Sarah Sidawi and Matt Haney’s marriage on October 19, 2018 started with fireworks — literally.
The couple treated guests to a surprise fireworks show mid-reception at the expansive Dove Ridge Vineyard in Weatherford. Sarah is of Lebanese descent and says fireworks at weddings are common in the Lebanese culture.
“I was really glad to be able to do that for that side of my family,” she says.
But sparks were already flying at a very early age between the two. Both Fort Worth natives, Sarah and Matt crushed on each other in middle school and reconnected while in college — he at Texas Tech and she at the University of Oklahoma.
They dated for six years before Matt popped the question under the massive Christmas tree in the middle of Sundance Square.
“He knows how obsessed I am with Christmas,” Sarah says. “He rented a limo that picked us up and we went to Grace for dinner. The limo took us to the Square and he proposed there. He had his sister there to take pictures.”
Then the wedding planning began. Sarah wanted a venue that felt secluded where both the ceremony and reception could take place. She chose Dove Ridge for its sprawling views of rolling hills and spacious setting.
“It’s away from everything and that’s what I wanted,” she says. “I didn’t want it to be off the highway across from a hotel. I wanted to feel like it was just my wedding and nothing else around. There were pretty views everywhere you looked.”
Something Pretty Floral designed arrangements that cascaded from gold candelabras around the reception in colors of pink, white and maroon — an ode to Sarah’s Sooner roots.
Matt and Sarah’s guests — around 150 or so — dined on a filet and chicken duo from Magdalena’s Catering and Events for dinner. The caterer and supper club destination was Sarah’s top choice after she experienced a tasting.
Sugar Bee Sweets provided a four-tier wedding cake, but in lieu of a groom’s cake, the couple opted for an ice cream truck.
“Matt loves ice cream,” Sarah says. “Gypsy Scoops parked their truck out front and guests got to choose from a cup or a cone.”
After dancing to DJ music, the couple departed via a classic convertible to the cheers of family and friends. They headed off to a dreamy honeymoon in Greece.
While Sarah says she loved tearing up the dance floor, her most memorable moment of the entire day was seeing Matt just before becoming his wife.
“It was very exciting and I was glad we did a ‘first look,’” she says. “It definitely alleviates any anxiety you might be having, and you get to enjoy even more time with each other before all of your guests arrive.”
Ceremony and reception venue: Dove Ridge Vineyard
Planning and design: Jen Rios Weddings
Officiant:Hire A Minister
Photography: Dyan Elizabeth Photography
Beauty:Meagan Bechtel
Gown:A & Be
Floral:Something Pretty Floral
Rentals:Posh Couture Rentals, La Tavola Fine Linen, Beautiful Event Rentals
Catering:Magdalena's Catering & Events
Bartending: DFW Bartending
Paper:Pink Champagne Designs
Entertainment and lighting:Le Force Entertainment
Cake:Sugar Bee Sweets
Ice cream truck: Gypsy Scoops
Fireworks:Presto Technics
To submit a wedding for consideration, email stephanie@culturemap.com. Weddings must have taken place in the Fort Worth area since July 1, 2018.
The bride was glad she prepared early for a "first look" with her groom.
Claire Messerle, Betsy Price, Katie MesserlePhoto by Savanna Romano
Guests bid in the live auction.Photo by Savanna Romano
Champagne Yacht Club Band kept the dance floor lively.Photo by Savanna Romano