Samantha + Cole 
Conway // 8.22.20

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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