des moines, iowa and beyond

workflow & systems strategist

Amanda & Zack: Military Wedding at Dallas World Aquarium

Celebrations

This classically elegant spring Military Wedding at Dallas World Aquarium is one I will never forget. The combination of lavender, navy, and silver paired with the beauty of Christ Lutheran Church on Lovers Lane and the Dallas Aquarium was a vision, to say the least. Amanda and Zack are a couple that you simply need to meet to understand how perfect they are for each other. Though, I would argue that these images give you a glimpse into their dynamic. They met through ROTC at Texas A&M, their first date was over lunch on campus and the rest as they say…

On a whim, her mama reached out to my dad to see if I was still planning weddings. Of course, I am and we got in touch, connected instantly and started working on one of my favorite weddings! Amanda, Zack and her mama, JoAnna quickly became part of my weekly rhythm during their planning process and are the only couple to have so graciously worked with me through my maternity leave last year. We had an absolute blast designing, planning and executing their unique and beautiful wedding day. As we grew closer over the months of planning, it became apparent that for them, absence truly makes the heart grow fonder and their love stronger each time they are apart.

Having grown up in a military family, I’ve seen what a challenge that life can be for families. These two are an exceptionally rare breed of servant-hearted people. Both of them are in the Army, which comes with an additional set of challenges. However, I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that Amanda & Zack will weather and grow stronger through it all. There are no words to capture how hilarious, intelligent, kind and wonderful they and their families are, so I’ll leave it at this – I am so incredibly honored to know them and to have been a small part of their beginning. Here are some of my favorite images from their March wedding, complete with a Manatee cameo!

The image above is how you will see Zack and Amanda more often than not. They absolutely adore each other and have so much fun together. Not a single conversation or meeting went by without laughing out loud at least five times. I told Amanda she should try out stand up comedy if the Army doesn’t pan out. (but really, she’s going to be an amazing pilot!!)

The looks of excitement when you are finally husband and wife are some of my favorites to see captured. The Butlers are absolutely no exception. They both radiated such happiness the entire day, their cheeks had to be sore – the BEST! Aside from how stunning Amanda and Zack are, is this not the prettiest indoor waterfall? Even though the sun had set, we could not pass up the opportunity to get photos here! I told you there were a few Manatee cameos! This sweet and beautiful resident of the Dallas Aquarium was very photogenic and came to the glass whenever there was a small crowd.

The serving set that Zack and Amanda used was her parents’ from their wedding 25 years ago. Isn’t it beautiful? Amanda had a groom’s cake made as a surprise for Zack of his new Battalion’s crest. When they first saw it, I have never seen two people so joyful and emotional about a cake. Heidi and the Sugar Bee team did a phenomenal job with every detail of both cakes. As always, they tasted amazing, too!

Of course, no Aggie wedding would be complete without the Aggie War Hymn. It was my first experience in the midst of it. Let me tell you, it was a rush and celebration of their Alma Mater!

In their true, intentional and loving fashion, Amanda and Zack ended the night with a private last dance while we lined up their exit tunnel. It was such an outpouring of love and well wishes for them as they left to enjoy a week in Hawaii before being apart in different states (and ultimately countries due to deployment) for the next year. Thank you, Weyer and Butler families for inviting us to be part of your families!

As always, we worked with an incredible vendor team (see below). Thank you to all of you, as well!

xoxo, Jenn

 

Catch up on the other pieces of their love story: Meet the Butlers | Design Inspiration

Vendor Team // Design, Planning, Styling, Floral – Harper Hadley Events // Church – Christ Lutheran Church Lovers Lane // Reception Venue, Catering, Rentals – Dallas World Aquarium // Cake – Sugar Bee Sweets // Photography – Cassandra Wilson // DJ – DJ Connection // Hair & Make Up – Brittany Jones Beauty //  Transportation – Blue Diamond Limo of Texas // Bridal – Circle Park Bridal // Paper Goods – Minted Weddings & Wedding Paper Divas // Signage – By Blush Press

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *