KENNEDY ELISE MALTBIA & JALON HUGHES
August 7, 2021 | The Venue at Oakdale
Kennedy and Jalon met at Conway High School and started dating in 2013 during their senior year. Kennedy has always told Jalon she wanted him to propose to her in private, and then to celebrate with her family and friends after. He proposed to her during the height of the pandemic in 2020, so Jalon had to get creative with her proposal requests.
On the day of their proposal, Kennedy’s dad asked for her help to record a video for their virtual church service. Kennedy and Jalon went to help. While she was speaking in front of the camera, she kept messing up and became frustrated with herself. Trying to ease her irritation, Jalon asked her to turn around. Confused, Kennedy turned around only to find that he was on one knee. To top it all off, he arranged a drive-thru parade with all of their friends and family who wanted to congratulate them. Through the height of the pandemic, Jalon found a way to make Kennedy feel special while keeping everyone safe.
INSPIRATION & DETAILS
Kennedy and Jalon wanted a glamorous and chic wedding with unique touches. She wanted to plan a romantic and timeless wedding that would stand out to her guests. Kennedy is not a flower person (they’re her least favorite gift to receive) but she knew that she wanted over-the-top florals. Centrina Washington, the owner of Eminent Avenue, blew Kennedy and Jalon away with the decorations at The Venue at Oakdale.
Kennedy wanted her personality to shine through their wedding day. Wanting to incorporate who she is into their big day, she worked tirelessly with Centrina to put her own twist on popular wedding trends and incorporate who she and Jalon are as people.
“I kept emphasizing to Cetrina that I wanted our wedding to stand out and not blend in. Her team gave me exactly what I was asking for and more.”
- Kennedy Elise
Though she hired so many amazing vendors, Kennedy was her own wedding planner and does not recommend that to Arkansas brides. She likes to be in control and knows exactly what she wants–but if she could do it all over again, she would definitely get a wedding planner. She wanted to use the money that could have gone to hiring a planner for other things but felt like she put herself through unnecessary stress.
Her secret to wedding planning success was having a good support system! Kennedy says that she would get very overwhelmed at times and was able to depend on her family, friends and soon-to-be husband to help her in any way she needed.
“If you can do it – get a planner ladies and gentlemen!”
- Kennedy Elise
HOW THEY CUSTOMIZED
One of Kennedy’s favorite moments as a wedding guest is getting to celebrate the special couple and seeing how they customized their wedding to perfectly describe their personalities. At her own wedding, her favorite moment was her and Jalon’s first look. She was originally against having one, but is so glad they decided to do it!
Jalon picked blush pink, white, black and gold as their wedding colors. Centrina designed their florals and turned their special day into the glamorous wedding of their dreams. We’re still swooning over the pink and crystal details!
Kennedy knew for sure that she wanted to have an outfit change for the reception. In the end, she and Jalon both had an outfit change and it was a big hit amongst their guests!
She traveled all over to find her dream wedding dress and finally found it in Memphis, Tennessee. When she put it on, she knew it was the one because she didn’t want to take it off!
“I couldn't stop staring at myself and didn't want to take it off. That let me know that it was indeed the one.”
- Kennedy Elise
Kennedy and Jalon incorporated art into their wedding through the décor. They mixed prints, textures and colors to create a romantic masterpiece–and it was fabulous! Jalon is inspired by music, it’s an important part of his life and Kennedy wanted to make sure they incorporated that into their big day. He picked all of their special songs for the ceremony and reception and handpicked their DJ, DJ Psmooth, and MC, Christian The Comedian, to meet all of their needs. The two vendors were fantastic and brought a special vibe to the day.
“I've seen art incorporated through other Arkansas bride's weddings in the form of painting. I think it's so cool to have someone paint a picture of your wedding for you to have as a beautiful memory.”
- Kennedy Elise
WEDDING VENDORS WE LOVE
Venue
The Venue at Oakdale
MORE VENDORS
Photographer: Sky Touch Photos, Videographer: EMH Visuals, Decor/Design: Eminent Avenue, Seating Chart: Paper Supply Co., Catering: Uncle Tim’s Food Truck & Catering, Bartending: Buzzin Bee Bartending, DJ: DJ Psmooth, MC: Christian The Comedian, Cake: Allen’s Kitchen Counter HMUA: Marnelia Roy & Jai’s Brand, Bridal: First Dress–Nicole Barre Bridal Boutique, Second Dress–Sherri Hill, Groom’s Custom Suits: JM Gentry’s at Belle & Sward, Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal, Groomsmen Suits: Emerge
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