The Nuptials Of Kristin Kay Sanders and James Robert Hallam

By Jake Gaines         Photography by Danny Campbell Photography and Bryan Chatlien Photography

Kristin Kay Sanders of New Waverly, Texas, the daughter of Pamela Kay Sanders and Steve and Sandra Sanders and James Robert Hallam of Dallas, the son of Howard and Fanchon Hallam, and Kay Nell Wilson (decd), were married in star-studded style in Dallas. Kristin, who had returned to Dallas after selling her Malibu, California-based business, Pure Barre, was introduced to James by a mutual friend who encouraged him to call. “After hanging up the phone with my friend, it rang again, and it was James,” enthused the bride, Kristin Hallam. “I was caught off guard, yet that probably worked in his favor since he simply got right to business and asked ‘what are you doing later?’ and ‘may I take you to dinner?’” I said yes, of course, and it has been a whirlwind ever since.” They dated for three years and were engaged for one.

“We instantly knew event producer Steve Kemble was the one and only person who could pull off an event of this style and elegance,” shared James Hallam. Steve is such a brilliant personality and has an eye for detail. He and his team utilized this design mastery and created an upscale, black tie affair of our dreams. It was magnificent.” With 625 guests invited, the ceremony was at Highland Park United Methodist Church. “The most memorable point during our vows, led by Reverend Matt Tuggle, was it rained, recalled the couple, just as it had been raining when James proposed.”. The Hindu tradition states that when you “tie the knot” on a rainy day, a marriage is supposedly just as difficult to unravel. So, our journey begins with a “double knot” that seems to be unbreakable.” The bride wore a Carolina Herrera gown and custom veil designed by Alisa Culp for Haute Hot Lingerie and the groom donned a custom tuxedo by Vitale Barberis Canonico of Italy, from Neiman Marcus. Dr. Delphinium Designs and Events created the opulent floral décor.

Friday night’s reception was at Park House, while the Saturday night celebration was held at the Dallas Country Club. Saturday’s reception setting, with its Roaring 20s high glam atmosphere, had state-of-the-art lighting and entertainment. For the guests’ photogenic moments, the oversized spelling of the word LOVE, which was laden in white roses and greenery towered 12 feet as a selfie station. The cocktail napkins, bars, dance floor, all the way down to the yummy Bundt cakes had the signature K&J black and gold initials and theme, created by Kemble. The lobster mac n’ cheese and spareribs were a hit, according to the guests. DJ Mark Ridlen spun his tunes for Friday’s reception while The Dan Band and Jordan Kahn Orchestra entertained guests at Saturday evening’s event. “How fun it was to see our life-long friends, and many from the blocks where we grew up as children,” shared Kristin. “Many people felt that while they were seeing so many of their longtime friends, they had been transported back in time to when they were much younger. What a gift this was for everyone,” said James Hallam.

The bride, who graduated from Baylor University, is employed at Cheetah Swift. The groom, who received his B.S. degree from St. Edward’s University and M.B.A from Southern Methodist University, is the vice president of Marketing and Legislative Affairs at Ben E. Keith Beverages. The couple, who have children from previous marriages, say they have mastered the three-day travel weekend. Some of their favorite getaways are Los Angeles, Miami, Washington D.C., and New York. They enjoy visiting Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica, and Punta Mita, Mexico, when they have extra time.