Meke and Antonio were both hair professionals in the Dallas, Texas area who often crossed paths in their jobs. After bumping into each other for over a year and a half, they realized that they were meant to be together. Finally, four years later, Antonio proposed while vacationing in Cozumel, Mexico. Their plan was to get married in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. But, they wanted to find a way to have a ceremony in Dallas for their friends and family who wouldn’t be at their destination wedding. To that end, The Stoneleigh, a luxury boutique hotel in Dallas, came to the rescue.

“Our minister called me one day and explained that he had a friend who was organizing a wedding open house at The Stoneleigh, and that they wanted a bride and groom to actually get married,” Meke explained.

Planning the Wedding

After their meeting with Marion Marshall, a wedding planner from Absolutely Blooming, Meke and Antonio agreed to be a part of The Stoneleigh Wedding, a semi-private progressive wedding open house for wedding planners and engaged couples. The magical evening featured gourmet desserts and beverages, informal modeling, and various entertainment all amongst the enchanting backdrop of The Stoneleigh.

The plan was to surprise their friends and family members with an actual wedding! Meke and Antonio invited their unsuspecting guests to a reception at The Stoneleigh which they said was for those who couldn’t attend their wedding in Cabo.

The Ceremony

The night began with a ceremony outside in The Stoneleigh’s courtyard on a crisp, fall evening. Guests found their seats as students from the Booker T. Washington Jazz Choir began singing. To everyone’s amazement, Antonio joined the minister at the altar as Meke began her walk down the aisle.

“Most people assumed we were treating them to dinner,” said Meke. “So they were shocked with joy when they realized that we were actually getting married.”

Both the ceremony in Dallas and the follow-up celebration in Cabo will have a special place in the hearts of the newlyweds. Furthermore, to commemorate their wedding, they plan on celebrating BOTH anniversaries each year. Congratulations Meke and Antonio!