Real Weddings

Rain can't ruin this couple's rustic downtown Dallas wedding

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.

Photo by Adam Stewart

Nate and Laura Collins were married in the heart of downtown Dallas on June 4, 2017.

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Denim & rhinestones

Cattle Baron's Ball starring Carrie Underwood leaves Dallas blown away

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Cattle Baron's Ball 2024 chairs Marjon Henderson and Lora Farris had chosen the theme "New Horizons" for their Carrie Underwood-headlined event. By the end of the night, they'd changed their anthem to her hit "Blown Away."

"We just broke every record!" Henderson enthused as she passed out hugs during the live auction.

The big record they were going for was $100 million - a grand total to be raised in all 51 years of Cattle Baron's Ball. Entering the night, they only had a couple million to go. No sweat for this event.

Cattle Baron's Ball is the largest single-night fundraiser in the nation for cancer research through the American Cancer Society.

It's also Dallas' biggest party of the year.

Dallas Cattle Baron's Ball 2024 Cattle Baron's Ball chairs Lora Farris and Marjon Henderson with some special four-legged guests at the entrance.Photo by Haynsworth Photography

On Saturday, September 28, more than 3,000 party-goers, cowgirl'd and cowboy'd up in their Western-glammy best, descended from party buses and rideshare SUVs to the grounds of Southfork Ranch in Parker. Henderson and Farris, along with their volunteer committee 100 women strong, greeted guests on the famous grounds of the TV show Dallas, site of the first Cattle Baron’s Ball in 1974.

An exclusive VIP party, presented by Anne Davidson inside the Southfork Ranch Event and Conference Center, got the evening off to a festive start. Mistress of ceremonies, NBC 5's Deborah Ferguson, gave a hearty welcome and introduced '90s country tribute band Straight Tequila Night to the stage.

Early arrivals got the first chance to sip the night's signature “Cowboy Casanova” and "Take the Wheel" cocktails, featuring Grey Goose Vodka and Patron Cristalino Tequila, respectively. Longtime CBB-ers know to pace themselves when it comes to food; the entire night is a frenzy of glorious gluttony (keep reading). VIPs nibbled on lobster quesadillas, mini grilled cheese, bacon-wrapped jalapeno popper bites, Dublin Dr Pepper short ribs, Frito pie, and more.

Photo by Haynsworth Photography

Cattle Baron's Ball co-chair Marjon Henderson and her girlfriend group had plenty of reasons to smile.