Real Weddings

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

Real Weddings

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

The happy couple cuts the cake by Panini Bakery.Photo by Sarah Kate Photographer
While getting ready, the bride and her bridesmaids donned dresses by Mi Golondrina.Photo by Sarah Kate Photographer
Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Jere Thompson.Photo by Sarah Kate Photographer
The ceremony was held at Highland Park Presbyterian Church.Photo by Sarah Kate Photographer
Stunning floral arrangements by Jackson Durham framed the couple during the ceremony.Photo by Sarah Kate Photographer
The bridesmaids wore dresses from Bella Bridesmaids.Photo by Sarah Kate Photographer
Invitations were by Color Box Design & Letter Press.Photo by Sarah Kate Photographer
The reception was held at Dallas Country Club.Photo by Sarah Kate Photographer
Comfy seating was also provided by Jackson Durham.Photo by Sarah Kate Photographer
The couple met while enjoying cigars and margaritas at Javier's, hence their signature drink.Photo by Sarah Kate Photographer
There was no shortage of flowers. Floral pr Floral Floral pr Floral design by Jackson dURHA Floral pr Floral Floral pr Floral design by Jackson dURHAM Floral pr Floral Floral pr Floral design by Jackson dURHA Floral pr Floral Floral pr Floral design by Jackson Floral pr Floral Floral pr Floral design by Jackson dURHA Floral pr Floral Floral pr Floral design by Jackson dURHAM Floral pr Floral Floral pr Floral design by Jackson dURHA Floral pr Floral Floral prPhoto by Sarah Kate Photographer
Cozy sitting areas dotted the reception.Photo by Sarah Kate Photographer
The groom's cake was by Panini Bakery.Photo by Sarah Kate Photographer
Beyond Lighting cast a dreamy mood over the party.Photo by Sarah Kate Photographer
The band Simply Irresistible got the crowd on their feet.Photo by Sarah Kate Photographer
Whataburger was brought in for late-night snacking.Photo by Sarah Kate Photographer
The couple makes their way to the getaway car after their dream wedding comes to a close.Photo by Sarah Kate Photographer

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

weddings

have more patience

Texas drivers are the 2nd worst in the nation for 2025

It may be tempting to lose your temper behind the wheel, but it's not really worth it. Photo by Joshua Wordel on Unsplash

While Texas is one of the best states to drive in, apparently Texans need to pay more attention to their speeding habits and check their tempers. The Lone Star State has landed on top of a new list of states with the worst drivers in 2025.

The unlucky ranking comes in a new report by personal injury law firm Easton Law Offices, which analyzed driver data – including road rage incidents, speeding, fatal crashes, and more – to determine the top 10 states with the worst drivers.

Texas came in as the No. 2 state with the worst drivers in the nation. The only state with worse drivers is Florida, which was ranked No. 1.

According to the report's findings, Texas had 2.5 road rage incidents and 7.2 aggressive driving fatal accidents reported for every 100,000 residents from 2014 to 2023. Aggressive and careless driving behavior was cited in 37.4 percent of all accidents, and it was a factor in 38.8 percent of all fatalities.

Additionally, 1.2 speeding violations were reported in the state for every 100,000 residents.

Texas has previously been ranked the second most dangerous state for young drivers, in 2023.

But it's not just typical vehicle drivers that need to exercise more patience when getting behind the wheel – motorcyclists also need to be on high alert while on the road, and remember to wear their helmets.

"Texas also has a high rate of total vehicle crashes (3,966) and motorcycle fatalities (558), with a sizable 37.32 percent of motorcycle deaths occurring among unhelmeted drivers," the report said.

Dallas drivers specifically have been called out in previous years for their less-than-stellar driving habits, and the city was named one of the 10 most dangerous places for pedestrians nationwide in 2024. Drivers also need exercise even more caution on Memorial Day, which is often the deadliest day for drivers in Dallas.

The top 10 states with the worst drivers in 2025 are: