Rebecca Bradley & Jon Shanklin
Dec. 14, 2013
First United Methodist Church in Springdale & The Inn at Carnall Hall in Fayetteville
Photos by BnBauman Photography
Becca Bradley of Russellville was working for Sen. Mark Pryor in Washington D.C. when a friend set her up on a triple blind date. On date night, it was pouring down rain and both Becca and Jon – her date – almost cancelled. But something nudged them on and Becca ended up falling for Jon Shanklin of Martin, Tenn. They hit it off talking about SEC football, Southern food and their love for travel.
After a year of dating, Jon took a job in international logistics at the Home Depot headquarters in Atlanta. On a weekend visit, Jon took Becca to Canoe, named one of the nation’s most romantic restaurants, and walked her along a lit path down to the Chattahoochee River. He proposed on the banks of the waterfront, surrounded by manicured gardens and paper lanterns hung from trees. “It was perfectly subtle and incredibly romantic,” she says.
BRIDE’S INSPIRATION
Becca drew inspiration from her church’s Christmas Eve candlelight service. The dim lighting and sparkle of the candles created a warm, romantic and reverent atmosphere she wanted to replicate. Because the church had already filled the nave with poinsettias, she fully embraced the rich Christmas colors and only added a few elements of extra sparkle and evergreen. For the reception, she wanted to create “sophisticated glamour” while bringing in some of the rustic, outdoor elements synonymous with Arkansas. They did this by mixing metallic with natural woods and cedar. Becca said her goal was to create an atmosphere “that would draw you in, warm you up and make you want to stay a while.”
HOW THEY CUSTOMIZED
Becca’s mother spent months searching for candles, ribbon and fabric drenched in gold glitter and sequins. “If it sparkled, we bought it!” Becca says. And she didn’t have to look far to find a family member with a garage full of deer antlers. They dipped the ends in gold paint and placed them throughout the reception. In keeping with the theme of “rustic glamour,” Becca found a vintage brass buck and doe that served as the cake topper. They also gave out favors from Arkansas companies: Mountain Valley Spring water and Cavender’s seasoning.
WORTH THE SPLURGE
As fans of Southern artists and designers, the couple became fond of a unique company in Charleston, S.C. called Brackish Bow Ties. Jon’s handmade bow tie was made of guinea feathers and added a “standout element for the groom,” Becca says. “So much attention is given to the bride, it was nice to have something unique for Jon and it suited him perfectly!”
| THE DETAILS | ||
| Photographer | Bnbauman Photography, Russellville | |
| Day-Of Coordinator | Claudia Slezak, The Event Group, Fayetteville | |
| ♥ | Florist | Shirley’s Flowers Inc., Rogers |
| Rentals/Lighting | Intents, Fayetteville | |
| Cakes | Harps, Springdale | |
| ♥ | Caterer/Drinks | Ella’s Restaurant, Inn At Carnall Hall, Fayetteville |
| DJ/Band | The Big’uns, Springdale | |
| Wedding Stationery | By Invitation Only, Little Rock | |
| ♥ | Bride & Bridesmaids Attire | Low’s Bridal & Formal, Brinkley |
| Groomsmen Attire | Men’s Wearhouse | |
| Hair | Ashleigh Sojka, Crown Beauty Bar, Fayetteville | |
| Makeup | Meghan Duncan, Glo Limited, Fayetteville | |
| ♥ | Wedding Vendor We Love |
