Timeless Elegance: Lauren wore a Chosen by KYHA gown for the ceremony, while Tanner sported a custom tuxedo from J.Hilburn.

Photo by Lyndi Ruth Photography

On Key: “A lot of European styles mix textures and rich jewel tones, and fruit is very commonly used in European weddings,” says Leslie. Figs, along with vintage keys and binoculars, made for on-theme touches.

Photo by Lyndi Ruth Photography

Meant to Bead: Lauren’s reception dress was a last-minute purchase from The RealReal. “I ended up trying on that dress for the first time the day before our wedding,” she says. Though it fit like a glove, Leslie stayed up the night before the wedding to sew errant beads back on by hand for an impeccable look.

Photo by Lyndi Ruth Photography

Blending In: Leslie and her team designed Lauren and Tanner’s wedding with the Swexan in mind. “We took a lot of elements from the hotel’s aesthetic and brought it into the actual wedding,” Leslie says. “Our goal was to make the wedding look like it was part of the hotel.”

Photo by Lyndi Ruth Photography

Around the World: Leslie used vintage postcards of various landmarks as escort cards. “The postcards actually had letters on the back of them—not from the bride and groom, but from random people,” she says.

Photo by Lyndi Ruth Photography

Photo by Lyndi Ruth Photography

Photo by Lyndi Ruth Photography

Royal Icing: While the groom’s cake featured chocolate and peanut butter flavors, the bride kept her almond cake simple, borrowing design elements from the crown molding in the Swexan’s ballroom.

Photo by Lyndi Ruth Photography

One Local Couple Throws Hotel Swexan’s First Wedding in a Colorful, Moody Affair

By D Weddings

Lauren Lyngstad & Tanner Wells
October 28, 2023

Before Lauren Lyngstad and Tanner Wells officially met, a mutual pal spent months trying to set the two up. Only after the friend had taken Tanner to a cycling class led by Lauren (coincidentally, on Valentine’s Day) did the ball begin rolling. After a year of dating, the two set out to plan their wedding in a mere four months. Inspired by European charm, practicality, and a desire to host their guests in Dallas proper, the couple took a risk and agreed to be Hotel Swexan’s first wedding. “Who’s crazy enough to plan a wedding [at a venue] two months after [it] opens? I guess we are,” says Lauren. The risk paid off, with the couple hosting the vibrant yet classic affair of their dreams. —Megan Wilhelm

Balancing Act

Contrasting the bursts of color in Lauren and Tanner’s florals were classic gold, black, and white table settings. “We picked china that had those small gold features in it to incorporate European royal flair and bring in that black-tie appeal to the rest of the event,” says planner Leslie Ochs.

You’re a Gem

Though she had no formal bridal party, Lauren asked some of her closet friends to rock their favorite jewel tones for post-getting-ready photos.

Guests: 175

First Dance: A live rendition of Billianne’s slowed-down version of “Simply the Best” 

Honeymoon: Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, Saint Lucia

Credits

  • Ceremony/Reception Site

    Hôtel Swexan

  • Photographer

    Lyndi Ruth Photography

  • Bridal Gown Designer

    Chosen by KYHA (ceremony); Retrofête (reception)

  • Bridal Gown Retailer

    Alice in Ivory (ceremony); The RealReal (reception)

  • Hair & Makeup

    Salon 5014

  • Groom’s Attire

    J.Hilburn

  • Flowers

    Petals Couture

  • Stationery

    LaneLove Paper Co.

  • Cake

    Refined Sugars

  • Catering

    Hôtel Swexan

  • Music/Lighting

    Intensity Bands

  • Videographer

    Amanda Hunt Media

  • Wedding Rentals

    BBJ La Tavola; Bella Acento; Nüage Designs; Perch Event Decor; Party! Dallas; Shag Carpet Props; Posh Couture Rentals

  • Wedding Planner/Designer

    Alice and Apricot

  • Additional Vendors

    Imperial Floor Rentals; Dallas Piano Rentals; Andy’s Frozen Custard

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