Photography: Sterling Imageworks Photography |
Jenni + Aaron
Rogers // February 24, 2018
It’s rare that dads of the bride and groom serve as matchmakers, but Jenni Goodwin and Aaron Owen initially crossed paths because of their fathers. “We met at a scholarship day at a college that neither of us ended up going to. Our dads recognized each other from their time together at the University of Arkansas, where they lived next door in the dorms,” Jenni recalls. The couple, who both chose to attend the University of Central Arkansas, ended up in the same group of friends and began dating during their sophomore year.
Six years later, Aaron asked for Jenni’s hand during a surprise visit to Crystal Bridges. Jenni was under the premise that they were there to drop off a camera lens for one of Aaron’s friends. However, the guise fell when Aaron got down on one knee. All the while, his dad was in the background taking pictures of the moment.
For their big day, Jenni imagined a classic and romantic celebration. Working with Jessika McCuin Weddings and Tanarah Luxe Floral, the Ballroom at I Street (which is located in Bentonville and was a short drive from their ceremony) was transformed from a blank canvas to an elegant setting featuring a rich palette, which perfectly complemented the February day.
Jenni chose a pair of Badgley Mischka slip-on sneakers to pair with her gown. “I loved my shoes. I wanted something classy but also comfy,” she says. “I chose the navy to play on one of our color selections but also to be my ‘something blue!’”
Go Bold
“I really wanted bold florals to pop against the white background of the ballroom. I loved my bouquet, which was the inspiration for the florals in general,” Jenni says.
Jenni’s Advice for Brides-to-Be
“Do what you want! This day is about the two of you. I also highly recommend a wedding planner. This took so much stress out of the whole planning process and the day of!”
Let Love Rain Down
Guests threw snow confetti as Jenni and Aaron exited their ceremony at the Chapel on the Creeks. Later in the night, as the reception ended, guests wished them farewell by waving “bye” with the lights of their cellphones.
Jenni and Aaron used the cake knife from her parents’ wedding, which took place over 30 years ago.
Resources
Bride’s gown Inverness Bridal Cakes Shelby Lynn’s Cakes Calligraphy Molly Young, Crumb and Canvas Catering Carolyn Irwin, Catering Concepts NWA Floral design Tanarah Luxe Floral Hair Marisa Shaw, Quintessential Salon and Spa Makeup Glo Limited Music (ceremony) Tyler McCuin Music (reception) John Simmons, Crown Entertainment Photography Sterling Imageworks Photography Rentals Randal Events (formerly Eventures) Rings Jones & Son Diamond & Bridal Fine Jewelry Venue (ceremony) Chapel on the Creeks Venue (reception) The Ballroom at I Street Videographer NiLO Production Co. Wedding coordination and design Jessika McCuin Weddings and Tanarah Luxe Floral