LEXIE HUDDLESTON + BLAKE SANDERS

LEXIE + BLAKE

HOT SPRINGS 12.11.21

THE SWEETEST DAY Lexie and Blake exchanged vows in a small private ceremony at Anthony Chapel at Garvan Woodland Gardens. L exie Huddleston and Blake Sanders met at a high school football game and soon became close friends before they made their relationship official their freshman year at the University of Arkansas. The pair dated for seven years before Blake popped the question on campus in front of Old Main. “Both of our families were there, and it was very special. The U of A is where our relationship started and we made so many amazing memories during our four years there,” Lexie says. With a winter wedding in mind, the two set a date in February. However, as the time grew near, COVID cases began to rise during the winter months.

Not wanting to wait any longer to say “I do,” Lexie and Blake opted to exchange vows in a private ceremony at Anthony

Chapel at Garvan Woodland Gardens on their set date and celebrate with family and friends at a reception later in the year. “I will never forget when the chapel doors opened and I saw

Blake waiting for me surrounded by our families. It was intimate and beautiful,”

Lexie says of the ceremony. When it came time to celebrate, the two had a particular destination in mind: Hot Springs’ Memorial

Field Airport. The theme runs deep in Blake’s family: he has his pilot’s license, his dad has been a pilot for 40 years, and his grandfather was even married in a plane while flying over Hot Springs. Working with planner Jessika McCuin, the hangar was transformed into a polished and elegant venue using the selected palette of black, white, gold, and tan. Guests dined on the couple’s favorite Mexican food selections before dancing the night away. When the party was over, friends and family created a tunnel of sparklers for the newlyweds’ exit. “Our wedding reception exceeded all of my expectations,” the bride says.

SWEET DETAIL Chocolate, lemon, and coconut layers comprised the wedding cake, which featured an elegant bow embellishment in the colors of the night.

“Making our grand entrance into the hangar is my favorite memory of the day. Blake and I waited so long for that moment, and finally getting to celebrate our marriage with our friends and family meant everything to us.”

—LEXIE SANDERS A coffee bar and firepits warmed guests outside the hangar.

Resources BRIDE’S GOWN Inverness Bridal BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES David’s Bridal CAKE PattiCakes Bakery CATERING Coco’s Catering ENTERTAINMENT DJ JellyBean FLORAL DESIGN Tanarah Luxe Floral HAIR Isabella Baker and Kalie Rylee, Serenity Salon MAKEUP Adrianne Brooks, Whiplash Beauty PHOTOGRAPHY B. Matthews Photo RENTALS Central Arkansas Entertainment, The Dance Floor Man, Eventology and TNT Staffing TRANSPORTATION Elite Limo and Hot Springs Trolley VENUE (CEREMONY) Garvan Woodland Gardens VENUE (RECEPTION) Memorial Field Airport VIDEOGRAPHER Forestland Films WEDDING COORDINATION AND DESIGN Jessika McCuin Weddings