LINDSEY GARDNER & JAMES ARNOLD
October 2, 2021 / Greers Ferry Lake AirBnB / Allie Atkisson Imaging
Lindsey and James met on an app in 2014. They quickly realized they worked in the same building—the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.—and had their first date over lunch in the cafeteria. They’ve been together ever since!
James proposed privately at their home in January 2021 after they spent a perfect morning walking around their Capitol Hill neighborhood. They celebrated by going out to dinner at their favorite restaurant on the waterfront. Swoon!
INSPIRATION & DETAILS
Lindsey was inspired by the beauty of Greers Ferry Lake and wanted to share a place that she and James loved with their families. Originally from Marked Tree, Arkansas, James has been visiting Greers Ferry Lake since he was born. Since they’ve spent seven perfect summers traveling there, they couldn’t think of a more perfect place to get married.
Their wedding colors were inspired by the blue and white chinoiserie pottery.
“Romantic lake elegance” was the theme of their intimate ceremony with close loved ones. Lindsey and James’ favorite moments with their families are during big, long dinners, so they wanted their wedding to have that same comfortable feel. She loves the micro-wedding trend and limited her guest list to keep the big day intimate.
“We loved getting to have real conversations with our family and friends and a lower stress atmosphere. Our budget also went further because we had fewer people.”
- Lindsey Gardner
Lindsey’s most worth-it wedding splurge was the flowers. She loves flowers, so asking Tanarah Luxe Florals to take their wedding from a dinner party to an event was a no-brainer—and TLF went above and beyond, she said. They used blue and white hydrangeas, roses, anemones and gladiolus flowers, as well as voluminous natural greenery to frame the ceremony setup over Greers Ferry Lake.
MOMENTS & MEMORIES
Making memories was a big part of the couples’ big day.
Instead of having the first dance, Lindsey and James set off fireworks as their guests' entertainment. During the recessional, the string quartet played a rendition of “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure.
Even more special, Lindsey and James’ families had never met before the wedding, so having them finally meet, share a meal and a lot of laughter together was the highlight of their day.
And Lindsey said there was nothing as magical as having James’ dad marry them. She admires James’ parents’ wonderful marriage and said it was very special to have him be the one to marry them.
“We knew it was important for us to have my grandparents there! I am blessed to have three living grandparents, who I am very close [to]–but they don't live in Arkansas. Getting them to our wedding during a pandemic, and [keeping] them safe was our No. 1 priority.”
- Lindsey
WEDDING VENDORS WE LOVE
FLORIST
Tanarah Luxe Florals
CATERER
Heritage Catering
RENTALS
Eventology
MORE VENDORS
Photographer: Allie Atkisson Imaging, Venue: AirBnb on Greers Ferry Lake, Wedding planner: Caroline Ply Events, Music: Central Arkansas Entertainment–String Quartet, Lighting: Central Arkansas Entertainment, Cake: Lavender Bakes, Wedding dress: BHLDN, Groom’s attire: Suit Supply, Jeweler: Boone & Sons Jewelers, family heirloom, Invitations: Papier, Menus and Signage: Dayflower Designs, Hair: Kari Wein, Makeup: Jessica Humerick, Alterations: Bishay Wang Bridal, Fireworks: MEG Pyrotechnics, Minister: Ernest Ritter Arnold, James’ father
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