How did you meet?
We first met nearly ten years ago. It was September of my freshman year of college. My friend met some tall guy riding a longboard through Hendrix College and suggested, “Hey, I’ve got a tall friend who you should come meet!” (I am that tall friend). The two tall strangers met, and they hit it off. We listened to music, he attempted to teach me how to ride a longboard, and I showed him some of my art.
What is your proposal story?
In December of 2018, Will and I were in Miami for some sun and a much needed vacation. We walked along the beach until we hit the pier. Will suggested that we climb the rocks to get a better view of the ocean. I followed his lead and began climbing the slick rocks. Once we had climbed beyond most of the fishermen, we asked the last fisherman if he would take a photo of us on Will’s film camera. The fisherman did not speak much English but after lots of hand signals he agreed. Unbeknownst to me Will had also turned on his video camera when he placed it on the rocks. As I stood smiling on the rocks ready for the photo, Will turned on our favorite song (same song that we listened to on the first night we met and later we would have our first dance to that same song). And then he dropped to one knee. Of course, I said yes!
Tell us a little a bit about your wedding (your vision, color, style, and location choices).
Will and I are easy going and love to be in nature. Blues and greens are our favorite colors. Lots of those colors could be found throughout the wedding ceremony and reception. We also included several bright color pops of yellow and pink in celebration of spring! We chose Cold Springs Venue because it was elegant and simple. The modern venue with its large windows and natural light allowed for the natural beauty to be incorporated into our special day, even when the spring showers would not allow us to have our ceremony outside. The crisp lines and white backdrop gave us a canvas to have our simple and whimsical style shine.
Tell us about your attire choices.
I chose a white dress with a plunging neckline. The dress, although relatively simple in its cut, had gorgeous beaded flowers all over. I selected a larkspur blue for the bridesmaids. We went to Men’s Wearhouse where we took the swatch and found a matching larkspur blue tie for the groomsmen which had delicate silver flowers throughout. Will’s tie was a solid silver tie. All men were clad in a navy blue suit from Men’s Wearhouse.
What was most important to you two? Was there anything you chose to splurge on or skip?
Lots of the decor we made ourselves to save money. For instance, in the vases filled with wildflowers on each table we placed a message of thanks. These vases were our wedding favors. These personal touches also helped to make the day feel unique to us.
Tell us about your wedding flowers.
On the verge of spring, we wanted to celebrate the season with bright and colorful flowers!
What is the most memorable moment of your day?
Our wedding was uniquely stressful as it took place on the verge of the Covid-19 pandemic. In Arkansas a few days before the wedding, the first case of Covid-19 was reported. Because of this emerging crisis, we quickly made adjustments to the day by placing hand sanitizer stations and replacing the buffet line with single-serve plates. Neither of the father-daughter or mother-son dances were traditional. My father and I air-guitared to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Free Bird and Will and his mother head-banged to Metallica’s Enter Sandman. Will dramatically took his hair out of his bun for a full head banging effect!
Describe your cake.
Our cake was strawberry and lemon. The perfect marriage of sweet and sour.
Did you include any family heirlooms or special traditions?
My veil was my aunt-in-law’s veil which was also worn by my sister-in-law at her wedding.
What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?
Stay as flexible as possible. While many couples are having this sentiment tested to the extreme with COVID-19, remaining flexible is key to having an enjoyable and memorable wedding for all!
