Photography provided courtesy of Shannon Sturgis Photography
Aaron proposed to Rosemary on February 23, 2013, the day after her birthday. He woke her up by bringing her breakfast in bed, including pancakes made from scratch, and asked her to be his wife.
“The first time I ever went to Wildwood Park I said, ‘This would be an amazing place to get married.’ It was outdoors, there was a lake, woods, and a tented pavilion for the reception, so we didn’t even consider any other venues,” says Rosemary. “It was really the perfect place and had everything we needed. My family and I are big supporters of the arts and we were happy to be able to support a place that we loved.”
Rosemary and Aaron wanted their celebration to feel sophisticated and minimalist, yet they valued a wooded setting. Rosemary liked the idea of the bold dresses and décor being juxtaposed against the greenery of the natural landscape. The pair even joked that their wedding theme was “J.Crew in the Woods.”
Flowers of choice: ranunculi, David Austen roses, hanging amaranthus, anemones
After searching for footed, gold vases to use on the reception tables and only finding a few, Rosemary had an epiphany—she could create them. She rounded up candlesticks and glass bowls from local vendors and then spray-painted the candlesticks gold. After gluing the bowls on top, she had the perfect centerpiece containers and the entire project cost less than $30.
“One of the things I loved most about our wedding was that it was a way for us to showcase the talents of our many creative friends and family members. My best man, Cody, is a singer, so he performed during the ceremony. Our good friend, John Willis, and Aaron’s brother, Steve Hudleston, were our ceremony musicians, and Aaron’s 13-year-old niece Sydney accompanied me on her violin, as I walked down the aisle. My good friend Autumn made the groom’s cake, my good friend Shannon was the photographer, and another friend, Angela, did my hair and makeup.”
At the reception, three leading men got the opportunity to dance with the bride. First, Rosemary and Aaron shared their first dance to Otis Redding’s “That’s How Strong My Love Is.” Next, her father stepped in for a sentimental slow dance to “Stand By Me.” Finally she shared a very special dance with her 95-year-old grandfather, Clelan, who taught her how to two-step for the wedding.
His-and-her cocktails livened up the night. Aaron chose a whiskey sour, and Rosemary’s was a blackberry mojito punch. “I was very proud that I managed to create a signature cocktail that perfectly matched my bridesmaids’ dresses,” Rosemary laughs.
Honeymoon destination: Nizuc Resort & Spa ~ Cancun, Mexico
Bride’s headpiece and bridesmaids’ attire: Proposals, Little Rock Cake—bride’s: Sweet Love, Little Rock Cake—groom’s: Pies B4 Guys, Little Rock Catering: Simply The Best, North Little Rock Floral design and linens: Tanarah Luxe Floral, Little Rock Groom’s attire: The Independent, Little Rock Hair and makeup: Angela Alexander, Little Rock Music—ceremony: John Willis, Little Rock Music—reception: DJ Seth Baldy, Little Rock Paper goods—invitations, programs, and signs: Rosemary Hallmark Creative, Little Rock Photography: Shannon Sturgis Photographer, New York Rentals—chairs, glasses, plates, silverware, and tables: Confetti’s Party Rental, Little Rock Venue—ceremony and reception: Wildwood Park for the Performing Arts, Little Rock