May 16, 2009
Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church
William J. Clinton Presidential Center
Little Rock
For college sweethearts Hannah Kennedy and Jay Owen Howe, the University of Arkansas is a special place. The Arkansas alums met during a Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority event when Hannah was a freshman and Jay O., as his friends and family call him, was a junior. What began as a fast friendship eventually grew into a romance and then into love.
Three and a half years later, the couple decided to stop by the Inn at Carnall Hall for a glass of wine before a law school event. On their way inside, Hannah noticed champagne and flowers on a table outside.
“As we passed, I said, ‘Someone’s getting engaged tonight!’” Hannah recalled. “Seconds later, I realized he wasn’t walking with me any more, and he was on his knee waiting for me.”
Sentimental Value
The bride’s childhood minister, the Rev. Victor Nixon, married the couple at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock.
“It meant a lot for him to be our pastor, and it had the most sentimental value,” Hannah said.
The picturesque cathedral made the young bride’s entrance a moving moment. Romantic wood beams overhead. Luminous stained-glass windows. And the pipe organ playing Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus” as her father escorted her down the aisle.
Presidential Proportions
Hannah and Jay O. selected the William J. Clinton Presidential Center as the locale for their wedding reception because its Great Hall provided a unique atmosphere for their 450 guests.
The modern venue revealed sunset views of the Arkansas River and downtown Little Rock. This setting extended many one-of-a-kind photo opportunities to the bride and groom, who took full advantage of them on their big day.
Not-So-Mellow Yellow
“Picking my colors was a lot easier than I expected,” Hannah said. “I love wearing black, and I know every girl loves wearing a black dress, so that was an easy choice — and I love yellow!” Hannah entrusted Distinctive Designs by Tanarah with her color scheme and preference for “modern and sleek” décor.
The floral arrangements varied by shape and size throughout the Clinton Presidential Center’s Great Hall, the couple’s reception site. Cylindrical vases showcased encapsulated calla lilies and tulips, and orchids dangled from glass orbs, which were suspended from tall, glossy white vases that expelled matching flowers and branches.
The luxurious black and white brocade linens that draped the tables contrasted strikingly with the bright yellow flowers. Other yellow accents included sugar-rimmed lemon martinis — the couple’s signature cocktail — and Hannah’s cake, which was crowned with orchids and draped in fondant ribbons embellished with bows and rhinestone buckles.
The Details
Photographs: Carper Creative Photography
Wedding Dress: Low’s Bridal, Brinkley
Florist/Décor: Distinctive Designs by Tanarah
Groomsmen’s Tuxes: Paul Morrell, Little Rock
Reception Venue/Caterer: William J. Clinton Presidential Center, Little Rock
DJ/Band/Singer: Summerfield Reunion Band, Russellville
Ceremony Music: The Quapaw Quartet of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Little Rock
Guest Accommodations: The Peabody Hotel and The Capital Hotel, Little Rock
