaw-dropping light displays on the mansions that make up the surrounding neighborhood.

Highland Park Village

Clearly there is no shortage of shopping destinations in DFW. However, of all the options, it is the most massive and offers the greatest number of options, as well as a massive movie theatre. Northpark is just a short drive up US-75 from downtown Dallas and the Adolphus.

NorthPark Center

The Dallas Arboretum is regarded as one of the best of its kind in the world, attracting more than a million annual visitors. Located on Dallas’ White Rock Lake, it’s just a short drive from downtown. December at the arboretum centers on “The 12 Days of Christmas”, an outdoor exhibit with 500,000 lights strung throughout the garden shining bright, all culminating with a 30-foot-tall tree at the center.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Although it’s rooted in tragic circumstances, one of Dallas’ most well-known events is the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Today, the US President’s assassination is remembered with the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. For $19, you can go on a journey through the history of John F. Kennedy’s life, rise to presidency, untimely death, the resulting investigation, and his legacy.

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

Built in place of what used to be a concrete-filled highway overpass, this 5.2-acre park is now a major social gathering place that offers a little something for everyone with food trucks, lawn games, playgrounds, and a dog park.

Klyde Warren Park

If you are staying near the Adolphus downtown, you are just a short stroll from one of Dallas’ most well-known art pieces the “Giant Eyeball”. This 30-foot-tall sculpture created by multimedia artist Tony Tasset is a selfie waiting to happen.

Giant Eyeball

If you want laid-back Texas vibes, The Rustic is your spot. This indoor-to-outdoor hang is busy day and night on the weekends. Alex likes the beer and Sarah loves the live country music.

The Rustic

The Katy Trail is a 3.5-mile trail that runs through the heart of Uptown. On nice days, it’s packed with Dallasites. Known for its ice-cold schooners, this pet-friendly patio is the best in Dallas. If you’re hungry the Texas BBQ is top-notch. A favorite spot of the couple’s dogs - Draper and Miller

Katy Trail Ice House

Sixty Vines selection of 60 wines on tap, paired with excellent food and a sleek design, has created one of the city’s coolest dining atmospheres.

Sixty Vines

The appropriately named “Happiest Hour” is a great spot for, well, Happy Hour. HH is a sprawling two-story restaurant-bar with indoor and outdoor space. Plenty of excellent options for beer and food. It’s a popular destination before and after events at the nearby American Airlines Center. Happiest Hour is also of historical significance – as it is where Alex and Sarah went for drinks on their first date after a Stars game. It is also where Alex’s dad, Craig, decided to buy the now famous “Packers Tailgate Ambulance”.

Happiest Hour

This is one of Alex and Sarah’s new Dallas favorites. Ideally located just outside of downtown, the Henry opened in Spring 2019, but is quickly making a name for itself. If you’re looking for a drink, the trendy upstairs bar opens at 5pm, but be warned it fills in fast (few seats will be left 30 minutes later). Its modern American menu makes it a great spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. Big place, but very popular so it will likely be crowded.

The Henry

Only a few states are truly able to lay claim to the crown for best in the country – and Texas is one of them. And perhaps no one makes a better case for the Lone Star State than Pecan Lodge. However, you’ll have to wait for it. Lines start forming around 11am and don’t stop until the meat runs out. Get here early if you want your first choice. Alex recommends the 18-hour smoke beef brisket.

Pecan Lodge

Pure and simple, this is our favorite Tex-Mex restaurant in DFW – maybe the world. While it’s nothing flashy, the ambiance is warm, service is good, and prices are fair – what more do you need. Try the E-Bar queso or enchiladas. Best margaritas in town!

E Bar Tex-Mex

Some of you may remember this as the spot you watched Alex pop the big question to Sarah. Others will likely remember it for its cheese curds. That’s right. If any Wisconsinites are looking to get a cheese curd fix while in Texas – this is the place. Just a walk, skip and a jump away from the couple’s house – FCT is their neighborhood pub with upscale bar food.

Full Circle Tavern

Part pizzeria, part food hall – perhaps the best way to describe Delucca is that it’s like an upscale CiCi’s pizza. However, even using these two places in the same sentence doesn’t feel right. The Texas de Brazil of pizza may be a better comparison. New to Dallas’ Design District in 2019, Delucca offers all-you-can-eat, handcrafted pizza for just over $20/person in an excellent atmosphere. Pies range from the classic pepperoni to chicken tikka masala, Turkish lamb, sautéed shrimp fontina or even mexican elote with crema fresca. Not to mention dessert pizzas like Italian Nutella. Alex and Sarah love to come here with big groups of friends.

Delucca Gaucho Pizza and Wine

Saint Ann is one of our favorite date night spots. It’s the perfect blend of intimate yet fun. The menu has a little something for everyone. Our favorites include the charcuterie board, salads, red wine braised short ribs and grilled salmon.

Saint Ann Restaurant & Bar

The HG stands for “hunter” and “gather,” and accordingly, the menu offers plenty of paleo, gluten-free, and vegetarian options. If that’s not your thing, the menu still has something for everyone. HG also has one of the best rooftops in Dallas with killer views of the downtown skyline.

HG Sply Co.

In its defense, the Backyard does have grass. It’s just artificial. We love to take our pups to this laid-back, dog-friendly spot. Also great for watching sports or playing drinking games.

Backyard - Dallas

Inside this junkyard-themed bar you’ll find eclectic Texas décor, a strong beer and drink selection, food trucks and even a treehouse bar. Great spot for people/dog watching. Live music most Saturdays.

Sarah & Alex

Sarah & Alex

Wedding Party