Subscribe Today
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Weddings In Arkansas

Weddings In Arkansas

  • Home
  • Inspiration
  • Style
  • Real Weddings
  • Idea Galleries
    • Flowers & Bouquets
    • Invitations & Stationery
    • Details & Decor
    • Cakes, Food & Drink
    • Style & Fashion
  • Blog + More
    • In This Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Digital Edition
    • At Home in Arkansas
    • Submit
  • In This Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Digital Issue
  • At Home in Arkansas
  • Submit
You are here: Home / Articles / MARY DANIEL + JOHN

MARY DANIEL + JOHN

July 9, 2019 by Stephanie Maxwell Newton Leave a Comment

Photography: Kati Mallory Photo & Design  |  

Mary Daniel + John
Little Rock // September 1, 2018


Two worlds collided when Mary Daniel Simpson and John Morgan met in law school at the University of Virginia. “From our first date on, I knew I wanted to marry him,” Mary Daniel says. “Although we are both attorneys, and seemingly quite similar (we joke that we began finishing each other’s sentences on our first date and have never stopped!), I view him as my perfect complement rather than my twin. I wanted our wedding to reflect exactly that—our similarities and differences.”

Notably, Mary Daniel wanted the day to show the in influence of the couple’s hometowns. She is from Little Rock, while John grew up in Texas but is originally from the mountains of Panama. Working with Anne-Claire Allen Owens of Anne-Claire Allen Planning & Design, they set out to combine these destinations into what Mary Daniel calls “one large party.”

The couple exchanged vows at Little Rock’s First Presbyterian Church, which was adorned with a bevy of bright pink orals to reflect Panama’s tropical atmosphere. For the reception, a change of venue (moving to the Clinton Presidential Center) signaled a start to the party. Here, guests were greeted with a glass of Panama sangria before dining on Arkansas favorites, including fried chicken and macaroni and cheese. Later in the evening Tex-Mex sliders and quesadillas (a nod to where the newlyweds would make their home in Texas) were delivered to the dance floor to keep the party going.

The décor included Mary Daniel’s family’s large collection of blue-and-white Chinoiserie vases, vivid floral arrangements and table garlands, a custom monogram (that embellished everything from the dance floor to drink stirrers), and a milk-and-cookies bar in lieu of a groom’s cake. “I would advise brides to plan around the moments and details that are most important to them. And, find someone—a planner, a friend, or family member—who will champion your ideas,” Mary Daniel says.


A WARM WELCOME
Out-of-town guests were greeted with boxes of Arkansas favorites, including a Lux candle from Des Arc and marshmallow treats from The Crispery, which has its bakery in Pine Bluff. Gardenias, seen on the printed items in the welcome box as well as the invitation’s envelope liner, were incorporated as a tribute to the bride’s late paternal grandmother’s love of the flower.


PALETTE THAT POPS
Sky blue shantung silk bridesmaids dresses and warm pink and white blooms set the tone for the wedding’s palette. “Anne-Claire was a magician at incorporating blue, white, and pink throughout the wedding weekend,” Mary Daniel says.


Artist Deborah Allen of Little Rock created the monogram painting on display at the bar.
Mary Daniel’s family’s collection of blue-and-white vases originated with her maternal grandmother. The use of the vases throughout the decor as well as the fans given out at the reception are reflective of her influence on the bride’s life.
ABOVE IT ALL
Prior to the ceremony, a balloon release paid tribute to deceased family and friends. “When I was young, my brother passed away, and my grandmother helped me understand the concept of death by sending balloons up to heaven for my brother,” Mary Daniel says. “This was an incredibly important part of the day for me.”


MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL
The contemporary architecture of the Clinton Presidential Center spoke to John’s preference for clean-lined design, while classic blue-and-white porcelain pieces and linens reflect Mary Daniel’s love of traditional accessories.

We joke that we began finishing each other’s sentences on our first date and have never stopped! – Mary Daniel


Resources
ACCESSORIES (HANDKERCHIEFS) Fresh i.d. ACCOMMODATIONS The Capital Hotel BRIDE’S GOWN (CEREMONY) Inverness Bridal BRIDE’S GOWN (RECEPTION) She Said Yes Bridal BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES Bella Bridesmaids CAKES Mickey’s Cakes & Sweets CATERING AND VENUE (RECEPTION) Clinton Presidential Center FAVORS Lux Fragrances and The Crispery FLORAL DESIGN Silks A Bloom HAIR Aubrey Smith Munsey, Lox Hair Lounge MAKEUP Megan Irwin MONOGRAM Deborah Allen Art MUSIC (RECEPTION) Funky Town, RAM Entertainment (Memphis, Tennessee) PHOTOGRAPHER Kati Mallory Photo & Design PLANNING AND DESIGN Anne-Claire Allen Planning & Design PRINTING AND SIGNAGE Hobart Print Studio RENTALS Hank’s Event Rentals TRANSPORTATION Arkansas Destinations VENUE (CEREMONY) First Presbyterian Church VIDEOGRAPHY Nathan Willis Wedding Films

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Real Wedding: Rachel and Mat

We’re in love with the Valentine’s Day tones of Rachel and Mat Crispell’s real wedding! While the two were married on New Year’s Eve, the red and pink palette of their wedding day florals and the soft blush gowns donned by the bridal party are perfect for this time of year. Read on to learn…

Read More »

Frida Kahlo-inspired Wedding Design

When a local caterer came to photographer Jazmin Andrade about creating a wedding editorial inspired by Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, Jazmin was immediately drawn in. Karla Putts, owner of Carmelita Catering Co., led the planning and design of the shoot while also providing authentic Mexican dishes. “Karla really worked hard to incorporate things the Hispanic…

Read More »

A Beautiful Styled Shoot that Transcends Seasons

We’re thrilled to be able to share this styled shoot created and captured by photographer Kati Mallory along Anne-Claire Allen Planning & Design and an amazing group of Arkansas wedding vendors. Read on to find out more about Kati’s inspirations for the shoot and see all of the images from this stunning set-up. It’s definitely…

Read More »

About Us

Weddings in Arkansas is the state's ultimate inspiration and planning resource. Contact us.

Newsletter Signup

Our e-newsletter is your link to wedding inspiration, resources, local vendors, and more! Sign up here.

Talk to Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Advertising

For advertising information, please email Kelly Fraiser or call (501) 666-5510.

Subscriber Services

For one year of inspiration, call 1-800-927-6847 or click here to subscribe.

Share Your ideas

We love hearing from you. Email us to share your ideas.

Root Publishing

At Home in Arkansas
Weddings in Arkansas

At Home in Arkansas

2207 Cottondale Lane
Little Rock, AR 72202
501-666-5510

© At Home in Arkansas, 2016 | Subscription Services

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All measurements are approximate. Copyright 2016 Root Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.