Photography: Erin Wilson Photography and Films |
Ada + Sean
Springdale // 10.31.20
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.
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
Enchanting Venue
Ada and Sean exchanged vows they had written for each other in front of Sassafras Springs’ old world-inspired 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.
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.” —Sean
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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