Old Hollywood Glam Dallas Wedding – Danyel + Darnell

Danyel never thought she would find love on the dance floor. She usually is the first one ready to leave a party, but the night she saw her future husband Darnell across the room, things were different. First, she noticed he was watching her as she coyly danced with one of her friends. Then, the flirting continued when Danyel’s friend accidentally knocked her drink out of her hand, and it fell on- guess who- Darnell.  Danyel apologized profusely and Darnell offered to buy her another drink. However, she quickly replied, “I spilled the drink on you! I’ll buy you a drink.” This response caught Darnell off guard and he was even more intrigued.  Before they parted ways, Darnell made sure to ask Danyel for her number.  He was such a gentleman that Danyel could not resist. They the met the next day for brunch, and Danyel wore the most conservative dress she could find to set a “proper” tone.  Darnell was even more impressed and their friendship eventually blossomed into love.

Darnell knew for a while that Danyel was going to be his wife, and he made that declaration to her before he proposed. So now the pressure was on him to plan the perfect proposal.  Darnell shares, “In early December, Danyel and I talked about starting a tradition of decorating our Christmas tree and adding 1 special ornament every year. On December 14th, I decided to make an ornament and place the engagement ring inside of it so it could be placed on our tree.” So he brought an ornament that resembled a birdcage with a dove inside of it, and replaced the dove with a Styrofoam ball in which he placed the ring.  After they finished decorating the tree, Darnell suggested that something was missing.  He got down on one knee with the special ornament in his hand and said, “Danyel, this ornament represents the first year of a tradition for the rest of our lives. Would you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me. I have never been so sure of anything in my life.” Of course Danyel said yes, and now the challenge was planning a wedding for 150 attendees in three months.

This ambitious couple pulled off their wedding beautifully. They decided to have an “Old Hollywood Glamour” theme and teamed up with Ebony Peoples Events & Design to execute their vision. All guests were asked to dress in elegant black attire, which perfectly complemented the couple’s classic white and black color scheme. During their ceremony, white drapery complete with hanging strands of crystal made a spectacular focal point at the end of the aisle. Danyel was the embodiment of sophistication in her off the shoulder A-line gown, which she had custom made by designer Nha Khahn. The couple expressed heartfelt vows and shared their first communion together, which Danyel shares, “was a commitment to make our spiritual beliefs the central focus of our marriage.”  Guests then headed to the reception space where they were amazed by a tap performance that the couple joined in on. Luxurious arrangements of red roses were placed on tables covered with chic black linens, and gorgeous white lounge furniture flanked their stunning white dance floor.  A white, five tier wedding cake enveloped with rhinestones added a bit of sparkle to this glamorous affair, and after a night of partying, the couple made a fabulous exit as guests blew bubbles and waved feathers.  Danyel and Darnell’s classic wedding was truly as timeless as their love and Ben Q. Photography masterfully captured every moment. This beautiful wedding is also featured in our Spring/Summer issue which is on newsstands now.

• Bride: Danyel Surrency Jones
• Groom: Darnell Jones
• Wedding Date: 03/03/2013
• Wedding Location: Dallas Texas
• Wedding Theme: Old Hollywood
• Color Scheme: Black and white decorations, all guest were asked to dress in Elegant Black Attire
• Wedding Flowers: Red Roses
• First Dance Song: “When I Fall In Love,” Nat King Cole
• Wedding Cake Flavors:  Red Velvet and White Cake
• Wedding Menu Favorite: Beef Wellington
• Bridesmaids Gift: 1960s Chandelier Earrings, 1960 diamond cuff and diamond hair comb
• Groomsmen Gifts: Cuff links, whiskey rocks, tie bars and TUKZ Underwear

Wedding Style

The wedding was an old Hollywood theme. On the wedding day, all of my bridesmaids, my Mother and Mother In-Law, and Hostesses gathered at my suite to get their hair and make-up done in an old Hollywood glam style. I have known most of my bridesmaids for 20 years and we all love to laugh, listen to music and play dress-up—–exactly what we did on my wedding day. I decided to get my dress maid by an awesome designer Nha Khanh. She was a friend of my Man of Honor and she took me as a client right away. To see my vision come to life on paper and then come to life on my body. I was honored to wear one of her designs.

On the wedding day the men exchanged “real talk” about marriage, reminisced on old times and listened to Justin Timberlake’s single “Suit &Tie” the entire time.

Incorporation of Culture

We had our first communion together as husband and wife. This act was a commitment to make our spiritual beliefs the central focus of our marriage.

Most Memorable Moment

Darnell- The most memorable part of the wedding was watching my Bride walk down the aisle. My heart was racing and eyes started swelling with tears as I witnessed the most beautiful women walk towards me to commit her heart and trust me with her life forever.

Danyel- The most memorable moment was the exchange of vows. During pre-marital counseling, our Pastor asked us not to write down our vows, as a matter of fact, he didn’t want us to think about them until that very moment. He wanted the moment to take over our thoughts and let the words organically flow. I will never forget the look in Darnell’s eyes the emotion expressed in his voice and the words….I love you more than life itself.

You Make Loving You So Easy

From the Groom...I love her pure, genuine loving heart….she is my best friend.

From the Bride…Darnell’s love makes the most simple things seem very grand….he is my best friend.

Vendors

Wedding Planner: Ebony Peoples Events & Design  {View profile here}

• Ceremony and Reception Venue: Rosewood Crescent Hotel 
• Photography: Ben Q. Photography 
• Videography: Verbena Films
• Wedding Cake: Sugar Bee Sweets 
• Wedding Dress Designer: Nha Khanh
• Bridesmaid Dresses: Vera Wang for David’s Bridal 
• Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Mister Tuxedo 
• Stationery: Art by Ellie and  Papyrus
• Floral Decor: HG Floral Studio
• Favors: Cocoandré 
• Drapery and Beading: Dallas Drape & Lighting
• Rentals: Ducky Bob’s
  
• Cocktail Hour Pianist: Luana Stoutmeyer with Encore Entertainment 
• DJ: Dj Frances Jaye 
• Reception Dance Set: Dallas Black Dance Theater
• Transportation: Platinum Motor Cars
• Trina J (Make-up Artist) and Hair by Nina
• Lounge Furniture: DFW Lounge Rentals