It all began with a pair of trombones. Mary and Zachary first met at New England Conservatory playing the musical instrument in school ensembles. What began as a friendship slowly grew into something more, but come graduation, they were leaving Boston for different cities. Before they began a long-distance relationship, they picked up a bottle of Otima 10 Year Tawny, drank it out of a brown paper bag in the Public Garden, promised they wouldn’t break up. Then they walked to Tasty Burger by Fenway Park where their trombone teacher bought them a pitcher of beer and had a little goodbye party.

Years later, the couple attended a friend’s wedding back in their old stomping grounds. They explored all of their former hang-out spots and once more picked up a bottle of Otima in a brown paper bag—this time to sip as they enjoyed a self-guided tour around the historic part of the city. They ended up in the Public Garden at sunset, found the tree they had sat under a few summers prior, and finished the bottle of wine. Zach recalled the promise they made the last time they sat there and suggested they make a new promise—to stay together forever. He pulled out the engagement ring and asked Mary to marry him. To celebrate, they kept with tradition and headed to Tasty Burger, where they were once more joined by their old instructor and a pitcher of beer.

When Mary and Zach began planning their wedding, they chose a newly-restored 100-year old property in Dallas that inspired the day’s convergence of modern and vintage elements. With birds appearing throughout the venue’s interior in paintings and on wallpaper and textiles, that became a design element along with a color palette of dark blues, muted pinks and peaches, and accents of black.

The Mason | Wedding Ceremony

For the ceremony, it was all about a lush, organic look, with an asymmetrical floral installation crawling up the wood-filled fireplace. A few ornamental birds were added for good measure. Once the actual lovebirds were pronounced husband and wife, it was on to the elegant, yet cozy, reception. To highlight how the couple met as well as their shared love of music, the seating chart was designed in the style of sheet music, and was perched on a stand next to a trombone.

The Mason | Wedding Reception

Illustrations of birds adorned the menus, which were finished with velvet tassels that complemented the table runners. While dinner was comprised of a trio of delicious entrees, we had to honor the tradition that started back in Boston. Their signature wine accompanied the meal and late night burgers honored their go-to joint. It was another memorable milestone ushered in with the major elements that were woven into the early fabric of their relationship. Music to our ears.

Photographer: Sarah Lanette Photography

Venue: The Mason

Planner & Designer: Shannon Rose Events

Flowers: Wedfully Yours

Catering: Blue Fire Catering

China Rentals: POSH Couture Rentals

Linen Rentals: BBJ Linens

Cake: Creme De La Creme

DJ: Jason Esquire

Hair & Makeup: Grand Slam Glam

Paper: Hazelwood Paper Co