Caroline McCombs + Joshua Motes

May 28, 2016 | Fayetteville, AR

Photography Courtesy: Eugene Grace Weddings

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
Caroline and Joshua were set up by a mutual friend who knew the pair would be perfect for each other. The friend, Charles, called Caroline and Joshua independently and invited them to dinner. He told them they must come because their future spouse would be in attendance.

The Trip of a Lifetime
After a year of dating, Caroline and Joshua took a quick trip to Dallas. They drove down from Fayetteville early on a Saturday morning. Caroline said she didn’t know any of the day’s details but had a few suspicions. Joshua took his soon-to-be-bride to his grandfather’s land north of Dallas—a place he grew up visiting as a child. Caroline recalls looking out at the view and then turning around to see Joshua on his knee. Since Joshua is from Los Angeles, it made sense for the couple to celebrate at In-N-Out Burger, which originated in L.A.

Ceremony Sweetness
Caroline and Joshua wanted the ceremony to be not just about them but also praising and glorifying Jesus for what marriage symbolizes. To incorporate this idea, they asked their families to come to the altar and place their hands on them to pray after communion. “It was such a sweet moment before we said, ‘I do,’” Caroline says.

World’s Fare
A portion of Caroline’s childhood was spent living abroad in the Netherlands. To pay tribute to this, she asked the chef at Ella’s (the restaurant within Inn at Carnall Hall) to recreate her favorite Dutch miniature pancakes, known as Poffertjes, for a late-night snack. The pancakes are served with butter and powdered sugar, adding to their delectableness.

Art Inspiration
Art is one of Caroline’s passions, and the Rococo movement is a favorite period for her. She used this as the vision for the couple’s wedding day. She notes that “Rococo Art was characterized by asymmetrical values, pastel color palettes, and an overall whimsical garden theme. It is very similar to what the garden looked like in the 1993 movie The Secret Garden. So, I asked for floral arrangements that looked whimsical and organic in design. We had ranunculus, garden roses, succulents, lavender, willow branches, and more.”

Let It Glow
As the night began to wind down, glow sticks were handed out to all the guests. The pair ran through a tunnel of neon light to make their grand exit.

Honeymoon Destination
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Caroline’s Advice for Newly Engaged Couples
“Remember to have fun and have lots of grace for one another! Engagements are a weird time because in a sense, you have one foot in and one foot out. There can be a lot of stress and anxiety leading up to the big day; just take it one day at a time and be in the moment! You have forever to be married.”

 

Resources
Bride’s gown: Low’s Bridal & Formal, Brinkley
Cake: Shelby Lynn’s Cake Shoppe, Springdale
Catering: Ella’s Restaurant, Inn at Carnall Hall, Fayetteville
Floral design: Tanarah Luxe Floral, Little Rock
Groom’s and groomsmens’ attire: Jos. A. Bank, locations statewide
Hair: Claire Williams, Shag Salon, Fayetteville
Lighting: Lightworks Events, Fayetteville
Makeup: Sarah Spoon, Sarah Ellen Makeup, Fayetteville
Music—ceremony: Maestro Quartet, Fayetteville
Photographer: Eugene Grace Weddings, Fayetteville
Paper goods: Shindig Paperie, Fayetteville
Venue—ceremony: Old Main Lawn, Fayetteville
Venue—reception: Inn at Carnall Hall, Fayetteville
Wedding coordination: Amanda Reed, Bates-Reed Brides, Fayetteville

 

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Meghan McDonald + Dillon Hohertz

May 7, 2016 | Hot Springs, AR

Photography Courtesy: Shaun Menary Photography

Natural Proposal
Dillon proposed on April 25, 2015 in Texas’ Big Bend National Park. “Over the years we grew to love camping because it gave us a break from the constant journey back and forth between Dallas and Houston. Big Bend was always on our bucket list and now it is even more special for the both of us,” Meghan says.

Double Date
The pair knew they wanted to be married at Meghan’s family’s lake house in Hot Springs during the spring season before temperatures got too warm. They chose May 7, 2016, and realized it was also the date of the famed Kentucky Derby. They added hints of the Derby to their celebration by serving mint juleps and passing out fascinators for female guests to don.

Bridal Party Match
Their wedding was not the first time Meghan and Dillon had walked down the aisle together. “Dillon was the best man, and I was a bridesmaid in his brother’s wedding in November 2009 in Dallas,” Meghan says. “We hit it off on the dance floor and dated long distance between Dallas and Houston for over four years.”

Down-Home Menu
Traditional Southern and creole fare was the inspiration for the menu. A grits station, featuring wild mushrooms, crawfish tails, and Italian sausage for toppings was one of the highlights. Later in the night, tacos were passed out to guests who may have worked up an appetite on the dance floor.

First Dance Song
“Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton

Sweet & Southern
Rather than a groom’s cake, guests dined on Dillon’s favorite desserts—cherry and peach cobbler.

Meghan & Dillon’s Favorite Memory of the Day
“One of the best parts of the day for both of us was our first dance. We had originally agreed that we were just going to take it easy and do a simple two step, but we ended up getting really into it and did lots of dips and twirls. It definitely set the tone for a fun rest of the night!”

Meghan’s Advice for Newly Engaged Couples
“Get a really good wedding planner and let go of the reins. The day goes by so quickly that your time should be spent enjoying family and friends.”

Honeymoon Destination
Costa Rica

 

Resources
Cakes: Mickey’s Cakes & Sweets, Little Rock
Catering: Capers Restaurant, Little Rock
Favors: The Bath Factory, Hot Springs
Floral design: Becky Clement, Inspired by Nature, Little Rock
Groom’s and groomsmen’s attire: Jos. A Bank, locations statewide
Hair: Freedom United Salon, Hot Springs
Makeup: Adrienne Brooks, Hot Springs; Samantha McDonald, Los Angeles, California
Music—ceremony: Hot Springs Four Seasons String Quartet, Hot Springs
Paper goods: By Invitation Only, Little Rock Photographer: Shaun Menary, Shaun Menary Photography, Dallas, Texas
Venue—ceremony and reception: McDonald Family Private Residence, Hot Springs
Wedding planner: Shelia Vaught, Little Rock

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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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Gretchen Gosser + Tyler Graham

May 14, 2016 | Little Rock

Photography Courtesy: Drew Cason Photography

The Ultimate Hunt
Tyler sent Gretchen on a scavenger hunt the day before the two were set to graduate from Ouachita Baptist University. The hunt included numerous places around the campus that were important to the couple, and family and friends were at each stop along the way to hand Gretchen her next clue. At the end, she was surrounded by loved ones reading a fairytale that Tyler had written for the two of them. It was then that Tyler came in and proposed to her.

Personalized Vows
Gretchen and Tyler chose to write and say their own individualized vows during the ceremony. “We went back and forth on this decision but ultimately decided we wanted to make our vows personal and unique to us as a couple,” Gretchen says.

Favorite Memory of the Day
She Said: “At the end of the reception the guests all filed out to get ready for our send off. We stayed behind and danced to one of my favorite songs, ‘At Last’ by Etta James. From the dance floor we were able to truly embrace all of the decorations and floral. It was truly an incredible night!”

He Said: “My favorite memory was watching Gretchen arrive in the horse-drawn carriage and begin walking down the aisle. I had not yet seen her in her wedding dress, and it was stunning. She looked like such a princess tying the entire fairy tale scene together for an amazing night.”

Triple-Flavored Confection
Lemon was the couple’s first choice for cake flavor; however, in an effort to please their guests they also included almond and chocolate layers in their wedding cake.

 Wedding Day Must-Have
“We had to get married outside! We had friends and family warn us about possible weather conditions but the weather was perfect on our wedding day,” Gretchen says.

Something Borrowed
Gretchen’s mother gave her a lace handkerchief to carry around her bouquet. Her mother and a group of her best friends from college all carried it in their weddings, and since then the tradition has continued with their daughters now using it.

Gretchen’s One Word to Describe Their Wedding Day Style:
Whimsical!

 

Wedding Day Resources
Accommodations: Little Rock Marriott, Little Rock
Bridesmaids’ attire: J.Crew, Little Rock
Cakes: TracyCakes, Little Rock
Catering: Simply the Best, Little Rock
Favors: Ambrosia Bakery, Hot Springs
Floral design: Tanarah Luxe Floral, Little Rock
Groom’s & groomsmen’s attire: Men’s Wearhouse, locations statewide
Lighting: CWP Productions, Little Rock
Makeup: Angel Burt, Little Rock
Hair: Aubrey Smith, Lox Hair Lounge, Little Rock
Music—ceremony and reception: Brock Entertainment, Rogers
Paper goods: Hobart Printing, Bryant
Photography: Drew Cason Photography, Benton
Rentals: Confetti’s Party Rentals, Little Rock; Hank’s Event Rentals, Little Rock
Venue—ceremony & reception: The Castle on Stagecoach, Little Rock
Wedding coordination and design: Rachel Haynes Events, Little Rock

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Julie Paladino + Braden Vaughn

May 21, 2016 | Center Ridge

Photography Courtesy: Sterling Imageworks

Class Acts
Julie and Braden first met at Arkansas Tech University where they had the same majors (history and political science) and minor (speech communication). They had numerous classes together but they first started talking in a judicial process class, where Braden claims Julie came in and sat next to him. She, however, remembers him coming in to sit beside her. Either way, they struck up a conversation and began dating in January of 2010.

Easter Proposal
Braden proposed to Julie on April 5, 2015—Easter Sunday. The couple had gone to mass with Julie’s family. After the service they made their way out to the front of the church where Julie asked Braden if he thought this church (St. Joseph in Center Ridge) would be an option for the two to be married in one day. He replied, “there’s only one way to find out” and got down on one knee to propose. “Braden knew that when the day would come for him to ask me, that I would want it to be around my family, and at a place that was special to me. It was perfect,” Julie says.

A Meaningful Date
Julie says that she and Braden wanted their wedding date to be memorable and feel right, rather than choosing a random day. They opted to go with May 21. Her grandparents, Henry and Betty Paladino, were married on October 21, 1951 in the same church where Julie and Braden would exchange vows, so the 21st felt like a natural fit for them.

Professional Advice
“Deciding to use a professional planner was one of the most important decisions that was made,” Julie says. “I wanted to be able to work with someone who saw my vision for the special day. From designing to coordinating the wedding day, Natalie [of Natalie Scott Events] worked with me and my family to make it all happen. She was so helpful and made the entire process go with ease.”

Heritage Meal
Julie paid careful attention to the fare her guests would dine on following the ceremony. “The menu for the reception was important to me and a way I could showcase my Italian heritage,” she says. They served homemade spaghetti and smoked sausage, along with salad, sauerkraut, corn, and bread.

Twice as Fun
The couple made two distinguished exits as man and wife. For the first, following the ceremony, they drove away in a 1948 Ford two-door deluxe coupe. After the reception, they made their escape in a limousine.

Floral Selections
Peonies, garden roses, tulips, seeded eucalyptus, and white stock.

 

Wedding Day Resources
Bride’s gown: Low’s Bridal and Formal, Brinkley
Bridesmaids’ attire: J. Crew, Little Rock Cakes: The Cake Place, Russellville
Floral design: Clarksville Florist and Gifts, Clarksville
Groom’s and groomsmen’s attire: Men’s Wearhouse, locations statewide
Makeup: Estephany Gomez, Dior, Little Rock
Music—reception: Central Arkansas Entertainment, Little Rock
Paper goods: Posey Printing, Russellville
Photography: Sterling Imageworks, North Little Rock Rings: Joshua’s Fine Jewelry, Russellville
Venue—ceremony and reception: St. Joseph Church and Parish Hall, Center Ridge Wedding coordination: Natalie Scott Events, Benton

 

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Meridith White + Pierre Ranouil

June 11, 2016 | Mouleydier, France

Photography Courtesy: Ashley Murphy Images

Holiday Happiness
Pierre proposed to Meridith on Christmas morning in December of 2013. He asked for help from their daughter to give her the ring.

Double Ceremony
Pierre is from Bergerac, France and Meridith is originally from Pine Bluff. The pair wanted both an American wedding in Arkansas as well as one in France. They were married in June of 2014 at their home in Little Rock and two years to the day later, they tied the knot in France. “We knew that we wanted to wait a little while before the ceremony in France, so we decided on June 2016. The date itself, June 11, 2016, was chosen because it is a palindrome,” Meridith says.

Family Pieces
Meridith’s grandmother and great-grandmother played a large role in her “something old, borrowed, and blue.” The jewel on the belt of her bridal gown was originally part of a favorite slide bracelet that belonged to her late grandmother. Its aquamarine stone was the perfect hint of blue for luck. She also wore her late great-grandmother’s wedding ring, which she had given to Meridith before she passed away.

French Flair
It is French tradition for a wedding to be a lengthy, much-enjoyed affair. After Meridith and Pierre’s ceremony, which took place at Château les Merles, a reception with champagne, punch, and light hors d’oeuvres was held. Following this, guests were welcomed into the courtyard of the château for dinner. “A traditional French dinner begins late and ends very late—this was no exception,” Meridith says. Guests were treated to a six-course meal, each with its own wine pairing. Games and a lively round of karaoke took place in between the courses. In addition, all of the guests were invited back to the château the next morning for a brunch.

Garden-Fresh Picks
The floral design was kept simple in an effort to highlight the beautiful backdrop for the ceremony and reception. “I chose what was in season,” Meridith notes. An arch made of curly willow branches and hydrangea was constructed for the ceremony. White hydrangea and eucalyptus were used for the attendants’ bouquets, while the bride’s held pale pink peonies. The reception tables were dotted with the same stems composed in low vases in an effort to encourage conversation. “French weddings are simpler in regard to décor,” Meridith notes. “The resources are put toward the food, wine, and dancing instead!”

Long-Distance Planning
Meridith’s in-laws, who live near the ceremony and reception site, helped tremendously with the planning. “Since we live over 4,000 miles from the ceremony location, I depended on them for details such as choosing the florist, tasting and finalizing the menu, and so much more,” the bride says.

Guests from Afar
Close to 100 guests shared in the joyous occasion. Pierre’s family traveled from their nearby home, while many friends and family members made the voyage from the U.S. to France to see the couple exchange vows in the 17th century château.

 

Wedding Day Resources
Bride’s gown—custom: RomePure, Little Rock
Photography: Ashley Murphy Images, Little Rock
Rings: Sissy’s Log Cabin, Jonesboro, Little Rock, and Pine Bluff
Venue—ceremony and reception: Château les Merles, Mouleydier, France

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Kristen King + Grant Davidson

April 30, 2016 | Bentonville

Photography Courtesy: Dale Benfield

A Very Special Delivery
Grant, who is a dentist, was working to set up dental clinics in unreached areas of Indonesia. Kristen was planning to join him for three weeks of the summer to help. While he was there, Grant decided the time had come for him to propose. After asking for her parents’ permission, he worked with his mom to formulate a plan. Grant’s mother created a care package for him and asked that Kristen get it to him safely. Unbeknownst to Kristen, the package contained Grant’s great-grandmother’s diamond ring. She packed it away in her checked luggage. However, the bag did not arrive with Kristen’s flight. “Grant was secretly freaking out,” she says. Luckily, she received her luggage the following day—and Grant got his care package.

Surprise Party Proposal
During their time in Indonesia, the couple worked hard for two weeks. One evening Grant told Kristen they were invited to a neighbor’s home for dinner. On the walk there, he began to talk about their future and then proposed. “Of course, I said ‘yes,’ and I look around and somehow we have been surrounded by many cheering people of the village. They threw us our first engagement party, full of good food and live music,” she says.

Kristen on How She Envisioned the Day
“Honestly, I was not the girl that envisioned every detail of her wedding. I just knew that I wanted to walk down that aisle and be looking at someone that I knew was the right one. I knew that I needed to have a peace in my heart that he was the right man. The rest of the details came together largely due to my wedding planner, mother, and mother-in-law.”

Beloved Officiant
“The man that officiated our ceremony, Kyle Cromwell, is someone that we love dearly and have grown to respect immensely,” Kristen says. Cromwell started the organization that invited Grant and Kristen to go to Indonesia. “Kyle and his wife Leigh are two of the bravest, funniest, loving, encouraging people that we have come to know in life. We feel honored that they were such an important part of our wedding day.”

Naturally Artistic
Kristen notes that the floral design for the day was “whimsical and romantic.” No two arrangements were alike and moss seemed to flow from table to table, giving the reception a true-to-nature feel.

Sweet Sentiment
On their wedding day, Grant gave Kristen a Field Notes journal filled with entries that dated back to his time in Indonesia. It included his thoughts when he decided to propose, the days prior to his proposal, and notes throughout the engagement. “It is my favorite gift that he has ever given me,” Kristen says.

First Dance Song
“Angel” by Jack Johnson

 

Wedding Day Resources
Accommodations: 21c Museum Hotel, Bentonville Cakes: Shelby Lynn’s Cake Shoppe, Springdale
Catering: Eleven at Crystal Bridges, Bentonville
Floral design: Flora, Fayetteville
Lighting: Lightworks Events, Fayetteville
Makeup: Ashley Gregory, Freshair Salon, Fayetteville
Music—reception: The SoulSations Show Band, Memphis, Tennessee
Photography—bridal portraits: Phillip Thomas, Novo Studio, Bentonville
Photography—wedding ceremony and reception: Dale Benfield, Benfield Photography, Fayetteville
Rentals: Eventures Party Rentals, Fayetteville; You and Me Event Rentals, Fayetteville
Rings: Sissy’s Log Cabin, Jonesboro, Little Rock, and Pine Bluff
Paper goods: Aariona McCann, Little Rock
Venue—ceremony and reception: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art , Bentonville
Wedding coordination and design: Melissa Holmes, Sweet Tea Designs, Bentonville

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Cat Garland + Bill Wood

January 23, 2016 | Little Rock

Photography Courtesy: Karen E. Segrave | KES Weddings

A Cliff Hanger
After dating for six years, Bill took his high school sweetheart, Cat, to the bluffs near North Little Rock’s Emerald Park to propose. Cat recalls almost turning around because she was still wearing heels after a long day at work. “We finally made it to the cliff’s edge where we took pictures of the beautiful Arkansas landscape,” she says. “I said it was about time to go, turned around, and he was on one knee. I was completely surprised and relieved I didn’t fall off the bluffs in excitement.”

Family Tradition
Cat and Bill were married in the same church, Grace Presbyterian, were her parents said their vows. She also notes that her maternal grandparents were founding members of the church, which made the venue even more special.

Well Documented
Cat and Bill advise newly engaged couples to make a video diary. “The process goes so quickly so it’s nice to have something to look back on and remember the emotions,” she says.

Helping Hand
Cat says the pair would have been lost without her mother, Elizabeth Garland. “We never had a wedding planner, but she seemed to always have the answers,” she notes.

Making a Menu
Cat advises engaged couples not to fret over the menu for their celebration. “Honestly, I barely remember what we ate…and I think there is a lesson in that. Don’t worry too much about the menu for your special night. It’s just one meal; in the course of a lifetime, it’s no big deal,” she says.

Graceful Exit
With approximately 200 well-wishers on hand for the big day, Cat and Bill made their grand exit through a tunnel of swirling ribbons.

First Dance Song
“It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill

Cat’s Three Words to Describe the Day
Soft, Inviting & Personal

Wedding Day Resources
Accommodations: Embassy Suites, Little Rock
Bride’s gown: The Bridal Cottage, North Little Rock
Bridesmaids’ attire: Nouri, Little Rock Bridesmaids’
Jewelry: Kristen Nelms, Natural State Essentials, Little Rock
Cakes: Mickey’s Cakes and Sweets, Little Rock
Catering: Pleasant Valley Country Club, Little Rock
Floral design: Cabbage Rose, Little Rock
Groom’s & groomsmen’s attire: Men’s Wearhouse, locations statewide
Hair: Mauricio Martinez, Dry & Dash Blowout Bar, Little Rock
Makeup: Abby Blevins, Dry & Dash Blowout Bar, Little Rock
Music—reception: DJ Mario, Central Arkansas Entertainment, Little Rock
Photography: Karen E. Segrave, KES Weddings, Little Rock
Rentals: Party Time Rentals & Events, Little Rock
Venue—ceremony: Grace Presbyterian Church, Little Rock
Venue—reception: Pleasant Valley Country Club, Little Rock

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