A Rehearsal Dinner to Remember: Haylie & Jack’s Upscale Fiesta

Haylie’s rehearsal dinner at Joe T. Garcia’s in Fort Worth was a vibrant prelude to her wedding, blending her love for vintage fashion with the colorful, upscale Mexican atmosphere of the iconic restaurant.

For her rehearsal dinner, Haylie wanted a look that was both fun and reminiscent of her favorite fashion era, the 60s and 70s. “I knew I wanted to wear yellow, one of my favorite colors,” she explains. Haylie’s inspiration came from the swing dresses of that period, evoking a playful vibe. She found the perfect material at Nardos Design, where a 3D acrylic flower-adorned fabric caught her eye. After collaborating with the designer, a stunning yellow swing dress was created, perfectly capturing Haylie’s vision. “It was a dress that brought my idea to life perfectly,” she says, reflecting on the seamless process of turning her dream into reality.

Choosing Joe T. Garcia’s as the venue was an easy decision for Haylie and her fiancé, Jack. Both are big fans of the restaurant’s food and atmosphere, and they have a personal connection with one of the owners. “It’s one of those places where, if you’re getting married in Fort Worth, you can’t not do something at Joe T’s,” Haylie explains. The venue’s charm and legendary margaritas added a special touch to the evening, making it a memorable location for their rehearsal dinner.

Haylie wanted the décor to be colorful yet elegant, straying from a typical fiesta theme. Jackson Durham, who handled the floral and décor, delivered beautifully. “I told them I wanted it to be upscale and colorful, like you were in San Miguel,” Haylie says. The result was a vibrant yet sophisticated setting, with a rich array of colors that perfectly matched the occasion. One of the standout details of the evening was the personalized place cards. Each guest received a Mexican glass heart ornament in different colors, with their names lovingly handwritten by Haylie’s mom. “I thought it was a fun touch,” she says, noting how these keepsakes added a personal element to the celebration.