A Glamorous, Pink and Gold Wedding at Dallas Historical Society in Dallas, Texas

The Hall of State’s iconic gold seal inspired Nadeen Saleh (31 and a physician) and Johan “Joakim” Soederbaum's (32 and a lawyer) blush and gold color scheme and set the tone for a timeless, elegant day. It was very important to the couple that their nuptials reflected traditions from both of their heritages—Nadeen is Mexican and Palestinian, and Joacim is Swedish. “The idea was to have a wedding where guests would identify yet be amazed by something completely new to them,” Nadeen says. “We were looking for something unique and with the extra wow factor." After weeks of searching for the perfect “grand” venue, they were ready to give up until they visited Dallas Historical Society’s Hall of State. “We liked the fact that the building features Texas history and that most of our guests, even those nearby, had never visited it before," Nadeem says. The venue’s gold seal created a dramatic ceremony backdrop. Gilded chargers, candelabras and chiavari chairs mirrored the room’s grandeur.  After the wedding party was introduced, belly dancers set the stage for the newlyweds’ grand reception entrance. Nadeem and Joakim’s reception entrance included a zaffra, a traditional Middle Eastern wedding march. “Rather than have traditional wedding favors, we decided to incorporate cultural performances,” Nadeen says. “We thought this would be a really unique treat for everyone.” The couple also honored their heritages with foods from Sweden, Palestine and Mexico.