Alana Newhook, vice president and general counsel to the Dallas Stars, and Grant Matthews, who works in commercial real estate investment sales, met at a friend’s birthday dinner. Alana didn’t know many people and was reluctant to attend, but when someone joked in the middle of the dinner that the boys should mingle with the other end of the table, Grant swiftly moved to sit directly across from her. Grant introduced himself with a handshake, and the connection was instant. They talked all night long to the isolation of everyone else and went on a proper date the following Friday. “It was truly like meeting someone who you have known and have been looking for your whole life,” says Alana. That was five years ago.

Fast forward to the proposal. Grant took Alana out to Capital Grille for her birthday, the same restaurant where they had their first date. They ended the night at the Garden Room at the Crescent. Amidst flowers, candles, and a string quartet playing Alana’s favorite songs, Grant got down on one knee. After Alana said “yes,” Grant arranged for an open bar, and all their closest friends came in to celebrate.

Alana worked with Nardos Design to custom design her three dresses (rehearsal, ceremony, and exit dress). “I think every bride should go a bit out of their comfort zone, and a reception dress is such a fun way to do that,” says Alana. For the reception, Alana chose a modern look featuring structured rosettes. “It was a truly magical dress,” she says. The groom and groomsmen donned sharp custom navy suits.

The couple’s vision for their late May wedding was classic elegance with modern elements. They used a soft pink, ivory, and navy color palette with metallic detailing. Ivory draping at the ceremony and in the dancing area of Arlington Hall added a hint of drama. The couple also hung 3D floral artwork—which combined painting and bouquets—throughout the tented reception.

When they planned their special day, they knew they wanted to include Alana’s late-mother who passed a year and a half before the wedding. To honor her, the couple incorporated pocket squares engraved with her handwriting, in addition to a note from her in Alana’s dad and brother’s suit pockets. The floral arrangements were made with Alana’s mother’s favorite flowers and the scarf around Alana’s bouquet had both her parents’ wedding date and Alana and Grant’s wedding date engraved.

“We simply could not be happier or love and appreciate each other any more than we do,” says Alana. Their special day emphasized the love they share.

“I think every bride should go a bit out of their comfort zone, and a reception dress is such a fun way to do that,” says Alana.