Mary Susan Martin & Wesley Williams
May 10, 2014 • First Presbyterian & The Capital Hotel, Little Rock
Photography by Love, Life, Stories by Amy Carper
You could say it started as puppy love for Little Rock’s Mary Susan Martin and Wesley Williams from Bullard, Texas. It all began when Mary Susan took her dog for a checkup at the vet, which just so happened to be Wesley. The two hit it off immediately.
When the time came to take the big leap, the couple picked out rings together. The jeweler then called Mary Susan to inform her the ring had arrived, but wasn’t what they ordered. She could either take this one or wait another month, which she did. Little did she know, it was all a diversion. Wesley proposed a few days later with the exact ring they had chosen.
The Inspiration
Event designer Todd Bagwell used the venue as inspiration for the décor, which consisted of more than 40,000 flowers—10,000 or more of which were used to create the elaborate chandelier that hung as a focal point in the mezzanine. Dendrobium orchids, hydrangea, peonies and David Austin and English Garden roses truly filled the room. “When they selected The Capital Hotel, I knew it had to be grand,” Todd said. “I made the mezzanine the centerpiece of the event, highlighting the hotel’s gilded age architecture.”
Todd also said the railing florals were equally important to the chandelier in order to create the dramatic statement he envisioned.
In addition to this main statement piece, two additional floral chandeliers—smaller, but just as impressive—served as centerpieces in the adjoining ballrooms.
How They Customized
The couple incorporated their initials onto several details, had a custom menu designed to reflect both Texas and Arkansas tastes, and a dog X-ray groom cake as a nod to Wesley’s job and how the couple met.
The Professionals
| Photographer: | Love, Life, Stories by Amy Carper, Little Rock | |
| ♥ | Event designer: | Todd Bagwell of DTB Parties, Little Rock |
| ♥ | Florist: | Tipton & Hurst, Little Rock |
| ♥ | Rentals/lighting: | CWP Productions, Little Rock |
| Caterer/drinks: | The Capital Hotel, Little Rock | |
| ♥ | Cakes: | Sweet Love, Little Rock |
| Band: | Memphis Soul Revue | |
| Ceremony music: | Arkansas String Quartet, Little Rock | |
| ♥ | Wedding stationery: | The Social Type, Little Rock |
| ♥ | Bridesmaids’ attire: | Proposals, Little Rock |
| Engagement ring & wedding bands: | Roberson’s Fine Jewelry, Little Rock | |
| ♥ | Wedding Vendor We Love |
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