The Bonifays. From Origin Story to Now.

The Bonifays have a unique love story, which began before the two of them even knew it. Both born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Elena Bonifay, born Elena Washington, crossed paths with David Bonifay in various ways before the couple ever met. Both have artists as mothers: Elena’s mom, Vicki Meek, is a visual artist and David’s mom, Elly Lindsay, is an actress. Both women taught at the local Arts Magnet High School and brought their children with them on various occasions to work. With this is mind, David and Elena have technically been acquainted since they were toddlers. The two would meet again in elementary school on the playground when both found each other about as interesting as watching paint dry. But it was the high school meeting that would change everything. The summer after senior year the two began dating for what was intended to be a “summer fling,” but soon grew into something much more. The two became inseparable, attending college together and securing work in the same establishments. They both currently work for Elena’s family business and local newspaper, The Dallas Weekly.

After nine years of dating, the couple decided to tie the knot on a whim. What began as a small, secret ceremony grew to a double-celebration, complete with a summer wedding in 2014 and a larger ceremony in the fall of 2015. The nontraditional wedding featured a comic book theme, which has special meaning for both the bride and groom. The couple exchanged vows in front of family and friends at Dallas’ South Side on Lamar. The entire event was orchestrated by wedding and event coordinator Marion Marshall and featured intimate details like superhero place settings, and a comic book-themed seating chart and wedding cake by Society Bakery. Photos were provided by photographer Amber Knowles, and video was provided by John Carstarphen. Guests enjoyed traditional Texas BBQ from the local restaurant Two Podners and danced the night away to the sounds of R&B sensation Mahogany. The night ended with a joyous send-off as the couple lovingly walked down what previously acted as a very lively Soul Train line. Future plans for the Bonifays include expanding their family and continuing to focus on the ever-changing family business.

Amber Knowles Marion Marshall Superhero Wedding in Dallas

Meet Amber Knowles: The fact that I’m a hopeless romantic definitely influences my work. Not only do I believe in fairy tales, but I get to capture them on camera. I’m honored each time a couple chooses me to document their journey toward the one thing we all hope to find one day: true love.
While I knew I wanted to focus on weddings, my experience in documentary photography has very much informed how I approach your special day. As your photographer, my role is to do more than simply document your event—it’s to be your historian. I aim to catch the meaningful moments that the couple may have missed in the present, but will treasure later—the instant when Mom fastens the last snap on her daughter’s dress, the second when the groom sees his bride for the first time, the time when Dad embraces his daughter on the dance floor—my goal is to capture those moments that will become your history. Your story.

Meet Marion Adele Marshall of AbsolutelyBlooming! Events and Floral: I started this business as a florist and then expanded to planning. Whether in your hometown, out of town, or out the country, we can be there to make it happen. I see our clients as the chief collaborators. I want to get to know you so that we can create a fun and beautiful wedding experience that is all about your love story. Team AbsolutelyBlooming! will bring your ideas to life.

Weddings and events have a lot in common with my two loves, fashion and traditional jazz. As a former fashion educator, designer, and mentor, weddings are well orchestrated like fashion events, with lots of awesome surprise moments. In jazz, like weddings, the leader brings together a group of musicians, or in this case, awesome creatives. They may not have worked together before, but they create beautiful music and an incredible wedding experience for a couple. Magic! This makes me happy and makes me cry! I cry at every wedding, at least twice.

P.S. I have a big smile and I am a hugger!