1. Real Weddings

Jesse & Josh: A Modern Wedding in Dallas, TX

The second time was the charm for Jesse Elsey and Josh Ihde. One year and many miracles after they had broken off their first engagement, Jesse penned

The second time was the charm for Jesse Elsey and Josh Ihde. One year and many miracles after they had broken off their first engagement, Jesse penned a heartfelt poem for Josh that included the line: I really think you should give me back that diamond ring. Josh, agreed. THE BRIDE Jesse Elsey, 23, event coordinator THE GROOM Josh Ihde, 27, commercial real estate THE DATE January 31

The First Dance
Jesse chose a white mermaid-cut gown with a beaded overlay to give her dramatic sparkle. Her shoes were covered in sparkly faux gems, while rhinestones edged the waterfall veil. Inspired by Jean Harlow at Christmastime, Jesse wore a white fur shrug during the night to capture the glamour of the pinup-girl era. Jesse's gorgeous gown with a dramatic crisscross in back was designed by a longtime family friend who's a seamstress.
The personal flair of the bride's father also dramatized the reception space. He had transparent aqua glass candleholders made, which each held a white pillar candle, along with frosted votives to surround each piece and rest together on spun glass.
Strands of tiny white lights hung from the second-floor railing, along with a few hundred clear glass votive holders lining the perimeter of the room, and gave the dimmed space an ethereal glow. Jesse says the Rotunda is the perfect place for a party: Everything is very centralized around the dance floor in the middle of the first level.
Jesse went for a stunning updo, inspired by the Jean Harlow-era.
The Ceremony
The Mexican vanilla cake with raspberry filling, cream-cheese icing, and pearlized fondant was covered with a graffiti print of Jesse's poetry.