Photography: Steph Smith |
Ashley + Jacob
Little Rock // 9.18.21
Little Rock natives Ashley Owen and Jacob North met through mutual friends in high school. After dating for five years, Jacob proposed while on a family vacation to one of Ashley’s favorite places, St. George Island, Florida. “We were all supposed to be taking family pictures during the sunset. I turned around to see Jacob getting down on one knee,” she recalls.
Because both are outdoor enthusiasts, they envisioned an open air reception in late summer or early fall—so as not to interfere with their other favorite pastimes, Razorback football and hunting season. While they were certain of their ceremony location, Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, they were unsure of the ideal place to celebrate afterward. As luck would have it, they passed the Old State House Museum on their way to visit another venue. “It completely captured the tone we had imagined,” Ashley says of the historic setting and welcoming lawn. Additionally, many of their guests were able to stay at nearby hotels, allowing them to walk to the celebration and take in the downtown area.
Wedding designer JoBeth McElhanon of Lilias and Olive helped pull details into place to make the day a true reflection of Ashley and Jacob. Welcome tents and bars situated on the lawn to greet guests, live entertainment from The Sensations soul band, and dining selections such as tomato tartlets and shrimp skewers all added to the “Southern garden party” feel the couple desired. At the end of the evening, the couple made their exit with a second line. After a honeymoon in Costa Rica, they are now at home in Little Rock.
Southern Grace
From Ashley’s bouquet to the base of a tree at the reception, Tipton & Hurst combined timeless favorites, such as blue hydrangeas, antique roses, lisianthus, and silver dollar eucalyptus throughout the floral design.
Silver Service
Champagne, signature cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres were passed to guests on pieces of Ashley’s family’s silver collection.
Ashley and Jacob’s son, Jackson, took on a special role as the ring bearer.
Guests received a bottle of Jacob’s parents’ famous homemade barbecue sauce as a favor.
Floral detailing on Ashley’s gown inspired the design seen on the classic vanilla buttercream cake.
A second line led from the Old State House to the Capital Hotel at the night’s end.
Resources
Accommodations The Capital Hotel Bride’s Gown Unveiled Bridal Collection Bridesmaids’ Dresses Bella Bridesmaids Cake Custom Cakes by Michelle Mayer Catering Scallions Entertainment (Reception) The Sensations Band (Memphis, TN) Floral Design Tipton & Hurst Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Suits Men’s Wearhouse Hair and Makeup Hannah Karr Paper Goods The Social Type Rentals Confetti’s Party Rental Company Rings Sissy’s Log Cabin Photography Steph Smith Venue (Ceremony) Pulaski Heights Methodist Church Venue (Reception) Old State House Museum Wedding Coordination and Design JoBeth McElhanon, Lilias & Olive
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