Photography: Stephanie Parsley |
Chelsea Dwyer & Nick Stelte
June 10, 2017 in Fayetteville
Meant-to-Be Meeting
“Even though it is silly and cliché to say, I remember meeting Chelsea for the first time like it was yesterday. Honestly, if there is such a thing as true love at first sight, then that is what happened for me,” Nick says of the first time he and his future bride laid eyes on one another at a post-Christmas gathering of friends. Lucky for him, Chelsea gave him her number that night and the two began dating shortly thereafter.
Birthday Surprise
For Chelsea’s birthday, Nick planned a day of activities for her to enjoy, including a massage followed by a picnic at the Dallas Arboretum. When the couple found an ideal spot, they spread out their blanket and Nick told Chelsea he had one more surprise for her. He dropped to one knee and popped the question, to which she immediately said “yes.” “I have never ever felt like that in my life, and I’m pretty sure it was the first time I ever cried tears of pure joy!” Chelsea recalls.
A Family Friendly Venue
Prior to meeting Nick, Chelsea had envisioned being married by a lake in her hometown. Howeve r, after meeting his mom and stepdad and seeing their beautiful home—Autumns Ridge, which is also a popular Northwest Arkansas wedding venue—she knew they were meant to be married there. “I fell in love with it, and it quickly became one of my ‘happy places,’” Chelsea says. It was also special that Nick’s mom and stepdad, Lee Anne and Mark Henry, were married on the property.
Texas Influence
Chelsea grew up in Rockwall, Texas, and the couple currently lives in Dallas. Both Chelsea and Nick are big fans of Tex-Mex food and decided to bring a bit of The Lone Star State to Arkansas. “We knew we wanted to do something different, and I loved the idea of having the food be interactive,” the bride says. “We had a chef from Table Mesa [a Bentonville restaurant] onsite grilling the meat and fish in front of everyone for their tacos. We also did an open bar with margaritas as our signature drink. Everything was amazing!” In addition, they also had chefs from Fayetteville’s Wasabi create sushi rolls—another favorite of the couple’s—during the cocktail hour.
Tradition in the Making
Chelsea’s uncle, Dave Arundel, married the couple. “He married my mom and dad as well as my sister and brother-in-law, so it was very meaningful and special for him to marry us, too!” Chelsea says.
Wedding Day Must-Have
“I had to have good food and drinks! I have been to many weddings and those are the two things people always remember,” Chelsea says.
Resources
Accommodations: The Chancellor Hotel, Fayetteville
Cakes: Harps Foods, locations statewide
Catering: Table Mesa Bistro, Bentonville; Wasabi, Fayetteville; and Whataburger
Ceremony director: Lauren Barnette, San Antonio, Texas
Floral design: Alison Hobson, Eden in Bloom, Fayetteville
Hair: Metropolis Salon, Fayetteville
Lighting: Dancenhance Entertainment, Fayetteville
Music—reception: Brock Entertainment, Rogers
Photographer: Stephanie Parsley Photography, Little Rock
Rentals: Eventures Party Rentals & Event Planning, Fayetteville and Hank’s Fine Furniture, locations statewide
Tent: Intents Party Rentals, Fayetteville
Transportation: Pinnacle Car Services, Rogers
Venue—ceremony and reception: Autumns Ridge, Fayetteville
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