Meet the Grooms
Joe
Joe was born in San Antonio, and moved to Dallas with his family when he was 10. He attended college at TCU in Fort Worth and spent a few years working different jobs, before landing his dream job in 2014 as a high school art teacher.
Julian
Julian was born and grew up in Nazareth, Israel. He moved to the U.S. after graduating high school in 2003. After many years in Longview, TX, he put himself through college and made his way to Dallas, where he has lived and worked since 2013.
And then they met
March 2, 2015
In early March 2015, Joe and Julian met online (who doesn't meet online these days), and after chatting for several hours on the phone one night, agreed to meet for Pad Thai night at Pakpao on Monday, March 2. The Pad Thai was great, but the conversation was better. We connected over shared interests and future plans, and spent an embarrassing amount of time discussing the TV classic Friends, which Julian had been binge-watching his way through at the time.
From that first meeting, they began to see each other almost every day – the only exceptions being when one or the other was out of town. It wasn't long before they were going out of town together though, and their travel adventures began. In their first six months together, Joe & Julian traveled to Denver, Las Vegas, San Diego, and San Francisco. That Christmas, Julian took Joe home to Israel to meet his family and to experience where he had come from.
Joe & Julian have had a lot of amazing adventures together, but they are very excited about their biggest one yet... They can't wait to get married and start a family, and they are especially excited to celebrate the start of that adventure with you.
THE WEDDING
• June 2, 2018 •
The Venetian Terrace
215 Mandalay Canal
Las Colinas, Texas
We know that for most of our guests, this may be their first time experiencing a wedding with two grooms... it's a first for us, too! We anticipate that some guests will be curious about what they can expect on June 2, so we want to provide as much information as possible so that everyone has an idea about what the evening might look like. As with any wedding, there are a seemingly infinite number of details to figure out, and while we haven't figured everything out yet (and because we want to keep some a suprise) we have provided some of the most important information below.
ceremony
7:30 P.M.
Weather permitting, the ceremony will be held outside in a space the venue calls its Garden Terrace, which is right on the Mandalay Canal. The terrace is pretty shaded, and we anticipate that with a 7:30 p.m. start, the temperature outside will be comfortable for everyone during the short ceremony. We will exchange vows in front of our closest friends and family, with those closest to us by our sides. We are honored to have Dr. Arlis Wood, Julian's friend and mentor, officiating the ceremony.
reception
7:45 P.M.
After the ceremony, everyone will move inside for drinks & appetizers. After some photos are taken, dinner will be served (buffet-style). The food at Venetian Terrace is delicious, and we plan to include a variety of options, hopefully including a few dishes inspired by the food Julian grew up with in Israel.
Of course, the bar will be fully-stocked... Our one and only goal for the reception is to have a huge celebration with our family and friends, so come prepared to dance the night away!
send-off
11:30 P.M.
After everyone has had their fill of dinner, drinks, and dancing, the grooms will have a special "send-off" outside. Start working out your arms now... we expect to see some impressive sparkler-waving that night.
after party
11:45 P.M.
Everyone is welcome to return to the hotel after the reception. There is nothing formal planned, but we'd love to keep partying with our guests, so we will plan to play it by ear and see what our options are that night. We know that the hotel's bar, Bar M, stays open until 1 a.m., but there are some other possibilities that may present themselves between now and June 2. Stay posted...
other wedding details
Dress Code
Fashion has never been a huge priority for either of us, and we both feel a bit weird telling other people how we'd like them to dress. But for our big day, we plan to step our game up a bit and wear suits... so we are hoping that our guests will also come in comparable semi-formal or cocktail attire. In other words, dress comfortably for the outdoor ceremony, but appropriately for an evening
Men: Ties preferred. Coats optional.
Women: Dresses? Skirts? Sensible pant-suits? We'll have to defer to the ladies on this one.
# Social Media
Even though it seems like everyone has wedding hashtags these days, we respectfully ask that you please refrain from posting any images or comments specifically about our wedding onto social media (especially Facebook, Twitter & Instagram). As popular as social media is (even for us), there are a few personal reasons why at the current time we wouldn't like anything about the wedding to be easily accessible on the internet. While we are more than happy for you to share photos of our big day online, we ask that any specific references to the photos being from the wedding not be shared on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Photography
We have hired an incredible professional photographer, but anyone who knows Julian knows how much he loves photos – so we definitely want to see yours too! We just ask that you let the photographer take the photos that she wants and that you don't get into her way.
We have registered for a service called Veri that will make it super-easy for everyone to share their photos during the wedding. The service will require you to download an app, which will then automatically upload any photos you take during the wedding and while you are in proximity of the wedding venue. That way, you don't have to worry about uploading photos later, plus you'll get access to all of the other guests' photos of the event, too! You can find more information here: in.veri.com/to/joejulian, but you will also receive an invitation to join in the email you provide on the RSVP form below. We are really excited to have this really simple way for our guests to privately share their photos with the grooms and each-other... it's like a private alternative to social media!
Children
We love all of your children, however we have decided to make this an adults-only celebration (with the exception of our adorable ring bearers). We appreciate your understanding!
Transportation
The venue is a 500-foot walk from the Omni Mandalay hotel. For Guests staying at the Omni unable to make the walk, the hotel does provide a complementary towncar service for its guests on a first-come, first-served basis. They have two SUV's available to drive our guests as close as possible to Venetian Terrace. Please let us know if there's anything that we can do to help you coordinate a ride to the venue.
Parking
There is a parking garage right behind Venetian Terrace and accessible on the north side of the Mandalay Canal road. If you turn left as you enter the garage and drive to the lower level, you'll find a door that opens right into the Venetian Terrace's outdoor patio area. Garage parking will cost $10. You may or may not be able to find other parking along the street, but spots cannot be guaranteed.
Around Las Colinas
The Venue
We are excited to celebrate our wedding on the historic Mandalay Canal in downtown Las Colinas. In addition to the unique atmosphere of the canal and event space, we love our location because while we will have all the privacy we need for the wedding, we will also be surrounded by a lot of great local amenities for the weekend. The venue is just across the canal from the hotel and within walking distance of a number of restauraunts, sites, and activities for our guests to explore while they are in the area for the weeked.
The Venetian Terrace
We couldn't believe our luck in finding such a unique venue for our wedding. The ceremony and reception will both be held at Venetian Terrace, a beautiful event space inspired by the classic architecture of Venice and located right on the canal!
For guests staying at the Omni, the venue can be reached after a short (500-foot) walk across the Mandalay Canal bridge or the pedestrian bridge at the northern bend of the canal. The hotel also provides a complementary driver on a first-come, first-served basis for guests who would prefer not to walk. Contact the hotel for more details.
For guests who will be driving, a parking garage is located behind the venue and accessible from Mandalay Canal Road. If you are parking in the garage, the easiest access to the venue will be from the lower level (enter the garage, and turn left to go down). Signs on the lower level will indicate how to get outside to the ceremony.
Places to Stay
Although we made arrangements for a discounted block of rooms at one hotel (and hope that everyone chooses to stay there), we want to give our guests options. There are several other hotels in the area with very reasonable rates. The closest five are listed here; scroll down for more information about each, and visit the hotel section below for more information about the discounted block of rooms at the Omni.
Omni Mandalay Hotel at Las Colinas
The Omni Mandalay is the official wedding hotel. Located right on Lake Carolyn, the hotel is a very short walk from Venetian Terrace. A block of rooms has been reserved at a (very reasonable) discounted rate. For more details about the hotel, its amenities, and the discounted block rate, visit the hotel section below.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Dallas-Irving-Las Colinas
Aloft Las Colinas
Holiday Inn Las Colinas
Dallas Marriott Las Colinas
Things to Do
Dallas and Fort Worth have many exciting sights and activities that our guests can enjoy while in town for the weekend. Everyone knows about the incredible museums, parks and shopping in Dallas. Below, we wanted to highlight a few unique sights & activities that are in close proximity to the hotel – a few even within walking distance.
Mokara Salon & Spa
The Mokara Salon & Spa in Las Colinas offers a full range of salon and spa treatments. Located on the Las Colinas Canal adjacent to Omni Mandalay Hotel, guests will be pampered with a spa experience. Make time for a soothing facial, body treatment, massage, manicure or pedicure. Reservations Recommended.
Stand Up Paddle (SUP) North Texas
SUPNTX is the first to bring the exciting sport of stand-up paddleboarding to North Texas, and is conveniently located just outside of the Omni on the canal-front. Reservations Recommended.
Mustangs of Las Colinas
The Mustangs of Las Colinas are a must-visit attraction while staying in the area. This bronze sculpture created by Robert Glen brings Williams Square in Las Colinas to life with the wild mustangs. One of the largest equestrian sculptures in the world, the Mustangs were placed in Las Colinas in 1984 and have been an extraordinary sight ever since. Placed in what appears to be a watercoarse, the wild mustangs are running through unfettered as they did during their pioneer days in North Texas. For those interested, there is even a museum featuring an exhibit and a film about the works creation, as well as additional sculptures by Robert Glen.
Mandalay Canal Walk
The Mandalay Canal is a charming highlight of Las Colinas. Follow the walkway (highlighted in gold on the map) as waterfowl swim in the winding canal and rays of sun create interesting patterns along a tree-lined path. Not far from the connecting paths around Lake Carolyn, pedestrians can link to the Campion Trail, a 22-mile series of pathways through the parks of Las Colinas (find the start of the trail in California Crossing Park).
Gondola Adventures
Gondola Adventures Irving branch is a first-class gondola experience offering cruises on Lake Carolyn and through the Mandalay Canals. The narrow canals have some private inlets with refreshing waterfall views, and the gondolas share the private waterway with just a few pedal boats and stand-up paddleboards. They have beautiful gondolas of several different styles, both electric and rowing, as well as larger boats for bigger groups and dinner cruises. Reservations Recommended.
Irving Music Factory
The Irving Music Factory is DFW’s newest entertainment venue. This area is designed to be an all-in-one dining and entertainment destination for DFW. The Pavilion, a groundbreaking convertible venue can convert easily from a 4,000-seat indoor concert hall to an 8,000-seat outdoor amphitheater, allowing it to accommodate a wide variety of entertainment throughout the year. The project offers 250,000 square feet of entertainment, retail, and restaurant space. You should definitely check it out during the day, but please don't buy tickets to the Poison concert during the wedding!
Elm Fork Shooting Sports
Whether you want to break clays with your shotgun, shoot reactionary steel with your handgun, sight in a new scope or get great training in any of these disciplines, there is simply no better destination in the Dallas/Fort Worth area than Elm Fork Shooting Sports.
Food to Eat
There are several restaurants around Las Colinas, including a few within walking distance of the Omni. Below, we've highlighted a few of the higher-rated options in the area.
Trevi's (Italian)
Jinbeh (Japanese)
Italian Cafe (Italian)
Subz N Stuff (Deli)
Corner Bakery Cafe
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Zeytin (Turkish)
Tiff's Treats (Cookies)
Classic Chicago (Pizza)
El Famoso (Cali-Mex)
Creamistry (Ice Cream) — Coming Soon
Boi N Braza (Brazilian Steakhouse)
Top Round Roast Beef (Fast Food)
Freshii (Health-Minded Fast Food)
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
Gloria's (Tex-Mex)
Thirtsy Lion (Gastropub & Grill)
TCBY (Frozen Yogurt)
Bar Louie (American Grill)Flying Options
Dallas has two major airports serving most national and international airlines. Coincidentally, the wedding venue and hotel are about the same distance from both airports (approximately 9.5 miles). That means that no matter where you are coming from, or which airline you prefer, when you arrive in Dallas, you will be landing as close as possible to the weekend festivities.
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is the primary international airport serving the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex area. It is the largest hub for American Airlines, which is headquartered near the airport, but services most other airlines flying into the area.
Airlines Served:
- Alaska Airlines (1-800-252-7522)
- American Airlines (1-800-252-7522)
- Delta Airlines (1-800-221-1212)
- JetBlue (1-800-538-2583)
- Spirit Airlines (1-800-401-2200)
- United Airlines (1-877-864-8331)
Love Field Airport (DAL)
Dallas Love Field is a city-owned public airport 6 miles northwest of downtown Dallas, Texas. It was Dallas' main airport until 1974 when Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport opened.
Airlines Served:
- Delta Airlines (1-800-221-1212)
- Southwest Airlines (1-800-435-9792)
- Virgin Airlines (1-877-359-8474)
The Hotel
As mentioned above, we have selected the closest (and coincidentally, the highest-rated) hotel to the wedding venue as the preferred hotel to accommodate our guests. The Omni Mandalay is just a quick walk across the canal from the venue, and is located right on Lake Carolyn.
A block of rooms has been reserved at a very reasonable discounted rate. We do understand that some of our guests might prefer to find their own accommodations... If you are interested in exploring other hotel options in the area, please visit the location section above.
Useful Hotel Information
CHECK-IN / CHECK-OUT
Check-in is at 3:00 pm; check-out is at 12:00 noon. All guests arriving before 3:00 pm will be accommodated as rooms become available. The Guest Service staff can arrange to check baggage for those arriving early when rooms are unavailable and for guests attending functions on departure day.
PARKING
The hotel offers complimentary self parking in the hotel garage, on a first come, first serve basis and is based on availability. Valet parking is available to overnight guests for $23.00 daily and $18.00 for day guests only, plus tax. The parking rates that are in affect during the wedding weekend may be greater or less and, will be applicable to those that choose to park in the hotel parking facility.
WIFI / INTERNET
The Omni is pleased to provide guests in the wedding block with complimentary wireless internet in guestrooms.
CAR SERVICE
The Omni offers complimentary transportation anywhere within a 5-mile radius (including the wedding venue) betewen 6:30 a.m. & 10:00 p.m. daily. You can find more information about transportation options to and from the hotel on their web site.
Deluxe
Rooms
The reserved block of rooms are listed as Deluxe Rooms. The recently-renovated 450 sq. ft. rooms include oak furnishings, a marble vanity bathroom, lighted make-up mirror and blow dryer, a work desk and sweeping city and lake views.
$99-night Book Now ❯
Mandalay Suites
(Upgrade Option)
For guests looking for more square footage and better views, upgrades are available to the hotel's suites. The Mandalay Suite offers 670 sq. ft. of recently-renovated, corner space. Included in the suite are oak furnishings, a marble vanity bathroom, lighted make-up mirror and blow dryer, a comfortable living room area with a sofa and a step-out balcony with panoramic views of downtown Dallas and Lake Carolyn.
$139-night Book Now ❯
Parlor Suites
(Upgrade Option)
For guests looking for more square footage and better views, upgrades are available to the hotel's suites. The hotel's Deluxe Parlor Suite offers the comfort of one of the largest guest room accommodations in the Dallas area at 770 sq. ft. The recently-renovated luxury suite includes a sitting area, two chairs and a pull-out sofa bed, a wet bar and marble vanity bathroom with make-up mirror and blow dryer.
$149-night Book Now ❯
Book Now ❯
** Please note that the number of guaranteed rooms is limited. We will continue to add to our block as necessary, but highly recommend booking your rooms early to ensure that you get a room. ALL ROOMS MUST BE BOOKED BY MAY 1, 2018. Visit our personalized booking site for more details.
REGISTRY
As we begin our marriage, we are very excited about the plans we've been making for our future... most especially, our plans to start our family. We recently began the overwhelming process of planning and saving for everything involved with having a baby. It's a long road, and it may be a while before we are financially ready to take the plunge.
We already have dishes and towels, but THIS is one thing we don't have that we want more than anything. So rather than household items that won't last forever, we are instead asking for guests to consider contributing towards something (...someone) that we will truly love and treasure for the rest of our lives.
We will of course be incredibly grateful for anything that our guests may want to give us. For guests wishing to contribute to our baby savings, we do have a Paypal and a Venmo account available. But we don't want anyone to feel obligated to give us anything. The greatest gift you can give us is your attendance June 2... so don't forget to RSVP below!