MADELINE LOWE & MICHAEL CARLSON
July 16, 2022 | Record Downtown Bentonville | Count In Threes Photo
Madeline and Michael met seven years ago at the University of Arkansas. Michael planned the perfect proposal for Madeline on Christmas Day in 2020. They had just recently bought a piece of artwork that she wanted to keep in a nice frame. Christmas morning, Madeline opened her gift and was surprised to see a piece of artwork in the frame. It was a drawing Michael had created of two reindeer getting engaged. She looked up at Michael, only to see him down on one knee proposing! She loves this moment so much, they decided to keep Michael’s adorable artwork in the frame.
Q & A
Q: What were your florals inspired by?
“We wanted our florals to reflect the mood of the wedding which was dark-romantic, artsy, and moody,” Madeline said. “We chose deep wine reds mixed with blush tones and rusty orange-brown shades. We also wanted to incorporate a lot of greenery which we utilized in our wedding ceremony arch and our centerpieces at the reception.”
Q: What was your most worth-it wedding splurge?
“The floral arrangements,” Madeline said. “We used Pigmint in Fayetteville and were blown away when we saw the various floral arrangements and installations!”
Q: What are some wedding traditions you incorporated into your big day?
“We incorporated the wedding tradition of handfasting into our wedding ceremony,” they said. “Instead of a bouquet toss, we decided to include a wedding anniversary dance to celebrate the guests that had been married the longest.”
Q: How did you customize your wedding? What is something you incorporated into the day that’s special to you?
“We created our own wedding favors from an artwork Madeline designed,” Michael said. “Madeline took her digital drawing and created a linoleum print from it. Each of our wedding guests were presented with the artwork at their place setting.”
Q: What was your favorite moment of the wedding day?
“My favorite part of the wedding day itself was when Michael and I had a private last dance under the string lights on the patio of the venue,” Madeline said. “It’s a beautiful space that really comes to life at night, and it was so nice to have a small moment with Michael during the wedding.”
“One of my favorite moments happened during our photo shoot after the ceremony,” Michael said. “Our photographer, Kim, asked if we wanted to get photos having a drink at a pub nearby, so we walked around the corner to Scotch & Soda. When we entered, the entire place erupted in congratulations for us.”
Q: What wedding day detail did guests rave about?
“We received lots of compliments for Madeline’s prints,” Michael said. “Guests also had a lot of fun with the photo booth and props.”
Q: Best marriage tip?
“Marry your best friend; someone who helps make the mundane parts of life fun, and who will always be in your corner, is so important in a marriage,” they said. “Continue to date each other and make time for each other, but remember to also give your partner space and room to grow.”
FLOWER POWER
Wildflour’s Kitchen baked an absolutely gorgeous cake covered in real flowers that matched the bridal bouquet.
ARTIST’S TOUCH
Madeline designed custom artwork favors. Her digital drawings were turned into linoleum print and were at each place setting for guests to enjoy.
WEDDING VENDORS WE LOVE
Photography: Count In Threes Photo; Wedding dress: She Said Yes Bridal; Florist: PIGMINT Floral Studio
MORE VENDORS
Wedding planner: Christa Wilkins of JLK Weddings; Venue: Record Downtown; Rentals/décor: Randal Events and Lightwork Events; Catering: Catering Unlimited; Cake: Wildflour’s Kitchen; Stationery: Zazzle; DJ: C-Had from the Mega DJ Company; Reception dress: Baltic Born; Rings: Morris Crown Jewelry; Groom’s attire: Men’s Wearhouse, Maison Forte, King & Priority, Voboom and Ammonite Fossils; Bridesmaid dresses: Azazie; Groomsmen attire: John Varvatos