SARA GARDNER & JOHN NOLEN HEDGECOCK
Oct. 15, 2022 | Heroncrest | Elm Springs | Emma Farr Photography
Sara and John Nolen (J.N.) have known one another their entire lives and never could have predicted they would fall in love. John Nolen was always someone Sara looked up to and admired, and they started hanging out together in college. “I remember telling my friend Jessica on the way home from church one day, ‘Sometimes, I just feel like J.N. and I are going to end up together,’ but it wasn’t something I thought too much about,” Sara said. Sara invited J.N. to Chicken Finger Friday at her sorority, and they ended up talking for hours. The next day, he asked her out on a date and they tied the knot about two years later.
“Getting to know each other when the world was shut down by a global pandemic allowed us to have lots of quality time with each other and with our families,” Sara said. “…playing cards and dominoes, going on walks, reading, and enjoying the simplicity of life together.”
WEDDING VENDORS WE LOVE
Photography
Emma Farr Photography
Florals
Ollie Marie’s Floral Design
Tuxedos & bow on bridal dress
She Said Yes Bridal
Rings
Romance Diamond Co. Jewelers
MORE VENDORS
Venue: Heroncrest; Day-of coordinator: Taber Lobaugh; Rentals: Intents Party Rentals, Dancenhance Entertainment, Alphalit, Eventology, Violet’s Bridal; Catering: Jerry Newman; Drink service: Mint 2 Mix; Wedding cake: Rick’s Bakery; DJ: Brock Entertainment; Violinist: Olivia Heston; Videography: Brown Film Co.; Balloons: Hello Bash and Dash; Photo booth: NWA Photo Booth; Live painter: Lucile’s Studio; Custom crest: Simply Jessica Marie; Custom woodworking: Barrett Horton; Wedding dress: Sheri’s Bridal & Formal; Dress alterations: Edith Martin; Bride hair: Katie Gardner; Bride makeup: Tracy Neal; Bridesmaid dresses: Show Me Your Mumu and BHLDN; Bridesmaid hair: Ace Hair Co.; Bridesmaid makeup: Krystal Miller; Getaway car: NWA High Society; Floral preservation: Designs by SK
Q & A
Q: What inspired your florals?
A: “J.N. and I both love DC, and we even took engagement pictures at the Tidal Basin with the cherry blossoms,” Sara said. “The beauty of being surrounded by pink trees in our nation’s capital helped inspire our florals…my favorite part was the pink rose petals covering the aisle. It felt magical walking down it and being surrounded by our people.”
Q: What is your secret to wedding planning success?
A: “The little details matter because they build together to form the big picture,” Sara said.
Q: What’s a wedding trend you’re loving?
A: “I have always loved bows since I was a little girl, so this was something I wanted to be a part of my dress and throughout the day,” Sara said.
Q: What personal detail from your day are you most proud of?
A: “We included books as centerpieces to symbolize our love of reading,” Sara said. “Accented with hints of baby’s breath, the centerpiece books were all painted white and some included our crest on the front cover…”
Groom’s Take!
Q: What was your favorite wedding moment?
A: “Taking communion together during the ceremony was my favorite part of the day,” John Nolen said. “It was a special and intimate moment together and allowed us to be still before the Lord as we became husband and wife.”
PEOPLE PLEASERS
“Since we did not do a first look, we did not want [guests] to have to wait for us while taking pictures,” Sara said. “…We had mini pink margaritas premade by our amazing bartenders and ready for our guests.”
HONORING FAMILY
Sara and John Nolan displayed several generations of wedding dresses to honor their loved ones.
PLAN IT YOURSELF
“I planned the wedding but could not have done it without the support of my family, friends, amazing vendor team, and our wonderful day-of-coordinator, Taber Lobaugh,” Sara said. “Planning required thorough communication, many checklists, setting goals, creating a vision and articulating it to others.”
