Laura Lites and Nate Collins' June 2017 wedding became a bigger family celebration than they could have imagined when they met four years earlier. Surrounded by loved ones, including their 1-year-old daughter Isla, the Dallas duo said "I do" in a historic post office featuring marble walls and painted ceilings.
The picturesque setting couldn’t have been more apropos for the arts-minded couple, who met in 2013 while performing in the Uptown Players production of Songs for a New World.
Nate played percussion and Laura shined on stage, but sparks really flew when the curtain closed. The pair made a habit of meeting to chat after each show, and it wasn’t long before they were officially an item.
Flash forward two years, and baby made three. Laura met Nate, fresh off an audition, at the door with a glass of scotch and the surprise of his life.
“He was overjoyed with the news,” says Laura. “And I was relieved. The journey began.”
After Isla’s arrival, Nate didn’t wait long before popping the question. The month after her birth, family from both sides came in town, and Nate saw an opportunity.
“Come check out Isla,” he said.
“What’s that on her belly?” asked Laura.
Nate picked up the ring, Laura said yes and champagne flowed.
With caring for a newborn topping their to-do list, the couple opted to take their time planning the wedding. They set the date for June 4, 2017, nearly four years to the day after they’d first met.
The rest of the planning came more easily. With its rich history and innate details, The Venue at 400 North Ervay set the ideal backdrop for the “rustic, simple” wedding Laura envisioned.
Farm tables and simple, sweet floral arrangements decorated the space. And while the couple planned to party on the rooftop for the reception, Mother Nature had her own agenda. A deluge of rain hit downtown Dallas, forcing the couple to move their outdoor soiree into the space’s historic courtroom, "which actually ended up being perfect,” says Laura.
Surrounded by original hand-carved wooden walls and intricately painted ceilings, guests enjoyed an unforgettable music-filled party that celebrated the couple's careers and passion for music in every beat.
Isla didn't miss a moment, either, serving as the couple's cute flower girl.
Venue: The Venue at 400 North Ervay
Ceremony Music: Adam Wright (piano), Katrina Kratzer (violin), Peter DiCesare (vocals)
Cocktail Hour Music: Jazz band assembled by drummer Stockton Helbing
Reception Music: The Clinton Years
Catering: Food Glorious Food
Wedding Coordinator: Sarah Kane, Food Glorious Food
Cake: Fancy Cakes by Lauren
Florals: Dirt
Rentals: Top Tier Event Rentals
Hair: Maitee Miles
Makeup: Morgan Mabry
Photography: Adam Stewart Photographer
Photobooth: Le Force Entertainment
Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Nate and Laura Collins were married in the heart of downtown Dallas on June 4, 2017.
