Bahrija Bela Pjetrovic and Chase Cooley went to high school together, but they didn’t hit it off until they met once again while Bela was working at a steakhouse as a grad student. After having dinner with his father at the restaurant, Chase asked Bela for her number and later called her to set up their first date to watch their home team in the NBA Finals. Two months into their relationship, the groom knew he wanted to propose, but he waited until the time was right to ask her father for his blessing. When Bela surprised her beau by getting off work early one night so they could go to dinner, Chase decided to shock his beloved with a gorgeous oval-cut engagement ring at their favorite local Italian restaurant that would end up catering their rehearsal dinner one year later.

After taking one month to enjoy the bliss of their engagement, the pair began planning a glamorous fête for 266 guests in their hometown at a luxury venue just miles from where they both grew up. “We love the ambience and décor, along with the amazing customer service, so it was the perfect fit for us,” Bela shares of the golf club, where the groom’s family has been members for years. The duo also hired a fantastic team of wedding professionals, including DFW Events, to turn their vision into reality. “I had a superstar wedding planner who has been in the industry for 20 years. She called in so many favors, which is something I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish by planning on my own,” says Bela. “Relationships in the industry are key to making things happen!”

The day of the ceremony, guests gathered on the lawn of the property for the romantic alfresco proceedings as a string quartet performed songs from the La La Land soundtrack. “It is one of my favorite movies, and we loved the idea of incorporating new music into the ceremony so it wasn’t mundane,” notes the bride. She emerged in a gorgeous Monique Lhuillier strapless lace gown holding a bouquet of soft white, champagne, and blush-toned roses and hydrangeas as she joined her tuxedo-clad groom, handsome groomsmen, and bridesmaids in pale pink satin gowns beneath a striking floral arch. A brief ceremony was officiated by an elder at Chase’s church, who is also a judge.

Following the vow exchange, loved ones moved indoors for a special cocktail hour featuring “his” and “hers” areas. As an ode to the bride’s drink of choice, one side of the room showcased a rosé bar bedecked with blush blooms and a pink neon sign that read, “Stop and Smell the Rosé,” while the groom’s side of the space boasted a scotch bar adorned with an arch of succulents and a neon green “On the Rocks” sign. As they sipped their libations of choice, attendees found their seating assignments for the reception written on marble stationer cards, which were displayed on boxwood walls decorated with Venetian mirrors and another neon sign featuring the duo’s monogram.

As loved ones entered the ballroom, they were welcomed with an ambient setting enveloped with blush drapery. “Seeing the reception area for the first time was spectacular,” remembers the groom. “I was speechless.” The room featured a mix of round tables covered with blush linens and mirrored rectangular varieties, all surrounded by gold- or clear-backed chairs. Round tables featured tall arrangements of lush blossoms, rectangular tables showcased more modern centerpieces, and the head table was an absolute work of art. “Bella Flora of Dallas and I custom-built a stand to mimic floating flowers over the entire head table. It truly was the centerpiece of the whole wedding,” affirms Bela. In addition to the “floating” floral runner, orbs containing crystals and roses were suspended over place settings to create a magical feel throughout the celebration.

Following a sit-down dinner service, guests mingled at comfortable lounge areas showcasing velvet tufted furniture and sequined pillows, which had a perfect view of the gold mirrored dance floor with an impeccable installation of cascading crystals overhead. Chase cites one of his favorite moments of the day as the first dance with his wife to “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli. “I’m not much of a dancer, but I really loved the classics the orchestra played,” he adds. The couple hired two bands: one American group and Montenegrin performers that played traditional tunes to honor the bride’s heritage. “I wanted an atmosphere where people could experience the lovely Montenegrin culture, but not overtake the beauty of the wedding,” muses the bride.

Overall, the couple was thrilled with how their nuptials turned out. “Besides getting married, I truly loved seeing all of our hard work pay off,” Bela smiles. “All of the custom details made a world of difference.”