JEN SPORE + BO BRISTER

JEN + BO

LITTLE ROCK 1.30.21

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Jen had Gregory Jewelers in Mountain Home engrave Bo’s cufflinks with the couple’s custom monogram.

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at little Rock’s ciao baci in the spRing of 2018. “We were both out with friends, and after a few not-so-subtle glances, he made his way over to me. We talked the rest of the night and had our first official date a few days later,” Jen recalls.

After two years of dating, Bo proposed over a quiet, romantic dinner at home, and the pair began planning for an early 2021 wedding. “I’ve always wanted a winter wedding, mostly so I could wear sleeves,” Jen says with a laugh. “I do love the rich tones and textures associated with a colder season, too.”

As a result of venues either not re-opening or restrictions in place due to the pandemic, the couple had to change the wedding location three times. They finally found the setting for their dream reception at a private farm that allowed for both indoor and outdoor entertaining. Working with planner JoBeth McElhanon of Lilias & Olive, the couple created what Jen refers to as a timeless, elegant, and romantic celebration. “I tend to steer away from trendy and flashy choices, opting instead for a classic and refined style with delicate details,” the bride says. “JoBeth was able to take just a few ideas and transform them into a truly dreamy and beautiful evening.”

Guests dined on a French-inspired menu that included lemon crab pastries, cheese puffs, country pâté, mini potato galettes, and a duo of chicken and beef carving stations. Confections included a three-tier lemon cake finished with cream cheese icing as well as a polo-themed groom’s cake to honor one of Bo’s favorite pastimes. When the night ended, the newlyweds exited through a canopy of sparklers held by wellwishers. They are currently at home in Little Rock and plan a delayed honeymoon to the French West Indies.

WINTRY MIX Floral designer Tipton & Hurst created tall arrangements of burgundy and blush flowers for the reception tables. These were accompanied by laurel garlands that lined the center. “We used soft textures, lush florals, and flickering candlelight to create the dreamiest day ever,” Jen says.

The bar’s signature drinks were named after the couple’s pets, who were depicted on cocktail napkins and drink menus.

The wedding cake was a three-tiered confection with layers of chocolate, strawberry, and seasonal pumpkin covered in black icing and topped with a feather-and-floral design by Hannah Taylor of Fleurish Floral Studio.

The groom’s cake was a nod to his love of polo, while the favors—Bo’s homemade artisan pepper-infused honey—speak to the pair’s love of spicy food. After the couple’s first dance and the bride’s dance with her father, Bo shared a dance with his daughter, Garrison; his son, Finn, and Jen soon joined in for a Brister family dance.

Resources BRIDE’S GOWN Unveiled Bridal Collection BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES Bella Bridesmaid CAKE Custom Cakes by Michelle Mayer CATERING RH Catering ENTERTAINMENT (CEREMONY) Alisa Coffey ENTERTAINMENT (RECEPTION) Diamond Empire Band FLORAL DESIGN Tipton & Hurst GROOM’S TUXEDO Barakat Bespoke HAIR Lauren Musich, Joel’s Salon MAKEUP Brandon Golden, Belle & Blush PAPER GOODS By Invitation Only and Jessie Russell Fuchs PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY Erin Wilson Photography and Films RENTALS CWP Productions, Eventology, and Party Time TRANSPORTATION Twin City Limo VENUE (CEREMONY) Oak Forest United Methodist Church VENUE (RECEPTION) RH Farm (private residence) WEDDING DESIGN AND COORDINATION JoBeth McElhanon, Lilias & Olive