Real Arkansas Wedding: Hayley Berry Chooses ‘Til Death Do Us Part Theme & Black Vera Wang Gown

Hayley Berry & Chad Taylor
Arkansas Arts Center, Little Rock
Oct. 6, 2012

Hayley Berry and Chad Taylor went to the same North Little Rock high school, where Hayley confesses she “always had a crush on Chad but he always had a girlfriend.” Things changed their senior year and they became a couple, and stayed together despite choosing different colleges.

On a family trip to Las Vegas in 2011, Chad proposed. “He was acting so weird the whole flight there and I thought he might be sick or something. I started laughing because that’s why,” Hayley says. “When I found my grandma and told her that Chad and I were engaged, she said, ‘Yeah right!’ … She couldn’t believe that finally after 8 years we were getting married!”

BRIDE’S INSPIRATION

The bride’s black Vera Wang gown was a source of inspiration for much of the décor. “To me, black is classic and something I wear every day,” she says. “My engagement ring is a black diamond. I guess everything was destined to be black.”

HOW THEY CUSTOMIZED

Going off the beaten path was a goal for Hayley — the couple’s nontraditional wedding showcased the bride’s fondness for skulls, for example. “I wanted it to be different and to not fit into a mold,” she says. “Chad loved all the details as well. It made it not so girly.”

PERFECTLY PERSONALIZED

Music was a big deal for the couple’s wedding, with songs by The Killers, Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton. “Music means everything to me and this was exactly what I wanted,” Hayley says. Guitarists from the bride’s brother’s band played, and “Boom Kinetic was the first thing I booked for the wedding. I can’t imagine not having them there. They’re truly amazing!”

TOTALLY WORTH IT SPLURGE

“I bought a pair of red Isabel Marant wedge sneakers. I wore them after the ceremony through the whole reception and danced all night. Best purchase of all time!”

THE DETAILS

Photographer: Whitney Bower Imaging

Event designer: Tom Chandler & Associates, Little Rock

Florist: Hershel Cannon, Little Rock

Cake: Mickey’s Special Affairs, Little Rock

Caterer/Drinks: Simply the Best Catering, North Little Rock

Rentals/Lighting: Bylites, Little Rock

DJ/Band: Boom Kinetic, Fayetteville & Little Rock

Ceremony music: Ben Richman & Jackson Hagerman, The Revolutioners, Little Rock

Stationery: Digital Print & Imaging, Little Rock

Bridal boutique: Mimi, New Orleans

Bridesmaids’ attire: Scarlet, Little Rock

Groom/groomsmen attire: Paul Morrell Formalwear, Little Rock

Jeweler: Kenneth Edwards Fine Jewelers, Little Rock; Swaffar Jewelers, North Little Rock

Hair: Carrie Parsons, Salon Scarlet, Little Rock

Transportation: Little Rock Limo

Guest accommodations: Hampton Inn, Little Rock