AMBER + JOSH

Photography: Freckled Fox Photography  |  

Amber + Josh
Paron // October 27, 2018

“I have always been in love with the weather and the foliage of fall, and I was set on having a fall wedding,” Amber says.

For Amber Smith and Josh Cissell, love seemed to come out of nowhere. The pair, who both grew up in Little Rock but didn’t meet until their freshman year at the University of Arkansas, had mutual friends but had never of offcially crossed paths. That is, until Josh stopped Amber one day on her way to class and asked her out. “It was so out of the blue; we hardly knew each other,” Amber says. “I was hesitant at first but decided to give him a chance, and we have been together ever since!”

After almost five years of dating, Josh surprised Amber once again with a proposal. He told Amber one of his clients was hosting a Christmas party at the Castle on Stagecoach and they needed to make an appearance. When they arrived a horse- drawn carriage picked them up to take them to the entrance. While a couple they had ridden to the entrance with got out, Josh told Amber he paid extra for them to have a longer ride. After coming to a grouping of lanterns on the property, the carriage slowed and Josh got out. Amber saw a sign made of lights that read Will you marry me? She said yes, and the two spent the evening celebrating with friends and family.

It was important to Josh and Amber to hold their wedding close to home so those dearest to them could attend. Cold Springs Events checked off multiple boxes on their list, including ease of ow for guests between the inside and outdoors, the setup for a band, and enough room for their large guest list. They included personal elements—such as Amber’s grandmother’s Bible on the guest book table, two strawberry groom’s cakes (because everyone loves strawberry cake!), and an arbor for the ceremony made by Amber’s parents—to make the day a reflection of them. “For us it wasn’t about having an over-the-top wedding; we wanted it to be fun, original, and truly a celebration of us as a couple,” Amber says.

Amber and Josh put their DIY expertise to good use by painting signs for their ceremony and reception.

WARMING TREND
Amber says she gravitates toward coral and shades of orange. These were used abundantly throughout the wedding along with blush and neutral hues. Classic roses and lilies mixed with the modern in uence of king protea and pampas grass for a whimsical look.

“I have always loved the simple yet unique look of naked cakes. We opted for a more covered version for our wedding cake (shown here), and went with less icing for the groom’s two cakes.

For us it wasn’t about having an over-the-top wedding; we wanted it to be fun, original, and truly a celebration of us as a couple. – Amber

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY
Josh and his groomsmen surprised Amber with a choreographed dance for the garter toss. “I was so impressed,” Amber says. “Josh has such a big personality and is always dancing; I loved that everyone got to see that side of him!”

Resources
BRIDE’S GOWN Low’s Bridal & Formal CAKE PattiCakes Bakery FLORAL DESIGN Cabbage Rose Florist GROOM’S AND GROOMSMEN’S SUITS Paul Morrell Formalwear MUSIC (RECEPTION) Canvas Band PHOTOGRAPHY Freckled Fox Photography PLANNING AND DESIGN Meredith Corning, Meredith Events RINGS Sissy’s Log Cabin VENUE Cold Springs Events VIDEOGRAPHY Riley Perkins Wedding Videography