Kyler Verhelst & Devin Cook
June 21, 2019 / Fayetteville
Stone Chapel at MattLane Farm
In an almost-too-cute-to-be-real meet cute, Kyler Verhelst and Devin Cook met during a snow day at Fayetteville's Wilson Park where the two were sledding. Kyler was a senior in high school and Devin was a freshman at the University of Arkansas. Devin lived with Kyler's sister's boyfriend (now husband) and Kyler's sister had invited her to come sledding with the group. The two hit it off and the rest, as they say, is history.
When it came time to propose, Devin was about to head back to his second year of medical school after the summer and wanted to take Kyler on a special date to mark the end of summer break. He took her to the Pesto Café, where the couple had their first date.
"It was a beautiful night, so he suggested walking around after dinner," Kyler says. "We ended up at Tyson Park in Springdale. That’s where we spend many Saturday mornings coaching Miracle League. When we got out of the car and took a few steps, I saw candles in the distance. I froze! He had to pull me towards one of the fields. When I got there I saw pictures of us strung along the fence, flowers and so many candles! I was completely freaking out internally and don’t even remember his sweet speech he had prepared. But I remember him getting down on one knee and asking me to be his wife. I said yes! I had never been so happy!"
The couple decided to get married 11 months later, with Kyler taking on most of the planning duties herself. She enlisted the help of a day-of coordinator so she wouldn't have to stress on the big day. The result was a beautiful and timeless summer wedding at the Stone Chapel at MattLane Farm. Read on for more of the details behind Kyler and Devin's big day.
On the stationery: Our stationery was letterpress on textured, cotton paper. I wanted a timeless invitation. — Kyler
On finding the dress: I had absolutely no idea what I wanted when I walked into She Said Yes. The sales associate pulled all kinds of different styles so we could figure out what looked best. I wanted to just “know” when I saw it on myself. I have a very classic style and have never been flashy! At first I thought this was the time to wear a sparkly gown! However, even though those types of gowns were stunning, I just didn’t look like myself. When I put on my dress, I fell in love. I loved how clean and classic it looked. I could totally see myself walking down the aisle in it. There were satin buttons completely down the back and we ended up adding a jeweled belt. Plus, it had pockets! — Kyler
On the blooms: I knew I wanted a ton of flowers at my wedding! I didn’t want anything bright and colorful. All of the flowers were white and light pink. I loved the pops of greenery in all of the arrangements. I wanted a big bouquet for myself! My florist completely surpassed my expectations! It was absolutely stunning. The bridesmaids’ bouquets and boutonnieres coordinated with it. There was a tall floral arrangement on each table and a massive runner down our 24-foot head table! I knew I wanted the chapel and fireplace in the reception area decorated with flowers, but didn’t have a vision for it. I trusted Kimberly to come up with something. She showed up that day with arrangements and buckets and buckets of flowers and made everything beautiful! I was walking around before the wedding and truly couldn’t believe it. — Kyler
On the reception decor: The main décor was flowers! Which is exactly what I wanted. The lights were turned down in the reception area and I wanted there to be a ton of candles as well. The fireplace had flowers, lanterns, and candles. I wanted it to feel very romantic. There is a courtyard area outside where my DJ set up. The dancefloor was lit up by string lights. — Kyler
On her wedding advice to other married couples: Have your photographer take a picture of each table during dinner. Erin did that for us and we pretty much have a photo guest book! I love that we can look back on who all was there. Because it truly is such a blur when you walk around and see everyone. Also, eat a piece of cake!! We both only had one bite that we fed to each other. — Kyler
On her favorite moment of the day: My favorite wedding moment was our first look. I am definitely the emotional one, but I couldn’t believe he was the one to break down when he saw me! I was so excited to see him all day long. I couldn’t stop smiling! — Kyler
Kyler and Devin at Stone Chapel at Matt Lane Farm from Erin Wilson Photography & Films on Vimeo.
The Details:
Photography and videography: Erin Wilson Photography and Films
Day-of coordinator: Cynthia Crowder
Florist: Kimberly Fielding
Rentals: Eventures Party Rentals, Fayetteville
Cake and groom's cake: Harps
Caterer: Catering Unlimited, Springdale
DJ: Banks Entertainment
Invitations: Minted
Wedding dress: She Said Yes Bridal, Rogers
Bridesmaid dresses: Azazie
Groom/groomsmen attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Jeweler: Israel Diamond Company, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Hair: Megan Farmer Miller
Makeup: Crown Uptown, Fayetteville
Transportation: Pinnacle Car Services, Rogers
Rehearsal dinner venue: Ella’s Table at the Inn at Carnall Hall, Fayetteville
