Brooke Taylor will wed Neal Balog in November.

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy G. Taylor of Fort Worth announce the engagement of their daughter, Brooke Lee Taylor, to Neal Howard Balog, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Balog of Carrollton.

The nuptials are set for Nov. 21 at The McDavid Studio at The Bass Performance Hall.

A graduate of Western Hills High School, Miss Taylor attended The University Texas in Arlington where she received a degree in exercise science.

The future bridegroom was a graduate of Newman Smith High School in Carrollton. He attended The University of North Texas in Denton where he earned a degree in strategic management. He received his MBA from Texas A&M Commerce. He is now employed with Travelers Insurance in Dallas.

Brides, time to make a dash for it, and I’m not talking about a dash to the altar.

To-die-for dresses are on sale of in an unheard-of sale of designer gowns at Neiman Marcus (www.neimanmarcus.com). Beginning Thursday, the Neiman’s flagship store will begin a sale on gowns by such fabulous designers as Oscar de la Renta, Reem Acra, Amsale, Monique Lhuillier and others. Go ahead, indulge your Carrie Bradshaw-wedding-dress fantasies.

Sale continues through Saturday at 1618 Main St. in Dallas.  Phone number is 214-741-6911.

While you’re there, go ahead and celebrate your finds with lunch at the Zodiac Room.

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Brady Tarbush

Miss Kristin Diane Crane became the bride of Mr. Christopher Brady Tarbush in a seaside ceremony June 18 at the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

The bride is the daughter of Diane and Rick Crane of Vinita, OK. Mr. Tarbush is the son of Valerie and Steve McGiboney of Grapevine and Nita and David Tarbush of Euless.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore a strapless, ivory-colored gown of Shiffli lace over satin. The gown featured a sweetheart neckline and semi-cathedral train and was adorned with crystal beading.

Attending the bride were Megan Dearth of Norman, OK., maid of honor; Michelle Tarbush of Hurst, matron of honor and sister-in-law of the groom; Leslie Reheard of Vinita, OK, bridesmaid and cousin of bride; Cami Martz of Rusk, bridesmaid. Acting as groomsmen were David Tarbush of Hurst, best man and brother of groom; Josh Martz of Argyle; and Martin Littlejohn of Euless. Serving as flower girl was Allison McGiboney of Grapevine.

For both the outdoor wedding ceremony and the terrace dinner reception, decorations were designed by Donna Smith of Grapevine’s Out of the Garden and installed by a local St. Thomas florist. Flowers included blue and white hydrangeas, peonies, cymbidium orchids, dendrobium orchids, roses and lavish greenery.

The groom’s parents hosted a sunset dinner cruise on the eve of the wedding aboard the New Horizons 65-foot sailboat. Guests included the wedding party and all family and friends joining the couple’s destination wedding.

The bride graduated from Vinita High School and the University of Oklahoma, receiving a degree in marketing. She is now employed by Chesapeake Energy in Oklahoma City. The groom was a graduate of Colleyville Heritage High School, and he earned a degree in zoology from OU and is pursuing a degree in dentistry.

After a St. John, US Virgin Islands honeymoon, the couple will be at home in Oklahoma City.

Lexi Thornton and Brian Furlong

Debbi and Tom Schneider of Keller announce the engagement of their daughter, Lexi Thornton, to Brian Furlong, son of Betty Lou and Jack Furlong of Plano.

An Oct. 24 wedding is planned for St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Keller.

The future bride graduated from Texas State University and is a member of Chi Omega sorority. She currently teaches second grade in Frisco and is pursuing a master’s degree at the University of North Texas in autism intervention.

Furlong graduated from the University of North Texas and is a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He is employed as at UHY LLC Public Accounting Firm in Dallas.

Raeley Rinderknect and Aaron Guess

Mr. and Mrs. Ron Rinderknecht of Grapevine, TX announce the engagement of their daughter Raeley to Aaron Guess, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bob Guess of Fort Worth, TX.

A  July 18 wedding is planned at the Watson Chapel at University Baptist Church in Fort Worth with a reception to follow at The Fort Worth Club.

Miss Rinderknecht graduated from Colleyville Heritage High School. She attended Texas A&M University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in biology and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. She is currently a third year medical student at Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth.

The future bridegroom was a graduate of Pantego Christian Academy. He graduated from Texas Christian University with a bachelor’s of science degree in kinesiology. He holds a master’s degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center, and now he is also a third year medical student at TCOM.

Mr. and Mrs. Russell Garett Ward

Joanna Renee Patton and Russell Garett Ward, both of Houston suburb of League City, TX, were united in marriage on March 21 in the garden setting of their home.

 Dr. Ron Jenkins officiated the ceremony. Music was provided by saxophonist David Carr, Jr. and soloist State Rep. Vicki Truitt. A dinner reception followed, and guests danced to the music of Phil Pamplina.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Caldwell, formerly of Southlake and now of Seabrook, and Mr. and Mrs. Gary Patton, of Grapevine. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Ward, of Houston.   

Given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, the bride wore a Maggie Sottero’s Rhianna Royale gown of light gold and ivory lace with pewter accents. The a-line skirt of Bordeaux taffeta featured cascading bustles draped over the embellished tulle and lace. Beaded lace and embroidery accented the neckline and surrounded the lace-up corset back with delicately sprinkled Swarovski crystals. Handmade satin flower motifs created a dimensional effect throughout the gown. 

Serving as matron of honor the bride’s mother, Mrs. Era Lee Caldwell. The groom chose his father, Buddy Ward, to be his best man.  The flower girl was Jamie Ward, the groom’s niece, and the ring bearer was Tyler Ward, the groom’s son.

The bride owns an interior design company in the bay area of Houston.  Garett is the assistant manager of the control center and pipeline operations for KinderMorgan in Houston.

Following a honeymoon to Turks and Caicos, the family resides in League City.

Mr. and Mrs. Justin A. Smith. Photo courtesy of Mike Lewis Photography.

Miss Autumn Shae Rickman became the bride of Justin Alan Smith in a candlelight ceremony March 21 at First United Methodist Church of Keller.

Parents of the bride are Rachel and Rick Campbell of Center and Suzanne and Chris Rickman of Arlington. Donna and Mark Smith of Keller are the groom’s parents.

The bride wore a strapless ivory gown for the ceremony officiated by Si Rickman.

Serving as maid of honor was Kathryn Rickman. Bridesmaids were Kathleen Rickman, Samantha McGilvra, Rebekah Gilmore, Hollie Adkisson, Ashley Smith and Ashley Lewis. Best man was Jason McKinney, and groomsmen were Jared Florence, Aaron McKinney, Jason Caldwell, Trey Martinez, Brent Ryalls and Clint Richie.

Acting as ushers were Chris Rickman and Joel Horton. Christopher Rickman was the ring bearer, and Corinne Rickman was the flower girl.

Following the ceremony, a cocktail reception and seated dinner took place at the Hilton Southlake Town Square. The band Filet of Soul provided music for dancing.

The new Mrs. Smith is attending the University of North Texas and is employed at Freeman Toyota. The groom is employed by Direct Floral Source. The couple will be at home in Fort Worth.

Joel Paprocki and Shannon Kelly

Announcement is made of the engagement of Miss Shannon Kelly to Mr. Joel Paprocki.

She is the daughter of Kamal and Jim Kelly of Austin, TX, and the future groom is the son of Pat and Joe Paprocki of Colleyville, TX.

The prospective bride graduated in 2002 from Austin’s Waldorf School, and he was a 2000 graduate of Colleyville Heritage High School. Both attended the University of Texas at Austin.

He is the owner of Paprocki Insurance Agency in Austin, while the bride-to-be is an engineering specialist at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

A Nov. 14th wedding is planned in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico.

Mr. and Mrs. Keath McPherson and their wedding party at The Golf Club at Fossil Creek.

Miss Tia Alethia Tilley married Mr. Keath Allan McPherson in an outdoor ceremony March 8 at The Golf Club at Fossil Creek, Fort Worth.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Edward Tilley Jr., Fort Worth, and the groom is the son of Paula Hutto of Watauga and Monty McPherson of Justin.

Officiating at the service was the groom’s grandfather, the Rev. Duwane McPherson. The bride was escorted by her father and given in marriage by both her parents. She wore a strapless ivory gown made of satin. The fitted bodice was attached to a full skirt with a 20-inch train.

Serving as maid of honor was Jeaneen Dyrek, and Rich Warner acted as best man. Bridesmaids included Christi Wrubleski, Fallon Moore and Bailey Martin. Ushers were Dan Dunford, Scott Braid and Dean Hallin.

Following the afternoon ceremony, a dinner reception was held in the golf club. Music was provided for dancing by MWP Customs.

The new Mrs. McPherson graduated from Fossil Ridge High School before attending Texas A&M University-Commerce and Tarleton State University. The groom graduated from Texas State Technical College West Texas.

The couple will be at home in Justin.

Brooke Jasa became the bride of Manse Draper at Alliance United Methodist Church in Fort Worth. Photo courtesy Mike Lewis Photography.

Brooke Jasa became the bride of Manse Draper Jan. 31 at Alliance United Methodist Church, Fort Worth.

 The bride is the daughter of Judy and Rod Jasa of Saginaw. Parents of the bridegroom are Patti and Claude Smithhart and Peggy and Paul Draper, all of Lufkin.

Officiant was the Rev. Frank Briggs. Following the ceremony, a dinner dance was held at Diamond Oaks Country Club.

The bride wore a traditional ivory gown adorned with lace and beading. The strapless gown descended into a semi-cathedral train.

Serving as matron of honor was Kama Erby. Bridesmaids included Erin Baggett, Amy Jasa, JaneAnn Mann, Jennifer Cline and Blake Bozarth. Flower girl was Harleigh Russell.

Best man was Claude Smithhart, and the groomsmen were Adam Huggins, Brett Todd, John Mann, Billy Fondren and Matt Taylor. Harris Mann acted as ring bearer.

The new Mrs. Draper graduated from Boswell High School and earned a B.S.N. from Stephen F. Austin University, Nacogdoches.  She will be employed at Memorial Hospital in Lufkin. The groom graduated from Lufkin High School and received a B.B.A. from McMurry University in Abilene. He works as a sales manager for Jewel Hudgens Machine Company.

After honeymooning in Jackson Hole, WY, the couple will reside in Lufkin.