Celebrate
IN STYLE Fresh Takes CAKES, GOWNS, INVITES & MORE
Feel Fabulous
EMPOWERING LOOKS FOR EVERY BRIDE
97
MORE IDEAS INSIDE!
We have one of the largest collections of bridesmaid dresses from the world’s leading designers in out Bella Showrooms. With hungreds of dresses to choose fom, your personal Bella stylist is ready for anything. (501) 398-0601 | bellabridesmaids.com | 8206 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72227
YOUR HAPPILY EVER AFTER BEGINS HERE.
A NEW LEVEL OF ELEGANCE
(501) 363-4611 • dkacena@oaklawn.com • www.oaklawn.com R A C I N G • C A S I N O • H O T E L • S PA • E V E N T C E N T E R • D I N I N G Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700.
Spring/Summer 2021 | weddingsinarkansas.com 1
Our Bridal Registry Molly Rosenthal Richmond Giles June 5, 2021
Julianne Sloane Paxton Flesher July 24, 2021
Lexi Nelson Ben Harris Sept. 25, 2021
Kristi Epperson Will Murrah Oct. 16, 2021
Adele Shea David Snowden June 12, 2021
Kirby Moore Walker Jones July 31, 2021
Emily Gilbert Robert Kelly Oct. 2, 2021
Brooklyn Burks Zac Griffin Oct. 30, 2021
Claire Barton Chris Shenep Aug. 7, 2021
Anne Brown Will Reily Oct. 9, 2021
Ella Cureton Will Faucett Dec. 11, 2021
Molly Warren Barry Hollingsworth July 17, 2021
Hannah Claire Banwarth Lawson Vassar Aug. 14, 2021
Lindsey Chaplin Taylor Woefel Oct. 9, 2021
Ellie Retz Audry Horn Jan. 15, 2022
Melissa McCray Kunal Khatri July 24, 2021
Ashley Owen Jacob North Sept. 18, 2021
Jenna Ackerman Hunter Coles Oct. 16, 2021
Amber Smith Joseph Cowden July 15, 2022
Hope Mosley Blake Wiggins June 19, 2021
Photo by Jo Johnson Overby 2 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2021
@tiptonhurst
tiptonhurst.com
Spring/Summer 2021 | weddingsinarkansas.com 3
I N
T H I S
I S S U E
8 WELCOME
inspiration 11 ALL NATURAL
Bohemian accents and neutral colors bring flair to this big-day scheme.
14 GOING DUTCH
Garden-inspired florals and Delft blue accessories are a traditional take on aisle style.
16 ANIMAL INSTINCTS
Bright hues and wildlife set the stage for a whimsical wedding day look.
18 CELEBRATE YOU!
Self-love shines in an empowering styled shoot.
style 23 CLASSIC WITH A TWIST
Feminine, flirtatious silhouettes put a new spin on wedding gowns and bridesmaids’ dresses.
36
real weddings 31 SAMANTHA BUEHLER + COLE THOMAS 36 MEGAN COWNE + HAYDEN CHERRY 40 KRISTEN WARFIELD + WESLEY COLEMAN 44 CHANTEL SHULER + JEREMY NEVILLE 48 ADA SOCHANSKA + SEAN PARHAM 52 JENA HARRELL + JAY-MICHAEL ARNOLD 54 LEAH WALLACE + STEPHEN LONGINOTTI
last look 56 AMAZING ANEMONES
on the cover
40
Classic two-tier wedding cake by Mickey’s Cakes & Sweets. Photography by Rett Peek. See page 14.
This issue contains listings 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. Copyright© 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 Newton, editor; At Home in Arkansas TM; 2207 Cottondale Lane; Little Rock, AR 72202 or by email at stephanie@athomearkansas.com. Volume 19, Number 1
4 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2021
photo by Benjamin Martin Photography
The Hot Springs Country Club is a full-service venue for wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, banquets, events and catering. The banquet staff at HSCC wants to ensure you have a relaxed and stress-free wedding day. Come see our beautiful banquet room with its wraparound veranda overlooking our state-of-the-art golf course. When it comes to your wedding, our banquet coordinator works with you; taking care of all the details to make sure your day is perfect! Donna Bryant, Banquet Coordinator | office: 501.623.4981, ext. 4 | cell: 501-617-1812 | banquets@hotspringscc.com | hotspringscc.com
W W W. PAT T I C A K E S B A K E RY. C O M e 2 1 0 6 R O B I N S O N AV E . C O N W A Y, A R 7 2 0 3 4 501.205.1969 I N F O @ P A T T I C A K E S B A K E R Y. C O M
Spring/Summer 2021 | weddingsinarkansas.com 5
Publisher
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6 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2021
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Spring/Summer 2021 | weddingsinarkansas.com 7
W E L C O M E
I have a confession to make about my own wedding day: I was pretty nervous to be a bride. While I’d heard stories of girls who saw their weddings come to life in daydreams since they were little, I was not one of them. I had no doubts about my groom or that I wanted a big wedding (I love a good party!), but I had a hard time visualizing myself at the center of it all. So when it came time Photo by Rett Peek to finally begin my own wedding planning, I started the same way I start everything—with a list. Armed with a pad of paper and a cup of coffee, I started jotting down everything that needed to be done: vendors to call, bridesmaids to organize, guests to invite, and people to thank. Wedding planning— and being a bride—felt more familiar with a pen in my hand. In the end, the big day (and everything leading up to it) felt a little more natural with this approach. If you’ve picked up a copy of this magazine, chances are you’re a spouse-to-be looking forward to your own wedding soon, and I share all this in case you’re feeling nervous, too. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Luckily, there’s no right or wrong way to do a wedding. As soon as you let go of any preconceived notions about the perfect anything, you’ll have a little more fun with the planning, too. For example, if you want to invite your guests to wear costumes to your Halloween wedding (like Ada and Sean, page 48), go for it! If you want to keep your celebration extremely intimate, with just 10 guests on the steps of the State Capitol, look to Jena and Jay-Michael’s ceremony (page 52) for inspiration. It’s a bit freeing to remember the day is really all about you and your loved one, isn’t it? I hope you can enjoy every minute of it—before, during, and for years after. Best wishes!
Stephanie Maxwell Newton, editor stephanie@athomearkansas.com
8 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2021
Photo by Rett Peek
party planner
DIGITAL EDITION Take us with you anywhere at weddingsinarkansas.com. @weddingsinarkansas @weddingsinar Follow along on social media for more wedding inspiration. SUBMIT YOUR WEDDING We’re looking for the most inspiring Arkansas weddings to feature in our next issue! For details on how to see your big day in these pages, visit weddingsinarkansas.com/submit.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
Gifts Galore 1
2
4
Gifts for the bride, groom, family, and every member of the wedding party— find it all at Sissy’s Log Cabin 1 For the Bride Rahaminov white gold halo pendant with pear shaped diamond, $13,600. 2 For the Groom Breitling Chronomat Automatic 36 in Stainless Steel/White, $4,700.
5
Images courtesy of Sissy’s Log Cabin
3 For the Bridesmaids David Yurman Chatelaine bracelet with 18K gold, $375.
3
4 For the Groomsmen Luminox mens black-and-white watch, $395. 5 For the Mothers Gabriel & Co. white gold diamond hoop earrings, $1,125. 6 For the Fathers TAG Heuer Formula 1 watch, $2,000. Visit us in store or browse our selection online at SissysLogCabin.com
6
Whether it’s an intimate or elaborate ceremony, 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 Spring/Summer 2021 | weddingsinarkansas.com 9
Loft 1023 An urban event venue located in the heart of downtown Little Rock.
Loft 1023 has four rooms that can be used together or separately for events big or small. 1023 West Seventh Street Little Rock, Arkansas (501)566-4776 www.loft1023.com
Samantha’s Garden is a unique floral design company. We believe every detail has a purpose. What started off as a way to heal from the heartache of the difficult decision to abort our daughter Samantha, I began using my hands to create beautiful flower arrangements that magnify God’s unwavering Mercy and His perfect Grace. After many years of uprooting seeds of guilt, unforgiveness and shame, we have found peace. During this process, we have learned to plant seeds of forgiveness, water those seeds with His love and compassion and then watch a beautiful transformation take place just as a seed turns into a flower. Our passion is to share this peace with others through the beauty of flowers. • samanthasgarden.florist | (479) 340-7695 2606 E. Central Ave., Bentonville, AR 72712 Follow us @samanthas_garden
10 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2021
I N S P I R AT I O N
ALL NATURAL PRODUCER STEPHANIE MAXWELL NEWTON PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK STYLIST STEPH SMITH
Spring/Summer 2021 | weddingsinarkansas.com 11
I N S P I R AT I O N
A neutral palette and layers of texture create a vibe that’s boho chic PREVIOUS PAGE Chocolate mocha wedding cake with macrame-inspired fondant decoration. Blue Cake Co., Little Rock, thebluecakecompany.com
1 “Kaufman” letterpress and blind deboss invitation suite, save-the-date card, menu cards, and corresponding envelope by Jessica Downs for Bella Figura. Shindig Paperie, Fayetteville, shindigpaperie.com 2 Juliska “Pewter Stoneware” salad plates and “Puro” dinner plate. The Full Moon, Little Rock, thefullmoonlittlerock.com 3 A dried bouquet of bleached artichoke, bleached wheat, bleached baby’s breath, fresh baby’s breath, fan palm, and pampas grass. Samantha’s Garden, Bentonville, samanthasgarden.florist
12 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2021
kristacampbellphotography.com
an invitation to your new beginning.
• Premier Lodging • On-site Dining & Catering A
• Turtle Cove Spa • On-site Event Coordinator
F U L L - S E R V I C E
• East Cove Conference Center • Micah’s Point Pavilion • East Cove Park and Pavilion • Other Lakeside Venues
D E S T I N A T I O N
W E D D I N G
V E N U E
Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa on Lake Ouachita • MountainHarborResort.com • 870-867-2191 • 800-832-2276
Photography: BJ Matthews
A PREMIER EVENT VENUE WWW.LEGACYACRESAR.COM
Spring/Summer 2021 | weddingsinarkansas.com 13
I N S P I R AT I O N
Going DUTCH
14 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2021
I N S P I R AT I O N
Inspired by Delft Blue pottery, this timeless look is traditional with a twist
1 Juliska “Country Estate” dinner and salad plates. Tipton & Hurst, Conway, Little Rock, and Pine Bluff, tiptonhurst.com 2 “Delft” pocketfold invitation and coordinating save-the-date card by Leslie Johnston for Bella Figura. The Social Type, Little Rock, facebook.com/ thesocialtypelr 3 A bouquet of blue thistle, spray roses, ‘Playa Blanca’ roses, stock, hydrangeas, and jasmine vine. Tipton & Hurst, Conway, Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Pine Bluff, tiptonhurst.com 4 Traditional two-tier cake with raspberry filling and white buttercream icing. Mickey’s Cakes & Sweets, Little Rock, mickeyssweets.com 5 Custom letterpress invitation. By Invitation Only, Little Rock, byinvitationonlylr.com
Spring/Summer 2021 | weddingsinarkansas.com 15
I N S P I R AT I O N
Animal INSTINCTS
Two-tier almond cake with raspberry jam filling and brush-stroke buttercream design. The Cake Occasion, Springdale, thecakeoccasion.com
16 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2021
I N S P I R AT I O N 1 Porcelain plates depicting various pups. Cynthia East Fabrics, Little Rock, cynthiaeastfabrics.com 2 Custom invitation suite featuring vellum overlay and belly-band card, both personalized with custom crest. Jessie Russell Fuchs, Little Rock, jessierussellfuchs.com 3 A bouquet of ‘Juliet’ roses, ‘Toffee’ roses, burgundy ‘Butterfly’ ranunculus, ‘Cloni’ ranunculus, ‘Cobra’ lilies, and ‘Autumn’ eucalyptus. Pigmint, Fayetteville, shoppigmint.com
Bring an air of whimsy to the day with details inspired by flora and fauna
Spring/Summer 2021 | weddingsinarkansas.com 17
I N S P I R AT I O N
BOLDLY BEAUTIFUL
Celebrate You! An empowering message of self-love inspired this bright and beautiful styled shoot
Elizabeth Salazar, Bri’Ana Meriweather, Christina Gu, and Nathalie Carney
W R I T E R S T E P H A N I E M A X W E L L N E W TO N P H O T O G R A P H E R A L L I E AT K I S S O N I M AG I N G
18 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2021
Love Letters by Leah created custom invitations and cards relaying inspirational quotes for the occasion.
TO EACH HER OWN
Samantha’s Garden designed floral installations and bouquets using roses and ranunculus in a vibrant citrus palette. Though the bouquets coordinate, each is different and beautiful in its own way—just like the women who hold them.
Every woman should feel beautiful in her own skin. This was the core belief behind wedding videographer Olivia King’s desire to create a styled shoot celebrating a diverse group of women. “It stuck with me that when I’d be scrolling through Instagram, I didn’t see a lot of diversity in wedding editorials,” she says. “As a wedding vendor myself, I shoot so many brides who all look different. I know there are beautiful brides in all shapes and sizes, and I want to celebrate that.” Olivia envisioned a wedding-inspired shoot—with bridal gowns, bouquets, and table settings—but instead of centering the theme around romantic love, she shifted the lens to capture self-love and titled the shoot “We All Slay.” She called on a group of vendors she knew would be invested in the concept as well as women representing a variety of skin tones, backgrounds, sizes, and shapes to serve as models. Many of the women Olivia already knew from their connection in the industry, such as photographer Elizabeth Salazar. “Her work is incredible. Everything she does encourages women to love themselves,” Olivia says. In addition to tailoring the four models’ looks to their individual styles and personalities, creating a fun, colorful atmosphere was a priority for Olivia. “We see so many styled shoots that are soft and whimsical, so I wanted something more bold and in your face. I thought since our idea was bold, the palette should be, too.”
Spring/Summer 2021 | weddingsinarkansas.com 19
I N S P I R AT I O N
“I know there are beautiful brides in all shapes and sizes, and I want to celebrate that.” —Olivia King
ARTFUL STYLES
Hair and makeup artist Lavonne Anthony worked with each model to achieve a look suited to her dress as well as her personality. For example, she gave Elizabeth (left) a sophisticated “Old Hollywood meets Rockabilly” style, and she was inspired by Nathalie’s neonhued pixie cut (opposite) to create a colorful eye in complementary colors. Jewel-encrusted hair accessories by Hair Comes the Bride complete each look.
20 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2021
I N S P I R AT I O N
YES TO THE DRESS
Olivia wanted the women to feel their best in the dress selections, so she arranged a try-on day before the shoot. “It was a styled shoot, but at the same time, we wanted each of them to feel comfortable and beautiful,” she says. “It was all about putting them in dresses they could envision themselves in on their real wedding days.”
See behind-thescenes outtakes and interviews with some of the vendors from “We All Slay” on Olivia’s Instagram (@olikingfilm).
An energetic yellow cake and colorful macarons tie into the theme.
Resources
BRIDE’S GOWNS She Said Yes Bridal CAKE AND MACARONS Community Bakery FLORAL DESIGN Samantha’s Garden HAIR AND MAKEUP Lavonne Anthony PAPER GOODS Love Letters by Leah PHOTOGRAPHER Allie Atkisson, Allie Atkisson Imaging PLANNING AND DESIGN Carol DePriest, DePriest Events RENTALS HOST Rentals VENUE The Brick Ballroom VIDEOGRAPHER Olivia King, Oli King Film
Spring/Summer 2021 | weddingsinarkansas.com 21
WEDDINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS | EVERYDAY DESIGN | SEASONAL DESIGN 5507 R A N C H D R . # 2 L I T T L E RO C K , A RK A N SAS | 501-228- 6989 S I L KS -A- B LO OM .COM
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Picture Perfect The Clinton Presidential Center will exceed all your expectations — from our award-winning culinary team to the modern design and sweeping views. Call today and let us help you plan your picture-perfect event.
Photo
: J o J oh nson Ph otography
Best Place to have a Special Event 2011, ‘13, ‘14, ‘15, ‘16, ‘17, ‘18
22 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2021
Event Venue
Best Venue Finalist 2014, ‘15, ‘17
1200 President Clinton Avenue • Little Rock, AR 72201 501-748-0454 • clintonpresidentialcenter.org/hostanevent
S T Y L E
Classic with a Twist New takes on traditional wedding gown shapes—for both the bride and the girls standing by her side ART DIRECTOR STEPH SMITH PHOTOGRAPHER RETT PEEK MODEL SEVEN ARI HAIR & MAKEUP ARTIST L AVONNE ANTHONY
Anne Barge “Eiffel” strapless Mikado silk trumpet gown with detachable puff sleeves and Mignonne Gavigan winged earrings. Unveiled Bridal Collection, Little Rock, unveiledlittlerock.com
Spring/Summer 2021 | weddingsinarkansas.com 23
S T Y L E
Metallic lace A-line gown with cap sleeves. Low’s Bridal, Brinkley, lowsbridal.com
24 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2021
S T Y L E
Crepe gown with lace trim and sheath silhouette. She Said Yes Bridal, Rogers, shesaidyesbridal.com Bouquet of roses, eucalyptus, and dusty miller provided by Tipton & Hurst.
Spring/Summer 2021 | weddingsinarkansas.com 25
S T Y L E
Pear-shaped diamond engagement ring with diamond halo and shank, platinum eternity band featuring Asscher-cut diamonds, “diamond by the yard” white gold and diamond necklace, and three-strand bezel station diamond earrings. Sissy’s Log Cabin, Conway, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Memphis, and Pine Bluff, sissyslogcabin.com
26 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2021
S T Y L E
Beccar Couture “Roses” gown featuring a tulle skirt and longsleeve beaded overlay with Swarovski crystal drop earrings. Tesori Bridal, Fayetteville, tesoribridalformal.com
Square-neck velvet maxi-length bridesmaids’ dress in Tawny Rose from Dessy’s “Lovely” collection. Tesori Bridal, Fayetteville, tesoribridalformal.com
Spring/Summer 2021 | weddingsinarkansas.com 27
S T Y L E
Beaded lace ball gown with a soft V-plunge neckline, spaghetti straps, and cascading train. Inverness Bridal Couture, Conway, invernessbridal.com
28 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2021
S T Y L E
Jenny Yoo “Luscia” crepeback satin bridesmaids’ dress in Sage. Bella Bridesmaids, Little Rock, bellabridesmaids.com
Special thanks to Junior League of Little Rock for use of their ballroom for this shoot.
Spring/Summer 2021 | weddingsinarkansas.com 29
THE CH APEL AT R I D G E R UN N E R FA R M A s t u n n i n g n e w v e n u e i n Fl o r a l , A r k a n s a s .
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Come See What Everyone Is Talking About!
SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY!
Call Stormi Foster - Director of Catering and Events
30 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2021
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R E A L
W E D D I N G S
SAMANTHA + COLE C ON WAY 8.22.20
PHOTOGRAPHER LAUREN HALEY PHOTOGRAPHY
Spring/Summer 2021 | weddingsinarkansas.com 31
R E A L
W E D D I N G S
You could say Samantha Buehler and Cole Thomas’s meeting came down to science: The pair first laid eyes on each other in a biology class at Arkansas State University in Beebe. From there, they dated for seven months before Thomas popped the question. “We took a trip to the happiest place on earth, Disney World—or at least our happiest place on earth,” Samantha recalls. While there the couple posed for the traditional picture in front of the castle and then went on to ride the rides and see the sights. After a bit of time, Cole asked Samantha if they could go back to the castle to take a few more pictures. Here, he got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife. “I later learned that he had been too nervous to do it the first time,” Samantha says of the sweet moment. 32 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2021
During their engagement, which spanned more than 18 months, the couple hired wedding designer Jessika McCuin to bring the details of the big day to life. “Jessika was an angel and made everything such a breeze,” Samantha says. They envisioned a day that was bright and happy as well as intimate, romantic, and true to them. “Most of our dates consist of going out to breakfast or brunch, so having a super fun brunch-themed reception only made sense for us,” Samantha says. Of course, they also incorporated some of the more traditional elements, including a first dance (they chose Taylor Swift’s “Lover”) and a classic cake with their favorite flavors. The couple currently live in Austin, Arkansas, and are planning a tropical vacation as a delayed honeymoon and one-year anniversary trip.
R E A L
W E D D I N G S
BRIGHT & HAPPY
“I knew I wanted a lot of color,” Samantha says in regard to the floral design. “Tanarah Luxe Floral made the magic happen for us!” Fresh flowers were woven into the draping across the front of Legacy Acres where the two exchanged vows, giving it the appearance of blooming vines scaling the building.
GLORIOUS GOWN
A dress by designer Hayley Paige was one of Samantha’s only must-haves for the wedding. “I saw so many of her gowns with so much sparkle, and I fell in love with them,” she says.
Spring/Summer 2021 | weddingsinarkansas.com 33
R E A L
W E D D I N G S
BRUNCH BEST
Samantha and Cole treated their guests to a brunch like no other. “Cole is in love with hearty breakfast foods, while I tend to lean more towards the sweets,” Samantha says. “We decided a combination of both would be amazing.” The menu boasted everything from chicken and waffles to a cereal bar, served alongside mimosas.
34 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2021
R E A L
W E D D I N G S
PERFECT MIX
The cake was a true blend of the couple’s tastes with Cole choosing a chocolate layer and Samantha opting for a strawberry one. This approach gave guests the option to pick their favorite as well.
“Take the time to enjoy the process. Planning a wedding can be so exciting if you have the right help!” — SAMANTHA
Resources
BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES Bella Bridesmaids BRIDE’S GOWN Inverness Bridal CAKES Patticakes Bakery CATERING Vibrant Occasions ENTERTAINMENT (RECEPTION) Boom Town Arkansas FLORAL DESIGN Tanarah Luxe Floral HAIR Isabella Baker, Serenity Salon and Brittanie Wallace MAKEUP Haley Hanna, Lashout & Makeout PHOTOGRAPHER Lauren Haley Photography RENTALS Eventology VENUE Legacy Acres VIDEOGRAPHER Forestland Films WEDDING DESIGN AND COORDINATION Jessika McCuin Weddings
Spring/Summer 2021 | weddingsinarkansas.com 35
R E A L
W E D D I N G S
MEGAN + H AY DEN BEN TON V I L L E 9.26.20
36 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2021
PHOTOGRAPHER ERIN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILMS
R E A L
W E D D I N G S
ALL IN THE DETAILS
Megan drew inspiration for the floral design from her love of chinoiserie, accenting white blooms with blueand-white accessories. The bride’s bouquet was filled with cascading orchids, her favorite flowers. Hayden proposed with Megan’s late grandmother’s engagement ring, and for the ceremony she wore the pearl earrings he had given her on her college graduation.
Fort Smith native Megan Cowne met her now-husband, Hayden Cherry, who is from Midland, Texas, while the two were students at Texas Christian University. After graduation, they moved to Dallas and purchased a home there, which later became the site of their engagement. “Hayden wanted to make sure the proposal was special. With the help of friends, he pulled off a complete surprise,” Megan says. Hayden told Megan he was headed out of town for the weekend, and Megan planned to grab dinner with friends. On the way to dinner, one of her friends asked if they could run by Megan’s house to get something she’d left there. While the girls were inside, Hayden rang the doorbell and got down on one knee. A photographer captured the entire scene, and the two then celebrated with loved ones at their favorite rooftop restaurant. “It was worth the w8—pun intended!” Megan says of the surprise after eight years dating. After deciding on Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art as their venue, the couple opted for a fall wedding where they could take advantage of the beautiful grounds. “We love Crystal Bridges and thought it would be the perfect setting for a sophisticated yet classic affair,” Megan says. “We wanted our guests to be able to enjoy this great corner of the Natural State.” The pair also wanted a “rocking band, open bar, and good food” to celebrate the occasion. Guests at the seated dinner enjoyed a delightful trio of appetizers followed by a meal of beef tenderloin and, finally, their choice of flavors from the five-tier cake which included vanilla, chocolate, hummingbird, and butter almond with strawberry mousse layers. Now at home in Texas, the Cherrys are planning a delayed safari honeymoon to Kenya and Tanzania later this year. Spring/Summer 2021| weddingsinarkansas.com 37
R E A L
W E D D I N G S
MODERN MEETS SOUTHERN
In an effort to blend the museum’s contemporary architecture with Southern details, the couple chose the Frank Lloyd Wright Bachman-Wilson House lawn for their vows, then moved indoors for the reception. Timeless white and green floral arrangements were a natural choice, allowing the beauty of the setting to be the focus.
38 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2021
R E A L
W E D D I N G S
“Our ceremony was my favorite memory of the day. It felt so special to make a covenant to each other in front of our loved ones. And after that, I loved dancing on stage with the band!” — MEGAN
Resources CAKE Shelby Lynn’s Cake Shoppe ENTERTAINMENT (CEREMONY) Smoothman Music ENTERTAINMENT (RECEPTION) Diamond Empire Band FLORAL DESIGN Silks A Bloom MAKEUP Beauty By Ballou PAPER GOODS Paper Supply Co. PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEOGRAPHER Erin Wilson Photography and Films RENTALS Eventology and Moonlight and Rust VENUE Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art WEDDING DESIGN AND COORDINATION Natasha Gates Events
Spring/Summer 2021| weddingsinarkansas.com 39
R E A L
W E D D I N G S
KRISTEN +W ESLE Y L I T T L E R O C K 7. 1 1 . 2 0
40 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2021 PHOTOGRAPHER MEREDITH BENTON FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY
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“One of the best things I did was take a look at the entire setup before the ceremony. Once everything starts you don’t really have time to take it all in.” — KRISTEN
After postponing their wedding due to the pandemic, Kristen and Wes were overjoyed to finally be able to say “I do” two months after their original date.
Mardi Gras will always hold a special place in Kristen (Warfield) and Wesley Coleman’s hearts; it was the day of their first date. Mutual friends had been trying to set up the two for a while, but with Kristen living in Jonesboro and Wes in North Little Rock, it proved to be a difficult task. Dinner was lined up for the evening but Wes was unable to attend. Kristen went on with her friends and afterward they decided to head to the train station for a Mardi Gras party. Kristen called Wes and asked if he was coming to meet her or not. “I’m on my way” was his response, and the two hit it off instantly. After two years of dating, Wes was eager to propose and wanted to catch Kristen off guard. Kristen asked him to join her on a work trip to New York, and he seized the opportunity to plan a surprise during the getaway. On their first day in the city they had dinner at a restaurant under the Brooklyn Bridge. “Afterwards, we decided to get
a picture under the bridge. We started to take a selfie and all of a sudden he got down on one knee,” she says. “I was completely shocked and could not say ‘yes’ fast enough.” Once home, the two began planning for a spring wedding. After touring Goodwin Manor, they knew they had found their ideal location. “I always wanted an outdoor wedding with a beautiful view and perfect weather,” Kristen notes. “The whole place was just a dream.” Originally scheduled for the first weekend of May, the two pushed the big day to July 11 when the pandemic began. “An outdoor wedding in July would not have been our first pick, but we were so anxious to finally get married,” Kristen says. After the ceremony, dinner, and dancing, guests lined the path where Kristen and Wes made their exit amidst sparklers to a honeymoon in Destin, Florida. Shortly after, they finished building their first home together and now reside in Little Rock.
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NATURAL BEAUTY
Kristen selected a palette of white and pink for the floral design, which was created by Silks A Bloom. “They did an amazing job making my dreams come true,” she says, noting the installation on the tree and a garland of blooms that draped to the floor on the head table were two of her must-haves. During the ceremony, the two also planted a unity tree together that is now at their new home.
The tiered cake featured layers of traditional wedding cake, strawberry, and lemon. The same flowers seen throughout the celebration cascaded down its sides.
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On the balcony of Goodwin Manor, overlooking their guests, Kristen and Wes shared their first dance to Ray LaMontagne’s “You Are the Best Thing.”
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.
Resources
BRIDE’S GOWN, BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES, GROOM’S AND GROOMSMEN’S SUITS She Said Yes Bridal CAKE Michelle Linda Mayer Custom Cakes CATERING Crave Catering ENTERTAINMENT (CEREMONY) John Jarboe String Quartet ENTERTAINMENT (RECEPTION) Central Arkansas Entertainment FLORAL DESIGN Silks A Bloom HAIR Kristina Loesch, The Fix Salon MAKEUP Carly Westerman, Pout PHOTOGRAPHER Meredith Benton Fine Art Photography RENTALS A Perfect Bloom Florist & Wedding Rentals RINGS Sissy’s Log Cabin VENUE Goodwin Manor VIDEOGRAPHER MWB FILMS WEDDING COORDINATION Shannon White
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CHANTEL + JEREMY M U L BER RY 9.12.20
44 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2021
PHOTOGRAPHER FRECKLED FOX PHOTOGRAPHY
R E A L Chantel wore two sweet touches of nostalgia on the special day: a brooch that belonged to her greatgrandmother and a handkerchief, which she wrapped around her bouquet, that belonged to her late step-grandmother.
W E D D I N G S
A good cause first brought Chantel Shuler and Jeremy Neville together. “I was hosting a bar crawl to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on Dickson Street in Fayetteville,” Chantel recalls. Jeremy came to the event and the two were introduced by a mutual friend. After almost two years of dating, Jeremy proposed at the iconic River Café on a trip to New York City. “It’s a dreamy restaurant with a full view of the city, and it was adorably decorated in pumpkins and fall flair,” Chantel says. The next morning the two were up and out the door at 4 a.m. to celebrate front row at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. During their nine-month engagement, the couple planned a neutral-hued, naturally beautiful wedding and reception with the help of wedding designer Jessica Kersey. Chantel is originally from Seattle, while Boston is Jeremy’s hometown, so many of their guests would be coming from out of state for the celebration. Wanting an outdoor ceremony location with a woodsy feel as well as a place with some overnight accommodations, they found the ideal venue in Kindred Barn. “We wanted our guests to be blown away by Arkansas’s beauty. We also wanted the entire day to feel like a family reunion and party,” Chantel says. The day of the wedding, complimentary shuttles brought the couple’s 150 guests to the venue. Here, family and friends watched the couple exchange vows at a bohemian-inspired altar. Later, they celebrated with local fare, including pasta from the restaurant Noodles and wood-fired pizza from Wicked along with drinks served from an Airstream. At the end of the night, the couple exited the venue in a line of sparklers held by well-wishers. They are now at home in Centerton after a honeymoon in Maine.
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“Make sure to reminisce often and with others about your special day! We have kept so many memories fresh and learned stories we wouldn’t have known about if we didn’t.” — CHANTEL
BOHEMIAN BEAUTY
“I wanted neutral colors, a lot of white, and tons of greenery,” Chantel says of the floral design, which included white and blush roses along with pampas grass and orchids in her bouquet. “Southern bohemian pins kept coming up on Pinterest, so we leaned into that trend.”
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A greenery wall held champagne for guests to grab and enjoy immediately following the ceremony. The Globetrotter Bar, housed in a converted Airstream, served guests at the reception.
PERFECT SETTING
A head table with enough seating for all 32 members of the wedding party and their dates was a musthave on the couple’s list. “I had dreamt up a long table packed with tall candlesticks and all our best friends,” Chantel says.
Resources
BRIDE’S GOWN She Said Yes Bridal CAKE Shelby Lynn’s Cake Shoppe CATERING The Blonde Kitchen, Noodles, and Wicked Wood Fired Pizza ENTERTAINMENT (CEREMONY) Smoothman Music Productions ENTERTAINMENT (RECEPTION) Brock Entertainment FAVORS Little Bison Co. FLORAL DESIGN Samantha’s Garden HAIR AND MAKEUP Kari Wein Hair and Makeup PAPER GOODS Shindig Paperie PHOTOGRAPHER Freckled Fox Photography RENTALS Alpha-Lit NWA, BrightBooths, HOST Rentals, Lightworks Events, Paper Supply Co., and RSVP Event Rentals RINGS R3 Jewelry TRANSPORTATION Pinnacle Car Services VENUE Kindred Barn VIDEOGRAPHER Jessica Whalen Films WEDDING COORDINATION AND DESIGN Jessica Kersey, JLK Weddings
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A DA + SEAN SPR INGDA L E 10.31.20
48 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2021
PHOTOGRAPHER ERIN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILMS
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“We wanted the day to be a big celebration where we could have all of our friends together, thank them for their support of our relationship, and let them know how much they mean to us.” — ADA
Distance couldn’t keep Ada Sochanska and Sean Parham apart. The couple, who met while in undergrad at Colorado College, started a relationship knowing Sean would be attending medical school in Little Rock while Ada would stay in Colorado after the pair graduated. After a couple of years long distance, Ada moved to Little Rock to start physician assistant school. “Once living in the same city, we knew without a doubt we would spend the rest of our lives together,” Ada says. After five years of dating, Sean decided to propose during a Christmas celebration with both of their families. “My parents are originally from Poland, where Christmas Eve is not only a big holiday but also filled with traditions, so I wanted to introduce all of our traditions to Sean’s family,” Ada says. Meanwhile, Sean concocted a plan to get her out on their back deck alone that night while their guests watched from indoors. “I’ll never forget the smiles
and hearing the clapping as soon as I nodded my head yes and how happy I was to share that moment with everyone,” Ada says. Sean is from Fort Smith, while Illinois is home for Ada. Knowing they would have family and friends traveling from several regions for their big day, they looked for a location that would make the trip convenient as well as memorable for guests. Northwest Arkansas checked a number of these boxes, and they booked Sassafras Springs Vineyard & Winery as the venue. The two had initially set the date for an April wedding, but after COVID-19 impacted plans, they rescheduled to Halloween—their favorite holiday. Going for a “playful, tender, and eclectic” vibe, they invited guests to wear costumes, incorporated special Polish traditions into the day, and danced the night away. Ada and Sean currently live in Little Rock and are planning a delayed honeymoon as travel restrictions ease. Spring/Summer 2021| weddingsinarkansas.com 49
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ENCHANTING VENUE
Ada and Sean exchanged vows they had written for each other in front of Sassafras Springs’ old worldinspired Chapel Ruins. Both working in the medical field, safety during the pandemic was of prime importance to the couple. Chairs were arranged to allow for socially distant spacing between the ceremony’s 60 guests.
Autumn colors in bouquets and the floral arrangements lining the aisles brought a bright touch to the natural setting.
MASKED AFFAIR
Since the pair were to be married on Halloween, they invited guests to wear costumes. The artist who made Ada and Sean’s invitations also painted custom Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, masks for the two to wear as a nod to the holiday the next day. 50 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2021
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HOW SWEET
Ada and Sean both love chocolate cake and decided on this flavor for the big day. However, anticipating guests may be full after dinner, they also offered macarons and tarts as smaller treats.
“Standing at the altar, everything was right in the world for about 45 seconds…It was just us two, and it was exactly what I wanted.” — SE AN
As favors, guests received small bags containing dried flower petals and Arkansas quartz crystals, which have become a favorite of Ada’s since moving to the Natural State.
Resources
BRIDE’S GOWN She Said Yes Bridal CAKES Briar Rose Bakery CATERING Catering Unlimited ENTERTAINMENT (RECEPTION) Diamond Empire Band FLORALS, PAPER GOODS, AND WEDDING DESIGN AND COORDINATION Bartus Taylor, Buzz Events PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEOGRAPHER Erin Wilson Photography & Films RENTALS Eventures Party Rentals and Pretty Old Stuff NWA VENUE Sassafras Springs Vineyard & Winery
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J E NA+ J A Y-M I C H A E L L I T T L E R O C K 1 1 . 2 7. 2 0
P H O T O G R A P H E R B J M AT T H E W S , B . M AT T H E W S P H OTO 52 Weddings in Arkansas | Spring/Summer 2021
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“Never stop dating one another as if you’ve just met.” — JENA & JAY-MICHAEL’S ADVICE TO ENGAGED COUPLES
Seven is a lucky number for Jena Harrell and her groom Jay-Michael Arnold; that’s roughly how many years the couple knew each other before their first date.
Resources
BRIDE’S GOWN Unveiled Bridal Collection CAKE PattiCakes Bakery ENTERTAINMENT (CEREMONY) Honey Collective FLORAL DESIGN Tanarah Luxe Floral HAIR Devin Pate, DVP Hair MAKEUP Haley Hanna, Lashout & Makeup PHOTOGRAPHER BJ Matthews, B.Matthews Photo RENTALS Eventology VENUE (CEREMONY) Pulaski County Courthouse VENUE (RECEPTION) The Burgundy Hotel VIDEOGRAPHER Forestland Films WEDDING DESIGN AND COORDINATION Jessika McCuin Weddings
“I was living in Little Rock at the time and Jay-Michael was in Memphis,” Jena explains. As fate would have it, Jay-Michael’s job brought him to central Arkansas multiple times a week. During one of these trips, he learned Journey and The Doobie Brothers would be making a stop in North Little Rock, and he finally took the opportunity to ask Jena on a date to the show. “From that night forward, the rest was history,” Jena says. The couple dated for four years before their Christmas Eve engagement, which took place in front of the Christmas tree with Jay-Michael’s family there to celebrate. From there, the planning began for what they call a “timeless and intentionally intimate” wedding. The couple knew they wanted a winter wedding and initially considered the bronze Tiffany & Co. doors at the State Capitol as their backdrop. Upon realizing the setting would be decorated for Christmas on their desired date, they turned to wedding planner and designer Jessika McCuin, who suggested the steps of the Pulaski County Courthouse. “Jessika played a huge role in making our wedding come to life,” Jena says. “She was instrumental in my having little to no stress…which really allowed us to enjoy our engagement and focus on preparing for marriage.” The venue wasn’t the only change from initial plans; because of the pandemic, their idea for a large reception after their honeymoon was put on hold. However, these changes did not put a damper on their day. With 10 guests in attendance, the couple exchanged vows in the beautiful outdoor setting and later celebrated at The Burgundy Hotel with cake, champagne toasts, and a magical sparkler exit. While the two enjoyed a minimoon stateside following the wedding, they plan to escape to Rome later this year for their delayed honeymoon abroad.
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LEAH + STEPHEN F LOR A L 10.3.20
Leah’s vision of a colorful, bohemian-style soirée came to life with deep-hued florals, pampas grass, and greenery along with vintage-look rugs.
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PHOTOGRAPHER KEY MOMENTS PHOTOGRAPHY
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Rather than a traditional groom’s cake, Stephen opted for fried pies from Millie’s in Cave City.
Love was in the air one winter day when Stephen Longinotti walked into Leah Wallace’s workplace to find her decorating a Christmas tree. “We immediately hit it off in the short amount of time we spoke, and eventually exchanged numbers,” she says. Years later, the holiday season also played a part in their engagement. After attending a church service with Stephen’s family in downtown Little Rock, they decided to go see the iconic Christmas tree at the Capital Hotel. His parents asked to get a picture of the two of them in front of the tree. Stephen took the opportunity to tell Leah he loved her, then dropped to one knee to ask her to marry him. “It caught me so off guard,” she says. “I was thrilled.” However, perhaps the biggest surprise came in finding the venue for their big day. Leah’s aunt and uncle approached her with the idea to build a minimalist-style, open-air chapel on their farm. “With a team of guys, they made my wildest wedding venue dream come true,” the bride says. Leah had lost her mom years before and wanted not only to honor her memory but also feel a closeness to her on this special occasion. A framed sign that read: “Reserved for Mother of the Bride: Cheryl Wallace” sat on the front row of the bride’s seating side. Music also played a big role in the couple’s day with non-traditional choices like “This Feeling” by Alabama Shakes and “I’m With You” by Vance Joy for wedding party entrance songs and “Somewhere Only We Know” by Simply Three for Leah’s walk down the aisle. “We absolutely live and breathe music, so having our unique taste intertwined in our ceremony allowed us to make the wedding truly our own,” she says. The two, who are now part owners in The Chapel at RidgeRunner Farm where they were married, are at home in Batesville and planning a delayed honeymoon to Greece.
Resources
BRIDE’S GOWN Low’s Bridal CAKE Love+Flour CATERING The Anderson Sisters CATERING (SWEETS) Millie’s ENTERTAINMENT (RECEPTION) PartyTime Productions FAVORS RidgeRunner Farm FLORAL DESIGN AND RENTALS A Perfect Bloom Florist & Wedding Rentals GROOM’S AND GROOMSMEN’S SUITS Men’s Wearhouse HAIR Larkin Young, Hair by Larkin MAKEUP Yoseline Selena Roy Perez, Leenna’s Make-Up & Beauty PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEOGRAPHER Key Moments Photography RINGS Jonathan’s Fine Jewelry VENUE The Chapel at RidgeRunner Farm WEDDING DESIGN AND COORDINATION Melissa Etheridge, Weddings By Melissa E
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FLOWER POWER
Amazing Anemones
These black-and-white blooms are a wedding day favorite among brides and designers alike
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1 Wedding of Kaitlin McGrail and Jeremy Ragsdell. Photography by Miles Witt Boyer Photographic Collective. Planning and design by Amanda Reed Weddings. Paper goods by Shindig Paperie. 2 Wedding of Morgan Strong and Lee Holmes, Jr. Photography by Erin Wilson Photography. Floral design by Pigmint. Planning and design by Amanda Reed Weddings. 3 & 4 Wedding of Charlotte Bowsher and Brennan Martin. Photography by Olivia Fryer Photography. Planning and design by Amanda Reed Weddings. 5 Wedding of Lauren Sanders and Evan Staton. Photography by Sterling Imageworks. Floral design by Vase and Vine. Planning and design by Jessika McCuin Weddings.
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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
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