Samantha Strong & Benjamin Lawson
October 17, 2015
The Terry House, Little Rock
Many a modern love story begins online, and that’s exactly how it happened for Samantha Strong and Benjamin Lawson. Samantha had just moved back to her hometown of Little Rock and started using Match.com when she came across Ben, who was on the verge of deleting his account. It only took one casual date for the two to know there were sparks.
After a year had passed, it came time for the couple to exchange Christmas gifts. Samantha was excited for Ben to open the painting she’d purchased as a special thank-you for helping out while she finished up a stressful rotation for her physician assistant program. But she got even more excited when she open a small box that read “Be my person?” with a ring inside.
The Inspiration
For Samantha, it was important that the wedding blend a variety of styles that reflected who she and Ben were as individuals and as a couple. This resulted in an eclectic setting with bright, vibrant, seasonal shades. A former florist job meant flowers were a vital part of her plans, adorning each surface with yellows, oranges, pinks, purples and reds.
How They Customized
The ceremony incorporated many nontraditional elements that were special to the couple. Officiated by Samantha’s aunt, it included a poem, a Navajo prayer and a homily on the importance of nurturing your marriage. The two even held a unity tree ceremony where they added earth from their childhood homes to a bonsai tree as a symbol of two becoming one.
At the reception, the wedding cake was topped with tiny wooden figurines of Samantha and Ben, while the groom’s cake celebrated his lifelong favorite team. Samantha and her mother — who are famous for their frosted sugar cookies — made wedding cake-shaped batches to send home with guests.
The Details
| Photographer: | Lyndsey Sullivan Photography, Little Rock | |
| Wedding Planner & Coordinator: | Shelia Vaught, Little Rock | |
| Florist: | Becky Clement, Inspired by Nature, Little Rock | |
| Tent/Table/Chair Rentals: | Confetti’s, Little Rock | |
| Lighting: | Inspired by Nature, Little Rock | |
| Cakes: | Mickey’s Cakes & Sweets, Little Rock | |
| ♥ | Caterer/Drinks: | Simply the Best, Little Rock |
| Band: | Almost Infamous, Little Rock | |
| Ceremony Music: | University of Central Arkansas String Quartet | |
| Wedding Invitations: | The Crown Shop, Little Rock | |
| Wedding Programs: | Etsy.com | |
| ♥ | Wedding Gown: | Low’s Bridal & Formal, Brinkley |
| Bridesmaids Attire: | Nordstrom | |
| Groom/Groomsmen Suits: | Jos. A Bank, Little Rock | |
| Groom/Groomsmen Ties: | Greenhaw’s | |
| Suits: | Jos. A Bank Men’s Wear, Little Rock | |
| Engagement Ring: | J. Oliver’s Fine Jewelry, Little Rock | |
| Wedding Bands: | Roberson’s Fine Jewelry, Little Rock | |
| Hair: | Jessica Talley, Red Beauty Lounge, Little Rock | |
| ♥ | Makeup: | Merry Tweddle-Kline, Belle & Blush, Little Rock |
| Trolley & Vintage Car: | Arkansas Destinations, Little Rock | |
| Honeymoon Travel Agent: | The Travel Shop, Little Rock | |
| ♥ | Wedding Vendor We Love |
