HALEY HOOD & STEPHEN FLANIGAN
October 14, 2021 / Goodwin Manor
Haley and Stephen graduated from Harding University, but never ran in the same social circle. Once Haley graduated, she moved to Little Rock with one of her best friends and lived right down the hall from Stephen. They started hanging out and quickly became close friends. During this time, Stephen was in the process of being cast to go on The Bachelorette. Haley helped him out with the interview process by picking out his clothes and taking his headshots. Two months before he was going to leave to start the filming process, she confessed her feelings for him. A week after she confessed, Stephen called the producers of the show and said he was no longer interested in being cast in the show. They started dating a few weeks later!
Stephen proposed on the Little Rock bridge, where they had their first date. They went to a speakeasy restaurant and then stopped by all of their favorite places from when they first started dating. The bridge was right next to the apartment building where it all began, so it is a very special place for them. Stephen got down on one knee and asked Haley to marry him–the rest is history!
“I cannot thank my husband, family and friends [enough] for making this day so special for us! I love you all!”
- Haley Hood
INSPIRATION & DETAILS
Tipton & Hurst incorporated elegant white and blush roses with pampas grass into Haley and Stephen’s bohemian-style wedding. Her mother’s best friend owns a successful vintage plate and glassware shop in Nashville, Tennessee, and Haley used them as inspiration for their big day.
“I think it turned out gorgeous. I love all the different neutral and gold pieces that came together.”
- Haley Hood
Since Haley and Stephen tied the knot at Goodwin Manor, Andrea Goodwin helped the couple plan the perfect day. Haley’s favorite moment at their wedding was their first meal together as husband and wife. They had a hidden room away from everyone lit with candles and finally had alone time together. After they ate, Stephen surprised Haley with a speaker and they had their first dance to “Biblical” by Calum Scott. "It was the most romantic thing I have ever experienced," Haley said.
Photography is very important to Haley–wedding pictures last a lifetime and are memories brides and grooms want to cherish forever. She wanted to find the perfect photographer who matched the aesthetic of their day, so they hired Faith Ealy Photography.
“Faith was the most incredible photographer. She is so kind-hearted, and does incredible work! I would absolutely recommend her to any brides out there searching.”
- Haley Hood
HOW THEY CUSTOMIZED
Haley and Stephen wanted to keep their wedding party small. They decided to only include their siblings and had their friends and family come early to get ready with them. She says it made the day very special and intimate.
Best marriage tip: “Laugh a lot and experience new things together frequently,” Haley said. “We are best friends and that makes things easy! Stephen and I love to have date nights and try new restaurants, go to concerts, or see movies!”
“The best advice [for Arkansas brides] would be to not stress over the little details because everything will fall into place and work itself out–to enjoy the moments being made! It's you and your [partner's] day! Have fun!”
- Haley Hood
WEDDING VENDORS WE LOVE
PHOTOGRAPHY
Faith Ealy Photography
WEDDING DRESS
Low's Bridal & Formal
FLORIST
Tipton & Hurst
See this Real Wedding as it appeared in the print edition of ARKANSAS BRIDE.
Discover more inspiration in Arkansas Bride's Real Weddings section.
