Nancy Chu + Allen Nelson
October 17, 2015 | Little Rock
Photography Courtesy: Photography by Melisa
Family Meeting
Nancy and Allen met through his sister, Dana. Nancy and Dana attended the same church and lived just two houses from one another. She introduced the pair. “We are not sure who made the first move [me or Allen] to ask or give out a telephone number, but we’re so glad one of us did,” Nancy says.
Worth the Wait
Nancy and Allen dated off and on for the better part of 10 years. The couple notes that something kept bringing them back together when they were apart.
A Blessing and an Engagement
Nancy and Allen had been looking for engagement rings, and she mentioned to him that her parents are “old school, and if he was going to marry her, he might want to talk to Papa Chu.” One night after work, the couple visited her parents and got a blessing from both Nancy’s dad and her mom. After returning home, Allen was still on a high and couldn’t wait to ask Nancy. He proposed to her in her kitchen, and with tears streaming down her face, she said, “Yes.”
Double Date
Nancy and Allen wanted to be married in the fall; however, they are both huge Razorback football fans and didn’t want their ceremony to take place on a game day. “Looking for a bye weekend, October 17th just happened to be the only open date. We looked at each other and gave that stare that we share. Laughter busted out because it just happens to be my birthday,” Nancy says.
Cultural Celebration
“We wanted to incorporate both of our cultures, so it was more of an Asian-fusion blend,” Nancy says of the wedding’s overall style and design. “With my aging parents, I wanted to include more Asian traditions and styles for my family. I am full-bloodied Chinese and the last of my sisters to get married. Red is a popular color [in Chinese tradition], so I used it with my Asian phoenix and dragon ‘cheongsam’ or dress that I changed into after the daddy-daughter dance.”
Fantastic Florals
Tipton & Hurst took a bold approach to the day’s floral design, which also included an Asian flair. Orange, red, and burgundy flowers comprised the bride’s bouquet, while red Asian orchids in tall vases lined the petal-covered ceremony aisle. The theme of brightly hued flowers—in both high and low vases—carried through to the reception.
Light Up the Night
Nancy and Allen exited their reception through a line of guests who were holding sparklers to light the way.
First Dance Song
“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
Wedding Day Resources
Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn West, Little Rock; The Burgundy Hotel, Little Rock Bride’s gown: Proposals Boutique, Little Rock
Cakes and favors: TracyCakes, Little Rock Catering: Chenal Country Club, Little Rock Ceremony director: Tanya Clayton, Little Rock
Floral design: Chris Norwood, Tipton & Hurst, Little Rock
Groom’s attire: Jos. A. Banks, locations statewide
Makeup: Kakki Jones, Little Rock
Hair: Devin Van Patter, Salon Scarlett, Little Rock
Music—ceremony: Kim Munns Johnson, Little Rock
Music—reception: Big John Miller Band, Central Arkansas Entertainment, Little Rock Photography: Photography by Melisa, Little Rock
Rehearsal dinner: Arthur’s Steakhouse, Little Rock
Rentals: Party Time Rentals & Events, Little Rock
Rings: Jones and Sons Fine Jewelry, Little Rock
Transportation: Little Rock Limousine, Little Rock
Venue—ceremony and reception: Chenal Country Club, Little Rock
Wedding design: Chris Norwood, Tipton & Hurst, Little Rock
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