Sale • January 2-31, 2015 & July 1-31, 2015 • Gowns up to 75% off, some as low as $99
Main Street, Bay, Arkansas | 870-781-3334 2-31, 2018 BRIDAL SALE + Jessica’s JULY| 520 + GOWNS UP TO 75% OFF! Find us on Facebook and Instagram! Sale • January 2-31, 2015 & July 1-31, 2015 • Gowns up to 75% off, some as low as $99 Sale • January 2-31, 2015 & July 1-31, 2015BAY, • Gowns up to 75% off, some as low as $99 JESSICA’S 520 MAIN STREET, ARKANSAS | |870-781-3334 Jessica’s | 520 Main Street, Bay, Arkansas 870-781-3334 Jessica’s | 520 Main Street, Bay, Arkansas | 870-781-3334 Find FacebookAND andINSTAGRAM! Instagram! FIND US us ONon FACEBOOK
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2 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2018
Now that you’ve found your soulmate, it’s time to choose the perfect reception venue. For more information contact Crystal Herring, 501-821-7525, cherring@chenalcc.com. PHOTOS BY LYNDSEY SULLIVAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Spring/Summer 2018 | weddingsinarkansas.com 3
Planning by Anne Claire Allen Owens
Photography by Meredith Benton
Defining Elegance Established in 2001, The Goodwin Manor is a large country estate located on the outskirts of Little Rock, Arkansas. Based in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, The Goodwin Manor offers unparalleled views and ambiance found no where else in the state. •
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Built with the appearance of a traditional English estate, it boasts year-round scenic views and stately grounds making it the premier wedding and event venue in Central Arkansas. Contact us for more information and to schedule your site visit today. •
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& events • bridal suite • groom’s quarters • indoor & outdoor ceremony site • parking attendants access to 40 x 40 tent, ceremony chairs, tables & linens • event planning services • catering • floral design • cake design weddings
The Goodwin Manor 3708 Garrison Rd., Little Rock, AR 72223 (501) 590-4560 Email: info@thegoodwinmanor.com www.TheGoodwinManor.com 4 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2018
She Said Yes Bridal 265 N 46th Street Rogers AR, 72756 479.631.2006
She Said Yes Bridal in The Heights 5913 Kavanaugh Blvd Little Rock AR, 72207 501.661.4696
www.shesaidyesbridal.com Photography: Weddings by Christopher & Nancy
Central Arkansas’ s Premier Event Venue Eli Murray Photography
Best Place to have a Special Event 2011, ‘13, ‘14, ‘15, ‘16, ‘17
Event Venue
Best Venue Finalist 2014, ‘15, ‘17
1200 President Clinton Avenue • Little Rock, AR 72201 501-748-0454 • www.clintonpresidentialcenter.org/hostanevent
Spring/Summer 2018 | weddingsinarkansas.com 5
I N
T H I S
I S S U E
10 WELCOME
inspiration 14 WHITE HOT
An all-white palette exudes both elegance and simplicity.
16 STARRY NIGHT
Hues of blue mix with white and berry for a rich, inviting feel.
18 GLOW & TELL
Neon shades offer a fun standout for the season.
style 21 SOUTHERN ELEGANCE
Set the tone for the big day with gowns and jewels that are sure to turn heads.
real weddings
21 Above: Gown available through Unveiled Bridal Collection.
44
32 CAITLAN SPOON + BRAD TREADAWAY 36 JESSIE RUSSELL + JOHN FUCHS 40 CAROLINE TORIAN + BRAD DAVIS 44 KARA HALVERSON + GARY JONES 48 KIRSTEN BLOWERS + CHASE MORMAN 52 RUPAL BHAKTA + JASON GRAMMER
last look
56 MAKE IT FESTIVE
on the cover Summer bridal bouquet created by Little Rock’s White Goat. See page 21.
The preceding is a list of some of the products, manufacturers, distributors and retailers represented in this issue. Space limitations prevent sourcing of all items. Although extreme care is taken to provide correct information, At Home in ArkansasTM cannot guarantee information received from sources. At Home in Arkansas TM Weddings in Arkansas is published 2 times a year by Root Publishing, Inc. Opinions expressed in articles, letters or advertisements, unless otherwise noted, do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher or the staff. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information presented in this issue is accurate and neither Root Publishing, Inc. nor any of its staff, is responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. CopyrightŠ 2015 Root Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the publisher. All pictorial material reproduced in this book has been accepted on the condition that it is reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the photographer concerned. As such, Root Publishing, Inc. is not responsible for any infringement of copyright or otherwise arising out of publication thereof. We make every effort to correct factual mistakes or omissions in a timely and candid manner. Information can be forwarded to Stephanie Maxwell Nexton, Editor; At Home in Arkansas TM; 2207 Cottondale Lane; Little Rock, AR 72202 or by email at stephanie@athomearkansas.com. Volume 16, Number 1
6 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2018
engagement parties • showers • rehearsal dinners • weddings
& receptions
Photography by: Hudson Photography, SkyTouche Photos, Meredith MelodyPhotography
On-site Catering in Trio’s Pavilion Room and The Atrium of Pavilion in the Park Full-service, Off-Premise Catering
A DREAM locAtion foR youR wEDDing All you need for the most memorable and delicious wedding festivities
8201 Cantrell Rd., Pavilion in the Park | Little Rock | 501.221.3330 | www.triosrestaurant.com Spring/Summer 2018 | weddingsinarkansas.com 7
DELICIOUSLY
beautiful. PUBLISHER Kelly Fraiser (ext. 101) kelly@athomearkansas.com EDITOR Stephanie Maxwell Newton (ext. 102) stephanie@athomearkansas.com MANAGING EDITOR Tiffany Adams (ext. 104) tiffany@athomearkansas.com ART DIRECTOR Lauren Cerrato (ext. 103) lauren@athomearkansas.com SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jessie Fuchs (ext. 107) jessie@athomearkansas.com CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Rett Peek
501.525.4500 3 0 7 B R O A D W A Y S T. | H O T S P R I N G S
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jennifer Hay (ext. 105) jennifer@athomearkansas.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Megan Beard (ext. 106) megan@athomearkansas.com
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATI MALLORY PHOTO & DESIGN
MARKETING COORDINATOR Debbie Tissue (ext. 100) debbie@athomearkansas.com
HOW TO REACH US 2207 Cottondale Lane Little Rock, AR 72202 501-666-5510
weddingsinarkansas.com AT HOME IN ARKANSAS SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES: Call 800.927.6847 or subscribe online at www.athomearkansas.com. Annual subscription rate: $12.95. Canada and Mexico add $24.00 per year. Single copy price: $3.95 plus shipping and handling.
Silks A Bloom is committed to ensuring everything is perfect for your wedding day or special event. Our floral designers are able to design the most unique florals and bouquets that evoke your unique style.
Weddings & Special Events | Everyday Design | Seasonal Design
5507 Ranch Dr #2 | Little Rock, AR 72223 | (501) 228-6989 SILKS-A-BLOOM.COM 8 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2018
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Spring/Summer 3625 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, AR 72205 • 501.663.4367 • thefullmoonlittlerock.com •2018 | weddingsinarkansas.com 9
W E L C O M E
F R O M
T H E
E D I T O R
PHOTOGRAPHY: RETT PEEK
spark of joy It’s funny how the smallest detail can spark a memory. For example, angel food cake served with strawberries takes me straight back to summer days at my great aunt’s house. I don’t even have to take a bite to be transported there—simply seeing a plate with a dollop of whipped cream on top gives me the feeling of warmth and happiness of those childhood days. You never know what sense might set a memory in motion, but I have a feeling there were quite a few elements in this issue’s Real Weddings section that will have that effect for the brides and grooms featured! Maybe it will be the almond-y scent of a macaron (page 44) or the flash of a bright turquoise car (page 32) that will spark that warm, fuzzy feeling as they reflect back on their wedding day. Planning a wedding can seem overwhelming, and I truly hope this issue helps alleviate any stress by offering inspiration. But I’ll also echo the advice of a few of our featured brides and grooms: Instill the celebration with a sense of your personalities and you can’t go wrong. You hear over and over that your wedding day will be a blur, and to some extent, that might be true. But there will also be those special details that send you back to this happy day for decades to come.
Digital Edition Take us with you anywhere at weddingsinarkansas.com.
@weddingsinarkansas @weddingsinar
Best wishes!
Follow along on social media for more wedding inspiration and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks. Stephanie Maxwell Newton, Editor stephanie@athomearkansas.com
10 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2018
7811 Cantrell Road, Suite 2, Little Rock
| 501.747.2561 | unveiledlittlerock.com | @unveiledlittlerock
Spring/Summer 2018 | weddingsinarkansas.com 11
Welcome Brides! Our new bridal registry offers beautiful collections of china, tableware, and decor from Anna Weatherly, Arte Italica, Casafina, Juliska, Skyros, and Vietri. Call today to set up a personal consultation.
Guaranteed Satisfaction Since 1886 501-666-3333 | tiptonhurst.com Little Rock | Conway | Pine Bluff
I N S P I R AT I O N
SIMPLY STUNNING
White Hot Always dreamed of a white wedding? Put a modern spin on the monochromatic palette with intricate details and layered textures
PRO D U CER: STEPHAN I E MA X WELL N EW TO N PH OTO G R A PH Y: R E T T PEEK S T Y L I N G : L A U R E N C E R R AT O Four-tier cake featuring graphic buttercream floral detail on the upper tiers and textured white chocolate fondant starbursts on the lower tiers. Art Is In Cakes, Little Rock, artisincakes.com
14 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2018
I N S P I R AT I O N Bouquet of ivory peonies, ranunculuses, stock, garden roses, and hydrangeas with ruscus, dusty miller, and seeded euculyptus. Tipton & Hurst, Conway, Little Rock, and North Little Rock, tiptonhurst.com
Rely on rich textures to make whiteon-white details stand out. Above: “Anelia” invitation by Lindsy Talarico for Bella Figura. By Invitation Only, Little Rock, byinvitationonlylr.com Left: “Alder” invitation and save-the-date by Jessica Downs for Bella Figura. The Social Type, Little Rock, facebook.com/ thesocialtypelr “Boundary” invitation by Lindsy Talarico for Bella Figura with blind emboss and “Sea Stripes” envelope liner. The Social Type, Little Rock, facebook.com/thesocialtypelr
Spring/Summer 2018 | weddingsinarkansas.com 15
I N S P I R AT I O N
MOODY BLUES
Starry Night Call on dark hues and earthy undertones to set the tone for an outdoor evening wedding
Boutonnières featuring purple iris, blue thistle, dianthus, lisianthus, and green trick with salal, huckleberry, ruscus, and silver dollar eucalyptus. Tanarah Luxe Floral, Little Rock, tanarahluxefloral.com
16 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2018
Themed details don’t have to be obvious to make an impact; gold leaf and white paint splatters subtly imply a night sky.
Clockwise from top: Two-tier vanilla cake iced with vanilla buttercream decorated with gold leaf and fresh floral accents. Sweet Lavender Bake Shop, Little Rock, sweetlavenderbakes.com; Handlettered invitation with matching reply card and quote enclosure card. Paper Supply Co., Little Rock, papersupplyco.com; Bridal bouquet featuring anenomes, pink O’hara garden roses, blue thistle, pink proteas, ranunculuses, pink snowberry, and eucalyptus. Silks a Bloom, Little Rock, silks-a-bloom.com (Dress shown is “Levana” by Willowby by Watters courtesy of She Said Yes.); “Love’s Masterpiece” invitation by Envelopments with navy pocket-fold envelope and matching detail card. By Invitation Only, Little Rock, byinvitationonly.com; “Stella” invitation by Sierra Detrick for Bella Figura. The Social Type, Little Rock, facebook.com/thesocialtypelr
Spring/Summer 2018 | weddingsinarkansas.com 17
I N S P I R AT I O N
BRIGHT IDEA
Glow & Tell Wedding décor in shades of the neon rainbow are sure to make for an eye-catching celebration
Bridal bouquet of butterfly and yellow ranunculuses, purple sweet peas, purple alliums, ‘Coral Charm’ peonies, freesia, ‘Free Spirit’ roses, and Italian ruscus. Pigmint Floral Studio, Fayetteville, pigmintfloralstudio.com
18 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2018
If your summer wedding is outdoors, consider an unexpected treat, like popsicles, for a punch of color that also offers chilly refreshment.
bridal registry + wedding gifts 5914 r street • suite b • • freshidlr Popsicles in an array of brightly hued flavors. Le Pops Gourmet Iced Lollies, Little Rock, lepops.com
J essie R ussell F uchs CUSTOM FINE ART INVITATIONS
Above: “Finola” invitation and matching save-the-date by Racheal Bumbolo for Bella Figura. Left: “You’re a Gem” invitation by Fig. 2. The Social Type, Little Rock, facebook.com/thesocialtypelr
918.424.9418 HELLO@JESSIERUSSELLFUCHS.COM JESSIERUSSELLFUCHS.COM Spring/Summer 2018 | weddingsinarkansas.com 19
Whether it’s a small and intimate ceremony or elaborate and unforgettable, your wedding here will be a memorable experience that you will treasure for a lifetime.
Eureka Springs • Arkansas I 1.800.809.5392 I sales@innoftheozarks.com I EurekaWeddings.net 20 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2018
S T Y L E
Southern ELEGANCE
Bliss by Monique Lhuillier white silk V-neck trumpet gown with detachable cascading train. Unveiled Bridal Collection, Little Rock, unveiledlittlerock.com Two-toned bridal bouquet features ‘Purple Passion’ dahlias, green leucadendron, pink rice flower, ‘Cool Water’ roses, silver brunia, and ‘Spangled Ribbons’ aspidistra. White Goat, Little Rock, whitegoatstyle.com
FLORAL DETAILS AND SHAPELY SKIRTS ARE STANDOUTS FOR THIS SEASON’S WEDDING WEAR
P H O T O G R A P H Y : R E T T P E E K | M O D E L : S AVA N N A H S K I D M O R E , S C U L P A G E N C Y H A I R A N D M A K E U P : A N G E L A A L E X A N D E R | A R T D I R E C T I O N : L A U R E N C E R R AT O P H O T O G R A P H E D O N L O C AT I O N AT M A R L S G AT E P L A N TAT I O N I N S C O T T, A R K A N S A S Spring/Summer 2018 | weddingsinarkansas.com 21
S T Y L E
WToo “Jaylynn� dress featuring beaded top and straps with a tulle and dotted netting ball gown skirt. She Said Yes Bridal, Little Rock and Rogers, shesaidyesbridal.com.
22 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2018
S T Y L E
Statement 18k white gold diamond engagement ring and coordinating rose gold bands, shown with 18k rose goldand-diamond hoop earrings and 18k rose gold dangle necklace. Sissy’s Log Cabin, Jonesboro, Little Rock and Pine Bluff, sissyslogcabin.com
Spring/Summer 2018 | weddingsinarkansas.com 23
Morilee by Madeline Gardner diamante beaded ivory gown with appliqued double shoulder straps and tulle mermaid skirt. Jessica’s Bridal & Formal, Bay, jessicasbridal.net
24 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2018
S T Y L E
Blush by Hayley Paige “Fleur de Lis” gown featuring an ivory floral-embroidered tulle A-line skirt and deep sweetheart neckline. Inverness Bridal Couture, Conway, invernessbridal.com
Round, lush clutch bouquet featuring orange ranunculuses, geranium foliage, flat ferns, purple tulips, orange pincushion protea, dusty miller and ‘Juliet’ garden roses. Tanarah Luxe Floral, Little Rock, tanarahluxefloral.com
Spring/Summer 2018 | weddingsinarkansas.com 25
S T Y L E
14k white gold ring and band, shown with 18k white gold dangle earrings with 2.33tdw and an 18k white gold necklace. Romance Diamond Co., Fayetteville, romancediamond.com Gown provided by Low’s Bridal & Formal. See page 29.
26 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2018
S T Y L E
Allure Bridals gown with an appliqued illusion bodice and Mikado silk skirt. Tesori, Fayetteville, tesoribridalformal.com
Spring/Summer 2018 | weddingsinarkansas.com 27
S T Y L E
Stephen Yearick off-white, intricately beaded gown with a tulle mermaid skirt. Low’s Bridal & Formal, Brinkley, lowsbridal.com
Bridal bouquet of roses, hypericum berries, and greenery. Ye Olde Daisy Shoppe, Conway, yeoldedaisy.net
28 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2018
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CelebraTe at SaSSafraS The Winery aT SaSSafraS SpringS Vineyard Enjoy exceptional wines inside our beautiful tasting room, under our covered patio next to the fireplace, or on one of our many over-sized decks.
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The Chapel ruinS aT SaSSafraS SpringS Vineyard Create everlasting memories in the beautiful Chapel Ruins. The STableS aT SaSSafraS SpringS Vineyard Gather in the 3,500-square-foot newly renovated Stables for a variety of events.
Sassafras Springs Vineyard | 6461 East Guy Terry Road | Springdale, Arkansas 72764 (479) 419-4999 | sassafrasspringsvineyard.com Spring/Summer 2018 | weddingsinarkansas.com 29
Timbo PromoTions Parties Christmas Parties
Full-service florist for all your wedding needs. Full-service florist for all your wedding needs.
1308 Oak Street Conway, Arkansas 501-327-7731 1-800-748-9207
Shop our online Shop our online catalog of wedding catalog of wedding selections at selections at www.yeoldedaisy.com YeOldeDaisy.com 30 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2018
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Spring/Summer 2018 | weddingsinarkansas.com 31
R E A L
W E D D I N G S
PH OTO G R A PH Y: SWEE T TE A PH OTO G R APHY
The couple incorporated an engraved love lock into their ceremony as a symbolic gesture. Love locks lack a key or keyhole, therefore once one is locked, it is forever.
32 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2018
CAITLAN + BR AD
Brad and Caitlan are both Hot Springs natives, so it may not come as a surprise the pair HOT SPR INGS 9.23.17 met while she was aboard his father’s houseboat just minutes from Hot Springs in Mountain Harbor. They happily dated for seven years before Brad found the perfect opportunity to propose at a production of Phantom of the Opera in Little Rock in early 2017. “We walked up the stairs to the top of Robinson Center,” Brad says, “where I had photographers waiting for us. I know Caitlan spotted them peeking around pillars,” he adds. “Once we got to the top, I got on one knee and asked her to marry me. She said ‘yes,’ and then the photographers came out and took our engagement pictures.” Six months later the pair exchanged vows on a sunny September day at The Vines at Shelly Lane in an intimate ceremony with 90 guests. Their big day was made extra special thanks to a bevy of meaningful touches, including heartfelt nods to grandparents who have passed away, delicious family recipes (Brad’s grandmother made his favorite dessert, her chocolate cake), and wedding day details that were perfected with the help of those closest to them.
R E A L
Caitlan and Brad knew they wanted an outdoor ceremony and used the natural setting as inspiration for other elements of the celebration, including the invitations.
W E D D I N G S
“Slow down and take time to really enjoy the moment with each other.” — CAITLAN
Caitlan loved the idea of a set of doors opening to the ceremony. She found the pair at a flea market and Brad’s stepfather built the frame for them.
Spring/Summer 2018 | weddingsinarkansas.com 33
R E A L
W E D D I N G S
Neither of the two are big fans of cake, so they settled on a traditional white version, adorned with greenery, to serve their guests.
Simple, organic greenery adorned the reception tables.
Upon arrival, Polaroid pictures of guests were taken and placed in a book, along with the guest’s note to the couple.
34 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2018
R E A L
W E D D I N G S
Guests were given handkerchiefs for their “happy tears.”
A 55 Chevy Bel Air added a punch of fun to the couple’s celebration.
Resources
BRIDE’S GOWN Low’s Bridal & Formal CAKES Ambrosia Bakery CATERING On the Border FLORAL DESIGN Kelly Efrid Flower Events GROOM’S AND GROOMSMEN’S SUITS King of Hearts Tuxedo HAIR Danielle Rima, Melugin & Company Hair Salon MAKEUP Adrianne Brooks, Whiplash Beauty PHOTOGRAPHY Sweet Tea Photography RINGS Lauray’s The Diamond Center VENUE (CEREMONY AND RECEPTION) The Vines at Shelly Lane
Spring/Summer 2018 | weddingsinarkansas.com 35
R E A L
W E D D I N G S
PH OTO G R A PH Y: A M A N D A WAT S O N P H O T O
Above: Little Rock’s historic Terry House served as the backdrop for the couple’s Southerninspired ceremony. Right: Floral arrangements of blush and ivory garden roses, ranunculuses, and rose hips were designed by CDJ Floral Design Studio and Bloom House, owned by friends of Jessie’s from her home state of Oklahoma.
36 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2018
JESSIE + JOHN
When Weddings in Arkansas staffer Jessie Russell and John Fuchs started planning their wedding, they LITTLE ROCK 11.4.17 knew they wanted to strike a balance between traditional and relaxed. They set this tone right away with an invitation suite designed by the bride herself. “I wanted to give our guests a hint of what our wedding would be like—formal and regal, but not stuffy.” The suite’s gold foil and edging, classic calligraphy, and velvet ribbons paired with playful watercolors—including a portrait of the couple’s Golden Retriever, Emma, on the response card—hints at their fun and easygoing personalities. A sense of Southern charm continued throughout the wedding day, starting with a traditional ceremony on the lawn of a local Greek Revival mansion and ending with bread pudding (the groom’s favorite) at The Capital Hotel. It was the pause in between these two parts of the day that Jessie remembers most dearly: “It’s hard to pick just one, but my favorite memory of our wedding day was after the ceremony when John and I were served a private meal together at The Capital Hotel before entering the reception,” Jessie says. “It was so special to have that moment alone for everything to soak in.”
R E A L
W E D D I N G S
The bride wore a Martina Liana A-line wedding dress with a lace jacket, and her bridesmaids wore blush Alfred Sung dresses in varying styles.
While her shoes, earrings, bracelet, and lace jacket were new, Jessie wore her sister’s veil as her “something borrowed.” “She is my best friend, so it was really special,” Jessie says.
Jessie’s engagement ring is the ring John’s late father gave his mother at their engagement. John wears his grandfather’s wedding band.
Jessie’s invitation design included a crest composed of her and John’s first initials held by a pair of foxes, a nod to their surname, which is pronounced “fox.”
Jessie was so inspired by the process of designing her own suite that she decided to start a small business creating custom invitations for other brides.
Spring/Summer 2018 | weddingsinarkansas.com 37
R E A L
W E D D I N G S
“There is no way for every single detail to go exactly as planned, but it will be a perfect day if you decide you are going to have a perfect day no matter what.” —JESSIE
38 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2018
The bride’s bouquet was an arrangement of white and ivory garden roses, tulips, and spray roses designed by Tipton & Hurst.
R E A L
W E D D I N G S
After a menu of Southern favorites that included shrimp and grits, oysters Rockefeller, and fried chicken, the bride and groom cut into a five-tier Italian cream cake by Kelli Marks.
“To me, life isn’t about what you do, but who you do it with.” —JOHN
Resources
BRIDE’S GOWN Low’s Bridal & Formal CAKE Sweet Love by Kelli Marks, Cathead’s Diner CATERING The Capital Hotel FLORAL DESIGN (BRIDE’S BOUQUET) Tipton & Hurst GROOM’S SUIT Bauman’s GROOMSMEN’S SUITS Men’s Wearhouse HAIR Juli Waits, Red Beauty Lounge MUSIC (CEREMONY) The John Jarboe String Quartet MUSIC (RECEPTION) Funky Town PHOTOGRAPHY Amanda Watson Photo, Oklahoma VENUE (CEREMONY) The Terry House VENUE (RECEPTION) The Capital Hotel WEDDING COORDINATION Erin Ray, Rachel Haynes Events
Spring/Summer 2018 | weddingsinarkansas.com 39
R E A L
W E D D I N G S
P H O T O G R A P H Y : L E L A A N D LY L A
CAROLINE + BR AD LITTLE ROCK 9.16.17 Mutual friends saw a match in Caroline Torian and Brad Davis before the two even knew one another. These astute friends set up the pair for drinks, and it wasn’t long—just a little over a year and a half—before they became engaged. For the proposal, Brad planned a special dinner at Table 28 followed by a celebration with friends and family at The Burgundy Hotel, and four short months later, they were married at Little Rock’s Goodwin Manor. After comparing the elegant country estate’s calendar to those of the Arkansas Razorback and Georgia Bulldog football teams (while Caroline is from Carlisle, Brad’s roots
40 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2018
are in Sandersville, Georgia), they settled on September 16 to exchange vows. With a theme based on Caroline’s family’s rice farm (think rice straw tucked into bouquets, local rice beer on tap at the reception, and a rice dish on the dinner buffet), the couple said “I do” with 300 guests in attendance. Caroline says one of her favorite memories of the day was sneaking away to the venue’s wine cellar for a candlelight dinner with Brad following the ceremony. “We shared our excitement and processed the fact that we were officially husband and wife,” she says. “I didn’t realize how special the one-on-one time was until it was happening!”
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Caroline describes the couple’s big day as “elegant, timeless, and romantic,� which is apparent in the intricate details of her gown and shoes as well as the decor and floral design.
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“My Pinterest board was brought to life with a marble design and gold drip cake,” Caroline says. Each tier featured strawberry (the bride’s favorite) in either the cake or its filling.
As a nod to Caroline’s family’s rice farming heritage, rice was incorporated in the floral design, on the tabletop (as shown at left), and in the favors, which included a recipe for her Mimi’s Cheesy Rice.
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“Tacos 4 Life created a beautifully displayed taco bar. We loved the idea of giving back a meal for a meal, and they had an amazing rice dish!” — CAROLINE
Resources BRIDE’S GOWN Low’s Bridal & Formal BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES Bella Bridesmaid CAKES Blue Cake Company CATERING Tacos 4 Life FAVORS Riceland and Shelby Hillman (bride’s grandmother) FLORAL DESIGN Tanarah Luxe Floral GROOM’S AND GROOMSMEN’S SUITS Men’s Wearhouse HAIR Kathryn Benson, Serenity Salon and Sissly Lasley, Reflections LIGHTING, MUSIC (DJ), AND PHOTO BOOTH Central Arkansas Entertainment LIVE ARTIST Amy Hill-Imler MAKEUP E.L. Clinical Esthetics MUSIC (CEREMONY) Alisa Coffey MUSIC (RECEPTION) City Mix PHOTOGRAPHY Lela & Lyla RENTALS Hank’s Event Rentals and Party Time Rentals RICE Hillman Brother Farms, produced by Rich Hillman (bride’s stepfather) and Collin Torian (bride’s brother) RINGS (GROOM) Francis M. Fine Jewelry VENUE (CEREMONY AND RECEPTION) Goodwin Manor WEDDING COORDINATION AND DESIGN Amanda Reed Weddings
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KARA +GARY PA R ON 7. 1 . 17
PH OTO G R A PH Y: K AT I M A L L O R Y PH OTO & D ESI G N
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After a meeting at a mutual friend’s home brought Kara Halverson and Gary Jones together, the pair were inseparable. “We stayed up talking and watching You’ve Got Mail,” Kara recalls. “Gary told me he needed help with the projector TV; little did I know at the time how tech savvy he was.” After almost two years of dating, Gary popped the question during the finale of the Labor Day fireworks show on Lake Hamilton. As Train’s “Marry Me” played in the background, he knelt down on one knee to ask for her hand. “After the show all of our friends and family exclaimed, ‘She said yes!’ and all the surrounding boats celebrated with us by honking their horns and flashing lights,” Kara says. The two fell in love with Cold Springs Event Center and decided on July 1, 2017 as their date. “We fancied the fact that it was a palindrome, and now Gary has no excuse to forget our anniversary,” the bride laughs. Planner Natalie Scott helped the pair create what they describe as a “classic, organic, and elegant” celebration that included tons of white flowers and greenery, an ice cream sundae bar, and plenty of personal touches that made the day unique to Kara and Gary’s personalities.
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For a sweet and sentimental touch, one of Kara’s bridesmaids helped her to sew a piece of her grandmother’s wedding dress to her garter.
Both a bouquet ribbon and the bride’s shoes are a nod to her “something blue.”
“Our wedding was classic and traditional but still unique, warm, and inviting. It had touches of both Gary’s personality and mine.” —KARA
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The couple served gluten-free cakes from Dempsey bakery along with a selection of macarons.
Confetti filled the air as Kara and Gary shared their first kiss.
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“One of our last ‘splurges’ was the greenery installation,” Kara says. “When we were planning, there was a moment when Gary could just see it over us as we had our first dance...when that became reality, it was a perfect moment.”
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ACCOMMODATIONS Hilton Garden Inn West Little Rock BRIDE’S GOWN Low’s Bridal & Formal CAKE AND MACARONS Dempsey Bakery CATERING Gina’s Catering FAVORS Mountain Valley Spring Water FLORAL DESIGN Magnolia Belle Floral HAIR Levi Waters MAKEUP Stephanie Noel, Georgia MUSIC (RECEPTION) DJ Jellybean, Central Arkansas Entertainment PAPER GOODS Alright Printing Company PHOTOGRAPHY Kati Mallory Photo & Design RENTALS Party Time Rental and Events TRANSPORTATION Arkansas Destinations VENUE Cold Springs Event Center VIDEOGRAPHY Kyndal Capps Videography WEDDING COORDINATION AND DESIGN Natalie Scott, Natalie Scott Events
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Kirsten surprised Chase at the couple’s “first look” with a visit from his beloved dog, Lucy. “We really loved getting the jitters out as just the three of us,” she says.
KIRSTEN + CHASE FAY E T T E V I L L E 8.5.17 P H O T O G R A P H Y : K E E LY M O N T OYA , T H E M O N T OYA C O L L E C T I V E
Fayetteville natives Kirsten Blowers and Chase Morman had “known of” each other for many years; however their paths had only crossed more recently. One Memorial Day weekend on Beaver Lake with friends, Chase asked Kirsten to be his date to see an upcoming Doobie Brothers concert. “To this day, he says he asked me on a boat so I couldn’t say ‘no.’ Otherwise, it would be incredibly awkward for everyone else,” Kirsten laughs. The fateful date led the couple on an almost year-long courtship before Chase bought a ring, talked with his family and Kirsten’s dad, and proposed—all in one afternoon. With the help of planner Jessica Kersey of JLK Weddings, Kirsten and Chase planned a dreamy summer’s evening wedding that would take place three short months after their engagement. “I loved giving ourselves the challenge of planning a wedding in three months, because there was no time for second doubts about any of our decisions, and it was amazing to have Jessica help us coordinate all the details,” Kirsten says. Today, you’ll find the couple managing Kirsten’s retail shop, Riffraff, and their newly opened joint venture, City Supply, both of which are located on the Fayetteville town square.
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Chase’s mother often sang “Edelweiss” (from The Sound of Music) to him when he was a child. As a nod to this, the flower was incorporated in his boutonniere.
“I wanted a relaxed summer evening, and that’s exactly what it was! It was everything I dreamed of.” —KIRSTEN
“Organic floral designs featuring mostly greenery adorned the wedding from beginning to end,” says planner Jessica Kersey. Potted greenery in oversized terracotta pots created the border of the aisle to the ceremony.
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Fresh watermelon, a childhood birthday favorite of Chase’s, served as the groom’s cake.
The couple had planned to only serve watermelon rather than cake at the reception; however, Kirsten’s mother convinced her they would miss having an actual cake. She set up a tasting where they selected strawberry cake with orange cream-cheese icing. “My parents still laugh that, of course we would serve watermelon and an almost neon orange cake at our wedding, but it was delicious and very us!” the bride says.
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“We’ve never heard anyone complain about eating pizza; so we knew pizza and champagne would be perfect for our guests. And easy!” Kirsten says.
Pizza and champagne were the relaxed evening’s dinner menu.
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BRIDE’S GOWN Tesori CAKE The Fayetteville Pastry Shop CATERING (BEER) Core Brewery CATERING Eureka Pizza FIREWORKS Hog Wild Pyrotechnic FLORAL DESIGN Pigment Floral Studio HAIR AND MAKEUP Bo Senesomxay LIGHTING Lightworks Events MUSIC (CEREMONY) Smoothman Music Productions MUSIC (RECEPTION) DJ Mike Chase, Extreme Dance Machines PHOTO BOOTH NWA Magic Mirror Photo Booth PHOTOGRAPHY Keely Montoya, The Montoya Collective VENUE Autumns Ridge WEDDING COORDINATION AND DESIGN Jessica Kersey, JLK Weddings
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Arrangements of stock, snapdragons, dahlias, and garden roses adorned the couple’s backyard. Twinkle lights and food trucks contributed to the party’s casual, intimate vibe.
PH OTO G R A PH Y: PH OTO G R A PH Y BY K E S W ED D I N G S
RU PA L + JASON LITTLE ROCK 10.6.17
The couple’s small ceremony, which took place outside their home, incorporated both Hindu and western traditions.
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For Rupal Bhakta and Jason Grammer, one of the most exciting aspects of planning a wedding was anticipating having all of their loved ones together to celebrate. “This was the first time that all of our friends from every stage of our lives were able to come together in one location,” Rupal says. “We wanted our wedding to be a small and intimate ceremony in our front yard with very close friends and immediate family, but we also wanted a large party for our friends!” To be able to accommodate a small-scale ceremony and sizeable reception, the couple split their wedding into two days of celebration—a ceremony and welcome party at their house in Roland on Friday followed by a reception for more than 300 guests at Robinson Center the next evening. “We had heard the Robinson Center was scheduled to re-open after years of renovation. I called the venue and we booked it immediately,” Rupal says. “We absolutely had to have a perfect location that showed off a great view in Little Rock as many of our guests were visiting Arkansas for the first time.”
wears his grandfather’s wedding band.
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The bride held a bouquet comprised of garden roses, spray roses, dahlias, ranunculuses, hellebores, gunni eucalyptus, and bay laurel.
“The entire weekend was a perfect representation of the blending of both our cultures and families.” —RUPAL
Jason’s son, Zachary, played a role in his father and stepmother’s wedding ceremony.
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Catering for the reception was provided by both The Doubletree Hotel and Taj Mahal. “We picked food we thought would be crowd pleasing and familiar to novice Indian food diners,” Rupal says.
“We absolutely had to have a perfect location that showed off a great view in Little Rock.” —RUPAL
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A five-tier cake by Art Is In Cakes featured chocolate cake with salted caramel buttercream and caramel filling on the first, third, and fifth tiers; the second was a butter cake with lemon buttercream and lemon filling, and the fourth was a champagne cake with raspberry filling and vanilla bean buttercream.
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“We closed down the dance party! We left when they made us leave.” —RUPAL
Resources CAKE Art Is In Cakes CATERING (RECEPTION) The Doubletree Hotel and Taj Mahal CATERING (WELCOME PARTY) Black Hound Bar-B-Q, Little Penguin Tacos, and LePops Gourmet Ice Lollies MUSIC (RECEPTION) Desi Junction DJs, Texas FAVORS Dempsey Bakery FLORAL DESIGN (CEREMONY, WELCOME PARTY, AND RECEPTION) AND LIGHTING (WELCOME PARTY) Magnolia Belle Floral GROOM’S SUIT Greenhaw’s Men’s Wear HAIR AND MAKEUP (BRIDAL PARTY) Face Your Day Salon HAIR, INDIAN DRESSING, MAKEUP, AND MEHNDI (BRIDE) Singar Studio, Texas INDIAN DRESSING AND MEHNDI (BRIDAL PARTY) Sapna Bava, Designs by Sapna LIGHTING (RECEPTION) CWP Productions PHOTOGRAPHY Photography by KES Weddings VENUE (RECEPTION) Robinson Center WEDDING COORDINATION Katherine Benson, Bella Baxter Special Events
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THE OWNER OF LITTLE ROCK’S FESTIVE HAUS SHARES HOW SHE TURNED HER PASSION FOR PARTIES INTO A FULL-TIME GIG Your previous experience is in marketing and event planning. What inspired you to start Festive Haus? In 2016, I began my most rewarding job—raising our son, Rich. It was during this time I realized I could bring together my expertise in event planning with my passion for celebrating the joys and milestones of life. What have been some of your favorite celebrations Festive Haus has produced to date? I’ve had some very fun clients who love themed parties! One of my favorites was a Jimmy Buffett-themed wedding shower. Everyone wore Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts, and Parrothead hats. The theme was “Welcome to Wedding Paradise.” How has your previous career in event planning helped you in this smallerscale venture? As director of events at Susan G. Komen, I had the opportunity to plan the region’s largest race for 30,000 people and
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I NTERVI EW: STEPHAN I E MA X WELL N EW TO N PH OTO G R A PH Y: R E T T PEEK
coordinate fundraisers for 300. My background has helped tremendously with navigating logistics, meeting deadlines, and sourcing the best local vendors. The small details can become stressful, and I love being able to take that stress away from my clients so that they can actually enjoy their celebration. I always say that the host should have the most fun! Tell me about Festive Hause party boxes. A party box from Festive Haus includes all the essentials for a fabulous celebration—your invitation design, theme, tableware, and party decorations. Each box is unique and every piece of party decor is handpicked and customized exclusively for you. The party box is delivered to your doorstep with a checklist and timeline to follow, and you handle the rest. It’s for helping busy people plan and style smaller celebrations such as bachelorette parties and bridal showers. To find out more about Festive Haus, visit festivehaus.com.
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