Glowing with fall colors and golden light, Kristen and Justin’s wedding, just days after Hurricane Sandy hit, provided much needed relief for their friends and family who made it to their celebration despite many obstacles in travel. Their day abounded with gorgeous color and DIY details, from Kristen’s dress, handmade by her mother, to designing her own centerpieces and bouquet with the help of friends. “I wanted to be reminded of my wedding day down the road by different cues like scent and color so I incorporated herbs like lavender and sage,” said Kristen. Read below for more details.

Before the Ring:
Justin and I met on a music website. We had similar taste and liked what each other played. It started small but once we started talking we realized we had so much more in common. We traveled back and forth between Arkansas and NY for 6 months then Justin helped me pack my truck up with all my belongings and drove me down to Arkansas to stay. We were engaged on our 2-year anniversary at the beautiful UofA campus on New Year’s Eve in Fayetteville and married there that following November.

Details of the Day:
I picked swiss-dot fabric and my mother made my wedding gown.  I used the dot theme throughout the décor.  I included succulents and wheat for texture and southern charm and added billy balls for shape and a pop of color. The natural beauty of Northwest Arkansas is something I was excited for my out of town guests to experience.  Justin proposed at the peace fountain on campus and we thought it would also be a beautiful place to exchange vows, when the leaves were at their peak. I wanted to be reminded of my wedding day down the road by different cues like scent and color so I incorporated herbs like lavender and sage. 

Most Memorable Moment:
Having all of my friends and family make it to Arkansas from New York the same week they were hit by hurricane Sandy.  Flights were canceled and some of my friends’ lost their houses but they were still there for me!  Having them by my side made it even more special, knowing what it took for them to get here and how lucky we are to have them in our lives.

The DIY Approach: 
My mother is an amazing woman and made the dress of my dreams for me.  Both of my parents inspired me to take the DIY approach.  I made the decorations and the clutches and hair bows for my bridesmaids.  One of my bridesmaids is a super talented floral designer and she did the mason jar arrangements.  I actually worked at her shop for a little while and knew what flowers I wanted to use. For the big arrangements, bouquets, boutonnieres, cake and my hair piece I worked with Althea at Rose of Sharon by building Pinterest boards and she brought our ideas to life, everything looked even better than I could have imagined!

Photography: Photo Love / Venue: Old Main Lawn at University of Arkansas Campus / Bride’s Dress: Handmade by mother of the bride, alterations and bow detail by Beth at The Perfect Fit / Bride’s Shoes: Antonio Melani (ceremony), Toms (for dancing) / Bridesmaid Dresses: Ruche / Bridesmaid Shoes: Payless / Makeup Artist: Erin and Fallon at Luxe Beauty / Hair+Salon: Shea Steinseik, Metropolis / Bride’s Necklace: Francesca’s / Bride’s Earrings: Etsy / Wedding Rings: Family Heirlooms /Groom’s Tux: Mr. Tux / Groomsmen Tuxes: Mr. Tux / Cake: Rick’s Bakery (cake flowers: Rose of Sharon) / Florist: Bouquets by Rose of Sharon, Mason Jars by Jennifer Wit, Pumpkins by Westwood Gardens / Caterer: Appetizers by The Garden Room, Main Courses by Bordinos / Invitations: DIY by bride + groom and printed by MOO / Veil, Gloves, Bow-Ties: Ruche