Kelly + JD

Photography: BJ Matthews  |  

Kelly + JD
Little Rock // 6.25.22

When Kelly Lamb set out to surprise her then-boyfriend, JD Bruning, she had the tables turned on her. “I had been planning a surprise 30th birthday for him with his mom’s help,” Kelly says. Everything seemed to be going as it should, with the birthday boy appearing surprised and family and friends enjoying drinks and dinner. JD got up to thank everyone and asked Kelly to join him—which she thought was a bit odd. His sentiments quickly turned into a proposal. “He knew about the surprise birthday party the entire time and had orchestrated the plan with the help of his mother to make it a surprise engagement,” Kelly recalls. The two, who met during their time at the University of Arkansas but didn’t begin dating until after college, set their sights on a summer wedding in Little Rock. Kelly envisioned a day that was light and bright with touches of Southern charm with a ceremony at St. Edward’s Church and a reception at Heifer International. Her collection of blue and white chinoiserie vases played into the Southern feel. “The vases were really personal because I have always loved collecting them, and because it was really fun for my mother and mother-in-law to also help out with these.”

Gina’s Catering—helmed by Gina Simpson, a friend of the couple—provided a spread for guests. Selections included everything from tortellini skewers and bacon-wrapped dates to shrimp and grits. For a whimsical twist on tradition, the bride’s cake was a funfetti confection. A band and a full bar, wedding day must-haves for Kelly and JD, kept the party going for the crowd of more than 200 well-wishers. Wanting to enjoy every last minute, the two ended the day on the dance floor with friends. They are currently at home in North Little Rock and plan a delayed honeymoon.

Kelly’s “something blue” was a diamond bracelet that once belonged to her grandmother.

Finding the One
The first dress Kelly tried on ended up being the one of her dreams. “I never anticipated I would pick a ballgown,” she says, “but I just couldn’t beat it.”

   
The bride’s collection of chinoiserie vases served as the inspiration for the day’s blue and white color palette.

Since Kelly and JD married in June, they gave guests personal fans to keep them cool during the celebration.

Kelly and JD shared their first dance to “I Try” by Macy Gray.

Local Resources
Bridal gown Unveiled Bridal Collection Cake Harp’s Catering Gina’s Catering Entertainment (Ceremony) Arkansas Capital String Quartet Entertainment (reception) Even Odds (Memphis) Floral design Cabbage Rose Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Attire Jos. A. Bank Makeup Belle and Blush Photography BJ Matthews Planning Anna-Lee Pittman Rentals Eventology Rings Cecil’s Fine Jewelry Transportation Little Rock Coaches Venue (Ceremony) St. Edward’s Catholic Church Venue (reception) Heifer International Videography Andrew Cunningham Photo & Film (Memphis)