
Real Weddings: Lauren & James
The couple tied the knot at an iconic Dallas hotel, then danced the night away surrounded by their loved ones.
By Tessa Trudeau
For Lauren Hillin and James Trotter III, the day they said "I do" was nothing short of a dream. Complete with meaningful elements from their Parisian engagement and a live band, their nuptials were made even more special having their closest friends and family all in one place. Below, the bride shares her favorite moments, how she found her dress and where the couple spent their honeymoon in wedded bliss.


When and where were you married, Lauren?
April 27, 2019, at the Warwick Melrose in Dallas, Texas.
What drew you to the venue?
We are very big fans of The Library bar in the downstairs lobby and the glamorous old Hollywood-esque ambience of the hotel. We loved the idea of a hotel because every part of the event can happen under one roof, and this hotel was perfect because it is an absolutely gorgeous venue on top of the functionality.
Tell us about your bridesmaid dresses.
I really loved how well my bridesmaid dresses blended together. All of my friends have such defined style, so I didn't want to pick something that they felt less than gorgeous in, and I really loved so many dresses in the champagne–rose gold color range.
What was your favorite detail?
My favorite touch of the event were the chocolates on the tables. A family friend handmade them, and they included Eiffel Towers since that is where we got engaged!


Tell us about your favorite moment.
I would have to say my favorite moments were made on the dance floor. My mother planned the whole event for us, and to see her finally relaxed and having a great time made the day for me! Our band, the After Party, was absolutely fantastic, and James and I danced until the reception ended.
How did you know your dress was the one?
I originally thought I had found "the one" online, and after not having any sizes of it in the U.S. for months, we got the call from Sylvia at the Nordstrom Wedding Suite that there was to be a Rosa Clará trunk show the following weekend, and the dress would be there. Cut to the trunk show, I finally see the dress in person and try it on—and I hate it. After seeing me in one dress, Sylvia knew exactly which dress I should try on next, and wouldn't you know it, that ended up being my wedding dress. I couldn't have done it without her.
Any advice for brides-to-be?
This is probably the only time you will have all your favorite people in the world in the same room. It is amazing the friends you collect from different walks of life, and how they all come together to celebrate with you on your most important day. My advice would be to make sure to stop and feel the love for a moment during the big day, and include those who you hold close to your heart—whether you talk once a year or once a day.
Where was the honeymoon?
We visited Croatia for our honeymoon. We started in Dubrovnik, took a three-day sailing trip with Raftrek Adventure Travel to various islands off the coast and ended the trip in Split. It was absolutely beautiful—we can't wait to go back!



Photography by Joseph Marks Photography
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