After graduating college in 2016, Kelsey Christine Warren moved to Dallas. One of the few people she knew there had grown up with John Tyler Shawkey (Jack), and their paths crossed several times over the years. Then in 2021, Jack’s sister happened to move into the same apartment complex as Kelsey, and the two decided to get to know one another better. Jack asked Kelsey (and her dog, Miss Luna) on a date to Griggs Park, a picturesque space overlooking downtown Dallas. They ended up cooking dinner together that evening, and their relationship began.
Three years later, Jack took Kelsey back to Griggs Park and proposed at the exact spot where they had their first date. It was a beautiful moment that tied their beginning to their future, which they soon began planning.
For native New Orleanian Kelsey, St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church was a huge part of that plan. She had imagined her wedding there since childhood; she and Jack reserved the church, though they knew organ construction was ongoing. Then, just a few weeks before the wedding, Jack and Kelsey learned that construction would prevent them from marrying in the church’s sanctuary. Ten days before the wedding, they had to pivot!
Fortunately, coordinator Vicki Evans and the team at The Josephine, where the reception was to be held, sprang into action. On October 25, 2025, Kelsey walked down an aisle constructed in the courtyard of The Josephine, which had been decorated in a classic palette of white and green florals with natural foliage. The decor and lounge seating created a relaxed, joyous atmosphere for the ceremony and celebration that followed.
After the couple said, “I do,” guests mingled while enjoying a classic New Orleans-style cocktail reception with passed hors d’oeuvres and food stations created by Dickie Brennan & Co., which operates the Josephine. While the entire menu was stellar, favorites included Natchitoches Meat Pies, shrimp scampi, and blackened salmon with coleslaw.
The menu gave everyone plenty of energy for a night of dancing, kicked off by Jack and Kelsey’s first dance to “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne, a song that perfectly reflected the spirit of their relationship. The festivities ended with a second line to Gasa Gasa, which ended up being one of the night’s most memorable moments, especially for out-of-town guests who were able to experience the tradition.
Kelsey and Jack treasured creating this experience for their guests, as they had been out-of–town guests at a friend’s wedding in Italy just a month before their own special day. They took the opportunity to spend 12 days exploring the country. Therefore, they opted for a staycation at the Maison Métier in lieu of a traditional honeymoon trip.
After their time spent relaxing and making memories in New Orleans, they returned to their home in Dallas. Kelsey is a Senior Interior Designer for Premier, a hospitality design firm, and Jack is Director for Bow River Capital on the Asset Based Finance Team.
Rehearsal Dinner Location: Commander’s Palace
Welcome Party: Audubon Club House by Dickie Brennan’s
Event Rentals: Distressed Rentals
Event Planner: Vicki Evans Events
Celebrant: Senior Pastor Chris Currie at Saint Charles Ave. Presbyterian Church
Ceremony Music: New Orleans Classical & Jazz
Wedding Gown: Jenny Yoo / a&Bé Bridal Shop Dallas
Veil: Sara Gabriel / a&Bé Bridal Shop Dallas
After Party Dress: Clio Peppiatt
Groom’s Attire: Mister Tuxedo Dallas
Engagement Ring: Family Heirloom Bride’s
Wedding Band: Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Groom’s Wedding Band: Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry
Florist: Leaf + Petal
Invitation: Scriptura
Caterer: Dickie Brennan & Co. Catering
Wedding Cake: Bittersweet Confections
Photographer: Paul Morse Photography
Hair: H20 Salon
Makeup: Signature Beauty
Music: Ready or Knot Band + Kinfolk Brass Band
