Real Arkansas Wedding: Drew Garrison’s Colorful Details at Chenal Country Club in Little Rock

Drew Garrison & Will Keller
St. James United Methodist Church & Chenal Country Club, Little Rock
March 2, 2013

Drew Garrison and Will Keller went on a date as students at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 2005, but “to this day there is a heated debate as to who never called who back,” Drew says. The two reunited on a New Year’s Eve trip to the Cotton Bowl in 2009 and have been inseparable since.

On an afternoon hike with their border collie mix Sassy to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain in Heber Springs, Will proposed. “While I was distracted, he took another dog collar with the engagement ring on it out of his bag and put it around Sassy’s neck,” she says. “She then ran over to me and surprised with the ring hanging from her collar!”

BRIDE’S INSPIRATION

The bride’s love of the color coral was her jumping off point. Then, she was inspired by J.Crew’s sweetheart neckline bridesmaids dresses. “When I saw it was available in graphite I knew it was the perfect shade to play off of the coral.”

HOW THEY CUSTOMIZED

Drew pinned her grandmother’s brooch to the bouquet, which she wrapped with a piece of her mother’s wedding gown. Duck feathers complemented the groom’s and groomsmen’s boutonnières, and a shot bar and K-shaped ice luge took the place of a groom’s cake.

SPECIAL MEMORY

“One important moment for us was the fact that Will’s father, who was unable to attend due to illness, was able to see us exchange vows over Skype at his home,” Drew recalls.

HOW THEY SAVED

“Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate,” the bride says.

THE DETAILS

Photographer: Lyndsey Sullivan Photography

Videographer: NILO Production Company, Fort Smith

Event coordinator: Rachel Haynes Events, Little Rock

Stationery: Hobart Printing, Benton

Florist: Tanarah Luxe Floral & Event Styling, Little Rock

Cake: Joanie’s Pretty Party Cakes, North Little Rock

Caterer/Venue: Chenal Country Club, Little Rock

Ice bar: Creative Image Ice, Little Rock

Rentals: Trendstyle Events, Little Rock

Lighting: CWP Productions, Little Rock

Band: Memphis Soul Revue, Memphis

Bridal boutique: Proposals, Little Rock

Bridesmaids’ attire: J.Crew, Little Rock

Groom & groomsmen attire: Jos A. Bank, Little Rock

Jeweler: Kenneth Edwards Fine Jewelers, Little Rock

Hair & Makeup: Emily Ramey & Randi Crabtree, Glo, Little Rock

Trolley: Arkansas Destinations, Little Rock

Transportation: Presidential Limo, North Little Rock

Honeymoon: Sue Smith Vacations, North Little Rock