Connective Threads: Southern Fried Paper created a stationery suite inspired by the floral details on Sami’s wedding gown. The invitations also included the couple’s monogram, which was featured in various paper details throughout the weekend.

Photo by Stephanie Brazzle Photography

Fancy Footwork: Sami wore hot pink Prada shoes for her day-of kicks as a nod to her mom. “When I saw them in the store, I was like, ‘Get that on my foot right now,’ ” she laughs. “They’re the exact shade of my mom’s favorite Chanel lipstick.”

Photo by Stephanie Brazzle Photography

Photo by Stephanie Brazzle Photography

Quick Change: During the reception, Sami changed into a gold sequined Rachel Gilbert dress. “This dress was so me,” she says. “I felt like a bride without having to wear white, taking bridal style in my own way.”

Photo by Stephanie Brazzle Photography

Coming Up Roses: Sami recreated her mom’s wedding dress—a stunning lavender gown with a rosette-adorned neckline—for her Jewish ceremony at Hotel Crescent Court.

Photo by Stephanie Brazzle Photography

Basket Case: Sami’s bridesmaids carried small wicker baskets filled to the brim with blooms in lieu of traditional bouquets. “We wanted it to feel like they had run to the market and grabbed a bunch of flowers,” says planner Lindsey Morgan. “We decided to keep the flowers unbound for an effortless look.” The arrangement was completed with the same French blue silk ribbon featured on the stationery suite.

Photo by Stephanie Brazzle Photography

Best In Show: Andrew and Sami made sure to include their goldendoodle, Bagel, in the festivities, adorning her with a floral collar created by the couple’s florist, Moss Floral Design.

Photo by Stephanie Brazzle Photography

Photo by Stephanie Brazzle Photography

Party Flavors: Andrew had one simple request for their wedding day confection: that it be Funfetti flavored. Fancy Cakes by Lauren met the task with a four-tiered Lambeth stunner, complete with vintage-style toppers.

Photo by Stephanie Brazzle Photography

Sami Bernstein and Andrew Spalter Wed in a Tuscany-Meets-Texas Affair

By Lydia Brooks

Sami Bernstein & Andrew Spalter
April 29, 2023

Fitness entrepreneur Sami Bernstein remembers the exact date she first laid eyes on Andrew Spalter. “It was December 17, 2019—crazy memory I know,” she laughs. “I showed up to my good friend’s birthday party super early because I had a flight to Thailand to catch, and the only other person there was Andrew.” Mutual friends had wanted to set them up for a while, and the two were instantly smitten. They went on their first date the night Sami returned from her Thailand trip, and a little more than a year later, they tied the knot in a Tuscany-meets-Texas affair at the Dallas Arboretum that celebrated their love-at-first-sight romance.

Dressed to Impress

“I remember saying that I wanted to feel like an Italian princess,” says Sami of wedding-dress shopping. And she did in the Monique Lhuillier gown she ultimately chose, with its full skirt, sweetheart neckline, and lace detailing.

Memories of Mom

“My mom saved this garter from my Aunty J’s wedding,” says Sami. “I found it in an envelope she saved for me after she passed.”

To Love and To Cherish

After tragically losing her mom, Honey, just four months before her wedding, Sami worked closely with planner Lindsey Morgan of by Bello Events to honor her mother throughout the weekend—from recreating her wedding dress for the Jewish ceremony to twirling to her favorite Etta James song for Sami’s first dance with Andrew. “It was so important to me that she felt present the whole time,” says the bride. Lindsey helped facilitate additional touches, like a front-row seat at the ceremony that was decorated with Honey’s favorite lavender roses and a bee pin for all the groomsmen to wear in honor of her nickname, “Honey B.” Lindsey says, “Sometimes the best way to honor someone is to incorporate those subtle details that maybe not everyone will catch on to, but you’ll be able to look back and have that memory with you.” 

Credits

  • Ceremony/Reception Site

    Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

  • Photographer

    Stephanie Brazzle Photography

  • Bridal Gown Designer

    Monique Lhuillier

  • Bridal Gown Retailer

    Stanley Korshak Bridal

  • Hair

    Anna Sullivan

  • Makeup

    Acie Artistry

  • Groom’s Attire

    Ralph Lauren

  • Bridesmaids’ Dresses Designer/Retailer

    Bec + Bridge

  • Flowers

    Moss Floral Design

  • Stationery

    Southern Fried Paper

  • Cake

    Fancy Cakes by Lauren

  • Catering

    Culinary Art Catering

  • Music

    Jordan Kahn Orchestra (ceremony); DJ Nate Nelson (reception)

  • Lighting

    Marquee Event Rentals

  • Videographer

    BSR Wedding Films

  • Getaway Car/Transportation

    Igport Limos; Trolley Service

  • Wedding Rentals

    Bella Acento; Marquee Event Rentals; Party! Dallas

  • Wedding Planner/Designer

    byBello Events

  • Content Creator

    BTS Bride

  • Rehearsal Dinner

    Gilley’s Dallas

  • Jewish Ceremony and Accommodations

    Hotel Crescent Court

  • Signage

    Looking Glass Calligraphy Mirrors

  • Photobooth

    Mirmir

  • Alcohol

    Spec’s

  • Live Painter

    Susan Moss Cooper

  • After-party

    The Tipsy Alchemist

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