Photography: Christopher Nolan Photography |
Natalie + Hayden
Little Rock // November 3, 2018
Natalie Byrd and Hayden Hurst became an inseparable pair after meeting at a mutual friend’s house before a Razorbacks game. The couple, who are both Little Rock natives, dated for three years before Hayden popped the question in their hometown. “We were living in New York City at the time, and Hayden knew it was important to have both of our families around us for the proposal,” Natalie says. She thought it was strange he wanted the two of them to exchange their personal gifts while back in Little Rock for the holidays, but she went along with the idea and was pleasantly surprised when his last gift to her was an engagement ring. A celebration dinner with their families followed and planning for the big day began.
Just as they wanted to become engaged in a place near their families, they also wanted to marry in their hometown, selecting First United Methodist Church as their ceremony location and the Country Club of Little Rock for their reception. They met with florist Tipton & Hurst to discuss the overall feel of the occasion. “I wanted to blend classic, Southern florals with slightly more wild and natural elements to create an ethereal garden inside the ballroom,” Natalie says of the vision. Both Hayden’s uncle, owner Howard Hurst, and lead floral designer Chris Norwood were instrumental in creating not only exquisite floral arrangements but also in helping to bring the scene to life with thoughtful suggestions in terms of color, lighting, and other elements of the day.
To set the mood at the reception, guests were greeted with cocktails and jazz when they entered. Additionally, Hayden created a personalized playlist that “sparked memories of special moments with friends and family who celebrated with us that night,” Natalie says. The Rodney Block Jazz Project brought the music to life and kept guests on the dance floor throughout the night. After a honeymoon abroad in Germany, Austria, and Hungary, the couple are at home in Greenwich, Connecticut.
At their rehearsal, Hayden gave Natalie a diamond cross necklace to wear on their wedding day.
Sweet Memories
Hayden sent Natalie an arrangement of orchids on the day he asked her to be his girlfriend. “We shared this tidbit with Tipton & Hurst, and they created a cascade of white orchids for my bouquet,” Natalie says. “Now, every time I see an orchid it brings back a sense of nostalgia and reminds me of him.”
I wanted to blend classic, Southern florals with slightly more wild and natural elements to create an ethereal garden inside the ballroom.”
—Natalie
The five-tiered cake featured strawberry and vanilla layers.
The couple shared their first dance to Louis Armstrong’s “La Vie En Rose.”
Tiny Treats
Rather than a groom’s cake, Hayden opted for miniature coconut cream, chocolate cream, and pecan pies.
Second Line Exit
Musician Rodney Block started a second line on the dance floor to the tune of “When the Saints Go Marching In” for the couple’s exit. Guests showered Natalie and Hayden in petals as they made their getaway.
Resources
Catering and venue (reception) Country Club of Little Rock Cakes Mickey’s Cakes & Sweets Entertainment (reception) Rodney Block Jazz Project Event Coordination Beth Elinksky, Country Club of Little Rock Floral design Tipton & Hurst Hair Mauricio Martinez Makeup Augusta Andrews Paper goods By Invitation Only Photographer Christopher Nolan Photography Rings Sissy’s Log Cabin Venue (ceremony) United Methodist Downtown Wedding coordination Sheila Vaught
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