LAQUASHA ROSSON + RAYMOND ROSS

LAQUASHA + RAYMOND

CONWAY 11.6.21

PHOTOGRAPHER ERIN WILSON

Raymond Ross and LaQuasha Rosson’s love story has been almost a decade in the making. The two met and began dating in 2012 when they saw each other at a fraternity/sorority function at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Fast forward to 2015, and Raymond gave LaQuasha the surprise of her life when he proposed at his own birthday party. Raymond’s sister announced she had made a video to share at the party; it started with pictures of him, then faded to

LaQuasha’s parents saying, “Yes, you can marry our daughter.” When the scene ended, Raymond was on one knee. “I am hard to surprise, because I am so nosy—but this was definitely a surprise!” the bride recalls. Originally set for 2017, the couple postponed their wedding for LaQuasha to attend nursing school. Wanting to take advantage of the seasonal landscape, they decided on a fall date in 2021. To set the tone for the celebration, floral designer Tanarah

Haynie and wedding planner Jessika

McCuin asked LaQuasha how she wanted to feel on her wedding day.

Her response was, “I want it to be so overwhelming that all I can do is cry because I am speechless.” This was, in fact, the response the team received when LaQuasha viewed the ballroom the day of the wedding. After exchanging vows, the Rosses invited guests to a sit-down dinner featuring favorites such as garden salads with watermelon radishes, chicken with chimichurri sauce, and brisket.

The cake was a confection of almond, lemon, chocolate, and carrot cake layers—with a flavor each chosen by the bride, groom, and their two children.

When the evening ended, the couple made their way through a crowd of wellwishers holding light sticks to escape in a classic 1940s Cadillac and on to their honeymoon in Puerto Rico.

Inspired by the couple’s fall wedding date, Tanarah Luxe Floral incorporated branches with autumn color into the design.

TRADITION WITH A TWIST To symbolize their marriage, the couple “jumped the broom” after the ceremony. “We did this with the most beautiful broom anyone ever did see,” LaQuasha says, pointing to the embellishments Tanarah Luxe Floral added.

A bar at the entrance to Legacy Acres’ ballroom greeted guests with signature cocktails.

In lieu of a groom’s cake, the couple served bitesized portions of caramel cake, banana pudding, key lime pie, and strawberry shortcake. COLOR THEM HAPPY Inspired by their son, RJ, and daughter, Raegan, considerations for children were a big part of LaQuasha and Raymond’s celebration. Crayons and custom coloring sheets made from the couple’s engagement pictures were a fun element on specially reserved tables for kids.

HIS AND HER SIPS For their signature drinks, Raymond selected “Alpha punch” as a nod to his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, while LaQuasha opted for a Moscow mule.

Resources BRIDE’S GOWN Inverness Bridal BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES David’s Bridal CAKE PattiCakes Bakery CATERING Vibrant Occasions ENTERTAINMENT (RECEPTION) DJ Tee Rose, Central Arkansas Entertainment FAVORS AND PAPER GOODS By Invitation Only FLORAL DESIGN Tanarah Luxe Floral HAIR Cushena Scott, SHE the Salon MAKEUP Haley Hanna, Lash Out and Makeup and Kayla Daniels, Kayla D Artistry PHOTOGRAPHY Erin Wilson, Erin Wilson Photography and Films RENTALS Crown Entertainment, Eventology, and The Dance Floor Man TRANSPORTATION Vintage Motor Cars VENUE Legacy Acres VIDEOGRAPHER Josh Wilson, Erin Wilson Photography and Films WEDDING COORDINATION AND DESIGN Jessika McCuin Weddings