Oct. 6, 2007, 4:30 p.m. Chapel on the Creeks, Rogers
Photographs by Stone Ridge Photographers, Fayetteville
VENDORS Cakes: Ricks Bakery, Fayetteville Florist: Shirleys, Rogers Wedding Dress: Perfect Bridal, California Bridal Accessories: By Invitation Only, Simply Elegant Bridesmaids Dresses: Perfect Bridal, California Tuxedo: Mens Wearhouse, Rogers Caterer/Wedding Coordinator: The Event Group (Britney Gulley) DJ/Band: Big Dog Entertainment, Fayetteville Videographer: Imagine Film Co., Fayetteville Limousine Service: Pinnacle Limo, Rogers Tailor: SoHo Clothiers, Rogers Pianist: Erin Weitzel Soloist: Tammy Rodgers
A Vision of Warmth The couples vision for the day revolved around a handful of things, Michelle says. Simplicity, classic elegance, fun and touching on a few sentimental aspects for family and friends. Chapel on the Creeks provided what the bride calls a one-stop shop for an amazingly beautiful and intimate ceremony. The bride and groom were attracted to the chapels architecture, interiors and landscaping. Plus, she adds, the acoustics were wonderful and the grand piano couldnt have sounded more grand! Michelle wanted to use colors that were rich, warm and elegant. Her dress was a white, strapless A-line with a bodice enhanced by tulle and beaded embellishments. The taffeta pickup skirt was adorned with beaded embellishments as well. I felt like a princess at a grand ball! Michelle says.
A Special Tribute Michelles and Toms mothers, Debbie Klotz and Pam Almond, were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. After supporting them through their exhausting battle through chemotherapy and radiation, we wanted nothing more than to celebrate their victory as we too celebrated our love for one another, Michelle says. In 2007 Michelle and her mom participated in Race for the Cure and were inspired. In lieu of offering a wedding favor, the couple made a donation in honor of their guests to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and passed out pink bracelets. Guests were greeted by the family at the reception, held at Colonial Court Celebrations in Bentonville, and given a bracelet to wear throughout the night.
Flowers Divine The couple wanted a sophisticated look for their special day, and flowers helped to set the mood. The bride and bridesmaids carried bouquets of red, chocolate and circus roses accented by red and green Hypericum berries. The groom and his attendants wore boutonnires of single red roses. Gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous! Michelle says. The colors were vibrant, crisp and maintained our desired level of elegance throughout the dayand I cant even begin to describe how good they smelled!
Elegant Confection Michelle and Tom loved the look of crisp, clean lines so decided on a square cake. The red ribbons encircling each tier added a touch of elegance, and the floral topper matched Michelles bouquet. Their four-tiered cake had two layers with vanilla cream filling and two layers with raspberry filling. Not only was it stunning, it tasted great! Michelle says. Our guests raved. The grooms cake was a chocolate-on-chocolate single-layer sheet cake topped with a vibrant purple W, since Tom is a Washington Huskies alum. Purple and gold paw prints decorated the span of the cake.
Heirlooms and Lace Michelle carried a lace-trimmed handkerchief on her wedding day, and it later held the wedding rings. Toms great-great grandmother, Mary Elizabeth Lincoln Buell, made the handkerchief in 1880. It was to be used by all the ladies of the family for generations to come on their wedding day, and I was honored to be asked to carry something so special to his family. And it gets betterMary Lincoln was also a second cousin of Abraham Lincoln! How cool! Michelle says.
Musical Memories Michelle has many favorite memories from her wedding day, most of which revolve around music. “From providing the guests with an entertaining and spontaneous final dance (Michael Buble, Save The Last Dance) and leading the crowd in a passionate rendition of Toms all-time favorite song (Piano Man), music provided the perfect script for our day,” she recalls. One final tip: At the last minute, Michelle and Tom opted to get a videographer. “This may have been the best decision we made,” she says, “as it has allowed us to re-visit and continue to cherish all our precious moments shared throughout the big event.”
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