Arkansas – Sweet Violet Bride

Aqua and Pink Whitney Mountain Lodge Wedding {Photo Love}

Naomi — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 15:51:34 +0000

I absolutely love everything about this whimsical aqua and peach / pink wedding. From the oversized single paper flower bridesmaid bouquets, to the bride’s pretty woodland crown, and the squirrel and cat cake toppers. Not to mention the out of this world view from the Whitney Mountain Lodge! “I always dreamed of a secret garden type of wedding, with a flower crown, woodland critters and ethereal touches that were classic and fairy-like,” says Brittany. She and Doug had the minimal, intimate wedding they envisioned with imaginative and vintage inspired touches that reflect their quirky personalities. I can certainly feel the joy emanating from these photos! Congrats Brittany and Doug, and thanks so much Photo Love and Rose of Sharon for sharing with us!

From the bride…

Details of the Day:
I fractured my foot 3 months before the wedding and was not able to wear the heels I had planned on wearing. Luckily I found some seafoam colored Vans that were not only practical, but also a personal reminder of the day that I met my husband. I met him wearing Vans, and married him wearing Vans. It was pretty funny to have skate shoes hidden underneath my giant girly wedding dress—definitely stayed true to who I am.

Squirrels are one of my favorite animals so I had to make sure that I snuck them in somewhere. Our cake topper was a squirrel bride & cat groom, which definitely highlighted our quirky personalities. For my bridesmaids, I took inspiration from Glamelia bouquets that were very popular in the 1950’s. So I wanted oversized and single flower bouquets made from paper that really embodied the whimsical spirit I was trying to capture. For our guestbook we wanted to have pictures of everyone who showed up at the wedding, so we had a photo booth that allowed us to create.

Most Memorable Moments:
The day could not have been more perfect. It was everything I had dreamed of and more. We were surrounded by friends and family who had been there from the very beginning, and we were finally able to “officially” proclaim our love after 8 years of dating. A few minutes before I walked down the aisle, our planner calmly told me that our altar had fell from a gush of wind and the glass vases that hung had shattered. I remember being extremely nervous that our altar had fell, about remembering my vows, but as soon as I saw him the world stopped and I felt a sense of calm. I didn’t hear the music, I didn’t see who was there, and I didn’t care about the altar–all I saw was him. That really was the best moment of my life! It was actually a good thing the altar fell, because it really opened up the view for our ceremony.

After the ceremony, we finally got to celebrate with our friends and family and dance the night away! Every moment went beautifully, and we were both so overwhelmed with the amount of love we were surrounded by. We were so happy to see everyone dancing, even some who usually shy away from dancing. Instead of sparklers or birdseed, we set off a lantern with both of our parents and filled it with blessings and good tidings for our new life together. It was really special and something I will remember forever.

Photography: Photo Love / Floral Design: Rose of Sharon / Cakes: Rick’s Bakery / Invitations: Teal Typewriter / Ceremony Venue: Whitney Mountain Lodge / Bride’s Shoes: Vans / Catering: The Event Group / Event Planning: Inspired Grace / Lighting: CWP Productions / Entertainment: Brock Entertainment / Tuxes: Mr. Tux / Bride’s Dress: She Said Yes / Bridesmaids’ Bouquets: Platypus Papers / Event Rentals : Intents Party Rentals / Groom’s Tux: Jos A Bank / Hair : Bo Senesomxay / Jewelry: Nadri / Makeup Artist : Face Your Day Studios / Men’s Grooming: Face your Day Studios / Photobooth: Dancenhance Entertainment / Wedding Rings: Blakeman’s Fine Jewelry

Red + Yellow Garden Room Wedding {from Photo Love}

Naomi — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:59:55 +0000

It was by chance that Angela and John were paired up as tennis partners while playing mixed doubles one day. They held their July wedding at The Garden Room in Fayetteville, Arkansas, brightened by vibrant red + yellow bouquets by Shirley’s Flowers, potted herbs, thumbprint guestbook alternative, and an array of homemade fruit pies. They also made sure to incorporate their tennis rackets by tying them to the back of their chairs. The Garden Room – literally a beautiful outdoor room/garden created an intimate and charming space to exchange vows and celebrate their love. Angela and John also had a surprise for their guests – they took dance lessons and kept it a secret until they hit the dance floor with a Foxtrot as their first dance!

From the Bride: We had about 15 children at the wedding so we created a kids corner and hired a clown (not dressed as a clown) to entertain the children. She made balloon animals, did face painting, and magic for the children. It was the talk of the night! I also had a wedding dress where the train zipped off… so I went with a short dress at the reception! We also incorporated J.Rod’s children in the wedding ceremony. The fact that everyone from the age of 2 to 90 had a fabulous time! This was one of our goals. Kids are still talking about it today and so are the adults.

Photography: Photo Love / Venue: The Garden Room / Floral Designer: Shirley’s Flowers / Dress: David’s Bridal / Shoes: Jessica Simpson / Jewelry: Kay Jewelers, Blakeman’s Fine Jewelry, Zales / Tuxedo & Men’s Attire: Men’s Warehouse / Caterer: The Garden Room / Bakery: Harp’s / Invitations: Vista Print / DJ: Brock Entertainment

DIY Rustic Vintage Wedding at Thorncrown {from Photo Love}

Naomi — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:33:07 +0000

Karis and Josiah, who met through a mutual friend at college, gathered with friends and family in Arkansas for a laid-back wedding full of creative DIY details. Karis’s dress was handmade with pieces of her mother’s wedding dress by an Etsy artisan, and nearly all other details were handmade by the mother of the bride. We love the vintage chic lanterns carried by the bridesmaids as a bouquet alternative – so fitting for an evening ceremony at Thorncrown Chapel, a beautiful glass cathedral nestled in the woods of the Ozarks. They brought their day to a close at Castle Rogue’s Manor under a sky of stars, with paper lanterns floating into the night.

Photography: Photo Love / Ceremony Venue: Thorncrown Chapel, Eureka Springs, AR / Reception Venue: Castle Rogue’s Manor, Beaver, AR / Bride’s Bouquet: Etsy / Bride’s Dress: Etsy (made with pieces of dress from mother of bride) / Bride’s Shoes: vintage / Floral + Décor: DIY by bride or mother of the bride / Bridesmaid Dresses: Various stores including Asos, Forever 21, Alloy & local boutiques / Makeup Artist: Christie from East Gate Salon / Hair: East Gate Salon / Groom’s Attire: Vest + Pants from JC Penny, shirt from Macy’s, Tie from The Tie Bar, shoes custom made from Van’s / Cake + Catering: Out On Main / DJ: DJ Connection

Arkansas DIY Lavender + Sage Wedding {from Photo Love}

Naomi — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:38:49 +0000

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

Navy + Green Wedding at the Stone Chapel {from Photo Love}

Naomi — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:49:16 +0000

Fresh and simple details made for a beautiful, modish wedding with garden-style green and white bouquets, a navy and grey wedding party, and a modern cake with grey Chevron detailing and a fanciful green bloom. Kaleigh and Philip held their reception at the Stone Chapel at Matt Lane Farm in Arkansas – an interesting tidbit about the Chapel is that once upon a time, a girl wanted to get married on her father’s farm, with maybe some chairs, and a tent. But her father decided to build an entire chapel for her wedding. Ever since the chapel has been a stunning place for ceremonies and receptions with open-air ambiance, and Kaleigh and Philip’s was no exception! Read below for more details.

Before the Ring (from the Bride): Phil and I met my sophomore year of high school. He was a cute, older boy that was friends with my brother. From the first time I met him, I remember being struck by his sweet personality and adorable looks. We dated from my junior year of high school until we were engaged my senior year of college. It seems like just yesterday, but it’s amazing how perfect our story has unfolded and each day I am constantly reminded of what a wonderful man I have been blessed with.

Details of the Day: My style is very clean and simple. I wanted something with special touches (like the picture frames with quotes), but I am also a sucker for clean lines and simple patterns. Navy and green have always been a favorite combination of mine and so it was easy to incorporate beautiful green and white flowers with navy accents. I planned it all with my mom. We didn’t hire a wedding planner and just took our love for simplicity and ran with it!

Most Memorable Moment? I can’t pick just one! Everything from the sweet music I walked down the aisle to (that to this day, Phil and I just can’t listen to without bawling!), to the ambiance created by the venue and Christmas lighting. It truly is a day that I wish I could relive over and over again!

Photography: Photo Love / Venue: Stone Chapel at Matt Lane Farm / Floral: Flora / Hair Stylist: Freshair Salon / Dress Store: Ida’s Bridal / Shoes: Nordstrom / Menswear: Jos. A. Bank / Jewelry: Romance Diamond / Cake: Harp’s / DJ: Brock Entertainment / Equipment Rentals: Eventures Party Rentals

Rustic Yellow Southern Wedding by Photo Love

Naomi — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 14:45:46 +0000

I was beyond excited when Photo Love sent this Arkansas wedding my way! The natural goldenrod yellow bridesmaid dresses, delicate white and yellow bouquets and a mix of handmade rustic details is so charming. Nicki and Trevor, who’ve known each other since elementary school, chose a simple rustic theme because they spent a lot of time on Trevor’s family farm when dating. “We wanted to express the beauty of the outdoors and mix in the classic colors that are seen naturally while sticking to a simple, rustic look,” Says Nicki. They served hamburger sliders and baked beans in classic BBQ fashion and gave s’mores as favors. Their simple cake topper was a burlap bow that Nicki made and their tablecloths were also burlap, handmade by family members. The mason jar candles hanging in the trees were the same ones Trevor used when he proposed. These personal touches created a warm, customized atmosphere which did not disappoint.

Photographer: Photo Love / Floral Designer: Creekwood Gardens / Reception Venue: Lisa Dawson Events / Invitation Designer: Minted / Dress Store: Proposal’s Boutique, Altar’d State / Makeup Artist: Chanel / Shoes: Chelsea Crew / Jewelry: Romance Diamond / Tuxedo and Mens Attire: JCPenny / Bakery: Bizzy Bee’s Bakery