Real Weddings

Dallas bride knows just what to do for a classic country club wedding

Kate and Jere Thompson met while ordering margaritas in the cigar bar at Javier's. Kate was home from New York City visiting family for Easter; Jere was in town visiting from Midland. Turns out, the two were meeting up with mutual friends.

After their chance meeting, a poke on Facebook from Jere confirmed that, in fact, it was not just the tequila talking when Kate thought there might be a connection there. And with that, a long distance relationship began.

It wasn't long, about a year, before Kate found her way back to Dallas. And on a random weekend when Kate was planning to visit Jere in Midland, he surprised her at the airport and took her (back to) New York City.

The couple enjoyed a weekend at the Carlyle Hotel, and he proposed in Central Park in the middle of a 12-mile run. The rest, as they say, was history, because this bride knew exactly what to do for her wedding.

"I wanted to have the ceremony at the church I grew up in, and a reception outside under the stars and with a tent," Kate says. "I had always imagined a big tent with lights, dancing, and smiles."

It's safe to say that the bride got her wish and more. A classically chic color palette of blue and white allowed for the Jackson Durham team to make hydrangeas, orchids, and floral ginger jars galore come to life on the grounds of Dallas Country Club. A large Sandone Productions tent was even erected over the pool for dinner and dancing.

And the dress? It was one of the last pieces made by renowned designer Oscar De La Renta before his passing in 2014. Talk about a piece of haute history.

The happy couple currently resides in Midland and are navigating newlywed life while simultaneously adjusting to the charms and quirks of living in a much smaller town. Kate says it surely does help to be figuring it all out with the love of her life by her side.

Ceremony: Highland Park Presbyterian
Reception: Dallas Country Club
Wedding Planner: Laura Arredondo, DFW Events
Invitations: Color Box Design & Letter Press
Floral and Rentals: Jackson Durham
Photographer: Sarah Kate Photographer
Cakes: Panini Bakery
Band: Simply Irresistible
Bridal Gown Retailer: Neiman Marcus
Bridal Gown Designer: Oscar De La Renta
Bridal Shoe Designer: Bionda Castana
Hair: Sonia Trevino
Makeup: My Fabulous Faces
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids
Groom's Attire: Culwell & Son
Photo Booth: Mir Mir
Ceremony Music: Festival Brass of Dallas
Lighting: Beyond Lighting
Dance Floor: DFW Dance Floors
Tent: Sandone Productions
Tent Finish-out: Stage Works

The couple met while enjoying cigars and margaritas at Javier's, hence their signature drink.

Photo by Sarah Kate Photographer

The couple met while enjoying cigars and margaritas at Javier's, hence their signature drink.

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Editor's note: The top Dallas news of the week includes a new report on middle class earnings and two exciting openings. Plus, we unveil the 2026 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards nominees. Catch up on our hottest headlines below, then visit this guide for more weekend fun.

1. This is the income it takes to be middle class in Dallas-Fort Worth in 2026. A new study tracking the upper and lower thresholds for middle class households across the nation's largest cities has revealed Dallasites have to make a few grand more than last year to maintain their middle class status. In other North Texas cities, residents can make up to $291,000 and still be labeled "middle class."

2. Dallas restaurateur Ed Murph, owner of Norma's Cafe, dies at 78. Dallas restaurateur Edward "Ed" L. Murph III, owner of Dallas' treasured home-cooking chain Norma's Cafe, passed away on Monday, February 23; he was 78.

3. Announcing the Dallas nominees for 2026 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards. It's time for the anticipated unveiling of our Dallas Tastemaker nominees, who represent the very best in Dallas dining right now.

Dallas Tastemaker Awards The 2026 Tastemaker nominees have been revealed. Ashley Gongora

4. Grocery giant Tom Thumb to open newest store in Dallas-Fort Worth. Supermarket chain Tom Thumb opened the doors to its newest location in Dallas-Fort Worth on Friday, March 6.

5. Underground hi-fi 'listening bar' Shyboy opens in downtown Dallas. A new lounge is turning up the volume beneath the streets of downtown Dallas. Shyboy, billed as Dallas' first "hi fi bar," will debut at 1313 Main St., in the subterranean level of The Drakestone building.