If you were to ask T and E*’s 15-year-old selves, they would say they tied the knot the night they snuck onto a country club golf course and exchanged vows. Even as adults, the pair never pictured having a traditional wedding. After nine years of dating, the couple moved into a house in Dallas’ Winnetka Heights neighborhood that quickly became home. “We could not have dreamed of the bonds we would form with our neighbors over late-night weekday porch hangs, front-yard tailgating, backyard pool parties, and over-the-top (sometimes unsanctioned) holiday street parties,” says T. They soon knew that they wanted a block party wedding to embody the neighborhood community that had become so significant to them. So on November 9, 2024, the couple tied the knot in a mixed Hindu and Catholic ceremony held right on their front steps.
By the time they made their union official, T and E had lived in their house for three years and didn’t have a need for housewares. So they opted to go the no-registry route, encouraging guests not to bring gifts at all. Instead they asked guests to write them notes by using the vintage typewriter they had on-site, and those are now framed and displayed above their mantel.
They also let their guests have fun with the dress code: Snazzy suits, saris, dhotis, cowboy boots, western hats, and bolo ties were all welcome. “I think taking the pressure off of gifting allowed so many of our guests to really invest in their outfits and show out,” says T, who views the photos the night rendered as gifts themselves. The bride encourages other cohabitating couples to think similarly outside the box, with one caveat: “Don’t be afraid of going the no-registry/no-gift route, as long as you have another way for guests to leave you something special.” —Emmaday Ormond
Method to the Magic
Experienced wedding vendors may have been around the block when it comes to planning events at traditional venues—but a true block party wedding is a different story. Planner Taylor Brook of Social Graces says that while the process doesn’t change dramatically at a private residence, it does come with its own set of unique considerations. In this case, every vendor leaned into the challenge with enthusiasm, from Sandone Production’s custom tent that extended into the street to Branching Out Events’ front porch and tabletop florals. “That collective energy made the entire planning process not only seamless but also so much fun,” Taylor says.
Right at Home
T and E had a relaxing wedding morning as they watched their yard transform, and neighbors set up lawn chairs to observe as vendors worked their magic. “Even without the surprise, [T’s and E’s] reactions were just as joyful and full of gratitude,” says planner Taylor Brook of Social Graces.
Friends and Neighbors
T and E wanted the day to feel like an elevated block party, with personal and intentional touches at every turn. “Every design choice was made to reflect their unique style and shared life together,” says Taylor.
Dish It Out
While sifting through rental collections, Taylor found an eclectic dinner plate that would become the foundation for the rest of the wedding design. “I wanted the design to feel like each neighbor on the block had gone inside and brought out their most treasured heirlooms,” the planner says.
*Full names have been omitted for privacy reasons.
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